School Prospectus 2007 - 2008
MONKS RISBOROUGH
C.E. PRIMARY SCHOOL
School Prospectus 2007 - 2008
Providing a learning environment that encourages success
and celebrates achievement
Headteacher: Mr. S . Nunn
Chair of Governors: Mr. A Vere
Monks Risborough C.E. Primary School
Aylesbury Road,
Monks Risborough,
Princes Risborough,
Bucks. HP27 9LZ
Telephone: 01844 345590 Fax: 01844 274978
e-mail: office@mrisborough.bucks.sch.uk
Reg. Charity No. 1073117
Providing a learning environment that encourages success and celebrates achievement !
Christian values are built into the ethos and teaching of this school; it is distinguished by developing in its pupils a sympathetic understanding of the Christian faith and yet exerts no pressure to believe.
The school teaches understanding of, and respect for other major world faiths and welcomes all children from the neighbourhood whatever their parents' beliefs.
The Christian character of the school and the links with the local community are demonstrated by the active involvement of Foundation Governors, by having regular services in the parish church and having the rector lead assemblies.
The school aims to nurture links between school, home, parish and local community, and in providing an awareness and experience of the Christian faith, we further endeavour to cultivate the foundation of mutual respect and responsibility.
Aims and Objectives of the School
At Monks Risborough Church of England Primary School we aim to provide a quality education in a happy, safe and productive environment in which all children can achieve their full potential.
The school?s curriculum is designed to facilitate this overriding aim and considers children's present and future needs both within the education system and in society as a whole.
The general aims of the school are in line with those of the Local Education Authority and are as follows:
i) To help pupils develop lively, enquiring minds, the ability to question and argue rationally and to apply themselves to a variety of tasks.
ii) To help pupils acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to their future lives in a rapidly changing world.
iii) To help pupils to use language and number and to communicate effectively.
iv) To help pupils develop respect for religious and moral values, and tolerance of other races, religions and ways of life.
v) To help pupils to understand the world in which they live, the interdependence of people on each other, on groups and nations.
vi) To help pupils understand and appreciate past and present human achievements and aspirations.
vii) To provide an environment in which self-confidence, satisfaction and personal fulfilment are developed and encouraged throughout their school life.
The School
Monks Risborough CE Primary School was originally built in 1858. More modern additions in the form of an upper and lower school were built during the 1960's and '70's. All of the classrooms are well-equipped and these are supplemented by a general-purpose assembly hall, a separate dining area and two libraries. The school benefits from a rural setting and has an attached playing field and a heated learner swimming pool within the grounds. The number on roll is maintained at 210+. From September 2007 the admission number will be 26 with up to an additional 6 being admitted at age 7 when pupils transfer from Great Kimble First School.
Monks Risborough CE Primary School caters for children of all abilities from 5 to 11 years of age. We are fortunate to have a very experienced, caring and enthusiastic team who are committed to providing the best possible education for all the pupils. We provide an interesting and varied curriculum that utilises the school's immediate surroundings, and is enriched by a close association with St. Dunstan's Church. We offer a range of extra-curricular activities so that children are able to further develop their musical, sporting and artistic talents. Furthermore, we encourage and promote a partnership between staff, parents, pupils, governors and the wider community so that all can make a contribution to the quality of education made available to the pupils at the school.
Teaching:
The school has an experienced and well qualified staff. The quality and commitment of staff and their friendly and co-operative relationship with each other and with pupils, contribute positively to the life and success of the school.
Classes are grouped according to year groups. Classes will be of mixed ability but all children are taught according to their individual needs.
Curriculum:
At Monks Risborough our concern is with the potential of each individual child and ensuring that children are properly challenged and prepared for subsequent phases of their education. Part of that preparation is addressed through the delivery of a well structured and varied curriculum.
We offer a curriculum that is broad and balanced which considers the variety of abilities and aptitudes of the children being taught. We strive to develop the pupils' enjoyment of and enthusiasm for learning. The core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and ICT, in which the School's standards are above the national averages, and the foundation subjects of Technology, History, Geography, Music, Art and P.E. are taught to all children. Religious Education is given a high profile in the school. The teaching of French has recently been introduced into all Junior school classes.
