Galley Hill Primary School & Nursery Prospectus 2015-2016
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Basic Information School Name
Galley Hill Primary School & Nursery
Address
Galley Hill Hemel Hempstead HP1 3JY
Telephone
01442 406000
admin@galleyhill.herts.sch.uk
Website
http://www.galleyhill.herts.sch.uk/
Head Teacher
Miss C. Isaac BA (Hons) MA
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Contents Part 1: General Information...............................................4 Welcome!..........................................................................4 Children’s Centre..............................................................4 Mission Statement............................................................5 Our aims.........................................................................5 Admissions and the School Roll..........................................6 Secondary Transfer..........................................................6 How is the school organised?............................................7 Our Facilities....................................................................8 Part 2: School Life...............................................................9 School Hours...................................................................9 School Uniform..............................................................10 School Meals..................................................................11 School Rules..................................................................12 Behaviour and Discipline.................................................12 Assemblies and Acts of Collective Worship........................13 School Houses...............................................................13 Part 3: School and Home Links.........................................14 Visiting the School..........................................................14 Letters and Text Messaging.............................................14 Emergency Contacts.......................................................14 Meeting with Your Child’s Teacher...................................15 Assessments and Reports................................................15 Homework Policy............................................................16 Comments, Complaints, and Compliments........................18 PTA...............................................................................18 Part 4: Caring for Your Child............................................19 Absence.........................................................................19 Illness...........................................................................19 Medicals........................................................................19 Medicine in School..........................................................20
Child Protection..............................................................20 Parking and Road Safety.................................................21 Lost Property.................................................................21 Part 5: The Curriculum......................................................22 The National Curriculum..................................................23 Key Stages....................................................................23 Topics………………………………………….................................23 Foundation Stage...........................................................24 English..........................................................................25 Maths............................................................................26 Computing……………………………………….............................26 Science..........................................................................26 Physical Education..........................................................27 Personal, Social, and Health Education.............................27 Religious Education........................................................28 Equal Opportunities........................................................28 Special Educational Needs...............................................28 Part 6: Extra-Curricular Activities....................................29 Clubs.............................................................................29 Music............................................................................29 School Trips...................................................................29 Part 7: Managing the School............................................30 Headteacher, Teachers, and Teaching Assistants..............30 Other Staff.....................................................................30 The Governing Body.......................................................31 Part 8: Useful Information...............................................32 Term Dates....................................................................32 SATS results..................................................................33 Ofsted results................................................................33
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Part 1: General Information
Part 1: General Information Welcome! We hope that this prospectus and parents’ handbook will be useful to you, and will answer any questions you may have about Galley Hill Primary School and Nursery. We are excited to welcome your child to our school, where we will help him or her to develop a love of learning and to achieve to the best of his or her ability. Galley Hill Primary School and Nursery was founded in 2008 following a merger of Rossgate Primary and Martindale Primary & Nursery Schools. We are a Hertfordshire County Council school, and we cater for children from nursery age to Year 6. Please contact the school office if you would like to arrange a visit and see the school for yourself.
Children’s Centre Galley Hill Children’s Centre is now run by Hertsmere Leisure on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council. The office is based at the school, but covers the Gadebridge, Warners End and Chaulden area, and most services are run in the local community. Galley Hill Children’s Centre provides information and services to families with young children aged 0-5 years, ranging from activities to drop-in advice sessions. For further information, please contact 01442 502762. For families with children over 5 we are part of the Gade Schools Family Support, which offers not only information on after school activities, but also support for parents. For further details please contact 01442 278793. Page 4
Part 1: General Information
Mission Statement We are committed to the provision of high-quality education in a secure, happy, and stimulating environment. We provide a balanced curriculum so that children develop basic skills and achieve to the best of their ability. Children are encouraged to develop self-discipline and become responsible, caring, and respectful members of the community.
