Saint Mary’s Church Aided School Governors Annual Report

December 2012

School Lane Overton on Dee LL13 0ET

01978 710370

Chair of Governors Mr. J. McCusker

Clerk to the Governors Mrs. K. Lawrenson As Governors we aim to ensure that the best possible education, both academic and social, is provided by St. Mary’s School. We are concerned with all matters relating to the school and these concerns fall into four categories:

• The admission and welfare of the pupils, and the appointment and welfare of both teaching and non-teaching staff • The curriculum and conduct of the school • The provision, maintenance and upkeep of the school buildings, grounds and playing fields • The provision of resources, including special needs, and the monitoring of costs incurred in running the school

School Ethos Statement and Aims

Our commitment to our pupils is to provide a secure environment in which to learn. We value all pupils equally, but we also value their right to be different and to excel in different ways. We respect pupils equally regardless of gender, colour or creed. Staff aim to assist children in developing their true potential and believing in their own worth. Pupils will be encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions and to reflect on how these actions affect others.

· We aim to encourage pupils to develop lively and inquiring minds · To question and argue rationally · To use language effectively and imaginatively · To provide a basis of mathematics, science, technical and artistic knowledge · To have an understanding of the world in which they live · To have an understanding of human achievement · To respect moral values and other people

As a Church Aided school, the focus has always been on developing the whole child not just the parts to be tested and to appreciate and understand the Christian values by which we live. Who are the governors?

Mr John McCusker- John is the LA elected representative. He has lived Chairperson in Overton for almost 20 years and is married with Start: 26/09/06 4 children. He is a semi-retired finance director End: 25/09/14 and is a founder and trustee of a children's charity. He has been a governor for over 10 years and has held his current position on the governing body for 6 years. His eldest son is a Welsh player who has recently returned to the squad after injury and is also the captain of Llanelli .

Mr Mike Done Mike is a local dairy farmer who has recently Vice Chair converted to organic status. His interests include Start: 10/07/01 amateur dramatics and skiing. He attended the End: 09/07/13 school as a child as did his three sons.

Mrs Rafela Fitzhugh Rafela has three children at St Mary's School. She Foundation/Parent moved to Overton over six years ago, but has Start: 05/02/08 visited family in Overton all her life. She is a teacher End: 04/02/16 of Geography in a secondary school and feels strong- ly that children should have a passion for learning. Her hobbies include walking, outdoor activities, reading, Bridge, tennis and Chess. She is also on the PCC and helps run the fortnightly Sunday School in St Mary's Church.

Mrs Joanne Kember Joanne has lived in Overton for 16 years and is the Councillor mother of four children. She works as a community Start - 06/10/04 pharmacist in . She is an active member End - 05/10/16 of Overton Amateur Dramatic Society and plays the organ at St. Mary’s Church. Her hobbies include choral singing and music. Mrs Cynthia Davies Cynthia is a true native of Overton where she Support Staff Governor lives with her husband and her dog, Henry. Start - 01/09/09 She enjoys puzzles, is an active member End - 31/08/13 of Overton Amateur Dramatic Society and works at school as a lunchtime supervisor and at the Before and After school club

Mr Dylan Williams Dylan is the year 5 teacher at St. Mary’s school. Teacher Governor He lives in Garth with his wife and two children. Start - 01/09/09 His hobbies include 5 a side football and playing End - 31/08/13 the guitar with his band

Rev. David Child Rev’d. Dr. David Child was appointed Priest in Ex - Officio Charge of Overton and in January of this year. He worked as a consultant physician in the from 1979 – 2003. He started his training for the ministry just before he retired. He was appointed curate in Gresford and then in 2006 Curate both in Bangor on Dee and here in Overton with the Rev’d David Lewis. He is a keen supporter of Wrexham Football club and a season ticket holder.

Mrs Diane Aplin Diane is mother to two boys, Jack and Sam, at St Parent Governor St Mary’s and lives on Wynnstay. By profession Start: 01/05/11 she is a Solicitor but she currently works for a local- End: 30/04/2015 business as an account manager. She tries to keep fit but enjoys socialising more!

