A Community Within A Community

Additional Educational Needs

• Involving our Children
• Involving you
• Everyone Deserves the Taste of Success
• Cause for Concern?
• Working Together

High Attaining, Gifted & Talented Pupils

Key Stages

• Foundation
• KS 1
• KS 2

The Curriculum

Health Care

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• ICT
• RE
• Collective Worship
• History
• Geography
• Design Technology
• Art
• Music
• PE

Attendance

A Code Of Conduct

Beyond The Classroom

Homework

A COMMUNITY WITHIN A COMMUNITY

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Although we hope that our school will be a significant and happy part of your child's life, we recognise that it is just one part. By forming a strong partnership with parents and by making links within the community we aim to be well informed about the needs of our children and to be supportive in all ways that we can.

Involving our Children:

The children are what our school is all about. We aim to involve our children in as much of school life as possible. We have clear expectations regarding caring, responsible behaviour and giving their best effort in all they do. We create opportunities for them to be involved in continuing to improve our school through the School Council.

There are many opportunities for children to take responsibility, not just for themselves, but also for others. Within the classroom and the school as a whole, there are monitors and we have House Captains and Games Captains for each of our four Houses.

The Houses are:

Air : yellow
Earth : green
Fire : red
Water : blue

Involving you:

We encourage you to become involved in our school. If you have any spare time during the school day we would welcome you as a "helper." This role can involve a range of activities from enjoying a book with a child to supporting the teacher within the classroom during lessons like Art and Design and Technology. You may have a particular ability or interest, which you would be prepared to share with the children. These talents or interests will be used to assign you to a class or classes.  If you are interested in becoming involved with the school in this way please contact our Family Liaison Officer.

The Parent Teachers' Association (P.T.A.) provides another opportunity to become involved in our school community. Not only is money raised for much needed projects but also the P.T.A. organise social events for parents and pupils. If you are interested in giving your support you can leave your name with the School Office staff and then a member of the P.T.A. committee will contact you. Other opportunities to help will be presented through the newsletter system.

The Governing Body plays an essential role in the development and success of our school. They have responsibilities regarding the functions of our school but they go far beyond the basic expectation and are actively involved in all aspects of school life. When a vacancy occurs I notify all parents and invite nominations.

We also invite you to make an annual voluntary contribution of £10 per family for School Fund. This money is used to buy "the extras" like awards and treats for the children.

Everyone Deserves the Taste of Success:

We can all succeed by trying our best and using our abilities to the full. We persevere when facing difficulties, we are attentive to our own needs and the needs of others, and we aim to enjoy what we do. With this philosophy in mind we have systems in place to help children to recognise their success.

In the Foundation Stage the children can earn marbles, which are collected in a class jar. When the jar is full the class have a special treat, which they decide with their teacher.

In the Infant and Junior classes [Years 1,2,3, 4, 5 and 6] each child is in a House and they can earn House Points. These are collected weekly and the totals are announced in assembly. At the end of the term the winning house has an extra playtime all to themselves.

Our Gold Book celebrates the children who have contributed positively to life in our school community. Attributes such as kindness, thoughtfulness, courtesy, consideration, honesty, tolerance, and being a good friend are recognised in our Gold Book and the contributions of the named children are shared in our special weekly assembly.

Every Friday I visit classes [Foundation and Infant one week then Junior the next] to give out my Head Teacher's Awards for progress made in work and to celebrate with two or three children from each class a particular achievement in their work.

At the end of the school year we have a range of cups and trophies which are presented to specific children in celebration of an outstanding contribution in a given area.

Cause for Concern?

No matter how trivial a concern may be I hope that you will feel encouraged to come and talk to us. Minds can be put at rest, or, if action is required, it can be taken.

In the first instance it is important to share any concerns with your child's class teacher, this is part of our partnership. This will usually result in a resolution to the problem. However, you may wish to discuss the matter further with the Key Stage Co-ordinator, the Family liaison Officer or our Deputy Head Teacher. If the issue is of a serious nature you may wish to refer it directly to the Head Teacher.

We are always pleased to see you but please, for the sake of site security and school organisation, make an appointment to see whoever you are wanting to see through the School Office.

If you feel that your concern has not been addressed we have a complaints procedure which is available from the School Office.

Working Together:

We have built a dedicated and very capable team of people who are highly professional in all that they do. We are an ambitious school; we want to be the best that we can because we feel that your children deserve no less.

