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- You are viewing our Online School Brochure . |
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Our latest school brochure is available in printed form from the school office. |
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This page offers the basic brochure text. “Brochure Contents”Clubs and Out of School Activities Built around 100 years ago, West Jesmond Primary School is a thriving, successful school close to the city centre. It serves a diverse community in a very popular residential area. The primary school was created in april 1997 following the amalgamation of the infant and junior schools. The school builds on the strengths and traditions of the two well-established infants and juniors to provide a broad and exciting education for children aged 4 to 11. There are great plans to provide us with a new building which will have all the facilities we know that our children deserve. Staff, parents, children and governors will all be involved in the planning of our new school. It is estimated that the date for building to begin will be Easter 2006. It is an exciting time for us and we are looking forward to this opportunity to build on our success and continue to develop as a school in a modern, purpose built facility. Education is a partnership and we welcome the constructive involvement of all parents and guardians. We believe that three way parent, teacher, child interaction is the key to successful learning. We hope that you will support and work with us to encourage a positive attitude to education. Your child's development is our principal concern, so if anything is worrying you or your child, we are here to help and offer advice. The class teacher is your first point of contact. Please speak to him/her if you have any concerns at all. The end of the school day is probably a more suitable time than the beginning unless you have important information for the teacher. We hold parent interviews in the Autumn and Spring terms. An individual pupil report is provided in the Summer term and parents are invited to discuss these reports if they wish to do so. A year group booklet is also provided in July. This details curriculum and organisation for the new school year. In accordance with government guidelines all parents are asked to sign a home/school agreement. This agreement emphasises the importance of the partnership between home and school. At West Jesmond we believe that all children have a right to equality of opportunity in education, and it is our aim that each child achieves his or her very best. We recognise that some children may have some specific disability or learning difficulty. Our policy for Special Educational Needs is designed to identify these children as early as possible, determine the nature of their need, and provide the most appropriate ways to meet these needs. The policy is available for viewing on request to the school office. The special needs of most of our children, identified as requiring extra or specific support, will be met by their class teacher, with the advice of our special needs co-ordinator. Outside advice will be sought where necessary, and the child will follow an individual education plan, designed specifically to his/her requirements. If it is felt necessary, the Local Education Authority will be asked to consider a formal assessment which may result in a statement of special educational needs. Parents are vital partners in the whole process and we keep in touch from the earliest stages. We expect all children to operate within our Behaviour Policy, which promotes positive behaviour. We teach by example, the principles of good manners, hard work and respect for others and their property. We believe that our codes of behaviour are applicable to all, both children and adults, and that any behaviour which adversely affects another, is against our rules. Children are expected to know the difference between right and wrong and to know that if they make a mistake they will be corrected. This policy states that bullying and racism will not be tolerated. We would encourage any parent who has concerns over incidences of either to contact the school at the earliest time possible. If we have any concerns over an individual child, parents will be involved at an early date. It is our aim that everyone involved in the life of West Jesmond should enjoy being part of a caring and thriving community. We aim to develop the spiritual, moral, cultural, emotional and physical well being of all pupils. We do this through the general ethos, sense of community and building relationships within the school through the teaching of a broad stimulating curriculum and through an extensive range of extra-curricular activities. Our school curriculum is planned carefully so that all the National Curriculum programmes of study are covered in sufficient depth. There are four stages for different age groups known as ‘Key Stages’. The two key stages taught at West Jesmond are Key Stage 1 from five to seven and Key Stage 2 from seven to eleven. Children in the Reception classes undertake areas of learning which form part of the Foundation Stage.
THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM
Other elements of the curriculum:
RECEPTION YEAR The early learning goals set out what most children are expected to achieve by the end of the Foundation Stage. They are organised as six areas of learning: personal, social and emotional development; language & literacy; mathematical development; knowledge and understanding of the world; physical development; and creative development. We aim to enable our children to develop the self-awareness, positive self esteem and confidence to lead healthy, active lives, demonstrating socially and morally responsible behaviour as members of our school and the wider community. The PSHE and Citizenship programme includes the use of Circle Time, investigations, debates and School Council, with many opportunities arising through 'hidden' curriculum in relation to pastoral care of pupils. Our aim is to develop articulate communicators who are efficient, enthusiastic and reflective in their spoken and written language. We are fully implementing the government’s Literacy Strategy, which gives detailed guidance for the planning and teaching of reading and writing. The English curriculum has three components: speaking and listening, reading and writing. These are equally important to the child’s development. Speaking and Listening When children first come to school, they are encouraged to talk to adults and to other children within a group. They share their ideas and talk about themselves: they tell a story or pretend to be someone else. They are helped to listen and to remember. Gradually children begin to use spoken language to explain or to question, to express opinions and discuss, and to put their feelings into words. Reading Reading is about understanding and enjoyment - not just getting all the words right. Our school reading policy begins with... ‘Pupils should be encouraged to develop as enthusiastic, independent, effective and reflective readers. They should be introduced to a wide range of literature and have opportunities to read extensively for their own interest, pleasure and information’. Whether your child is in a Reception class or Year 6 your sharing the world of books with them at home is equally valuable. We have a vigorous, systematic approach to the teaching of reading, which encompasses a whole variety of different activities, including the learning of phonics. We would like your support in encouraging your child to read at home, reading to them and most of all enjoying the books together. A booklet is available from school outlining the different ways you can help your child and meetings are held at school to discuss the teaching and learning of reading. Writing The skills of reading and writing are closely associated, and just as we read for a purpose, writing must also be purposeful. We encourage all children, from the very beginning, to write for a reason. They write stories, diaries, letters, poems, plays, recipes, instructions, reports... In the Reception classes, children enjoy experimenting with writing. As their writing develops, other people will be able to read it too! We are fully implementing the government’s Framework for Teaching Mathematics. We teach children the mathematical skills and concepts that will enable them to tackle practical problems. Children will be encouraged to develop the ability to talk about the subject with confidence and use the language of mathematics meaningfully. Mathematical experiences begin at home and we continue to build on these through activities relating to number, shape and space, time, measurement, pattern and handling data. Computers, calculators and other resources are used wherever they can enhance children’s learning and understanding. Children still need to know number bonds and multiplication tables, skills that we value highly. Our aim is to ensure that all children experience a broad and exciting science curriculum. We provide opportunities for the children to acquire investigative skills, knowledge and understanding at their appropriate level. We help them to observe and explore in a scientific way and to understand how things work. Science is all about...
Building on their knowledge, skills and understanding, children become increasingly confident in tackling scientific problems. Sex education is included as part of the science and personal, social and health curriculum. There is a steady progression from Reception to Year 6 introducing various aspects of health at different stages. A healthy respect for our bodies and those of others is promoted at all stages. During Year 5 a picture of conception and birth in the context of loving care is shown through a series of video programmes. These may be viewed beforehand on request to the class teacher. Whilst it is a statutory right to withdraw your child from this element of the curriculum we hope that before doing so you will discuss your decision with the class teacher. Design and Technology Using a range of materials and tools, children develop a variety of designing and making skills. Children are encouraged to recognise an area to investigate, to develop a design, to produce a product using appropriate materials, to test and then evaluate the results and to determine whether the design requires modification. Information and Communication Technology (I.C.T.) I.C.T. skills are taught both discretely and as an integral part of other subject areas. Pupils are able to develop these skills in a systematic way, ensuring continuity and progression. We are very fortunate in having excellent I.C.T. facilities. The computer network covers the whole school site and all pupils and staff have easy access to e-mail and the Internet. The well-equipped computer suite is used from Reception upwards for whole class teaching. Our aim is to develop in each child, a knowledge and understanding of certain aspects of the past within the requirements of the National Curriculum. Your child will benefit from a wealth of historical experiences including outside visits and drama