St. Anne's Catholic Primary School
St Anne's Catholic Primary School is a Voluntary Aided school under the trusteeship of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.
As a Catholic School we hold the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the heart of our school family. We therefore value our pupils as children of God, entitled to be educated to their full potential.
The school shares with parents, the Church and the wider community, the responsibility of leading children to know and love God and to develop an appreciation of his world.
St Anne's Catholic Primary School was established in 1898 and since that time has been providing education to the children of Caversham.
Curriculum
It is our clear intention to bring out the best in each child in our care, in accordance with the overall aims of the school and the guidelines of the National Curriculum. Teaching is mostly subject-based.
Each week children in classes Reception to Year 2 receive 21.5 hours of actual teaching time. Years 3 - 6 receive 24 hours. These times do not include the daily act of worship, registration or breaks.
ENGLISH
The English curriculum is based on the National Literacy Strategy. The framework sets out teaching objectives for all year groups to enable pupils to become fully literate.
 We use a variety of reading schemes. Each class has its own library and timetabled visits to the main library where stories are enjoyed and library skills taught.
In Key Stage 2 comprehension, grammar, spelling, language and vocabulary skills are developed.
Targets are set annually for improvement and in 2005 56% of the children in Year 6 achieved Level 5, which is above the expected level.
MATHEMATICS
The teaching of numeracy has a high priority at St. Anne’s. The National Curriculum for maths is taught using the National Numeracy Framework. The emphasis is on mental strategies and agility.
The Springboard programme is used to provide extra support for children in Key Stage 2.
Children are given appropriate opportunities for practical maths and for data handling. Homework is set regularly and opportunities given to relate classroom activities to the real world outside.
In 2005 53% of the children in Year 6 achieved Level 5 which is above the expected level.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Our religion lessons aim to guide the children towards a knowledge and love of God by following the teaching of Christ.
The children learn to see themselves not in isolation, but as a part of a community, and to develop a growing sense of responsibility for their own role as part of creation.
The school follows the scheme of work devised by the Archdiocese of Birmingham – Learning and Growing as the People of God.
School masses are celebrated regularly and class masses and liturgy are held termly.
SCIENCE
Years 1 – 6 plan and follow the QCA Science scheme of work, which ensures continuity and progression across both key stages.
Children are systemically taught to plan, prepare and carry out investigations individually, in groups and as a class.
They are taught to observe carefully and to record their observations neatly and accurately. They learn to make sensible predictions, test hypothesis, and draw appropriate conclusions from their results.
In 2005 76% of the children in Year 6 achieved Level 5 which is above the expected level.
 ICT
Using the QCA scheme of work, the children are taught word processing, data handling, control and Internet skills. ICT is used to support other subjects particularly literacy and numeracy.
All classes have computers and interactive whiteboards in their own rooms and all classes can also use the computer suite.
 HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY
These subjects are mostly topic based. Through the geographical aspects of a topic, children begin to understand the modern world and to explore the relationship between the earth and its people through the study of places and environments.
Through history, pupils learn about their cultural roots and shared inheritance. They can develop an interest in the past that leads to a deeper understanding of their community and their country.
 ART
We aim to introduce children to a wide variety of techniques and materials.
Opportunities are given to develop a range of practical skills that encourage creative expression. Children are introduced to the work of a variety of artists.
MUSIC
We use the QCA scheme of work, which supports all the aspects of music in the National Curriculum. Children learn to sing with enjoyment. Individual tuition in violin, keyboard and woodwind instruments is available.
This is arranged through the Berkshire Young Musicians Trust and is paid for by parents. Small groups of children may learn to play the recorder. This tuition is given at lunchtime.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Children normally have two periods of PE each week, and will cover gymnastics, dance, athletics and games skills. Catholic Cluster Sports, Area Sports and other informal matches provide opportunities for competitive games.
In years 4, 5 and 6 children have a ten-week block of swimming lessons at the Arthur Hill pool.
At St. Anne’s we set great store by the benefits to be derived from sport. We make good use of our large playing field.
The older children have the opportunity to take part in football, netball, rugby, cricket, hockey, athletics, and swimming tournaments.
As well as the pleasures of winning, children learn the value of team spirit, co-operation and leadership and the positive effect of exercise on health.
PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION
During PSHE and Science lessons, and in the course of school life, the children have valuable opportunities to learn how to form and sustain friendships, to work co-operatively, to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and to look after their own health. We follow the SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) scheme of work.
FRENCH
French is taught weekly to all children from Years 2 to 6.
 AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
We try to offer as wide a range of activities as possible.
At present these include Art, Netball, Football and rugby and there is usually a small charge for these activities, to cover expenses.
HOMEWORK
Homework is set in various forms in each year group, from Reception Class learning new words and sharing reading books up to Year 6 where they are set daily tasks.
Organisation
 GENERAL
School starts at 8.50 am, and finishes at 3.25 pm and there are breaks both in the morning and afternoon, as well as one hour for lunch.
SCHOOL MEALS
School meals are cooked on the premises and may be taken on a daily basis. . A menu is posted on the kitchen door each day for the children to see. There is always a hot, cooked meal with an element of choice involved.
 A packed lunch may be brought to school if preferred. Parents are requested not to send fizzy drinks, drinks in breakable containers, sweets, or chocolate bars.
For the mid-morning break children may like to bring a drink or fresh fruit.
Free school meals can be provided in certain cases. Forms are available from the School Office for those who wish to apply. All information is treated as strictly confidential.
BEHAVIOUR
At St. Anne’s there is a strong emphasis on self-discipline and respect for all members of the school community. A copy of the Behaviour Policy is available from the School Office.
 UNIFORM
It is expected that all children will wear school uniform. All clothing and equipment must be clearly marked with the child’s name.
Parents are asked to ensure that children do not wear jewellery to school; those with pierced ears should wear only small studs or sleepers at school.
Details are available from the school office, and will be supplied once admission dates have been agreed.
ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
As requested by Reading Borough Council, a record showing each child’s progress is maintained in school and is updated yearly.
Assessment procedures carried out in school are as follows:
- Foundation Stage Profile carried out whilst the child is in reception class.
- SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) at the end of Year 2.
- Reading Tests in Year 3.
- Richmond Skills Tests in Years 4, 5 and 6.
- SATs at the end of Year 6.
REPORTS AND RECORD KEEPING
In accordance with our school aims, we try to maintain close communication with parents and have set up a number of formal means of doing this, including a half termly written report, parent teacher evenings, and a written annual report and open evening in October each year.
In addition, parents are welcome to ring for an appointment with their child’s teacher or the Headteacher.
PARENTS ASSOCIATION
St. Anne’s has a thriving Parents Association of which all parents are automatically members. Parents are encouraged to support their activities that offer a useful meeting place for parents and staff and provide valuable resources for the school.
In the past, the Parents’ Association has been able to provide P.E. apparatus, music stands and computers. Having recently donated substantial funds for books for the library and equipment for the foundation stage, the Association is now working towards raising funds to purchase a new piano.
St. Anne’s welcomes offers to help from parents to participate in school activities.
 HEALTH AND SAFETY
Shortly after starting school, children are offered a medical examination that includes tests of vision and hearing. Parents are invited to be present at this examination to meet the school nurse.
Vision and hearing tests are given at intervals. Parents are very welcome to discuss their child’s health with the school medical staff whenever necessary.
ABSENCE
Parents are asked to telephone school to notify absences. Children returning to school after an absence should bring a letter stating the reason for the absence.
Children should not take extra holidays during term time. However, in exceptional circumstances, the Headteacher may allow extra holiday. If permission is not sought in advance the absence will be noted as unauthorised.
The recorded absence figures for 2003 - 2004 were:
Authorised absence - 4.1% (4.7%)
Unauthorised absence - 0.4% (0.6%)
Figures in brackets represent 2002 – 2003 for comparative purposes.
 EDUCATIONAL VISITS
During the school year, children and teachers visit places of interest in connection with their project work.
Adequate notice of such visits is always given. However, when costs are to be incurred, it is possible to undertake these visits only by enlisting the financial assistance of parents.
In Year 6, children are offered the opportunity to go on an extended visit to the Kingswood Centre on the Isle of Wight that offers opportunities for more adventurous and challenging activities.
CHARGING POLICY
In accordance with the Education Reform Act, the school does not charge for any activity that takes place during the school day. However, a voluntary contribution may be requested to help offset any charges incurred.
SECONDARY EDUCATION
Reading is fortunate in having a Catholic Comprehensive School. Blessed Hugh Farringdon School in Fawley Road, Southcote, to which many children leaving St. Anne’s transfer.
Blessed Hugh Farringdon School now has its own sixth form. The telephone number is 0118 9574730 and the Head teacher is Mr Paul Barras.
Children also transfer to Reading Boys, Kendrick, St. Joseph’s, Presentation College and other local schools.
