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ST. THOMAS MORE ROMAN CATHOLIC VOLUNTARY AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL DIOCESE OF NORTHAMPTON
NORTHAMPTON ROAD KETTERING NORTHANTS NN15 7JZ TEL: (01536) 512112 E-Mail: head@stthomasmore.northants-ecl.gov.uk Head Teacher: Mr. A. C. Agnew, B.A. (Hons). P.G.C.E. Dear Parent, Welcome to St. Thomas More School and its prospectus. I hope you find the prospectus informative and user - friendly. Our school aims to be vibrant, happy, popular and successful. High standards are expected in both classroom work and behaviour. Gospel teaching forms the foundation of our school life. Love, patience, courage and consideration should shine forth. Partnership and working together are the keys for the continuing success of our school. Only with your help and support can we grow from strength to strength. Your assistance is welcomed in the classrooms and with the Parents' Social Committee. You are warmly encouraged to attend our assemblies and celebrations. Parents have high expectations of our school and rightly so. We also have high expectations of you. Regular and punctual attendance are vital to your child's education. Holidays during term time should be avoided. Reading, the foundation of an excellent education, should be encouraged at home. Policies on a variety of subjects can be seen for reference purposes outside the school office. Copies will be provided on request. I hope you enjoy reading this prospectus. If I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely, Mr. A. C. Agnew. Headteacher.
GUIDE TO OUR SCHOOL PROSPECTUSTHE ANNUAL REPORT OF GOVERNORS TO PARENTS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SERVING OUR CHILDREN ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENTThe Mission Statement of a Catholic School is a statement of principles and philosophy. TO PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION WITHIN A LOVING COMMUNITY FOUNDED ON OUR CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN FAITH IN WHICH EACH CHILD, AS A REFLECTION OF CHRIST, IS ENABLED TO REACH HIS/HER FULL POTENTIAL. THE SCHOOL AIMSPOTENTIAL To offer to each of our children, in every experience they meet at school, the highest quality of learning, values and understanding, enabling them to develop to their full potential. DIGNITY To develop and cherish in all those working for our school, a sense of their own and others' dignity; to nurture the example of Christ-like relationships which support and sustain us. FAITH That our worship of God be expressed in joyful and prayerful liturgy, which celebrates the faith which we share and seek to deepen together. COMMUNITY To ensure that the school portrays a lively and welcoming atmosphere, involving home and parish so that children can learn to relate to one another and to the wider community. ******************************** JESUS SAID 'LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME..... ' All our children, Catholic and non-Catholic, from whatever background, become one family in our school. No distinction is made between them except in the final preparation for the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. All are expected to uphold the same values and conduct in the tradition of the school and develop respect for other religious beliefs. THE GOVERNING BODYCHAIRMAN OF GOVERNORS Mr. J. Marriott VICE-CHAIR OF GOVERNORS Sister M. Connaughty FOUNDATION GOVERNORS Mr. W. Falshaw LOCAL AUTHORITY Cllr. T. Freer L.E.A. Mr. C. Best TEACHER GOVERNOR VACANCY NON TEACHING GOVERNOR Mrs. D. Bulley PARENT GOVERNOR Mrs. H. Steadman-Powell HEADTEACHER Mr. A. C. Agnew CLERK TO THE GOVERNORS Mrs. S. Colley All correspondence addressed to the Chairman of Governors (c/o the School) will be treated as confidential. SCHOOL STAFFTHE SCHOOL CHAPLAIN Father Joseph Williams The Chaplain keeps very close contact with the pupils and staff. He plays a full part in the school, leading and sharing with staff and pupils in the celebration of the Liturgy. The Chaplaincy plays a vital role in the care of pupils, offering support to all our families whenever needed. TEACHING STAFF 2005/2006
SECRETARIAL & ANCILLARY STAFF
DINNER SUPERVISORS Mrs. G. Pepper. Mrs. D. Mitchell. Mrs. Di Renzo. Mrs. Di Frazio. Mrs. De Jesus, Mrs. Flynn. Mrs. V. Montgomery CLEANING & CARETAKING STAFF Mr. A. Alderman
SCHOOL TERMS AND TIMESSCHOOL TIMES School begins : 8.50 a.m. Lunch : 12.00 - 1.15 p.m. INFANTS 12.15 - 1.15 p.m. JUNIORS School ends : 3.15 p.m. SCHOOL TERM DATES ACADEMIC YEAR 2005/2006
ABSENCE/ILLNESSParents should contact the Headteacher if they wish to keep a child off school for other than illness and medical treatment. Holiday forms may be issued for up to a period of two weeks during term time. It is advisable, if at all possible, to take family holidays during school holidays in order not to interrupt pupils' progress in the National Curriculum. Letters are required to explain absences where it has not been possible to obtain prior permission, e.g. illness/medical treatment. Unexplained absences and lateness are recorded in the registers and are reported. This issue is treated seriously as absence affects school performance.
