School 21 Primary Prospectus

For success in the 21st century

01 About the school School 21 is a new state-funded, inclusive school for 4 to 18 year olds in the heart of Stratford. It is a school for girls and boys and for children from all faiths and backgrounds. We offer a safe, caring environment with high standards of behaviour and achievement.

75 Reception children started in 2012 in small class sizes of only 25. A further 75 Reception children will begin in September 2013.

A Dedicated Team To Deliver Results James Dawson is the Primary Head Teacher of School 21. He is an experienced school leader: • He has the new National Professional Qualification for Head Teachers.

• He has had extensive experience in a number of outstanding Newham Schools.

• He has a track record of delivering outstanding results as well as an exciting curriculum that develops the thinking and creativity of children.

Peter Hyman is the Executive Head Teacher of School 21. He is an experienced school leader: • He has the new National Professional Qualification for Head Teachers.

• He has been part of the rigorous Future Leaders Head Teacher training programme.

• He has a track record of delivering outstanding results as well as an exciting curriculum that develops the thinking and creativity of children.

School 21 is an organisation founded by Peter Hyman (our Executive Head Teacher), Ed Fidoe (an education expert), and Oli de Botton (a Teach First qualified teacher and an Assistant Head).

O T e m o c Wel y t centur s 1 2 e h t ess in For succ

United by a core belief that education must be done differently, all members of the staff team are committed to giving all children, including those who sometimes battle against the odds, the chance to succeed in the 21st century.

School 21 is a teacher-led school, with a team of great leaders determined to draw on best practice from around the world to deliver results here in Stratford.

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Dear Parents and Carers, Welcome to School 21’s primary school.

The children who join us in September 2013 will become part of something special; part of the School 21 family and part of our mission to create a great school for the 21st century.

What we offer is very different from other schools. We believe in small class sizes which is why the 3 Reception classes beginning in 2013 will follow our commitment to having 25 and not 30 in a class. That way we can ensure that your child gets the support and attention they deserve.

We will build a safe, supportive and caring environment that allows your child the time and space to develop.

We are a 4 to 18 school which means your children can develop their skills all the way up to Sixth Form and then have the chance to go to a great university.Your child will automatically be able to move to our secondary school which will remove the worry of deciding on your child’s school at 11.

More time will be spent than in most schools on reading, writing and speaking because these skills are the foundation of all other learning.

We offer great teaching and a personalised and varied curriculum giving your child the chance to explore music, drama, science, sport, philosophy, thinking skills and Spanish. We believe in building up each child’s ability to learn: their grit, spark, eloquence, expertise, craftsmanship and professionalism.

If there is one thing we believe in more than anything else it is that a school should be a place of joy, discovery, wonder and imagination with a stimulating learning environment and exceptional behaviour.

Our aim is that every child moves up to our secondary school with the basics secure, with an ability to think and with a sense of kindness and respect for others.

James Dawson – Head Teacher Peter Hyman – Executive Head Teacher

Our Aim:

To provide an exciting, challenging and high quality education that helps children develop as confident, happy, skilful, resilient learners.

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04 At School 21 we will spend extra time making sure that your child reaches a high standard in reading, writing, and speaking.

These are the fundamental building blocks of all other learning.

A LOVE OF Reading Our aim is that every child enjoys reading. We will spend time each day reading stories that fire the imagination, develop a love of words, and lead to great writing. Children will read individually, in small groups and in a classroom setting. We will teach every child phonics from an early age as well as strategies to help them develop their sight words and vocabulary.

We expect parents to read to their children as much as they can.

Fluent writing Our aim is that every child becomes a fluent writer, able to write in different styles to suit different audiences. We believe handwriting is important and will teach every child to write in joined-up script. We want every child to be able to express themselves with a wide vocabulary, correct spellings and confident use of grammar. We will make writing enjoyable through workshops with authors and playwrights.

Speaking with confidence Speaking with confidence is a vital skill which is often neglected in schools. Paired discussion in lessons will help thinking and learning.

Drama lessons will develop the confidence of all children to express themselves and every child will be given the chance to speak in a range of settings.

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Professionalism

As children develop we aim to instil the qualities that we associate with professionalism. Children will be encouraged to be polite, punctual and prepared for all lessons every day. They will be expected to be well presented in full school uniform and display a positive outlook to all aspects of their work.

Eloquence

Children will develop a fluency of expression so that they can speak with confidence and competence at using spoken word.

Craftsmanship

Every child will be taught how to think about their work, learning what they can do well and what they need to do in order to improve.

We will develop six key attributes that we believe are vital qualities for 21st century success.

Grit

Being able to recognise challenges and look inside for inner strength and resilience in the face of setbacks is a key skill that pupils will need in order to overcome the challenges they may face.

06 For success in the 21st century

At School 21 we have strong values. Children will learn how to work together, be kind to others, treat everyone with respect and help others who need their support.

Our personalised curriculum will stretch every child and contribute to the development of exceptional individuals.

