Prospectus

Dear Parents

 

Welcome to College Town Junior School and thank you for showing an interest in what we can offer your children in today’s educational climate.  Having read through our prospectus and spent time in the School, I am sure you will not be disappointed and quickly realise that we expect high standards in all that we do at College Town.

 

At our School we aim to create a caring, disciplined, yet challenging environment, with pupils working purposefully and enjoying their lessons.  Emphasis throughout the School is upon the progress and development of each child as an individual and upon co-operation, rather than competitive learning.  We seek to provide an atmosphere in which children are interested in learning for its own sake, without the anxiety often associated with a system where all children are expected to reach the same standard, in the same things, at the same time.  That is not to say there is no competition in our School, there is.  It is evident in a controlled way, which brings out the best qualities of competitiveness, through children challenging themselves to improve their own results and as part of a team in games and house activities.

 

At College Town, considerable emphasis has always been placed on the core skills of reading, writing and mathematics.  These skills are crucial for pupils to face future challenges with confidence.  Our emphasis on these skills is not to the detriment of foundation subjects.  The Governors and staff believe children should experience a broad balanced curriculum and that is exactly what we strive to achieve.  The children’s learning is further enhanced by a full extra curricular programme, organised by staff and supportive parents.

 

We are very aware that our children are your children and welcome you as partners in their education. I am sure that your child’s stay at our School will be a happy and successful one, but should you have a concern, or problem, please feel free to come and discuss it with us.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs J Ward

Headteacher

 

 

Mission Statement

College Town Junior School aims to provide a stimulating, happy and caring environment in which children are encouraged to develop as individuals and become independent and confident children.

 

We value all children and aim to provide them with a broad and balanced education in order that they become mature, responsible and happy learners. We celebrate the individual successes of our pupils and encourage them to contribute to the culture and ethos of the School and wider community.

 

We aim to provide an environment in which we encourage self discipline, where children are taught respect for others, and where high standards of behaviour are expected.

 

Our aim is to prepare the children in our care to reach their potential and move on to the next stage of their education with enthusiasm, curiosity and a love of learning.

 General Aims

Through its curriculum, the School:

• places strong emphasis on acquiring necessary skills in reading, writing and mathematics.
• encourages development of lively, enquiring minds within a questioning culture.
• challenges pupils to achieve their potential.
• encourages creative independent thinking.
• promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of all pupils.

 

Through its ethos, the School:

• promotes the importance of showing care and respect for others.
• encourages the development of a sense of responsibility.
• encourages self-discipline.
• promotes value and respect for human aspiration and achievement.

 

Through its community involvement, the School:

• promotes partnerships between pupils, parents, governors and staff.
• develops positive relationships with the community as a whole, particularly in working with College Town Infant School, Sandhurst School and R.M.A. Sandhurst.
• creates a happy, safe and secure environment, with pupils showing respect for their School.
• celebrates the success of all its pupils.

 

A            INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2008 - 2009

 

College Town Junior School was opened on its present site in l966. It is not an open plan School but there are areas between the classrooms which allow for co-operative or team teaching. Most of the formal teaching is carried out in the children’s own classroom. The School has been extended since 1966 to allow for the extra children that now attend the School. There are spacious playgrounds, a large sports field, a purpose-built multi-sports area, an adventurous activities area and numerous environmental science facilities, including a natural habitat pond.  Our premises and facilities compare very favourably with other Schools in the Bracknell Forest Borough.

 

Staff

Headteacher    Mrs J Ward

Deputy Headteacher - Mrs J Auster    B.A. (Hons) PGCE

                                            -

Teaching Staff

Miss K Lee.                   PGCE B.A. (Hons)               

Miss K Archbold           B.A. (Hons)

Mr J Kirkby                  B.A. (Hons)

Miss L Cruse               B.A. (Hons)PGCE NQT

Mrs J Auster                B.A. (Hons) PGCE

Miss E Lewis                B.A. (Hons) PGCE

Mrs C Divall                 B.A. (Hons)

Mrs D Hill                    B.A. (Hons) PGCE

Mrs G Kennington         BSc/MBBS

Miss K Little                B.A. (Hons) NQT 

Mrs J Broughton           B. A. Hons PGSE

Mrs J Allen                  B.A. (Hons)

Mrs P Thompson          B. Ed

Mr R Handy                 BSc Hons

 

Teaching Assistants

Mrs R Fallon

Mrs J Pope

Mrs B Lowden

Mrs S Ferguson

Mrs S Ledlie

Mrs D Charman

Mrs S Driver

Mrs P Jones

Miss C Dunne

Miss C Cuzner

Mrs A Putland

Mrs J Young

Mrs N Meek

Miss J Thompson

 

I.C.T. Manager, Technical and Teaching Support

Mrs S Loader

 

School Administration

Admin Manager  - Mrs D Bassett

Admin Assistant – Mrs K Dove

Bursar –   Mrs Mackie

Site Controller   -  Mr P Norman

Resources   - Mrs H Utton

 

Lunchtime Staff

Supervisor       Mrs S Ledlie

                                           

Controllers        Mrs R Fallon

                       Mrs H Utton

                       Mrs S Baxter

                       Mrs P Jones

                            Miss J Thompson

                            Mrs A Borg

                            Ms T Sarwar

                            Mrs S Ferguson

           

                      

                                             

Cleaners

Busy Bees

School Dinners

Pride Catering

 

B            GOVERNING BODY

Parent Governors are:

Sarah Holman            

David Mustoe           

Angela Tickner 

Gary Lindsay

Andrew Dawson

 LEA Governors are:

Carole Cupper

Emma Keeler

Community Governors are:

Lorraine Wade

Jennifer Murray

Staff Governors are:

Jill Ward

Jane Auster

Basia Lowden

Claire Divall

Chair of Governors is Sarah Holman

Vice Chair of Governors is David Mustoe

Clerk to the Governing body is Lucy Linley

 

The purpose of the Governing Body is to maintain and improve the quality

of the education and standards of achievement in the school.

Welcome to the Governor page of the College Town Junior School website. 

Governors at College Town Junior School take an active part in school life and carry out regular visits to experience first hand the education, events and activities that make up your children’s school life.

The Governing Body supports the work of the school and has the responsibility to ensure that your children reach their full educational potential whilst at College Town Junior school.

