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prospectus

Contents Castlewellan Primary School General Information 4 5 Aims and Mission Statement 6 Policy on Admissions 7 First Days 8 School Hours and School Uniform 9 Transport 10 Teaching Staff 11 The Curriculum 12 13 Extra Curricular Activities 14 Continuous and Statutory Assessment 15 Special Education Needs 16 Pastoral Care 17 Health Issues and Caring for Upset Children 18 Parental Involvement and Further Information 19 Castlewellan Primary School

Prospectus Castlewellan Primary School Dear Parent s Guardians s We hope that you will find this prospectus helpful in learning more about our school Here we provide a secure and happy atmosphere in which we offer wide learning opportunities and rich resources for all children As we are permitted to admit only 11 first year pupils each school year you will undoubtedly want your child to benefit from the educational opportunities which we offer so that their precious primary school days are happy productive and memorable Early application is advisable As we believe that close co operation between home and school is vital in your child s development there will be many opportunities for you to share in his her education Dedicated staff a stimulating environment a progressive Board of Governors and your co operation will ensure the best education for your child at Castlewellan Primary School An appointments system to arrange a suitable time for interview is available if you wish to discuss any aspect of your child s development Yours sincerely Mr N S McLean Principal Prospectus

General Information Castlewellan Primary School 2 Church Street Castlewellan BT31 9EG T 028 4377 8541 F 028 4377 1721 Email info castlewellanps castlewellan ni sch uk Website www castlewellanprimary ik org PRINCIPAL Mr N S McLean B Ed AdvCertEd PQH CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS Mr B Truswell Castlewellan Primary School is a controlled coeducational day primary school situated on an elevated site in the picturesque rural town of Castlewellan As well as Mainstream pupils we have a Special Education Unit staffed by our SENCO and classroom assistants These children share a variety of learning experiences with Mainstream pupils through the implementation of a comprehensive inclusive integration programme AREA BOARD The school is under the control of the South Eastern Education and Library Board Grahamsbridge Road Dundonald Belfast BT16 2HS T 028 9056 6200 The Area Board publishes details about education in its area and a copy of this information can be obtained from the above address The school building provides a stimulating learning environment This has been enhanced by a new modern extension which was completed in November 2005 The building now comprises of 4 classrooms school library resources area a reception area multi purpose hall offices canteen servery pupils staff visitors toilets and caretaker s store The school s enrolment number is 78 4 Castlewellan Primary School

Castlewellan Primary School Prospectus 5

Aims and Mission Statement CASTLEWELLAN PRIMARY SCHOOL AIMS To provide a secure and happy atmosphere in which each child s independence will be nurtured and where opportunities are given for each to reach the highest possible level of competence in all curricular areas To provide a broad and balanced curriculum which is relevant to each child s needs so that he she is educated for present and future roles in society commensurate with ability whether academic or practical To develop a school community with moral values based on Christian principles To foster strong supportive links between school parents and the community To provide opportunities for staff development so that each may enhance both personal and pupil s growth 6 Mission Statement Castlewellan Primary School is a happy caring community of learners where all are welcomed and valued Motivating and challenging learners in a creative enjoyable and caring Christian environment Castlewellan Primary School aims to develop thoughtful and responsible young people with high selfesteem and with the motivation skills and knowledge to succeed in life By understanding what our children already know we inspire learning through excellent teaching and a passion for bringing a rich and varied curriculum to life Our school has high aspirations for what our learners can achieve We encourage a love of learning and as a community are committed to every learner s success An innovative and dynamic school Castlewellan Primary School responds positively to the rapidly changing world in which we live We strive to ensure that children develop respect for themselves each other their families our local community and the environment Castlewellan Primary School

