Troon School Prospectus 2010

Troon School

Prospectus

Welcome Troon School is a small community primary school. It is situated in attractive grounds with two playgrounds and a large playing field. The original building dates back to 1875 but there have been a number of additions over the years to provide a stimulating learning environment for our chil-dren. This prospectus offers information about our school and the opportunities available here. It tells you about the everyday routines, the curriculum we provide and the school’s aims. We have an excellent, caring and dedicated team both teaching and non teaching who are committed to identifying and meeting the needs of children and ensuring that they reach their full potential. We have fostered an atmosphere that values the contributions of every individual member of the school community. We consider that your child’s success and happiness at school comes from a partnership between home and school. We aim to help children develop positive and caring attitudes, confidence and respect for each other. We have high expectations of the children in our care. Please feel free to visit the school, as this prospectus can only be an introduction and the best way to find out more is to come along and experience the school yourself. We look forward to meeting you and working with you in the next important years in your child’s development. The Troon School Staff

Our School Aims We are proud to be a happy school where staff, pupils and parents work together with respect and trust. We believe our children can achieve great things and that it is our duty to:

Teach a curriculum that is relevant and challeng-ing.

Set standards of excellence for our children in their work and behaviour

Encourage our children to understand themselves and how they learn

Help our children fulfil their potential and have a love of learning

Support our children as individuals so they learn to be considerate of others ideas

Give our children a sense of awe about the world.

Our Code of Conduct In order to promote excellent standards of behaviour we have a clear code of conduct that outlines the school’s basic rules, rewards and sanctions. These rules are published around school and sent home each year for parents to discuss with their children. Any misbehaviour is dealt with quickly and firmly and parents informed when appropriate. We believe that working together with a positive approach is the only way to foster self discipline and encourage children to behave appropriately. Our School Rules

Show good manners at all times. Follow instructions with thought and care. Care for everyone and everything.

Starting School We welcome children to Troon School in all year groups. Prospective parents are welcome to visit the school at any time. The school is organised into the three stages of primary education:

Foundation Stage 3 to 5 years Key Stage One 5 to 7 years Key Stage Two 7 to 11 years

Your child is entitled to start Nursery the term after he/she has become 3. Nursery sessions are for 3 hours. The session starts at 8.50 a.m and finishes at 11.50a.m. Children born between 1st September and 28th February become full time in the September of the school year when they have their 5th birthday. Those born between 1st March and 31st August will become full time in the January of the school year when they have their 5th birthday. This ensures all children have at least two terms full time in school before moving to Key Stage 1. Before children start in the Nursery at Troon School a member of staff will visit your child at home to ensure a smooth and confident start to school life.

Admissions The school is able to admit 26 children to each year group. If the school is oversubscribed the children are given priority according to the criteria set by Cornwall County Council. Coming to School and Going Home The school opens to pupils at 8.45 a.m. when they are welcome to come in to school to prepare them-selves ready for work. There are activities such as changing books and writing in journals planned for this time. Registration begins at 8.55 a.m. If your child arrives after the close of the register, they should report their arrival to the main school office before going to their class. If your child is absent from school, it is important that you contact us as soon as possible (on the same day) to let us know the reason why. If we have not heard from you by 9.30 a.m. our Learning Mentor or the School Secretary will contact you to find out the reason for your child’s absence. This is important to us not only because the government requires us to follow up all absences but also for the safety of your child. We thank you for supporting us to promote punctuality and good attendance. Children needing to leave school during school time, for whatever reason, must be collected and signed out from the office. Our school day finishes at 3.10 p.m. What Children Need for School We have a school uniform which we ask children to wear every day. The uniform consists of black trousers/skirt, black flat shoes (no trainers), a white polo shirt and a blue school sweatshirt. The school fleece is optional for the winter. School uniform can be ordered by filling in an order form available from the school office. For P.E, children need a P.E T-shirt, black shorts and train-ers or plimsolls. Plain black jogging bottoms may be worn in the winter. All clothing should be clearly named. The wearing of jewellery is discouraged. We reserve the right to forbid items of clothing and footwear that are dangerous in school or against the well being of the children. All children are responsible for their own belongings. Cars and Parking In the interests of the children’s safety, no cars should enter the school grounds when taking children to and from the school. Please observe the zigzag lines outside school and show respect for people’s driveways. School Meals

These are cooked on the premises by Mrs Wells. Wher-ever possible local foods are sourced and fresh ingredi-ents used. Payment should be sent in on a Monday in an envelope labelled with your child’s name, class, amount paid and the days your child requires lunch that week. Menus are sent home at the beginning of each term. Children with special dietary needs can be catered for. Please inform the cook in writing if your child is vege-tarian or has any dietary restrictions. Children may bring a packed lunch if they prefer. Please ensure you do not provide drinks in glass containers or fizzy drinks. If your child is eligible for free school meals details on how to apply are available from the school office. We break for lunch at 12.00 and

finish at 12.50 p.m. Fruit Scheme All children have a 15 minute break in the morning. KS1 are entitled to a piece of fruit everyday free of charge. KS2 can bring a piece of fruit from home for tuck if they wish.