THE FRIENDS OF ST. ANNE'S
As a Catholic school within the Diocese of Birmingham, St Anne’s operates a voluntary contribution scheme under the name of The Friends of St Anne’s.
All Catholic schools have historically relied upon the Diocese to which they belong to provide part of the funds which go towards the development of school facilities, including any building works. With the increasing pressure upon Diocesan funds, the Diocese is no longer able to carry the full responsibility for providing these funds.
Each school, therefore, has established its own fund. Operating on a voluntary basis, the money from the fund will be used as a contribution to any costs the school incurs in developing its facilities and buildings.
The suggested contribution is £10.00 per term for families with on child at St Anne’s, and £15.00 per term for families with one or more children at St Anne’s. Of course, if parents feel they wish to contribute more to the fund they can.
As parents, we all make a conscious decision to give our children a Catholic education, and through the fund we can now all play a part in contributing to the development of school facilities for not just the benefit of our children, but for the benefit of all future children who will attend St Anne’s.
More details about the scheme are covered in a leaflet produced by Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Birmingham, which is available from the school, along with details of how the scheme will be administered.
ST ANNE’S PRIMARY SCHOOL (CAVERSHAM)
ADMISSIONS POLICY 2007 - 2008
Persons Responsible: The Governing Body Admissions & Development Committee
Next Review Date: January 2007
St Anne’s school was founded by the Catholic Church to provide education for children of Catholic families. The school is conducted by its governing body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its Trust Deed and Instrument of Government and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ
As a Catholic School we hold the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the heart of our school family. We therefore value our pupils as children of God, entitled to be educated to their full potential. The school shares with parents, the Church and the wider community, the responsibility of leading children to know and love God and to develop an appreciation of His world.
The Governors exercise their rights as an Aided school to lay down an Admissions procedure, which is designed to preserve the Catholic character of the school.
The admissions process is part of the Reading LEA co-ordinated scheme. The admissions policy of the governors of St Anne’s School is as follows:
The School Admission number for the year beginning in September 2007 is 30.
If the number of applications exceeds the admission number, the Governors will consider applications according to the following order of priority:
- Baptised Catholic children who are in the care of the local authority (looked-after children) or provided with accommodation by them (e.g. children with foster parents) (Section 22 of the Children Act 1989)
- Baptised Catholic brothers and sisters of children at school at the time of admission, who live in the Parish of Our Lady and St. Anne.
- Baptised Catholic children living in the Parish of Our Lady and St. Anne.
- Baptised Catholic brothers and sisters of children at school at the time of admission that live in the Parishes of St. James’/Goring on Thames.
- Baptised Catholic children living in the Parishes of St. James’/Goring on Thames.
- Baptised Catholic brothers and sisters of children at the school at the time of admission living outside the Parishes of Our Lady and St. Anne’s, St. James’ and Goring on Thames.
- Baptised Catholic children living outside the Parishes of Our Lady and St. Anne’s, St. James’ and Goring on Thames.
- Non-Catholic children who are in the care of the local authority (looked-after children) or provided with accommodation by them (e.g. children with foster parents) (Section 22 of the Children Act 1989)
- Other non-Catholic brothers and sisters of children in the school at time of admission.
- Other non-Catholic children.
Over-subscription
Priority in any over-subscribed category will be given to those closest to the school as judged by the distance between the main school gate and their front door as the crow flies.
Note 1
A Baptismal certificate is required as evidence of Baptism. For definition of Baptised Catholic, refer to the Note 5 below. Those who face difficulties in producing written evidence of baptism should contact their Parish Priest.
Note 2
Children with a statement of special educational needs that names the school must be given priority over all categories. This will reduce the number of places available to all applicants.
Note 3
The offer of a place to any child does not guarantee the admission of future brothers and sisters.
Note 4
The home address is considered to be the permanent residence of a child. The address must be the child’s only or main residence. Documentary evidence may be required.
Note 5
A “Baptised Catholic” is one who:
- Has been baptised into full communion (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 837) with the Catholic Church by the Rites of baptism of one of the various ritual Churches in communion with the See of Rome (i.e. Latin Rite, Byzantine Rite, Coptic, Syriac, etc Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1203). Written evidence of this baptism can be obtained by recourse to the Baptismal Registers of the church in which the baptism took place (Cf. Code of Cannon Law, 877 & 878). OR
- Has been validly baptised in a separated ecclesial community and subsequently received into full communion with the Catholic Church by the Right of Reception of Baptised Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church. Written evidence of their baptism and reception into full communion with the Catholic Church can be obtained by recourse to the Register of Receptions, or in some cases, a sub-section of the Baptismal Registers of the church in which the Rite of Reception took place (Cf. Rite of Christian Initiation, 399)
Procedure for Admission to Reception Class
Parents may put their child’s name on the ‘Register of Interest List’ from 0-5 years. Parents are welcome to visit the school during this period by prior arrangement.