Policy on Admissions We encourage prospective parents to visit our school If you would like to come and look around and catch a glimpse of what we get up to at Castlewellan Primary School please phone the school office to make an appointment YEAR 1 INTAKE The criteria will be applied in the order set down by the Board of Governors of Castlewellan Primary School in selecting children for admission to Year 1 in September With these criteria preference will be given to children in special circumstances medical social security where this is supported by satisfactory evidence from the statutory bodies 1 Children of compulsory school age from the school s historic catchment area 2 Children who have a brother step brother sister step sister currently at school 3 Children whose parents guardians attended the school 4 The first child within the family 5 Pupils whose parents guardians are teachers employed in the school 6 Pupils whose parents guardians are otherwise employed at the school 7 Non school age children who meet the above criteria These children will be admitted at the beginning of a school term after their 4th birthday Prospectus YEAR 2 YEAR 7 INTAKE Criteria 1 to 6 as above In the event of over subscription in any one of the above criteria preference will be given to children who live closest to the school as measured by the shortest walking distance JOINING THE SCHOOL LATER ON Sometimes children join the school when the term has started or later on in their school life We make every effort to make sure that they are welcomed looked after and monitored so that they quickly make friends and settle comfortably into school life Teachers give pupils time to settle in before making an assessment of their academic ability This assessment together with records from the previous school will enable your child to have the best start in our school Parents guardians are asked to contact the school if their child has problems settling We promote the partnership with parents guardians 7

First Days PRE SCHOOL HOUSE SYSTEM Before your child begins school talk to him her in a positive manner e g how he or she will play on arrival each morning will look at books and hear stories make new friends and take part in many new experiences Upon entering school each child is allocated to a HOUSE CEDAR red CYPRESS yellow LAUREL green FIRST DAYS Starting school can be an emotional time for some young children It may take a while to feel secure in this new environment Reassuring your child that our school provides a happy family atmosphere should help during this transitional period WHAT DO WE DO AT SCHOOL A week s programme will include most of the following in alphabetical order Art and design Cookery History and Geography Mathematics Music including Recorders and Percussion Physical Education including Swimming Religious Education Science Information and Communication Technology Stories Poetry and Drama Structured Play Talking and Listening Writing and Reading Activities 8 It is school policy to try to group family members in the same HOUSE We operate a House System to help each child learn how to co operate be considerate share interests with others and to promote social and moral awareness of his her responsibility Good House marks are awarded for positive behaviour using initiative showing effort and taking part in House Events Black marks indicate undesirable behaviour and careless attitude Castlewellan Primary School

School Hours and School Uniform SCHOOL HOURS SCHOOL UNIFORM RECEPTION 9 00a m to 12 30p m ALL clothing must be clearly labelled YEARS 1 AND 2 9 00a m to 2 00p m Reception Year 1 and 2 boys and girls Grey school sweatshirt White school polo shirt Plain navy jogging bottoms Velcro shoes trainers Black slip on plimsolls for indoor wear YEAR 3 9 00a m to 2 00p m Tuesdays Wednesdays and Fridays 9 00a m to 3 00p m Mondays and Thursdays YEARS 4 TO 7 9 00a m to 3 00p m SPECIAL NEEDS 9 00 a m to 2 00p m Juniors 9 00 a m to 3 00 p m Seniors So that your child is organised for a prompt start to lessons it is highly desirable that he she arrives just after 8 45a m N B Children will not be supervised before 8 45a m Mid morning break is from 10 45a m to 10 55a m You may wish to provide your child with a light snack Drinks crisps and apples are available to buy during this time We strongly discourage sweets or food which may result in hyper activity Healthy break Wednesdays LUNCH is from 12 30p m to 1 15p m You may either wish to provide your child with a packed lunch or pay for hot dinners Prospectus Years 3 7 On PE Days Grey school sweatshirt White school polo shirt Plain navy jogging bottoms Outdoor trainers Indoor black slip on plimsolls On Non PE Days Formal Uniform Girls grey pinafore skirt royal blue cardigan white blouse school tie white royal blue socks or tights Boys grey trousers white shirt royal blue jumper school tie grey socks Summer Girls may wear pale blue gingham dress please wear navy cycling shorts underneath dress or navy shorts with polo shirt or royal blue cardigan jumper Boys may wear navy shorts and polo shirt Stockists Annett s Newcastle sweatshirts and poloshirts Navy bottoms and shorts can be purchased in most large stores Menus for these are issued to the children at the beginning of each term All children are supervised during this period by the supervisory assistants 9

