mr g. wyn-jones - st. mary's aided school, overton-on-dee€¦ · we provide a broad, balanced...

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St. Mary’s Church in Wales Ysgol Eglwys Santes Fair Aided School Lôn yr Ysgol School Lane Owrtyn Overton-on-Dee Wrecsam Wrexham LL13 0ES LL13 0ES Tel. No.: 01978 710370 Rhif Ffon: 01978 710370 Fax. No.: 01978 710370 Rhif Fax: 01978 710370 Pennaeth/Headteacher – Mr. Gary Wyn-Jones B.Ed (Hons) NPQH [email protected] WELCOME TO ST. MARY’S CHURCH AIDED SCHOOL We warmly welcome you and your child to St. Mary’s School. This prospectus will give you an insight into your school and perhaps answer some of your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information. Dear Parents Choosing the right school for your child is vitally important. Parents want a good education for their children but they also want them to be happy and to feel safe and secure. We provide a broad, balanced and enriched education in Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2. The high standards of learning are a credit to the hard work of both staff and pupils. Equally we are also proud of the atmosphere of friendliness and co-operation which is always evident. We value all our pupils equally, but we also value their right to be different and to excel in different ways. All pupils are respected equally regardless of gender; colour or creed and we aim to assist children in developing their true potential and believing in their own worth. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions and to assist in providing a harmonious atmosphere within the school. Every opportunity is taken to ensure children, staff, parents and governors understand and hopefully agree with the principles by which we live. Working in partnership, staff and governors aim to provide the best possible learning opportunities for your child/children and working together with you we can achieve this. Yours sincerely Mr G. Wyn-Jones Headteacher

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St. Mary’s Church in Wales Ysgol Eglwys Santes Fair Aided School Lôn yr Ysgol School Lane Owrtyn Overton-on-Dee Wrecsam Wrexham LL13 0ES LL13 0ES Tel. No.: 01978 710370 Rhif Ffon: 01978 710370 Fax. No.: 01978 710370 Rhif Fax: 01978 710370

Pennaeth/Headteacher – Mr. Gary Wyn-Jones B.Ed (Hons) NPQH

[email protected]

WELCOME TO ST. MARY’S CHURCH AIDED SCHOOL

We warmly welcome you and your child to St. Mary’s School. This prospectus will give you an insight into your school and perhaps answer some of your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information. Dear Parents Choosing the right school for your child is vitally important. Parents want a good education for their children but they also want them to be happy and to feel safe and secure. We provide a broad, balanced and enriched education in Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2. The high standards of learning are a credit to the hard work of both staff and pupils. Equally we are also proud of the atmosphere of friendliness and co-operation which is always evident. We value all our pupils equally, but we also value their right to be different and to excel in different ways. All pupils are respected equally regardless of gender; colour or creed and we aim to assist children in developing their true potential and believing in their own worth. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions and to assist in providing a harmonious atmosphere within the school. Every opportunity is taken to ensure children, staff, parents and governors understand and hopefully agree with the principles by which we live. Working in partnership, staff and governors aim to provide the best possible learning opportunities for your child/children and working together with you we can achieve this. Yours sincerely

Mr G. Wyn-Jones Headteacher

ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

OUR SCHOOL

St. Mary’s School is a Church in Wales Aided School for pupils from the age of 3 – 11. The school is in a rural location and has extensive grounds. The school was opened in 1986 with three classrooms and a school hall. Due to two large extensions the school now has eight classrooms, resource room, library, large hall and an open area for activities for Foundation Phase pupils. The school is very well resourced with computers, notepads, i-pads and access to overhead projectors/interactive whiteboards in each class. Pupils have the opportunity to undertake learning in an outside environment. We have a forest school conservation area, ponds, raised vegetable and flower beds, ball area, story telling area, field and adventure trails, outdoor stage and a climbing wall. At present the school is an Eco – friendly school (Bronze + Silver awards). We also hold the following awards. 2013 Healthy Schools Award

2011 Green Flag 2008 Wales Quality Award for Innovation

2008 Outdoor Settings UK Award 2008 – Estyn – Outstanding School

2007 International School Award

ETHOS

Respect....Honesty....Confidence....Caring....Responsible....Trust

The ethos of the school is based on the fundamental values and beliefs of the teaching of the Christian Faith and recognises that the message of Jesus is the foundation of the educational experience within an Anglican School. “Recognising its historical foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church in Wales and in partnership with the church at parish and diocesan levels. The school aims to serve the community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers all its pupils.”

