Welcome to the Oak Green School Website, our school's online educational resources for parents, teachers and students. We hope you enjoy your visit!

Oak Green School is a well-equipped co-educational community school, which provides for the education of boys and girls from 3–11 years of age. The main building is listed and was opened in 1950 with additions since then. The Education Authority has funded a redesign/ refurbishment which is now completed. The school library is well stocked with a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction books. To compliment this, our classrooms have stocks of the latest children’s fiction to encourage reading. There are a large number of computers that the children have access to at all time. The recent addition of an ISDN line has opened up the ‘World Wide Web’ to our pupils. Our hall is large with a dedicated stage and lighting which allows for a wide range of drama, dance, gymnastics and games. The school is fortunate to have large grounds. The playing field has the room for football pitches, cricket in the summer and a full-sized junior running track. Oak Green School was the first school in the area to have a purpose built pond, which is presently being redesigned to include a wetland/bog area with expert help from Aylesbury Vale Countryside Management Project. Hundreds of yards of ‘field’ hedging has already been planted, with more planned for the future. Recently a forty-tree orchard has been planted with apple, pear and plum trees, some of which are indigenous to Buckinghamshire. Bird and Hedgehog houses, a willow sculpture trail, spring and summer meadows and differing soil-type habitats (chalk down, peat-moor, clay etc.) are soon to be established. We are very fortunate to have two large playgrounds. The Local Education Authority has recently revamped these play areas, using seating and landscaping.

Our aim is to provide a broad, balanced and challenging education for the children in our care. We recognise that each child is an individual with his/her own needs, aptitudes and abilities. Our fundamental goal is to have happy pupils who enjoy learning.

The curriculum is child centred and resource based and we aim to relate to the four key aspects of a child’s development.

1. Social development

2. Academic/intellectual development

3. Physical development

4. Moral/spiritual development

Children begin at Oak Green Nursery and enter Reception Class at age 4+ and progress through the school. The classes are mixed ability and we try to ensure that there is an even balance of boys and girls.

Children in the Nursery and the Reception Class follow the Foundation Stage of the National Curriculum. The main school is presently organised into six Year Groups with two classes in most Year Groups. When the children move into Year1 the Schemes of work follow Curriculum 2000 – The latest version of the National Curriculum.

Early Years Nursery and Reception

In the Nursery and Reception classes the children follow the Early Learning Goals which consist of the following areas.

Personal & Social Education
Language & Literacy
Mathematical Development
Knowledge & Understanding of the World
Creative Development
Physical Development

Many of these areas are taught and learned through carefully planned and structured play.

The Early Learning Goals set expectations for the end of the Foundation Stage, at the end of the Reception year.

Key Stage 1 (Year 1 & 2)

In Year 1 and 2, the children follow a structured Literacy and Numeracy hour, each day. This consists of approximately 20 minutes carpet time to explore the focus of the day through a variety of strategies. The children work individually, in pairs and in small groups to develop their language and Numeracy skills.

In Key Stage1, we create opportunities for lots of personal and social education. We feel this is of the utmost importance in developing positive relationships and attitudes and promoting good behaviour. Science, ICT, Geography, History, PE, Music, DT and Art are all taught in KS1. RE is also taught, but parents have the right to withdraw their child in collective worship assembly. The broader curriculum is taught from national guidelines.

Each half term a Key Stage One newsletter is distributed to all KS1 parents or guardians to inform you of any issues which we feel you would benefit from being made aware of. We encourage links between home and school, through the use of a reading record book, where parents and the class teacher can comment on the child’s progress. We encourage parents to take an active role in their child’s education, through the use of parental attendance evenings, literacy workshops, and Numeracy workshops. If there are any concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to your child’s class teacher or the KS1 Co-ordinator.

Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 & 6)

All pupils follow the same basic curriculum and most subjects are taught in mixed ability classes. The subjects studied are as follows:

SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are a series of tests set by the Government in English, Mathematics and Science and are taken by Year 6 children in the Summer Term, they are marked independently. Year 3, 4 & 5 children are tested yearly with the non-statutory tests and various spelling and reading tests.

In the Autumn Term all Year 6 pupils may sit 11+ selection tests. These tests together with the Headteacher’s recommendations will decide which Secondary School is best suited for your child. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the tests.

