Curriculum

The children follow a broad and balanced curriculum in accordance with the National Curriculum which is defined largely in terms of subjects. However, we believe that subject knowledge, skills and understanding can be made more relevant, stimulating and challenging if presented as themes or topics. Literacy, Numeracy and some areas of Science are taught as discrete subjects although where appropriate links are made with other areas of the curriculum.

We have an ICT suite to allow whole class teaching of computer and ICT skills and all classrooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards which have proven to be a real hit with staff and children.

Sex Education is covered in the framework of Personal, Social and Health Education. The school’s Sex Education Policy is reviewed annually by the Governors and parents of Year 6 children are invited to view the materials used should they wish.

Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Collective Worship on religious grounds should they wish to do so. This can be discussed with the Headteacher on an individual basis.

Over the last year we have introduced French into the curriculum. Every child receives a French lesson once a week during which they learn not only to speak French but also a little about the culture.

 

 

 

 

Assessments

are                       Children are continually assessed by their class teachers who monitor the progress of each child in order to plan the appropriate next step in their learning.  We also involve the pupils in their own assessment by sharing with them the aim of each activity and asking them to evaluate their own successes.  Teachers set targets for pupil achievement but pupils are involved in setting their own targets as well. Teachers assess each child against National Curriculum levels of achievement throughout and more formally at the end of every year.  Your child’s report for Y4 and Y6 will include information about which level they have achieved.

 

End Of Key Stage Assessment

All year 6 children take SAT tests. These offer a snapshot of attainment and reflect one aspect of a child’s education and learning. Over the last few years the school’s results have been pleasing, although the results can change from one year to the next which reflects the different strengths and abilities of different groups of children.

 

The following table shows the results for the 2006 SAT tests and compares the school’s results with the average results of Bristol schools and those of schools nationally.

 

 

	School		Bristol		National
	Level 4 +	Level 5+	Level 4 +	Level 5+	Level 4 +	Level 5+
English	86%	30%   *	73%	28%	77%	28%
Maths	73%	19%	70%	28%	76%	32%
Science	86%	45%	82%	41%	84%	37%

 

* Over 60% of children achieved Level 5 Reading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extra-Curricular Activities

Thro            Throughout the year we offer a variety of extra-curricular activities to children in order to broaden their interests, extend their expertise and to give them opportunities they may not have as part of the formal curriculum. 

                            We are very fortunate to have staff who are willing to give up their time on a voluntary basis to run a variety of clubs. During the last academic year we have been able to offer football, ICT, choir, drama and recorders.

                            Music tuition (Violins and Trumpets) is also available at school through the school music service. This is on a fee paying basis and the lessons are taught by Local Authority Music Teachers.

 

                            A number of sports activities are also available at school on a fee paying basis. Multi-sports clubs are run twice a week (Year 3/4 and Year 5/6) and cricket in some terms of the year.

 

                            There is a French Club for children run by Mrs Pout through La Jolie Ronde and this too is a fee paying activity.

 

                           

 

 

 

Productions

                            We have a Christmas Production each year. Last Christmas the production was ‘The Blue Carbuncle’ A Christmas mystery for Sherlock Holmes which was written by Miss Stanger, involved the school choir as well as solo acting performances and received rave reviews.

                            We go to St. Anne’s Church for Harvest and Carol services and in addition the choir takes part in the Bristol Schools’ Summer Music Concert at the Colston Hall each year.

 

 

 

 

                            Residential Trips

We offer residential visits to children in Year 4 who go to Barton Hall in Torquay and Year 6 who go to a JCA run camp near Tewkesbury. Both these camps are run by professional companies and offer the kind of experiences which we cannot offer on site.

