st mary's primary school prospectus

St. Mary’s Primary SchoolProspectus

St. Mary’s Primary SchoolSt Mary’s Primary School

17 Maphoner Road

Mullaghbawn, Co. Armagh BT35 9TP

Telephone: 028 3088 8351 Fax: 028 3088 9278 Email: [email protected] Website: www.stmarys.mullaghbawn.ni.sch.uk

St Mary’s Primary School Prospectus Page �

St Mary’s Primary School ProspectusPage � St Mary’s Primary School Prospectus Page �

Contents page | Mission statement

WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL �

GENERAL INFORMATION 4

SCHOOL UNIFORM 5

THE CURRICULUM 6

THE CURRICULUM COUNT... 7

HOME WORK - EXTRA CURRICULAR PROVISION

EXTRA CURRICULAR PROVISION 9

ASSESSMENT REPORTING �0

MONITORING PUPIL PROGRESS ��

CHILD PROTECTION - DISCIPLINE ��

CHILD PROTECTION - DISCIPLINE COUNT... ��

HEALTH & EDUCATION �4

HEALTH & EDUCATION COUNT... �5

CONCLUSION �6

Mission Statement:We at St. Mary’s believe our Catholic School

to be a vital part of the community.

We are committed to:Nurturing the whole child thus celebrating each child’s unique person and potential.

Creating a safe and a happy learning environment wherein our children are motivated and praised.

Developing a whole Catholic school ethos, in which everyone is valued, respected and invested with confidence and self-worth.

Welcome from the Principal

Principal’s Foreword

St. Mary’s is a Catholic school and our primary aim is to establish and foster Christian values for life. I would like to state that parents are always welcome to either of our schools.

To avoid disruption of classes an appointment should be arranged through: (a) the Principal, (b) the Vice-Principal, (c) a member of the senior management team, or (d) in the case of the Nursery directly with the Nursery teacher.

I sincerely hope that your child’s time at St. Mary’s will be a pleasant and happy experience. Our school will constantly strive to maintain its child centred Catholic ethos, where parents are active

partners in the education of their children, where staff provide a stimulating learning environment, where the Church supports and assists in the development of our pupils and where the community continue to support the aims and values of the school.

In our school we will aim to develop for your child:

A broad and balanced curriculum.

His or her own talents, skills and an awareness of his/her abilities.

A love of learning, a knowledge of how to learn and the motivation to produce his/her best work.

A knowledge and understanding of our own heritage and the wider world in which we live, of the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations and a tolerance of other religions and ways of life.

A lively and enquiring mind, an ability to question and make informed decisions.

In addition we strive for effective communication between all members of the school community.

Yours faithfully,

Peter McDonnellPrincipal

St. Mary’s is a Catholic, co-educational primary school. The original school on this site, Meighfoner Boys National School opened in April 1836. Our present school then known as Mullaghbawn New Primary School opened on 1 January 1973.

It was built as a result of the amalgamation of five 2-teacher schools, viz Aughanduff PS, Carricknagavna PS, Meighfoner Boys PS, Meighfoner Girls PS and Silverbridge PS. In 1983 the school was renamed St. Mary’s Primary School, and now has an enrolment of 247 pupils and a teaching staff of 13 full time teachers.

St Mary’s Primary School ProspectusPage � St Mary’s Primary School Prospectus Page �

Contents page | Mission statement

WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL �

GENERAL INFORMATION 4

SCHOOL UNIFORM 5

THE CURRICULUM 6

THE CURRICULUM COUNT... 7

HOME WORK - EXTRA CURRICULAR PROVISION

EXTRA CURRICULAR PROVISION 9

ASSESSMENT REPORTING �0

MONITORING PUPIL PROGRESS ��

CHILD PROTECTION - DISCIPLINE ��

CHILD PROTECTION - DISCIPLINE COUNT... ��

HEALTH & EDUCATION �4

HEALTH & EDUCATION COUNT... �5

CONCLUSION �6

Mission Statement:We at St. Mary’s believe our Catholic School

to be a vital part of the community.

We are committed to:Nurturing the whole child thus celebrating each child’s unique person and potential.

Creating a safe and a happy learning environment wherein our children are motivated and praised.

Developing a whole Catholic school ethos, in which everyone is valued, respected and invested with confidence and self-worth.

Welcome from the Principal

Principal’s Foreword

St. Mary’s is a Catholic school and our primary aim is to establish and foster Christian values for life. I would like to state that parents are always welcome to either of our schools.

