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The school is unstreamed and there are at present two classes per age group arranged as parallel groups in both age and ability. Whenever age groups have to be mixed, for unavoidable administrative purposes, the older children of the age group are usually placed with the younger children in another.
TopThe school's curriculum is based upon the requirements of the National Curriculum as established by the Secretary of State for education and Science and requires by the Education Reform Act 1988.
The governors have also considered the North Yorkshire Curriculum Statement 1995. The governors agree with the general principles and policies outlined in that document, and the aims are:
to help pupils develop lively, enquiring and creative minds, the confidence to question and the ability to debate rationally;
to help pupils acquire knowledge, skills and training relevant to adult life and employment in a rapidly changing world;
to help pupils receive challenging, stimulating, worthwhile and enjoyable experiences in the belief that living fully at every stage of development is a sound preparation for adult life;
to help pupils develop logical thought and appropriate communication and information skills in a world of rapidly changing technologies;
to help pupils gain understanding of and respect for religious and moral values and appreciation and tolerance of other groups, races, religions and ways of life and points of view;
to help pupils to develop a concern for the quality of their immediate environment and to understand the world in which they live and work, and the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations;
to help pupils, through hard work, commitment and self-discipline, to achieve the highest standards of which they are capable;
to help pupils in the development of their own individuality and independence, enabling them to discover and recognise their own strengths and limitations and set their goals accordingly.
Aims of the Primary Curriculum
To enable children to:
acquire the foundations of knowledge and form attitudes to people and to things in the world;
acquire basic learning skills and the ability to understand and use information
acquire and develop the use of more advanced skills which enable them to apply knowledge and make judgements;
begin to develop a system of values which will influence behaviour of all kinds.
The National Curriculum prescribes the content of the mathematical teaching. At this stage, children learn how to use and apply mathematics, a basic understanding of number, algebra, measures, shape and space and data handling. The children will work from published schemes of work, as well as be involved in practical problem solving and investigative work. They will use calculators where appropriate and have access to microcomputer facilities. In the current academic year the school will be implementing the National Numeracy Strategy.
TopThe National Curriculum and Literacy Strategy highlights the need for children to be skilled in speaking and listening, reading and writing. Children will be taught an appreciation of poetry and literature. They will also use drama as a vehicle to enhance speaking and listening skills. Children will be encouraged to read widely from a variety of fiction and non-fiction material. A clear and legible handwriting style is encouraged. The content will be both factual and imaginative and attention give to accurate spelling.
TopScience will be taught in an integrated way using topics chosen by year group teachers to deliver the National Curriculum demands of the natural and physical sciences appropriate to the junior age group. These areas of study are chosen so that progression and scientific thinking at this stage are developed to an appropriate level.
TopThe school encourages home learning and children are expected to learn weekly spellings, read widely, learn their mathematical tables, practise musical instruments and research classroom topics. From September 1999, a homework policy will be in place.
TopAssessment tests are administered each year to monitor the continued progress of the children. Children with Special Educational Needs are cared for in the first place by the class teacher within the classroom situation. The school uses the stage model of Special Educational Needs. The governor with responsibility for Special Educational Needs is Mr. D. M. Pool. Should extra help be required, the school can call upon the various agencies provided by the North Yorkshire County Council.
TopClubs organised after school will depend on the expertise, availability, interest and goodwill of the staff and parents. They include, at present, dance, computer, football, cricket, netball, chess, cookery, choir, recorder group and school orchestra. Swimming lessons are provided for Y6, funded from PTA funds.
TopThere is a school uniform available for those families wishing to take advantage of it. Items of clothing may be obtained from local educational outfitters. The PTA orders school sweatshirts for both Oatlands Infant and Junior Schools.
TopThere is a thriving PTA providing educational, social and money raising activities, and a ready link between school and home.
TopTwo Parent Consultation evenings are normally arranged each year on an appointment basis, as well as an open day. Written reports are distributed in June/July. The school produces a regular Newsletter and informs parents on important issues via 'Contact' sheets. The School Secretary deals with supervision of medicines when absolutely essential. The Headteacher is the named person responsible for Child Protection matters.
TopA school meal is provided for those children wishing to take advantage of it. This is provided by the N.Y.C.C. Contract Catering Services who provide excellent value for money and a well-balanced, nutritious meal. The price from September 1999 is £1.22 per day and £6.10 a week (cash or cheque).
Children may, if you wish, bring a packed lunch to school. The school cannot provide cups or plates, but we do insist that drinks be consumed from either cups or through straws, and not from tins or bottles. Provision of one named container for lunch and drink is helpful for storage purposes. Children are not allowed out of the school grounds at lunchtime if they stay for lunch.
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