Thomas A Becket 2011

Mr J. Gadd M.A., B.Ed. (Hons), Headteacher Dear Parent/Carer Thank you for requesting information about our school.

We are a very large middle school and believe that the diversity and resources this brings, benefits every child.

Welcome We are a caring and secure school family – everyone is known at Thomas A Becket Middle. Our continuing success and outstanding reputation are based on the strong, co-operative partnership between children, staff, parents, governors and members of the local community.

We expect the highest standards of behaviour and appearance at all times, both on site and to and from school.

We aim to help each child develop as a successful learner, confident individual and responsible citizen and develop their capabilities to the full, learning to respect others, express themselves with fluency and confidence, and understand the world in which they live.

This prospectus can only provide a snapshot of what life is like at Thomas A Becket Middle School and is no substitute for a visit.

We look forward to meeting both you and your child.

Yours sincerely John Gadd (Headteacher) Lance Cradduck (Chair of Governors)

Introduction Thomas A Becket Middle School is one of the largest Middle Schools in the UK with approximately 770 pupils on roll, aged 8 – 12 years, arranged in 24 classes. It has also been recognised as one of the best schools of its type in the country.

As an Investors in People organisation the school attracts outstanding staff. With 41 teachers, an additional 29 Learning Support staff and 13 administrative and welfare staff the adult/pupil ratio is significantly enhanced.

The most recent Ofsted inspection was held in January 2008 and stated that we continued to be a good school with many outstanding features. Governors, parents and staff have a strong and productive partnership which enhances community links.

There is a thriving Friends of the School association which has recently raised significant funds to help develop the school’s music, Food Technology, sports facilities and playground resources.

The school is situated on the northern central part of Worthing, just at the foot of the South Downs and a mile from the sea.

The designated area the school serves is centred around the village of Tarring which has many historical buildings. It is a favoured catchment area with a strong community identity.

Sports, music and drama are also strengths of the school. The school orchestra, choir and drama groups put on productions regularly. Thomas A Becket are sporting champions of the Worthing area in many different activities: cross-country, swimming, athletics, football and netball to name a few.

Professional coaches support club activities to produce high standards in more specialised aspects of work such as gym and dance. The school currently offers up to 30 extra-curricular clubs each week. These take place during lunchtimes, before and after school. We have “Activemark Gold” status – another National Award of distinction.

There is a healthy demand for places in our school, and it has been the case in recent years that more places are applied for than the number of places we can accommodate.

Founded in 1985, when two smaller schools were amalgamated and relocated to its present site, the school has excellent facilities. There is spacious accommodation and excellent facilities which include 24 class bases, a Science Lab, 2 Tech/ Art rooms, Library, Gym, Food Technology room, 3 ICT suites, Music/Drama room, Art Studio, 2 special needs rooms as well as administrative accommodation.

All teaching rooms have interactive whiteboard facilities.

The school offers all subjects of the National Curriculum but the specialist teaching, particularly in Years 6 and 7 where teaching groups are much smaller, is a recognised strong feature of the school’s provision.

“The Thomas A Becket Way” Curriculum Statement The prime aim of our curriculum is to organise children’s learning to promote independence, excellence, perseverance, self discipline, and a lifelong love of learning. We believe it is vital that the learning within the curriculum supports the development of self-confidence, inter-dependence, cooperation and high self-esteem.

We aim to maximise each child’s learning potential by recognising children’s differences and by providing appropriate motivation, challenge and support through the highest quality of teaching.

We aim to ensure progression and continuity through effective inter-school liaison, and learn with and from others through network learning.

Our curriculum is personalised as a result of ongoing assessment at many different levels and in many different ways. Children are involved in recognising what they need to do to improve and how they can achieve their personal best.

Personal achievements are celebrated.

Our curriculum is balanced, broadly based and relevant, based on appropriate meaningful rich learning experiences.

It nurtures creativity and encourages the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of each child, and prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life. It aims to ensure that all children develop appropriate levels of attainment in English, Maths and ICT. As a Middle School our curriculum is enhanced through the use of specialist teaching and facilities. Each subject’s specific

skills and knowledge are valued and protected. Wherever possible, we aim to develop and maximise meaningful links between subject areas in order that the learning becomes a coherent whole for the children.

We aim to provide access to a wide variety of educational opportunities that offer each child challenge, enjoyment and success – a dynamic curriculum that carefully considers individual needs. We aim to ensure that the curriculum is well matched to individual children’s needs and is intellectually and personally challenging.