Our aims Galley Hill Primary School and Nursery aims to create an environment where… our pupils want to acquire knowledge and understanding and become life-long learners all children feel respected, safe, and valued and can develop positive attitudes towards the contributions of people of all races, beliefs, abilities, and genders children can develop their curiosity, originality, perseverance, open-mindedness, independence of thought, and the ability to reflect children gain self-respect and confidence through working independently and cooperatively, taking pride in their own learning and that of others children learn to take an increasing responsibility for their own behaviour and their role in the learning process children can acquire the knowledge and skills to develop their abilities to their full potential learning is perceived as purposeful, challenging, and pleasurable all staff have high expectations of pupil achievement, recognize and develop individual talents, and encourage all pupils to work towards the highest standards parents are supported and encouraged to be an integral part of their child’s education there are strong links with the local community and also full involvement of governors, parents, and pupils within the life of the school …so that effective learning takes place. Page 5
Part 1: General Information
Admissions and the School Roll The Nursery class in the Foundation Unit admits children twice a year. Children with birthdays from September to February begin school in September. Children with birthdays from March to August begin school in January. There are 45 places available in total. The Reception class of the Foundation Unit admits children in September, but if your child’s birthday falls between March and August, you may choose to send him or her for a half day until January. There are 60 places available in total. Places in the Nursery and Reception classes are allocated through the Local Education Authority. You should receive an application pack through the Local Authority approximately a year before school entrance. Please note that a place in the Nursery section of Foundation does not automatically guarantee a place in Reception. You must make a separate application. If you have questions about admission, please contact the school office. As of July 2014, the school roll stood at 320 pupils.
Secondary Transfer During Year 6, you and your child will receive an information pack from the Local Education Authority about applying for secondary school. The pack will give you information about applying to secondary school, and will list dates and times when you can visit secondary schools. Children from Galley Hill have been admitted to a variety of secondary schools in the local area.
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Part 1: General Information
How is the school organised? Classes in the school are arranged into three main groups: The Foundation Unit, comprising Nursery and Reception classes Key Stage 1, comprising Years 1 and 2 Key Stage 2, comprising Years 3, 4, 5, and 6 Children are usually taught in mixed-age and mixed-year groups. As of September of 2014, Galley Hill has three classes for Year 1 and 2 pupils, three classes for Year 3 and 4 pupils, three classes for Year 5 and 6 pupils. Classes have no more than 30 pupils. Each class has its own teacher and a teaching assistant. The children are often split into smaller groups for instruction in Maths and English, in order to ensure that they are getting the individualized instruction they need. In the Foundation Unit, all children, whether they are in the Nursery, or Reception groups, take part in Foundation stage learning activities. The Foundation Unit staff work closely together to provide a curriculum that is fun and active, so that the children develop an eagerness to acquire knowledge. Key Stage 1 staff work closely together to plan lessons and develop a consistent approach to the children’s learning. They hold regular meetings with the Foundation Stage staff to discuss the needs of the children and ensure that each successive stage builds on the learning and experience gained in the previous years. Key Stage 2 staff also work closely together, particularly within their year groups. All aspects of the curriculum are planned by the whole staff, so that there is consistent practice throughout the school and so that the pupils progress in their skills and knowledge. A full list of staff is provided in Part 8 of this prospectus.
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Part 1: General Information
Our Facilities We have excellent facilities at Galley Hill Primary School and Nursery. The school has recently been renovated, so that classrooms are clean and fresh, and many classrooms are now double-glazed. The Foundation Stage children learn in large, bright classrooms which are joined by connecting doors. These doors are usually open so that children can choose from a variety of different learning activities. The Foundation Stage has a large covered outdoor area, so that children can participate in activities outside regardless of the weather. There is also a separate playground for the Foundation children. There are three classrooms available for Key Stage 1. The children have their own playground, with a grassed area. Key Stage 2 children have classrooms in a two-storey block. They also have their own large playground and an adventure play area. Galley Hill is fortunate to have extensive grounds. The field beside the Key Stage 2 playground provides space for football pitches and other games, and is marked for athletics in the summer. One section of the field has been designated as a “wildlife area,� and it is used for environmental studies, woodland school and outdoor lessons. There are also raised beds where our gardening club grows vegetables and flowers.
We have two halls which can be used for indoor P.E., assemblies, Christmas and summer plays, and other special activities. The Computer suite is well resourced, and is used for lessons and clubs. We also have a large number of laptop computers for use in the classrooms, and each classroom is fitted with an Interactive Whiteboard. Most classrooms also have class computers available for the children to use. Our library, too, is well-resourced, with a large selection of fiction and nonfiction books for all ages. Children are able to regularly borrow books from the library. Our new Food Technology area is fitted with a sink, cupboards, and a cooker. Children use the area during Technology lessons and for the Cooking Club.