Parents applying to the school must fill in a Reading Borough Council Common Application Form as well as a supplementary School Application Form. These must be returned to the school by Friday 24 February 2006.
In the Spring Term of each year the Governors will decide who to admit to the Reception Class for the following academic year. This will be done according to the admission criteria and parents will be notified on 31 March 2006.
Children are admitted to the school in the term of their fifth birthday. Children must by law, start school by the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday. A parent may defer a child’s entry to the school however this must be discussed with the Head Teacher.
In the term prior to entry, parents are invited to spend one afternoon in the school and the children have two afternoons in the Reception Class. Children enter school in small groups early in the term. Parents will be notified of their child’s entry date.
Other Admissions
Applications will be dealt with promptly in consultation with the Admissions Committee and parents will be informed of the decision.
Late Applications
Applications received after the closing date will only be considered alongside those received by the closing date under the following circumstances:
- The family were unable to complete an application form before the closing date because they moved into the school’s parish area after the issue of application forms. OR
- The family were unable to comply with the admissions timetable because of exceptional circumstances which prevented the application arriving on time – the circumstances must be given in writing and attached to the Application Form.
Applications received after the notification date (after places were offered) will be added to the school’s waiting list in admission criteria order.
Unsuccessful Applications
If the Governors are unable to offer a child a place, the parents will be offered the opportunity to put their child’s name on a waiting list for up to 2 terms. The waiting list is kept in criteria order and a child’s name can move up or down the list.
Appeals
Parents have the right to appeal against refusal of a place. Information on the appeal will be sent with the letter of refusal. The completed form should be sent to:
The Clerk to the Appeal Panel
Civic Centre
Reading
RG1 7TD (0118) 939 0368
Appeals
Parents have the right to appeal against refusal of a place. Information on the appeal will be sent with the letter of refusal. The completed form should be sent to:
The Clerk to the Appeal Panel
Civic Centre
Reading
RG1 7TD
(0118) 939 0368
Teachers and Staff at St. Annes
Head Teacher
Deputy Head Teacher
Teachers
| Reception |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
| Mrs Jarvis/Mrs Murphy |
Miss White |
Miss Harding |
| Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
| Mr Kilbane |
Mrs Quint |
Miss Judge |
|
| S.E.N.C.O |
Mrs Freddi |
| French |
Mrs Fung |
| Nursery Nurse |
Mrs Hutt |
Teaching Assistants
| Mrs Huggins |
Mrs Keeble |
Mrs O'Kelly |
| Mrs Gaylor |
Mrs Houghton |
Mrs McAdden |
Voluntary Reading Help
| Ms Cameron |
Mrs Hammond |
Miss Green |
Office Staff
| Finance Officer |
Ms Down
|
| Administration Officer |
Mrs Green |
Caretaking Staff
| Caretaker |
Mr Mackie |
| Cleaners |
Mrs Crook |
|
Mrs McAdden |
Kitchen Staff
Lunchtime Supervisors
| Mrs Rolfe |
Mrs Fung |
Mrs Garcia |
| Mrs Hunt |
Mrs McAdden |
Mrs O'Kelly |
| Mr Gaylor |
A Child's View - what I like about St Anne's
 St. Anne’s means a lot to me because my mum’s been here and my brothers. I like Mrs Nash - sometimes she gets cross but most of the time she’s happy. Jade Penglase
  At St. Anne’s, everyone is helpful, kind and considerate. Thomas Cummins
It’s like a big family. Ciara Jones
 I get to do lots of work and I enjoy it.
My friends are there so we can play games with each other like netball, tennis, football and do skipping.
If there was no St. Anne’s I wouldn’t be happy. St. Anne’s has wonderful teachers and helpful lunch supervisors. Joshua Ballard
We learn about God and Jesus so we can be their followers. We can create things and paint and make photo frames and chairs. St. Anne’s is lovely and clean and tidy. Lucy Palmer
If you hurt yourself everyone wants to help and all the teachers are very nice. Olivia Morrin
Everyday I step in class with a smiley face. Everyone is very kind to me and I try to be kind to them. When I am stuck someone always helps me. Jack Collins
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