School Prospectus

CORYTON COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL

HOLLYBUSH ESTATE

WHITCHURCH

CARDIFF

CF14 7DS

Tel        029 20 616792                            Fax         029 20 544997

E mail             pbound@cardiff.gov.uk

Website            www.corytonprimary.com

Headteacher:    Mr Shaun O’Connell

Chair of the Governing Body:      Mr Mike Jones-Pritchard

Introduction

The aim of this booklet is to give parents information on our school as required by the Education Act 1980 and the Education Reform Act 1988.

The information on the school year  2011/ 2012 which appears in this booklet is correct at the time of printing but may be subject to change during the school year or in subsequent years.

The school is a County Primary Mixed Day School.

The present number on roll : - 

75 Infants                    

102 Juniors 

44 part time Nursery   FTE    22

TOTAL:  199                     

Wrap Around Care

Breakfast Club is open between 8am and 9am every morning, and the

After School Club ( Funzone) meets every night after school between 3:30 and 6:00 pm. It can accommodate up to forty eight children per night.

Parents who are considering sending their children to the school are welcome to visit the school by prior arrangement with the Headteacher.

About our school

Coryton County Primary School in Cardiff was opened on 3rd. March 1975, to serve an area of Northern Whitchurch which includes the Hollybush Estate, the Coryton Estate, and the area between Pendwyallt /Park Road, and Northern Avenue.

The school is situated in very pleasant surroundings which include the school field, a small wooded area, a school garden and a nature area with pond. Outside areas are seen as a valuable extension of the classroom and are used for many learning activities. Although originally built to an open plan design, building alterations in recent years have provided  discrete teaching areas for Infant and Junior classes. The Nursery is sited inside the main building but is completely self contained, and Infant and Junior departments are separated by the school hall. Both Infant and Junior areas comprise carpeted areas,  ‘wet areas ' for practical work such as art and craft, shared activity areas and  well stocked  resource areas. In addition to the shared audio - visual and I.T. resources available, each class is equipped with its own  computers, at least one of which has Internet access.  A number of centrally positioned computers  are also linked to the Internet in a small IT suite which is timetabled for class and group use. Every class in the school has  an  interactive whiteboard , giving access to exciting teaching and learning possibilities.

Home and School Links

Parents play an active and supportive role in the life of the school community, both as individuals and through the more formal parent-school links. The school has a flourishing P.T.A. which organises social and fund raising events throughout the year, as well as providing support for a range of activities such as Christmas parties, concerts , and class and school visits.

All parents have automatic membership of the PTA, and any parent interested in becoming involved is invited to join the committee at the Annual General Meeting which is held early in the Autumn Term.

Funds raised by the PTA provide resources, including IT equipment ,  and also the means for many school activities including Christmas parties, music and drama performances, and educational visits. Parents are also represented on the Governing Body of the school. Other School Governors include representatives of the local community, appointees of Cardiff County Council, a teacher , a non - teaching member of staff, and the Headteacher. Elections for Parent Governors are held every four years, the next election to be in 2010.

CORYTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

THE GOVERNING BODY

Admission to School

The school’s Nursery class has 24 part time places in the mornings and afternoons.  Children must be three years old on admission to the nursery. Priority for admission to the Nursery follows Cardiff County Council policy, i.e. children who will be four in the coming school year,  with local children being given priority  within this age group.  If  spare places exist, three year olds are admitted in the term after their third birthday, again with local children having priority. Nursery admissions are now handled centrally, so application forms must be sent to the LEA ( the school can provide further information).

The admission arrangements to Reception Class follow the County Council's policy for admission to schools with a feeder Nursery,  i.e. all pupils start on a full time basis from the September of the school year in which they will be five. Since September 1999, parents of all  pupils, whether living in the catchment area or not, must complete an application form for the Primary school of their choice.  This is then submitted to the Education Department for approval. If places are oversubscribed, they will be allocated by the Admissions Department according to the criteria of the LEA.

All prospective parents are welcome to visit the school. An Open  Day for Nursery children is held in the Summer Term, and an Open Afternoon for new Reception  parents and children is held in the Summer Term prior to admission.

Transfer from another Primary School.

Parents wishing to transfer their child/ren to the school are asked to telephone the school beforehand and are welcome to visit the school by appointment with the Headteacher.

Transfer to Secondary Education.