To avoid disruption of classes an appointment should be arranged through: (a) the Principal, (b) the Vice-Principal, (c) a member of the senior management team, or (d) in the case of the Nursery directly with the Nursery teacher.

I sincerely hope that your child’s time at St. Mary’s will be a pleasant and happy experience. Our school will constantly strive to maintain its child centred Catholic ethos, where parents are active

partners in the education of their children, where staff provide a stimulating learning environment, where the Church supports and assists in the development of our pupils and where the community continue to support the aims and values of the school.

In our school we will aim to develop for your child:

A broad and balanced curriculum.

His or her own talents, skills and an awareness of his/her abilities.

A love of learning, a knowledge of how to learn and the motivation to produce his/her best work.

A knowledge and understanding of our own heritage and the wider world in which we live, of the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations and a tolerance of other religions and ways of life.

A lively and enquiring mind, an ability to question and make informed decisions.

In addition we strive for effective communication between all members of the school community.

Yours faithfully,

St. Mary’s is a Catholic, co-educational primary school. The original school on this site, Meighfoner Boys National School opened in April 1836. Our present school then known as Mullaghbawn New Primary School opened on 1 January 1973.

It was built as a result of the amalgamation of five 2-teacher schools, viz Aughanduff PS, Carricknagavna PS, Meighfoner Boys PS, Meighfoner Girls PS and Silverbridge PS. In 1983 the school was renamed St. Mary’s Primary School, and now has an enrolment of 247 pupils and a teaching staff of 13 full time teachers.

St Mary’s Primary School ProspectusPage 4 St Mary’s Primary School Prospectus Page 5

General Information

The School Day:

Starting time

Finishing time

Dinner Break

Nursery 9.05am �.�0pm

P�-P� 9.�5am �.pm ��.�0-�.�5pm

P4-P7 9.�5am �.�0pm ��.�0-�.�5pm

In the interest of pupil safety:

All pupils should enter and exit the school by the gate where the Road Crossing Patrol is situated.

Children should not arrive in school before 9am as responsibility for their safety cannot be accepted before that time.

Should a child be absent from school for any reason, parents should provide a note of explanation for his/her absence.

Any parent collecting a child before the end of the school day should speak with the Principal and obtain his permission before removing the child.

If it is necessary to change for any reason, the usual arrangement for the collection of your child, please inform the teacher in writing.

Structure and Organisation of School:Chairman of Board of Governors: Mr. Kevin CampbellPrincipal: Mr. Peter McDonnell

Vice-Principal: Mrs. Ann Murphy

Senior Management:Miss. Paula Mulkerns K.S.2

Mrs. Mary McGahon K.S.1

Teachers:Mrs. Mary McGahon Mrs. Louise O’HaganMrs. Katrina Nolan Mrs. Ann MurphyMrs. Ann Morrow Miss. Paula MulkernsMrs. Orla Murphy Mr. Brendan TierneyMiss. Ciara Crawley Miss. Elaine McCann

Nursery: Mrs. Paula Byrne

Secretarial: Mrs. Kay Rodgers

Classroom Assistants: Mrs. Grainne Gregory Mrs. Grainne Quinn

Mrs. Sandra McCrink Miss. Andrea Hayes

Nursery Assistant: Mrs. Denise Bellew

Domestic Assistants: Mrs. Martina McKinley

Supervisory Assistants: Mrs. Brigid Gartland Mrs. Julie Cunningham

Mrs. Kay Rodgers Mrs. Paula Crawley

Caretaker: Mr. Tom MulhollandCleaner: Mrs. Paula Crawley

Kitchen: Mrs. Elaine Murphy (Cook)

Mrs. Ann Johnson Mrs. Bernie FergusonBus Drivers: Mr. Aidan McCann

Mr. Michael Bennett Mr. Mark Savage

Road Crossing: Mrs. Bernie Ferguson

In addition to our permanent staff the school receives support from The SELB’s School Curriculum Support Service.

School Uniform

BOYS GIRLS

Royal blue v-necked jumper

Royal blue cardigan or v-necked jumper

Grey trousers Grey skirt or pinafore

Light blue shirt Light blue shirt

Blue/navy striped tie Blue/navy striped tie

Royal blue socks

or tights

BOYS P.E. UNIFORM GIRLS P.E. UNIFORM

Grey tracksuit bottoms

Light blue polo shirt Light blue polo shirt

Black plimsolls Black plimsolls

(short grey trousers during the warmer

months is acceptable)

Please be sure to mark clearly your child’s entire belongings with his/her name, using indelible ink.