As a Church Aided school, the focus has always been on developing the whole child not just the parts to be tested and to appreciate and understand the Christian values by which we live.

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

MISSION STATEMENT

‘We learn, we play, we laugh, we achieve together'

HOW WE LEARN

The school encourages high standards of behaviour by all pupils. This is developed by all staff using positive behaviour management. Attitudes to learning are consistently monitored to ensure pupils fulfil their true potential.

SCHOOL SESSION TIMES

NURSERY

RECEPTION, YEAR1

YEAR 2

JUNIORS / KEY

STAGE 2

2 GROUPS

8.55 – 11.45 a.m.

1.00 – 3.15 p.m.

8.55 – 11.30 a.m.

12.45 - 3.15 p.m.

8.55 – 12.10 a.m.

1.00 – 3.15 p.m.

MORNING ORGANISATION

A senior member of staff will be on the junior playground to supervise children from years 1 to 6 from 8.50am. The bell will ring at 8.55am and children will line up as follows:- Nursery and Reception will be met by their class teacher outside the class. Year 1 will be met by their class teacher by the class door. Year 2 will be met by their class teacher by the class door. Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 will line up on the playground. The children will be met by their class teacher who shall accompany them into their classroom. Please ensure your child is on the yard at this time and ready to start the school day. To help develop independence and organisational skills, pupils in years 1 and 2 should be encouraged to enter the classroom themselves and then put any bags and coats in their cloakroom. Pupils in years 3 – 6 should not have their parents/carers follow them into the cloakroom and/or classroom. Parents of pupils in years 3 – 6 are respectfully asked not to enter the school building at this busy time unless a meeting has been arranged.

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

TEACHING STAFF

MR. G WYN-JONES

HEADTEACHER

B.Ed. (Hons) NPQH

MR. D MORRIS

DEPUTY HEADTEACHER YEAR 6 CLASS TEACHER K.S.2 TEAM LEADER

B.A. (Hons) PGCE

MR. D WILLIAMS

YEAR 5 CLASS TEACHER ‘ACTING’ HEAD OF FOUNDATION PHASE

B.A. (Hons) PGCE

MRS. J DODWELL MISS. J JONES

YEAR 4 CLASS TEACHER (Monday + Tuesday) YEAR 4 CLASS TEACHER (Wednesday – Friday)

B.Ed. (Hons) B.A. (Hons) PGCE

MISS. N WILLIAMS

YEAR 3 CLASS TEACHER

B.A. (Hons) PGCE

MRS. S. JONES

YEAR 2 CLASS TEACHER AENCo

B.Ed. (Hons)

MRS. J. RICHARDS

‘SECONDED TO LOCAL AUTHORITY’ HEAD OF FOUNDATION PHASE

B.S.C (Hons)

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

MRS. J NEALE

YEAR 1 CLASS TEACHER

B.Ed. (Hons)

MRS. K. EDWARDS

RECEPTION CLASS TEACHER

B.S.C (Hons)