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Part 2: School Life
Part 2: School Life School Hours 8.50am 10.45 – 11.00am 12.00 – 1.00pm 3.10pm 3.15pm
Registration Break Lunch School closes for Foundation and Key Stage 1 School closes for Key Stage 2
Nursery hours:
8.30 to 11.30am 12.30 to 3.30pm January
We ask that children arrive on time. Being punctual is important for both your child and for the rest of the class. Children line up in their playgrounds to be led into class by their teachers. As they hang up their coats and sort out their bags, children settle in to a familiar routine and become ready to participate in learning. A late arrival disturbs this routine and can unsettle both your child and the class as a whole. At the end of the school day, the children in the Foundation Area and Key Stage 1 stay in their classrooms with their teacher until a parent or carer is seen to be waiting outside to collect them. No child in Foundation or Key Stage 1 will be allowed to leave the classroom until someone is there to collect them. The school must be informed if the regular person is not collecting the child. In Key Stage 2, the children may meet their parent or carer on the playground.
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Part 2: School Life
School Uniform Our children look smart in their uniforms. Uniform may be bought each Monday at the school from 3 p.m. You may order uniform directly from the supplier, though there will be a delivery charge. Go to http://www.greatforschool.co.uk/, click on ‘looking for a particular school’ on the left-hand side of the page, select Galley Hill, enter the password FISH, then place your order. Trousers and dresses are available in the local shops. The school reserves the right to decide whether or not items of clothing, hairstyles and other articles brought into school are appropriate for a place of education. Extremes in hair styles, hair colour, any nail varnish or tattoos are not acceptable within school. The uniform is as follows: Charcoal grey/black skirt or pinafore dress Charcoal grey/black trousers or tailored shorts (Nursery & Preschool children may wear pull up trousers or track bottoms) White school polo shirt Blue sweatshirt, cardigan, or fleece Blue and white checked dresses Grey/black socks Grey/black/navy tights White socks for the summer Black shoes/black trainers PE kit: Royal blue T shirt Black shorts Trainers Black/navy tracksuit for winter use (optional)
Also available are a reversible rainjacket lined with fleece, book bags, and P.E. bags. Jewellery Galley Hill Primary School follows the Hertfordshire guidance on the wearing of jewellery. For health and safety reasons, no jewellery should be worn in school. If a child has pierced ears, one small pair of stud earrings will be allowed. During any physical activity, Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children must have their stud earrings covered with micropore tape, which should be supplied by parents. Key Stage 2 children must be able to remove their own earrings for all physical activities and provide their own small container in which to keep them safe. The school cannot take responsibility for them. Page 10
Part 2: School Life
School Meals We have an excellent catering team who provide high quality food. There is a choice of two hot meals or a packed lunch along with a salad bar. The emphasis is on healthy eating. Our cook is able to cater for special dietary needs if she is advised in advance. Parents can pay for school lunches either weekly on a Monday morning, half-termly or termly. The exact money should be sent to school in a sealed envelope marked clearly with the child’s name and class. Parents are asked to give two weeks notice in writing if they wish their child to change from school meals to packed lunches. If you think your child may be eligible for free school meals please speak to the school office. Children may bring a packed lunch from home. (Cans, glass bottles, fizzy drinks and sweets are not allowed.) Fruit The school is part of the ‘School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme’. This initiative ensures that all pupils in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 receive a free portion of fruit or vegetable daily, e.g. banana, apple, pear, satsuma, carrot or cucumber. Older children may bring in a piece of fruit to eat at morning break. Milk Milk is available to children free of charge until the term of their fifth birthday. Key Stage 1 children whose parents are in receipt of income support can also receive free milk. For those children in Key Stage 1 who are not entitled to free milk the charges vary from term to term but are approximately £14 per term. Drinking water is available in every classroom and the children are encouraged to bring in their own water bottles to drink from during the day.
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Part 2: School Life
School Rules The school has just six ‘Golden Rules’ which are: Do be kind and helpful – Don’t hurt people’s feelings. Do be gentle – Don’t hurt anyone. Do listen – Don’t interrupt. Do work hard – Don’t waste your or other people’s time. Do be honest – Don’t cover up the truth. Do look after property – Don’t waste or damage things.