School Uniform:It is important that each child come to school neat and tidy. We are proud of our school uniform, which reflects the individuality of our school and offers to all children a common form of dress.

Our uniform is as follows:-

General Information

The School Day:

Starting time

Finishing time

Dinner Break

Nursery 9.05am �.�0pm

P�-P� 9.�5am �.pm ��.�0-�.�5pm

P4-P7 9.�5am �.�0pm ��.�0-�.�5pm

In the interest of pupil safety:

All pupils should enter and exit the school by the gate where the Road Crossing Patrol is situated.

Children should not arrive in school before 9am as responsibility for their safety cannot be accepted before that time.

Should a child be absent from school for any reason, parents should provide a note of explanation for his/her absence.

Any parent collecting a child before the end of the school day should speak with the Principal and obtain his permission before removing the child.

If it is necessary to change for any reason, the usual arrangement for the collection of your child, please inform the teacher in writing.

Structure and Organisation of School:Chairman of Board of Governors: Mr. Kevin CampbellPrincipal: Mr. Peter McDonnell

Vice-Principal: Mrs. Ann Murphy

Senior Management:Miss. Paula Mulkerns K.S.2

Mrs. Mary McGahon K.S.1

Teachers:Mrs. Mary McGahon Mrs. Louise O’HaganMrs. Katrina Nolan Mrs. Ann MurphyMrs. Ann Morrow Miss. Paula MulkernsMrs. Orla Murphy Mr. Brendan TierneyMiss. Ciara Crawley Miss. Elaine McCann

Nursery: Mrs. Paula Byrne

Secretarial: Mrs. Kay Rodgers

Classroom Assistants: Mrs. Grainne Gregory Mrs. Grainne Quinn

Mrs. Sandra McCrink Miss. Andrea Hayes

Nursery Assistant: Mrs. Denise Bellew

Domestic Assistants: Mrs. Martina McKinley

Supervisory Assistants: Mrs. Brigid Gartland Mrs. Julie Cunningham

Mrs. Kay Rodgers Mrs. Paula Crawley

Caretaker: Mr. Tom MulhollandCleaner: Mrs. Paula Crawley

Kitchen: Mrs. Elaine Murphy (Cook)

Mrs. Ann Johnson Mrs. Bernie FergusonBus Drivers: Mr. Aidan McCann

Mr. Michael Bennett Mr. Mark Savage

Road Crossing: Mrs. Bernie Ferguson

In addition to our permanent staff the school receives support from The SELB’s School Curriculum Support Service.

School Uniform

BOYS GIRLS

Royal blue v-necked jumper

Royal blue cardigan or v-necked jumper

Grey trousers Grey skirt or pinafore

Light blue shirt Light blue shirt

Blue/navy striped tie Blue/navy striped tie

Royal blue socks

or tights

BOYS P.E. UNIFORM GIRLS P.E. UNIFORM

Grey tracksuit bottoms

Light blue polo shirt Light blue polo shirt

Black plimsolls Black plimsolls

(short grey trousers during the warmer

months is acceptable)

Please be sure to mark clearly your child’s entire belongings with his/her name, using indelible ink.

School Uniform:It is important that each child come to school neat and tidy. We are proud of our school uniform, which reflects the individuality of our school and offers to all children a common form of dress.

Our uniform is as follows:-

The Curriculum

The CurriculumWhen we speak of the curriculum in the Catholic school we are talking about the learning experiences that are present for each child, those planned by the staff and those absorbed from our school ethos and environment. Since Christ is the foundation of the whole educational enterprise in a Catholic school, we take into account the uniqueness of each child and his/her individual needs. We develop attitudes and values based firmly on the Gospel message. Our aim is to offer each child a broadly based and appropriately balanced curriculum in line with the Northern Ireland Education Order 1989.

“The teaching observed during the inspection ranged from good to outstanding; the majority of lessons observed were excellent and, at times, the teaching was

inspirational”

Areas of Study:

(From Sept’07 P1 & P5 year groups will be introduced to a new revised curriculum. This will be phased in for all classes over the next 3 years.)

The new curriculum aims to empower young

people to achieve their full potential and to

make informed and responsible decisions

throughout their lives.

Curriculum objectives are:

To develop the young person as an individual

To develop the young person as a contributor to society

To develop the young person as a contributor to the economy & environment

Whole curriculum skills & capabilities are:

THINKING SKILLS AND PERSONAL CAPABILITIES - Managing information, Being creative, Thinking, Problem solving and decision - making, Working with others, Self-management.