The School CurriculumParticular attention is given to... ...clear progression in mathematics, including number, shape, measuring and data handling. ...developing children's confidence, creativity, independence and sense of ...careful observation and measuring in science. responsibility. ...thorough teaching of reading skills for enjoyment and understanding.
Our school follows the National Curriculum which consists of:- English, Geography, P.E., Mathematics, History, Technology, Science, Information Technology, Design, Art, Music, In addition your child learns about:- Christian Faith and Morality in The importance of concentration, a Catholic context. application, group & team-work for effective and happy progress. Safety, hygiene, healthy living, citizenship and Personal Relationships. Presenting and valuing his/her own work. Our school places a great deal of emphasis on the basics. Without a solid foundation in the areas of numeracy and literacy the pupils will not reach their full potential. The arts are not neglected in our school. The arts are an essential part of human life. With this in mind we have at least one visit per term by a touring theatre or music group. These visits stimulate a good deal of interest and follow up work. Artistic activities form part of many areas of the curriculum.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONReligious Education is much more than a taught subject i.e. a scheme of work or syllabus. The focus of our lives in school is the Gospel message and celebration of the Liturgy. Christ is at centre of all we do. Through religious education we try to develop a spiritual and moral set of values that will enable the children to grow and develop as responsible Christians. Prayer is an important part of our daily lives and we encourage the children to develop their own prayers in order that they build up a loving relationship with God our Father. We use the, 'Here I Am`, religious education scheme. ENGLISHWe encourage pupils to be confident and articulate using speech, writing and reading to the best of their ability so that they are able to communicate showing an awareness of the thoughts and feelings of others. As part of their learning children will have opportunities for talking and listening to pupils, teachers, parents, and other adults in a variety of situations. Children will acquire a style of writing which will show due regard for spelling, grammar and punctuation. There will be opportunities for children to publish their own work using a word processor. Children's creativity and imagination will be encouraged and developed. Children will develop and extend those reading skills and experiences which have been acquired prior to starting school so that they become skilled readers. The importance of reading for pleasure will be given special emphasis. As children progress through the school they will be expected to read widely for information. The school follows the National Literacy Strategy. MATHEMATICSMathematics provides a means of communication through symbols, data, algebraic expressions, graphs and tables. Practical work precedes the recording of results so that children can begin to understand the application of mathematics to real life situations. The practical approach helps children to enjoy working with numbers. We therefore encourage children to play mathematical games, children make the most progress when they are successful and confident. Number, algebra, measurement, shape and space form the basis for the maths curriculum. Children will be expected to solve problems and provide logical explanations for their solutions. This will enable children to apply relevant number bonds and develop mental agility. Children will be taught to recognise and construct regular shapes in two and three dimensions. Children will be taught to present and interpret simple numerical data in either table or graph form. The school follows the National Numeracy Strategy. SCIENCEWe aim to provide a curriculum which encourages children to adopt a scientific approach to learning and to acquire the skills of observation, recording, forming hypotheses, testing, investigating and forming conclusions in their explorations of natural and man-made environments. The children will be helped to understand that scientific experimentation is often a matter for co-operation within a team and for checking and taking forward an idea already worked at by others. ARTArt enables children to express ideas, inner feelings or emotions through a range of media. Art enables children to become visually and aesthetically aware. Through a systematic programme of work children will develop a perception of colour, line, shape, form, texture, tone and pattern. Time will be given to the building up of critical and practical skills in order that an appreciation of art can take place. Children will acquire the language of art as part of their artistic and linguistic development. Art work will be used to supplement much of the work that takes place in other areas of the curriculum. GEOGRAPHYWe aim to extend and develop the children's learning from their immediate environment to more distant places and peoples. The children will present their learning using models, maps, pictures, globes, diagrams, graphs and writing. The development of research skills is crucial. HISTORYA knowledge and understanding of the past can help children make sense of the present. History reinforces a sense of curiosity, the love of story and an appreciation of adventure and travel. In order to discover their past the children will develop research skills and read widely. Chronological conventions form an important part of teaching history. