Welcome to our school. . .

I hope you find it interesting and informative, giving you a good idea of school life at St Andrews.

Everyone who works at the school wants the children to succeed and this they all do at varying levels in an environment that is caring and supportive.

I trust parents will find the information on the site helpful, such as on line copies of all newsletters and of course the school prospectus. We also have an interactive calendar so you can plan ahead for holidays, as it is so important to avoid children missing any term time. If parents would like to suggest any other information we can supply on-line then please let us know, you will find our e-mail address at the bottom of most pages on the site.

Mr P. Mayles

Headteacher

St. Andrew's Junior School was opened in April, 1969 to serve the southern area of the Greenstead Estate situated to the North East of Colchester. There are eight well-proportioned classrooms plus five relocatable rooms adjacent to the main building and two classrooms in a new block. In addition there is an assembly hall, equipped for physical education, which is also used as a dining area, and a large playing field. Visual aids ( school T.V. programmes, and video/DVD recordings) computers and interactive whiteboards are catered for within the School.

LEA’s Policy Statement

The Governing Body has adopted the LEA's policy statement of curriculum aims for the school curriculum; a copy of which is available at the school.

“In Essex, every learner is entitled to a curriculum rich and varied, challenging and inspiring, which enables every individual to fulfil her or his potential to the highest possible standard; so that all, for the benefit of all, are able to shape their destinies and create a better world.”

In its widest interpretation the curriculum of a school may be seen as the sum of experiences, activities and opportunities a school provides: which then promote the intellectual, personal, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of its pupils.

St. Andrew’s JuniorSchool strives to provide opportunity for pupils to become adaptable, confident, questioning, caring and responsible.

In order to achieve this shared view, we believe that we need:

1. To enable pupils to be aware of their capabilities and to reach their true potential whilst developing confidence and a positive attitude to learning.

2. To provide a broad and balanced curriculum ensuring continuity and progression in learning for all pupils according to their individual needs.

3. To encourage good citizenship by developing self-discipline, co-operation and respect for others within the school and wider community.

4. To provide a stimulating, harmonious and safeenvironment conducive to learning,and social development.

A Government  initiative called ‘Every Child Matters’ also sets out 5 objectives which the school wants for all its pupils:

1. to be healthy

2. to stay safe

3. to enjoy and achieve

4. to make a positive contribution

5. to eventually achieve economic well being.

National Curriculum

The National Curriculum at Key Stage 2 is made up of English, Maths and Science all nationally tested at the end of Year 6 plus Art, Geography, History, ICT, Technology, PE and Music.

To complete the curriculum, Religious Education, Health Education, Equal Opportunities, Multicultural Education and Citizenship are included.

Both the National Literacy Strategy and the National Numeracy Strategy are practiced throughout the school.  Both are under constant development with the aim of raising standards in English and Mathematics.

It is intended that the National Curriculum should provide a clear framework and a basic entitlement to all pupils.  Most schools including St. Andrew’s offer wider experiences than those given by the National Curriculum.  Since September 2003 the school has been developing the curriculum in accordance with the Government’s ‘Excellence and Enjoyment’ – a strategy for Primary Schools document.

The following club activities take place after school or during the lunch break: