School Aims September 2006
Rockbeare Church of England Primary School lies at the heart of the village and the community it serves and seeks to develop and enrich the lives of all those associated with it - the children, their parents, the staff, the governors and the wider community.

As a Church of England School we aim to treat every pupil as unique in the sight of God, to create an atmosphere of serving others and to provide a Christian environment.
We aim to:-

• create a safe, warm friendly atmosphere within a stimulating, well-organized learning environment in which children develop self-esteem, self-motivation and self-discipline so that they are receptive to learning.
• develop their full potential through quality learning experiences, that develop lively, inquiring minds and a life-longing love of learning.
• develop good citizens who carefully consider their own attitudes, Christian values and beliefs, and respect the values and beliefs of others, alongside an awareness of Christian practices.
• match the curriculum to the needs of the individuals by tailoring suitable steps for the children to progress according to their ability, remembering that the National Curriculum is a legal entitlement for all children.
• enable children to become confident, independent adults with the ability to live and work in co-operation with others in a future society.
• foster co-operation and respect through a mutual acknowledgement of the roles of home and school in a child's education, and to promote an open, welcoming environment to encourage the active involvement of parents and the community.
  

The curriculum is organised on a rolling programme and each year group is taught within the content of the programme but at a level to suit their age and ability. Different styles of teaching are used to achieve the desired outcomes for the subject and focus of the lessons so class, group and individual teaching strategies are used where appropriate. We had a successful OFSTED inspection in March 2007 where we were praised for the high quality of teaching.  All teaching was rated as good with aspects of outstanding.   To quote from the Ofsted report parents stated: ‘I feel lucky to have such a good school which my daughter loves’ Other comments in the report included: Teachers have high expectations….reflected in the quality of teaching and learning which is consistently good. All pupils are provided with the highest standards of care and education. Lessons are high quality and learning outcomes are excellent. Teaching Assistants make good contributions and work in an effective partnership with the teachers. The effectiveness of Religious Education is outstanding It also highlights pupils' good attitudes to school and commends their behaviour in and out of class. The children move through 3 Key Stages at Primary School. Foundation Stage National Curriculum Key Stage 1 covers ages 5 to 7 National Curriculum Key Stage 2 covers age 7 to 11 Year 3 (age 8) Year 4 (age 9) Year 5 (age 10) Year 6 (age 11) At the end of each Key Stage (Year 2 and Year 6) the children take part in Standard Assessment Tests or Tasks (S.A.T.s). These are National Tests and the children's reports for that year will contain the results of those tests or tasks. Before the children start at Rockbeare, we like them to spend time in school to become accustomed to the staff and children although attendance at the Pre-school already provides an excellent link. We are presently developing an area for outdoor play for the foundation area. Before the children start at Rockbeare, we like them to spend time in school to become accustomed to the staff and children although attendance at the Pre-school already provides an excellent link. Before the children leave at the end of Year 6, they have a programme of induction and liaison at Secondary School.  Most children go to Clyst Vale Community College from Rockbeare, although The Kings School at Ottery St Mary is also an option, as is Colyton Grammar.   Rockbeare Primary School hold weekly formal staff meetings in order to develop the school’s teaching programmes and the nature of our small school means that communication about children in school is of a very high order.  Our knowledge of children’s particular academic, physical, social and personal needs means that within our classes we can recognise and nurture their strengths and talents and help them overcome any difficulties.  The staff takes part in regular professional development courses through Clyst Vale Learning Community and Devon Curriculum Services.  We pride ourselves at Rockbeare on promoting high academic standards in a supportive friendly atmosphere. Home / School Agreement The school, in line with Government recommendations has a Home/School Agreement which parents, staff and Governors draw up. We ask that you and your child will sign this as school begins each September and a copy will be given out for you to sign and return during the first week of school. Our agreement with you is To provide a broad and balanced curriculum To help the children develop lively, enquiring minds To develop the full potential of the child To match the curriculum to the needs of individuals by tailoring suitable steps for the children to progress according to their ability To help them respect the values of others alongside an awareness of Christian practices and beliefs To integrate children with special educational needs and to enable pupils from the least to the most able to work to the best of their ability To foster within the children a knowledge and understanding of personal, moral and religious values To develop their ability to be self-reliant, adaptable, and to work in co- operation with others in the school community in preparation for their adulthood in an inter-dependant world To foster co-operation and to promote an open, welcoming environment. Your agreement with us is to Support the school's aims Be actively involved in your child's learning and homework Support school guidelines for behaviour Ensure that your child comes to school regularly and arrives on time In cases of absence, to contact the school promptly Attend parent interviews and support school occasions where possible.