Throughout the year we offer you the opportunity to meet with the teacher to discuss your child's progress, and to attend special curriculum events which give you more information about a particular area of the school's work.

You will receive a weekly newsletter, which keeps you in touch with what is going on, and at the beginning of each term you will receive a letter from your child or the class together about what they will be studying during the term.

THE CURRICULUM

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How children learn and what they learn is at the core of our work. Not only do they all deserve to "taste success" but they have their entitlement to a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum which is differentiated according to their needs, and which challenges and satisfies them.

The five core National Curriculum subjects are:- English, Mathematics, Science, ICT and RE. In addition children study History, Geography, Art, Music, PE, PSHE and Design Technology.

We encourage creative thinking across the curriculum.  In recent years, a great deal has been discovered about how we learn, not least in the developing knowledge of how our brain works.  At Sandgate Primary, we recognise learning styles: visual, auditory and kinaesthetic, and ensure that every lesson is planned and delivered in a way to engage all learners.  It is important that we develop children's understanding of how they learn best as well as continuing to encourage self-motivation and high self-esteeem. 

English:

Literacy is of prime importance and we recognise that a child's ability to understand and communicate with others is an important step to success. Throughout the school we aim to stimulate an enthusiasm for, and a love of literature.

Mathematics:

We aim to provide each child with the concepts and skills in numeracy which enable them to develop their ability to problem solve and undertake investigations.

Science:

We believe it is important that our children develop an understanding and interest in science, we encourage children to ask questions and discuss issues. They are encouraged to respect their natural environment and to develop an understanding of the world around them.

ICT:

Information Communication Technology is increasingly important in today's world. We aim to develop every child's confidence and competence in the use of computers. We have a strong commitment to ICT: we have a modern ICT suite with internet access and all classrooms have computers for daily use offering opportunities to use ICT across the curriculum.

RE:

We follow the Kent Agreed Syllabus for RE, seeking to develop every child's spiritual, moral, social and cultural response to the world. Particular attention is paid to the feelings, types of worship and religion in the local community.

Collective Worship:

The daily act of worship follows a spiritual, moral or cultural theme based upon Christian and other religious beliefs. We aim to provide the children with a balanced view of the world around them and an awareness of right and wrong.

The Friday 'Gold Book' assembly is a celebration of pupils' personal and social awareness. Great emphasis is placed upon good manners, caring and sharing and a positive code of behaviour.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from religious education and collective worship. Please contact the Head Teacher if you wish to discuss this or to take the option of withdrawal.

History:

It is important that our children appreciate the way our society has been moulded on the experiences of the past. They are encouraged to develop their research skills and understanding through the use of artefacts, photographs, visits and analysis of evidence.

Geography:

We encourage children to develop an understanding of their local environment and the wider world; to develop their ability to question and acquire research skills.

Design Technology:

Children are encouraged to use their imagination and knowledge to design and make products using a variety of materials. We aim to provide children with the skills to complete practical tasks successfully and to use appropriate tools safely.

Art:

We aim to develop children's artistic abilities through a range of materials and skills. Through the observation of traditional and modern artists children develop their visual perceptions and learn to evaluate their own work. Children's work is celebrated through display and provides a stimulating work environment.

Music:

We aim to promote an interest in and a love of music through singing, instrumental works and the appreciation of different music and composers.  We make use of visiting music teachers who offer specialist instrumental tuition. 

PE:

PE makes an essential contribution to physical well-being, mental stimulation, team building and enjoyment. Our children receive a balanced programme of activities - gymnastics, games and dance. We also promote a team spirit and an understanding of sportsman like behaviour.

Additional Educational Needs:

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At Sandgate we take careful account of the needs of every child. We aim to make the learning experience worthwhile and positive for all children. We provide a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for any child with additional educational needs. In some cases pupils are provided with specialised teaching particularly in mathematical and language skills.

High Attaining, Gifted and Talented Pupils:

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We recognise that some of our children are very or exceptionally able and we have a clear system of identification, provision and monitoring. Wherever possible these children considered gifted or talented receive specialised teaching on a small group basis. We have a regular timetable of teaching for high attaining pupils in the areas of literacy and numeracy.

Key Stages:

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Sandgate Primary School is divided into three key stages, Foundation, Key Stage 1 and
Key Stage 2.

Foundation (age 4 - 5 years)

In the Foundation classes children follow their own curriculum. At Sandgate we aim to
create a caring, safe environment where they feel secure and develop a strong sense of
identity: creating a sound foundation for their future education and personal development.
Children receive a careful balance of practical, language enriched activities and
investigations combined with the development of essential skills. Planning is careful and
well targeted to ensure successful learning for each individual child.