MRS. K. LAWRENSON

NURSERY CLASS TEACHER

B.A. (Hons) GTP

MRS. L WILLIAMS

PPA TEACHER

B.A. (Hons) GTP

CURRICULUM

Our school has a committed staff who take pride in a strong teamwork approach to all aspect of our work. All members of staff are involved in school management and curriculum planning. There is no substitute for the basis of a sound education and we aim to achieve this by well-planned, imaginative and committed teaching. A great deal of care is taken in planning the curriculum and the organisation of the school to meet the individual needs of each child. Class teachers meet with parents each term and provide details of curriculum and their child’s progress. In Key Stage 2 we incorporate specialised teaching on one day per week. This enables teachers to teach in their specialist subject to all pupils in the department. We provide our pupils with a curriculum which seeks to educate ‘the whole child’ as well as in academic and creative ways. We strive to make our curriculum appropriate to pupils’ needs with a variety of teaching styles that develop positive attitudes to learning, the understanding of concepts and the acquisition of knowledge and skills to create lifelong learners. The content of the curriculum is broad, balanced, relevant and interesting. It is regularly reviewed so that pupils receive an education that is always up to date. We offer enrichment opportunities from our forest school activities to working with other schools in the authority. A variety of clubs is offered such as Football, Rugby, Athletics, Cricket, Golf, Hula Hooping, Tae Kwon Do, Cooking and Outdoor Club. - 5 -

ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

FOUNDATION PHASE - 7 AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT:

LANGUAGE, LITERACY AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, WELL BEING AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD WELSH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

KEY STAGE 2 - CORE SUBJECTS

ENGLISH

MATHEMATICS

SCIENCE

ORACY

INVESTIGATING

INVESTIGATIVE

LISTENING NUMBER LIFE LIVING

WRITING HANDLING DATA PHYSICAL

PROCESSES

SPELLING SPACE/ SHAPE MATERIALS

READING

FOUNDATION SUBJECTS:

Art

Design Technology Welsh

Information Technology Religious Education

Geography History

Physical Education Music

Personal Social Education

Skills of problem solving, being analytical and making decisions are key areas for development. - 6 -

ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

ESTYN SCHOOL INSPECTION JULY 2008 REPORT FINDINGS

St. Mary’s Church Aided School received the highest possible awards of Grade 1’s in all areas of school life during our inspection in July 2008. The summary stated, ‘This is an outstanding school. The outstanding features are reflected in the standards of achievement of its pupils, the excellent ethos of the school, the quality of teaching and assessment, the quality of care, support and guidance it gives its pupils and the outstanding quality of school management and leadership.’ Estyn 2008

• Quality of learning and teaching far exceeded the Welsh Assembly Government targets with, ‘Teachers presenting stimulating lessons and activities that successfully meet pupils’ needs and engage their interest and motivation to learn’. Estyn 2008

• Standards achieved are outstanding and consistently high, ‘a notable

feature has been a significant increase in the number of pupils gaining one level higher than the expected level at both key stages’. Estyn 2008

• ‘Very well focused planning that ensures all pupils whatever their ability

make excellent progress. Pupils with additional learning needs and pupils who are more gifted and talented also make outstanding progress. Pupils are switched on to their learning and this accounts for the excellent progress they make. Pupils’ motivation, their ability to work well either as individuals or in groups and to make use of their time are outstanding.’ Estyn 2008

• ‘There are very many strengths in pupils’ personal, social and learning skills,

especially in their creative, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. These are outstanding features’. Estyn 2008

• ‘The pupils’ evident enjoyment in being in school coupled with the school’s

careful monitoring of each child, including his or her attendance, ensures low absence rates. Pupils come punctually to school’. Estyn 2008

• ‘Positive behaviour management is used very effectively to reinforce good

behaviour throughout the school. It contributes strongly to the outstanding standards of pupils’ behaviour and self control to be found in all classes and learning groups. It ensures that all pupils can get on with their learning tasks without disruption and is an outstanding feature of the school. Standards of behaviour in the school are high and pupils demonstrate high levels of self discipline.’ Estyn 2008

• ‘The school has a very clear sense of purpose.’ Staff are dedicated and

‘governors are very supportive of the school.’ Estyn 2008

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

ATTENDANCE Regular and punctual attendance is essential if pupils are to make satisfactory progress. If your child is absent you are asked to inform the school as soon as possible and to send a brief note of explanation upon the child’s return Parents are respectfully reminded that children are allowed 10 days holiday as authorised leave. Advance notice of family holidays must be submitted in writing on the appropriate holiday form, available on request from the school. Disruption in school attendance can effect a child’s educational development and performance. During May and June, children undergo a variety of assessments at school which also includes the National Literacy and Numeracy tests. We respectfully request that holidays are not taken at this time. Persistent absences or lateness would lead to the involvement of the Educational Social Worker.

