WELCOME!!!

Hatherleigh is a gem of a town nestling in hills on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park. At its heart lies Hatherleigh Community Primary School which plays a full part in the cultural and social life of the town. The achievements of the pupils of Hatherleigh School are celebrated in the town's 'Parish Pump' local newspaper and their talents demonstrated to the full in the Hatherleigh Festival which takes place each year in July.

• We are gentle
• We are kind and helpful
• We listen
• We are honest
• We work hard
• We look after property

• to provide a safe and secure environment where children are seen as individuals, taking responsibility for themselves and others
• to make learning stimulating and to foster a love of learning through delivering a rich curriculum for the successful integration of all children, regardless of perceived differences
• to provide a happy and supportive learning environment
• to encourage each child to reach their full potential whilst developing tolerance and respect for all
• to provide opportunities for children to choose enriching experiences and have fun whilst learning new skills
• to ensure that all areas of the school are accessible

The Government has set down strict guidelines as to the Curriculum content taught in all state schools. This is called the National Curriculum and is split into three core subjects English, Maths and Science and six foundation subjects, Design and Technology, Geography, History, P.E., Music and Art. Religious Education is also a mandatory subject that must be taught at Primary schools whilst responsibility for themselves and others is learned through PSHE.

There is a legal requirement for children to be assessed at the ages of 7 years and 11 years - this progress is measured partly on a basis of teachers' assessment and partly by national tests. Other assessments are undertaken by teachers during the course of the school year. These may be in the form of short tasks or based on analysis of normal classroom work. We prepare children for the SATs tests so that they are familiar with what is expected of them but emphasise to the children that the expectation is that each child will just try their best. Our youngest pupils are assessed through teacher observations which make up a ‘Foundation Profile’. This is shared with parents at the end of their child’s first year at school. It covers all areas of the child’s educational and social development, gaining its information from lessons and observations by teachers and no testing is involved.

We believe that education is not confined to the classroom and many activities are offered during the lunch time and after school. These change from time to time and children and parents will be informed of the programme. For after school clubs parents will have to make their own arrangements for collecting their children.