Return to flip book view

25 Galbally Road, Dromore, Co Tyrone, BT 78 3EE TELEPHONE/FAX 028 8289 8362 E-MAIL ADDRESS info@dromoreps.omagh.ni.sch.uk WEBSITE www.dromoreprimaryschool.co.uk Dear Parent, On behalf of the Staff and Governors of Dromore Primary School, I have great pleasure in presenting you with our school prospectus. Dromore Primary is a co-educational controlled primary school set on the edge of the town of Dromore, Co Tyrone. We have extensive grounds which include a playground with play equipment, an all-weather sports pitch, a sensory garden and a poly tunnel. The grounds are used to enhance the children’s learning. We are an Eco-school and have been awarded our fifth Eco-flag. There are bright, welcoming classrooms off a central resource area, a library and a spacious assembly/dining hall. Dinners are cooked on site. We pride ourselves in having a warm, caring atmosphere. Everyone works together as part of a team and in partnership with parents, to ensure that each child feels happy and secure in their learning. We aim to provide a bright and stimulating learning environment for our pupils. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are currently unable to invite you inside our school building. However, we aim to develop a virtual tour which will be shared on our website in the near future. I hope you find the following information interesting and helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you would like more information. We will be very happy to help answer any questions you may have. Yours sincerely, Mrs G Glass (Principal)

1. To develop the potential of each child in a secure, happy and stimulating environment that encourages a sense of confidence and self-worth. 2. To have a school with a caring ethos and one in which everyone feels included and valued. 3. To provide a variety of positive learning experiences, meeting the requirements of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. 4. To develop, through purposeful activity, the ability to work independently and also in groups in a tolerant and respectful manner. 5. To foster values and attitudes that can be clearly associated with our school; honesty, fairness, responsibility and cooperation. 6. To encourage the moral and spiritual development of each child and to promote respect for diversity and different cultures in our world. 7. To develop an awareness and respect for our immediate environment and the world in which we live. 8. To provide all stakeholders with opportunities to contribute to the development of the school community.

TEACHING STAFF PRINCIPAL MRS G GLASS Y1-2 TEACHERS MRS A TURNER/MRS S LITTLE Y3-4 TEACHER MRS L HEMPHILL/MISS A CLARKE Y5-7 TEACHER MRS G GLASS/MRS J FOSTER (Principal Relief) (STAFFING MAY CHANGE DUE TO PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES) CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS MRS F AINSWORTH SECRETARY MRS M HENDERSON BUILDING SUPERVISOR MR D ARMSTRONG DINNER TIME SUPERVISOR MRS M McGHEE KITCHEN STAFF MRS J BEACOM/ MRS L MOORE BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHAIRMAN REV A QUILL VICE CHAIRMAN MR R THOMPSON SECRETARY MRS G GLASS MRS E KENWELL MR C ARMSTRONG MRS L VIRTUE MRS S LITTLE MR A RUTLEDGE MS J McGIRR One current vacancy on the Board of Governors will be filled in due course.

ADMISSIONS Admissions to Year 1 for the last three years are as follows: 2021 – 2022 – 4 applications - 4 pupils enrolled 2020 – 2021 4 applications - 4 pupils enrolled 2019 - 2020 10 applications - 10 pupils enrolled ATTENDANCE The attendance rate for the year 2020 - 2021 was 96.7%.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA – YEAR 1 The Board of Governors of Dromore Primary School has determined that the following criteria shall be applied in the order set down below in the event of pupils for places in Year 1 being greater than the admissions number. Priority will be given to children resident in Northern Ireland. Applicants should note that they may be required to produce documents verifying their address. 1. Children of compulsory school age will have preference over children of non-compulsory school age. 2. Children who have brothers or sisters presently enrolled at the school. 3. Other children who live nearest the school as measured by shortest walking distance. YEAR 1 ADMISSIONS - AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR Children who apply to enter the school during the academic year will be considered using the same criteria as for Year 1. ADMISSIONS CRITERIA – YEAR 2 – 7 The Board of Governors of Dromore Primary School has determined that the following criteria shall be applied in the order set down below to all pupils seeking admission to Years 2 – 7. Priority will be given to children resident in Northern Ireland. Applicants should note that they may be required to produce documents verifying their address. 1. The school shall not cause or permit the number of registered pupils to exceed the school’s enrolment number as determined by the Department of Education.