We aim to ensure equal access and opportunity to this curriculum, regardless of background, ability, gender or race.

We encourage the involvement of parents and carers in their child’s learning, as well as community involvement to help show “learning is for life.”

The principle of life-long learning underpins our curriculum.

We believe an essential feature of schooling is to learn how to learn. We aim to help pupils to become more intelligent and independent learners by promoting an understanding of learning; positive attitudes to learning; the confidence to take the initiative and to take risks in their own learning; the ability to reflect on, and improve their own learning; and the ability to thrive in the context of the new and the unexpected.

SCHOOL AIMS Relationships

Learning

We encourage respect for self and others and provide a framework for mutual support in our school community.

We recognise that all members of the school have the right to learn, achieve and realise their full potential for growth.

We recognise that everyone’s contribution to our school is significant whatever their level of ability and particular skill.

We provide a range of quality learning experiences.

We foster and encourage the growth of everyone’s self esteem.

We ensure that everyone is cared for and shares in the responsibility to care for others.

Environment We provide a safe and secure learning environment, which ensures opportunities to learn and develop effectively.

The environment inspires, enriches and enhances learning opportunities.

Achievement We take pride in all aspects of achievement We value the qualities of self-motivation, responsibility and perseverance.

The School ethos, learning experiences and environment will have lasting influence on our children, to the benefit of the wider community.

Our aims are real!

School Uniform Girls: Winter – White blouse or shirt, royal blue sweatshirt, royal blue tie, grey skirt, pinafore dress or ‘classic cut’ non stretch grey trousers, white socks or royal blue/natural tights, sensible brown or black flat shoes.

Summer – royal blue/white candy stripe dress.

Boys: White shirt, royal blue sweatshirt, royal blue tie, grey trousers short or long, sensible black or brown shoes (not trainers) School uniform can be purchased from our school shop (see separate sheet) All items of clothing must be clearly named .

Charging for School Activities The school policy for charging is in line with that of West Sussex Local Authority. The basic principle, which the school operates, is that all education provided within school time should be free of charge. However, educational visits undertaken by children attending the school, and visits to the school by outside speakers, theatre groups etc, are over and above the strict requirements laid down within the National Curriculum and can only be funded from voluntary contributions by parents.

Anyone experiencing financial difficulties should contact the Headteacher. These requests are always dealt with in total confidence.

School Discipline Good behaviour is of great importance and greatly affects the general running of the school. Honesty, kindness and teamwork are positively encouraged and politeness and thoughtfulness for others are core to the school’s ethos. Children are taught good manners and are expected to be respectful, hard working and tidily dressed in school uniform.

The school has well structured work habits supported by thorough organisation and positive attitudes. We reward and praise the children as often as possible, and house points, school certificates and the weekly roll of honour also provide powerful incentives.

Causes for Concern Parents are consulted at an early stage when a child’s behaviour or standard of work causes concern. A pupil may be monitored

closely with a report written up each day, kept behind after school or given extra tasks to perform. Very serious offences such as bullying, abuse of staff or theft are not tolerated and parents will be contacted immediately. Parents share in the responsibility for how their child behaves in school and we rely on positive parental support. If there are differences of opinion, these are resolved in private discussion between parents and staff.

Thomas A Becket has a strong reputation for the way our children behave and there are few problems that cannot be solved by a determined, powerful and positive alliance between home and school.

Children’s Health If your child has any medical problems such as hearing or speech difficulties, or suffers potentially dangerous conditions such as asthma, epilepsy or nut allergy, please ensure that you tell us so that arrangements can be made for medicines to be administered. All medicines must be clearly marked with the child’s name, dosage and times for administering it and accompanied by a note from a parent or carer to ensure that these instructions cannot be misunderstood.

Children with acute infections should not normally be in school until the treatment is complete and the child has fully recovered. Sometimes a child may appear to have recovered before their course of medicine is finished. In these cases, it is usually possible to arrange the dosage schedule so that medication does not need to be given in school.

Admission Arrangements

School Organisation

Thomas A Becket Middle School is categorised as a Community School and the age range of the children is 8 – 12 years.

Children are usually grouped on the basis of age into classes of 32. Each year group is divided into six classes with Year 4 catering for children aged 8-9, Year 5, 9-10, Year 6, 10-11 and Year 7, 11-12 year olds. A senior member of staff is nominated as year leader to oversee the learning, support and well being for everyone in the year group, provide help to children who experience learning difficulties and a direct link with parents.