This achieved through regular meetings with the Headteacher and Senior Management team of the school and in partnership , set the strategic direction of the school.  Governors are an invaluable tool in determining policies and procedure. Through our regular visits to the school we are able to monitor how these policies are put into practice on a daily basis and evaluate the impact that these have on your children’s education.

Governors and staff strongly believe that every child matters and aim to ensure that your children receive the best opportunities in learning to enable them carry on their learning journey into Secondary school. We also recognise that by providing a stimulating and enthusiastic environment we will equip your children with more than just the academic achievements but also aim to produce children who are well equipped with life skills, which will allow them to succeed in their future.

Our Governing body is made up as follows:

6 Parent Governors

4 LEA Governors

4 Staff Governors

4 Community Governors

The total number of Governors is 18.

The Full Governing body meet at least once a term and in addition much of the work is undertaken through its committees. We currently have three main committees who usually meet twice a term and then report findings to the Full Governing body.

These are as follows:

Staffing and Finance

Curriculum Community and Pupil Welfare

Environment

If you wish any further information about the Governing body please leave a message via the school office and we will call you, or all letters addressed to the Governing body  should  be marked private and confidential and will be answered as soon as possible.

Minutes from previous meeting are available on request from the school office.

 

C            ORGANISATION OF THE SCHOOL

 

At present the School is organised in 12 mixed ability classes.  The children are taught in classes of the same ages (year groups) as far as it is possible.  The average class size is 28.  Each year group sets according to ability for mathematics.  Years 5 & 6 also set for aspects of the Literacy Strategy.  At present we also withdraw children from classes to work within our Special Needs department.  Provision is made for supporting children with specific learning needs in language, literacy and mathematics. 

 Times of the School Day

8.40 am - Pupils allowed on site

8.50 am -  School Day begins

10.40 - 10.55 am - Morning break

12.00 - 1.10 pm - Lunch-time

3.20 pm - School day ends

                

School day.The children receive 23 hours and 30 minutes teaching time a week.  This excludes registration, collective worship, playtime and lunchtime.

When collecting children at the end of the School day, we request that parents wait outside the School.  For Health & Safety reasons we request that if you wish to speak to a particular member of staff that you go the School Office and ask for assistance. 

D            THE ETHOS AND VALUES OF THE SCHOOL

 

College Town is proud of its reputation for being a caring School.  We strongly believe that children need to know that we care, they need a disciplined framework in which to learn and they need to be academically challenged.  Our Staff consistently apply these values.  When children find themselves in the wrong, the staff will always explain why the child is in the wrong, so that they learn from their mistakes.  When a child applies effort they will be praised.

 

 Discipline

 

In our School discipline is firm and obvious to any visitor.  We believe that our treatment of the children encourages a positive, responsible attitude towards School and helps to minimise behaviour problems.  The children are made aware of the School rules and the consequences of breaking them.  To maintain a disciplined framework, the School has a clear system of rewards and sanctions.

 

Rewards range from:

 

• Stickers
• Certificates
• House Points
• A ‘well done’, C.T.J.S. ruler and certificate for special effort
• Presentation annually of various cups for endeavour and sportsmanship

Sanctions range from:

 

• I’ve misbehaved in School today (letter)
• Loss of playtime
• Letter home if homework is not completed
• Home/School link book, monitored by Classteacher/Parent and where appropriate Headteacher
• Lunchtime detention with Antecedent/Behaviour/Consequence worksheets

Each week pupils are nominated for the ‘Student of the Week’.  This is awarded for good work, behaviour, trying hard, being a good friend etc.  They receive the applause of the School and a certificate in whole School assembly.

 

The School’s Management of Behaviour Policy addresses the problem of bullying when it arises.

Rewards cannot be removed.  Children will be rewarded for effort and achievement. 

 

 

Home/School Contract

 

We believe this contract clearly outlines the expectations of all parties – parents, teachers and pupils.  With all parties aiming to meet its expectations, the academic and social development of each child can only be enhanced.  New parents are requested to sign and return it to School.

School Uniform

 

Winter Uniform

All children are expected to wear School uniform.  This consists of:

• Standard grey trousers (not combat style)
• Knee length grey skirt or pinafore
• Long sleeve white or mid blue shirt or plain revered blouse
• Maroon pullover*/cardigan*
• School tie of maroon/sky blue stripes
• Girls – white socks/grey tights
• Boys – grey socks
• Black shoes (no high heels, boots or trainers)

 

Summer Uniform as above or

• Pale blue striped or gingham knee length dress
• Mid blue polo shirt
• Short sleeve white or mid blue shirt or plain revered blouse
• Standard grey shorts

 

Y6 only - as above with the option to wear knee length black skirt or standard black trousers (not combat style) and navy blue nylon sports shorts for PE.

 

PE Kit

 

Indoor                                                             Outdoor

 

Plimsolls (not trainers)                                  Old trainers

Sky-blue T-shirt*                                        Sky-blue T-shirt*

Maroon Shorts                                             Maroon Shorts or maroon gym skirt

                                                                Tracksuit or warm clothing (for cold weather)

 

Last year we introduced a maroon reversible fleece/waterproof jacket that is marked with the College Town Schools’ logo at a cost of £17.00 for all sizes.

                                                                     

Items marked with an asterisk* are marked with the College Town Schools logo and are only available from the CTSA School shop, held each Thursday during term-time from 3.20 pm – 3.40 pm.  A small selection of second hand uniform is also available.

Please see below for details of sizes available:

 

Pullovers                                 30”-38”

Cardigans                                30”-38”

Ties                                       45”(junior length)

T-shirts                                  30”-38”

Shorts                                    22”-36”

 

PLEASE NOTE - SOME SIZES WILL NOT BE KEPT AS STOCK ITEMS AND WILL NEED TO BE ORDERED.

 

In the summer term, when informed by the Headteacher, ties and pullovers may by discarded.  Girls can wear blue gingham dresses and both boys and girls may wear plain white or mid blue polo shirts.  The uniform is flexible and the cost kept as low as possible.  School uniform gives children a sense of identity and equality.  Please ensure that all clothing is labelled with your child’s name.  Should it be mislaid, the chances of finding it are very good if named.  Lost property items are regularly displayed in the main hall.  Whilst we endeavour to find any mislaid items, we cannot be held responsible for Lost Property.