KS 1 covers the ages 5-7 years and KS 2 the ages 7 -11 years

Throughout these key stages the children are growing in maturity and independence, their skills are more defined. Allowing for different rates and styles of learning all tasks are clearly differentiated, more able children are challenged and extended, progression is carefully planned.

Health Care

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We care about the children in our school very much but we are not qualified to nurse them, nor do we have the facilities, nor is it fair to the other children. We expect regular attendance at school but please keep children who are unwell at home.

It is important that we have a telephone number so that we can contact you immediately in an emergency. Please also inform the school, in writing, of changes of address and telephone number.

It sometimes happens that children have had a serious illness, accident or operation before staring at school, or may be suffering from a physical condition that may affect them at school. It is important that details are given on the back of the admission form completed by parents when the child is admitted to school. Please arrange to speak with the class teacher at the beginning of each academic year to ensure awareness of the child's condition.

Medicines are brought to school only in special cases, after discussion with the Deputy Head or Head Teacher. These medicines should be then handed in to, and collected from the School Office. Children who suffer from asthma should have their inhaler kept in the care of the class teacher.

Attendance

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The school day is busy; we have much to do and a punctual start is important. Children who are late must report to the School Office.

If your child is absent please notify the school immediately and when the child returns to school please send a note to the class teacher giving the reason for absence, and dated. We have a legal responsibility to report absences that are not authorised.

Holidays should be taken during the designated school holiday periods. However we recognise that this may not always be possible. A holiday form is available from the School Office, and must be completed if you wish to take your child on holiday in term time. No more than two weeks holiday absence is permitted during any school year, except in very special circumstances.

May we particularly ask that your child does not miss the beginning of the new school year, as this is very unsettling for the child.

A Code Of Conduct

We all have a responsibility to promote good standards of behaviour so that a child knows how to conduct himself or herself properly at all times. In a school children hold a responsibility for the happiness of others and their behaviour should reflect an understanding of this.

We have a basic framework of rules to ensure the safety, welfare and security of the children, although principally we base the way we live and work in school on consideration, thought and good sense.

The basic framework of rules is:

1. No child must leave the premises during the school day without the Head Teacher's permission.
2. There is no fighting, throwing of stones or any other objects.
3. Chewing gum, lollipops and sweets are not to be brought to school.
4. Children must walk in the corridors of the school.
5. Any child who is not collected at the end of the day must report to the Duty Teacher, and must not leave the school premises.
6. Money must never be left in the cloakroom or in the class.
7. Under no circumstances are matches, knives, guns, or any item of a dangerous nature to be brought to school.
8. Jewellery and other valuable articles should be left at home. Studs or sleepers can only be worn in pierced ears but have to be removed or taped during P.E. and games for safety. Hanging earrings are not allowed, as these can be dangerous at playtime, or in P.E. and games lessons. Necklaces or neck-chains should not be worn for safety reasons. For similar safety reasons nose studs are strongly discouraged.

Corporal punishment is NOT administered to pupils of any age.

In holding responsibility for the happiness of others any form of bullying is completely unacceptable. We have our own school statement on our approach to bullying, and this can be obtained from the School Office. If you have any concerns about the happiness of your child please speak to somebody in our school.

We are all firmly committed to equal opportunities. A copy of our policy is available from the School Office.

We expect children to take care of their own property, and that of others. All property should be marked with the owner's name. If children bring watches, calculators, pens or pencils to school, they do so at their own risk. We cannot accept responsibility for children's possessions. However, every effort is made to ensure valuables are protected during P.E., Games or swimming lessons.

To support children we ask you to enter a Home-School Agreement, a copy of which is included with these inserts.

Beyond The Classroom

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A full range of activities and clubs provide our children with an additional opportunity to discover new talents and develop their interests and abilities outside the more formal constraints of the classroom. There is some variation on activities offered from year to year according to the talents of our own staff team. We are also active in encouraging the use of our premises by people from the community who can offer specialist clubs. Although we make no charge for the use of our premises there would be a charge for these activities in some cases, which would be payable directly to the outside person concerned.

You will receive information about the activities and clubs on offer at the beginning of the academic year.

Homework

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Attainment at school can be enhanced by the support of parents in monitoring appropriately set homework. Such work should form the basis for discussion with your child, but it is important that the child carries out the task and that your role is that of support and "quality controller".