Subjects

ENGLISH

Language Skills

We believe strongly that good spoken and written language skills are essential for success in all other areas of the curriculum. Each child takes part in the Literacy Hour and his/her language skills are regularly monitored.

Reading Skills

By the time a child reaches Junior School, most will have begun to read. Our aim is to develop reading skills further so that children are able to understand and respond to all types of writing. Our library is a huge asset to the school, it is attractively set out so that children enjoy using it; they quickly develop the independence to choose their own books for reading and for reference work.

Writing Skills

We emphasise the development of this vital skill. This includes, working with teachers and others, in order to develop their enjoyment of and building on links between speech and writing. Spelling, punctuation and handwriting styles are targeted throughout the school day.

MATHEMATICS

As a core subject of the National Curriculum, we recognise the fundamental importance of this subject as it equips our children with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand our changing world. The school seeks to ensure that maths is enhanced by a variety of teaching methods and additional studies. We make mathematics as stimulating as possible, involving ‘real life’ problems and challenging our pupils to see connections.

As our children gain in confidence, so their numberwork both written and mental advances. Our programme of study is challenging and progressive and strives for high levels of attainment from all children.

ICT

At Oak Green we understand that the modern world requires children being able to apply computer skills to enhance presentation, understanding data, accessing the Internet and applying control technology. We have a wide range of computers, software and an ISDN connection to the World Wide Web. Our computer suite provides for all children to gain a wide range of knowledge of all our programs.

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

While we aim for children to develop craft skills, we acknowledge that this subject allows pupils to become independent learners and ‘solvers’ of problems, both as individuals and members of a team.

SCIENCE

Science is at the core of understanding the world around us. With this in mind, we at Oak green aim to stimulate and excite pupils curiosity about their environment. This is achieved through developing and evaluating explanations and investigations. The ability to think critically and creatively is paramount.

HISTORY

Pupils are taught about important episodes from Britains past and the wider world. The children will be helped to develop a chronological framework as the progress through school. They are encouraged to find evidence, weigh it up and reach their own conclusions. this is achieved through research, gathering and sifting evidence and arguing their point of view.

GEOGRAPHY

The aim of teaching Geography at Oak Green School is to develop a knowledge of places and environments throughout the world. Maps, field studies, Information Technology and investigative and problem solving techniques, allow our children a sense of place on our changing planet.

ART

This subject stimulates imagination and creativity. At Oak Green we involve the children in visual, tactile and sensory experiences. Pupils use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think.

MUSIC

Music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. We believe that all aspects of Music should be incorporated into the curriculum with children listening, composing and performing. It is also important for children to be given the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. To this end Brass, String, Woodwind and Keyboard skills are available on a one-to-one or small group basis.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

It is important to that children have the opportunity to develop physical skills and to perform those skills in a range of activities. Enjoyment of creative and competitive activities which challenge children is the goal we seek to achieve at Oak Green School. The enjoyment of PE and Games will allow children to make choices about how they might get involved in lifelong physical activity.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education is taught as an integral part of PHSE throughout our pupils’ stay at Oak Green school. An understanding of people’s beliefs and spirituality fosters a reflective approach to life in the context of a growing understanding of the experiences, attitudes, beliefs and religious practices of mankind.
In accordance with Section 25 of the 1944 Education Act and the Education Reform Act (1988) – Religious Education is part of every child’s programme of study. From the agreed syllabus of the Authority children may be withdrawn from Religious Education and/or Assembly after discussion with the Headteacher.

SEX EDUCATION

In accordance with the Education Act 1993 and circular 5/94: Sex Education in Schools, Sex Education is taught in a way as to encourage pupils to have due regard to moral considerations and the values of family life. In accordance with the 1986 Education Act, the Governing body will be consulted as to the content and the timing of this area of the curriculum. As a school, we feel Sex Education forms a natural, integral part of Health Education and much thought has gone into producing a sensitive and balanced programme of study.
Parental consent will be sought when videos are to be shown and access to this area of the curriculum is open for parents to inspect.

OAK GREEN SCHOOL RULES

• When asked to do something by an adult in school, children should do it first time.
• Children should always walk quietly in and around school.
• Jewellery is not permitted in school. Children with pierced ears may wear plain stud, but must be removed before PE. This is the child’s responsibility.
• Children are expected to be kind polite and thoughtful to everyone.
• All equipment and belongings should be treated with care and respect.
• Children should always try their best and take pride in what they do.