Jewellery

 

The only jewellery permitted for Health & Safety reasons are one set of small stud earrings and a watch, both of which must be removed for PE, games and dance.  Medic alert bracelets and necklaces should be removed for the duration of the lesson and handed to the member of staff in charge.

 

Mobile Phones

School policy does not allow mobile phones in School.  We are sympathetic to Parents who require their children to stay in contact with them or older siblings during out of School hours.  However, the use of mobile phones during the School day is strictly forbidden.  If under exceptional circumstances your child needs to have a mobile phone with them on specific occasions then the phone must be clearly  labelled with your child’s name and class, it must be switched off and given to the School Office for safe keeping.  Mobile phones in School at any time are at the owners risk even if passed to their Classteacher or School Office. 

Equipment

 

Where possible we would ask that you provide your child with a set of colouring pencils and a glue stick.

 

In Years 5 and 6 we expect all pupils to write in pen for lessons and homework where appropriate.  This can either be a Handwriting or Fountain pen, not Biros or ink eraser pens.  Pens are available in School for 30 pence.  You may of course purchase your own from other outlets.

As cloakroom space outside each classroom is limited, coats and rucksacks often end up falling off the pegs causing an obstruction in the corridors.  On Health & Safety grounds we would request that only a small rucksack is brought to School which can be hung on the child’s coat peg.   

 Pastoral Care

 

Your child’s classteacher is responsible for your child’s well being at School.  Should any problems occur however, further support can be given through the Year Group Leader, Heads of Upper and Lower School, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher.  Also your child will be assigned to a house, which gives them further opportunities to experience contacts and build relationships with members of staff outside of their year group.

 

The School has achieved the ‘Investors in People Award’, a national award which recognises a commitment to develop all members of its staff, to achieve its goals.  In the case of ‘care’, dinner controllers, midday supervisor, the kitchen staff, teaching assistants, site controller and cleaners are all aware of the importance we place on caring for our children.  All staff on site are made aware of the School’s expectations and the importance of building positive relationships with all children.

 

House System

 

A strong feature of the School is its successful house system.  All children are allocated a house.   The House system provides the opportunity to reward children for effort and attainment, by receiving house points.  House Captains are elected by all the members of each team.  House activities include a General Knowledge quiz and a Talent Show, for which much of the organisation is done by the children.  The qualities of co-operation, teamwork and loyalty are fostered.  Furthermore, children have the opportunity throughout the year to represent their house at football, netball, rounders and softball cricket.  We encourage competitive team sports within a controlled environment, so that children can learn and respect all the essential qualities needed to be able to be part of a team and enjoy their activity.  At all times within the house competition, children are reminded of the importance of encouraging each other, in a competitive team environment.  The House system also provides a forum where pupil concerns and questions can be fed to a School Council which links to the Senior Management Team.  Children’s points of view are then considered by the staff to further improve our School.

 

School Council

 

Governors and staff are very keen to listen to our pupils views.  To that end we have a very successful School council.  Each class elects a boy and girl representative who raises issues, problems and successes, which when addressed, encourage us all to make our School a better place to learn and work in.  The council meet with the Headteacher three times a term.

 

Extra Curricular Activities

 

There are numerous after School clubs available to the children throughout the year, which enhances the School’s curriculum.  Sporting activities include, Football, Netball, Dance, Tag Rugby, Judo, Softball Cricket, Rounders, Athletics and Badminton.

Through offering extra-curricular sport at College Town, we aim to ensure that each child enjoys participating and develops both physical and social skills, which give them the confidence to pursue an activity at a local club, or when they move on to secondary School.  The School is beginning to develop links with local clubs and is fully involved in initiatives developed by the Bracknell Forest Borough Leisure Department, in Softball Cricket, Tag Rugby, Cross Country and Athletics.  Pupils represent the School in team sports involved in local primary School leagues, i.e. football, as well as playing ‘friendly’ fixtures to ensure maximum participation of children experiencing team sports.  There is a range of sporting expertise on the staff, with teachers holding national coaching qualifications in Football, Rugby, Gymnastics, Swimming, Cricket and Basketball. 

 

The School has recently been awarded the prestigious national award “Activemark Gold”.   Validated by Sport England the award is in recognition of our commitment to an extensive physical education programme which encourages a healthy lifestyle.

 

The ICT Club, Chess, Sewing, Homework and French clubs also feature prominently throughout the year. 

E            PARENTS IN SCHOOL

 

Our School cannot operate successfully without the support and understanding of the parents.  Parents, therefore, are welcome in the School at all times, but to ensure that classes do not get

too many interruptions, we ask that you visit the office first.  If parents need to see a classteacher at short notice to discuss a child’s progress, then every effort is made to see a parent at the end of the School day.

 

The School has open evenings in the Autumn and Spring terms.  This is a more formal opportunity to see the School, meet the staff and discuss your child’s academic and social progress.  After written reports are sent out in the Summer term there is an evening set aside for parents to respond to their child’s report and to wander around the School to look at children’s work.  In addition to this we have a meeting in the Summer term, when the parents of the children who are to join us the following September in Year 3, have an opportunity to look round the School and meet their child’s new classteacher.

 

The School is proud of the fact that many parents help in School during the day.  The help ranges from listening to children read, assisting in ‘making’ activities to support in extra curricular clubs after School.  Parents helping in School supports our belief that home/School partnerships in many different ways, are so important to giving the children the best possible education.  If you would like to know more about helping in School, please contact your child’s classteacher, or chat to me or one of the parents who already help.

 F            COLLEGE TOWN PARENTS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

 

The Infant and Junior Schools are fortunate to have an extremely supportive joint CTA, which works very hard to provide funds in support of enhancing children’s learning.  Many fund-raising activities involve the whole School community and recently the CTA have provided funding for a video camera, a new football strip, a digital camera, a new netball strip, subsidised the cost of School swimming and funded a large screen TV for viewing in the Hall, as well as supported visiting drama and theatre companies.  As a staff, we are extremely grateful.  We hope that all parents will support CTA  functions and offer all the assistance they can.

 

G            SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

 

It is the School’s policy, to meet the needs of all children, which includes making provision for children with learning difficulties, as indicated in the Code of Practice and making provision for the more able child.