Admissions for Year 4 children starting in September are the responsibility of the Local Authority and applications should be made through their offices at: Education Office (South) Pupils Admissions Office Centenary House, Durrington Lane Worthing, BN13 2QB. Tel: 01903 270290 Fax: 01903 839214 Email: admissions.south@westsussex.gov.uk Under the Education Act, parents can express a preference for a particular school, but do not have a right to choose a school. The West Sussex Education Authority does, however, make every effort to meet parental preference where possible. Further information is contained in the Authority’s booklet ‘Information for Parents,’ a copy of which is available from the Admissions Office. Further information can also be gained from the West Sussex Grid for Learning – www.westsussex.gov.uk/Education If you have moved to the area and you wish your child to attend Thomas A Becket Middle School, please contact the Admissions Office at the address above.

Visits to the school prior to making an application are very welcome. Please phone 01903 202268 to make an appointment.

Children in Years 4 and 5 spend most of their time with one class teacher before graduating to more specialised teaching in Science, French, Spanish and German, PE and Games, Music, Technology and Food Technology in Years 6 and 7.

Working in Partnership The support and help that we receive from parents in school is invaluable. Parents help us with practical lessons, accompany classes on day and residential trips, help in the library and hear readers. Parents also join us on a regular basis to share in class assemblies and year or whole school performances.

As well as regular parents consultation evenings we also hold a large number of other curriculum events, open school sessions and parents’ meetings.

There is a very active ‘Friends of the School’ Association comprising of school staff, parents and friends. The aim of the Association is to organise social and fundraising events throughout the school year. The proceeds directly benefit all the children who attend the school.

Regular events include a professional fireworks display, Christmas Fair, Summer Fair and end of term disco.

In the last 3 years the Friends of the School Association has raised over £40,000.

All of these activities promote a strong sense of family spirit, team work and involve the whole school community, providing great satisfaction and pleasure for both the adults and the children. They represent a practical expression of the partnership which exists between home and school in the best interests of the children.

Parents are also represented on the school Governing Body.

Their names can be found in the accompanying Appendix and they can be contacted via the Headteacher’s PA/Clerk to the Governors at school.

Art Art is an enjoyable and enriching experience and children are given every opportunity to observe, record and extend their knowledge through a variety of creative activities to teach them the formal elements of Art and Design.

Working with paper, pencils, fabrics, inks, paints and pastels they learn to draw and interpret natural objects and manufactured products, as well as produce 3-dimensional models in a variety of materials.

They will also learn about famous artists, their styles and their work by looking at examples of art from other cultures and eras.

Art education helps children to develop their ability to express themselves and supports learning right across the curriculum. For most children, it is one of their most enjoyable subjects and we maximise on this to provide a programme of activities that will continue to stretch their imagination and stimulate their curiosity for the rest of their lives.

The school also has a fully equipped Art Studio, providing more space and resources, which has increased the opportunities for children’s creativity.

Geography

History

Children today are more aware of the world and events than ever before. Geography provides them with an understanding of their own immediate area, places they have travelled to, the variations in culture, and the human and physical processes that shape their development. It also extends their interest beyond any direct experience and puts in context the activities in countries they hear about, see on television, or study in another subject area such as History or RE.

History provides an understanding of how our lifestyle has evolved. The way we live today has been shaped directly by the way people lived in the past, and by understanding the present in terms of time gone by, History lessons give children a sense of identity. They learn about the origins of places they know, and about beliefs, values and customs, which form the fabric of their day-to-day living.

The National Curriculum study programme covers four key elements: • Geographical skills and enquiry • Knowledge and understanding of places • Knowledge and understanding of patterns and processes • Knowledge and understanding of environmental change in sustainable development Children develop an awareness of all these elements through a range of school activities, often formulating enquiries of their own. Field trips and visits assist this and several will take place to relevant sites during the school programme. Map work is basic to any geographical study and children will work to refine their map reading as they progress through school.

