Gearies Infants School

    Gearies infant school has a long tradition of high standards. Our pupils are noted for their good behaviour and academic success. Such success has only been achieved through a closed partnership between home and school.

The school serves a multicultural community. This is reflected in the schools curriculum, resources and displays. It is important that every child is treated with quality and respect.

Learning is fun and exciting. I encourage everyone to share this outlook with me. It is very important for the school to be a happy place for all of us to work in.

Success in learning is taken just as seriously. All of the children are helped and encouraged to achieve their full potential in every aspect of the school curriculum. I hope that through early success and praise children become enthusiastic life long learners.

This prospectus covers many things you need to know about the school. It gives a good account, however I realise it cannot deal with every aspect of school life. I therefore welcome enquiries.

Successful futures are built upon successful partnerships   

1)   To help children develop lively and enquiring minds.

2)   To help children understand the world they live in.

3)   To help children acquire knowledge and skills.

4)   To enable children to communicate effectively.

5)   To encourage tolerance and respect for others.

6)   To work and live in harmony with others.

The school’s curriculum is broad, balanced and challenging.  In the Early Years classes, children work towards the Early Learning Goals.  Throughout Key Stage One they are taught within the framework of the National Curriculum.  Religious Education is taught to all pupils.

Whatever the ability of a child, the work that is engaged on is appropriate and stimulating.  Work within and across year groups is progressive and continuous. 

At the end of Year 2, children’s progress in the National Curriculum is measured with tests and tasks.  These are reported to parents at the end of that year. Teachers are available to talk about children’s progress throughout the year.  Regular parents’ meetings are planned though, to give convenient times for discussion.

We use a variety of reading schemes when teaching reading.  The school is very well resourced in every curriculum area. 

The school has its own Computer Room.  Every child has a lesson in it once a week.  Most areas of the curriculum are taught in it through Information Technology.  Computers and Interactive Whiteboards are also used in the classroom to support learning.  We use a wide range of software to support the children’s learning, from the Nursery through to Year 2. 

The school received a very good OFSTED report after its third inspection in 2004.  Copies of this report are available from the school office.  We are always striving to raise standards.  Our assessment results have shown a steady improvement in children’s achievement in recent years.  We aim to continue in this and improve on our past successes.

THE EARLY YEARS

The teaching of children from 3 to 5 is provided in the school’s Nursery and Reception classes.  This phase is known as the Foundation stage.  Children learn through the medium of play and the learning that takes place enables them to make progress towards “The Early Learning Goals”.  Progress is assessed regularly and information is given to parents regarding children’s achievements and their learning needs.  Throughout this phase, learning takes place in a balance between adult-directed activities and child-initiated play.

THE ARTS CURRICULUM

The school promotes learning through the Arts.  Its broad curriculum coverage is supported through special projects, residencies, out-of-school hours clubs and workshops.  Recent partnerships have included the artists Cookson and McNally and poet Sandra Agard.  Creativity is seen as an essential part the broader curriculum.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education is taught in the school to all children.  The school’s policy and scheme of work follow the Borough’s agreed Syllabus.  Sharing and caring are stressed, and children learn about the similarities and differences between religions.  All faiths are valued equally.  As parents, you have the right to withdraw your child from Religious Education.  Parents considering this should discuss the matter first with the Head Teacher before putting a request in writing.

SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION

The school has developed a programme of study for Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) following consultation with staff, parents and governors.  A copy of this is available for parents on request. As parents, you have the right to withdraw your child from SRE.  Parents considering this should discuss the matter first with the Head Teacher before putting a request in writing.