Lamerton C of E (VC) Primary School

Prospectus part 1

Welcome

We believe

Our Staff

Our building

Our Church of England links

The Curriculum

At Lamerton C.E. Primary School we aim to help children;

Our Curriculum Objectives

Curriculum organisation

English

Reading

Writing

Speaking and Listening

Mathematics

RE

Science

Information and Communication Technology:

History and Geography:

Music:

Art and Design:

Design Technology:

Physical Education:

French

Sex and Relationship Education

Other Information

Welcome

Dear Parents,

We hope that this prospectus will give you, as parents, the kind of information you need to answer some of the questions that come to mind when your child is starting school for the first time, or is transferring from another school.

Lamerton C of E (VC) Primary School is a very small school, which means we can offer each child an individually tailored education. We pride ourselves on being a very happy school where children feel valued and respect others. We also value the strong links we have with the local church and our village community.

We welcome you to Lamerton C of E (VC) Primary School and feel sure that your child will have a happy and rewarding time with us.

Ann Mitchell

Headteacher

We believe

We believe

That our primary purpose is to enhance children's learning by the effective and efficient delivery of the school curriculum.

To this end;

· We will provide educational and social experiences appropriate to the age, ability and needs of our pupils.

· We will have consistently high expectations and match these with high quality resources and learning strategies.

· We will create opportunities for each individual in the school community to develop his or her full potential.

· We will sustain a comfortable but stimulating and professional learning environment.

· We will strive to achieve continuous improvement in every aspect of the school's work and life at the school.

We will maintain a professional and objective relationship between staff, pupils and parents while retaining the warmth and caring approach needed by primary school children. Back to top

Our Staff

Our Staff

Headteacher: Mrs. A. Mitchell Cert.Ed

KS1 Teacher: Mrs. L. Pearce B.Ed. Teacher: (0.6) Mrs C. Paxman B.Ed

Learning Support Assistants Mrs S. Dawe, Mrs R. Eaton,

Mrs J. Lancaster, Miss N. Glover

School Administration: Mrs. J. Smith & Mrs V. Ricketts

Mealtime Assistants: Mrs R. Eaton and Mrs V. Manton

Caretaker: Mrs. K. Davey

Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Pearce work in school full time.

Mrs Pearce teaches Class 1, [Key Stage 1] the youngest children. Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Paxman share responsibility for Class 2, [Key Stage 2] the older children. When not teaching in Class 2, Mrs Mitchell spends time working on administration and school development. She also takes responsibility for pupils with Special Educational Needs.

Our building

Our Buildings

The accommodation for Lamerton School is a bright and spacious modernised Victorian building. There is a Key Stage 1 (Infant) Class and a Key Stage 2 (Junior) Class. The two classrooms are separated by a partition that can be opened to make one large room. Both classrooms are fitted with an Interactive Whiteboard, which enables the whole class to see anything available on a linked laptop computer.

There is an additional smaller room that serves as the school library and is also used as a television, music and teaching area. Class 1 has an additional area, with vinyl floor covering, for messy activities. There are indoor toilets with washing facilities and separate cloakrooms for Infants and Juniors.

Outside the enclosed tarmac playground is big enough for Netball games and has modern climbing apparatus to one side. In one corner is a colourfully fenced area with seating and sandpit, which is used for play by the youngest pupils.

The school has access to a nature area in the churchyard and uses the church for some R.E. teaching and festivals and celebrations. The village playing field and Village Hall are used for most sporting activities.

Our Church of England links

Our Church of England links

The school is a Church of England School and we believe in fostering and maintaining the caring ethos associated with this type of school. Our work in school reinforces the values needed to help each other live in our own community. It also encompasses understanding the beliefs and cultures of people from all over the world. Daily assemblies with a mainly Christian content are held. The Reverend Greg Stanton, our local vicar, regularly visits the school and leads assemblies on occasions. The school also holds termly services in St. Peter's Church, Lamerton.