History also contributes to a child’s knowledge and understanding of countries and cultures in the wider world as well as enriching other subject areas. The National Curriculum study programme is arranged as follows: Year 4

Romans

Year 5

Life in Tudor Times

Year 6

Egyptians Victorians

Year 7

World War I Medieval Realms

Information Communication Technology Children have plenty of access to computers thanks to 3 dedicated ICT suites equipped with a total of 55 high quality PCs. Additionally there are portable trolleys containing 32 laptops with computers also in each classroom. These are all networked to a separate server linked to the world-wide-web, which the children are taught under careful supervision to search for information directly related to their topics. A filter system ensures access to suitable sites.

Pupils are taught to use scanners and digital cameras to enhance the presentation of their work, and are taught to use a wide variety of multimedia programmes, which relate to subjects right across the curriculum.

Pupils also access the TAB Moodle. This is a free, online computer learning system, also known as a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Children can log onto the Moodle to access their homework, quizzes and presentations about their learning, and relevant web links. They can also chat safely online with other pupils at TAB.

Modern Foreign Languages We see languages as a lifelong skill, to be used for work and for pleasure, and to promote and encourage a broader cultural understanding.

We celebrate other languages spoken by children in the school and encourage every child to reflect upon their own cultural identities and those of other people. We hold the International Schools Award – Intermediate Level, which reflects the wide range of intercultural projects undertaken throughout the school.

Our aim is to enable children to communicate confidently with French speaking people, and gain an understanding of their culture and way of life.

French is taught throughout the school. In Year 7 we introduce Spanish and German too, which enables children to make rich comparisons between languages.

Language lessons emphasise enjoyment, expression and communication, providing many varied opportunities for children to interact with the language. Children join in with singing, reciting rhymes and responding to stories. They create mimes and sketches and take part in role plays and conversations. They play games, solve puzzles and make use of computer activities. Listening and speaking skills are reinforced through reading and writing.

Language work is integrated with learning in other subject areas where possible. For example, children in Year 4 look at the life of a Roman soldier and in Year 6 they study an Egyptian myth – in French!

In Year 5 many of the children travel to France for a one week residential visit, providing the opportunity to experience at first hand something of French culture and to practise the language for real purposes. For those who remain in school there is a lively week of language based activities.

Music The school has a thriving music and performing arts department, providing children with the opportunities to sing, dance and play a wide variety of instruments. Children have a weekly lesson in the well resourced music room, which is equipped with 16 electronic keyboards, several guitars and a selection of percussion instruments including 2 full drum kits.

Instruments lessons are provided by both County and private music teachers who provide instruction in woodwind, brass, guitars, keyboards, percussion and string instruments.

Children are taught to compose and perform music that links to other areas of the curriculum. Year 5, for example, will study Tudor music and link this to their history studies; Year 6 use their Victorian topic to inspire performances in the style of Victorian Music Hall.

We also have a thriving orchestra, several choirs, recorder groups, rock band, samba band and 2 gifted and talented groups, which all perform throughout the year. The choirs and samba band, in particular, perform at various local venues and for local charities. They have also been invited to sing at Covent Garden. The highlight of the year is a concert showcasing all of these groups at the Assembly Hall, which involves around 200 children.

Choir and Orchestra The school places great value on Music and the Performing Arts. The orchestra rehearses one morning each week. There is a Year 4 choir, Year 5 choir and an upper school choir as well as a Year 7 chamber group, all of whom meet once a week.

The choirs and orchestra perform in assemblies and visit local venues to entertain the community and raise money for charity. They also perform to and run a workshop with our main feeder First School.

Physical Education PE contributes a great deal to the physical, social development and self confidence of children, and the principles of health and fitness are taught within other areas of the curriculum such as Science. We champion both cooperative and competitive aspects and provide a wide range of challenging activities including athletics, cross-country, dance, gymnastics, swimming and games.

The school has a well equipped gymnasium, extensive playing fields and hard play areas and we maintain close links with outside organisations such as Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Sussex County Cricket Club and Worthing Rugby Club which organise ‘taster’ sessions for the children.

Pupils have the opportunity to represent their class, house and school at individual and team sports, when boys and girls play alongside each other in nearly all team games. Our school has a very successful record at inter-school and county tournaments and we participate in football and netball leagues, cricket, hockey, netball and rugby tournaments.

PE kit consists of a coloured house T-shirt and royal blue shorts. Gum shields are strongly recommended for hockey; shin pads are also required for football and hockey activities.

Recent successes are shown in the accompanying documents.

Sport is a vital part of the school curriculum and we judge success, not only by the standards set, but the number of children who are keen to take part.

Religious Education We teach Religious Education according to the 2008 West Sussex Agreed Syllabus.