Behaviour and Discipline The emphasis within the school is to create a caring and safe environment for everyone. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour and to recognise the impact it has on other members of the community. All adults working in the school aim to set an example of caring behaviour and respect for others, which we hope the children will perceive and follow. We have a Positive Behaviour Policy based on the Six Golden Rules, which are displayed in the classrooms and around the school. The children are taught that when these Golden Rules are broken, a system of sanctions comes into place. The sanctions are displayed in the classrooms so that the children are reminded of the consequences when they break the Golden Rules. A full copy of the School’s Positive Behaviour Policy may be obtained from the School Office or downloaded from the website. Parents, children, and the school enter into a Home-School Agreement each year. The agreement sets out the expectations we have for each group. For example, parents agree to ensure that children arrive at school on time, children agree to work hard and follow the Golden Rules, and the school promises to provide an appropriate curriculum and effective discipline. A full copy of the Home-School Agreement is available on the school website. Page 12
Part 2: School Life
Assemblies and Acts of Collective Worship Assemblies are held daily and, in line with the law, a majority of assemblies are broadly Christian in nature. The festivals of other religions and cultures are also acknowledged. Each week we celebrate the children’s achievements in their school work and in their behaviour. Awards that the children have gained in out-of-school activities are shared and applauded. The Right of Withdrawal Parents/carers do have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education lessons and from Acts of Worship. Parents/carers should first discuss the matter carefully with the Headteacher before giving the school written notification of their wishes. The Headteacher will be responsible for ensuring that any child withdrawn will be supervised. Suitable work will be provided by the class teacher.
School Houses
The children in Foundation, Key Stages 1 and 2 are divided into Houses. The School Council decided to name them after famous children’s authors and so they are: Dahl
Horowitz
Rowling
Wilson
The children earn House Points for good work, and these are applied towards an Inter-House competition. Sports Day points are tallied by House and a Sports trophy is awarded to the winning team. Page 13
Part 3: School and Home Links
Part 3: School and Home Links Visiting the School
If you would like to visit the school please contact the school office and an appointment will be made for you.
There are many opportunities for parents/carers to visit the school. These include Open Classrooms on the first Monday of the month, special assemblies, curriculum evenings, Parent Evenings and invitations to join your child in the classroom and work alongside them.
Letters and Text Messaging Regular newsletters are sent out via the children and are also placed on the website. These newsletters are a celebration of the work continuing within the school and also keep parents/carers up to date with school, Children’s Centre and Extended Schools information. All parents/carers with a mobile phone number held on our database can be contacted using our text-messaging service. The school uses text messaging to let you know about any immediate information. It will also be used if the school needs to be closed in an emergency, such as for a heavy fall of snow.
Emergency Contacts It is essential that the school is kept up to date with any changes to a child’s emergency contact details. Children do fall ill during the day and occasionally accidents happen in the playground, with the result we would need to contact an adult who will take responsibility for the child. Page 14
Part 3: School and Home Links
Meeting with Your Child’s Teacher The school holds two formal Parents’ Evenings during the year, in October and February, when you can meet with your child’s teacher to discuss progress and any other important issues. More informally, parents are welcome to have a brief word with the teacher at the end of the school day. If a longer discussion is needed, the teacher will make an appointment to meet with you at a mutually convenient time. The school asks that parents do not delay their child’s teacher at the beginning of the school day.
Assessments and Reports Children are formally assessed in SATs at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (Years 2 and 6), and these results form part of the child’s end of year report. The cumulative results for Key Stages 1 & 2 are found in Section 8. The teachers assess the children throughout the school year to ensure that they achieve their full potential and any difficulties are addressed. They will discuss your child’s progress at Parent Evening meetings. At the end of each school year, you will receive a detailed written report on your child’s progress. Reception and Nursery children are assessed throughout the year which enables the Foundation Stage staff to ensure all children are making at least the expected progress. At the end of the year the reception children are assessed using the Foundation Stage Profile and this is shared with parents at the end of the year.
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Part 3: School and Home Links
Homework Policy Homework is an important part of your child’s learning. It develops a child’s independent learning and sense of responsibility, and provides a way to practise the skills learned at school. The amount of homework given depends on which year group your child belongs to. The government guidelines for daily homework are as follows: Reception: Years 1 and 2: Years 3 and 4: Years 5 and 6:
10 20 20 20
minutes minutes minutes minutes
reading, reading, reading, reading,
10 10 20 30
minutes minutes minutes minutes
on on on on
other other other other
activities activities activities activities
Foundation Children in the Foundation Stage at Galley Hill regularly take home library books to share with their parents or carers. The books are changed frequently. We encourage you to read these books to your child, so that the child sees reading as enjoyable and something that he or she wants to do as well. We also provide ideas for fun activities that you can do with your child at Nursery and Reception parent meetings. These activities will help your child develop the concepts needed for Maths, develop the fine motor skills needed for handwriting, and develop the awareness of sounds that will prepare them for reading. In the Reception section of the Foundation Stage, children will also bring home a reading book for them to read to you. Listening to your child read, looking at the pictures together, helping your child to guess what might happen next, and discussing the story together are all important ways to help your child with his or her reading.
