Facilities and Equipment
We are fortunate to have a very large building with a comparatively small number of pupils. This means that we have been able to develop unused space.
Our facilities include:
- school field (Symons Avenue)
- two playgrounds
- two halls
- art/design technology room
- library
- ICT Suite
- music room
- Conference/Meeting Room
- Place To Be room
- Nurture Room
In recent years we have endeavoured to extend our equipment to provide pupils with the range of opportunities expected in a modern curriculum. Classrooms have interactive whiteboards, flipcharts, CD players and headphones. Our ICT Suite is a fully equipped computer room. Pupils have a weekly hour lesson in the suite. There are clusters of computers in the upper hall, Year 5 and Year 6 plus individual machines in all classrooms.
Class Organisation
Pupils are organised in mixed ability groupings, of roughly equal size. There are four age-bands, referred to as:
- Year 3: 7-8 years old
- Year 4: 8-9 years old
- Year 5: 9-10 years old
- Year 6: 10-11 years old
Teaching Groups
Pupils are taught in mixed-ability class groups by their own teacher. There is careful differentiation in order to meet the needs of all pupils. Teaching Assistants provide additional support in classes, working with all children at times throughout the week.
Class Sizes
The Governing Body has agreed the principle that no class size should exceed 30 pupils.
Star of the Week Award
Each week every class teacher nomiates a single child from their class who has done something extra special. These ‘gold star’ winners have their parents/carers invited to the Celebration Assembly to see them receive their award. The invited parents/carers will then get to spend some time with their ‘star’ children, having a drink and biscuit, before the children return to class.
As a further recognition of their effort, every week the ‘gold star’ winners will have special lunch together on Friday, in the Meeting Room, with a teacher of their choice. Tables will be properly laid, real plates and cutlery will be used, and each child will have their meal paid for by the school, if they are not already having free school meals. Any winner who wants to bring a packed lunch will still be able to bring one to the special table, or one will be provided (free of charge) by the kitchen if preferred.
School Council
The School Council is made up of 2 elected pupils from every class. The children selected perform an important role in the school, raising significant issues and making decisions which affect how the school works. Councillors have to commit to regular meetings, usually in their own time. They report back to their classes and gather the views of their peers. They learn how to work together as a team and can be involved in important school business, for example, taking part in interviews for new staff and showing visitors around.
Smoking Policy
This school operates a ‘No Smoking Policy’ in all areas of the premises, including the playgrounds.
This policy applies to all persons including visitors and contractors.