 

 

 

 

 

                            Charging and Remissions Policy

For all                  For extra-curricular activities, you may be asked to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of transport, entrance fees, materials etc.  You will be asked for the board and lodging element of residential visits.  Children whose parents/carers do not pay will not be disadvantaged in any way although it may be necessary to cancel an activity if insufficient contributions are received If you are not able to make a contribution for any reason, please contact the school office.  Your enquiry will be dealt with in confidence.

 

School Uniform

We like the children to wear smart but practical and comfortable clothes to school, and encourage the wearing of school uniform which is:

·        either trousers/skirt in grey

·        Blue polo shirt

·        Blue sweatshirt

·        blue striped or check dress

·        sensible, flat heeled school shoes, preferably black

·        shorts must be tailored

 

Polo shirts and sweatshirts can be ordered at the school office.

 

Art and Technology: An apron or overall (old shirts give excellent neck to knee protection)- we will let you know if and when your child needs this.

 

In addition, children MUST all have white T-shirts, blue shorts and daps in school at all times for P.E.  These should be kept in a named dap bag - these too can be purchased from the school office.

 

Longer hair should be tied back and no make-up including nail varnish. For safety and security reasons children should not wear any jewellery.  Studs should be worn to school if ears are pierced.

 

Please mark all clothing, including footwear, with your child's name, checking every now and again to make sure names have not washed out or faded!  This enables you to retrieve lost clothing and us to identify the culprits who leave their clothes lying around!

 

Lost property is kept in the school hall. Second hand school clothes are sold from time to time by the Friends’ Association. 

 

Swimming

Children in Year 3 and 4 go swimming throughout the year. Our aim is that all children are able to swim at least 25metres unaided which is in line with the recommendation of the Physical Education element of the National Curriculum. This is another activity where longer hair should be tied back and due to health and safety legislation children are not allowed to wear any type of earring during their lesson. We have found that it is extremely helpful if children who do have their ears pierced leave their earrings at home on swimming days if possible. 

 

Fund Raising

There are a number of fundraising activities and sponsored events that are held over the course of the year.

Some of these events are organised by a few children who wish to raise money for a particular charity, others by a whole class or as a school event.

Other events are held to raise money for a particular aspect of school life.

 

Friends’ of St. Anne’s

We have a flourishing Friends’ Association which organises fund-raising events, social events, entertainments for the children, working parties and supports the school in many ways. The Chairperson is Mrs. Jo Stone - she will be pleased to hear of any ideas you have and can be contacted through the school office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Meals

There is a choice of food available each day, including a vegetarian option.

The cost of a school meal is £1.75 per day. It is helpful if you can pay for meals weekly in advance on Mondays. Children’s dinner money should be sent into school in a sealed envelope clearly labelled with your child’s name and the purpose of the money.

Children may choose to bring a packed lunch to school. For safety reasons we ask that no glass bottles, glass flasks or hot liquids are brought into school as part of packed lunches.

Children may also go home for lunch. If this is the case we ask, once again for safety reasons that they do not return to the site until the end of lunch time (1.30p.m.)  School dinners are provided through the School Catering Service and cooked on site.  A choice of meals is available every day.

 

Water

We encourage children to bring bottled water to school as we recognise how important it is for children to drink water regularly to keep them healthy and alert.

 

Tuck Shop

Each day there is a fruit tuck shop run by Year 6 pupils. They run this as a business, ordering the fruit, carrying out customer surveys and keeping accounts.

If children do not wish to buy from the tuck shop, we ask that parents and carers support our healthy eating message and send children into school with fresh fruit snacks to eat at break times. This is a key action in the school achieving the Healthy Schools Award.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health and Safety

The school’s Governing Body is responsible for carrying out regular checks of the school buildings and grounds. If parents and carers are concerned about an issue relating to the health and safety of children of staff, parents/carers or visitors, they should report their concerns to the school office without delay.

 

St. Anne’s Junior School has a no smoking policy. Staff, parents/carers and visitors are requested not to smoke inside the building or within the school grounds.