FORMALLY ASSESSED SKILLS – Communication, Using Mathematics, ICT

Learning areas:

The Arts

Language and Literacy

Mathematics and Numeracy

Personal Development

Physical Education

The World Around Us

Religious Education

Attitudes And Dispositions will be fostered through promoting:

Personal responsibility

Concern for others

Commitment - determination – resourcefulness

Openness to new ideas

Self-confidence

Curiosity

Community spirit

Flexibility

Tolerance

Integrity – moral courage

Respect

Assessment for learning will be incorporated through:

Building a more open relationship between learner and teacher

Clear learning intentions shared with pupils

Shared/negotiated success criteria

Individual target setting

Taking risks for learning

Advice on what to improve and how to improve it

Peer & self assessment

Celebrating success

Peer & self evaluation of learning

The Curriculum

Learning Experiences will be encouraged and promoted through:

Religious Programme:Our R.E. programme based on the Alive O’ series goes beyond the requirements of the core R.E. syllabus agreed with the main churches. It prepares each child for participation in the Liturgy and Sacraments of the Catholic Church. Religious Education is not confined to the timetabled programme within the school but pervades the whole life of the school.

Special Educational Needs (SEN):All teachers in St. Mary’s P.S. have responsibility for children in their classes with special educational

needs. Children with S.E.N. are identified as early as possible. We follow the Code of Practice enabling us to effectively meet the needs of the majority of children within mainstream school. However, there are those children who need specialist help from outside bodies. This is gained through referral to, in most cases, the Educational Psychologist.All pupils with SEN are taught the Northern Ireland Curriculum by their class teachers within the normal classroom setting. However, pupils are withdrawn from class at particular times whilst following specific programmes, e.g. an individual or group education programme. Class teachers meet regularly with the Special Needs/Reading Recovery teacher to discuss ways of differentiating activities, of using alternative resources to overcome learning difficulties and for the drawing up of individual or group learning plans (IEP’s or GEP’s).

We appreciate the valuable contribution that can be made by parents/guardians to their child’s progress and it is our policy to inform them of all decisions to provide their child with special help and to invite them to work in partnership with the school at every stage.

Behavioural difficulties is also considered a special need and we follow the same procedures, as laid down by the Code of Practice for learning difficulties, with any pupil who has behavioural problems.

Special Educational Needs Advice & Information ServiceIn line with SEN & Disability Order (NI) 2005 (SENDO) all boards have a statutory duty to make arrangements for advice and information services in relation to Special Educational Needs. The SELB have set up such a service which can be accessed through their website www.selb.org/specialeducationor by telephoning Mildred Morrison on:

028 8772 8118

This service informs parents where and how to access information and advice in relation to the needs of their children. It is hoped that this information will help them make appropriate and informed choices and decisions.

Investigating and problem solvingLinks between curriculum areasRelevant and enjoyableMedia-richSkills integratedAdvice and hands onOffers choiceChallenging and engagingSupportive environmentCulturally diversePositive reinforcementVaried to suit learning styleOn-going reflectionEnquiry based

The Curriculum

The CurriculumWhen we speak of the curriculum in the Catholic school we are talking about the learning experiences that are present for each child, those planned by the staff and those absorbed from our school ethos and environment. Since Christ is the foundation of the whole educational enterprise in a Catholic school, we take into account the uniqueness of each child and his/her individual needs. We develop attitudes and values based firmly on the Gospel message. Our aim is to offer each child a broadly based and appropriately balanced curriculum in line with the Northern Ireland Education Order 1989.

“The teaching observed during the inspection ranged from good to outstanding; the majority of lessons observed were excellent and, at times, the teaching was

inspirational”

Areas of Study:

(From Sept’07 P1 & P5 year groups will be introduced to a new revised curriculum. This will be phased in for all classes over the next 3 years.)

The new curriculum aims to empower young

people to achieve their full potential and to

make informed and responsible decisions

throughout their lives.

Curriculum objectives are:

To develop the young person as an individual

To develop the young person as a contributor to society

To develop the young person as a contributor to the economy & environment

Whole curriculum skills & capabilities are:

THINKING SKILLS AND PERSONAL CAPABILITIES - Managing information, Being creative, Thinking, Problem solving and decision - making, Working with others, Self-management.