We aim to develop an awareness of the Christian religion as well as learning about some of the traditions and beliefs of other major faiths.

Through a variety of activities and discussion, we aim to ensure that the children develop an understanding of other cultures, and how the everyday practices of people of a variety of faiths impact on their own and others’ lives. In year 7, we encourage the students to deepen their understanding as they consider their own beliefs about some of life’s ‘big questions’ such as ‘Why am I here?’ or ‘What do I believe about God?’. We encourage the children to explore what faith brings to the life of the individual and community.

Where possible, we aim to develop links between RE and the other topics taught in each year group. For example,

the year 4 students discuss Hinduism as they study India. In year 6, we learn about the belief and practices of Judaism following a study of Moses and the Ancient Egyptians. The year 7 students will learn about ‘sacred spaces’ such as quiet gardens and relaxation rooms before including them in their Worthing redevelopment project.

School assemblies follow themes that are broadly Christian in nature and develop a sense of self, community, spirituality and environment. These assemblies are underpinned by the school’s core values.

We arrange visits to the local church and invite speakers from the other faiths to come and share how their beliefs impact their daily lives. We hope to foster mutual respect and understanding.

Representatives from the local churches maintain contact with the school and speak at assemblies throughout the year. Parents/guardians/carers may withdraw their child from Religious Education and acts of Collective Worship if they so wish. If this is the case, please contact the Headteacher to arrange a meeting to discuss the beliefs and practices from which you wish your child to be excluded.

Science Science forms a major part of the curriculum. The content of this work forms the basis of a broad and balanced scientific experience through practical activities and scientific experiments. The areas of study for each child include: Classifying and changing materials, separating mixtures and materials, life processes, living things, human and plant life, ecosystems, electricity, forces and motion, light and sound, the earth and beyond.

The teaching is carefully structured so that the scientific experiences of the younger children are associated with home and the school environments.

We also link Science into other topics. For example, in Year 4, pupils investigate the properties of materials used by the Romans in Britain.

During Year 7, the children enjoy the benefits of our fully equipped Science laboratory and consider wider technological aspects and problem solving.

Activities include heating chemicals with a Bunsen burner, using acids and alkalis, studying cells through a microscope and testing sailboats in a wind tunnel.

We aim to make pupils more confident and able to investigate the world around them through questioning, planning, predicting, measuring and presenting their results. They also develop skills in interpreting results and making conclusions to help them in their understanding. In addition, we encourage pupils to make models to solve problems and understand scientific issues as part of lessons or our annual Science Week. These have included making rocket cars powered by fizzy drinks and a greenhouse made out of 2,000 recycled plastic bottles!

Personal, Social, Health and Sex and Relationship Citizenship Education (PSHCE) Education PSHCE helps pupils develop the knowledge and understanding to lead confident, healthy, independent lives, as well as become active, informed and responsible citizens. Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum, contributing fully to the life of their school and community. In doing so, they learn to recognise their own worth, work well with others and become increasingly responsible for their own learning.

They will reflect on these experiences and learn to understand how they are developing personally and socially, while tackling many of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. They also find out more about the main political and social institutions that affect their lives, responsibilities, rights and duties both as individuals and as a member of the community. They will learn to understand and respect our common humanity, diversity and differences so that they can go on to form effective, fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning.

Pupils in Year 7 are given the opportunity to stand for election to become a Youth Cabinet member for West Sussex. They write a manifesto and share this for others to vote on during the election period early in the Spring term. The schools’ Democracy Award runs alongside this where schools can attain either a Gold, Silver or Bronze level dependent on the percentage of young people who vote. In 2009 Thomas A Becket was awarded a Gold Award (the only Middle School in West Sussex to receive an award) which was presented at Portcullis House in London, and collected by two students who had been voted in as Youth Cabinet members and one who was elected as a National Youth Parliament member. In 2010 the Gold Award was again won by the school and presented to the school by Tim Loughton MP.

Our programme for sex and relationship education was developed from extensive consultation between staff, Governors, parents and pupils. Our overriding aim is to help and support the children through their physical, emotional, social and moral development.

It may be taught discretely, and often in the context of other subjects including Literacy, RE and Science.

We follow the guidelines set down by the DfE and the national framework for Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education. The themes have been carefully chosen to ensure continuity and progression across the school. In Year 4, these include friendships, bullying and the family. During Year 5, pupils learn about the stages of life, changes associated with puberty and personal hygiene as part of a ‘Body Topic.’