Religious Education follows Devon County Council's Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, drawn up by representatives of the Church of England and other religious denominations as well as representatives of the Authority and the teaching profession. Should any parents wish to exercise their right to withdraw children from Religious Education classes or Collective Worship (1944 Education Act), please see the Headteacher.

The Curriculum

The Curriculum

Like all State schools, we follow the National Curriculum. This provides the structure for all we do. The National Curriculum clearly lays down in law 'What has to be learned' by each child. It is made up of three 'Core' subjects and seven 'Foundation' subjects, all of which contain prescribed programmes of study and attainment targets. Children in Class 1 work at 'Key Stage One' programmes of study, which are assessed at seven years of age [Teacher assessment supported by Standard Assessment Tests and Tasks], whilst in Class 2 children work at 'Key Stage Two’ programmes of study and this is assessed at eleven years of age [Key Stage 2 Standard Assessment Tests and Tasks or SATs].

Full details of the National Curriculum structure and how it is covered at Lamerton are available from the Headteacher if required.

We have adopted the 'Devon Curriculum Statement' as the Curriculum Statement of the school. These aims, and the personal qualities they help to develop, form the basis of the children's education at Lamerton.

At Lamerton C.E. Primary School we aim to help children;

At Lamerton C.E. Primary School we aim to help children;

· to develop lively, enquiring minds, together with a willingness to ask questions and to discuss rationally.

· to acquire in particular the enabling skills of literacy and numeracy.

· to make them aware of themselves, their abilities and difficulties, and thus help them to become thinking and self reliant individuals capable of making decisions and communicating in a fast changing world.

· to motivate them and provide them with learning environments that allow their special aptitudes to be discovered and developed in order to reach their true potential.

· to grow in confidence and independence and make them aware of others, to develop respect for their own and other cultures, people, and races, and at the same time, help towards their own social and moral developments and

· to develop the spiritual side of human nature so they may gain knowledge, respect for others and belief in themselves.

know that each child is valued for their contribution and skills. Back to top

Our Curriculum Objectives

Our Curriculum Objectives

Within the above general aims it is expected that most children will have achieved the following objectives as independent, confident learners by the time they transfer to secondary school: They will;

· read fluently with understanding, discrimination and enjoyment;

· speak and write clearly and confidently;

· use mathematical skills and ideas in everyday situations;

· know where to look for information and record findings;

· understand how Information and Communication Technology can be used;

· work independently or as part of a team to discover things, interpret and solve problems;

· use a range of creative arts and crafts as a means of expression;

· possess enough skill, strength, endurance and mobility to take part in a range of physical activities;

show an awareness of local geographical, historical and social influences

and of other times, places and cultures.

Curriculum organisation

Curriculum organisation

The broad balanced curriculum is taught through a variety of teaching strategies. In English and Mathematics pupils are taught in ability groups, following the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies. Throughout the school the majority of other work is covered through a series of subject topics that usually last half or a whole term. Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 tend to work on different topics but there are times when the whole school covers the same theme. Topics are usually introduced to the whole class, but then the work is differentiated to allow for various age groups and abilities within each class. In this way we ensure that each child is working at the appropriate level.

English

English:

English Language more than any other subject, is the essential key to the process of learning. A command of English in all its forms - speaking, listening, reading and writing, is essential for the all round development of every child. To this end, the school implements a daily Literacy lesson as recommended by the DFEE.

Reading

Reading:

Reading is a skill that requires a teaching approach that is carefully structured and monitored to ensure steady development. A variety of commercial reading schemes are used throughout the school. Fluent readers are well supported by a varied collection in the school library which contains both fiction and non-fiction books. Word patterns, contextual clues and

phonic awareness, are taught in a structured way during the daily Literacy Hour. Children are encouraged to find pleasure in reading for information, for interest and for enjoyment. Parents can play a vital role in developing children's reading skills. By helping them to read at home and giving them positive support and encouragement, we can work together to ensure that they become competent and avid readers.

