About Swalecliffe CP School

 

The School has grown considerably since the Infant and Junior departments were amalgamated in September 1983 and the number on roll is now around 640.  There is one school under one Headteacher which is known as Swalecliffe Community Primary School .

 

 

The Headteacher welcomes visits from parents at any time, but it is wise to make an appointment in case he is teaching or has a visitor.

 

 

There are Parents' Evenings during the Autumn (Terms 1 and 2) and Spring (Terms 3 and 4) when parents are given the opportunity to discuss privately their child’s progress. There are also school reports and an Open Evening in the Summer (Term 6).

 

 

The school welcomes the participation of parents in many ways, and if you feel you have something to offer e.g. hearing readers, supervising small art and craft groups etc. please let us know.

 

 

Lunch-times

 

 

Following visits to Finland , we have transformed our lunch-time arrangements.  The emphasis is on creating a calmer environment, with children taking greater responsibility and showing independence.

 

To achieve this, those having a school lunch:

 

·         serve themselves from vegetable and salad trolleys

 

·         have a choice of sweet or fruit from a trolley

 

·         may take bread from a basket

 

 

For all children:

 

·         there is a calming background music

 

·         children quietly leave when they are finished

 

 

Furniture has also been re-arranged.

 

 

It is re-assuring that we have received visits from many schools, as well as senior people from other education authorities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foundation Stage

 

 

In the reception year at Swalecliffe Community Primary School children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum covering six areas of learning - Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication, Language and Literacy, Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy, Knowledge and Understanding of the world, Physical Development and Creative Development. They have access to these learning areas in the indoor and outdoor environment. Indeed our extensive outdoor learning environments provide rich opportunities for our children.

 

 

Children develop rapidly during the early years and provision is made for different starting points from which they can develop their learning and build on what they can do.  Opportunities are provided for them to be involved in activities planned by adults and those they plan to initiate themselves.  The children are encouraged to be independent and make decisions. We ensure all feel included, secure and valued. A positive partnership with parents is promoted. This foundation curriculum prepares children for Key Stage 1 programmes of study in Years 1 and 2.

 

 

Key Stage 1

 

In Years 1 and 2 the children build on what they have achieved at the Early Years Foundation Stage and they work on the National Curriculum programmes of study. In addition to the National Curriculum subjects health education and religious, moral and social aspects are covered.  There are three parallel classes in each year group and planning is undertaken in year groups. The individual’s ability is taken into account and different ability levels are catered for to allow all children to have the opportunity of achieving maximum development in each area. The teaching and support assistants in Key Stage 1 are caring and encouraging but display a consistent and fair approach to discipline.  At the end of Key Stage 1 Year 2 children undertake standard assessment tasks or tests to monitor what they have achieved in relation to the attainment targets. These results are reported to parents. The partnership with parents in supporting reading, encouraging the learning of spellings and other ‘homework’ aspects is greatly valued. Children in Years 1 and 2 have a Learning Diary to take home.

 

 

Key Stage 2

 

 

There are twelve classes in the Junior Department, ranging from Year 3 to Year 6, where the teaching covers the Key Stage 2 Programmes of study. The school has invested heavily in new books and equipment in recent years in order to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning, while making lessons as enjoyable as possible.

 

The Junior buildings also house the school’s ICT Suite and a well-equipped, modern Junior Library. A spacious hall is used for P.E. lessons, assemblies, school lunches, music concerts and drama productions. The latter have been enhanced by the addition of professional stage lighting, a flexible modern stage and an excellent sound system, partly funded by the Parents and Friends association.

 

 

 

A number of extra-curricular activities take place each week, run by teachers and teaching assistants, including art, cooking, environment, dance, chess, French, music club, orchestra practice, choir and both summer and winter sports clubs. The school is proud of it’s many sporting achievements and has a good reputation for music with violin, cello, recorder, clarinet and flute lessons all on offer.

 

 

 

Sounds-Write

 

 

Sounds-Write is an exciting approach to teaching reading, spelling and writing.  The approach draws together modern research findings to produce a sequential and explicit alphabet

 

code-orientated programme for teaching all pupils.  Our teachers and teaching assistants have undergone the necessary training for this effective approach to teaching synthetic phonics.

  

  

  

  

  

Disability Equality Scheme 

 

A copy of the school DES policy is available to view at the school office.