 

 

Our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) manages SEN.  The SENCO along with the class teacher, assures that children who fall within the category of special educational needs, have work programmes planned to meet those needs.  These support programmes may range from Phonics support (Phonological Awareness Training Scheme), to additional literacy support linked to the National Literacy Strategy.  The School employs nine teaching assistants who aid the delivery of programmes of study appropriate to the pupils needs.  This is done in the main classroom and through withdrawal groups.  Teaching staff measure the effectiveness of SEN work linked to children’s individual education plans.  Children’s needs are identified through the School’s assessment procedures, parents are fully informed and detailed records are kept of their progress.  Special Educational Needs Progress Reports are sent to parents in early December, February and May.  The School also employs the services of TASS - Teaching and Support Service.

Sometimes children with specific learning difficulties require further support through close supervision of a teaching assistant.  Statemented children are assigned a teaching assistant who works with the classteacher alongside the pupil, following carefully planned programmes of work.  This is funded by the LEA. At this stage the School will have gained advice and support from professionals in areas of education, social development and in some cases medical expertise.  Again parents are fully involved in these procedures.  The School will address any issues arising from the Government’s Inclusion Initiative, which is aimed at making provision for all children to be educated in mainstream School.

 

Pupils with Special Educational Needs are fully integrated into all aspects of School life.  The Governors’ Curriculum and General Purposes Committee review termly the provision of Special Education Needs.

Children who are recognised as being very able, are extended within the classroom in the applicable areas and further provision is made to extend able pupils in Mathematics and Literacy.  Pupils are sometimes withdrawn from class to follow enhanced programmes of work.

 

All parents have access to the full special educational needs policy.

H           THE CURRICULUM

 

The National Curriculum at College Town Junior School, offers a broad and balanced education for pupils up to 11 years of age.  The subjects taught are English, Maths, Science, Design & Technology, Geography, History, Music, Art, Information Communication Technology and Physical Education.  Religious Education also forms an important part of the curriculum.  Each year group, follows carefully planned programmes of work, with particular emphasis placed on meeting pupils needs in reading, writing and mathematics.  The schemes of work, which cover the organisation and content of the National Curriculum as provided by the School, are available to all parents on request.

 

An important aspect of the curriculum is how it is actually delivered.  At College Town, there is a range of teaching methods which the children will experience.  In some cases they will receive whole class teaching and at other times they will receive either individual or group teaching.  At times, children will be grouped according to ability (set), while at other times they will work in groups or classes of mixed ability.  We aim to implement the most effective methods at the appropriate time.

 

Assessment

 

All pupils are assessed in September and March using the Suffolk Reading Tests.  SEN pupils are assessed with the Salford Reading tests.  Year 5 participate in Literacy Tests which are administered throughout the Bracknell Forest Borough.  During May Years 3, 4 and 5 sit internal Sats in Maths and English, while Year 6 pupils sit the National Statutory Assessment Tests (SATs – see appendix 1).

 

Reporting to parents is undertaken three times a year.  During October and March, parent interviews are held with the child’s classteacher and in July, parents receive a written report outlining progress made throughout the year.  As a requirement of SAT’s, Year 6 parents will also receive their own child’s level of attainment for English, Mathematics and Science and the percentage of children attaining the levels for that year in this School.  In addition, the national levels for the previous year will also be provided.

Curriculum News

 

At the beginning of each term parents receive a curriculum newsletter, which outlines their child’s curriculum for the term and gives suggestions on how to support their child’s learning at home.

 

English

 

We aim to create a stimulating learning environment, as success in this area underpins and is the key to all round success.

 

Reading and writing is a continuous process, taking place across all aspects of the curriculum.  Children develop as readers through meeting the challenge of varied and increasingly demanding texts and through sharing their reading experience with other people.  We are very fortunate in having a well stocked library, which constitutes a focal point of the School.  Children are allowed to borrow books on a weekly basis for home loan and at all times children are encouraged to use the library to find information for a range of purposes.

 

Attractive and suitable books are provided within the year groups, to help children develop their own individual reading skills.  Children are heard to read on a regular basis in School and parental involvement is seen as being vital to success.  Children are expected to take their individual reading book home each day.  Talking and discussing what they have read is most important, if the child is to move towards reading books with appreciation.  We hope to engender a love of books and encourage children to value and respect them

 

Throughout the Key Stage, all children will be given the opportunity to gain confidence by presenting their work to an audience.  This can vary from reading their work to other members of the class, to presenting their own topics, taking part in whole School assemblies, festivals and drama productions.

 

The School’s newly installed internal radio will give all children the opportunity to record and broadcast written and creative ideas and take part in the production of a programme.

In order to help each child develop the writing skills needed for adult life, they are expected to form a joined, fluent and legible handwriting style.  From Year 3 onwards, children are encouraged to adapt the style of their presentation to suit the task.  They need to acquire a basic vocabulary, which is provided weekly by a structured spelling scheme.  We recommend, ‘look, cover, write and check’, as this process involves sight, hearing, movement and memory and these reinforce each other.  Children have many opportunities for expressing themselves through creative writing, poetry and factual reporting.  These are important methods of communicating ideas through thoughts, feelings, ideas and information. 

 

The introduction of the Literacy strategy has widened and enriched the children’s learning.  The new framework involves each year group focusing on a particular range of reading and writing each term.  Parents are notified of the content through the termly curriculum news.

 

In addition, extra support is provided for children who are experiencing difficulties acquiring the skills needed to read and spell well.  The School offers two levels of support, Additional Learning Support (ALS) and a phonic reading scheme (PAT).

 ALS is a new government funded initiative targeted at lower juniors who are still needing reinforcement of certain skills.  These children will work in small groups with a teacher each.  The emphasis is on short, intensive bouts of learning, reinforcing basic phonic supported reading and writing through a mixture of teaching strategies.  Parents of children on the ALS will be actively involved, as their support is essential to help with the follow up at home.

 

PAT is a reading support programme, used throughout the School.  It is a programme designed to help children to read, spell and write phonically regular words, with an emphasis on reinforcement and parental support.  Parental support again is needed, as the word lists are sent home each week to read and spell.

 

It is expected that by the end of the Key Stage, all children will have reached their potential and be able to read fluently, with understanding and to be able to express themselves clearly and confidently in both speaking and writing.

Mathematics

 

Most people will admit that there is genuine satisfaction in solving problems, computing answers and working out special relationships between numbers and concepts.  We, at College Town, aim to provide mathematical education in an interesting and challenging way and by making our activities relevant to the children and enjoyable!