FORMALLY ASSESSED SKILLS – Communication, Using Mathematics, ICT

Learning areas:

The Arts

Language and Literacy

Mathematics and Numeracy

Personal Development

Physical Education

The World Around Us

Religious Education

Attitudes And Dispositions will be fostered through promoting:

Personal responsibility

Concern for others

Commitment - determination – resourcefulness

Openness to new ideas

Self-confidence

Curiosity

Community spirit

Flexibility

Tolerance

Integrity – moral courage

Respect

Assessment for learning will be incorporated through:

Building a more open relationship between learner and teacher

Clear learning intentions shared with pupils

Shared/negotiated success criteria

Individual target setting

Taking risks for learning

Advice on what to improve and how to improve it

Peer & self assessment

Celebrating success

Peer & self evaluation of learning

The Curriculum

Learning Experiences will be encouraged and promoted through:

Religious Programme:Our R.E. programme based on the Alive O’ series goes beyond the requirements of the core R.E. syllabus agreed with the main churches. It prepares each child for participation in the Liturgy and Sacraments of the Catholic Church. Religious Education is not confined to the timetabled programme within the school but pervades the whole life of the school.

Special Educational Needs (SEN):All teachers in St. Mary’s P.S. have responsibility for children in their classes with special educational

needs. Children with S.E.N. are identified as early as possible. We follow the Code of Practice enabling us to effectively meet the needs of the majority of children within mainstream school. However, there are those children who need specialist help from outside bodies. This is gained through referral to, in most cases, the Educational Psychologist.All pupils with SEN are taught the Northern Ireland Curriculum by their class teachers within the normal classroom setting. However, pupils are withdrawn from class at particular times whilst following specific programmes, e.g. an individual or group education programme. Class teachers meet regularly with the Special Needs/Reading Recovery teacher to discuss ways of differentiating activities, of using alternative resources to overcome learning difficulties and for the drawing up of individual or group learning plans (IEP’s or GEP’s).

We appreciate the valuable contribution that can be made by parents/guardians to their child’s progress and it is our policy to inform them of all decisions to provide their child with special help and to invite them to work in partnership with the school at every stage.

Behavioural difficulties is also considered a special need and we follow the same procedures, as laid down by the Code of Practice for learning difficulties, with any pupil who has behavioural problems.

Special Educational Needs Advice & Information ServiceIn line with SEN & Disability Order (NI) 2005 (SENDO) all boards have a statutory duty to make arrangements for advice and information services in relation to Special Educational Needs. The SELB have set up such a service which can be accessed through their website www.selb.org/specialeducationor by telephoning Mildred Morrison on:

028 8772 8118

This service informs parents where and how to access information and advice in relation to the needs of their children. It is hoped that this information will help them make appropriate and informed choices and decisions.

Investigating and problem solvingLinks between curriculum areasRelevant and enjoyableMedia-richSkills integratedAdvice and hands onOffers choiceChallenging and engagingSupportive environmentCulturally diversePositive reinforcementVaried to suit learning styleOn-going reflectionEnquiry based

Homework | Extra Curricular provision

Homework:St. Mary’s Primary School sees much value in children engaging in homework as a means of revising work done, in discovering information unavailable in school, in involving parents in their children’s studies and in the development of good work habits. Against this must be balanced each child’s need for recreation and their development of private interests and hobbies and so the amount of homework should not be excessive. Indicated below are general guidelines on the length of time each year group might be expected to spend on homework.

CLASS TIME

Primary 1 15-20 mins.

Primary 5 30-40mins.

To ensure regularity it is school policy that homework will be set each night Monday to Thursday though this may be relaxed for special occasions and around vacations.

Homework may not always involve a written task, but may be of a practical or verbal nature. Pupils may be asked to collect or collate information as part of a project.

Children will be issued with a number of textbooks, jotters, homework books, etc. please encourage them to keep them neat and tidy, back them with protective covering and refrain from writing on the covers.

A few suggestions:There is no point in undertaking homework unless it is completed to an acceptable standard. Thus try to ensure:

Homework is not left until late in the evening or early in the morning.

The television is turned off so that your child can concentrate on his/her homework.

A quiet place is provided for your child.

Listen to reading and talk about what has been read.

Ask your child spellings and encourage them to learn their spelling using the look, say, cover, write and check method.

Check written work to ensure that the task has been completed accurately.

We would encourage parents to help children with their homework but not to do it for them.

Remember, time spent by parents explaining, encouraging, listening, talking and reading to their children, is time well spent.

