PROSPECTUS
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Roseacre Junior School
www.roseacre.kent.sch.uk |
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PROSPECTUS
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In 1839, The National School for the Parishes
of Bearsted, Thornham, Debtling, and part of Boxley, was opened on the
original site overlooking The Green in Bearsted. Being a Church Foundation,
the name was changed in due course to Bearsted Church of England School.
In 1972 the school moved to its present site. We are now a community school,
not a Church School, although we maintain strong links with the local
Church. Extensions to the main building have taken place over the years,
the latest being the building of a new library and staff resource area.
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| Our Aims | Class Organisation | Discipline | The Curriculum | Educational Activities and Visits |
| Admissions | Houses | Health & Safety | Homework |
Special Events |
| Beginning School | Home/School Contract | Parental Involvement | Assessment | Curriculum Complaints Procedure |
| The School Day | Absence | Library | Additional Educational Needs | Governors' Charging Policy |
| Lunch Time | Uniform | Roseacre Junior School Association | Year 6 Transfer to Secondary School | 2008 Results of National Testing |
OUR AIMS At Roseacre School we aim to provide a stimulating environment which will meet and challenge each child's individual needs, physically, intellectually and emotionally. We expect good standards of behaviour and respect for the school, its facilities, the adults and each other. Parents and teachers have a shared responsibility in the development of children. We shall, therefore, make every attempt to keep you informed of your child's progress and development throughout their time at the school. ADMISSIONS Parents wishing to send their child to this school may make an appointment to see the Headteacher. Arrangements are always made for parents and children to visit the school prior to admission. New Year 3 children follow an induction programme which commences in the term before they enter the school. There is no automatic transfer from any infant school. The school admits children from many schools. Applications are prioritised according to the school's admission criteria. BEGINNING SCHOOL We aim to provide as smooth a transition as possible for the children joining us from other schools. Year 3 children joining the school in September are invited to visit school during the term before they are due to start which gives them an opportunity to become acquainted with their new surroundings. Parents will also have the opportunity to visit the school. Parents are invited to bring children straight into the classroom on the first morning of term. The children are encouraged to develop their
skills of self organisation and independence. They are expected to remember
games kit, homework etc on the appropriate day. They are expected to show
a degree of common sense and an ability to think for themselves when dealing
with every day situations and experiences which arise naturally during
the course of life at school. We expect all the children to be able to dress themselves unaided and reasonably quickly. They should be able to cope with top buttons, shoe laces, buckles and ties (if not using a clip-on tie). It is a great help to the class teacher if they know when, and how, to use a handkerchief. All children are expected to be polite and courteous both to adults and to their peers. They should be able to listen quietly when another person is speaking and show co-operation and helpfulness. THE SCHOOL DAY Times of School 8.45 a.m. - 3.15 p.m. The children gather in the playground, under the supervision of a teacher from 8.35 am. They then go into class at 8.45 am for registration. If wet, the children go straight into class. Once the school gate has been closed all children must enter school via the office. Each year group has a home playground but rotate the playgrounds used on a daily basis. A healthy snack of fruit or vegetables is allowed at morning break. Lunch is taken in two sittings and your child will be informed which sitting he/she should attend. The rest of the lunch break is for play either on the playgrounds or the field, if the weather is fine. Assemblies are held daily. If for any reason you wish your child to be withdrawn from this activity, please inform the Headteacher. Parents meet their children after school at the meeting point just inside the main gates. If there is an unexpected change in the arrangement for the collection of children at the end of the school day, please ring school with the details which will be passed on to the child. Parents should not bring cars on to the school site. At the end of the day children should remember to take everything they need home with them. For security reasons children should not return for forgotten items as teachers may already have left their classrooms. LUNCH TIME The school operates a Cash Cafeteria system. All food is prepared on the premises and the children may choose from a main course and sweet or a snack option. The quality of food is constantly being monitored and there is an excellent choice of healthy options. The school has been awarded Healthy School's status. School lunches will cost £2.00 per day from September 2009. The exact money should be sent, please, in a purse or sealed envelope bearing your child's name and class clearly marked. The children are responsible for looking after this money until lunchtime. A choice of meal is available. Individual prices as from September 2009 are given below: Main meal only £1.25 Weekly menus are displayed in the classroom, notice-board, reception area and on the website. Children may, if they wish, bring a packed lunch
to school to be eaten at lunchtime. This should be in a container bearing
your child's name and this will be stored on a trolley until lunchtime.