The  allocated High School  for pupils in Primary School depends  upon a child's home address. Any spare places will be allocated according to LEA criteria. Most children from Coryton  go to Whitchurch High School, with whom liaison is regular and ongoing. Children from both Infant and Junior classes visit the High School for special activity days, concerts, swimming lessons, sports coaching etc. In Year 6 pupils have lessons in the High School every other Thursday afternoon as part of a transition project to enable children to transfer to secondary education as smoothly as possible.  In the Thursday afternoon sessions taken by High School staff, lessons include IT, French, Science, Dance, Research Skills, on a rolling programme throughout the year.  Early in Year 6  the Local Education Authority provides parents with details of all Secondary School provision in the county and procedures for application to alternative schools.        

SCHOOL STAFF

Mr S O’Connell       (Headteacher)

Teaching Staff

Mrs. C. Lloyd ( Assistant Headteacher, Foundation Phase)

Mrs A. Evans

Mrs  P. Cosby

Mr D. Barker

Mrs H. Reid

Mrs J. Donoghue

Mrs. C. Gladman (SENCo)

Mrs K. Lisle

Mr. D. Bordessa (Peripatetic Music Teacher)

Mr. R. Frost               “               “           “

Non-teaching Staff

Mrs C Selway              Teaching Assistant

Miss. E. Thompson        Teaching Assistant

Mrs T. Kiff                  Teaching Assistant

Mrs L.  Barker             Teaching Assistant

Mrs H. Jones               Teaching Assistant

Miss J. Francisko         Teaching Assistant

Mrs S. Washington       Teaching Assistant

Mrs L. Coates               Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs. P. Bound               School Clerk

Mr. P. Stanton              Caretaker

Mrs. P. Hinton              School Cook

After School Club Staff / Breakfast Club Staff

Mrs Jill Watkins             Senior Play Leader

Mrs Kim Crawley             Assistant Playworker

Mrs Heather Jones         Playworker

Mrs Karen Williams           “

Miss Emma Thompson   Breakfast Club Coordinator

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Academic Organisation of the School  2011 - 2012

          Nursery    Teacher                              Mrs A Evans  

          Reception  Class Teacher                     Miss S Britten

          Year 1  Class Teacher                          Miss Crawley

          Year 2  Class Teacher                          Mrs C Lloyd ( A.H.)

          Year 3 Class Teacher   ( J1)                 Mrs H Reid

          Year 4  Class Teacher ( J2)                 Mrs Lisle

          Year 5  Class Teacher ( J3)                 Mrs Donoghue

          Year 6 Class Teacher  (J4)                  Mr D Barker

         SEN Support Teacher                          Mrs Gladman          

The Curriculum

Governing Body's Statement of Curriculum Aims

It is the policy of the school's Governing Body that the curriculum should be delivered in accordance with the requirements of relevant legislation, and also with the Policy Statement on Curriculum content of Cardiff County Council. The Governors are confident that in addition to the statutory Curriculum requirements the school will continue to provide a happy, secure, and caring  learning environment. Governors believe that this will promote spiritual, moral, cultural, intellectual and physical development which prepares all pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life irrespective of gender or cultural background, whilst at the same time providing for the differing needs of each individual child.

The school curriculum comprises everything that is learnt in school, both formally and informally. It is structured in accordance with Government requirements and LEA guidelines, and also with the Governing Body's Statement of Curriculum Aims.

However, since 2008  the organisation and delivery of the curriculum has been changing for 3-7 year olds ( the Foundation Phase) and for 7-11 year olds ( Curriculum 2008).  Over the next few years teaching and learning throughout the Primary phase will become more skills based, more practical and more creative, whilst still retaining the breadth of the current curriculum areas. The school will keep parents informed as the changes develop.

At every stage children's progress in all areas of the curriculum is continuously monitored, assessed and recorded, and parents are kept informed verbally and in writing.  In addition to using results of internal and also standardised tests , teachers are continually assessing children’s day to day work in the classroom, and parents are given end of Key Stage results of these Teacher Assessments ( TAs) at the end of Years 2 and 6. Results of Teacher Assessments for 2009 are given in the following pages.

Three Open Evenings are held each year, when parents have an opportunity to view children's work and discuss progress with teachers. Every child receives a written report at the end of the academic year, which parents may discuss with teachers if they wish. On a more informal level, dialogue between teachers and parents is ongoing throughout the year. Parents are able to discuss concerns or queries as they arise with the class teacher or Headteacher. An appointment may be necessary during busy times in school.