Mrs Rachel Harris Rachel and her family moved to Overton five years Foundation Governor ago. She has three children at St Mary's in Yr 6, Yr Start: 08/05/12 4 and one in Reception. She is currently a End: 07/05/16 childminder having worked on farms, taught Science in secondary schools and run a Field Centre on a National Nature Reserve in previous lives. Amongst other things in the village (including leading beavers and cubs) she helps to organise Sunday School and a toddler group on Monday mornings in the Church hence being a Foundation Governor. Mrs Margaret Evison Margaret is a native of Overton and is a retired Foundation Governor nurse. She has a two grandchildren at the Start - 16/10/02 school. Her particular interest as a governor is End - 15/10/14 with children who have additional educational needs. Margaret was a founder member of Overton Play Group and tennis club. Her spare time activities include gardening and canal walking.

Mrs Julie Done Julie has lived in Erbistock for 19 years and has Foundation Governor three children. She helps to run the Deli in Start: 24/05/10 Overton and the family’s ice cream business. Her End: 23/05/14 special interest as a governor is additional needs as she spent several years working in special schools in the area as a physio. Her interests are walking and cooking.

Mrs Clair Rosselli Clair thoroughly enjoys her involvement with St Foundation Governor Mary’s School. She is very interested in the Start:16/10/02 Forest School initiative and has hosted several End: 15/10/14 visits from the school around the Pleasure Gardens at Bryn y Pys where the children learned a lot about Natural History. She is a foundation governor and fully support the role of the Church in the life of the School and its pupils.

Mrs Ruth Overthrow Ruth has lived in Overton since 1991. She has Foundation Governor two children who both attended St Mary’s school Start: 29/05/06 and more recently her grandaughter has started End: 29/05/14 in Reception. She is a qualified nurse and recently completed her MSC in public health. She currently works as a school nurse in the Welshpool area. Ruth is also a member of Overton Amateur Dramatics society and enjoys walking her two dogs. She believes that the public health work she undertakes in school is important as its sets the foundation stones of good health for our future generation. Action taken to develop or strengthen links in the community

The academic year started with the now traditional Bonanza event, which was again successful in bringing the community together as well as an important fundraiser for school. The event coincided with the 25th anniversary of the new school building and the children performed a journey through that period’s popular culture and history.

The Christmas nativity events were extra emotional this year as we said goodbye to Mrs Pat Clarke who retired as head teacher after over 25 years service. Although the whole community will miss her, we are now entering a new chapter in St Mary’s history.

The New Year started with the Governors welcoming the new head, Mr Gary Wyn-Jones to school. We hope he finds support in the school family as he leads us into the future.

Summer term 2012 proved to be a historic one, celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics. For the Jubilee the pupils had a street party and senior residents of the village were VIP guests. Sports Day became St Mary’s Olympics with the children representing different world continents in a number of events. As well as experiencing the Olympic spirit, continent countries and flags were learnt.

A number of information evenings for parents were held during the year. The most notable being a Key Stage 2 Introductory session and a presentation on the different reading techniques used in Foundation Phase - a very hands on session for those parents who attended!

Many voluntary helpers, including parents, grandparents and members of the community have provided invaluable assistance to our school and the Governors value their sustained effort and enthusiasm for our school and the children.

As in many years, residents of the village who lived through World War II came to school to share their experiences with the pupils and provide valuable insight to the Year 6 History project on the subject.

The unveiling of the mosaic designed and made by pupils to celebrate 25 years of St Mary’s new building was a fitting finale to a special year. What have we been discussing as Governors?

There was very good attendance at the meetings held under the Chairmanship of Mr John McCusker and vice chair Mr Mike Done. Pupil Numbers were at 178 full-time pupils with 15 part-time.

At termly meetings the following issues have been discussed:

Management, Administration and Finance

Both whole staff and departmental meetings have been undertaken on a regular basis dealing with curriculum and management issues and following priorities as outlined in school development plan. The progress of the school development plan has been presented and discussed each term at governors meetings. All school accounts have been externally audited and were found to be in good order. Regular links with local education authority advisors have continued throughout the year, either by visits to the school or by training provision for staff members.

There have been regular health and safety checks throughout the school year including regular fire drills and electrical equipment check. It is recognised by the Governors that work is needed on the upgrading of the school’s web site to improve communication and public relations and this forms one of the objectives for us during the next academic year.

The Governors are supporting the staff in their plans to update and improve the Information Technology equipment with the purchase of i-pads, notebooks and wireless technology throughout the school.