Extra Curricular provision

Extra Curricular Provision:As well as compulsory subjects St. Mary’s P.S. offers a variety of extra curricular activities, these we consider as essential elements in the overall development of our pupils. These include:

Music ViolinSchool choir

Recorder

Speech/Drama

Choral Groups Drama Camogie

SPORT Athletics Swimming Netball

I.C.T.Accreditation from CCEA

Extended schools activities

Gaelic Footbal

Links with community

Art competitions

QuizzesSponsored walks

Some of these activities are only available to children from P4-7, as the structure of the school day does not permit the involvement of infants in all extra-curricular activities.

Homework | Extra Curricular provision

Homework:St. Mary’s Primary School sees much value in children engaging in homework as a means of revising work done, in discovering information unavailable in school, in involving parents in their children’s studies and in the development of good work habits. Against this must be balanced each child’s need for recreation and their development of private interests and hobbies and so the amount of homework should not be excessive. Indicated below are general guidelines on the length of time each year group might be expected to spend on homework.

CLASS TIME

Primary 5 30-40mins.

To ensure regularity it is school policy that homework will be set each night Monday to Thursday though this may be relaxed for special occasions and around vacations.

Homework may not always involve a written task, but may be of a practical or verbal nature. Pupils may be asked to collect or collate information as part of a project.

Children will be issued with a number of textbooks, jotters, homework books, etc. please encourage them to keep them neat and tidy, back them with protective covering and refrain from writing on the covers.

A few suggestions:There is no point in undertaking homework unless it is completed to an acceptable standard. Thus try to ensure:

Homework is not left until late in the evening or early in the morning.

The television is turned off so that your child can concentrate on his/her homework.

A quiet place is provided for your child.

Listen to reading and talk about what has been read.

Ask your child spellings and encourage them to learn their spelling using the look, say, cover, write and check method.

Check written work to ensure that the task has been completed accurately.

We would encourage parents to help children with their homework but not to do it for them.

Remember, time spent by parents explaining, encouraging, listening, talking and reading to their children, is time well spent.

Extra Curricular provision

Extra Curricular Provision:As well as compulsory subjects St. Mary’s P.S. offers a variety of extra curricular activities, these we consider as essential elements in the overall development of our pupils. These include:

Music ViolinSchool choir

Recorder

Speech/Drama

Choral Groups Drama Camogie

SPORT Athletics Swimming Netball

I.C.T.Accreditation from CCEA

Extended schools activities

Gaelic Footbal

Links with community

Art competitions

QuizzesSponsored walks

Some of these activities are only available to children from P4-7, as the structure of the school day does not permit the involvement of infants in all extra-curricular activities.

St Mary’s Primary School ProspectusPage �0 St Mary’s Primary School Prospectus Page ��

Assessment reporting

Complaints: Regarding Curriculum:Parents who consider that the Curriculum provision is not satisfactory are welcome to express their concerns. This should be done in accordance with the following procedures. In the vast majority of cases the problem will be solved at stages 1 or 2.

In the case of serious complaints the concerns should be specifically detailed in writing and given to the Principal or Chairperson of the Board of Governors to enable the matter to be examined and a reply made:

Stage � Contact class teacher at a suitable time (after having obtained the Principal’s consent).

Stage � Contact the Principal.

Stage � Contact Chairman of the Board of Governors.

Stage 4 Request that the matter be considered by S.E.L.B.’s Complaints Tribunal for Curriculum Matters.

Assessment & Reporting to Parents:Assessment is an integral part of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. The main objectives of assessment are to: underpin and inform teaching, and establish what each child knows, can do, and understands. Class teachers assess children in different ways e.g. through observation, as well as oral, practical and written tests.

At the end of each Key Stage (P4 & P7), pupils undergo formal assessment and are attributed levels of attainment in English and Maths. Competency in ICT is also tested at the end of P7, and pupils are accredited levels by CCEA in the different strands of the ICT curriculum.

Standardised tests are administered to all classes in English and Maths towards the end of each school year. In addition a number of screening programmes are used in the

infant years to identify pupils encountering problems in Literacy or Maths. Some of these programmes require parental involvement and you may be asked to attend meetings with your child’s teacher, where you will be shown activities to carry out with your child.

INCAS is a new statutory curriculum assessment procedure which will be used from P4 to P7.

Monitoring Pupil Progress

CLASS Type of Assessment Time of AssessmentReporting to

Parents

Nursery Teacher observation Ongoing though out year

*Oct./Nov P/TMeeting.

*June P/T Meeting.

*June –written report

*Initial Screening (EYES)

*Teacher observation

*Standardised Tests

September

Ongoing May/June

*Oct/Nov. P/T Meeting.

