Prospectus 2016-2017
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
CHOLLERTON CHURCH OF ENGLAND AIDED FIRST SCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2016-2017 Station Road Barrasford Hexham Northumberland NE48 4AA Headteacher: Mrs Hazel Davey 01434 681572 www.chollerton.northumberland.sch.uk E-mail: [email protected] Introduction This prospectus provides information concerning the school, as required by the 1980 Education Act, for parents of pupils who are expected to enter the school from within the catchment area, and also for other parents who wish to know about the opportunities available. Information concerning the general arrangements in Northumberland is given separately in a County education booklet, copies of which are available for parents of pupils who are starting or transferring schools next September. The same procedure applies to parents resident outside the school's catchment area who wish their children to attend Chollerton First School. Children for the school, which serves the area of Bingfield, Hallington, Barrasford and Gunnerton, usually transfer at the age of 9+ to Middle Schools in Hexham and then at age 13+ to Hexham High School. The details contained in this prospectus are correct at time of printing. SCHOOL ETHOS Reflecting the Trust Deed, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Church at parish and diocesan level. The school will aim to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers all pupils. It is the intention of Chollerton First School that all people involved in school are valued and feel valued. This is achieved by particular care in personal relationships between staff (teaching and non-teaching), pupils, parents, governors and visitors to school. Individual’s concerns, points of view and feelings are given due consideration and it is intended that all individual’s contributions to school life are noted and appreciated. It is our objective that the school's environment is a safe and welcoming one, both inside and outside the classroom, and that the community feel a welcome part of school life. This is achieved by inviting members of the community (from pre-school to retired citizens) into our school for festivals and celebrations of all kinds and individuals from the community help in specific curriculum areas. Staff and governors operate an open, flexible yet effective line of communication at all levels. Vision Statement Chollerton C. of E. Aided First School aims to be a school where: Children, whatever their needs and abilities are inspired and challenged to achieve full potential in their academic, creative, personal, physical, moral and spiritual development. Highly motivated staff make learning relevant, exciting and engaging through a rich and creative curriculum. Children are nurtured and feel happy and safe to grow and develop in confidence. Christian values are embedded in every activity and relationship. Active participation in daily worship is encouraged and close links with our Church and the wider community are fostered. Individuality and diversity is respected and celebrated. In a caring place, children and adults feel they make a contribution and are valued as individuals. Staff in partnership with parents, children, governors, the Church and the community all play a part in realising our vision. General Information HEADTEACHER: Mrs Hazel Davey SCHOOL GOVERNORS: Chairman: Patricia Simpson Foundation Governors: Reverend Michael Slade Trish Shannon Alison Conley (Parent Foundation Governor) Denise Jones (Parent Foundation Governor) Kirsten Coulson (Parent Foundation Governor) County Council Representative: Patricia Simpson Chollerton P.C.C. Governor: Vacant Parent Governors: James Ellison Lee Davison Nigel Orrick Patricia Fairless Teacher Governor: Maureen Broadbent Headteacher Governor: Hazel Davey TEACHING STAFF: Class 1: Mrs H Davey Class 2: Mrs M Broadbent SCHOOL HOURS Morning Session: 8.55 am - 12.00 noon Morning Break: 10.30 am - 10.45 am Afternoon Session: 1.00 pm - 3.15 pm CLASS ORGANISATION In the coming year we will have two highly trained and experienced teaching staff as well as two classroom support staff involved in the teaching and learning at Chollerton. In addition we have a well-developed network of volunteer helpers who support the curriculum in a wide variety of ways. CURRICULUM Chollerton C.E. First School has a well developed and systematically planned curriculum ensuring breadth and balance at all times. Our early years class adheres to the principles outlined in the foundation stage, fully recognising and implementing the areas of learning and development, whilst also developing characteristics of effective learning. SUMMARY OF INSPECTION REPORT (July 2009) “This is an outstanding school. Since the last inspection, the excellent leadership team of headteacher, staff and governors has maintained exceptionally high standards and achievement, both academically and personally. This has been achieved by the provision of outstanding teaching and learning, very high standards of care, guidance and support and a rich, vibrant curriculum, well-matched to pupils’ needs and interests. …… Many parents comment on the school’s ‘sense of community’, ‘its helpful and caring headteacher and staff’, ‘the outstanding progress pupils make’ and ‘the care and support given to families with particular needs’.” CURRICULUM ENGLISH The three areas of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing are planned for on a weekly basis. Speaking and Listening Opportunities are planned at all levels for children to develop speaking and listening skills through a range of activities including telling stories, imaginative play, drama, circle time, explaining ideas, describing and reporting events. Reading Children are given opportunities for extensive experience of children's literature through class book corners and the school library area. They are encouraged to read on their own, with others and to the teacher. They are encouraged to use books for enjoyment, to extend their reading skills and to gather information. Within and outside Literacy lessons, children are given opportunities to read as a class, in groups and individually. We use a variety of graded reading materials in our classes and encourage children to choose from graded story books and non-fiction material once they reach a certain level of confidence and fluency. Home-school links in the practice of reading skills are very valuable. Teaching of reading - children are encouraged to use a variety of skills to help them read e.g. look and say, phonics, visual discrimination and meaning/context cues. Writing Children are given the opportunity from their earliest school days to view writing as a useful tool for remembering, communicating, organising and developing ideas and information, and as a source of enjoyment. From early mark making in our role play areas to later extensive story writing and informative writing, children's writing is valued and encouraged at every opportunity. Correct letter formation is encouraged in the early years, enabling children in their later years to form a legible joined style of handwriting. Collaborative writing is encouraged. The teaching of spelling is achieved by work in class on patterns, beginning in Year 1 and supported by homework activities. MATHS Children are given extensive opportunities throughout their First School experience to enjoy all aspects of numeracy. We provide a great deal of practical experiences throughout the First School to provide the foundation of mathematical concepts. Group and individual assessments are set to make sure children have grasped a particular area of study before proceeding to the next stage. A strong emphasis is placed on mental calculation and explaining how children have tackled problems. BASIC SKILLS QUALITY MARK 4 In July 2009 we were re-assessed and awarded the Basic Skills Quality Mark for the fourth time. This is given for high standards in the teaching and learning of reading, writing, spelling and numeracy throughout the school. Ten elements of literacy and numeracy had to be met. SCIENCE The Science curriculum is delivered through particular study units at Key Stage 1 including, Healthy Living, Our Outside Environment, Toys and Moving Things, Sounds Around and Materials. At Key Stage 2, units include Light and Shadows, Our outside Environment, Magnets, Springs and Circuits. We ensure breadth of learning and progression throughout a child's First School years and through liaison with Hexham Middle Schools have ensured an appropriate grounding for our children's future experiences at Key Stage 2. TECHNOLOGY Technology is taught in specific study units through which we ensure that children have a wide variety of experiences in designing, making and evaluating products and their functions. Activities include the use of food, textiles, construction kits, sheet materials, found materials and electricity. Specific technology skills are highlighted in certain activities. Planning enhances and aids progression. Children enjoying a Gardening Workshop INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Throughout First School children are given opportunities to use a variety of I.C.T. equipment and software. These include using the computer as a word processor, handling data and using I.C.T. to explore