Keeping parents informed Every Friday your child will bring home a newsletter containing important information, news and updates. We hold two parent’s evenings per year when you are invited to discuss your child’s education and you will receive an annual report at the end of the academic year. You will also find the newsletter and other important information on our website: http://www.troon.cornwall.sch.uk The school operates an open door policy and staff are always happy to discuss your child’s progress. We value your thoughts about your child’s education and we value your help in school. All visitors and parent helpers need to report to the school’s office and sign our visitor’s book. All volunteers, helpers and staff are CRB checked. Friends of Troon School (FTS) All parents, carers and staff are automatically members of the FTS. The FTS support the work of the school in many ways such as fundraising, organising fun events throughout the year such as our Midsummer Festival and providing resources. You are always welcome to get involved. Who’s Who? The school team consists of: Acting Headteacher: Mrs Julie Lamb Assistant Headteacher: Mr Steve Medlyn Teaching staff Learning support staff Learning Mentor Administration staff School Caretaker Midday supervisors Cleaning staff. There is an up to date list of our current staff attached to this document. Governors The school governing body consists of 12 members who represent the LEA, Community, Parents and Staff. Our Chair of Governors is Mr Kevin Hendra. Class Organisation and the Curriculum Our school is single form entry (one class per year group.) All of our classes contain 26 or less children. The foundation stage The Foundation stage is from a child’s 3rd birthday to the end of the reception year. The foundation stage at Troon School is an example of a stimulating and challenging environment that is geared to the needs of young children. There are six areas of learning in the foundation stage. These are

Personal Social and emotional development Communication language and literacy Mathematical Development Knowledge and understanding of the world Physical development Creative development.

The emphasis is on learning through play and practical activities. Each learning area has Early learning goals . These set out skills, knowledge, understanding and attitudes which children will work towards during the Foundation stage.

The National Curriculum. From Year 1 onwards the programmes of study for the National Curriculum are introduced. A wide variety of topics are covered and the knowledge and skills acquired are built upon and extended.

English Reading, writing and speaking and listening skills are taught through the Na-tional Literacy Strategy and the renewed literacy framework. This involves the children being taught literacy skills for a minimum of one hour every day. There is a twenty minute period each day for children to read and learn through guided reading sessions. Maths There is a daily numeracy lesson based on the National numeracy strategy. Wherever possible we use a problem solving and practical approach to numeracy and make links with every day situations. Being com-petent and skilled with numbers enables

children to be confident in every day life. Other Subjects A range of subjects are taught in line with the National Curriculum. These include ICT, Science, History, Geography, P.E, Music, RE, PSHE, Art, Design Technology and French. We are very fortunate to have a brand new ICT suite which includes an interac-tive whiteboard and 20 computers. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards.

Religious Education Troon School follows the Cornwall agreed syllabus. This scheme incorporates spiritual, moral, social and cultural education opportunities. Children in key stage 1 study Christianity and Hinduism Children in key stage 2 study Christianity, Judaism and Sikhism. Please note that parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious education or collective worship. All we ask is that you discuss your wishes with the head teacher so that alternative provision for you and your child can be made during these times.

PSHE At Troon School we believe that the class teachers are not only responsible for the educational progress of children but also seek to provide opportunities for children to develop so-cial and emotional skills as well as personal attributes. We foster in chil-dren an attitude of self reliance and responsibility. Each child has a PSHE file in which they record their achievements in side and outside school such as membership of clubs, performance in assemblies, certificates. This is built up over their time in school to provide a true record of the whole

child. We operate a house system that enables children to become responsible members of the school com-munity. Troon school follows the SEAL curriculum and each term has a new theme to discuss in circle times, assemblies and lessons. We were also the first school in the country to be accredited in Rtime (Relationships to improve education.) Equal opportunities Regardless of race, creed, gender, class, culture or ability children have the right to equal access to all as-pects of school life. The school has an equal opportunities policy available from the office.