 

In the past few years, the National Curriculum in Mathematics has undergone tremendous changes and the School has worked hard to keep up with these developments.  The most recent of these is the National Numeracy Strategy, which is now implemented throughout the School.  This involves a daily mathematics lesson comprising of a mental or oral starter, the main activity and a plenary. 

 

This initiative will be supported by our core Mathematics scheme ‘Steps’ published by Collins Educational, which divides the whole of Key Stage 2 into seven stages, each comprising many small manageable steps for the children to progress through.  No one scheme can be expected to meet all our needs and that of the National Curriculum, and so we have numerous other supplementary resources to use, including Nelson and Scottish Maths.

 

Our general aim for Mathematics in the School, is that children should enjoy what they are doing; that the tasks are relevant to the child’s experience and ability; that they should be able to use maths as a means of communication with others; to give opportunities for children to develop ways of working so that they are able to compute independently and collaboratively; and most importantly, to enable children to acquire the mathematical skills, concepts and strategies to solve real-life problems.

 

Alongside the School’s existing policy and in accord with the new initiative, regular homework will be set to extend the skills, concepts and strategies being taught within the lesson and to develop the children’s aptitude in number and investigation.  The School also puts great value on the regular learning of tables, number facts and other useful mathematical patterns.  Parents are asked to ensure that their children learn these facts whenever work is sent home and to use any opportunities available to develop their child’s mathematical ability in a practical way in addition to School lessons, such as working out simple change when shopping, telling the time, etc.

 Science

 

Science is an important part of the School curriculum being a core subject along with English and Mathematics.

 

We are living in a climate where there is a strong emphasis on testing through exploration and discovery.  Children are encouraged to observe, ask questions, predict events, hypothesise and evaluate experiments based on fair testing.

Each year we invite a science theatre company to perform for the whole School.  This is a good example of learning science concepts in an enjoyable way.

 

We aim to ensure progress and continuity throughout and use a number of science schemes.  This allows for individual needs and preferences of individual teachers.  The School has achieved high standards in this subject and maintaining this, is one of our priorities.

Design & Technology

 

Design & Technology is the new name for subjects that used to be known as Craft.  It includes claywork, cooking, textiles and woodwork.  The new name reflects a change of emphasis on designing for a purpose, rather than simply copying an existing object.  Importance is placed on the design with reference to cost, build quality, appearance and functionality.

Your child will be given the opportunity to solve challenges set by the teachers.  Could you program a computer to make a lighthouse flash, or design and make a Tudor hat from authentic materials?  How about creating a tasty pizza topping, or making a wooden toy suitable for a toddler?  The children learn about different materials and their properties, how to use tools and equipment safely, as well as a wide range of new vocabulary.

 

Obviously Design and Technology uses a great quantity of materials.  Occasionally we will appeal to parents to collect egg boxes, material scraps, tin foil etc. to send into School for particular projects.  It really does make a difference if you can help with this.  If the School has provided the materials used in a project, e.g. wool or cooking ingredients, then a small charge is made if the child wishes to take home what she/he has made.  If like your child, you think Design and Technology sounds like fun, then don’t hesitate to see your child’s teacher.  An extra pair of hands is always appreciated in these practical lessons.

 

 Geography and History

 

Geography throughout the School encompasses the skills which the children need, to help to understand the world in which they live.

 

Mapwork is developed from simple maps in Year 3 up to reading and interpreting Ordnance Survey maps in Year 6.  The skills gained allow the investigation of other areas.  There is also the opportunity to study aerial photographs and relate to maps.  Further mapwork skills and investigation can be made through use of Interactive Maps in ICT.

 

The study of the local area in Years 3 and 6, gives pupils knowledge of the locality, which allows them to make a comparison with other areas and countries in Years 4 and 5 and also in the future.

Out of School visits, day and residential, give an opportunity for the children to experience more practical elements such as orienteering, river studies and land use investigations.  Residential trips include a four night stay on a working farm in the New Forest (Year 5 ) and a four night stay at Osmington Bay, Dorset (Year 6).

Throughout the Geography curriculum, emphasis is placed on the children’s own observations, such as the study of weather.  In using such observations, Geography becomes more interesting and enjoyable.  Children will develop a positive attitude towards the subject and also a greater appreciation of the world around them.

 

The study of History incorporates and develops many skills.  The use of a wide variety of resources including books, posters, photographs, artefacts, trips to historical sites, television programmes and local speakers provide valuable experience in extracting and interpreting information.  We also have visits from historical groups, such Legion XIV (Romans) and The Viking Longship Company (Vikings).  These groups give the children a very clear picture of the people, how they lived and what life was like.  They also provide interesting stimuli for the children to use their research and reporting skills.  History is also studied through music, dance, drama and the wearing of hired costumes for a day (Tudors), providing further hands on experience for the children.

 

The children are made aware of significant events and their causes and effects.  Prominent figures of the period are studied and some appreciation of the influence they had on life at the time and on our lives today is highlighted.

Music

 

College Town Junior School is known throughout the community for its musical productions and these high expectations have encouraged the staff and pupils to expend a great deal of energy into making music come alive throughout the School. Musical activities range from Class lessons to learning individual instruments and involvement of all children in presentations of Harvest and Christmas productions.

 

We host lessons for keyboard, brass, strings and woodwind instruments, through the Berkshire Young Musicians Trust and guitar tuition from Southern Counties Music.  Amongst our annual musical performances, there is the Harvest Festival, a multi-media Christmas concert, a summer musical and opportunities in assemblies for the children to display their musical talents!

 Art

 

In our School the children are given many opportunities to experience a wide range of creative activities.  They are encouraged to develop their skills, understanding and appreciation of many art forms including drawing, painting, modelling, dance, pottery, music and drama.  We have our own kiln and a wide range of craft equipment and tools.  Children may investigate the work of artists and craftspeople as well as create their own ideas and designs using a range of software in the ICT suite, or on a classroom computer.

 

We are fortunate to have regular visits from theatre and puppet companies, musicians and art work-shops.

 

Parents also play a very valuable and welcome role helping with art and craft activities.  We are proud of the standard and diversity of work our children achieve and this is reflected in the displays mounted around the School and in the local community and at the Education Centre at Easthampstead Park.

 

P.E.