 

Pupil welfare and parent/carer details

There may be times if a child feels unwell when we need to contact parents and carers. It is very important that we have contact numbers for home and work as well as a mobile telephone number if appropriate. You will be asked to fill out a contact form when your child starts school but it is equally important that you update it when there are changes of address or contact numbers.

 

Support services for children

There is a school nurse who maintains regular contact with us and we can make referrals to her if necessary. An Education Welfare Officer will be involved if there are concerns over attendance, persistent lateness or holidays taken during term time. The Educational Psychologist is available for the school to consult for children who are experiencing learning difficulties or behaviour problems. A set procedure must be followed for a referral to be made with parents or carers consulted at each stage.

The Education Welfare Officer visits the school regularly should you wish to see him she can be contacted at Orchard House, Hengrove School, Petherton Road, Hengrove, Bristol BS14 9BF  Tel: 0117 9031660.  Applications for free school meals can be made through him or at the Free School Meals Service, PO Box 1111, College House, College Green, Bristol. BS99 2EZ.  Tel: 9037990

Local Social Services is at Avondale Road, Redfield, Bristol.  Tel: 0117 9558231.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complaints procedure

We hope that your involvement with St. Anne’s Junior School will be a positive and happy one. However it may be that from time to time difficulties do arise and there are a number of steps that we can take to resolve problems.

In the first instance you should talk to your child’s class teacher. We operate an open door policy and it is often possible to see your child’s teacher before or after school without an appointment. If after discussion with the class teacher you wish to take the matter further, you should make an appointment to see the Headteacher to discuss any worries or concerns and work together to reach a resolution.

If you still feel that your concerns have not been resolved your next step is to put your grievance in writing to the Chair of the School Governors c/o the school office. The matter will then be taken up by the governors who will investigate and communicate with you.

If, however, you feel that the concern has not been resolved and it constitutes a formal complaint under Section 23 of the Education Reform Act, full copies of the complaints procedure are available in school for you.

 

 

Pastoral Care

Although we want all our pupils to achieve high standards and we have set targets for high academic results, we believe that the pastoral care we give our pupils is at the heart of school life. 

We treat the children with respect and value their contributions.  We are interested in all the children and give them time during the day and during the week to talk about themselves, their achievements and their news.  We spend time with the children helping them to understand how they relate to the other people in the school and helping them to solve/talk about personal problems or worries.  Each child has immediate access to his/her own class teacher, but the Headteacher, office staff and learning support assistants all offer support and time to the children.

 Where a child needs more time than the class teacher is able to offer, the Headteacher spends time with the child and monitors his/her progress.

 

 

 

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The School Governors

 

The school governors’ work to support the school achieve its vision. They serve for a period of four years and can be parents/carers, members of staff, local council representatives, business people or members of the local community.

The governors are appointed to interview and select staff, to review and set the school budget; to oversee the curriculum; to oversee the repair and maintenance of the school premises and to set standards of behaviour.

The full Governing Body meets every term and there are a number of committees that meet regularly.

We are very lucky to have a set of Governors who care deeply for the school and who ensure that the well-being of the children remains at the heart of all we do. Please contact the school office if you want to know more about the Governing Body or are interested in becoming a Governor when a place becomes available.

 

The current Governing Body consists of:

 

Mrs. Sue McIndoe           Chair of Governors, Community Governor

Mr. Steve Beard              Parent Governor

Mrs Sarah Munson           Parent Governor

Mrs Nick Cripps              Parent Governor

Mrs Marie Hill                Parent Governor

Mr Tim Parker                 Vice Chairperson, Community Governor          

Mrs W Elliott                  Community Governor

Mrs Jackie Norman         Local Authority Governor

Mr Chris Buckley             Local Authority Governor

Mrs Ann Price                 Staff Governor

Mr Jon Rees          Staff Governor

Mrs Lynne Pike                Headteacher

 

 

Mrs Teresa Swinford       Clerk to the Governors