Sex and Relationship Education Our health and sex education programmes are designed to give our pupils a basic understanding of health and sexual matters so that they are helped to make informed choices in their future and daily lives. Pupils are encouraged to develop awareness of moral issues. They focus upon

Drugs education Sex education Safety education Exercise and health Food and nutrition Personal hygiene Children’s rights

Sex education is taught in Year 6 linked to the development of personal and social skills. All videos and materials used can be previewed by parents. Parents have the right to withdraw children from these les-sons on religious/ideological grounds. PE At Troon we aim to provide a balanced programme of physical education through gymnastics, games and dance. We ensure that children are able to understand the need to be competitive with an understanding that the most important thing is to compete against oneself to progress and to improve, we therefore, ensure that all achievements are celebrated. We believe that physical education promotes a positive attitude towards a healthy and safe lifestyle. Children from year 1- 6 attend swimming lessons for one term per year. Wherever possible we provide opportunities for children to work with professional coaches in a variety of sports and to compete against other schools in teams or as individuals.

Assemblies Every day there is a whole school assembly in the hall. Monday: PSHE/Big Write Assembly Tuesday: Singing Practice Wednesday: Key Stage assembly Thursday: Good Work Assembly Friday: Celebration Assembly We have a school prayer that we say in some assemblies and it is very helpful if parents help their child to learn this so they can fully participate.

School Prayer Dear God, This is our school, Let peace dwell here. Let the walls be full of contentment, Let love abide here, Love of one another and love of life itself, Help us to remember that as many hands build a house, So many hearts make a school. Amen. SEN All children are entitled to access the curriculum at a level which matches their educational needs Troon School’s commitment to children with SEN is reflected in the provision of a part time SENCO and a large team of well trained support assistants. We are guided by the code of practice for children with SEN. Children who are identified as needing extra support are provided with an Individual educational plan which is reviewed each term. External agencies are involved when necessary.

G&T The Gifted and talented coordinator supports staff in identifying children whom we think have particular strengths in any curriculum area at this school. Activities and opportunities are planned to develop and celebrate these talents. Homework All children at Troon School are given regular homework and parents guided and encouraged to support their child. We encourage parental involvement in all homework tasks and ask that parents sign the reading diaries every time they share books with children. In key stage 2 children are given homework diaries. We have a homework club after school on a Wednesday. After School Clubs. Troon is proud of its range of after school activities. We believe that they play a vital role in building relationships between pupils and staff. Clubs change termly and are run by staff and outside experts. The timetable is published termly and includes activities such as recorder, cross country, football and computers. Child protection Children’s health and well being are very important to the school. We have a fully trained child protection officer and other members of staff have received training to ensure that statutory duties are carried out. We work closely with the Multi agency team and other health and social service professionals to ensure the safety and welfare of our pupils. We are fortunate to benefit from the support of the CPR success zone and employ a learning mentor whose role is to remove barriers to children’s learning either in school or outside school.

Attendance Punctuality and attendance are vital to a child’s good progress at school. Attendance at school is compulsory. If your child is absent we ask that you contact the school on the first day of absence to inform us of the reasons for absence and on return to school every child should bring a brief note of explanation from a parent or guardian. Administration of medication and first aid Only prescription medication can be administered and should be brought into school by a responsible adult who will be asked to complete a consent form. Medicines will be kept in a secure location and will be administered by a named member of staff. The date and time of administration is then recorded in our medicines log. The only exception to this is an asthma inhaler which is kept within easy reach of your child. If your child has an asthma inhaler you must register your child’s condition with school using the form provided from the office. Accidents do happen in school from time to time and if your child is involved in an accident at school we have members of staff who are trained in first aid. If the injury is a minor one it will be dealt with in school. In the event of a blow to the head it is logged and a note sent home with your child. If the first aider considers the injury to be serious enough to need professional attention you will be contacted as soon as possible. If we judge that your child would suffer from any delay in contacting you we will take your child to hospital or contact the ambulance service whilst continuing to try and contact you. These procedures are to protect your child and avoid placing staff in a vulnerable position. School Nurse The school nurse visits once a month and is available for informal drop-ins. The school nurse also supports the school with our sex and health education. Complaints procedure Whenever possible we hope that parents will bring any concerns to the attention of the teaching staff or head teacher. We will make every effort to resolve the complaints in an informal manner. If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction the school has a complaints procedure that is available from the school office. It outlines our procedures for formally reporting a complaint. The procedure is also available from the chair of governors.

Policy for Charging During the year classes may go out on school trips to enhance the curriculum. There can also be times when visiting experts or drama companies come to the school. At such times the school may ask for a voluntary contribution from parents to enable the trip or visit to go ahead.

Residential Trip The school provides a three day residential trip to Delaware every two years for year 5 and 6 children. They participate in a range of activities which may include raft building, orienteering, moorland navigation, climbing, abseiling and woodland exploration. This takes place in the autumn term to build self esteem, develop team work and to learn new skills.