 

P.E. holds a unique position in the curriculum in exercising the body as well as the mind.  Here at College Town we try to promote an active, healthy lifestyle, which will last into later life through our P.E. provision, after School clubs and active playground policy.  The key to the success of this approach is to make physical activity FUN!  It is a statutory part of the curriculum and all pupils are expected to participate and must wear the correct kit.

 

The School provides a varied P.E. curriculum, which includes games, athletics, gymnastics, dance (creative and traditional/country), swimming (Year 4) and outdoor/adventurous activities.  Year 4 swimming is taught at Harmanswater Bracknell during the Spring Term.  The cost is heavily subsidised by the School and P.T.A.  We also take advantage of outside groups and individuals, to broaden P.E. activities such as cross country running, badminton, softball cricket and new image rugby.  Besides the P.E. taught during School hours, there are many out of School clubs which offer the opportunity to further develop fitness and skills.

 

We are very fortunate in the facilities we have at College Town.  They include a large School hall/gym, which enables us to provide games, even in poor weather, a large playground area marked out for a variety of activities, a purpose built multi-sports area, an outdoor adventurous activities area and a large field which is fully utilised in spring and summer and when the weather allows in winter.

 

Safety is of paramount importance at all times.  Parents are expected to support the School in this by making sure children are kitted out correctly for the different activities and that no jewellery is worn for P.E. lessons (if your child is unable to remove their stud earrings please provide paper tape for protection.

Religious Education

 

We follow the Bracknell LEA Religious Education agreed syllabus.  This aims to teach the children about religion and to learn from religion.  Although a majority of the teaching is Christian based, during the four years they will also cover aspects of Judaism, Hinduism and Sikhism.  These major world religions will be touched on through the themes of Winter Festivals, Spring Festivals, Food, Feast and Fasting and Signs and Symbols.

 

Parents may request that their child be withdrawn from collective/religious worship or Religious Education, but no extra lessons will be provided in their place.

 

Information and Computer Technology

 

College Town Junior School has always been at the cutting edge of Primary School technology.  The state of the art Research Machines computer suite commissioned in 1998, comprises a powerful server and 18 workstations networked together.  The system offers Community Connect 3-XP software on every workstation, plus all day access to the Internet via the specially filtered gateway Eduweb.  Besides this, a huge range of virtual CD Roms has been installed, covering all aspects of our School work and selected to meet the demands of Curriculum 2005.  These impressive facilities are used extensively by every class and all children in the School have a weekly ICT lesson of at least 45 minutes.  Consequently, the standards of computer generated work is well above the national average, ranging from desktop publishing, writing for specific purposes, Fowol control, e-mail links with other Schools and simulation management.  Recent additional resources include access to the Broadband Internet, 12 laptops and 13 interactive whiteboards. All classrooms are connected to the internet.

 

The School is pro-active in making its computer facilities available to the wider community.  The weekly after School Café ICT for the children working together is very popular and runs all through the year.  We have also hosted adult further education courses for the Lifelong Learning Partnership and our own community of senior citizens wanting to keep up to date with the new technology.  The pace of change in Information and Computer Technology is so fast that the School has appointed a full-time ICT Teaching Assistant to work in the computer suite alongside teachers.  A growth in external courses is also anticipated, putting College Town Junior School at the forefront of local ICT development.

If you want to know more about the School, why not visit its extensive web-site that can be accessed by prospective parents from any part of the world.

The address is:

www.colltown-jun.bracknell-forest.sch.uk which will give you the latest information on line.

 

 

Environmental Studies

 

The School takes great pride in managing the environment.  Many areas support the children’s learning in different subjects, i.e. wild flower area.  We have used environment grants to develop a five year plan, targeted at enhancing environmental areas and improving facilities on our site.  This includes a Tudor herb garden, quiet areas, pergola for summer shade, a natural trail area and natural habitat pond.  The natural habitat pond was constructed in April 1999 and is quickly becoming an established area for child learning.  We have also recently established a vegetable garden, which is managed by the Gardening Club.  A butterfly garden was designed and planted by Year 3 during Sustainability Week in 2002.  Recycled tyres have been used to create raised beds containing spring bulbs and an orchard of fruit trees has been planted.  An outdoor classroom located in a shaded area of the grounds was constructed during 2004.  Recently the School received the Mars “Silver Sapling” Award in recognition of its environmental work.

Homework

 

To be of any value, homework must bear directly on what has been done at School on that particular day or week and also present a challenge to the child.

 

We do expect all children to read at home regularly and learn their spellings and tables.  Obviously your support is sought in this and in assisting your child in searching for information for projects etc.  Year 5 will receive two structured pieces of homework per week and Year 6 will receive a piece of Maths, a piece of English and another written piece of homework per week.

 

Children will need a quiet area with a table or desk, to enable them to complete written work with as little distraction as possible.

 

Regular visits to places of interest also provide a stimulus for oral and written work in School.  Many suggestions are given in the termly curriculum news. 

 

Please ensure that any books your child brings home, are returned at the correct time.

 

Our homework policy has recently been reviewed with parents.  The policy is included in the children’s homework diary which they receive annually.

 

To help Year 6 manage their workload, a homework club is offered once a week.

 

Homework Diary

 

All children receive a homework diary at the beginning of the academic year.  The diary will help children to organise themselves and improve communication between home and School.  Parents are requested to sign the diary weekly.

Trips Which Enhance the Curriculum

 

All year groups undertake day trips to support work undertaken in the classroom.  Years 5 & 6 are also involved in residential trips to the New Forest and Osmington Bay.

 

I             SUMMARY OF THE CONTENT AND ORGANISATION OF SEX EDUCATION

 

The sex education programme has been devised by Infant and Junior School Staff, working along side School Health officers.  This has ensured a well balanced programme which promotes progression throughout Key Stages 1 and 2.  Sex education forms an integral part of Health Education and is implemented at a level appropriate to their physical and emotional maturity.  An outline of the Health Education programme reflects this:

 

Year 3	Life Cycles - insects, animals and humans.
Year 4	How my body works.  Naming body parts.  BBC Sex Education video, including reproductive organs.
Year 5	Relationships.   Farming, including the birth of animals.
Year 6	Feelings.          Body changes.  Hygiene and Puberty, (single sex groups). Reproduction Reproduction,             Drugs (alcohol, smoking).  Living and growing video.  Good health video

 

• Schemes of work and resources are available for parents to view.
• Parents of Year 6 pupils will be given the option to withdraw their child from all or part of the sex education provided, except that which is required as part of National Curriculum Science.
• Highly qualified and well-recommended outside speakers are invited to talk to the pupils as and when appropriate.
• All parents have access to the School’s full sex education policy.
• The Governing Body recognises the importance of sex education in order to develop attitudes which will lead to healthy, happy relationships through childhood, teenage years and adult life.
• As part of Health Education, the Governors expect all pupils to participate in sex education.