*Reading Recovery-

Screening

*Teacher Observation

*September

Ongoing Feb/Mar

*Oct/Nov P/T

meeting

*Quest Screening

*Standardised Tests –English

Oct. –Jan. *Oct/Nov P/T Meeting

*INCAS

*Paired Reading

Ongoing

Autumn term

Jan-Mar.

*Oct/Nov P/T

Paired Reading outcomes

*INCAS

*Paired Reading

Ongoing Jan-Mar

Autumn term

May/June

*Oct/Nov P/T Meeting

*Paired Reading Outcomes.

June-written Report.

*INCAS

*Standardised tests-English

Ongoing May/June

Autumn term

*Teacher observation*INCAS*KS2 Assessment*ICT Assessment*Standardised Tests- EnglishMaths

Ongoing May/JuneAutumn term

MayMay/June

*Oct/Nov –P/Tmeeting

ASSESSMENT/REPORTING TIMETABLE“The assessment, recording and reporting process is working well and characterises the inclusive and progressive nature of the school”

Note: There will be alterations to the assessment schedule in order to comply with the requirements of the new revised curriculum. Exact details of this will be communicated at a later date.

St Mary’s Primary School ProspectusPage �0 St Mary’s Primary School Prospectus Page ��

Assessment reporting

Complaints: Regarding Curriculum:Parents who consider that the Curriculum provision is not satisfactory are welcome to express their concerns. This should be done in accordance with the following procedures. In the vast majority of cases the problem will be solved at stages 1 or 2.

In the case of serious complaints the concerns should be specifically detailed in writing and given to the Principal or Chairperson of the Board of Governors to enable the matter to be examined and a reply made:

Stage � Contact class teacher at a suitable time (after having obtained the Principal’s consent).

Stage � Contact the Principal.

Stage � Contact Chairman of the Board of Governors.

Stage 4 Request that the matter be considered by S.E.L.B.’s Complaints Tribunal for Curriculum Matters.

Assessment & Reporting to Parents:Assessment is an integral part of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. The main objectives of assessment are to: underpin and inform teaching, and establish what each child knows, can do, and understands. Class teachers assess children in different ways e.g. through observation, as well as oral, practical and written tests.

At the end of each Key Stage (P4 & P7), pupils undergo formal assessment and are attributed levels of attainment in English and Maths. Competency in ICT is also tested at the end of P7, and pupils are accredited levels by CCEA in the different strands of the ICT curriculum.

Standardised tests are administered to all classes in English and Maths towards the end of each school year. In addition a number of screening programmes are used in the

infant years to identify pupils encountering problems in Literacy or Maths. Some of these programmes require parental involvement and you may be asked to attend meetings with your child’s teacher, where you will be shown activities to carry out with your child.

INCAS is a new statutory curriculum assessment procedure which will be used from P4 to P7.

Monitoring Pupil Progress

CLASS Type of Assessment Time of AssessmentReporting to

Parents

Nursery Teacher observation Ongoing though out year

*Oct./Nov P/TMeeting.

*June P/T Meeting.

*June –written report

*Initial Screening (EYES)

*Standardised Tests

September

Ongoing May/June

*Oct/Nov. P/T Meeting.

*Reading Recovery-

Screening

*September

Ongoing Feb/Mar

*Oct/Nov P/T

meeting

*Quest Screening

*Standardised Tests –English

Oct. –Jan. *Oct/Nov P/T Meeting

*INCAS

*Paired Reading

Ongoing

Autumn term

Jan-Mar.

*Oct/Nov P/T

Paired Reading outcomes

*INCAS

*Paired Reading

Ongoing Jan-Mar

Autumn term

May/June

*Paired Reading Outcomes.

June-written Report.

*INCAS

*Standardised tests-English

Ongoing May/June

Autumn term

*Teacher observation*INCAS*KS2 Assessment*ICT Assessment*Standardised Tests- EnglishMaths

Ongoing May/JuneAutumn term

MayMay/June

*Oct/Nov –P/Tmeeting

ASSESSMENT/REPORTING TIMETABLE“The assessment, recording and reporting process is working well and characterises the inclusive and progressive nature of the school”

Note: There will be alterations to the assessment schedule in order to comply with the requirements of the new revised curriculum. Exact details of this will be communicated at a later date.