re-constructions. We teach history from Reception onwards through stories, first hand experience, research skills and the study of evidence. We hope that each child will take away the skills and enthusiasm to pursue further study. To develop their geographical skills and knowledge, children will investigate places and themes through direct experience and practical activities. As with history, we are committed to offering geography in a flexible, exciting and practical way. Studies in history and geography develop the child’s curiosity about people and places. It is fundamental to the learning process that wherever possible this learning is based on first hand experiences. We take children out of the classroom to find out about: The local environment: the playground, local shops and streets, parks and railways... Beyond: farms, Roman wall, rural areas, "Bede’s World", Bolam Lake, town trails, Quayside... We aim to foster a love and understanding of music through a programme of performing, composing and listening. Children sing, play musical games, are introduced to rhythm and sound, create their own music and play instruments. Building on skills required, children will be given a variety of opportunities to develop self-confidence and self-expression through exploration and improvisation. There are opportunities for children in Years 3 to 6 to play stringed, woodwind or brass instruments. These are introduced in the following order: Year 3 - Violin, Year 4 - Clarinet or Flute, Year 5 - Brass instruments, Cello. Tuition is restricted to one instrument only. Lessons are normally for 30 minutes and take place within school time. On average, children are taught in groups of 3 or 4, although there are occasions when the size of the group will vary. It is hoped that children who receive instrumental tuition in school will join the school orchestra, which practises once per week. Lessons are taught by visiting teachers from NEMCO and parents are billed for tuition fees directly. The school is able to subsidise pupils who are eligible for free school meals or families in receipt of family income support. Our R.E. teaching is non-denominational and in accordance with the Newcastle agreed Syllabus. We reflect the mainly Christian traditions of this country alongside five other world religions. Our assemblies are seen as part of our balanced and broad-based curriculum. They provide opportunities for children to understand the language and nature of worship and explore their own beliefs in relation to those of others, whilst providing the opportunity to celebrate the values and worth of the school community. Assemblies take various forms: children display their successes, themes are explored and parents are often invited to participate. All parents have a right to withdraw their child from the school’s daily act of worship, and/or religious education. If you wish to withdraw your child from these parts of school life please write to the Headteacher or make an appointment. Through art children are able to make a personal response to the world around them. They have many opportunities to develop a range of skills and techniques through work in a variety of media. Children are taught to appreciate the work of various artists and the art of different cultures. Our pupils are encouraged to participate in and enjoy all aspects of P.E. to help promote their all-round development. They will take part in games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, outdoor and adventurous activities and swimming. We aim to promote the natural development of each pupil, consolidating skills through practice and repetition and providing regular opportunities for all round body exercise, working individually, co-operatively and competitively. We offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor games and sporting activities within the formal curriculum. Swimming lessons are funded for children in Reception, Years 1, 4 and 6, and take place at both Jesmond Pool and Northern Counties School for the Deaf. The school has hard surface playgrounds and full use of nearby sports fields for outdoor games. Four halls provide facilities for gymnastics and indoor sports. Our wide-ranging extra curricular sporting opportunities encourage a commitment to personal fitness and include country dancing, short tennis, badminton, table tennis, football, athletics, cross country running, netball and cricket, all run by staff, with some help from parents and ex-pupils. Throughout the year we have teams taking part in inter-school competitions in the majority of the sports mentioned above. Our pupils show a high level of enthusiasm and commitment to sports and to each other. We aim high and enjoy many successes, at both personal and team level. Children begin by bringing reading home and we hope that you will want to share books with them and help with new words. A meeting is held in the autumn term, for the parents of Reception children to talk about the different ways of helping your child’s reading. The children are asked to learn spellings from Year 1 onwards and tables from Year 2. When appropriate children from Year 2 onwards may be given maths activities. In Years 3 and 4 they may be given tasks related to the topic being studied in school. These will be accompanied by clear instructions from the teacher and take place at appropriate points in the unit of work, not on a weekly basis. In Years 5 and 6 the amount of homework increases and in addition to tables, spelling and reading, children will be given topic-related tasks and in Year 6 a longer project based on home study. We do feel that children work hard in school and their home interests and pastimes are of great importance. Full details of homework requirements are outlined in the Yearbooks. Homework is carefully selected to support your child’s learning, and we hope that children will enjoy it! The first School Council was elected in May 2001, at the same time as the General Election. Statement from the School Council: "Our School Council