Friendships and bullying issues are also reinforced. These subjects are carried forward to Year 6 when pupils are also introduced to reproduction, conception and peer pressure.

Year 7 students continue to focus on these themes but will also consider gender issues, stereotyping and taking responsibility within relationships.

Our policy and teaching plans are available for inspection on request and parents and children are kept informed by letter of the subjects being covered each term.

Special Educational Needs Our overriding aim is to help all children achieve to their full potential, whatever their ability. Some children require extra attention to achieve this and we do our utmost to provide extra teaching and/or modified programmes to help them to move forward. The school has an Assistant Headteacher – Inclusion and Community Partnership who organises the support for children experiencing difficulties with reading, writing or Mathematics or who have English as a second language.

The school follows the guidelines set out in the Government’s Special Needs Code of Practice. We are committed to early identification of special needs. There is a staged response starting with the area of concern being investigated. The child’s progress is closely monitored. If appropriate progress is not being made, the child is then placed on School Action and the needs are set out in an Individual Education Plan (IEP) with details of additional support given. If further assessment is required, the child then moves to School Action Plus and receives additional support in or out of class.

We also employ social skills groups with support from the County, to improve a child’s self-esteem, self-motivation and confidence with others.

We also have a therapist on call to provide speech and language sessions.

The school’s monitoring and screening programme also identifies those with special abilities. One teacher is responsible for developing their skills with courses arranged within the County as well as at school.

Very Able/Gifted and Talented Pupils When planning, our teachers take particular care that work is differentiated so that activities are given to challenge, stimulate and extend all children, always aiming to take into account those with a special talent.

Children are split into ability groups for Mathematics in order to extend and support the variety of needs across the Year Groups. We also employ additional members of staff who support us in specific areas to ensure those children who are very able have their needs met.

We identify pupils’ skills and talents in every subject, and across every area from Music to Sport, Leadership to Empathy, ICT to Drama.

However, it is always of help if you and your child advise us of any particular interests or hobbies s/he enjoys or excels at outside of school as this would enable us to help develop their interests even further.

We are very aware that all children have particular needs and talents. To this end, we are able to offer a huge variety of clubs, trips and events to allow children to excel at their particular area of interest.

Clubs include a huge range of sports, music and art, as well as photography, sewing and so many more. Enrichment trips and events are organised very regularly, and include residential trips in Year 5 to France, Year 6 (specifically for Very Able/ Gifted and Talented Pupils) to the Isle of Wight, and in Year 7 to Liddington, Wiltshire.

The Local Authority run a variety of enrichment courses and we put children forward who would benefit from these. These courses also provide an opportunity to work with children from other schools.

Activities such as District Sports fixtures and events, the Music Concert and other Music opportunities locally, Dance Time, the Worthing Children’s Parade, Youth Democracy days and tree out-planting in the local community are just a few of the examples of the many additional activities that have recently been offered to those children showing aptitude and interest in a particular field.

The school’s strong commitment to the local community and its events again provide the opportunity for our pupils to share a wealth of different experiences.

English Our English scheme is based on the Primary Strategy and the National Curriculum Programme of Study to provide a structured and well-balanced approach to learning.

Speaking and Listening Children learn to express themselves clearly and confidently.

They are taught to organise what they want to say and make reasoned comments during discussions. They are taught to listen carefully to others and to evaluate what they hear. They will progress from giving simple straightforward accounts of events and activities during Year 4 to producing researched group presentations in Year 7.

Reading Children are encouraged to enjoy reading and become enthusiastic, independent and reflective readers. They are introduced to a wide variety of literature and given opportunities to read for pleasure, gain information and to share the enjoyment of progressively challenging texts.

Each child has access to the school library, which has a good selection of fiction, non-fiction and ICT based reference material which is constantly being updated. Children are taught how to find information from books and other resources like the world-wide-web, and for children who are less fluent,

the school has a number of reading schemes designed to capture their imagination and lead them forward in a careful and structured manner.

Writing Starting in Year 4, children are taught to write a cursive, joined style using the Berol handwriting scheme, which is continued through to Year 7, teaching pupils to work at speed while retaining excellent presentation. The conventions of spelling, grammar and handwriting are taught systematically and children are encouraged to check their work and the meaning of words. Children are taught to develop the use of writing as a means of organising and communicating ideas, learning to correspond in a variety of ways including stories, poems, dialogues, drama scripts and diaries.

