Curriculum

The staff make every effort to keep up to date with curriculum developments by attending courses and obtaining advice from County Advisers and advisory teachers.

We believe that the curriculum includes not only the formal timetable of lessons but also the hidden curriculum, the out-of-school activities promoted by the school and the "caring-for-one-another" attitude encouraged in the school community as a whole.

Organisation

The school is divided into three classes. Different styles of teaching are employed as appropriate i.e. individual, group or whole class.

English, Maths and Science are usually referred to as ‘core’ subjects.  All other subjects are referred to as ‘foundation’ subjects.

Admissions 2006/07

Burton Leonard Church of England School provides for children between the ages of 4+ and 11. 

Reception children will start school in September.  Children may attend part-time for the first term. Whenever possible they come to school in the summer term for a few sessions to familiarise themselves with other children, staff, school routine etc.

Parents considering sending their children to the school are invited to visit at any time, by  prior appointment, as the Head is a full-time class teacher.

Number on roll  65

Maximum admission number  10

School hours

9.00 a.m.-12.00 noon and 1.00 p.m.-3.30 p.m. Excluding breaks, registration and assembly approximately 22.5 hours a week are spent teaching in the infants and 23.75 in the juniors.

School terms

A list of term dates is in the diary.

School Meals

Children may have a school lunch, bring sandwiches or go home at lunch-time.  The cost of a school meal in 2007/08 is £1.80 per day (£9.00 per week), collected by the secretary on  Tuesday morning or half-termly in advance.  Parents are asked to give a half-term’s notice before changing lunch-time arrangements.

Aims of the School

Our overall aim is to give the children every opportunity and encouragement to develop educationally and socially to their fullest potential, by making sure that every child is valued as a worthwhile individual in a caring, happy, secure and stimulating environment.

We intend to achieve this by providing:

a varied, challenging curriculum delivered within a Christian environment

a stimulating environment for their learning

a friendly, happy and caring atmosphere

a safe, secure, encouraging and disciplined environment
solid foundations building on and extending the child’s previous experience and knowledge.

We expect the children will:

grow spiritually, emotionally and morally

develop self-confidence, self-esteem and consideration for others

acknowledge that everyone has a part to play in the life of the school

take a pride in their work, their achievements and their school

develop sensitivity, tolerance and compassion

progress to the highest level within their own capabilities

become independent learners

develop responsibility for themselves, for others and their environment.

If these aims are achieved the children will be suitably prepared for their next step in life.

This policy statement was drawn up after much consultation with children, governors, parents and staff.

Literacy

The teaching of English is based on the National Literacy Strategy.  Great emphasis is placed on the teaching of reading, each child receiving individual attention as well as working in groups. We believe parents have an active role to play in the development of their child's reading. Children are encouraged to take their reading books home, but we ask that they are returned the following day. Guided reading is used throughout school.  This enables teachers to work daily with a small focus group using a range of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and plays.

Children are given a wide variety of writing tasks. We encourage children to write imaginatively and in their own individual style. We also teach basics such as spelling, punctuation, handwriting and grammar.

Children are encouraged to recount, discuss, debate, etc. as well as to listen to the views, opinions and news of others.

Numeracy

Our aim is that children should gain in confidence and be able to tackle mathematical tasks without fear. Their grasp of mathematical concepts is based on practical experience working individually and in groups using the National Numeracy Strategy, supported by the Abacus scheme.  Great emphasis is placed on mental arithmetic. Parents are encouraged to help their children with multiplication tables.

Science / Technology

Our work in Science is planned from the QCA Schemes of Work.  (This applies in most foundation subjects.) We recognise the important role that science and technology have to play in society and believe that here, especially, knowledge comes from practical investigations.

ICT is used across the curriculum.

History / Geography

Appropriate knowledge and skills are introduced largely through topic work, but we do feel that there is a basic core of knowledge needed, such as names of continents, capital cities and important historical figures and dates.  Cross-curricular links are made wherever appropriate or work may be covered through ‘theme days’.

Religious Education

We follow the RE Agreed Syllabus for North Yorkshire, teaching through topic work. Our aim is to teach children Christian values based on loving and caring and this is the atmosphere we try to encourage in school. We also study the other major world religions, often by visits to local places of worship such as synagogues. 

Sex Education

Sex Education will occur from time to time in certain curriculum areas. It is presented in a manner which encourages sensible and enquiring attitudes, with a serious concern for the importance of family life.  Year 5 or 6 children attend a puberty talk and video by the School Nurse.

Physical Education

We play football, netball, cricket, rounders and other sports matches with nearby schools. To comply with the National Curriculum we attend Knaresborough Swimming Baths in the summer term. We are able to make use of our playground and our field to do a wide range of physical activities during warmer weather, using small and larger equipment. The hall is used for dance, large apparatus etc. at other times of the year. Please send a note if your child is unable to participate through illness or injury. We are advised that in the interests of safety, all jewellery should be removed before a P.E. lesson.

Our aim is to compete fairly, to do our best and to accept defeat as gracefully as we accept victory.  Every two years the Year 5/6 children go to East Barnby Outdoor Education Centre for a week’s residential visit where activities may include walking, canoeing, climbing and orienteering.

Music

Music plays an important part in the life of the school and the joy of singing and a sense of rhythm are promoted in all pupils. Children are given the opportunity to learn to play the recorder.  Peripatetic teachers from the North Yorkshire music service currently come into school for flute and trumpet tuition.

Collective Worship

At the beginning of every day we have collective worship. This is an opportunity to promote the caring ethos of the school and for the whole school to discuss issues, promote the caring ethos of the school, share information and celebrate achievements.  Parents have the right to exclude their children from Religious Education and/or assemblies.