Liquids should be brought only in securely sealed plastic containers -
no fizzy drinks are allowed. It is advisable for parents to consider using
insulated containers for packed lunches. CLASS ORGANISATION The composition and size of classes will be reviewed each year and necessary changes made as appropriate. This is because the numbers in each age group do not remain constant. There are currently 3 classes in Years 3, 4 & 5 and 4 classes in Year 6. HOUSES The children are placed in one of four houses representing local history. BERTIE Brothers and sisters usually become members of the same House. House points are awarded by class teachers. Merit stickers are also awarded by staff and placed on a Merit Card. When complete, this results in the award of a Merit Certificate. Annual awards of cups and shields are made for a wide variety of achievements. HOME/SCHOOL CONTRACT In line with Government legislation, a Home/School Contract will be issued in September each year. This is to be signed by the pupil, school and parent/guardian. ABSENCE Government regulations regarding absence are strict. It is a statutory requirement that all absences are logged and appear as a record on children's reports. Attendance is kept by a computerised system which logs absence and lateness. Records are sent to the DCSF. We would ask parents to ring each day to report their child's absence even if the child has been sent home by the school. This is to ensure your child's safety. If the school has not been notified of a reason for absence, parents will be contacted each day. It is essential that, on their return to school, parents send in a written note with the child explaining the reason for their absence, as without a note the absence may have to be logged as unauthorised. Children who achieve 100% attendance in a year receive a certificate at the end of the year. The Governors of the school do not advocate children being away from school for any reason other than medical. If leave of absence is unavoidable, Leave of Absence forms are available from the school office and on the school website. We would be grateful if you would co-operate with us in the following ways: 1. Complete the emergency/medical form given to you when your child is admitted, giving full details of your address and telephone number throughout the day. If you move house within the locality or change contact numbers, please complete another form. This is essential should we need to contact you during school hours. 2. Give warning if your child has an appointment with the doctor or dentist, especially if it involves cancelling or ordering lunch. UNIFORM School uniform is smart, functional and competitively
priced. All children are asked to wear school uniform. There is a detailed uniform list available from the school and on the website. DISCIPLINE Roseacre School is a community and has codes of conduct and rules of procedure. Boundaries of acceptable behaviour are set. There is parental participation in promoting high standards and the school seeks to foster good home/school links. This encourages a climate of trust. All children are expected to behave in a responsible manner both to themselves and to others, showing consideration, courtesy and respect for others at all times. Praise and rewards are used throughout the school. There are sanctions for unacceptable behaviour. The headteacher is responsible for implementing the school's policy on discipline. This policy involves the commitment of all adults and children. There is a firm and patient insistence on high standards and good manners. There is a hard-working team of adults setting high standards for themselves and pupils. The school endeavours to provide a good physical environment, which the pupils respect. Teachers create attractive classroom environments in which pupils can take pride in ownership. The premises are kept clean and tidy. The school fosters the personal and social development of pupils and places emphasis on trust, self-discipline, responsibility and respect. The headteacher will inform parents of any serious misdemeanour. In accordance with the law, no corporal punishment is used. The school operates a policy on discipline and there is a documented approach to bullying, both verbal and physical, should it arise. Each class nominates two children as class representatives to the School Council who meet together regularly. These meetings are minuted and action is taken on any points of concern raised by the children. The school operates a policy of Child Protection under the auspices of the Headteacher and Mrs. A. Chattenton, the designated Child Protection Officer. HEALTH AND SAFETY Throughout the Junior School, children may undergo various checks concerned with sight, hearing and teeth. Parents are informed if any problems occur and the children are referred for further treatment. Should your child be required to take medicine or any form of medication during the school day, and is well enough to attend school, a Medicine Record Form MUST be completed and returned to the school office indicating your child's name and dosage that is required. Only medication to be taken four times a day should be brought into school. All medicines, tablets etc should be in the prescribed container with the original label, clearly labelled with the child's name and deposited in the school office at 8.45 a.m. and collected at 3.15 p.m. Children requiring dosage during the day are expected to report to the medical room at the appropriate time. Parents will readily appreciate that the safeguarding of medicine is an essential precaution, taken in the interests of the safety of children. The school employs a trained First Aid Officer, Mrs Bunn, who oversees medical and accident procedures. All accidents are logged. Parents will be advised in the case of more serious injuries by telephone or in writing. Parents need to inform Mrs Bunn if their child requires an inhaler in school. Children are expected to be responsible for their own named asthma inhalers, containers are available at play and lunchtime for children who find storage of inhalers difficult at these times. When a child is ill the school always attempts to contact a parent, so please do make sure that your current home and business telephone numbers and also an emergency number are logged at school. Children who need to leave school for a medical/dental appointment may only do so if collected by a known adult from the school office. On their return to school they should report to the office. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Roseacre sees education as a partnership between school and home. Parents are always welcome in school. Many parents are able to offer the school active help in the form of help in the classroom, accompanying children on school visits and supporting events. All parents helping in any form need to be CRB checked. This can be organised through the school office. Open Evenings and Consultation Evenings take place, together with annual written information concerning pupils' progress. Newsletters are sent to parents. LIBRARY A new library was built in the summer of 2005. The Parents' Association supported this venture by providing money for furniture, books and equipment. By being in the heart of the school, the library will be available for use by all children. Parents are welcome to accompany their children to visit the library after school on Thursdays. ROSEACRE JUNIOR SCHOOL ASSOCIATION Roseacre School has an active Parents' Association. This is involved with fund-raising and social activities. The support of this Association means that the school is able to provide the children with many extra amenities, the most recent being the funding of an adventure playground. Events are organised throughout the year by the Parents' Association Committee. This is elected at the AGM in the Autumn Term. THE CURRICULUM The Curriculum of this school is founded on The National Curriculum and seeks to provide a broad and enriching experience for all children. Areas may be taught as discrete subjects or as cross curricular topics. The subjects taught are:
