Contents:
Click on the links below or scroll through to read our latest Prospectus:
Ethos and Values of the School
Practical Information About Our School:
School
Performance: SATS Results
Welcome to Ambleside Church of England Primary School. Our prospectus has been designed to provide you with practical information about the school, its organisation and the values, skills and knowledge we in school are trying to develop in your child.
We are concerned at all times to work in partnership with you as parents as we teach and help to encourage your child towards achieving the highest standards he or she is capable of.
Ambleside Church of England (Voluntary Aided) Primary School
Vicarage Road, Ambleside, Cumbria. Tel: 015394 32181
E-Mail: daraven-hill@portables1.ngfl.gov.uk and jbagot@portables1.ngfl.gov.uk
School Website: www.ambleside.schoolzone.co.uk
Headteacher: David Raven-Hill
Chair of Governors: Michael Higginbottom (position vacant - Dec 1998)
The Prospectus Contains the Following Information:
We hope you find this prospectus both readable and informative.
In this Church of England Voluntary Aided School, we recognise each child as having an individual personality, and we encourage children to work towards their personal best within a happy and caring atmosphere which reflects its Christian ethos.
Aims
We want all children:
ETHOS, VALUES AND PASTORAL CARE
Ambleside Primary School is a Voluntary Aided Church of England school. We are concerned for the well-being, happiness and development of every child in school. We pride ourselves on our family atmosphere and the fact that we all know each child well and know most families.
The class teacher is responsible for the pastoral care of the children in the class, supported by the internal school arrangements. There are times during the day when that responsibility is delegated to the head and the deputy headteacher, the lunchtime supervisors, the school secretary and the teaching assistants.
The school operates a positive behaviour policy. We have developed a number of expectations of our children which were developed in part by the children themselves. These are supported by rewards for good behaviour and progressive sanctions in the event that the expectations are not followed by individuals.
We believe in high standards of discipline and ask that parents work with us to ensure continuity of this standard.
The importance we attach to the positive ethos of the school is reflected in the House System recently devised. All children are allocated to a house - named after local mountains: Helvellyn, Fairfield, Loughrigg, Wansfell. They collect effort awards (coloured teddy bears at Key Stage 1, coloured tokens at Key Stage 2) for their house when good work, thoughtful, caring behaviour, responsibility is displayed. At the end of the week a House cup is presented to the house with the largest number of tokens.
We plan to start a School Council during the early part of 1999.
Other aspects of the school's ethos - for example, the extra curricular clubs we run, the school's uniform policy are explained elsewhere in this prospectus.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Ambleside Primary School is a co-educational Church of England Voluntary Aided school, catering for children from the ages of 3 to 11. Most of our children transfer at 11 to The Lakes Secondary School at Troutbeck Bridge.
School Staff
Other professionals visit school on a regular basis - musical instrument teachers, the school nurse, doctor, special needs advisory teachers and support staff.
Members of the Governing Body of the School
Governor Appointed/elected by/ Term ends
Admission to School
We welcome applications from parents wishing to send children to our school. Prospective parents, and those considering applying to the school are encouraged to visit the school, where they will be shown around, given general information about the school, and made welcome.
The school's Admissions Policy, replicated in full follows closely the policy outlined in 'Church School Education' published by the Diocesan Board of Education.
At the time of writing, the Standard Number is 35 children per year group, but there are proposals to reduce this to 30.
The catchment area of the school is shown on a map and displayed in the School Office.
Where there are more applicants than places available, children will be admitted on the basis of the following order of priorities:
The Governors reserve the right to refuse entry to a child where they believe that the school will be unable properly to support the pupil concerned, or where his or her presence in school would be likely significantly to impede the progress of other pupils. The school would always wish to accept children with special needs into the school, wherever such acceptance is to the benefit of the child concerned, and not to the detriment of the other pupils in the school.
Nursery Admissions Arrangements
This addendum will be subject to periodic review and will necessarily respond to changes brought about as a result of the Cumbria Local Education Authority Early Years Policy. At the time of writing the school runs a 52 place Nursery with spaces for 26 children in the morning and 26 in the afternoon. It is staffed with a part time Nursery Teacher, a full time and a part time NNEB Nursery Nurse. Children are admitted from Ambleside, Grasmere and Langdale - this comprises the catchment area of the Nursery.
Using the criteria set out above, each application will be considered on its merits. Wherever possible, the Governing Body and Headteacher will do their utmost to secure a place and a session convenient for each applicant.
Nursery: 9.00 -11.30am Monday to Friday
12.45 - 3.15pm Monday to Friday
Key Stages 1 and 2:
9.00 -11.45am Key Stage 1 children
9.00 - 12.00noon Key Stage 2 children
1.00 - 3.15pm (Key Stage 1 and 2 children)
The total amount of teaching time excluding playtimes, registration and the daily corporate Act of Worship is 21.25 hours per week for the children in Key Stage 1 and 23.75 hour per week for the children in Key Stage 2.