Religious Education

In addition to National Curriculum subjects Religious Education is taught  in all classes. Collective worship takes place everyday, and involves all pupils. The agreed syllabus reflects the requirement that religious teaching should be of a broadly Christian nature whilst taking account of  the teaching and practices of the other principle religions represented in Great Britain. Parents have the right to withdraw their child/ren from attendance at religious worship or from receiving religious education, or both.

Local Arrangements for the Consideration of Complaints made under Section 3 of the Education Reform Act 1988

Procedures leading to the above (i.e. Curriculum and Religious Worship)

are set out in the document as provided by the Cardiff County Council, a copy of which is available at school for perusal by parents.

In general, any concerns should first be taken to the Head Teacher, who will be able to deal with most queries.  In the event of this not being the case, the concerns should be put in writing to the Chair of Governors. 

Breakfast Club / After School Club

Breakfast Club meets in the school hall every morning from 8am.  Children are given breakfast, and enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities.

After School Club meets every evening after school . The club is staffed by four qualified playworkers, with the required ratio of adults to children. The club is registered for a maximum of forty eight children per night, and is inspected annually by Social Services to ensure that high standards are maintained.  Up to date information such as availability of places and cost per session may be obtained through the school.

Special Educational Needs

During the course of their education some children may need a period of extra support with one or more areas of the curriculum. In the first instance this support is given at school level by the class teacher, with the support of parents.  Then the SEN support staff  may take  children individually, in a small group, or within the class situation. A request may be made for specialised advice  from one of the LEA Support Services. In some cases the LEA may carry out a full assessment of a child's needs, and issue a 'statement' of Special Educational Need. This sets out the agreed needs of the pupil, and identifies any additional support . At all stages parents are consulted fully by the school about their child's progress and the nature of the provision and support available.

Health Education Policy Statement.

This policy statement has been agreed by the Headteacher and Governing Body of the school, in consultation with staff, parents and pupils.

    Health Education is seen by the school as being concerned

    with   the physical, emotional and social well being of our

    pupils, and aims to help equip them to make responsible

    decisions in order to lead positive,healthy lives.  In addition

     to the formal scheme of work we believe that the ethos of

    the school community and the messages received by the

    children during their time in school have a significant

    contribution to make to the promotion of the aims of

    Health Education.

Sex Education Policy Statement.

    Appropriate and responsible sex education is given to pupils

   of   this school  in order to prepare them for adulthood, and to

   help them cope with the physical and emotional aspects of

  growing up. The context for teaching about the many aspects

  involved in sex education is that of satisfactory personal

  relationships, and the importance of family life and loving

  relationships within it are a central feature.  The physical

  aspect  of sexual behaviour are taught in a clear moral

 framework with  important aspects being self restraint,

 dignity, and respect for oneself and others. Implicit in all

 discussion is the sensitivity of the teacher to the spectrum of

 different family situations in which children may be

  growing up.

  Parents have the right to withdraw their child from formal Sex

  Education, and are invited to view resources and discuss

  teaching approaches with staff before children take part in

  lessons. For more details, please contact the Headteacher. 

Organisation of the Content of the Curriculum

Teaching in the school is generally class based with each class teacher being responsible for delivery of the curriculum. Some specialisation occurs however in subjects such as Music, Welsh and Games. Class organisation involves a mixture of approaches - whole class, group, and individual teaching. Curriculum areas are taught both discretely (i.e. as individual subjects) and through cross-curricular topic work. Resources such as interactive whiteboards, computers (provided in each class), television, videos, listening stations etc. are used to support and facilitate teaching and learning in all classes. Whenever possible children are taken out of school on educational visits to provide first hand experience of topics they are studying in the classroom.  For similar reasons visitors with particular expertise or experiences to share are often invited into classrooms to talk to children. Volunteers from the local community help in a number of areas of school life.

Class organisation is based on one class per age group, up to Year 6,  with a mixed age group at the top of the school. For all age groups teachers' planning and organisation takes full account of children's age and attainment levels, to ensure that work is appropriately matched to children's needs and abilities.

The School Day

Hours spent on teaching during the normal school week are as follows:

          Junior Classes  -  23 hours

          Infant Classes  -  21 hours 35 minutes

These totals include religious education but exclude the daily act of collective worship, registration and breaks.

Nursery sessions are two and a half hours each . Morning sessions are from 9:00 am. to 11:30 am., with afternoon sessions from 12:45 pm. to 3:15 pm. Children enter and leave by their own door.

For the rest of the school times are as follows:

Morning Session:

School Assembles                                                            8.55am

Act of collective worship and registration                        9.00a.m.  -  9.05a.m.