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Part 3: School and Home Links Homework Policy (Cont.d) Key Stage 1 Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) will also regularly bring a reading book home. Encourage your child to read to you frequently. You may write comments and questions about your child’s reading in your child’s Reading Journal, which your child’s teacher will check each week. Key Stage 1 children will visit the school library each week and choose a book to take home. They will also have spellings to learn each week. Additional homework may be set by the teacher. This may be to extend the work covered in English or Maths lessons, or to add to what is being learned in the topic work they are doing.
Key Stage 2 In Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6), children are expected to complete set homework tasks each week. These will include English, Maths, and Topic tasks, as well as spellings they should learn. Some children will also take home a school reading book. Even if your child is reading independently, you can help by occasionally listening to them read aloud. Learning multiplication tables is an essential part of Maths skills, and these need to be continually reinforced at home. As technology is now an important part of school and work life, homework tasks may be set that will require your child to use a computer and the Internet as tools for research and presentation. Pupils without a computer at home may use the school computers in the lunch hour during Homework Club. Pupils who do not finish their assigned homework may be required to complete it during Homework Club.
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Part 3: School and Home Links
Comments Complaints Compliments The school is very eager to listen to your comments about the work of the school. There are staff available on the playground before the start of the school day and at the end of the day.
PTA FROGS (Friends and Relatives of Galley Hill School), which was formed just after the school opened, has organised functions such as a Christmas Fair, Quiz night and Discos. In addition to raising funds to buy the extras which the school cannot afford through its normal budget, these events help build a school community.
Any concerns should be raised with the class teacher in the first instance. Only when a solution is not found should the concern be raised with the headteacher and the formal complaints procedure followed. A copy of this can be obtained from the school office.
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Part 4: Caring for Your Child
Part 4: Caring for Your Child Absence All absences from school must be reported by a phone call on the first day of absence. If this is not the case, the child’s absence will be recorded as unauthorised and this will be investigated by the Attendance Improvement Officer. Children should not be taken out of school for holidays during term time as this disrupts their education. If the absence is unavoidable, an application must be made to the school using the Leave of Absence form which is available from the School Office. Each application must be made at least two weeks before the absence and each one will be assessed on the child’s attendance record as to whether it is authorised or unauthorised. Any leave of absence which totals more than ten days in any academic year will be recorded as unauthorised.
Illness Children should only attend school if they are fit to do so. Children who have had a ‘stomach upset’ must stay off school for 48 hours following the last signs of the illness.You need to tell us if your child has an illness that carries risks for other people, particularly if it is chicken pox, mumps, measles, german measles, whooping cough or slapped cheek syndrome. This is important because we need to keep other parents informed. For other illnesses the doctors’ advice must be followed. For other illnesses the doctors’ advice must be followed.
Medicals
All children are screened for height, weight, sight and hearing when they are in Reception. Year 6 pupils have been taking part in a Government initiative to monitor weight. Medicals are not now given to all children but if a parent or the school has a concern the school medical service will offer advice.
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Part 4: Caring for Your Child
Medicine in School In accordance with the County’s Health & Safety Policy, we do not administer any medication to a child in school. If your child is finishing a course of antibiotics or is following any regime requiring treatment, this needs to be organised around the school day. Alternatively, you may come to the school to administer the medication to your child yourself during lunch time. In special circumstances, when a child is on a continuous long term dosage to be taken at regular intervals, arrangements can be made after consultation with the Headteacher.
Child Protection The school works in partnership with parents to support children in every possible way. The Children Act 1989 also places a clear responsibi lity to ensure that we work together with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. As a result, if concerns are raised within the school or a child or parent reports a situation involving possible abuse, we would not be able to guarantee confidentiality. It would have to be referred on to Children, Schools and Families (i.e. Social Services). This is in line with Government and Hertfordshire policies. Photographs of children may be taken during school activities. In the interest of security, names will not be included. Any parents who object to their child being included in a photograph should contact the school office. We expect that any photographs taken by parents at school activities are for personal, family use only. All adults who either work or help at the school have an enhanced CRB certificate.
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Part 4: Caring for Your Child
Parking and Road Safety A high proportion of our children walk to school. We remind children about the dangers of crossing roads and advise them to always use the Pelican Crossing or the Crossing Patrol. Also, please use the footpaths and do not take children to school through the parking area. Children in Years 5 & 6 are given the opportunity to attend a Cycling Proficiency Course. Parking is not allowed for parents in the school car park, except for those with a disabled child. When using the surrounding residential areas we asked that you park with consideration to those living near the school. There is a car park at the pavilion on Galley Hill which is only a short walk away from the school.