Arrival at School
The school has a security system fitted to all exterior doors. These remain locked during the school day - from 9.05am until 3.15pm.
The door to the main entrance, the Key Stage 1 entrance door and those to the Key Stage 2 cloakrooms are opened at 8.45am in order to allow parents to come in to see staff.
Any adult arriving at school after 9.05am should go to the main entrance and ring the bell.
Departure from School
The children in the Nursery and reception classes will be kept in their classroom until collected by an adult. We respectfully request that parents of all other children collect their children from the playground after school, because of the small size of our cloakroom areas.
School Dress
All children from reception to Year 6 wear school uniform.
Girls: Reception to Year 2: grey skirt, white or navy blue polo shirt, navy blue round-necked sweatshirt;
Boys: Reception to Year 2: grey shorts or long trousers, white or navy blue polo shirt, navy blue V-necked sweatshirt;
Girls: Year 3 to Year 6: grey skirt, white or grey blouse (shirt), blue tie, navy blue V-necked sweatshirt;
Boys: Year 3 to Year 6: grey shorts or long trousers, white or grey shirt, blue tie, navy blue V-necked sweatshirt.
Sweatshirts, polo shirts and ties can be purchased from the school office. PE kit is also kept in stock. All items of clothing should be marked clearly with the owner's name.
Our curriculum consists of activities designed to promote the intellectual, personal, social, emotional and physical development of the children. It includes not only the formal programme of lessons - including, in the Early Years, the Desirable Learning, and later on the National Curriculum - but also the informal programme: the lunchtime and after school clubs, the extra-curricular activities and those features which define the school ethos and values.
Early Years
Children of non-statutory school age are provided for in our Nursery and Reception classes, where we hope to encourage the development of happy, confident, independent and caring children. The Early Years curriculum is very carefully planned using Desirable Learning Outcomes, consisting of language-based, mathematical, personal and social, creative and physically-based activities. The children also develop a knowledge and understanding of their world.
The children enter Nursery in the September after their third birthday, attending either mornings or afternoons. The school policy on admission to Nursery is given to each parent and is available in school.
The children enter Reception at the beginning of the academic year in which they are five years of age. The school policy on admission to the school and to the Reception Class is given to each parent and is also available in school.
We are committed to fully preparing all children for their schooling, by offering home visits, by giving several opportunities for children and parents to visit prior to admission, by offering staggered entries. We welcome parents into school on all occasions.
Organisation of Classes
All classes in school are organised into chronological age groups. Within each class, the children are grouped - sometimes according to ability, sometimes on a more informal social basis. Frequently the children are taught as a whole class and often as individuals, as needs require. However as the children progress up the school, so they experience a greater proportion of whole class teaching. The class sizes range from 20 pupils per class to one of 35 pupils.
Each class, from the Nursery to Year 6, operates a yearly topic cycle which enables each child to receive a full, a varied and enriching curriculum:
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Class |
Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
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Nursery |
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Reception |
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Year 1 |
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Year 2 |
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Year 3 |
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Year 4 |
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a. Alternative Location - visits: Thirlmere and Barrow |
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Year 5 |
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Year 6 |
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From Year 1 to Year 6, children follow the National Curriculum. The Core areas of English, Maths, Science, Information Technology and Religious Education are taught within a statutory framework. For the other 'Foundation' subjects, schools have been given greater freedom over the last year to determine the nature of their curriculum. For these subjects, which include History, Geography, Design Technology, Art, Music and PE, we have agreed to continue to offer the same range and scope of experiences that were on offer prior to the amendment.
English - The National Literacy Strategy
From September 1998, the school adopted the National Literacy Strategy, the aim of which is to raise standards in reading and writing. Each class in school, from Reception to Year 6, undertakes a daily 'Literacy Hour' of structured reading, writing, spelling, grammar and vocabulary work. A number of information-giving sessions have been organised for parents and these will continue throughout the coming year.
Achievement targets for the children have been set and these are available for parents to see in school.
The National Literacy Strategy focuses attention on the importance of the partnership between home and school.
Standards in both Key Stages are well above the national average.
Mathematics - The National Numeracy Strategy
The school is currently preparing for the daily 'Numeracy Hour' which will come into effect in September 1999. As with the Literacy Strategy, the school plans to fully inform parents about the requirements of the new arrangements and is to organise a number of meetings and workshops for parents.
The school offers a full range of number, shape, data handling and investigative based acitivities in mathematics and standards in both Key Stages are well above the national average.