FULL YEAR ATTENDANCE FIGURES

OVERALL

ATTENDANCE 2012 - 2013

95.7%

SCHOOL, COMMUNITY AND CHURCH Developing and maintaining community links is an important part of the ethos of our school; we try to encourage the feeling that the school is a vital part of the whole community. The school takes part in services at St. Mary’s Church once a month. These services are led by an individual class and the community is invited. Other services include: Harvest service, The Remembrance Day service, Carols for Christmas Aid and Ascension Day service. During the Christmas celebrations children from the school entertain the senior citizens with songs and instrumental items. Visitors from the village and locality are regularly invited into the school to join in discussion sessions with children. The school is also a member of the local Twinning Association.

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

EDUCATIONAL VISITS Parents will be informed well in advance of any educational visits. Children are expected to wear school uniform on any day outings unless directed otherwise. Each visit complies with the Governors’ charging and remissions policy and although no charge is made for activities/visits, which are held mainly in school time, the school will ask parents to make a voluntary contribution to help meet the costs incurred for transportation, entrance fees, visitors fees etc.

SCHOOL UNIFORM The School has a uniform and parents are requested to provide their child with the appropriate clothing. Please contact the reception staff for further details P.E. kit – Children are expected to change out of their uniform into P.E. kit before any P.E. lesson and to change back again at the end. Please ensure all items of clothing are clearly labelled with your child’s name. No jewellery is to be worn to school other than a watch and pierced ear studs, which MUST be removed before any P.E. lesson. No make-up or nail varnish is to be worn. If specific jewellery or items of clothing are worn on the grounds of race or religious beliefs then parents are asked to discuss such arrangements directly with the Headteacher so issues, such as those dealing with health and safety, can be addressed and mutually agreed.

SCHOOL MEALS School meals are served in the dining room. Free school meals are available but these are subject to income. Children may bring a healthy packed lunch. Further details may be obtained from the school reception.

NURSERY PROVISION Pupils are admitted to the school on a part-time basis at the beginning of the school year in which they attain their fourth birthday. Nursery education is not a statutory provision, and parents have no right of appeal under the Education Act of 1980 if they are unsuccessful gaining a place.

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

INDUCTION

Towards the end of the Summer Term all the children and parents of pupils starting their first year Nursery will be invited to an induction morning. Whilst the children undertake activities the parents are provided with refreshments in the school hall. This gives you the opportunity to meet with other parents and the Headteacher for an informal chat.

FRIENDS ASSOCIATION St. Mary’s is a school that places great importance on fostering strong links with the community. Many events take place through the year to which parents and friends are invited, and we hope you will enjoy joining in. We also have a friendly, informal and active Friends Association which is open to all. The support of this group is invaluable to the school and their hard work benefits all of our pupils. Any offer of help, either in an official capacity on the Committee, or on a purely voluntary basis at individual functions is welcomed.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The ethos of the school rests on Christian values and the children are taught according to Christian standards. The Rector visits the school regularly and some of the church festivals are conducted by the pupils in the Parish Church.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The philosophy at St Mary’s School is that of openness, where everyone is welcome and the children are encouraged to greet visitors with friendliness and respect. Within an environment that provides equal access to learning facilities, resources and opportunities, the school aims to give each pupil the opportunity to succeed and reach the highest possible level of personal achievement. Expectation is consistently high, regardless of a pupil’s age, gender, ability, ethnicity or social background. The school is bound by legal requirements and is guided by the Wrexham County Borough Council and the Church in Wales. It is committed to providing an environment that allows full access to all areas of learning. The school has adopted the LA’s Equal Opportunities policy and always endeavours to uphold it. - 10 -

ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Provision is made for children with additional educational needs, including more able children, to follow the National Curriculum and to participate in all aims and objectives of the school. Early identification and monitoring is implemented in accordance with the Code of Practice 2002. There is a rigorous tracking system within the school for monitoring pupils’ progress. The policy of the school is to integrate pupils with additional educational needs into main-stream education, with modifications of task when appropriate. Close home/school liaison is encouraged.