On 4 days of the week, the morning session starts with reading for everyone. This time is called E.R.I.C. [Everyone Reading in Class] Parents assist with this session, ensuring that every pupil is heard to read aloud several times each week.

Writing

Writing: Learning to write is a deliberate, complex and painstaking process that takes time. Pupils are encouraged to write independently for a variety of purposes and audiences. Writing is developed within the framework of the Literacy Strategy incorporating work on spelling, punctuation and grammar. It is expected that by the end of Year 6 [aged 11] children will possess the skills to be able to write, not only stories and poems, but letters, reports, accounts and explanations, and to be developing a clear joined handwriting style.

Speaking and Listening

Speaking and Listening: Oral language comes naturally to most children in the early years, but there is a continuing need for development and improvement. It is the school's policy to encourage children to put longer and more explicit units of speech together as they progress through the school. A vital part of growth and personal development is learning to be a good listener. Children are given the opportunity to join in group discussion for a variety of purposes and to take into account the opinions and ideas of others.

Mathematics

Mathematics:

In mathematics, we aim to give children the knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable them to use mathematics in everyday life. To do this pupils must have confidence about mathematics, developed through applying mathematical ideas to real situations. It is aimed to make mathematics an interesting and enjoyable activity. The National Numeracy Strategy provides the framework for lively interactive teaching and learning of mathematics. Initial work, in the early years, builds on the child's own experience and relates to physical objects and the world around them generally. Mathematical terms and symbols, together with abstract and formal exercises come later. Children are expected to use mathematics as a mental, oral skill and this will often have more importance than written work. By aged 11 they must be confident in basic skills - addition, subtraction, multiplication tables and multiplication, division, fractions and decimals. Back to top

RE

Religious Education (RE):

Religious education is covered in an un-denominational way, using the Devon Agreed Syllabus as a guideline.

Its aims are:

· to be aware of aspects of the natural world which evoke awe and wonder and lead children towards the idea of a caring God.

· to be able to write and talk about such experiences.

· to be able to some extent to form relationships based on love, sympathy and consideration.

· to have enough imagination and sensitivity to share other people's experiences e.g. of happiness, loneliness or sickness.

· to understand a little of the ways in which people can express their religious experiences and the significance of them.

The main focus is the study of Christianity, its origins, teachings and beliefs. This is not undertaken in isolation, but forms part of a wider programme of work including other faiths and cultures.

RE is also the main channel for the consideration of moral ideas such as right and wrong, obligations and duties. These are present throughout the daily life and work of the school and use is made of everyday occurrences to help children appreciate and understand these ideas. Back to top

Science

Science:

Science is about gaining an understanding of the physical and natural world around us. Primary school science aims to capitalise on pupil's natural curiosity, and explain everyday events in a scientific context. Our aim is to equip children with investigative skills that enable them to gain, from experience, an increasing understanding of their environment.

Science also enriches other major areas of the curriculum and provides the basis for planning, discussion and speculation. There are four areas of the science curriculum

· Scientific enquiry.

· Life processes and living things.

· Materials and their properties.

· Physical processes.

Information and Communication Technology:

Information and Communication Technology:

ICT forms an integral part of the curriculum. ICT skills are taught in their own right and to enhance other subject areas. Pupils have constant access to 12 up-to-date multimedia PC's and 2 interactive whiteboards, which are networked and connected to the Internet.

Our aims for this subject are that children will:

· be given the opportunities to explore and evaluate problems.

· develop practical skills in the use of ICT to apply to relevant and meaningful problems.

· enjoy using ICT.

· develop confidence in the use of applications to enhance motivation and a real sense of achievement.

· develop an appreciation of the capabilities and limitations of ICT.

· be able to evaluate the benefits of ICT and its impact on society.

· be given the opportunity to achieve the highest possible standards whilst meeting the National Curriculum requirements.