The Rector has held weekly assemblies in which pupils have actively taken part. Church services are held once a month at St. Mary’s Church with welcomed attendance of friends and families. These services have included Harvest, Epiphany and Year Six celebration service in July. Positive behaviour management is promoted throughout the school which has resulted in a harmonious atmosphere. Pupils discuss relevant issues in weekly circle time, encouraging them to take responsibility for their own actions and to respect moral values. A student council has been elected with representatives from each class supported by staff members to discuss school issues on a monthly basis.

Student and Eco Council remain actively encouraged by the Governors to enable the children themselves to have a voice in the running of their school.

A few highlights from 2011/12 There has been a wide variety of additional activities during the year to enrich the curriculum throughout the school. These may take the form of initiatives within the school, or specialists who visit the school to run workshops with the children or additional focused activities. Whilst this is not a complete list, a selection of the activities is outlined below.

1. Residentials/Visits

Pupils from Year 6 attended an Activity Week at Condover Hall in Shrewsbury with children participating in team building exercises and encouraging independence as they prepare for year 7 and senior school.

Pupils visited Conway Castle, and Liverpool museums, and Whittington Castle as part of their curriculum enrichment.

2. Educational visitors

The police school liaison officer, PC Jackson has visited school regularly to work with children from Years two, four and six as part of their personal and social development. They have also had visits from the local Community Police Officer to build relationships with them.

Wrexham Football Club, North Rugby Development Officer and Druids Football Club coached pupils as part of physical education lessons. Sporting Aims and our Extra Curricular Clubs

Our pupils took part in a wide range of taster activities including Tennis, Bowls, Cricket, Hockey, Netball, and Rugby. We also held our annual Sports Day and School Swimming Gala This year the following extra curricular clubs took place: Tae Kwon Do, “Healthy Eating” cooking club, Hula-hooping, Football, Rugby, Athletics, Cricket and Eco/Outdoor Club.

The Governing Body wishes to express thanks to the staff and volunteers for giving of their own time, so that pupils are able to access these additional opportunities, which enhance their development.

Religious Education at a Church Aided School The ethos of the school rests on Christian values and the children are taught according to Christian standards. The Rector visits the school regularly and holds monthly services at our church as well as festivals of Harvest, Christmas and Easter. Parents wishing to withdraw their children from any of these activities are asked to write to the Headteacher.

Charity Fund Raising A great deal of emphasis is placed on pupils helping others through raising money for various charities. Whenever possible the school tries to focus on organisations which have direct impact on children. During the period covered by this report the following charities were supported: British Heart Foundation, Jeans for Genes, Hope House Children’s Hospice and Nightingale House Hospice, Muscular Dystrophy Appeal.

Thanks are expressed to everyone who contributed to these charities. Additional Educational Needs The school's policy on Additional Educational Needs (AEN) is available to all parents. Provision is made for children with additional educational needs, including gifted children, to follow the Foundation Phase Framework and the Key Stage Two National Curriculum and to participate in all the aims and objectives of the school. Early identification and monitoring are implemented and these pupils are integrated in mainstream education with modification of tasks, where appropriate. Close home - school liaison is encouraged. An increased number of Teaching Assistants ensures a lower pupil/teacher ratio to support pupils with additional needs.

The dedication of both teachers and teaching assistants with the involvement of parents and children, is to be commended. Parents can be assured that their child is receiving the best possible education whatever their needs, giving them confidence in reaching their full potential.

PTA Regular meetings have been held with the Parents Teachers Association to discuss priority areas for fund raising throughout the year. Various fundraising events have taken place which raised enough money to purchase a new screen and projector for the hall. Governors, Staff and Pupils are indebted to the PTA as their financial support helps us improve the the quality of educational resources for all our pupils.

Provision for Disabled Pupils The school adopts the same attitude towards pupils with physical disability as to those with Additional Educational Needs as outlined above. The main entrance is now ramped, the Disabled toilet has been upgraded and there is now ramped access to years 4 and 6.

Equal Opportunities The school has adopted the LA Equal Opportunities policy and always endeavours to uphold with opportunities being the same for boys and girls.

Admissions Statement Admissions to this school are the responsibility of the school Governing Body. Application forms for admission are available from the school. Parents wishing to visit the school may do so by prior arrangement with the Headteacher. A copy of the admission policy is available in school. Our links with St. Mary’s Church

Our links with St Mary’s Church

It is a great privilege to follow in the Rev’d David Lewis’ footsteps and to lead weekly assemblies in Saint Mary’s School.