Mathematics Our overriding aim is to encourage each child to achieve their best by making Mathematics an enjoyable and creative subject. The foundation for this is built upon good mental skills and a developing knowledge of number bonds and tables.

We place strong emphasis from the outset on the understanding of numbers and the mental processes. Once an understanding of the concepts has been established, children progress to paper and pencil methods with regular practice to ensure quick and accurate answers. In all years, due to the range of their skills, the children are grouped by ability.

Pupils, who are assessed regularly, are encouraged to find solutions by thinking through the problems first. Estimation and calculated guesses are followed by pencil and paper calculations to test their theories. We have developed our programmes in line with the national ‘Primary Strategy’ initiative. This, coupled with our strong links with High Schools in the area, provides a smooth continuity for children as they progress from First to Middle and then High schools.

We place strong emphasis from the outset on the understanding of numbers and the mental processes.

Technology

Food Technology

The school has two purpose-built rooms equipped with the latest equipment, to provide technology workshop experience for all children. In addition Year 6 and 7 students are taught Food Technology using electric cookers and other domestic appliances.

Food Technology is one of our most popular subjects and forms a significant part of the Technology curriculum, Hygiene and safety are paramount and the children are taught in half classes within a fully equipped Food Technology room to maximise on individual attention.

Simple recipes are prepared and cooked and the children are encouraged to try different ideas.

Our aim is to give children the widest range of experiences, which often encompass other areas of the curriculum. This can include making electrically powered vehicles in Science, masks in drama and models of pyramids and other mathematical shapes associated with History.

Children learn a great range of skills, researching the projects they study from minibeasts in Year 4 to medieval defence and attacking mechanisms in their final year, then plan, manufacture and evaluate their work. Along the way, they also learn to measure, cut and join, make mock-ups and use a variety of materials such as card, paper, clay, wood and paints.

We encourage children with ability to extend their work to a higher level, and in the upper school we generally teach in half class groups to give children greater access to equipment and teacher attention.

Eco-Schools -Working to make our school a ‘Sustainable School’ For the last two and a half years the school has been working hard towards becoming a ‘Sustainable School’, which means that as a school we think about ‘caring for our self, caring for each other and caring for our local and global communities’.

Some of our projects have enabled us to make links with our local and wider communities too. Through our School Tree Nursery we have worked with the Sussex Wildlife Trust, RSPB and our Local Council to plant out our saplings into various locations to provide new habitats for wildlife. We have also formed links with local bike shops and businesses through our Travel Plan work and Bike Club.

To achieve this we have been working with the Eco-Schools programme and since registering in March 2007 we have gained our Bronze, Silver and Green Flag Awards.

We have an Eco-Action Team comprising of 24 pupils from across all year groups along with staff and governor members, including Mr Gadd. This team meets regularly to co-ordinate our areas of work. We also have an Eco-Council that meets every half-term to feedback our progress to the rest of the school.

Our work involves monitoring and reducing our school’s energy usage, recycling as much as possible, reducing the amount of paper that we use in class and through letters home and developing our Eco-Garden area. We have litter monitors who keep our school grounds tidy and each class has eco monitors to ensure their class is being as ‘green’ as possible.

Our school is also part of the E.Y.E (Eco, Young, Engaged) Project, which has been established by Tim Loughton M.P. Local schools meet together each term to focus on environmental issues and how we can all work together to make a difference.

Last year we worked with the Environment Agency to help with a ‘plastic bag free day’ in the town.

Through our Eco-Schools work we hope to provide our pupils with the knowledge and skills to enable them to take care of our planet for future generations.

Directions to Thomas A Becket Middle School Thomas A Becket Middle School is located 1 mile due south of the junction between the A24 (Horsham/London road) and the A27 running east/west. At the Offington roundabout, take Offington Lane South and cross the Thomas A Becket traffic lights (and pub) into Rectory Road, and take the second left hand turn into Wiston Avenue.

Then take the first left turn into Glebeside Avenue. The School entrance is located at the end of the road.

From the South or from West Worthing station, head north along South Street which leads into Rectory Road.

Half a mile north of the level crossing, turn right into Wiston Avenue, then first left into Glebeside Avenue.

There is adequate parking on site. Please report to the main office or reception area, which is manned from 07:45 to 4:30pm