2. Pupil’s for whom their admission would not, in the opinion of the Board of Governors, prejudice the efficient use of the school’s resources. 3. Pupil’s for whom their admission would not, in the opinion of the Board of Governors, prejudice the provision of efficient education in the school. In the event of there being more pupils satisfying the last criterion which can be applied then the admission criteria for Year 1 will apply. The criteria will be applied by the Board of Governors.

CURRICULUM CONTENT AND ORGANISATION The school operates within the framework of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and provides stimulating and challenging experiences in the following areas of learning: • Language and Literacy • Mathematics and Numeracy • The World Around Us – History, Geography, Science and Technology • The Arts – Music, Art and Drama Interwoven into these areas of learning are the Cross Curricular Skills of Communication, Using Mathematics and Using I.C.T. • P.E • Religious Education • Personal Development and Mutual Understanding The school strives to develop in the children an enthusiasm for learning and the ability to reach their full potential. Language and Literacy The Literacy curriculum is based upon talking, listening, reading and writing. Our aim is to encourage children to become understanding, independent and fluent readers and writers; also confident speakers who listen carefully. Mathematics and Numeracy Mathematical concepts will be developed with the use of concrete materials and practical methods. The Maths Curriculum includes processes, number, shape and space, measures and data handling. Children should acquire the mathematical skills necessary for life.

The World Around Us Science and Technology Science aims to help children to be aware of and make sense of the world around them and to promote a sense of responsibility for their environment. Technology provides pupils with the opportunity to become more aware of how and why things are made. Pupils participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) challenges which allow them to investigate, solve problems and draw conclusions. History and Geography History allows the children to develop an awareness of the past and of ways it differs from the present. Geography allows them to learn about a variety of environments and to develop skills associated with map work and geographical investigation. The subjects under the title ‘The World Around Us’ will mainly be taught using a topic based approach. This allows teachers to access many different parts of the curriculum using a common theme. It also links different aspects of the children’s learning and allows for flexibility as advocated by the Northern Ireland Curriculum. P.E. Education in P.E. will be delivered through athletics, dance, games, gymnastics and swimming. Participation in sporting and fitness activities is considered very important. We aim to provide coaching in a variety of sports, e.g. by organising coaches to come into school to facilitate, e.g. football, multi-sport. Dance has been enjoyed by all the pupils throughout the school. Key Stage 2 pupils also take part in swimming lessons at Omagh Leisure Complex.

Under normal circumstances, an annual Sports Day is held every June and involves all the pupils and families connected to the school. The Arts Music Children are given the opportunity to make and respond to music with enjoyment and understanding. From Year 4 onwards instrumental tuition in strings is available for those pupils showing special aptitude for music. We usually have a school choir at special times of year, e.g. Christmas. The choir practices after school, as organised. Art Children are given the experience of using an assortment of media, materials and techniques in both two and three dimensions. Drama Children are given the opportunity to dramatize aspects of their work across the curriculum. At different times, for example, Harvest and Christmas, the children are involved in performing; all parents and friends from the school community are invited to school. Personal Development and Mutual Understanding This area of the curriculum educates the children to foster responsible attitudes in matters relating to personal and social development. Using I.C.T. The school recognises that children are growing up in a world in which the use of Information and Communication Technology is playing an increasingly important role. We have a range of computers, iPads, cameras, printers and software that are updated. There are three Interactive White Boards in the school and we teach the use of Information and Communication Technology across the curriculum.