HOMEWORK The school has a homework policy which has been agreed by pupils, parents, staff and governors. Class teachers will inform parents of the appropriate homework. When homework is given, parents are asked to give support and encouragement. Parents may wish to give guidance and work alongside their child but are requested to allow the child to do his/her own work. Children and parents are encouraged to establish a set homework time in a quiet place where this work can be done.

SEX AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION The schools programme of sex and relationship education, as agreed by the Governing Body is linked with areas of the National Curriculum and also a broad based social education. Parents may view the policy and discuss the teaching methods used. Parents have the right to withdraw their children, should they wish, from the whole or part of sex and relationship education (SRE) programmes provided in schools with the exception of the elements that are part of the National Curriculum. Please contact the Headteacher if you would like further information regarding SRE at school.

SCHOOL SECURITY All doors to the school are kept locked so access cannot be gained from the outside except when a member of staff is on duty. CCTV cameras are fitted around the school and observe persons entering and leaving the school premises. Parents and visitors to the school have to enter the building via the main door by using an intercom system. Please note that all doors can easily be opened from inside. For security reasons all visitors are asked to report to the school secretary.

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

SAFETY

St. Mary’s School has the highest regard for the quality of education and personal safety of all the children in our care. The dangers of playing in unsafe places, the importance of road safety and the possible dangers of speaking to strangers are emphasised. Pupils only leave the school with the knowledge of and under the guidance of a member of staff and are then delivered into the hands of parents or a nominated representative at the close of school. Parents may wish pupils in the juniors to make their own way home. If this is the case, please make sure your child and the school is fully aware of your arrangements. To assist with the children’s safety parents are requested to: -

• Use the pedestrian gates to enter the grounds and not the car park entrance. The car park is only for use by school staff.

• Not to park on areas outside the school gates where no parking is indicated. • Be especially careful when opening car doors. • Drive slowly along the roads in the vicinity of the school.

We would like ALL parents to reinforce their children’s awareness of safety and help them become responsible road users.

CHILD PROTECTION Welsh Assembly Government and local authority guidance makes it clear that Schools have an important role to play in the protection of children against abuse. St. Mary’s School, therefore, has a duty to refer any concerns about the well-being of pupils to the Social Service Department and the School Medical Officer for further advice. The school’s Child-Protection Co-ordinator is Mr. Wyn-Jones (Headteacher) and Mr Morris (Deputy Headteacher) in his absence.

HEALTH MATTERS

Children who become ill during the day are cared for in school if possible, failing that parents are telephoned. A similar process is adopted in the case of accidents and therefore the school needs to know up to date telephone numbers where parents can be contacted. Accidents at school are treated initially by trained Emergency First Aiders and recorded in an ‘Accident Book’. In the event of a more serious accident an ambulance will be called to take the pupil to hospital and a member of the school staff will accompany the pupil in place of a parent. In both instances parents are contacted as soon as possible. Medicine cannot be administered in school by staff. Please contact the Headteacher if you require further advice regarding this.

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

N.B. A chart, published by the Department of Public Health, listing the incubation and exclusion periods for the more common infectious diseases is used regarding pupils absence from school with one of these diseases. Parents are requested to adhere to the guidelines. Please contact the school for further information regarding these guidelines.

WELSH LANGUAGE

St Mary’s provides numerous bilingual opportunities for pupils to experience and use the Welsh Language. We actively promote pupils understanding of the Welsh culture and language and it is an integral part of daily routines across the whole school.

EFFECTIVE COMUNICATION

Confidence in a school comes from knowing and understanding what is happening within it and therefore we are always open to suggestions for improving communication with parents. The staff and governors of St. Mary’s School are totally committed to ensuring that your child has valuable learning experiences. It is essential that school provides a caring environment for children to achieve their full potential. Parent and teachers working together can establish mutual understanding and trust and shared responsibility. The school undertakes an audit each July and asks pupils, parents, staff and governors of their perception of the school. All issues raised are reflected upon and addressed. We aim to work together on continuous school self improvement.