Lesson Time                                                                    9.05a.m.  -  10.10a.m.

Break                                                                             10.30a.m. -   10.45a.m.

Lesson Time                                                                    10.50a.m. -   12 noon

                                                                                                        (Infants)

Afternoon Session:

                                                                 Juniors                   Infants       

School Assembles                                       1.00p.m.                  1.15 p.m.

Lesson Time                                               1.00 - 2.20p.m.        1.15 - 2.20p.m.

Break                                                        2.20 - 2.30p.m.       2.15 - 2.30p.m.

Lesson time                                                2.30 - 3.30p.m.       2.30 - 3.30p.m.

Children should assemble in the school playground a minimum of 5 minutes and a maximum of 15 minutes before morning and afternoon sessions begin. Responsibility for the safety of the pupils arriving before these times can not be accepted by the school.

Home Work Arrangements.

The school has a policy of encouraging those parents who wish to do so, to help their children at home. At the beginning of each half term teachers send home a brief outline of the main topics planned, so that parents can help if they wish.  The home-school reading scheme enables parents to be involved in their children's reading. In the early stages this may involve the use of flashcards, worksheets etc. as well as reading books which the teacher sends home. The reading record book enables parents and teachers to work collaboratively. Children may also have number bonds, multiplication tables, spellings etc. to learn at certain stages with which help at home will clearly assist, and when topic work is being done in class children may be asked to do further research at home. Individual children may given activities to practise and reinforce  as considered appropriate by the teacher. As children move up the school the range and frequency of homework increases and from the Summer Term of Year 4 formal homework is set on a regular basis for all pupils. At Open Evenings and other meetings with staff parents can discuss ways of helping their own children, which support what is being taught in school.

Arrangements for the General Welfare of Children

Each child has a class teacher who has responsibility in the first instance for his/her pupils. Class teachers oversee the general progress and welfare of their pupils. Should any significant problems or changes occur these are reported to the Headteacher who has overall responsibility or to the Assistant Headteacher. The Head or Assistant Headteacher is always available to discuss parents' concerns about children's welfare, but an appointment is usually needed as schools tend to be very busy places!

The school has a legal responsibility to report serious concerns about a child’s welfare to the appropriate agencies.

Health and Safety

The school's Health and Safety Policy assesses potential risks for pupils and staff, and identifies means of keeping everyone safe.  The school has an entry security system which controls access to the building, a burglar alarm covering all parts of the building and CCTV cameras, recording continuously at every entrance and outside area. 

School Uniform

School uniform will be available from our new supplier , from  15th June 2010. The  supplier is JOYELL SCHOOLWEAR, 5, PENLLINE ROAD, WHITCHURCH (Tel: 029 20693653). The shop is conveniently positioned in the village for parents to pop in with their children and try on the schoolwear before buying from the store. The uniform will include our new school logo and will be much cheaper in price. The prices are as follows:

Sweaters (Royal Blue)—from £6.25

Polo Shirts  (White or Sky Blue) - £6.00

Cardigans (Royal Blue)—£9.50

Fleece (Royal Blue)—£11.50

Summer Dress (Light Blue)—£6.99

Book Bags with the new logo are also available at £3.99

Joyell Schoolwear also provides black trousers although summer dresses, black/grey trousers and skirts can be purchased cheaply from local supermarkets. Local     supermarkets also supply plain polo shirts without logos at a lower cost. Children can wear trainers or shoes to school from September.

For outdoor PE  we require children to have appropriate footwear, i.e. football boots for playing on the field and plimsolls or trainers for games such as netball which is played on the yard. For indoor PE pupils need shorts and a teeshirt. Shorts are ideal for the Summer, tracksuits or jog suits are a good idea for the Winter. The wearing of watches or jewellery during P.E. is not allowed.

School Meals

School meals are cooked on the premises and are of a high quality.

Parents are provided in advance with a four-weekly menu for Summer and Winter meals. Mrs. Hinton, the School Cook, is able to cater for individual needs and particular diets. Dinner money is collected on a Wednesday morning for the following week, and from September 2010 the cost will be £1.80 a day for the Infants and Juniors. Please note that it is not possible to collect dinner money after banking on a Wednesday afternoon.  If a child forgets their dinner money packed lunches need to be provided for the next week. Parents who feel they may be entitled to free school meals are assured of discretion, and should contact the Headteacher or School Secretary. Alternatively, children may bring a packed lunch from home. Children who are entitled to free school meals can have a packed lunch provided by the kitchen when the class is on an educational visit. 

