Welcome

On behalf of the Staff and Governors, I would like to offer a warm welcome to you and your family, and I hope that we can work together to make your child’s time at St John’s Green School successful and happy.

The first few years of your child’s education are of vital importance, laying the foundations on which to build for their future.

We view a child’s education as a partnership between all parties and encourage parental support and interest.  We value the promotion of positive relationships and mutual understanding.  We are always happy for parents to visit the School, to discuss their child’s progress. In order to allow adequate time for discussion, please call first to make an appointment. We will endeavour to see you as soon as possible.

We hope that you will attend our parent consultation meetings and information events, as we value your support and interest. We firmly believe that the children benefit when the School and parents work together in close contact. If you would like to come into School, to help out in the classroom, we would be delighted to see you.

Our P.S.A (Parent and Staff Association) arrange fund-raising and social events during the year. As a parent, you are automatically a member, so do come along and help or support our events, if you have time to spare.

This booklet aims to give you an introduction to St John’s Green School. We have included information on the curriculum, discipline and general details about our School. It is however, only a brief outline of what we are aiming to achieve.

The Staff and I look forward to meeting you and getting to know your family.

Yours sincerely

Mrs. Sally Tarpey

Headteacher

St. John’s Green Primary School was built in 1898 and stands in a very pleasant position, near the town centre and over looking the Green, with its picturesque cottages and the ancient Abbey Gateway.

 The two-storey building is spaciously designed with an assembly hall, gymnasium and a music room.

As the School does not have its own playing field, the KS2 children walk to the local Garrison to practice their athletics.  During the Autumn term, the KS2 children also have swimming lessons at the Garrison Pool.  Music and movement, dance and gymnastics feature in the PE curriculum throughout the year.

School lunches are cooked on site in our own kitchen and served in the Lower Hall.   Lunches can be purchased or you may provide your child with a packed lunch.

School Aims

At St. John's Green we aim to provide a rich, varied, challenging and inspiring curriculum that promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of all pupils.

We aim to enable every individual to fulfil their potential to the highest possible standard, preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

We aim to value all children, ensuring they are given equal opportunities in respect of their gender, race and ability.

We aim to provide a caring school ethos in which children learn to respect themselves and others.

We aim to provide a curriculum that is broad, balanced and relevant to the abilities, interests and needs of the children.

School Objectives

In order to fulfil the School's aims we will:

• ensure that the children are given access to the full National Curriculum;

• offer the children a curriculum that enables the development of their physical, moral, social, aesthetic and intellectual abilities;

• plan the curriculum to ensure continuity and progression;

• continually assess the children's work to monitor their progress, and use assessment to plan for future work;

• ensure special needs support for those children who have educational, emotional or physical difficulties;

• offer the children a range of after-school activities dependent on the availability of expertise;

• be aware of the needs of gifted children, offering them a curriculum tailored to their needs;

• offer first hand learning opportunities wherever possible;

• be aware of the needs of every child in our school;

• put into place appropriate Policies and Schemes of Work and other documentation, reviewing these on a regular basis;

• keep parents informed of their children's progress by a report and open evenings;

• encourage our children to be independent learners;

• deal with the children in a positive, fair and consistent manner;

• provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment in which the children can flourish;

• provide clear guidance on permissible modes of behaviour; and

• provide quality resources to enhance the Curriculum and make these easily accessible.

Like all schools we follow the National Curriculum according to statutory requirements. We use Curriculum 2000 and the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) schemes of work to provide the planning framework for all our teaching. We follow the recommended Foundation Stage curriculum in the reception class.  R.E. is taught from the Essex County Agreed Syllabus.  The school has its own policies for each subject as well as health education (PSHE), behaviour, special educational needs, able children, anti-racism and equal opportunities.  We would be pleased to show these to interested visitors.

The Core Subjects

English (Literacy) - involves learning the knowledge, skills and understanding in speaking and listening, spelling, reading and writing.  In accordance with national guidelines children are taught literacy daily.  Children are introduced to books and reading as soon as they enter school, reading is taught within literacy and at other times.  We have a school library and children are encouraged to use it well. From time to time we have special book events involving authors, storytellers or theatre groups.

Mathematics (Numeracy) - covers the knowledge, skills, understanding and use of numbers, using and applying Maths in algebra, measurement, shapes, space and data handling.

Aspects of both Maths and English have cross-curricular links.

Science - includes the exploration of Science, communication and application of knowledge and understanding.  Every opportunity is taken to use our environment and to involve children in practical investigations.

Religious Education is taught throughout the school and is in accordance with the county agreed syllabus.  The school day also includes an act of worship.  Parents who wish to withdraw their children from RE and/or worship may discuss alternative arrangements with the head.

Foundation Subjects

ICT (Information and Communication Technology) – using computers and other technology to explore the world and record experiences in a range of ways.

Children are taught ICT skills that can be used to support work in other areas.

History - involves the knowledge and understanding of History, the interpretations of History and the use of historical sources.

Geography - includes geographical skills, knowledge and understanding of places, physical, human and environmental geography.

Music - involves performing and composing, listening and appraising.  We also provide specialist music lessons through a visiting teacher.  A charge is made for this and children may have instruction on various instruments such as violin.

Art - the Art syllabus includes investigating and making and the knowledge and understanding of all aspects of Art.

P.E. - includes athletics, dance, games (football, rounders, hockey, netball), gymnastic activities and swimming (juniors only).  The school uses the Garrison athletics track in the summer months for KS2 and sports days.

Technology - comprised of identifying needs and opportunities for technology, generating a design, planning, making and evaluation.  It also includes information technology capabilities.

Sex Education – Sex  Education forms part of the Health Education programme for the School and is fully integrated into the curriculum.  We follow the “Living & Growing” units of work as recommended by the World Health organisation.   In Years 5 and 6 the School Nurse is also invited into school.  Parents will be consulted before this takes place.  You will be given the opportunity to have your child withdrawn from these sessions if you so wish.   A copy of the Governors’ Policy on Sex Education is available from the School.

Extra Curricular Activities – These are organised by staff on a voluntary basis.  These follow the afternoon session and may include sports activities and dance.

Many teaching methods are used.  Formal, informal and experiential learning takes place as deemed appropriate.

The Governors’ statement of intent for the Curriculum is that every child should be encouraged to reach his or her full potential within the resources available.

We aim to maintain a high standard of appearance. Parents are expected to support the school in this aim, by providing their children with school uniform.

All children from Reception to Year 6 are expected to wear school uniform.  The uniform is: 

• Grey / black trousers or grey skirt
• White shirt or gold polo shirt
• Navy cardigan, jumper or sweatshirt. Sweatshirts and jumpers with the school logo are available through the School Office.

In the Summer the girls wear navy piqué dresses.

Trainers should be worn for P.E. only.

Parents are asked to ensure that ALL clothing is clearly marked with the child’s name.

Shoes

In view of the many stairs in and around the building pupils should wear a sensible, flat style of shoe (not trainers).  

PE Clothing

PE clothing is needed on each school day.

All pupils need a change of footwear for PE.  Parents are asked to check from time to time that this footwear is adequate for the child’s requirements.  It is helpful if younger children are provided with lace less PE shoes.  Parents are also asked to provide a white vest/t-shirt and navy blue shorts in school suitable for PE.

A draw string bag is required for each child to store PE clothing, all of which should be clearly named.

Pupils with pierced ears may wear plain studs or sleepers only which must be removed or covered with tape for PE and games.

Swimming (Key Stage 2)

A one piece bathing costume or close fitting swimming trunks, swimming hat and towel are required.

Jewellery and nail varnish are considered not appropriate for school.