Religious Education The school has a Christian ethos. Religious Education is taught in all the classes and whole school assembly take place every Friday. We invite local clergymen and other visitors to come into school to share in our assemblies. At Dromore Primary every effort is made to encourage the pupils to develop responsible attitudes, tolerance and respect for other people’s religions. Shared Education Dromore Primary School has been involved in a Shared Education Programme over a five-year period (pre-Covid), working with Tummery Primary School, St John’s College and latterly, Drumlish Primary School. There are presently no activities taking place due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. However, the school prides itself in having good relationships with the other schools. Subjects such as Art, Music, ICT and PE/Sport have been part of the programme, as well as a residential trip to Gortatole Outdoor Education Centre for the older pupils. Staff have the opportunity to work together in order to develop areas of the curriculum as part of school improvement. CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS The Education Authority provides a range of specialist facilities and support for children who have been identified as having special educational needs. Children may be identified at a very early age as having a significant learning difficulty that is likely to affect their learning. For the majority of children with special educational needs, the identification will occur after they have started school and parents will be involved at an early stage. The school follows the Education Authority’s policy and procedures in relation to Special Educational Needs. If a child’s difficulties are severe or complex the EA may decide to carry out a full assessment involving all the agencies concerned. In such cases, parents will be consulted throughout the procedure, be asked to contribute information and comment on the assessment and any

statement of their child’s needs which may be subsequently proposed by the EA. The special educational needs of most children are met quite adequately in mainstream school, through the school’s own arrangements, often in consultation with the specialist services of the EA’s Special Needs Department. HOME - SCHOOL CONTACT Parental contact with the school is actively encouraged by the teachers at Dromore Primary. Parental support is essential in working with the school for the child’s benefit. Teachers are willing to discuss any curricular concerns you may have; parent interviews are organised annually in the autumn term and a second interview is offered in the spring term. There is regular contact between home and school via text, newsletter, the SeeSaw app and our Facebook page. This keeps parents informed of forthcoming events and other relevant information. The Foundation Stage also provides a Home Links booklet. Our school website can be accessed at www. dromoreps.co.uk. HOMEWORK Regular homework is given at Dromore Primary School. This usually involves reading, spellings, number facts or tables, and some written work involving Literacy or Mathematics. Homework is important because it allows the child to practise what has been taught in school as well as allowing the parent to see what the child is learning. Online platforms such as Mathletics and Studyladder are also used. Parents are encouraged to take a close interest in their child’s homework and give as much support as possible. PUPIL WELFARE The staff is committed to the safety and well-being of all pupils. Close liaison between staff, parents and other professionals is very important. Parents are always welcome to discuss any concerns they might have with the class teacher or Principal. However, it is recommended that if a lengthy discussion is required an appointment should be made outside of teaching time. Presently, staff are working tirelessly to ensure everything is kept clean in order to keep our school community as safe as possible during the ongoing pandemic.

SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION The welfare and safety of your child is paramount and the school staff has a clearly defined responsibility with regard to child protection. If any member of staff has reasonable grounds for suspecting child abuse they will immediately inform the Principal and Designated Teacher for Child Protection, Mrs Glass or the Deputy Designated teachers for Child Protection, Mrs Turner or Mrs Little. Policies relating to Child Protection are regularly reviewed and updated. SCHOOL’S COUNCIL Representatives from the year groups are voted onto a School’s Council. This Council gives the pupils a voice; an opportunity to discuss general things of importance to the whole school community and to help make decisions about activities we may run in school. ECO-SCHOOL COMMITTEE Each year an Eco-School Committee of pupils and staff consider how to keep our school Eco-Friendly. We encourage recycling, energy saving, composting etc. and aim to teach children to respect their environment inside school and in the wider world. We are proud of our Eco-School status and we use the outdoors to enhance the children’s learning. POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR Positive behaviour in school is fostered by the encouragement of a sense of respect for others and their property, based on self-respect and the growth of self-discipline. Self-discipline and mutual respect is encouraged at all times in school. The principal and staff will consult parents in the event of any serious problems arising with a particular child.