Children bring playtime snacks and Infant children have milk every morning.

School Rules and Discipline

Every community needs clear enforceable rules in order to protect people and property and to ensure efficient organisation. Rules are based primarily on consideration and respect for others. Pupils may be disciplined by all teachers and sanctions may vary from mild chastisement to denial of play etc. and ultimately to a period of suspension, but the emphasis in school is on encouragement and recognition of good behaviour. Incentives include badges, certificates, treats etc. and at the end of each school year presentations are made for Science, Music, Art  and P.E. In addition, the Ivor Broad Award is presented to the child considered to have made the greatest contribution to school life during the year. A set of school rules has been drawn up following discussion by teachers, children, parents, and Governors.  The rules identify four main areas where good behaviour is important for the benefit of everyone in the school.  These rules are shown on the following page.

 Bullying: Governors' Policy Statement

The Governors and Staff of Coryton Primary School believe that it is a basic entitlement of all pupils to receive their education free from humiliation, oppression and abuse.  The creation of a secure and caring environment in which every child develops respect for self and others, and is protected from any form of bullying behaviour is therefore central to the ethos of the school.

 Racial Harassment: Governors' Policy Statement                                                                  

The Governors and Staff of Coryton Primary School are committed to the promotion of racial justice and harmonious relationships within the school.

Equal Opportunities

The school's equal opportunies policy states that discrimination on the basis of sex, colour, religion, ethnic origin, ability or social class is unacceptable.  The school is committed to the provision of a happy, caring and secure environment in which every child has equal access and entitlement to the school's curriculum, and feels equally valued in the school community.

School Rules

1. We take responsibility for ourselves

    i.e.   We always tell the truth

            We always keep ourselves clean

            We come to school regularly and on time

            We look after ourselves and our belongings

            We take pride in our work and try our best

            We do as we are told first time

2. We show respect and consideration for others

    i.e.   We call everyone by their given name

             We are polite and well-mannered

             We listen to others when they are speaking

             We keep our hands and feet to ourselves

             We respect other peoples belongings

              We treat others as we want them to treat us

3. We keep ourselves and others safe

    i.e.   We move sensibly and safely around school

             We walk on pavements and footpaths

             We stay in areas where it is safe to go    

             We look after others, especially younger and smaller

               children

             We don't talk to strangers

             We tell a teacher if we feel unsafe

4. We take pride in our school

     i.e.   We keep our own belongings clean and  tidy

             We put our names on our belongings

             We always put things back in their proper place

             We leave our classroom as we find it

             We keep the school grounds clean and tidy.

             We are proud to represent our school well in the local and

               wider community                   

  Home School Agreement

Children derive maximum benefit from school when they work, together with parents and school staff  towards agreed aims. Following consultation with parents, pupils  and Governors the school has drawn up a Home School Agreement which is issued in the first term of the school year.  Parents are invited to sign the agreement, and children are made aware of its contents. Older Juniors (Year 5 and Year 6 ) are also asked to be party to the agreement by signing alongside their parents. Although not binding in a legal context, the agreement is a reminder to all parties of their responsibilities and duties, and also of the expectations of others.  

Attendance and Punctuality.

Parents will be aware that schools are required to keep a legal register of all pupils' attendance at school, but may wish to note that we are now also required to keep records of 'unauthorised absences' for each child, i.e. absences for which a legitimate explanation has not been received from parents. The number of unauthorised absences is then kept on the child's and the school's records. It is therefore essential that parents inform the school, preferably in writing, of the reasons why children have been absent.  In the case of family holidays, a letter should be sent to the Headteacher to be kept on file. In normal circumstances up to 10 days holiday a year which is taken in school time would be authorised by the Headteacher.

Lateness is also recorded by class teachers.  Any child arriving more than five minutes after the bell has gone is judged to be late, and repeated lateness may be entered onto the child's records and written reports. More than half an hour late counts as an absence for that session. Teachers will  send a note home if children are regularly arriving in school late, and the EWO will be involved  if this is persistent.

School Activities

At Coryton we encourage children to become involved in as many school activities as possible, and in addition to the academic aspect of school we try to offer a range of experiences which will develop the all round potential of each child. These include:

Instrumental lessons                         

School choir                                        

 Netball

Football

Cricket

Urdd

Sports Clubs

As part of the curriculum children have lessons in gymnastics, games, dance, and athletics.  Everyone has the chance to take part in Sports Days, which are held separately for Nursery, Infants, and Juniors. 