THE PARENTS’ ROLE Parents have a very special part to play in educating their children and it is therefore important that families and the School work in partnership. An important aspect of education is encouraging social awareness. Children are expected to conduct themselves in a sensible manner with due regard to other people with the emphasis upon self-discipline. Care for other people and their property is encouraged. Parents’ support in this is expected.

HOME SCHOOL AGREEMENT

The school has a home school agreement between pupils, teachers and parents regarding each child’s education.

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

HOME SCHOOL LIAISON

The Headteacher, Mr. Wyn-Jones will be pleased to see parents at any time during your child’s time at St. Mary’s School. However, it is advisable to make an appointment to arrange a time of mutual convenience. We would ask that all parents who wish to visit the school for any reason please report to the school office on entry.

OPEN EVENINGS

Open evenings are held termly to discuss your child’s progress, however, parents are encouraged to contact the school and discuss any issues they may have concerning their progress at any time throughout the academic year. The class teacher will be available to you at the end of the school day. Please note Monday is a staff meeting day. If you are experiencing any “family” problems that may affect your child you are invited to inform the school in confidence, as this knowledge may be useful to staff when promoting your child’s best interest.

WRITTEN REPORTS At the end of the summer term you will be provided with a written report on your child’s progress, a copy of which will be kept in school. If you would like to discuss the report, you will be invited to make a mutually convenient appointment with the relevant member of staff.

SCHOOL EVENTS Each half term you will receive a school newsletter in addition to a class newsletter informing you of areas to be studied in English, Maths, Science and the theme to be studied. The newsletters will also include events, P.E. timetable and homework timetable. There is also a texting system to keep you informed. Please ensure we have the correct mobile number. Home/school diaries are sent home weekly for us to work in partnership and be able to communicate with each other. The school also has website (http://stmarys-overton-pri.wrexham.sch.uk/) which is regularly updated and an effective source of information about the school.

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

The school runs a CSSIW registered ‘Before and After’ school club, for which there is a charge unless you are entitled to family credit. The club opens at 8:00a.m. until 8:55a.m. and in the afternoon from 3:15 – 5:45p.m. Parents wishing their children to attend need to complete a registration form. Please contact the Headteacher for further information regarding this provision.

COMPLAINTS

Should parents have any reason to complain about any aspect of school life then it requested that their first point of contact is the appropriate member of staff. It is hoped that any problems can be resolved with the member of staff and/or departmental team leaders at an early stage. The Headteacher and Chair of Governors are always available to discuss any concerns that may arise. The School has a Complaints Policy, which is available for inspection in the School Office.

HOW PARENTS CAN APPLY FOR THEIR CHILD TO BE ADMITTED TO OUR SCHOOL?

As our school is a Church in Wales school, the Governing Body determines the admissions arrangements in agreement with the LA. The Governing Body therefore is the ‘Admissions Authority’ for our school. Application forms are available through the Local Authority website and can be completed online. However, paper copies are available from the school office in addition to an optional Church School form. The school notifies parents about the school place as soon as all applications have been considered. Pupils are admitted to our school on a part-time basis at the beginning of the school year in which they reach their fourth birthday. Nursery education is not a statutory provision and parents have no right of appeal under the Education Act of 1980 if they are unsuccessful in gaining a place. Admission to the nursery class does not guarantee admission to the school.

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

We are an inclusive school that welcomes children from all backgrounds and abilities. All applications will be treated on merit and in a sensitive manner. The level of ability of a child or any special needs that they may have plays no part in the admissions policy of the school. The only restriction we place on entry is that of number. If the number of children applying for entry exceeds the places available, we enforce the procedure set out below in order to determine whether a child is accepted or not.

1. Looked after children who are baptised members of the Church in Wales 2. Looked after children of other faiths 3. Children whose home address is within the ecclesiastical parish boundaries

of Overton and Erbistock 4. Children with a sibling who will continue to be at the school in the next

academic year 5. Children whose parents are attached to St. Mary’s Church Overton 6. Children whose parents are attached to another Anglican Church and for

whom this is their nearest Aided school 7. Children whose parents are active members of a non-Anglican Christian

denomination and for them this is the nearest Church School 8. Children whose parents are active members of another faith and also

express a desire for a Church School education. 9. Other children.