Lost Property All lost property which is labelled with a name is normally returned to the owner. Unfortunately, the school collects numerous items of un-named school uniform. If your child has lost any items, please ask at the office to look through the Lost Property Box. Any unclaimed items will be offered to parents for a donation towards the School Fund. These sales will take place after school by the Reception area or during Parents’ Evenings.
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Part 5: The Curriculum
Part 5: The Curriculum Galley Hill provides a curriculum that is broad and balanced, and that challenges the children to develop their abilities, skills, and understanding. We use a variety of methods to help the children learn effectively. At some times, the children must know how to be quiet and listen as the teacher presents a new fact or idea to the whole class. At other times, children may practice their new knowledge in an active way, either independently or as part of a small group. Some facts and knowledge are best learned in a fairly formal, but still imaginative, way. Basics such as phonics or number facts must be learned before the children can apply these skills independently to other important subjects. We thus expect children to be quiet at certain times and to talk meaningfully at other times. A classroom will not always be silent, but the noise will be busy and purposeful. Through policy documents and regular meetings, teachers work to ensure that there is a clear cohesion and relationship between subjects and that there is continuity and progression in all subjects from Foundation to Year 6.
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Part 5: The Curriculum
The National Curriculum The National Curriculum is established by the government, and is followed by schools throughout the country. Then National Curriculum sets out • the subjects that are taught in school • the knowledge, skills, and understanding required in each subject • the standards or attainment targets in each subject, which teachers use to measure progress and plan pupils’ next steps • how progress is assessed and reported. Within the National Curriculum framework, schools are free to plan the teaching and learning of pupils in whatever way best meets the needs of the pupils. At Galley Hill, English; Maths; Computing; Religious Education (RE); Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE), and French are taught as separate subjects. Other subjects, such as History, Geography, Science, Art, Design and Technology, and Music, are taught using topic based lessons.
Key Stages The National Curriculum is organized into Key Stages. There are four Key Stage, plus the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS covers education before age 5, Key Stage 1 covers children aged 5 to 7 in Years 1 and 2, and Key Stage 2 covers children aged 7 to 11 in Years 3 through 6. Key Stages 3 and 4 are dealt with at secondary school. Children’s progress is assessed in national tests (SATs) at the end of Key Stage 1 and again at the end of Key Stage 2.
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Part 5: The Curriculum
Foundation Stage
The Foundation Stage Curriculum is the basis for all of your child’s future learning. It is divided into seven areas of learning: Personal, Social, and Emotional Development Communication and Language English Mathematics Understanding of the World Physical Development Expressive arts and design The emphasis is on fun, practical activities in which children develop enquiring minds and become eager to acquire knowledge. Practical, “hands-on� activities allow the children to see how things work, and this forms the basis on which they will later be able to understand more abstract concepts. The adults in the Unit are trained to discuss the activities with the children in order to help them develop their language skills and a wider vocabulary. We nurture early reading skills by enjoying stories together, and the children begin learning to associate sounds and letters. Children cannot learn to write until their muscles have developed fully. In the Foundation Unit there are many activities that allow the children to develop both their large and fine muscle movements. These lead in to practising pencil control and eventually the children will engage in formal handwriting activities.
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Part 5: The Curriculum
English English is an important part of the school curriculum. There is a daily English lesson in all years. The children in the Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, and lower Key Stage 2 are taught phonics through the Letters and Sounds structured scheme. Other reading strategies are also introduced, so that the children know how to tackle new words with confidence. As the children’s reading improves, we encourage them to read with expression. Every class sets aside time for reading activities each day. Children can get great pleasure from sharing books, both fiction and non-fiction, listening to stories and it is our aim to give our children the skills and desire to enjoy books for themselves. The children are taught to write for a variety of purposes. They produce stories, poems, factual accounts, and instructions. They also learn the correct conventions of language, including the difference between formal and informal writing. In addition, all of the children in Years 1 to 6 take part in Big Writing once a week. This allows them time to develop key writing skills and supports them in sustaining writing for longer. Parents are offered the opportunity to support their children with this as ‘Talk Homework’ is sent home the day before so that the writing task can be discussed and ideas generated. Spelling is taught in a way that closely links it to handwriting. Research has shown that children who write with neat, joined handwriting tend to have a higher spelling age. Thus, children from Year 1 are taught to join their letters, and formal handwriting lessons take place throughout the school. The children are taught to learn their spelling words by the “Look, Cover, Write, and Check” method. We place a strong emphasis on speaking and listening throughout all curriculum areas, and the children are encouraged to take part in discussions. Page 25
Part 5: The Curriculum
Maths It is important that children become numerate and confident with mathematics. Our aim is that the pupils leave Galley Hill able to handle mathematics with ease, confidence and enjoyment, and able to solve real-life problems. Mathematics is taught in daily Maths lessons, which include whole-class teaching and group work. The lessons are designed to be fun and capture the children’s interest. We put a strong emphasis on mental mathematics, so that the children become more agile in handling numbers. As much as possible, the children learn concepts such as shape, space, measurement, and time through practical activities. We allow the children time to investigate problems thoroughly, so that they develop logical thinking, inventiveness, flexibility, accuracy, and spatial awareness. It is important that the children learn to communicate their ideas clearly and listen to and consider the ideas of others.
Computing The children are growing up in a world which is dependent upon technology. Therefore in school we educate the children to use technology in order to access, store and process information with growing independence. They will use programmes for word processing, publishing, art/design and information handling, use a simple database and begin simple programming. They are taught to search the Internet as a resource for learning, to use e-mail, and to incorporate scanned information and digital pictures into their work. All classes have access to laptop computers for use throughout the curriculum. There is also a computer suite which each class use once a week for a Computing lesson. Page 26
Part 5: The Curriculum
Physical Education If children are to grow into healthy adults they need regular exercise. Every class has some form of physical activity twice a week. Over the course of the year this will include outdoor and indoor games, gymnastics, dance and athletics. All Key Stage 2 children go swimming for at least half a term each year. There are additional voluntary sporting activities for Key Stage 1 and 2 children during lunch times and after school. Team games are important in developing a child’s social skills and learning to work together. The school takes part in sports and games with other local schools.
Personal, Social, and Health Education
Through Personal, Social and Health Education, the children cover physical health, hygiene and drug education as well as issues to do with emotional and social development. We seek to equip each child with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes which will help them cope successfully with their present and future lives. Many of these issues are also covered within other areas of the curriculum. Questions about sex and reproduction are discussed as they arise, whether as part of lessons or individual discussion. Due respect is shown to the different faiths of the children in the school and to the fact that children come from many different home experiences. Children in Year 6 watch a video that explains the facts of life sensitively, and afterwards they have the chance to ask questions of the school nurse. Parents have the opportunity to preview the video. Page 27
Part 5: The Curriculum
Religious Education The school follows the Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, which focuses on the development of a knowledge of Christianity whilst raising the awareness of other world religions such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. All pupils learn about the beliefs and teachings, practices and lifestyles, and values and commitments of these religions. The syllabus encourages pupils to respond to information, evaluate what they have learned, and ask questions.
Equal Opportunities Every child at Galley Hill has the right to equal access to the curriculum and the right to be treated with courtesy, care and respect. We are particularly concerned that everyone, adults and children, understands and respects backgrounds, abilities and cultures that might be different from their own.
Special Educational Needs Our school aims to give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential. We identify children with learning or behavioural difficulties, ranging from minor difficulties through to problems which require a high level of individual care. When necessary, additional support is provided, depending on the individual child’s need. This will be decided after thorough and careful assessment and by discussions between the teacher, parents and the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). Other members of staff may be called in when and where appropriate. Parents are consulted and involved at every stage and no decisions are made without their prior consent. All children are special, but there are occasions when certain children show a particular gift or talent in one or more areas of the curriculum. Further assessment takes place so that the child is supported and develops that talent.
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Part 6: Extra-Curricular Activities
Part 6: Extra-Curricular Activities Clubs Galley Hill has a variety of clubs available to the different age groups, led by various members of staff. Some clubs are held after school, and others are held during lunchtimes. The clubs may change each term, but among the clubs currently on offer are Football, T e n n i s , Gardening, C o m p u t e r , Art and Drama. Last year Galley Hill entered the Rock Challenge and performed very well in a recreation of the first man to walk on the moon in 1969.
Music Children have Music lessons every week delivered by a class teacher. These centre around listening to music and making music. This may include singing, playing instruments, composing and responding to what they have heard. The children enjoy taking part in the weekly singing assemblies. These include the chance to learn songs from around the world, traditional songs, popular songs and seasonal songs. They can also choose to join Singing Cub where there is an opportunity to learn a variety of pop songs and songs from films and musicals. Children in Year 4 also have a very special opportunity to learn the violin for a whole year free of charge. This is really something which can deepen their musical understanding and build a love of playing music. Other children can also choose to take violin lessons at a cost. During their time at Galley Hill, we aim to give the children access to a wide variety of music from all cultures and backgrounds and encourage them to investigate and develop their own tastes as they grow.