Transport MORNING NEWCASTLE the 8 35a m bus leaves Newcastle Station 8 20a m from Dundrum and arrives at our front gate at 8 45a m DOWNPATRICK CLOUGH leaves Downpatrick at 8 30a m via Clough and arrives at 9 05a m BRYANSFORD SLIEVENAMAN at 8 15a m arrives in Newcastle to join the 8 35a m to Castlewellan AFTERNOON A Translink bus transports Key Stage One 10 pupils travelling towards Newcastle This is timetabled to leave school at 2 05p m Seniors will use the 3 05p m Translink arriving into Newcastle at 3 15p m Area Board Transport is supplied for the use of our SPECIAL NEEDS children All children are supervised when waiting for this transport at the end of each school day If your child is involved with our extended school day programme i e Bible Club Youth Club Choir or Sporting Activities you must make your own arrangements for homeward travel Castlewellan Primary School

Teaching Staff PERMANENT TEACHING STAFF Mr N McLean B Ed Hons Years 5 7 Mrs P Green B Ed Hons Special Unit Miss J McCaughey B Ed Hons Years 3 and 4 PART TIME TEACHING STAFF Mrs C McKee B Ed Hons Reception Yr1 Yr2 Mrs C Moffett B Ed Reception Yr1 Yr2 Mrs L Forson B Ed Principal Release Years 5 7 YEAR ONE CLASSROOM ASSISTANT Mrs J Wilson ANCILLARY STAFF Miss C McCracken Secretary Mrs B Ross Caretaker Mrs B Ross Supervisory Assistant Mrs O Graham Supervisory Assistant Mrs J Harrison Catering Staff Mrs R Murray Catering Staff SPECIAL NEEDS CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS Mrs J Spence Miss J Bennett Prospectus 11

The Curriculum Our aim is to offer each child a broadly based well balanced curriculum which develops the whole child This is achieved by ensuring that all pupils study the five compulsory Areas of Study and four educational themes set down in the Education Reform Order variety of teaching approaches centred on practical first hand experiences will be employed Activities will be pursued on a class small group and individual basis The spiritual needs of all our children are at the heart of our life at school and reflect its ethos Each Monday Assembly is led by class teachers and children The areas of study are ENGLISH MATHEMATICS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY THE ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY CREATIVE AND EXPRESSIVE STUDIES RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The four Educational themes are CULTURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION FOR MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HEALTH EDUCATION The educational themes are taught as an integral part of the five compulsory Areas of Study Personal qualities of confidence self esteem and consideration of others will be developed alongside competence in the basic skills and a 12 Each Friday Assembly is led by local clergy and or the Principal We see these days of coming together as a whole school as a family occasion where each person s contribution is valued and respected We also invite other people from outside school to take part in our school assemblies from time to time Each Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday religious education is taught in the child s own classroom Religious Education is a compulsory subject on the curriculum That means every school must teach it The content of what we teach is Christian and non denominational If parents do not want their child to be taught our Religious Education programme or to take part in our short acts of worship together they must let the school know by making arrangements to speak to the Principal concerning the matter It is your right to withdraw your child from Religious Education classes Castlewellan Primary School

HOMEWORK We suggest the following Learning at school affects and is affected by learning at home We strongly believe that a close bond between school and home is vital in the growth of our children We hope that you will find the time to supervise homework and to talk to your child about each assignment A quiet area is ideal for this work well away from distractions such as television or loud noises YEARS 2 and 3 should spend no longer than 20 minutes each night on assignments Each homework should be signed by you to show that you have seen the work and endorse its presentation All homeworks will reflect and reinforce current classroom issues Each child will have a daily record of required homeworks These times are related to how efficiently each child works At times some children may daydream and consequently take must longer This should be discouraged A concentrated shorter time is much more valuable Prospectus YEARS 4 and 5 should spend no longer than 40 minutes each night on assignments YEARS 6 and 7 should spend no longer than 60 minutes each night on assignments 13