In the event of their being more applications falling within any of the above criteria than there are places remaining available; priority will be given to those living nearest the school.

THE STANDARD NUMBER

The standard number is the number of children the school can admit and accommodate in any one year. The standard number of our school is 30. We keep this number under review and the Governing Body will apply to change that number should circumstances allow.

ADMISSION APPEALS If we do not offer a child a place at this school, it is because to do so would prejudice the education of other children by allowing the numbers of children in the school to increase too much. If parents wish to appeal against a decision to refuse entry, they can do so by writing to the Clerk of the Governing Body. - 16 -

ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

An appeals panel then meets to consider all appeals by parents who have been refused a place for their child at our school and who wish to appeal against that decision. An appeals panel’s decision is binding for all parties concerned. (Details of appeal arrangements are set out in the Code of Practice on School Admissions Appeals).

TRANSFER TO SECONDARY SCHOOL

The majority of our pupils transfer to the Maelor School, Penley at the age of 11. Others choose Lakelands School if they live in Shropshire or St. Joseph’s school in Wrexham to continue with a Church education. Pupils also attend Ellesmere College, King’s School and Queen’s School, Chester. A good relationship exists with these high schools.

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

PUPILS ATTAINING OUTCOME 5+ AT FOUNDATION PHASE 2013

MD (MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT)

LLC (LANGUAGE, LITERACY AND COMMUNICATION

SKILLS IN ENGLISH)

PSD (PERSONAL AND SOCIAL

DEVELOPMENT, WELL BEING AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY)

WALES 87.4% 85.3% 93% WREXHAM 87.7% 85.9% 94.5% ST. MARY’S 92% 92% 100%

PUPILS ATTAINING OUTCOME 6+ AT FOUNDATION PHASE 2013

MD (MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT)

LLC (LANGUAGE, LITERACY AND COMMUNICATION

SKILLS IN ENGLISH)

PSD (PERSONAL AND SOCIAL

DEVELOPMENT, WELL BEING AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY)

WALES 28.2% 29.5% 45.9% WREXHAM 27% 28% 41.7% ST. MARY’S 28% 32% 36%

Foundation Phase OUTCOME 5 is a typical achievement (At 7 Years) OUTCOME 6 is above median

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

PUPILS ATTAINING LEVEL 4+ AT KEY STAGE 2 2013

MATHEMATICS ENGLISH SCIENCE WALES 87.5% 87.1% 89.7%

WREXHAM 88.0% 88% 90.5% ST. MARY’S 84.6% 92.3% 100%

PUPILS ATTAINING LEVEL 5+ AT KEY STAGE 2 2013

MATHEMATICS ENGLISH SCIENCE WALES 35.7% 35.7% 36.1%

WREXHAM 35.8% 37.1% 39.0% ST. MARY’S 38.5% 38.5% 50.0%

Key Stage 2 LEVEL 4 is a typical achievement (At 11 Years) LEVEL 5 is above median

Children usually progress one level every two years

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

HEADTEACHER: Mr. G. Wyn-Jones

Chair of

Governors

Clerk to the Governors

Director of Education

Mr. J. McCusker

7 Mill Court

Overton-on-Dee Wrexham LL13 0EZ

Mrs. G. Farley

St. Mary’s School Overton-on-Dee Wrexham LL13

OES

Mr. J. Davies

Children & Young People Services

W.C.B.C. 16 Lord Street

Wrexham LL11 1LG

Further documents are available for you to read if you

wish, please ask to see any you are interested in.

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ST. MARY’S C.I.W. AIDED SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2013/14

The favourite parts of our school year at St. Mary’s School 2012-13

Father Christmas came by helicopter!

Don’t Touch Tell

Keystrings musical extravaganza

St David’s Day celebrations

Condover Hall Residential

Skiing club

Nativity Concert

Visitors from Lesotto

Panic Circus!

Morrisons visit Outside Learning

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