School Day:
Morning session Afternoon session
Key Stage 1 8.45 - 12.10 1.10 - 3.15
Key Stage 2 8.45 - 12.10 1.10 - 3.25
(Children should not be on the school premises before 8.30 am)
Teaching hours per week - Infant (KS1) School 21 hrs. 50 min.
Junior (KS2) School 23 hrs. 45 min.
Act of Worship:
The school takes advantage of its association with St. Dunstan's church and holds a number of services at the church. A daily act of worship takes place at school in the form of whole school, key stage or class-based collective worship and usually forms part of a daily assembly.
Parents may, if they so wish, exclude their child from collective worship.
Testing / Assessment
Children are assessed on entering School to provide staff with an understanding of their needs and abilities. The teacher and classroom staff then continue to observe and assess the pupils throughout the Reception Year. These observations serve to inform the teacher's completion of the Foundation Stage Profile, a working document which records details of pupils' individual progress and understanding and helps to inform the appropriate next steps in the teaching and learning process, in line with the Foundation Stage curriculum.
From Year 1 to Year 6, pupils continue to be regularly assessed by the class teacher. Such assessments take many forms ranging from regular, clearly identifiable formal tests to simple classroom observations made by the teacher. All of this will help to inform the teacher about an individual's progress and understanding and will, again, help inform the next appropriate steps in the teaching and learning process.
Children are more formally tested in National Curriculum core subjects of Maths and English at the end of Key Stage 1 (year 2) and in Maths, English and Science at the end of Key Stage 2 (year 6).
Children in years 3, 4 and 5 are tested using non-statutory SAT materials at the end of the year and re-tested in November to confirm levels. These children also participate in
Cognitive Abilities Test each Summer Term, which further supplement teacher assessments.
In the final year at Monks Risborough, the children take part in the county's secondary selection procedure (11+) which is designed to allocate the appropriate next phase of education.
Records
Parents will receive an annual report of progress which they can keep. A copy of the children's report and a portfolio of work are kept by each class teacher. Examples of the child's work are kept to exemplify National Curriculum standards and to help support judgements made by the teacher about the child's level of attainment in each subject. Each child has a Record of Achievement which summarises test results and provides a record of achievement both social and academic. Information provided by the parents may be noted in this document.
Children's personal records (e.g. medical, home circumstances) are kept securely in the school office.
Home Learning
The school has a Home Learning policy which emphasises its purpose to provide reinforcement, stimulation and an extension of the activities that are undertaken within the classroom. The amount and form that Home Learning takes will vary from year to year but will increase as children are encouraged to become more independent learners.
Special Educational Needs
The Governing Body and the Headteacher are committed to providing for children who have special educational needs and to developing cultures, policies and practices which are inclusive. With the right training, strategies and support, many children with special educational needs can be successfully included in mainstream education. However, we are committed to ensure that the interests of all pupils are safeguarded.
Where a child has a specific need identified, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be formulated in consultation with the parents. At all stages, parents are fully consulted so that the plan is both appropriate to the needs of the child and has the agreement and understanding of all concerned. We are fortunate to have in Mrs Fisher a very experienced special needs co-ordinator. Mrs Fisher attends the IEP reviews along with the parents, the class teacher and the child (with parental agreement). A wide range of special needs materials are available in school.
We have additional teachers and learning support assistants to work with children who need some form of extra help. We also have a co-ordinator for gifted and talented children. These children are offered extension activities and the opportunity to attend special events.
Disability Equality
The school is committed to compliance with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 and the Disability Discrimination Act. We have produced a full disability access plan which will ensure that we will not treat disabled pupils less favourably for a reason related to disability and we will take reasonable steps to ensure that disabled pupils are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to their non-disabled peers.
When changes have been made to the physical environment, we have tried to make provision for those with disabilities. The school's commitment to inclusion ensures that we actively seek to accommodate those with disabilities.