School Trips The children’s learning is extended by taking them on Educational Visits as part of their curriculum. Places visited have included Kew Gardens, Coventry Cathedral, The National Gallery, Hudnall Park and The Roald Dahl Museum. The children in Year 6 have the opportunity to take part in a residential trip to an outdoor activity centre, which provides them with opportunities to extend their physical abilities in activities such as abseiling, orienteering, archery and raft building. Page 29
Part 7: Managing the School Headteacher & teachers
Teaching Assistants
Other Staff
Headteacher:
Miss C. Isaac
HLTA’s:
Deputy Headteacher:
Mrs E. Birch
Mrs J. Collins Miss C. Carfrae Mrs K. Dance Mrs A. Lee Mrs N. Waters
Midday Supervision:
Assistant Headteacher: INCo, SENCo’S:
Miss S. Elsey
TA’s:
Teachers:
Mrs F. Birtchnell Mrs L. Cook Mrs L. Jackson Ms S. Handel
Mrs J. Dowling Mrs J. Field Mrs P. Heron Mr R. Kain Mrs S. Lawrence Miss K. Pauling Mrs H. Payne Miss A Prince Miss C. Orton Miss H. Reynolds Mrs G. Ringrose Mrs S. Sharples Mrs L. Smyth Miss H. Williams
Mrs J. Channer Mrs J. Dowling Mrs J. Field Mrs D. Fry Mrs S. Lawrence Mrs A. Marks Mrs N. Morton Mrs H. Reardon Mrs M. Russell Mrs S. Sharples Miss T. Stanbridge Mrs J. Tankard Mrs H. Trueman Mrs J. Williams Miss L. Williams Mrs S. Woods
Administration:
Mrs A. Aldwinckle Miss M. Ambrose Mrs G. Teakle Mrs M. Cole
Site team:
Mr P. Barton Mrs D. Craig Mrs C. Lawrence Mrs A. Marks Mrs H. Reardon
Mrs M. Bull Mrs L. Jackson
Miss E. Hosein Dr J. Inglis Miss S. Maloney Mrs K. MacDonald Miss A. Penning Miss K. Read Miss E. Simmons Mrs D. Spooner Miss S. White
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Part 7: Managing the School
The Governing Body
Chair: Vice Chair: Governors:
Mr B. Robins Mrs J. Leonard Miss C. Isaac (Head) Mrs K. Cleveland Marwick Mrs K. Edwards Mr C. Sanders Mrs E. Birch Mrs D. Spooner Mrs G. Ringrose Parent Governor 1 * Parent Governor 2 * Parent Governor 3*
* Galley Hill School adheres to the safeguarding protocols in place for all governors
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Part 8: Useful Information
Part 8: Useful Information Term Dates Inset and Occasional days to be arranged Autumn term 2015 Wednesday 2nd September Thursday 3rd September – Friday 23rd October
Inset Day 1st half Autumn Term
Monday 26th October – Friday 30h October
HALF TERM
Monday 2nd November – Friday 18th December Friday 27th November – Occasional day
2nd half Autumn Term Occasional day
Spring term 2015 Monday 4th January Tuesday 6th January – Friday 12th February
Inset Day 1st half Spring Term
Monday 15th – Friday 19th February Friday 25th March 2016 Monday 28th March 2016
HALF TERM Bank holiday Bank Holiday
Summer term 2015 Monday 18th April – Friday 27th May Monday 5th May Monday 30th– Friday 3rd June Monday 6th June – Thursday 25th July Friday 17th June Friday 22nd July Monday 25th July
1st half Summer Term May Bank Holiday HALF TERM 2nd half Summer Term Inset day Inset day Inset day
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Part 8: Useful Information
SATs Results KS2 SATS These tables are the first release provisional results and show the percentages of Year 6 pupils achieving each level compared to the national results for 2013. Test Results
Reading
Level 4 and above
Level 5
School
100%
64%
-
National
86%
45%
-
Writing
95%
Making expected progress Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
School
96%
64%
5%
National
74%
48%
2%
Mathematics
School
100%
55%
18%
National
85%
41%
7%
Making expected progress
Teacher Assessment (TA)
Level 6
100%
Level 4 and above
Level 5
Level 6
School
100%
55%
14%
National
83%
30%
-
Making expected progress
100%
Level 4 and above Reading, Writing (TA) and Maths
School
100%
National
76%
Ofsted Results http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/108635 Page 33