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYWe aim to give the children opportunities to store, process and present information by electronic means to enhance and extend their learning. We fully intend to keep up-to-date with developments in this area. MUSICOur lessons enable children to derive pleasure and fulfilment from music. The children will learn and participate in singing a range of songs. Children will have opportunities to compose their own music. Children will be introduced to the works of major composers. As children mature and become more skilled they should develop a growing awareness of the various elements of music including pitch, rhythm and harmony. Children can receive tuition in the following instruments - violin, guitar, flute, clarinet and some brass instruments. PHYSICAL EDUCATIONP.E. includes games, athletics, outdoor activities, gymnastics, dance, and swimming. The children in years 5 and 6 receive swimming lessons for part of the year. It is expected that all children will change into red shorts and white T-shirt for P.E. If a child is unable to do P.E. an explanatory letter should be sent to the school. As a school we aim to provide a variety of sporting activities which promotes good health, co-operation, positive competition, enjoyment, sportsmanship and individual fulfillment. Y6 pupils have had the opportunity to cycle 25 miles around Rutland water and along the Brampton Valley. After school clubs include netball, football and cricket. Y5 children go on an annual rugby taster afternoon. Y5 and Y6 children take part in additional outdoor and adventurous activities during their residential visits. The school is fortunate in having a large hall, extensive playing fields and equipment for sport. DESIGN TECHNOLOGYTechnology allows the imaginative and creative capabilities of children to flourish. In line with the National Curriculum requirements, children's designs are brought to life using a variety of materials including card, wood and manufactured construction kits. SEX EDUCATIONThe children's sex education is based on Christian principles. Sex education is geared to the child's stage of development. It does not concentrate solely on basic facts but allows the children to develop a growing awareness of themselves and their relationships with others. In the 10+ age group we teach the children about the physiological changes in boys and girls at the onset of puberty, the anatomy of the male and female reproductive systems and the process of conception. The Northamptonshire Area Health Authority advises and assists in the sex education provided. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from these lessons. A parents' evening is organised during the Spring term where more information is given concerning sex education. HEALTH EDUCATIONWe aim to give children an awareness of the need to care for their own bodies through diet, healthy personal habits and through an awareness of the causes of sickness and health. We also aim to teach them to apply the knowledge and skills of safety education at home, at play, on the roads as well as at school. ASSESSMENT AND TESTINGYour child's progress is continually monitored by the class teacher. Teachers carry out a more formal assessment on each child every half-term. National standardised tests are taken in Maths and English at the end of the infant years. National tests are taken in Maths, English and Science at the end of the junior years. Standardised tests in Maths and English are taken by the pupils in Y3, Y4 and Y5 in the Summer term. Children differ from one another. Therefore, the purpose of these results is not to compare one child with another. Rather, it is to recognise achievement and to identify and support needs.
HOW WILL MY CHILD BE TAUGHT?First of all, it is essential that your child is happy and secure in the classroom. Any factor which seriously hampers that should be carefully discussed with the class teacher. In every class each activity is planned with a clear purpose, usually as an element of the National Curriculum. Work is organised on an individual, group or class basis to take account of children's differing talents, needs and understanding and the learning activity. SPECIAL NEEDSThe Special Needs policy of the school is well-developed and active, enabling children to gain confidence and make progress. The policy is available from the school. A reference copy is kept outside the office. Any parent who has concerns about their child should consult the class teacher. If necessary the teacher will consult with the Special Needs Co-ordinator. HOMEWORKClass teachers set homework: for instance reading, research at the local library or completion of a set task. It is expected that children will continue learning spellings and multiplication tables at home. Reading books are taken home frequently. Please see the homework policy. EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESA wide range of activities are organised by the staff during and after school including:-
Parents are asked to give their consent to their child staying for any after school club. Transport home is the parents' responsibility but no child is left unattended until a responsible adult meets the child. COPIES OF ALL THE SCHOOLS' POLICIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE IN A FILE BY THE SCHOOL OFFICE. REPORTING TO PARENTSWe organise two parents evenings per year which give you an opportunity to discuss your child's progress. A written report on your child's progress is sent home in July. Curriculum evenings are organised to inform parents about developments in education. THE ANNUAL REPORT OF GOVERNORS TO PARENTSEvery July there is a detailed report about the work of the school. Every family receives a copy. This is followed by an Annual Meeting of Parents and Governors where you may raise questions about overall policy etc. COMPLAINTS PROCEDUREThe School follows the L.E.A. procedures (Leaflet may be obtained from School Secretary) CHILD PROTECTION ACTIt may be helpful for parents to know that the Authority requires Headteachers to report any obvious or suspected case of child abuse which includes non-accidental injury, severe physical neglect, emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse. This procedure is intended to protect children at risk and schools are encouraged to take the attitude that where there are grounds for suspicion it is better to be safe than sorry. This does mean that Headteachers risk upsetting some parents by reporting a case which, on investigation, proves unfounded. In such circumstances, it is hoped that parents, appreciating how difficult it is for Headteachers to carry out this delicate responsibility, would accept that the Headteacher was acting in what were believed to be the child's best interests. SCHOOL LUNCHAll children are required to bring a packed lunch to school as there are no hot meals provided by the local authority.