This last School Year has been a time of change. Mrs. Clarke retired after 25 years of service and Mr. Gary Wyn-Jones was appointed in her stead.

The school held in December a special service in St Mary’s of thanksgiving and celebration for all Mrs. Clarke’s hard work and achievements. It was a very moving and emotional occasion and the children in their personal tributes showed how much they valued Mrs. Clarke as a friend as well as a Head. It was a great pleasure for me at that service to dedicate a Lectern in recognition of her service to the school. I explained to the children that when one blesses something, what one is doing is giving it a special meaning, and so this Lec- tern now also acts as a kind of memory stick which reminds us of all the good times that we’ve shared with Mrs. Clarke during her headship.

And this lectern is there for me to use at my weekly assemblies. I cannot but be impressed every week at the intelligence and the knowledge of the children as they respond to my little interactive talks and questions. I also value very much the conversations that I have before the assemblies with Mr. Wyn-Jones and other members of Staff. He and other members of his staff have been most welcoming and encouraging to me since I took up my position as your parish priest.

I am also grateful that the school under Mr. Wyn-Jones tutelage has continued the tradition of monthly church services. The church certainly comes alive with presence of all the children and it’s great to see so many parents, grandparents and friends enjoying and seeing the children as they lead the worship.

The school year again ended with a service in St Mary’s when year six shared their hopes and fears for the future as they prepared to go on to Secondary School and year five presented each of them with a lighted candle and a prayer.

Earlier in the month the church was in some small way able to show how much they appreciate the link between school and church with the donation to each child of a New Testament to commemorate the Queens’s Jubilee.

With every blessing

Rector David Childs Action to review school policies and procedures During our meetings throughout the school year, we have adopted our local education authority’s behaviour management policy, and reviewed our child protection policy. We reviewed our Admissions Policy. The performance management process is now fully implemented, with interviews for each member of staff held in October and July.

Comparative performance results for Foundation Phase and Key Stage Two

Foundation Phase Teacher Assessment 2012 (% of children gaining Outcome 5+)

St. Mary’s Wrexham Wales ENGLISH 92.9% 86.4% 83.4% MATHS 89.3% 88.4% 86.6% PERSONAL 89.3% 92.7% 90.8% and SOCIAL

Key Stage 2 Test Results 2012 (% of children gaining level 4 and above)

St. Mary’s Wrexham Wales ENGLISH 96.0% 86.6% 85.2% MATHS 100.0% 88.2% 86.8% SCIENCE 100.0% 89.7% 88.5%

How our overall results compare nationally

FPI (Foundation Phase CSI (Core Subject Indicator) Indicator)

(% of pupils achieving (% of pupils achieving Level 4 Foundation Phase Outcome 5 or or above in each subject at Key above in all areas of learning) Stage Two)

St. Mary’s St. Mary’s 85.7% 96%

Wrexham Wrexham 83.3% 84.5%

Wales Wales 80.5% 82.6% Attendance

A serious concern of the Welsh Assembly and schools in general, is the amount of absenteeism during the school year. A major cause of this is family holidays taken during school time. We would respectfully ask that whenever possible holidays are not taken during term time.

Attendance Figures 2011-2012 Overall 95.7%

Term dates for 2012 - 2013 Autumn Term Training Day Monday 3 September 2012 Term Opens Tuesday 4 September 2012 Half Term Close Friday 26 October 2012 Half Term Opens Monday 5 November 2012 Training Day Friday 16 November 2012 Term Closes Friday 21 December 2012

Spring Term Training Day Monday 7 January 2013 Term Opens Tuesday 8 January 2013 Half term Close Friday 8 February 2013 Half Term Opens Monday 18 February 2013 Term Closes Thursday 21 March 2013

Summer Term Term Opens Tuesday 9 April 2013 May Day Monday 6 May 2013 Half Term Close Friday 24 May 2013 Half Term Opens Monday 3 June 2013 Training Day Friday 28 June 2013 Term Close Friday 19 July 2013 Training Day Monday 22 July 2013

Financial Statement - Year Ending March 31st 2012 Statement of Expenditure (Local Authority)

Destination of school leavers in July 2012

Maelor School, 75.0% Lakelands, Ellesmere 20.0% Other 5.0%