· develop partnerships beyond school, using ICT

History and Geography:

History and Geography:

History and Geography are taught through a series of integrated topics. Children are taught about important episodes and developments in Britain's past, plus aspects of ancient civilisations. A sense of chronology is developed and the ability to recognise changes in everyday life over a long period of time. Through studies of local and national locations, children develop skills, knowledge and understanding of Geography. They are encouraged to become confident in using a map, atlas, and globe and developing their mapping skills with a compass.

Music:

Music:

The main aim in music is to help children gain greater enjoyment from taking part or listening to a musical performance. To do so children need to develop certain practical skills that allow them to be able to express themselves effectively in sound.

The practical skills which we aim to develop are:

· singing in tune, with good breath control and clear diction.

performing in time with good sense of rhythm.

· playing a musical instrument, initially percussion, either tuned or untuned and progressing to melodic instruments.

· performing with others and with a sense of expression.

· composing their own pieces of music and where appropriate transcribing these pieces using graphic or conventional notation.

If parents choose there is the opportunity for children to learn a musical instrument with instrumental teachers who visit weekly. Instruments learned at present are trumpet, flute and guitar.

The school is involved with the Wider Opportunities Scheme which enables all KS2 children to have access to learning an instrument. This is a whole class approach enabling every child to have a taste of learning to play a musical instrument. Back to top

Art and Design:

Art and Design:

The main objectives of primary art and design are to develop:

· awareness of shape, colour and texture;

· a sense of touch as well as vision;

· practical and manipulative skills;

· powers of observation and judgement;

· emotional responses to the things they see.

These objectives are developed by giving children the opportunity to experiment with drawing, painting, textiles, print-making and modelling, using a variety of media.

Children are encouraged to use tools, materials and equipment correctly and express themselves confidently in each of the art forms attempted.

Back to top

Design Technology:

Design Technology:

Design Technology develops problem solving and creativity. Our aim is to give all pupils confidence in identifying, examining and solving problems with the use of materials. Children have opportunities to search for ways and means of controlling or changing things, such as simple machines and systems, using energy. They undertake complete 'design and make' tasks through constructing models and artefacts and improve their skills through practice. Pupils are encouraged to experiment with as many different materials as possible and are guided in the use of different techniques and safety when using tools. Textiles (needlework) and Food Technology (cookery) are included in this subject.

Physical Education:

Physical Education:

Physical Education aims to develop skill, fitness, strength and mobility through participation in enjoyable activities, which also help to encourage qualities such as leadership, team spirit and sportsmanship. We plan a varied and balanced programme of work so that all children are introduced to gradually more demanding activities, each requiring a different kind of skill development. The P.E. curriculum covers gymnastics, dance, games, athletics and swimming. At Lamerton, as we do not have a school hall, activities take place in the playground, on the village recreation field or in the village hall.

Dance and gymnastics is taught with blocks of weekly lessons in the village hall. The whole school attends weekly swimming lessons at Meadowlands in Tavistock, during the Spring Term.

There is a well attended sports club for children from Class 2. The school takes part in a variety of local matches and tournaments.

French

French

French is taught to pupils in Years 3 to 6 in two half hour sessions per week. A language specialist visits the school to work alongside the class teacher.

French is taught to pupils in Years 3 to 6 in two half hour sessions per week. A language specialist visits the school to work alongside the class teacher. Back to top

Sex and Relationship Education

Sex and Relationship Education

Sex education is related in the most part to Science work within the National Curriculum. It provides factual knowledge appropriate to the age of the children and allows pupils to explore attitudes and feelings related to the material covered. For sex education the school nurse visits the school to talk to the pupils in Year 5 and 6 and answer their questions. Parents will be informed before sessions take place and will be invited to view teaching materials. However, the school will respect the wishes of any parent/guardian who wishes to withdraw their child from non National Curriculum Sex and Relationship education sessions. However, if you are considering doing this we would recommend you discuss it with the teacher concerned first.

Other Information

Prospectus continued on further page,please click below. Back to top

Prospectus continued

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