J            ADMISSION PROCEDURE

 

The accommodation level is 388 children. The number on roll at the beginning of the School year 2008/2009, was approximately 310 children.  Any parent who would like their child/children to attend a school within the Bracknell Forest LEA must contact the School Admission Team at Bracknell on 01344 354023 / 01344 354144.

The allocation process for Bracknell Forest Schools is:

 

When more applications than places are received for Bracknell Forest maintained schools the following criteria will be used.

 

• Admissions Criteria for community schools

Children with a Statement of Special Needs that names a specific school must, by law, be admitted to that school.

After this requirement has been satisfied the following rules will apply.

(A) Looked After Children (Any request for the allocation of a place for a child who is in the care of the Local Authority or provided with accommodation in that authority in accordance with The children Act 1989).

(B) Children who live in the 'designated appropriate' area of the school.

(C) Children who have either strong medical or strong social grounds for admission to a particular school. The reason must be fully supported in writing by a relevant professional.

The LA's decision in these matters is final.

(D) Childrenwho have statutory(compulsory) school age siblings, brother(s) or sister(s), at the school, and who will still be attending the school at the time of the child's admission.

In circumstances where:

(a) the sibling is an older sibling and is attending the school because he or she was not able to secure a place at his or her designated school; and

(b) as a consequence is attending the school which is in an adjacent designated area

the applicant will be treated as a 'prefered sibling' and will be considered before other non-designated area applicants who have siblings at the school.

(E) In the case of a junior school, children who have attended the infant school with close links with the school.

and then - Children whose parents have any other reasons.

 

 

Notes

 

In some cases a tie-breaker will be required. If a school does not have places for all the children in one of the above categories, priority will be given to children who fulfil a combination of higher admission criteria.  the combination of critia (categories) will follow the same order of priorty as the basic list of criteria.  (eg. an applicant who fulfils designated area will take precendence over one who fulfils strongsocial/strong medical and sibling; an applicant who fulfils desiganted area and sibling, will take precedence over one who fulfils strong social/strong medical and sibling etc).

After this, if there are still insufficient places, and no distinction can be made between the applicants, a final decision will be made on the radial distance (straight line distance on a map) between the home and the school. Those living nearer to the school will be placed higher than those living further away.

Radial distance will be based on the co-ordinates for the property as defined in the Local Land and Property Gazetteer and based on the Ordnance Survey’s national system.

If criteria (E) is used then the relevent pairs of Junior and Infant Schools are Holly Spring Junior School and Holly Spring Infant School and College Town Junior School and College Town Infant School.

Where demand exist, schools admit up to their admission number and no places are reserved for pupils moving into their designated area.

K            CHARGING POLICY

a. General Statement

Other than in the specific circumstances stated below, College Town Junior School will not charge for any activities, 50% or more of the duration of which, are undertaken within School hours.  Where an activity or event is arranged to take place with 50% or more of its duration outside School hours, a charge will be made for that activity. In such circumstances parents will be advised of the event and the charge to be levied in advance and attendance will depend on voluntary contributions received.

b.School Trips

As a general principle it is not the practice of the School to arrange School trips wholly or mainly outside School hours. In consequence, School trips will only be undertaken provided funds are available from voluntary contributions.

 

c. Music

Musical Education within the curriculum is provided free of charge. Parents can be invited to supply their child’s musical instruments to relieve pressure on School resources, but no child will be at a disadvantage should their parents be unwilling to do so.

Individual music tuition by Berkshire Music Trust is not free. Parents who are interested in their child learning a musical instrument will need to contact the office for further details.

d. Outside Agencies

No charge will be levied to the parents for visiting drama groups or speakers. Such arrangements will therefore be subject to the availability of voluntary funds.

e. Ingredients and Materials

As a general principle, ingredients and materials used within the curriculum will be provided by the School free of charge.  However, where an activity takes place which has an end product and parents wish to buy that end product, an agreed charge will be made.

f. Remission Policy

The School reserves the right to add to or amend the above policy as changes in the law or educational provision by the School demands. Any such changes will be subject to prior notification in writing to the parents.

L            HEALTH & SAFETY

There are tWO members of staff on site who hold an HSE ‘First Aid’ certificate and the majority of the rest of the staff hold an emergency aid certificate.

 

Medicines

 

If, after absence through illness, your child needs to complete a course of medicine, it can be administered in School under certain conditions.  It must be a medicine prescribed by a Doctor, it should be labelled with the name of the child and the dosage to be given.  It is the child’s responsibility to remember to come to the School office at the correct time.  All medicine must be taken to the School office with a ‘Medication Request Form’ (see appendix 2) and left there until it is collected at the end of the School day, unless the School gives permission otherwise.  This is to ensure that the correct medication, is given to the correct child, at the correct time.

 

Children who need to keep inhalers with them may do so.  Please let the School office know if your child has an inhaler on their person.  A form, which can be collected from the School office, will need to be completed giving us the relevant details of the medication. Cough sweets and lip salves, must also be taken to the School office and administered there at the Staffs’ discretion.

 

Emergencies

 

We keep records at School, showing every child’s medical information.  It is absolutely ESSENTIAL that these records are kept up to date and parents must keep us informed of any changes in address, telephone numbers or contact persons.  Please do not wait for an emergency to realise that records have not been updated.  Our records are computerised and your rights regarding the accuracy of them is safeguarded under the Data Protection Act.

M           SCHOOL VISITS

 

Parents who are considering sending their children to College Town are welcome to visit the School by prior arrangement.  Whenever possible the Headteacher will be able to give a guided tour of the School and answer questions as they arise.  Where possible, prospective children should accompany their parents on a School visit.

School Meals

Our School meals contract is held by Pride Catering Ltd.  There is a set meal each day, which costs £2.00  We ask that you pay for School Dinners weekly, monthly or half termly in advance.