Science
The school offers a varied programme of science. In the early Years and at Key Stage 1 science is taught through topic work and in a systematic and carefully planned way, we use the children's natural curiosity about their environment to create opportunities to develop observational, questioning, investigative, recording and analysing skills. At Key Stage 2 the children study specific topics of a scientific nature and are also given the opportunity to undertake the St John's Ambulance Emergency Aid Awards.
Information and Communications Technology
In 1998 we were successful in securing an important 'National Grid for Learning' IT bid, enabling the school to purchase 7 new Personal Computers, to develop a network and to go onto the Internet. The school now has its own website, all classes contributing work to the site. Concurrent with these exciting developments, we have developed a code of practice regarding confidentiality and access to material.
Religious Education and Collective Worship
Ambleside Primary School is a Voluntary Aided school, and as a consequence our Religious Education and Collective Worship are determined by the Trust Deed and the Governing Body of the school. We follow the RE syllabus of the Carlisle Diocesan Board of Education, which places emphasis upon the fact that the school is affiliated to the Church of England.
All pupils study Christianity at both Key Stages 1 and 2. In addition, pupils study Judaism and Buddhism.
For children from Reception to Year 6, there is a daily act of Collective Worship which is of a Christian character, and this is organised in a number of forms throughout the week:
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of the religious education programme and collective worship provided. Policies and schemes of work for both are kept in school, and parents are welcome to see or discuss these whenever they wish. Those children withdrawn will be given work to do which complements the personal and social education planned for the class. Unless there are other adults available to supervise them, they will remain within the classroom area.
Other Areas of the Curriculum: Humanities, Arts.
We value the contribution the humanities subjects make to the lives of our pupils. The learning experiences in both history and geography are enhanced by the location of the school, reinforced through topic work at Key Stage 1 and through the separate subjects at Key Stage 2. Our children are taken on a large number and variety of visits to secure first hand and relevant experiences.
We make extensive use of the outdoor environment and offer outdoor education. Our older children benefit from an annual residential visit.
The Arts - music, art and dance, are important areas of the curriculum and of great priority at Ambleside. We run a variety of music and art clubs, including a Key Stage 1 music club, a choir, an orchestra and recorder groups catering for children from Years 2 to 6. A number of teaching staff help enthusiastically with these clubs.
Sport and Games
All children are offered a full range of PE, sports and games experiences. Small games, ball and motor skills are developed at Key Stage 1 in preparation for the introduction to major sports at Key Stage 2.
Children from Year 3 onwards attend Troutbeck Swimming Pool during the Autumn and Spring terms and work towards a number of awards.
The school has separate boys and girls football and mixed cricket teams and has participated very successfully in local matches and competitions.
We offer a variety of extra-curricular clubs and activities.
Extra-Curricular Clubs
Our children are able to participate in a variety of clubs and activities. These include:
Sports clubs Football, Netball, Badminton, Tennis, Kwik Cricket;
Art clubs Textiles for Key Stage 1, Art Club for Key Stage 2;
Music clubs Key Stage 1 Music, Recorders, Choir, Orchestra.
Provision for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides a full curriculum for all of its children. All children are different and at some stage during your child's school life, he or she may need extra support. We aim to give each child any special help they may require across the curriculum, reviewing progress frequently with parents and professionals. The 1993 Education Act stated that all schools were required to have regard to a Code of Practice on Special Educational Needs when managing their SEN provision. This, and a simplified guide are available for all parents to see in school. Parents can also inspect our Special Educational Needs Policy in which we aim:
Through a carefully planned and staged approach, the special needs of children are provided for at Ambleside. An Individual Education Plan is formulated for each child with needs that require specific action, and in the event that extra support is necessary, this too follows a planned, staged approach. In the majority of cases the needs of each child are met in the normal classroom situation with work pitched at their level. The school employs a teacher for two days per week who supports children requiring a structured staged approach. A room has been converted so that where appropriate and necessary, groups of children can be withdrawn.
For those children whose needs cannot be met internally, the school seeks outside help. Some of these children are awarded a Statement of Special Educational Needs, in which case the level of support necessary is indicated in the statement document itself.
The Special Needs Co-ordinator in the school is David Raven-Hill; there is currently a vacancy for the position of governor with responsibility for SEN on the Governing Body.
In all instances, we seek to work in partnership with parents. Their views and concerns will be sought and the school will keep them well informed at all stages of the school's SEN procedure.
Starts/ Ends/ Half Term
Autumn 1998
2.9.98/18.12.98/ 26 to 31.10.98
Spring 1999
6.1.99/ 26.3.99/ 15 to 19.2.99
Summer 1999
12.4.99/ 16.7.99/ 31.5 to 5.6.99
Charges and Remissions
The Governors of Ambleside Church of England Primary School recognise in sections 106-111 and 117-118 of the Education Reform Act 1988 the requirements under the law regarding the policy for Charges for School Activities. We agree to the main objectives of the charging provisions required:
Any family on Income Support or Family Credit experiencing difficulty should discuss the matter with Mr Raven-Hill at the earliest opportunity.