Extra Curricular Activities 3 00pm 4 00pm We offer four extended school days All children are encouraged to widen their experience by availing of the following activities organised with pupils and parents being given the opportunity to contribute in a variety of ways DELTA MONDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS FRIDAYS BIBLE CLUB YOUTH SPORT YOUTH CLUB SCHOOL CHOIR We also have enthusiastic football and netball inter school games throughout the year Children from Years 3 to 7 have swimming tuition at Down Leisure Centre where at the end of each school year children have the opportunity to achieve awards CYCLING PROFICIENCY Cycling proficiency for children in Year 7 is offered during the Summer Term MUSIC TUITION We have been fortunate enough to secure a violin tutor from the SEELB Music Centre for a number of our pupils If you feel you could contribute to these activities in any way please contact a member of staff YOUR ASSISTANCE WOULD BE GREATLY VALUED CHARITIES Throughout the year we encourage the children to think of those less fortunate than themselves A number of charity events are 14 A Developing Early Learning and Thinking Abilities course is offered to parents of Reception and Primary 1 parents During the five week course topics such as Learning Through Play Sharing Books and Rhymes and Positive Parenting are explored EDUCATIONAL VISITS EMU Over the past number of years we have provided opportunities for children to widen their horizons by visiting cultural and activity centres These are either on a residential or a daily basis Such opportunities enrich the child s personal experiences and develop an awareness of the traditions of others and interdependence of people In the past we have taken children to London Edinburgh York The Isle of Man North Wales and Chester As costs for these venues escalate yearly we decided that primary years will concentrate on local venues such as Ardnabannon Outdoor Pursuits Centre The Share Centre on County Fermanagh and YMCA Greenhill Newcastle Children are also given opportunities to experience the richness of the Arts by visiting and participating in performances at theatres at many local venues and in Belfast Castlewellan Primary School

Continuous and Statutory Assessment At the end of each Key Stage Primary 4 and Primary 7 children are assessed in English and Mathematics by their class teacher Their assessments are confirmed by the use of Assessment Units produced by CCEA The results for each child is expressed in the form of Levels The highest level a child can achieve in primary school is Level 5 A level is roughly equal to 1 5 2 years work Each level is attained when a child has successfully understood and achieved the requirements asked of them in each Attainment Target An overall level or average is then given across the 5 Attainment Targets in Mathematics Processes Number Measures Shape and Space and Handling Data and 3 in English Talking and Listening Reading and Writing The results are processed by CCEA and form part of the reports to parents REPORTS Children s reports will be issued in June and will indicate your child progress If parents wish to discuss aspects of their child s report they can contact the school and make an appointment with the class teacher CURRICULUM PLANNING Regular staff meetings are held to ensure progression continuity and the development of the curriculum DIFFERENTIATION Each teacher will provide a full programme of work for all children in his her class according to the child s ability MONITORING AND EVALUATING ASSESSMENT Each child s progress is continually reviewed and assessed throughout the year Standardised tests and class tests are conducted in January The results of these tests are held centrally and compared with previous years results to assist staff in monitoring pupils progress They are then given to parents at the Parent Teacher interviews in February Prospectus 15

Special Education Needs Where pupils with special education needs are identified they will be allocated individual learning programmes with our special needs teacher Regular monitoring of pupils progress is carried out and home school links and parental consultations are regular features of the school year Where necessary advice and support is sought from the Area Board s Education Psychology Service Castlewellan Primary School also caters for children who are statemented under the SEN Register via our Special Unit A dedicated team of staff under the experienced eye of Mrs P Green SENCO provides both a stimulating and individualised programme for each child within the Unit A comprehensive integration programme within the Creative and Expressive subjects ensures that collegiality and unity both educationally and socially are met SPECIAL NEEDS POLICY Aims 1 To ensure that children with special educational needs are identified and provided with an appropriate form of support or guidance using relevant resources 16 2 To encompass a whole school approach to special needs children which acknowledge the emotional social personal physical and educational needs of the individual child with an emphasis on the development of self esteem 3 To involve parents in the early stages of the identification of special educational needs also any other external agencies such as medical psychological and education services as appropriate 4 To monitor all pupils progress through diagnostic or standardised tests and general record keeping 5 To continue to implement the school s policy of the integration of children with special educational needs within mainstream when this is educationally advantageous for them and for other children Castlewellan Primary School