GOLDEN RULES Pupils are taught our Golden Rules as follows: Ø We are gentle. We don’t hurt others. Ø We are kind and helpful. We don’t hurt anybody’s feelings. Ø We listen. We don’t interrupt. Ø We are honest. We don’t cover up the truth. Ø We work hard. We don’t waste our own or others’ time. Ø We look after property. We don’t waste or damage things. CONSEQUENCES FOR WHEN THE SCHOOL RULES HAVE BEEN BROKEN All members of staff encourage the pupils to keep the Golden Rules. Consequently, when a child makes a behavioural mistake, this is dealt with by the staff member calmly using techniques which encourage the child to reflect on his/her behavioural mistake and how to make it right. If a child continues to misbehave after being warned of the consequences, privileges will be withheld and a lunchtime detention may be given. Positive behaviour is encouraged by the use of Golden Time. In the event of persistent bad behaviour, an appointment will be made for the Principal to meet the child’s parents. Together they will discuss the child’s behaviour and how to move forward positively. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS The Board of Governors reserves the right to seek voluntary contributions from parents or others in support of any school activity or for the benefit of the school. Pupils whose parents are either unwilling or unable to make such contributions will not be treated differently. However, the school reserves the right to cancel planned activities if the voluntary contributions are insufficient to meet the cost of the planned activity.

SCHOOL MEALS Excellent school meals are cooked on site. Costs are outlined in the section about money. Children may bring a packed lunch to school. HEALTHY BREAK POLICY As part of our role in promoting a healthy lifestyle the school has adopted a Healthy Breaks policy. This involves the pupils in choosing a healthier option fruit/vegetable and milk/water as their snack during morning break. We also encourage this policy to be considered when making up children’s lunch boxes. CELEBRATING SUCCESS A Celebrating Success leaflet is published regularly. This allows parents an opportunity to see examples of the children actively engaging in their daily learning and some of the achievements they have made. SCHOOL UNIFORM There is a school uniform which is worn by all the children. All children will wear the school sweatshirt bearing the school logo. These are available only through the school. The main order for the sweatshirts is placed in the Spring Term. The school will notify parents who have enrolled children at the school to enable them to place an order in preparation for their child starting. All children must wear black, leather shoes. Following is a list of school uniform requirements:

Year 1 and 2 White polo shirt Girls: navy skirt/ pinafore, white socks or navy tights Boys: Grey trousers Year 3 – Year 7 White polo shirt Girls: Navy skirt, white socks or navy tights Boys: Grey trousers P.E For P.E. all children should wear navy shorts and regulation P.E. T-shirt. Black plimsolls should be worn for general P.E. lessons but trainers may be worn for games further up the school. Navy jogging bottoms may be brought to school but these may only be worn for PE and Games. Please ensure that all items of clothing are named.