Extra-Curricular Activities
There are a number of activities which are available either at lunchtime or after school. Peripatetic teachers visit the school weekly to teach a musical instrument such as violin, guitar, flute, clarinet. In addition there is a school choir and a junior choir.
A variety of sports are offered - football, rugby, netball, cricket, hockey, athletics, rounders, cross-country, table tennis and children have an opportunity to compete against other schools in these sports. The activities on offer may vary according to the availability of staff supervision or contributions from outside providers. The school also takes part in the annual country dancing festival and this is offered to children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Educational Journeys and Visits
Each year a number visits are arranged to support the curriculum and enhance children's learning. There is an annual residential visit to Shortenills Environmental Studies Centre (Chalfont St. Giles) by year 4 and a 5 day residential trip for years 5 & 6 to an outdoor activity centre (alternating annually between centres in France and the UK). Day visits are also made by all classes, both locally and further afield.
For extended, residential journeys, parents would be expected to cover the full cost of the activity although support is available for those families that experience some difficulty in meeting the costs.
For all day visits, a voluntary contribution will be requested to cover the cost of such visits. There is no obligation to make a contribution and pupils whose parents do not make a contribution will not be treated differently or disadvantaged in any way. However, where there is a significant shortfall in the contributions made, it may be necessary to cancel the trip.
A charging policy has been formulated by the Governing body which is available in the school and gives more detailed references to journeys and visits.
Medical and Health and Safety
The school relies on parents to make a careful and realistic judgement on a child's fitness for school. If a child becomes ill during the school day, parents will be contacted so that they may be collected from school.
There may be occasions when medicines need to be administered by an appropriate member of staff. This should only apply when a doctor has indicated that there is no reason for the child to be away from school. Under these special circumstances no liability will be accepted for these arrangements and the parent needs to put the request in writing to the head teacher. Parents may be asked to come to school to administer medicines.
The School has ensured that the necessary procedures are in place to enable it to undertake its responsibilities for health and safety and first aid. A member of staff is the designated H&S Officer and is required to carry out a regular check with a governor and caretaker in accordance with procedures laid down by the LEA on the basis of which, an annual report is made to the appropriate authorities.
Road Safety: Older children are permitted to cycle to school but parents must put the request in writing to the school (form available from the Head teacher). Only road-worthy bicycles can be used and children must walk them on the school premises. Children showing disregard for these rules will be asked to leave cycles at home.
Child Protection
The health, safety and well being of every child are our paramount concern. Our aim is that children will enjoy their time as pupils at Monks Risborough Primary School. We listen to pupils and take seriously what they tell us.
We want to work in partnership with you to help your child achieve their full potential and make a positive contribution.
On rare occasions our concern about a child may mean that we have to contact other agencies even before we contact you. The procedures, which we follow, have been laid down by the Buckinghamshire Area Child Protection Committee, and the school has adopted a Child Protection Policy in line with this for the safety of all. A senior member of staff has been designated as the Child Protection Officer.
If you want to know more about our procedures or the policy, please speak to the Headteacher or your child's class teacher.
Absences from School
Pupils must be in full time attendance and a record is kept by the class teacher. A note is always required to explain the reason for absence and if no information is received it would be considered as an unauthorised absence.
We expect parents to inform us by 9.00 on the first morning of any absence.
Parental Involvement in School
A close relationship between the School and parents is essential and this is achieved in a number of ways:
Parents' evenings are arranged termly and these give parents the opportunity of discussing their child's work and progress with the class teacher in formal meetings in September, November, March and following the Annual Report in July.
Parents are encouraged to support the staff by listening to children read, supervising activities e.g. Food Technology tasks, painting, helping in the library etc. during school hours.
Parents are encouraged to attend all School activities e.g. Sports Days, Concerts, etc. and will also have an opportunity to discuss issues at more formal meetings and presentations.