Pastoral Care Our Pastoral Care policy is centred on the pupil and begins with the induction visit of intending Reception Primary 1 pupils in June prior to commencing school in September The child s class teacher is the person most directly involved with the pastoral care of the children Within the classroom the teacher endeavours to build and sustain a happy and secure relationship with each individual child The education of children is essentially a partnership between home and school The child is the ultimate benefactor when both parties are working in harmony Parents are also encouraged to take a keen interest in the affairs of the school and your attendance at various school functions will be much appreciated We are committed to the welfare nurturing and safekeeping of all children within a secure environment We aim to ensure that those who work with our children know how to handle a situation where a young person is considered to be risk through abuse neglect or injury Children learn and perform best when feeling valued and secure Sometimes children become upset by events inside and out of school for example falling out with friends an illness or death in the family the loss of a pet or the break up of a marriage Please come and let us know if your child needs a little extra support when coping with such anxieties Working together benefits your child and all information shared will be treated in the strictest of confidence In order to care effectively for children especially in an emergency situation it is vital that parents keep the schools informed regarding any change of address telephone numbers or contact numbers Prospectus 17

Health Issues and Caring for Upset Children SCHOOL MEDICAL School Dentist Dental checks are conducted each year in selected classes You will be advised if any treatment is thought to be necessary Illness If your child is feeling ill in the morning it is in the child s interests to keep him her at home If he she is feeling ill when in school we will contact you asking you to take your child home Your child may well have spent an unhappy and uncomfortable time in school unable to participate fully in all the activities He she may also be spreading infection to other children in the class If your child suffers from any complaint which may need special attention kidney complaints asthma epileptic fits nut allergy etc please inform the school so that we can be aware of possible difficulties Please include such information on the Data Capture Form If your child is injured or becomes ill the following procedure will apply An immediate assessment of your child s injury or illness will be made by a First Aid trained staff member If the injury is deemed minor any necessary First Aid or reassurance will be given in school 18 If the injury illness is deemed as needing further attention head injury running temperature etc then immediate contact with parents or named contacts will be made If the school is unable to contact parents or named contacts the children may in exceptional circumstances be taken to a doctor or hospital Otherwise they will be looked after in school until contact can be made In an emergency action will be taken immediately with contact being made later At all times the school considers the health and safety of all its pupils and staff to be of paramount importance UPSET CHILDREN From time to time in children s lives events may take place that are upsetting for them If you are able to share information about your child s personal life with us it can be extremely useful in helping us offer understanding and support This will always be dealt with in the strictest confidence If you think your child is experiencing any kind of difficulty at school or if you have any concerns about aspects of school life then contact the school and arrange an appointment with the class teacher or Principal Castlewellan Primary School

Parental Involvement and Further Information VISITING GROUPS In relation to other planned activities during the school day e g music ensemble drama group magician etc Board of Governors will invite parent to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of providing such activities In respect of voluntary contributions the Board of Governors will take account of the following factors the right for parents to withdraw their voluntary contributions the availability of other sources of funding to subsidise the activity e g school funds Members will be notified by the Association s secretary of meetings social activities and fundraising events EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS It is the policy of the School Board s of Governors that all eligible teachers will have equal opportunity for employment and advancement in our school irrespective if gender marital status disability or race Selection for employment and advancement will be on the basis of ability qualifications and aptitude to carry out the duties of the post FREEDOM OF INFORMATION SCHOOL ASSOCIATION Our Association warmly welcomes all families and friends of Castlewellan Primary School Our long established Association has been actively engaged in such worthwhile activities as FUND RAISING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS INFORMATIVE TALKS PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATIONS FAMILY EVENINGS BARBECUES A close bond has been formed between parents and teachers which helps co operation and respect to flourish We appreciate parental support in helping to supervise many events We encourage all parents and friends to support us in the events we organise If you have a talent or special interest you may wish to consider sharing this with the children This could be negotiated with the Principal Membership is open to parents or guardians of children attending the school members of the teaching staff and friends of the school Prospectus One of the aims of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is that public authorities including all maintained schools should be clear and proactive about the information they will make public The classes of information that we undertake to make available are organised into four broad topic areas School Prospectus information published in the school prospectus Governors Documents information published in the Governors Annual Report and in other governing body documents Pupils and Curriculum information about policies that relate to pupils and the school curriculum School Policies and other information related to the school information about policies that relate to the school in general If you require a paper version of any of the documents within the scheme please contact the school by telephone email fax or letter 19

DESIGNED PRINTED BY SEELB PUBLICATION UNIT Castlewellan Primary School 2 Church Street Castlewellan BT31 9EG T 028 4377 8541 F 028 4377 1721 Email info castlewellanps castlewellan ni sch uk www castlewellanprimary ik org South Eastern Education and Library Board