St Mary’s Primary School ProspectusPage �� St Mary’s Primary School Prospectus Page ��

Child Protection | Discipline

Pastoral Care and DisciplinePastoral Care:

“ The high quality pastoral care is central to the philosophy of the life and work of the school”

At St. Mary’s pastoral care permeates all aspects of school life. It reflects the values, attitudes, beliefs and practices of our Catholic faith and involves all members of our school community – children parents and all other adults who contribute to the well-being of each child.

We strive to create an atmosphere where God’s love is experienced by members of the school community through their relationship with each other; where Christ is the example to all; where each child is helped to develop to his/her full potential.

The atmosphere of the school is based upon good relationships between staff/pupils/parents. As staff we work as a team, respecting each other’s roles and recognising individual talents and expertise.

We are concerned with the needs and well-being of each child and with the approaches and programmes we implement in order to aid his/her personal development.

We recognise and value the important role, which parents play in their child’s education. Every effort is made to ensure that parents feel welcome, that they are made aware of the school’s aims objectives and policies and of their child’s individual needs, progress and achievements.

We expect you our parents to co-operate fully with us in achieving these goals.

If you have a concern about your child’s welfare you can express your concerns using the following Child Care Procedures.

“There is a distinctive and caring ethos in the school which is characterised by the excellent relationships between the sensitive and hard-working staff and the happy and enthusiastic children”

St. Mary’s Child Protection Procedures

Child protection procedures:How a parent can express a concern about their child’s welfare:-

1. I have a concern about my/a child’s safety.

2. I can talk to the class teacher.

3. If I am still concerned, I can talk to the Principal: Mr. Peter McDonnell or Vice-Principal: Mrs. Ann Murphy.

4. If I am still concerned, I can talk or write to the Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr. Kevin Campbell.

School Discipline:Our school discipline policy is based on the school’s Christian values and beliefs. We aim:

To provide a supportive environment which will foster the growth and development of caring and responsible pupils.

To create a well-ordered school in which pupils can learn effectively.

To develop in our pupils a sense of self-worth and self-control.

We expect all our school community to act in a positive and caring way towards each other. To this end we have some school rules for our pupils, which we will implement fairly and consistently.

We expect observation of the following rules:-

Pupils to obey all adults who work/visit in the school.

During frosty/snowy weather when the buses are unable to travel those children who do not travel to school by bus, should come to school as usual, as the school will be open.

During frosty/snowy weather when the buses are unable to travel, parents who leave their children to school by their own transport should check if school buses are able to complete their routes in the afternoons. If not you should collect them at school at closing times.

In the event of the school catering staff being unable to work due to power disruption or being unable to travel to their work because of adverse weather conditions then school will close at 12.00 noon. Children who wish to travel on a bus other than the one they normally use for whatever reason must bring a note of explanation.

Children who do not normally travel by school bus cannot be permitted to travel by bus to their friend’s home for birthday parties etc. as they are not covered by insurance.

Children who cannot do PE or swimming, or wish to stay indoors at playtime must bring a note of explanation from parents.

Should the unlikely need for pupil suspension or expulsion arise we shall follow the procedures laid down by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools.

Acceptance of admission to the school implies the parent’s acceptance of the school discipline policy.

Parents are again reminded that the Principal should be approached first before making contact with the class teacher and it is the Principal who deals with serious and disciplinary matters.

Bullying:Is a persistent desire to hurt others and can be verbal, mental or physical. We need to identify early signs of bullying and children are encouraged to tell a teacher, parent or friend. Incidents not reported or concealed create the greatest problems in dealing with this issue. Parents should watch out for signs of distress, such as repeated illness, damage to clothing etc.

If you know bullying is occurring advise the victim that there is nothing wrong with them. Advise them to tell a trusted adult at the school. In an attempt to tackle this problem we need to establish time and places where bullying mostly takes place. From this information we can begin to prepare a plan of action.

Behavioural Difficulties:Behavioural difficulties can be caused by any number of factors, i.e. physical, emotional, psychological or medical.

Any child who fails to respond appropriately to the normal disciplinary procedures will, in consultation with parents, undertake a programme of behavioural management, which will follow the stages outlined by the Code of Practice. As already stated, behavioural difficulties are a special educational need.

Awards:It is part of St. Mary’s P.S. policy to emphasise positive approaches to maintaining and improving discipline. This school promotes positive behaviour and learning through use of a variety of strategies:

And on a weekly basis the Principal presents cups to pupils at Assembly.

It is the policy of the school to have a high expectation of learning and behaviour.

Verbal PraiseGestureStampsStickersStar ChartsTeam AwardsCertificatesPositive comments in workbooks