is a team of 12 members, consisting of children from Years 3 to 6. We were elected to represent our class and another Key Stage 1 class. The School Council helps to create a framework connecting teachers with pupils. We bring reports and issues from members of our class to each meeting, and we report back on ideas for improving the school and solving problems that have come up." Quotes from different children when asked their opinion of the school council: All Reception children have the opportunity to spend one afternoon each week at Northern Counties School for the Deaf. We are very grateful to the headteacher, for making us so welcome and inviting us share the excellent facilities. Children spend some time playing in the adventure playground and also have the opportunity to swim with a group of children from Northern Counties. Children from Northern Counties come, with their teachers, to West Jesmond and join in some lessons with our children. This liaison is of great benefit to all the children leading to much greater understanding of each other. We have developed links with three small rural schools in Northumberland. Each year the whole of our Year 4 spends a day in Northumberland, learning in a contrasting locality, and there is a reciprocal visit to West Jesmond. Our school allotment is flourishing thanks to the hard work of pupils, staff and volunteers. The school garden continues to be developed particularly by children in Reception. Children are involved in a number of charity fund raising events and are often seen in Newcastle singing and playing music to raise money. Our major event of the year is the North East Children’s Cancer Run when hundreds of pupils, parents and staff run together. Our last event raised in excess of £4300 for the charity concerned. We hope you will want to join in as it is very much a family occasion. Reception School starts 8.50 am Key Stages 1& 2 - School starts 8.50 am The school gates are opened at 8.30am. Children should not arrive at school before then. Younger children, those up to the age of seven, must be brought to school and collected by a responsible adult. Parents of new children are encouraged to accompany their children into the classroom for a week or so to help them settle. However, after a short while the children are usually confident about coming into school themselves and we would ask you to encourage this independence. Our cloakroom areas become very congested at home times and for safety reasons we ask you to wait for your children outside. If your child is going to be absent please ring the school and give the child’s name, class and expected length of absence. A written note of explanation must be sent to school on your child’s return. Failure to do so may mean that the absence is recorded as unauthorized, i.e. truancy. Lateness for school is also recorded as unauthorized absence. The late arrival of children can be extremely disruptive to the normal work of the school and we would appreciate your support in ensuring that your child is in school at the correct time. Persistent lateness will be referred to the Education Welfare Officer. It is equally important that children are collected promptly at the end of the school day. The law allows your child to have up to two weeks holiday during term time in any one academic year where this is essential because of parental holidays. You must notify the school in advance and in writing of such arrangements. However we do urge you to avoid holidays during term time. Absence from school inevitably means that important work will be missed. Extended absences of more than two weeks duration will require the approval of governors and will only be given under exceptional circumstances. The request, on an official form available from the school office, must be made at least two weeks prior to the absence. Any extended period of absence other than for sickness may result in your child being removed from the register and the place offered to the next child on the waiting list. Regular attendance is vital if your child is to take full advantage of the education that the school has to offer. Please support both your children and the school by ensuring the best possible attendance record. We encourage all children to wear school uniform. This can be ordered through the school office. The uniform is a choice of navy or gold sweatshirts and polo shirts worn with navy shorts, trousers, skirts or pinafores. Please ensure that ALL of your child’s clothing is clearly labelled. P.E. Uniform Named T-shirt, shorts and P.E. shoes should be kept at school in a drawstring bag. Requests for admission for the school’s Reception classes are taken between October and November 30th of the year preceding admission. Meetings then take place for prospective parents to meet the Headteacher and look around the school. Children are normally admitted to school in the September of the academic year in which their fifth birthday falls, although they are not legally required to attend until the term after their fifth birthday. There is no formal catchment area for the school, places being allocated on a parental choice basis. If over subscribed, preference will be given to children who:
