St. Leonards First School

©St. Leonard’s First School 2010

The school has three classes organised as follows:

Class 1: Reception (Foundation)

Class 2: Years 1 & 2 (Key Stage 1)

Class 3: Years 3 & 4 (Key Stage 2)

Children are taught in mixed ability classes in the care of their own class teacher who has responsibility for their education and welfare. Each class also has the support of a teaching assistant either full-time or part-time. Children are encouraged to work at a level that matches their capabilities. The school seeks to create a happy, welcoming and secure environment in which children can develop confidence, individuality and consideration for other children and adults.

The curriculum is broad and balanced; it is planned with the air of promoting children’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical development following the Programmes of Study and guidelines of the National Curriculum. A variety of different approaches to learning are used. Work is planned both on an individual, group and class basis. Groups may be organised by age, ability, interest or friendships depending on the focus of the work at particular times.

The National Curriculum refers to children in
Foundation – children aged below 5 years
Key Stage 1 – children aged 5-7 years
Key Stage 2 – children aged 8-11 years

Religious Education is part of the National Curriculum for all pupils. However, parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education or the daily act of worship.

R.E. teaching in school is based on the County’s Agreed Syllabus. As a church school we hold a variety of services throughout the year in St. Leonard’s Church, Dunston and have regular contact with the Minister. An appreciation of other faiths and cultures is explored. Children are encouraged to work at a speed that matches their capabilities. The Education Authority’s Special Needs and Psychological Service may be called upon to assist with a pupil’s special education needs. They will work closely with teachers and parents. Our policy is based on the belief that “all pupils have the same rights of access to an education which offers equal opportunities for all”. We aim to fulfil all the legal requirements of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. The Headteacher has responsibility for co-ordinating provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs. A full copy of St. Leonard’s School Special Needs Policy is available in school. English – Great emphasis is laid upon the skills of reading and literacy, numeracy and oracy. English permeates the entire curriculum. As well as its cross-curricular presence English is taught as a separate subject. Reading activities include group reading, silent reading, reference and dictionary work as well as each child being encouraged to read as often as possible from our scheme and class library books. Reading diaries are provided for parents to record children’s home reading habits. Creative writing and poetry, formal grammar, spelling and handwriting are also taught. Speaking and listening skills are encouraged throughout school and use is made of modern technology including interactive whiteboards, computers, digital cameras, DVD/CD/video players and tape recorders. Mathematics - The objectives from the Primary Strategy are delivered, supported by the Abacus and Cambridge Maths Schemes as well as other resources. Mental mathematics and multiplication tables are an integral part of our work together with practical activities.

Continued .......