Spark

Children are incredibly creative and whether it’s in art, music, science or projects about their community we want to give every child the chance to experiment, explore and discover.

Supporting your child School 21 will go from Reception to Sixth Form which means we will get to know children and their families really well. We can build strong relationships, know the strengths of each child and help them fulfil their potential.

Reception – a happy start to life Starting school for the first time will be an extraordinary event in your child’s life and we will make sure your child settles in, feels happy, safe and secure, and is ready to learn.

Small class sizes Expertise

As children develop we want them to work hard at mastering the basics of English and Maths.

Children will develop good learning habits so that they realise that trying hard every day leads to success.

There will only be 25 in each class and every child will get the support needed from our experienced staff to make great progress.

Nurturing potential Those who need extra help will get it.

Those who need to be challenged to go further will be given activities that make them think more deeply.

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We want your children to have a wide range of learning experiences and the chance to discover a passion.

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The power of stories

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Solving problems, enjoying numbers

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Learning how to learn

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Developing kindness and character

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Science projects

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Exploring the world around

The more children read and listen to stories the more their imagination is fired, the more they learn how to construct meaningful language. Each day School 21 children will have the chance to read and hear great stories.

We want every child to develop a love of numbers and problem solving from an early age. We want to bring maths alive so children are grounded in the basics and can use that knowledge to solve real problems.

Every child will be taught good learning habits, like how to check their work through and how to stick at it when it gets difficult.

We believe that education is about far more than academic success. It is about becoming kind, optimistic and confident. At School 21 we will develop a school culture that has at its heart integrity and humanity.

From the moment children start asking questions about the world around them, they are ready for science and ready to discover. At School 21 we will teach science from Reception with exciting projects.

Every term children will get the chance to do projects about the world around them that combine knowledge and skills and allow them to ask questions and solve problems.

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Sport and movement

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Thinking and questioning

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The joy of music

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The Magic of Art

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The Thrill of Drama

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Valuing Modern Foreign Languages

Sport makes you fit and healthy, makes your body flexible, and helps the brain function properly.

Children love asking questions when they are young. We want that inquisitive nature to be developed and harnessed so that every child is able to think deeply about their learning.

Every child will learn a musical instrument from an early age, all children will be part of a choir and there will be a choice of smaller musical groups.

Art is about exploring shape and form and colour and beauty. It allows the imagination of children to be expressed and makes the school environment vibrant and exciting.

Drama provides an opportunity for children to role play, empathise and experiment with characters. Encouraging children to develop their imagination helps unlock creativity and serves as an effective foundation on which to scaffold other learning.

All children from the age of 4 are taught Spanish on a weekly basis. We believe that children best learn languages when they are immersed in a rich and stimulating experience and that by starting at an early age they are better placed to develop a sound foundation for more academic levels of language study in later years.

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delivering high standards Admissions

Inclusion

We are a non-selective, state-funded school serving children of all abilities. We have a fair admissions policy in line with other Newham schools. Places will be allocated to those who live nearest to the school as well as of course providing for those with a statement of educational need and those who are in the care of a Local Authority. As the school grows we will make sure priority is given to siblings.

We provide personal support in class, and extra lessons where necessary, for children with Special Educational Needs or those who are new to learning English.

Sixth form

100% attendance is the best way of ensuring success at school. We will do all that we can to help you ensure your child comes to school on time every day.

Your child will be able to go to School 21’s high quality Sixth Form which will have great links with universities and employers and give all students the best chance of getting into top universities.

Uniform Smart, affordable uniforms have been professionally designed by the top fashion designer Ozwald Boateng following the input of some of School 21’s first students.

Behaviour We expect the highest standards of conduct from all our children so that learning is protected and the school community always remains calm, safe and happy.

There is extra support to make sure the brightest are challenged to the full and are never bored or coasting at school.

Attendance

Healthy pupils All children will be expected to take regular exercise and we will provide a range of sports. The food we provide will be healthy and nutritious.

Facilities We will have state of the art ICT facilities and a variety of exciting learning spaces in our premises in the heart of Stratford.

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A Partnership With Parents Our commitment • All our children should have the chance to achieve outstanding academic results.

• Teaching will be excellent and challenge pupils to do their best.

• We will ensure the highest standards of behaviour, conduct and safety.

• We will make sure all children make rapid progress in reading, writing and speaking.

• All children will develop strong values and be kind to one another.

Parents’ commitment • To support my child’s learning.

• To make sure my child reads every night.

• To make sure my child comes to school in smart uniform, on time every day with the right equipment.

• To support the School 21 community so that it is a safe and secure place to learn.

“ School 21 is brilliant! I “ In other schools you “ My son has only been at was afraid I was taking a don’t see nearly as much School 21 for 2 months risk, but now I am 100% of the Head teacher, and he already knows convinced.” but at School 21 the how to write his letters experience is much and recognise his shapes.”

Uyi’s Dad more personal and we Mattia’s Mum get to see Mr Dawson at the beginning and end of every day.”

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For success in the 21st century

Afia’s Dad

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