GENERAL INFORMATION TRANSPORT The school is presently serviced by four buses, although some children do come to school by car. It is the responsibility of the parents to apply for bus transport for their child. Information can be obtained from the Transport section of the Education Authority ( Omagh office). TIMETABLE The school day starts at 9.05am although it is desirable that children should arrive by 9.00 am in order to prepare for a punctual beginning to the day. Most children are supervised from 8.45am when they arrive but there is provision made for working parents with a drop off time from 8.15am. If parents need to drop off children at this earlier time, this can be facilitated by speaking to the Principal. The morning session lasts until 10.45 am when children are allowed out for break under supervision until 11.00 am. Lunch time is from 12.30 pm until 1.15 pm with the afternoon session beginning at this time. School finishes at 3.05pm and parents who collect children are asked to be punctual. This year, for health and wellbeing purposes, we have lengthened break and lunch time play sessions by 5 minutes. We run a ‘2-3’ Club for Y1/2 pupils at a cost of £2.50 per child per day, Monday – Thursday. Year 1 Pupils – All Year 1 pupils should be collected at 12.30pm up until the Half Term break at the end of October. After Half term they will remain in school until 2.00 pm at which time they should be collected at the Foundation Stage classroom. Year 2 Pupils – Pupils in Year 2 finish school at 2.00pm. ABSENCES Parents should inform the school in the morning if the child is going to be absent from school. In addition the child should bring a note explaining the absence on their first day back at school.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Parents should inform the school if there is any change in the arrangements for their child going home, e.g. going home on a different bus, going home with a friend or someone else collecting them from school. It is vital, for safety reasons, that the parent contacts the school personally, either by note or telephone. MEDICAL SERVICE Children receive a medical from the School Doctor shortly after starting school and from time to time during their stay at school. Parents will be notified about these examinations and will be requested to attend. It is essential that any medical problems concerning your child’s health should be discussed with the Principal or Class Teacher as it will assist us to do the best for your child. All information is treated in confidence. EDUCATIONAL VISITS These are an important part of the school curriculum and are not excursions. Preparation takes a lot of time and the visit is the main part of the work being undertaken. Children may be asked to contribute towards the cost of the visit. BREAKAGES/LOSSES The Board of Governors reserves the right to seek to recover from parents the whole or part of the cost of breakages and losses incurred as a result of a pupil’s behaviour. SPORT/PHYSICAL EDUCATION All pupils from Year 1 – Year 7 participate in some form of physical education for approximately 1 hour per week. In addition the senior classes attend Omagh Leisure Complex for swimming lessons during either the Autumn Term or Spring/Summer Terms. The senior classes also have the opportunity to develop games skills.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS We offer children the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of activities by running after school clubs. In the past these have included the following activities – football, hockey, multi-sport, choir, drama, Jumping Clay gardening and cookery. If any parent has an idea for, or would like to contribute towards running such an activity they are very welcome to contact the school. PARENT SUPPORT GROUP The school has a very active Parent Support Group which supports the school by fundraising through a variety of organised activities. MONEY Money is brought to school for various reasons: Trips: Parents will receive a letter home giving details of the visit and informing them of any cost. Charity: We collect for various charities throughout the year and, again parents will receive prior notification. Uniform Orders: We place our main order for uniform (sweatshirts, PE shirts, coats, hats, PE bags) in the Spring Term. Dinners: Dinner at present costs £2.60 per day and the weekly total of £13.00 should be sent to school each Monday. If a child is absent the correct amount should be deducted from the next week’s dinner money. It is very helpful if money is sent in an envelope with the name of the child and the amount clearly written on it. If possible, dinner money should be sent in

separately as they are paid into different accounts. Money envelopes are available for purchase from the School Office. If paying for dinner by cheque, cheques should be made payable to the Education Authority, Western Region (EAWR).

STARTING SCHOOL – SOME “TIPS” 1. Don’t be surprised if your child says he/she played all day. In the early stages much teaching is done through activities which the child thinks of as play. 2. Don’t expect your child to get a reading book right away. He/she will complete pre-reading activities first. 3. Sleepy children find it hard to settle and learn: make sure your child gets sufficient sleep. 4. Put name tags on his/her belongings. 5. Give your child practice in drawing, colouring, cutting along a line (with round nosed scissors). 6. Make your child aware of the world around him/her. 7. Encourage him/her to tidy up toys after playing. 8. Talk to and listen to you child; e.g. read stories and teach nursery rhymes. 9. First steps in counting can be initiated by asking how much and how many? 10. Make sure children starting school can use the toilet facilities by themselves without any assistance from their teacher.

Learning Outdoors with our Eco-school work

Our Eco-Committee Our School Council

We are able to facilitate activities such as: Dance Multisport Jumping Clay

Other activities: STEM Colin Tinsley – Bible workshops

Harvest Assembly Christmas Plays

Further snap shots of school life: Christmas Jumper Day Fun Day at the end of June 2021 Art work for Remembrance Day Christmas Themed Minecraft Workshop with The Nerve Centre Violin Tuition

Key Stage Two – Marvellous Me Topic Maths Practical Work Gymnastics during P.E. Autumn Pumpkin Trail

Foundation Stage at Dromore P.S. Y.1/2 at work and play

The Foundation stage children learn in many different ways, both inside and outside the classroom. Much of their work is through play and practical activity. Learning at Dromore Primary School is fun!