School Aims

The school aims to create and sustain an environment in which all people involved - children, staff and parents - may grow in their faith and in their love of God developing respect for themselves and an awareness of the needs and gifts of others.

We wish all children in our care to be happy and independent in a positive and encouraging atmosphere developing their own potential and through the experience provided gaining the necessary knowledge and skills:

• to read fluently and accurately with understanding and feeling.

• to develop an efficient and legible style of handwriting and good standards of spelling, syntax, punctuation and useage;

• to communicate clearly and confidently in speech and writing in ways appropiate for various occasions and purposes:

• to listen attentively and with understanding

• to be able to acquire information from various sources and to record information and discoveries in various ways:

• to develop problem-solving techniques

• to develop mathematical concepts and skills and to be able to apply them to the real world.

• to develop scientific skills and knowledge. 

• to experience geographical, historical and social aspects of the local environment and to be aware of links between local, national and international events.

• to acquire sufficient control of self, tools, equipment and instruments so as to be able to use music, drama and various forms of art and craft as a means of expression.

• to develop agility and physical coordination and to encourage team skills.

• to understand the changing society in which we live - multi-faith and multi-cultural - and to realise and enjoy some of the riches of our culture and heritage.

The school undertakes to help and support the parents who are the first and most important educators of their children.

ORGANISATION

There are 7 year groups in the school.  The Reception class is in the Foundation Stage: Years 1 and 2 are known as Key Stage 1: and Years 3-6 are known as Key Stage 2.  Children are allocated to classes strictly according to age, and are generally with one teacher throughout the day.  Year groups work together on occasions. 

Children are expected to work in a variety of modes - class groups, mixed ability groups, single ability groups, individually - whatever organisation is best suited to the particular lesson or task being undertaken.  We expect children to be adaptable and to contribute in an appropriate manner in whatever mode or organisation they are placed or choose to be.

At the end of Year 6, children transfer to secondary schools who operate accordingly to their own admissions criteria.

SPECIAL NEEDS

The Education Authority recognises special areas of need and provides the school with a limited amount of money to buy in service.  The Governors add to this from the school general budget when resources allow.  Much use is made of outside agencies such as the Educational Psychology Service, the Behaviour Support Team and the Catholic Children's Society.

Children who are identified as having special needs are given help and support until such time as they achieve satisfactory standards.