If your child is starting school for the first time, we welcome you and your child to come and have a look around and meet the staff. An evening meeting for parents is arranged in June and we invite all new starters and their parents to spend an afternoon with us before the summer holidays. When your four year old first comes to school it will be for half days to begin with, either morning or afternoons, so that he/she will be in a small group. This helps the children to settle more easily and the teacher is able to get to know them better. During this time no child stays for school dinner. Full time school begins after the first three weeks of the school term. Parents whose request for a place for their child is refused have the right to appeal against the decision to the Local Education authority. They will be invited to provide reasons for their appeal and their case will be brought to an independent ‘Appeals Committee’ where a final decision will be reached. Our school has just over 600 children aged 4 to 11. There are three classes in each year group and our policy is to keep class sizes no higher than thirty. Each class has children of varying ability and teachers organize a variety of approaches to suit their pupils’ needs, from whole class, to group, partner or individual activities. Most lessons are taught by the class teacher with some interchange of teaches for certain activities, e.g. music. When the children move into Y6 they are grouped by ability for the teaching of English and Mathematics. There are three sets in each of these subjects. Before our children join us in the Reception Year we talk with nurseries and playgroups to ensure that children are placed in classes with friends. The three classes are organized each with a spread of ages and children remain in these classes throughout Key Stage 1. (i.e. for their first three years, up to the age of seven). CLUBS, OUT OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES We have many clubs and leisure activities run by teachers and parents. These begin at Year 2 and take place either before school, during lunchtime or after school. Full details will be sent to you at the beginning of the school year. Badminton, Country Dancing, Table Tennis, Netball, Lace Making, Football, Cricket, Gymnastics, Cross Country, Art, Orchestra, String Group, Recorder, Guitar, Choir, ICT, Knitting, Chess, French and Athletics. In order to offer our pupils a wide variety of activities we will sometimes need to ask parents for a voluntary contribution towards additional costs. No child will be excluded from these activities if contributions are not made. No child will be disadvantaged from any activities through financial considerations. The majority of our children move on to Heaton Manor Secondary School at the end of Year 6. The transfer is made as easy as possible with pupils visiting Heaton Manor during the last term of Year 6 and staff from Heaton visiting West Jesmond to meet staff and pupils. Each year a number of our Year 6 pupils move to schools in the independent sector. Full transfer records are sent on to all secondary schools and we are delighted to hear from the many past pupils who keep in touch. If you become concerned in any way about your child‘s education, it is important that you tell us about this. As a first step you should discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher. If you are still concerned you should arrange to meet the Headteacher. As a staff we will do all we can to resolve your concerns and to ensure you are happy with your child‘s education. If after discussions at school parents are still unhappy, they will need to refer to the complaints procedure of Newcastle City Council. A copy of this is kept at the school and is available on request. The School Nurse visits the school regularly and keeps a record of all the children’s health. During the Reception year you will be invited to have a health care interview, for your child, with the School Nurse. Sight and hearing will be tested and if there are any queries after these tests you will be contacted. The children’s teeth are checked once a year by the School Dentist during Key Stage 1. The dentist will not treat children in school but will advise if treatment is necessary. You may then make an appointment with your own dentist or with the School Dental Clinic. It is essential that the school has up-to-date information on where to contact a parent if there is an emergency or if the child is ill. please inform school of any changes in writing. Parents must also notify the school of any medical condition that may affect a pupil in any school activity. Children contracting an infectious disease must have clearance from a doctor before returning to school. School Meals Hot meals are cooked on the premises. Dinner money is collected for the week ahead on Mondays, alternatively meals can be paid for 1/2 term or full term in advance. This may be cash or cheque payable to ‘City of Newcastle upon Tyne’. It should be in a sealed envelope, clearly marked with the child’s name, class, amount contained and the days the child is staying. Money should be handed by the child to their class teacher. A weekly menu is displayed at each entrance showing the range of meals available. If you would like your child to have a vegetarian menu, please send a note to the school administrator. Children may prefer to bring a packed lunch. Drinks must be in unbreakable containers. Children are usually happier at lunchtime if they stay for either cooked meals or packed lunches and not swap from one to another. School Milk A bottle of milk is available for all children in Key Stage 1 if required. Payment for the supply of milk is requested by a separate letter prior to the start of each term. Playtime Snacks Children may bring fruit to school to eat at morning playtime. Sweets are not allowed in school. STATEMENT ON PUPILS’ ABSENCES The most up-to-date statement is available from the school office. All parents automatically become members of the Friends of West Jesmond. Parents and friends are welcome to attend meetings and functions and there are regular newsletters to keep you informed. Please join in wherever you can. There are many varied social functions where you can meet other parents and staff. The Friends have raised impressive funds to provide the school with computers, library, early years furniture, sports equipment, T.V. and video, improved playground... and much more. We are extremely fortunate in having the support of a hard working and dedicated Governing Body. Governors give a huge amount of time in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities and supporting the whole life of the school. SCHOOL STAFF An up-to-date list of staff and responsibilities is available through the school office. |
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