Introduction

 

St. Mary’s is a Church of England Primary School, originating from 1837. We aim to provide an environment in which everyone, adults and children, work together to develop and broaden their learning. We regularly review with our pupils ways in which we can improve their understanding of how they learn and discuss with them how they can apply this knowledge to become more effective learners. We set and achieve very high standards of attainment in academic, personal and social development.

 

St. Mary’s has a growing, dynamic learning environment with facilities that enable all to achieve their full potential. We continually strive to achieve:

• high standards in learning and behaviour through a rich and varied curriculum.
• a continually developing learning centre which is attractive to and meets the needs of the school and wider community.
• an enriched environment and extended day to enhance our links with the wider community and provide opportunities for all.

Our vision for our school is based on working with Christian values to enhance the lives of the children and the school community, while at the same time, teaching our pupils to value and appreciate diversity in our multicultural society.

 

 

 

Education

 

Religious Education

As a Church of England, Voluntary Aided school, Religious Education is an important part of our curriculum. Our Scheme of Work, which is based on that of the Diocese of Gloucester, emphasizes both Biblical and Church teaching, but also gives the children an awareness of other religions and their teachings.

 

The Creative Curriculum

We believe that learning should be an exciting and motivating experience for all our learners, whatever their learning style or the pace in which they develop, and that we should be creative in the ways in which we help our children to learn. We have, therefore, incorporated learning about subjects such as Geography, History, Art, Design and Technology and Music into Learning Topics.

These Learning Topics are planned by the teaching staff to provide challenging and interesting learning experiences for children of different levels of ability and may include children of different ages learning together.

 

English, Mathematics and Science

The core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science are taught in accordance with DCSF [Department for Children, Schools and Families] guidance.

 

Physical Education

All classes have the two hours per week physical exercise as required by the DCSF. This may include swimming, dance, games and “Speed, Agility and Quickness” sessions as well as gymnastics.  Our children are offered the opportunity to take part in matches and tournaments with other local schools, including the Area Sports Day, held in the summer term.

 

Languages

French and German are taught in lessons which are based on songs, games and a wide variety of other fun activities. Pupils are given the opportunity to learn Spanish in an after school club.

 

Music

Music has a high profile in our school and all children are involved in listening, performing and composing music. We have a school choir and the school takes part in the local music festival which promotes links with the other local schools and the community. Peripatetic music teachers visit the school weekly to teach a wide variety of instruments.

 

PSHCE

Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education is an important part of our curriculum. We aim to develop high self-esteem and promote a healthy lifestyle, respect for others and an appreciation of others’ feelings and cultures. The SEAL programme [Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning] underpins the social and emotional aspects of our Scheme of Work.

 

Sex Education

As part of the PSHCE curriculum, SRE [Sex and Relationship Education] covers subjects such as relationships, keeping healthy, personal hygiene, feelings, naming body parts, appropriate touch and keeping safe. Other aspects of SRE are covered in Year 6.

 

Clubs

 

The school offers a range of activities which change throughout the year. Clubs on offer may include choir, cricket, athletics, football, netball, boccia and drama.

 

Trips

 

As support to topic work, visits are often organized for the children in the local community or further afield. Children in Year 6 have the opportunity to take part in a residential week.

 

Homework

 

At St. Mary’s we regularly review the way we give children access to the curriculum and aim to make learning as individual as possible, by allowing the children to record and learn about the curriculum in many different ways. The homework we set fits in with this philosophy.

 

School Council

 

The school council meets at least once a term to discuss and contribute ideas on matters of importance to all members of our school such as how pupils’ learning is supported, how pupils feel about being in the playground and how to improve the content and format of the assemblies in school.

 

Links with Parents

 

We believe it is vital for our school and home to work together to enable our pupils to make the most of their education.

 

Every Friday a newsletter is sent home either as a paper copy or by email. A copy of the newsletter can also be found on this website. School policies and other documents can be obtained from this website or from the school office.

 

We have a very active PTA [Parent Teacher Association]. The committee organizes several events each year, including social and fund raising occasions. The generosity of the PTA has helped us to have a very well resourced school.

 

We are fortunate to have many parents who volunteer to help within school, supporting us with reading, food technology, football, netball, the library and many more activities.

 

Parents Meetings

 

Parents are welcome to make individual appointments to discuss their child’s progress at any time during the year.

In September parents are invited to a welcome meeting in their child’s classroom to meet their child’s teacher. In November we have a parents and child meeting where targets are reviewed and set. Written reports are sent out in February and July. We also have an open day in July where the children invite their parents into school to view and discuss their work.

 

Links with the Local Community

 

The school maintains very close links with St. Mary’s Church, where we regularly hold services to which everyone in the community is invited.

The school has established links with several local companies and students from local secondary schools visit us in conjunction with their course work and work experience. We support many local charities and events.

 

 

Uniform

Boys

 

Grey trousers, white shirt and school tie.

School sweatshirt.

Grey socks and dark shoes.

Navy or white polo shirts in the summer.

 

Girls

 

Navy skirt or pinafore, white blouse and school tie.

School sweatshirt or cardigan.

White socks and dark shoes.

School dress/navy or white polo shirt during the summer.

Navy or blue hair accessories if necessary.

 

PE Kit

 

Indoor

 

Navy/dark shorts.

White polo/t-shirt.

Black daps.

 

Outdoor

 

Navy sweatshirt/track suit top.

Navy Jogging bottoms/track suit bottoms.

Navy or white polo/t-shirt.

Outdoor trainers and socks.