About Ballyvester Primary School

1906-2006  Celebrating 100 Years Ballyvester Primary is a controlled, co-educational primary school situated approximately one mile from Donaghadee.

The school opened as a National school in 1842 and is pleasantly situated in a rural setting. The present listed building was built in 1906.

Our aim is to offer children a broadly based, well-balanced curriculum which develops the whole child - mentally, spiritually, educationally and socially. We pride ourselves on providing a happy, safe and secure environment for all our pupils.

Ready for the next 100 years

Values and Aims

We believe in the importance of the whole development of every pupil - mentally, spiritually, educationally and socially. Aims: - To provide activities which encourage self-esteem and social confidence. - To encourage pupils to do their best at all times and to take a pride in their work and achievements. - To help pupils be aware of and respect people whose ideas and beliefs may differ from theirs. - To provide pupils with a sound education which will prepare them for post-primary education and adult life. - To encourage each pupil to develop the ability to work independently and have sufficient motivation and self-confidence to enable him or her to tackle new interests. - To develop positive relationships within the whole school community. - To provide a happy, safe and secure environment for all pupils. - To work in partnership with parents to ensure mutual understanding regarding their child?s development.

Curriculum

Our aim is to offer children a broadly based, well-balanced curriculum which develops the whole child. This is achieved by ensuring that all pupils study the five compulsory areas of study and four educational themes set down in the Education Reform order. The areas of study are English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, the Environment and Society and Creative and Expressive Studies. The four educational themes are Cultural Heritage, Education for Mutual Understanding, Information Technology and Health Education. The educational themes are taught as an integral part of the five compulsory areas of study. The content of the Northern Ireland curriculum has recently been reviewed by the Government and changes will be introduced over the next few years. Qualities of confidence, self-esteem and consideration for others will be developed alongside increasing competence in the basic skills and a variety of teaching approaches centred on practical first-hand experiences i.e. activities on a class, small group and individual basis will be pursued. Effective teaching will be achieved by the careful matching of activities and content of lessons to individual needs.

Special Educational Needs

All teachers will provide access to a broad and balanced curriculum for all children in their class. Where pupils with special educational needs are identified they will be allocated individual action or education plans. This includes children who have been absent from school for a prolonged period because of illness. Regular monitoring of pupils' progress is carried out and review of progress by teacher and parents is a regular feature of special needs provision. Where necessary, advice and support is sought from outside the school - e.g. SEELB Educational Psychology Service or Curriculum advisory and support staff.