IT IS ASSUMED THAT PARENTS WHO CHOOSE TO SEND THEIR CHILD TO THE SCHOOL, WILL SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATE FULLY WITH THE STAFF IN MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS OF WORK AND BEHAVIOUR.

A HOME/SCHOOL AGREEMENT WILL BE ISSUED TO ALL PARENTS FOR THEIR SIGNATURE.

UNIFORM

Some children in the nursery do wear school uniform but parents may choose for their child not to wear uniform.

The school colour is green and we like all our children to wear school uniform, which is as follows:

All clothing must be clearly labelled with your child’s name

SOCIAL AND PASTORAL CARE

The social and emotional development of each child is carefully monitored by the class teachers who, together with the Headteacher, are responsible for the pastoral care of the children in their class.

At the beginning of a pupil's career in school, parents are asked to supply details of where they can be contacted during the day in case of accident or illness. If an emergency should arise the school will make every effort to contact the parents, or their nominated representative, and inform them of the problem. Please ensure that you inform the school immediately of any change in your emergency contact details.

It is important that your child arrives at school in time for registration each morning. School opens at 08.55 and registers are marked at 09.00. Children arriving at school after that time are recorded as late.

Please do not send your children to school if they are unwell, or you suspect that they may become unwell during the school day. There are no full-time professional medical assistants in school and staff do not normally issue medication to pupils. However, if your child has a chronic medical need and requires medication during the school day, please make arrangements to come into school and discuss the matter with the Headteacher. Medical care plans are agreed for pupils with long term medical needs.

Child Protection

Because of day-to-day contact with children, schools are particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to develop. Parents should be aware, therefore, that where it appears to a member of the school staff that a child may have been abused, the school is required as part of the local Child Protection Procedures, to report their concern to the Social Service Department immediately.

CHARGING POLICY

Board and Lodging on Residential Visits

(Please see the DES Circular, paragraphs 33-35)
It is the school's policy that a charge should be made for board and lodging arising from residential activities. It is a statutory requirement that charges must be remitted in respect of pupils whose parents are in receipt of Income Support or Family Credit where the activity is deemed to take place in school hours, or, if it is out of school hours, is organised to fulfil statutory duties relating to the national curriculum or to religious education.
A charge will continue to be made for board and lodging in respect of pupils attending the Authority's own Outdoor Pursuits and Field Study Centres.

Individual Tuition in the Playing of a Musical Instrument

(Please see the DES Circular, paragraphs 38-41)
The funds for the provision of peripatetic music teaching are now charged to the school budget share, in an attempt to provide as many pupils as possible with the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument, a small charge of approximately £20 per term may be requested from parents.

Activities which take place wholly or mainly outside school hours

(Please see the DES Circular, paragraphs 19-25)
Under the new provisions a charge may be made for any activity which is deemed to take place outside school hours which is not provided specifically to fulfil statutory duties in respect of the national curriculum or religious education. Activities for which charges could be made therefore include school associations and clubs, teams and a wide range of visits and trips, some of which are organised on a residential basis.

It is the Governors' policy that charging for these activities where permissible should be left to the discretion of the Headteacher but that as a general principle, as at present, charges will not normally be levied in respect of school based activities such as clubs and teams.

Charges for Materials

(Please see the DES Circular -paragraphs 15-17)
It is the Governors' policy that the school will provide or pay for any ingredients, materials, equipment etc. which are needed for practical subjects such as home economics and craft, design and technology. Parents or pupils may however contribute to these on a voluntary basis.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

We endeavour to ensure that the school is a safe place for children but accidents do happen. In the event of your child having an accident, we will treat all minor injuries by cleaning or applying a cold compress. We can also administer emergency aid in the event of a more serious injury.

If your child has an injury and we are concerned that they need further treatment, we will always contact you and ask you to come to school. If we can not contact you and we feel that your child will need treatment, we will call an ambulance to take the child to hospital and continue trying to contact you.

It is essential that you keep your contact numbers up to date.

The school does not administer medicine but on very special occasions the administration of medicine is permitted during the school day. An Authorisation Form is available from the medical room. If your child has an infectious illness, there are set exclusion times. If your child has headlice, please treat this immediately.

SPORTING AIMS

The school encourages children to participate in all types of sport. Competition and good sportsmanship are taught. Children play sport against local schools.

NON SMOKING POLICY

This applies to the whole school and grounds both in and out of school hours.