The school completed its involvement in the Rural Schools Attendance Project. Interestingly, over the course of the year long project, the rates of both authorised and unauthorised pupil absences have dropped.
Attendance Figures
STANDARD ASSESSMENT TESTS (SATs): SUMMER 1998
Each year, results are published for the SATs taken by the children in Year 2 - at the end of Key Stage 1, and by the children in Year 6 – at the end of Key Stage 2. Level 2 represents the average attainment of the Key Stage 1, and level 4 the average attainment of the Key Stage 2 children.
1998 was a very good year at Ambleside: the school’s results at both Key Stages were well above the national average:
Key Stage 1: Teacher Assessment: Ambleside. Percentages of Children at Each Level: (26 children on roll in Year 2; all took the tests)
|
Aspect |
W |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4+ |
|
English |
1 |
5 |
70 |
23 |
0 |
|
Speaking & Listening |
0 |
0 |
77 |
23 |
0 |
|
Reading |
0 |
4 |
65 |
31 |
0 |
|
Writing |
4 |
12 |
69 |
15 |
0 |
|
Maths |
0 |
16 |
61 |
23 |
0 |
|
Science |
0 |
16 |
66 |
18 |
0 |
Key Stage 1: Teacher Assessment: National Figures. Percentages of Children at Each Level:
|
Aspect |
W |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4+ |
|
English |
3 |
17 |
63 |
17 |
0 |
|
Speaking & Listening |
2 |
15 |
63 |
19 |
0 |
|
Reading |
3 |
17 |
54 |
26 |
0 |
|
Writing |
5 |
17 |
68 |
10 |
0 |
|
Maths |
2 |
14 |
65 |
18 |
0 |
|
Science |
1 |
13 |
68 |
17 |
0 |
Key Stage 1: Task/Test Levels: Ambleside. Percentages of Children at Each Level:
|
Aspect |
W |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4+ |
|
English |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
Reading Task |
0 |
4 |
96 |
N/a |
- |
|
Reading Test |
0 |
23 |
59 |
19 |
- |
|
Writing |
4 |
15 |
62 |
19 |
- |
|
Spelling |
4 |
27 |
62 |
8 |
- |
|
Maths |
0 |
12 |
65 |
23 |
0 |
Key Stage 1: National Task/Test Levels: Percentages of Children at Each Level:
|
Aspect |
X/L/W |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4+ |
|
English |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
Reading Task |
29 |
16 |
54 |
N/a |
- |
|
Reading Test |
25 |
- |
49 |
26 |
- |
|
Writing |
6 |
13 |
74 |
6 |
- |
|
Spelling |
38 |
- |
47 |
14 |
- |
|
Maths |
0 |
12 |
65 |
23 |
0 |
Key Stage 2: Teacher Assessment, Ambleside. Percentages of Children at Each Level: (19 on roll in Year 6)
|
Aspect |
B3 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
Level 5 |
Level 6 |
|
English |
5 |
11 |
58 |
26 |
0 |
|
Maths |
5 |
21 |
42 |
32 |
0 |
|
Science |
5 |
11 |
63 |
21 |
0 |
Key Stage 2: National Teacher Assessment. Percentages of Children at Each Level:
|
Aspect |
B3 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
Level 5 |
Level 6 |
|
English |
8 |
28 |
46 |
17 |
0 |
|
Maths |
7 |
29 |
46 |
18 |
0 |
|
Science |
5 |
25 |
51 |
18 |
0 |
Key Stage 2: Test Levels, Ambleside. Percentages of Children at Each Level:
|
Aspect |
B3 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
Level 5 |
Level 6 |
|
English |
5 |
11 |
53 |
32 |
0 |
|
Maths |
5 |
21 |
42 |
32 |
0 |
|
Science |
5 |
5 |
84 |
5 |
0 |
Key Stage 2: National Test Levels. Percentages of Children at Each Level:
|
Aspect |
A/B3 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
Level 5 |
Level 6 |
|
English |
10 |
26 |
47 |
16 |
0 |
|
Maths |
10 |
28 |
44 |
18 |
0 |
|
Science |
7 |
23 |
50 |
18 |
0 |
Parents are welcome to view copies of the following documentation by asking in school:
Statutory instruments and DFEE circulars, including the National Curriculum and Literacy documents;
The school's OFSTED inspection report: June 1998;
School policies on all curriculum areas and on SEN;
School Schemes of Work;
The school's Trust Deed;
If You Have a Complaint..
And Finally…
We do hope that this prospectus has been useful, readable and informative. Please remember that we welcome your enquiries and comments.
December 1998