Communication
The staff and governors endeavour to keep parents fully informed about the School and all its activities;
- The Head teacher writes regular newsletters to parents and holds regular parents' meetings
- Governors' annual report to parents
- Annual meeting of Governors with parents
Governing Body and 'The Friends' of Monks Risborough
The Governing body meet regularly to provide assistance with and the monitoring of the School's organisation. Teachers, parents, the church, the local community and the L.E.A. are all represented to ensure a balance is achieved in decisions taken. Regular visits to the School and attachment to curriculum areas by governors allows them to understand fully the day to day running of the School.
The 'Friends of Monks Risborough' is a very active parents' association which arranges many social functions throughout the year and makes a significant contribution to the School's funds.
Complaints Procedure
It is expected that concerns expressed by parents would be resolved through formal / informal discussions with the class teacher or the Headteacher. If matters cannot be resolved in this way, parents should address their complaints in writing to the Chair of Governors.
Discipline
It is our intention to have a well ordered and disciplined school where children can feel safe and be able to work and play in harmony with each other. Children are encouraged to monitor their own behaviour and develop a sense of responsibility for their general conduct. A system of rewards and sanctions exists so that good behaviour will be acknowledged and poor conduct will be dealt with immediately. A record is kept of significant incidents and parents will be informed if a child is involved in a serious misdemeanour or persistent indiscipline through a 'yellow' and 'red' card system.
Supervision is provided by mid-day supervisors, a duty teacher and the Head or Deputy during lunchtimes.
Break times are supervised by a duty member of staff.
B BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
ADMISSIONS POLICY
The County Council has agreed that the admissions policy detailed below should be used for those children due for admission to primary schools at the age of 5 or 7.
In most cases the Education Department will be able to confirm that a place is available at your preferred school, however, when a primary school is over subscribed, i.e. more children wish to attend the school than there are vacant places, the rules detailed below are used to allocate places up to the intended admission number.
ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR COUNTY AND VOLUNTARY CONTROLLED PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Places are allocated according to the following criteria, in order of priority:-
Rule 1 Children who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs which names the school.
Rule 2 Children in public care for whom the County Council decides that the school is the most appropriate.
Rule 3 Children living within the catchment area of the school.
Rule 4 Siblings of children who will still be at the school or at a linked primary school on the date of admission.
Rule 5 Children whose parents have expressed a preference for a Church of England School supported by evidence that at least one parent has been a regular worshipper (an average of at least twice a month) at an Anglican church. You should ask your priest or minister to fill in a 'supplementary form' as evidence.
Rule 6 Children who have exceptional medical, educational or social needs, which can only be met at that school, supported by written evidence from a doctor, social worker, education welfare officer or other appropriate professional person.
Rule 7 Children attending a primary school linked to the school named in the list of 'linked primary' schools.
Rule 8 Once the above rules have been applied, then any further places will be offered in distance order, using the distance between the family's normal home address and the school's nearest entrance gate, offering the closest first. We use the shortest appropriate route.
This information applies to children wishing to be admitted to this school. If you have any questions about how this may apply to you then please contact the Admissions Officer at your local Area Education Office, who will be able to advise you.
Monks Risborough C. of E. Primary School
End of Key Stage 1: Summary of Results 2008
update soon
RESULTS ' End of Key Stage 1 '2008
End of Key Stage 2: Summary of Results 2008
No. of eligible pupils: 34
RESULTS ' End of Key Stage 2
LEVEL 5+
Analysis of School Absence
School Targets:
% of pupils reaching level 2 or above at KS1 and level 4 or above at KS2
(actual levels achieved are in brackets)
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
KS1
READING 88 (96) 100 (96) 100 (96) 100 (100) 100 (90)
WRITING 88 (92) 100 (92) 96 (100) 92 (96) 96 (90)
MATHEMATICS 96 (96) 100 (96) 96 (100) 100 (100) 100 (97)
KS2
ENGLISH 90 (85) 94 (94) 85 (90) 90 (100) 82 (88)
MATHEMATICS 90 (82) 94 (88) 88 (68) 97 (97) 85 (88)