As children move into the Juniors a range of individual and team activities (such as football, rugby, netball, athletics, tennis and cricket ) in which children have the opportunity to represent the school.  A two week swimming course takes place in Year 5 leading to certificates at various levels.  The course takes place at the local High School pool, and is supervised by an experienced qualified instructor.  All Year 5 and Year 6 pupils have a course in Cycling Proficiency which takes place during school hours.  An after school sports club develops skills in football and netball in the Winter and athletics and cricket in the Summer.  As a Forest School, signed up to the PESS initiative, the school encourages children to exercise and enjoy outdoor activities.

Music   

Occasionally all children experience live drama or music from a visiting theatre company or musical group.  In addition to these performances, individual classes may be involved in workshops for drama or music, which take place either in school or at outside venues.

Music forms an important part of the curriculum for every age group, and lunchtime practices for orchestra, choir and other groups develop this thriving aspect of school life. Children from Year 3 onwards  can audition for the School Choir.  Instrumental lessons are available from specialist teachers, but unfortunately these now have to be paid for. Parents are asked to provide three cheques in September – dated for the Autumn, Spring and Summer Terms, which will be paid in at the appropriate time.  This saves a great deal of admin time sending out invoices every term. The school orchestra meets weekly and performs in school and community concerts. 

Urdd

The Urdd is a youth group which offers a range of activities for children, while at the same time giving them an opportunity to practise the Welsh language and learn more about Welsh culture. The Urdd meets weekly, enjoying a range of fun activities.

In previous years children  have had the opportunity of going on a residential visit involving activities such as horse riding, orienteering, abseiling etc.  In 2009 forty Year 5 and Year 6  children went to the Urdd camp in Llangrannog for a long weekend supervised by five members of staff, led by Mr Barker.

Visits

Visiting speakers may be invited into the school or classes may be taken out on visits, especially in connection with their topic work.  Some visits are in the local vicinity, within walking distance of the school, and parents are asked to sign one consent form to cover all such walks while a child is at the school.  For visits requiring transport to further destinations specific details and forms are sent home, and must be returned giving parents' written consent. Within the last school year classes have visited Techniquest, the National Museum, St. Fagans Museum of Welsh Life, the Lord Mayor’s Mansion, the National Assembly, Cardiff Bay, the City Hall, as well as attending exhibitions and specific events such as music workshops at St David’s Hall.

Charging for School Activities.

Under the provisions of the 1988 Education Act schools are not permitted to make a compulsory charge to parents for any activity involving more than four pupils which takes place during school hours.  Many activities are subsidised (up to a maximum of half the total cost)  or wholly funded by the P.T.A., but voluntary contributions may be invited from parents for some activities in order to make them financially viable.  Further information on this matter may be obtained from school. 

The School and the Community.

 The school recognises and values its place in the local community.  Children  are encouraged to conserve and take care of the immediate school environment and the wider area in which they live.  The school’s Eco Committee comprises class representatives from Year 1 to Year 6, and meets regularly.  The committee discusses environmental issues of concern to their classmates, and try to find solutions.  During this school year the school has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award. Topic work in school includes studies of local Geography, History, and Science, and often involves walks in the area, and visits.  These include the Post Office, Sorting Office, Fire Station, Asda Supermarket, Forest Farm, Castell Coch, etc. The School Choir sings in the Whitchurch Festival, and for local groups by invitation at different times of the year.

Visitors also come in to school to share their knowledge and experiences.  Recent visitors have included ministers of local churches, the Community Police Officer, School Nurse,  Road Safety officials, and local historians. Local members of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme help in the school on a regular basis. Members of the local community are invited to concerts in school, and to the Family Carol Service which is held in one of the local churches every Christmas.

As part of the ethos of the school children are encouraged to consider the needs of others, and often initiate ideas for raising funds for charities which have for some reason caught their attention.  Sometimes these are local charities with a personal connection for the children, sometimes a national appeal for a current disaster or tragedy somewhere in the world. 

Representatives of charities are invited into school once a year to explain their work and the need for fundraising. In addition representatives of organisations such as Guide Dogs for the Blind come into classes to explain their work to smaller groups.

The local community is represented on the Governing Body of the school.  Support  from individuals, organisations, and local businesses is gratefully acknowledged by children, parents, teachers and Governors .

SCHOOL  HOLIDAY DATES    2011-12

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