 

Packed Lunch - Children are not allowed to eat sweets or chocolates in School and as we do not allow School meals to sell them, we therefore do not permit these items for packed lunches.  Obviously there is little difference between some commercially produced biscuits and chocolates and it is impossible to give you a complete list of what is permitted.  We ask you to use your discretion in this and to check with us if you are not sure.  Fizzy drinks and drinks in glass bottles are not allowed. 

 

Morning Break Time - We have a Friday amnesty on the above rule and children are allowed to bring in a packet of crisps or a chocolate biscuit bar for their morning break on a Friday only.

 

On other days of the week children are allowed to bring a non fizzy drink and/or fruit, raw vegetables, cereal bar, piece of cheese or cheese straws for morning break.  Alternatively, some of these items may by purchased from Pride Catering in the School hall at breaktime. 

 

 

 School Rules

 

Children are made aware of the School rules at the relevant time.  Copies of the rules are on display in every classroom.

 

 

Animals

 

Please do not bring animals onto the School site without prior permission.

 

Head Lice

 

The Health Authority do not carry out checks for head lice in Schools.  We therefore ask that if your child has head lice, that besides treating it with the correct solution, (your local pharmacist/surgery will let you know the right one), you also inform us. There is no stigma attached to contracting head lice .... they actually prefer clean hair.  School Health recommends regular use of the ‘Bug Busting’ method of prevention/cure for head lice. It is very important to treat all members of the family. Further details are available from the School office.

 

Cycles

 

Children are not allowed to bring cycles to School without prior permission, which will only be given in exceptional cases.  If you would like your child to cycle to/from School please ask in the Office for a Cycle Agreement letter.

 

Car Parking

 

Please try to avoid parking directly outside of the School, especially at the beginning and the end of the School day and please do not bring your car onto the School grounds. The slip road into School and the car parks are only for staff parking and official visitors to the School. In the interests of safety please do not use it for turning, parking, setting down, or picking up children.

 

To help with traffic congestion at peak times we have a ‘Park and Stride’ scheme where Parents can park in Sandhurst Sport’s Centre and walk along the Greenway -  it is only a 7 minutes walk to the School gate and there are no roads to cross!

 

Parking outside of any School is a problem and ours particularly so. The Governors have felt that the danger to children is so great that they have found it necessary to request the assistance of the police.  The police have said that they will prosecute those who are parking dangerously.

Attendance

 

Application For Absence During Term Time

The Department of Education guidelines state that “Parents are not entitled to withdraw pupils for holidays whilst schools are in session”.   Headteachers may, at their discretion, authorise any request for absence during School time.  The Headteacher has to consider the reasons for the request, the effect on the continuity of the child’s learning, and his/her overall attendance.  It is proven that holidays during term time can adversely affect your child’s education and progress.

 

The application should be made well in advance and parents are strongly advised to apply for any absence before they confirm their holiday arrangements.  Under no circumstances will absences for family holidays during School time be authorised after they have happened.

 

The Headteacher will notify parents of the decision within five working days of receipt of the form.

 

Absence Notes

 

After an absence every child is expected to bring a letter of explanation on the first day that they return to School or parents can come to the School Office and complete an Absence Explanation form.

 

We are proud of our attendance rate which is over 94%. We do check up on absences and our unauthorised absence rate is 0.01%. per year for all year groups.  This figure could be even lower if all parents follow the correct procedures!  Unauthorised absences are those where children; arrive in School later than 9.15 am without a written explanation; are playing truant; where we receive an unsatisfactory explanation or no explanation from the parent for the child being away.

Emergency Closures

 

If at any time we have to close the School in an emergency i.e. floods, snow etc., then we will endeavour to have this announced on at least one of the following – BBC Radio Berkshire, Two Ten FM, tIME 106.6 FM or Reading 107.  Should you think that because of inclement weather we may need to close, then please tune in to these stations.

 

Inset Days

 

The first day of the Academic Year is a designated Staff Training day.  Four other Training days are taken during the

School Year at the discretion of theGovernors.

 

Access to Documents

 

As required by the Education Act - 1986, the following documents are available to all parents on request.

• All documentation relating to the implementation of the Curriculum.
• HMI reports making reference to the School.
• Schemes of Work currently in use in the School.
• the School Profile
• The Governors’ Annual Report.
• A full copy of the approved LEA’s complaints procedure. (Bracknell-forest Website).
• The LEA’s agreed syllabus for RE.

Copies of the School Prospectus and the Governing Body’s Annual Report, will be provided free of charge. Copies of all other documents may be provided, but for these a small charge will be made to cover the copying cost.

 

Complaints Procedure

 

From time to time, difficulties and problems arise which need to be resolved. In the normal course of events parents’ concerns are usually resolved through discussion with either the teacher of the child, or the Headteacher.  Should the concern be of a more general nature and satisfaction not gained from within the School, then it may be put in writing and addressed to the Chairman of the Governing Body for the School.

In addition, under the regulations governing Schools, a formal procedure has been laid down by Bracknell Local Education Authority for specific complaints with regard to:-

• The National Curriculum (Provision and implementation).
• Religious Worship (Provision of RE and Collective Worship).
• Charging Policy.

 

A copy of Bracknell L.E.A.’s Complaints Procedure is available on request.  The Local Education Authority Parents’ Helpline number is 01344 354069.

 

All complaints will be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible. Urgent complaints will be identified as such and given priority. All complaints will be fully, fairly and carefully investigated.

 

Transfer To Other Schools

 

If you are moving away from the area and need to transfer your child to another School, please collect an ‘Advice Of Moving To Another School Form’ from the office.  This will enable us to prepare your child’s records for collection from your child’s class teacher, on their last day with us.

 

We are required to provide the local authority with details of which School your child will be attending, so if you have not registered him/her with a new School by the time you leave, please let us know the name and address of their new School as soon as possible.

 

 

The contents of this document represent the information required in schedule 2 of the Education (School information ) Regulations 1999 and relates to the School year 2004-2005.  The information was correct as at July 2004.  It should not be assumed that there will be no change affecting the arrangements described in this document before the start of, or during the School year in question, or in relation to subsequent School years.

APPENDIX 3

BRACKNELL FOREST BOROUGH COUNCIL

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

INTERNAL PRECEDURE FOR PRIMARY, SECONDARY

AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS

IN THE VICINITY OF BROADMOOR HOSPITAL