Special Needs

Most children make the expected progress throughout their school career. There are, however, some children who may have special needs and the school aims to identify them as early as possible.  In consultation with our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator), individual programmes of work (IEP) can be set up to help these children.  If thought necessary, and with parental agreement, County specialists/medical agencies can be consulted and we will provide extra support.

Homework

Homework is set regularly and we expect children to complete this as a continuation of their classwork.  Homework comes in many forms and parents are encouraged to support their children with this.

Regular reading to and with parents is vital; all primary school age children should either read to their parents, or listen to their parents reading, for between 10 to 20 minutes a day.

Home/School/Child Agreement

All schools by law have to have a home-school agreement.  Parents are invited to read and discuss it with their child/ren and, if in agreement, sign it and return it to school.  A copy will be returned for your information.

Behaviour

Class teachers are concerned not only for the academic progress of your child, but also for their personal and social development. We try to combine high expectations with a consistent and sympathetic approach.

Sometimes, however, problems do crop up  and we involve parents at an early stage rather than leave it until later and we hope you, as parents, will do the same with us. 

A new baby in the family, a sudden death or some upset at home can cause your child to behave differently at school.  Worry over school work or a fall out with a friend can cause problems at home. Please tell us of anything that may affect your child’s well-being.

To have a happy learning environment an orderly atmosphere is necessary.  Our school rules are few -  just those necessary for safety, order and sanity!

You, as parents, can help to reinforce our code of conduct:-

Everyone will act with courtesy and consideration to others at all times. This means that:

1. You will always try to understand other peoples’ point of view.

2. In class, you make it as easy as possible for everyone to learn and for the teachers to teach.

3. You move gently and quietly about school.

4. You always speak politely to everyone and use a low voice.

5. You are silent whenever you are required to be.

6. You keep the school clean and tidy so that it is a welcoming place we can all be proud of.

7. Out of school, remember that the school’s reputation depends on the way you behave.

Bullying

Bullying is taken very seriously in our school.  The children are encouraged to tell a member of staff as soon as they feel they have been bullied.  We also ask parents to inform school if they feel their child has been or is being bullied.

Discipline

All children are encouraged to be sensitive to the feelings and needs of other people. We firmly believe in encouraging children by the use of praise.

Health & Welfare

Please inform the school if your child has any specific problems or difficulties  e.g. allergies, dietary problems etc.

If your child is unwell, please do not send them to school in the hope that they will be alright. An unfit child will not be able to cope with the physical and mental demands of the school day.

Teachers administer any medication which has to be taken during school hours but parents must see him/her in person.

Inhalers are only given after consultation with parents.

Child Protection

Burton Leonard C E Primary School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in school. All North Yorkshire schools, including Burton Leonard C E Primary School, follow the North Yorkshire Area Child Protection  procedures and the LEA procedures. The school will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss  all concerns with parents about their child/ren. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedures). The school will, of course, always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents.

Starting School

In  the early years a great deal of social training occurs, and most of this will have been started at home.  However, at school age, it is expected that your child should be able to cope with the following basic skills:

Use the toilet alone.

Wash hands.

Dress and undress in outdoor and indoor clothes.

Fasten and unfasten shoes/coats.

Use a knife and fork.

Information

When a child starts school we ask parents to complete a pack of admissions forms giving certain information such as emergency contact details and medical history.

School Uniform

All children are requested to wear the uniform which consists of white shirt/blouse, grey trousers/skirt, and red sweatshirt with the school logo. (A red cardigan or pullover may be worn if preferred.) Sweatshirts and PE kit are available to order via the school office.

All items of school uniform should have your child's name in it. In order to protect the floors parents are asked to provide a change of  shoes in winter.

Attendance

As we are now required to record reasons for children's absence please notify the school of the reason why your child is not in school. For safety’s sake we ask for a telephone call on the first day of absence, preferably by 9.00am.

Parents are asked that whenever possible family holidays should be taken during official school holidays -  absences do affect education. Headteachers are permitted to grant only ten school days absence per year, the rest is unauthorised. We do ask that children are not in school before 8.40am and are picked up at 3.30pm  Do not worry if you are occasionally delayed; children are told to return to their teacher if you are not there to meet them.

Insurance

North Yorkshire County Council does not provide personal accident insurance for pupils. We always take out travel insurance for educational visits.

Assessment

Staff constantly assess children's work to ensure that each child understands what he or she is doing and that they are performing to the best of their ability. Children are formally assessed by staff at the end of  Years 2 and 6.  K.S.1/2 results do not have to be published nationally when there are less than ten pupils in the year.

Complaints

If you are not satisfied with any aspect of your child's education please contact the Headteacher in the first instance to discuss the problem. Should you wish to take your grievance further then the head will supply you with the relevant details.

Transfer to Secondary Education

In the Ripon area the Thorne Scheme of selection is used, which chooses for each child a suitable secondary school, either at Ripon College or Ripon Grammar School.

In other areas there is a wide selection of comprehensive schools, all of which hold open days/ evenings where parents can visit the schools before making their choice. In recent years children from this school have moved on to Ripon Grammar School, Ripon College of Technology, Boroughbridge High School, and St. Aidan’s High School.

Absences

There were 0 unauthorised absences in 2006/7 and authorised absences made the overall attendance 96.5%.

And finally - REMEMBER!

• Every child is different.

• They look different.

• They behave differently.

• They develop at different times and at different rates.

• They learn at different times and in different ways.

• For their sake, don’t compare them with other children.

We are delighted to have your family with us. We hope you will all be happy in our school.