SAFETYWe accept responsibility for administering prescribed medicines during the school day provided there is written parental authority. Medicines must be kept in the dispensed container with the child's name. Children are not allowed to carry medicines with them except for inhalers. In the event of a serious accident during the day parents will be informed immediately and the necessary treatment provided. Occasionally, in the interests of safety, a visit to the local surgery or hospital may be necessary. It is important that we are aware of any allergies or medical information that would be vital in those circumstances. Please keep us up to date with any changes in address and telephone number. CHARGING POLICYNo charges are made for any school activity, except for individual music tuition where parents choose that for their child. Parents will, however, be invited to make voluntary contributions to assist with the cost of school trips. ACCESS TO INFORMATIONYou are entitled to see your child's written educational records. Advance notice is required. Please contact the Headteacher. SEPARATED PARENTSBoth natural parents and those with parental responsibility, under the 1991 Children's Act, are entitled to receive information from school about their child, school reports, notification of parents’ evenings and the governors’ annual report are sent automatically. Please advise the school of any change of circumstances. DISCIPLINEWe want our children to be happy, safe, confident, caring and thoughtful of others. However we are not perfect all the time. So how do we deal with problems? Firstly any problem which arises in the classroom, is dealt with by the class teacher. Problems at playtime are dealt with by the teacher on duty or by the lunchtime supervisors, who may call upon senior staff if necessary. More serious and frequent misbehaviour such as bullying will be dealt with by the headteacher. Dialogue with parents is essential. We have high expectations of conduct and effort in normal circumstances. Children, under stress, often exhibit behavioural problems. We can help and understand the child's misbehaviour if we are informed of any problems at home. Please keep in touch with us - confidentiality will be respected. Positive behaviour is strongly encouraged throughout the school. Praise is used to support good behaviour. SCHOOL RULES1. Always be polite and look after your belongings and your school. 2. Stealing, being unkind and hurting other children are not allowed. We will have to tell 3. Walk around the school quietly. Do not push shout or run indoors. 4. Never stay in the classroom without a teacher or other grown-up. 5. Always do as you are told by teachers, dinner ladies and grown-ups who work in our school. SECONDARY SCHOOL LINKSWe strongly encourage our Catholic children and their families to continue in one of the excellent Catholic schools serving our parish. CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SERVING OUR CHILDRENSt. Mary's Catholic Middle School (accepts Kettering district children from age 11 years), Grange Road, NORTHAMPTON. Tel. 01604-403838 St. Thomas Becket Catholic Upper School, Kettering Road North, NORTHAMPTON Tel. 01604-493211/4 Our Lady and Pope John XXIII R.C. School, Tower Hill Road, CORBY Tel. 01536- 741832 Various liaison meetings and visits are arranged when your child is in Years 5 & 6. Option forms normally have to be completed by the end of the Autumn term. Any queries: please contact the Year 6 teacher or the Headteacher. THE PARENTS SOCIAL COMMITTEEThe committee cares for the education and welfare of all our children. It raises money to provide valuable extras, organises events and activities for the children and arranges great social functions for parents and friends. It runs Christmas and summer fayres, sponsored walks, fun days, picnics, children's discos, fashion shows, dances and many other events. The success of the Social Committee relies upon the attendance and support of the parents, families and friends. Please support us. SCHOOL UNIFORMBy wearing school uniform children feel a sense of belonging and have pride in their school. All clothing, shoes, bags etc., should be labelled with your child's name. Sweatshirts/Polo shirt/P.E. kit/Book/P.E. bags/Baseball cap - available from school. Pink checked blouses are available from the school. Girls: Grey pinafore dress/skirt Pink checked blouse Pink checked summer dress Red school sweatshirt with logo Plain grey, black or white socks/tights Boys: Grey or black trousers or shorts Red school sweatshirt with logo Red polo shirt (with collar) Plain grey or black socks All Children: Black or brown outdoor shoes A change of footwear for indoors Junior children; trainers for outdoor games
P.E. Kit: White tee-shirt with logo Red shorts Parents are free to purchase a plain white tee-shirt and red shorts from the shops.
Shoebags: Clearly marked on the outside. Jewellery: The wearing of jewellery is prohibited on health and safety grounds. Ear studs can be worn but the child must be capable of taking them out and putting them back in for the purposes of P.E. |
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