The school follows the guidelines in the Primary Strategy as stated in the renewed framework. The school uses some reading scheme books in some year groups plus many story books. Children are encouraged to take their reading books home and parents are asked to share their child's reading experience. The school uses The Nelson Handwriting Scheme and all children are taught this type of script. Children are encouraged to write freely, both in poetry and prose. They are encouraged to talk and discuss and to develop confidence in oral work. NUMERACY The school follows the guidelines in the Primary Strategy as stated in the renewed framework. The range of work covered includes the following mathematical concepts: place value, calculations, measurement, shape and space, data handling and the use of calculators and computers. Children will also apply their knowledge to investigations, problem solving and practical mathematical topics. Children need to know their tables. Setting in mathematics takes place in all year groups. SCIENCE Science in the school is taught through National Curriculum themes. It is presented in a way that encourages an investigative and practical approach and links with the local area where appropriate. The school has developed a planned and systematic science curriculum which will enable all children to progress in knowledge, skills and scientific concepts. INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (I.C.T.) Pupils are given experience in the following areas: basic skills, research and e-awareness, handling data, modelling and simulation, control and sensing, and communication. I.C.T. is used across the curriculum with links made to other topics. The I.C.T. suite has thirty-five networked computers that offer pupils access to a wide variety of software and web based applications. In addition, banks of computers are available around the school to enable children to use ICT as part of their learning across the curriculum. Each pupil has his/her own password and hard disc space to save work. Members of staff monitor all work undertaken in ICT. Internet access is filtered and unsuitable sites blocked. Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard. HISTORY The work covered in history is broken into topic-based activities based on the National Curriculum programmes of study. History is taught through a method of enquiry which helps to develop thinking skills. Pupils are encouraged to research and record their studies through reading, writing, art, drama, discussion and debate. GEOGRAPHY Pupils begin by familiarising themselves with
their new school environment before proceeding to look at the wider locality.
Later topics focus on world issues. These aim to help pupils gain an understanding
of the relationship between people and places, gain a respect for different
cultures and the environment and an understanding of physical and human
features. ART AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY The children are given every opportunity to work with the widest possible variety of materials, developing skills and techniques as they do so. They are encouraged to develop critical skills, evaluating both their own work and cultural and historic work by famous artists. Observation and presentation are taught. Children are given experience of designing, testing and refining projects. MUSIC All classes follow a structured syllabus of music education which includes singing a wide variety of songs, playing classroom instruments, learning the basics of musical theory and some history of Western music and composers. An important part of this learning is listening and composing their own music. The school is fortunate in being able to call
upon the resources of Kent Music School to provide individual and group
lessons in piano, violin, cello, guitar, flute and clarinet, keyboard
and all brass instruments. The school orchestra, also run by Kent Music
School, is open to all year groups depending on the proficiency of the
individual child. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The school has strong links with the churches in the community. The school follows the Kent Agreed Syllabus for R.E. This covers a variety of world religions. Arrangements can be made, by appointment with the Headteacher, if children need to be withdrawn from R.E. P.E. AND GAMES All children are expected to take part in P.E. and games and to change into the appropriate kit. The school has a full range of indoor and outdoor facilities. Boys and girls alike have the opportunity to take part in all activities. Swimming takes place each Wednesday at Mote Park Swimming Pool for year 3 pupils. We ask for the cost of this to be met by the parents of children taking part. MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (MFL) All children follow a structured course in French with a focus on oral skills in year 3 including reading and writing as the children move towards year 6. Children also learn about the culture of France and other European countries. In addition some children learn French at French Club. Other languages including Latin and Spanish are studied in small groups led by visitors to the school and through a link with King's School, Rochester. Roseacre works in partnership with a school in Lille and some children from Lyon visit each year. PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION (PSHE) All children cover a range of topics in PSHE and these often link with other curriculum areas. Positive attitudes to health are encouraged
through science, P.E. and games. Children are also given advice concerning
their personal safety. The school encourages a listening attitude towards children, fostering the growth of confidence to communicate and encourages children to develop a caring attitude towards others. If significant behavioural changes are noted in children, parents will be consulted. All staff are aware of the rare possibility of problems arising and are trained in Child Protection Procedures. Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) The Governors have agreed that there will be a programme of Sex Education in the school. The school undertakes Sex Education in order to prepare children for adulthood as part of a wide-ranging Health Education Programme but it does so in the belief that much of the child's attitude and knowledge comes from his/her own parents. The teaching covers both the physical and emotional changes that occur in young people's development through the use of videos and class discussion. There is a programme of SRE in each year group, but parents do have the right to withdraw their child after discussion with the class teacher. The School Nurse is directly concerned with specific teaching in Year 6, which is carried out in mixed or single sex groups, as deemed appropriate. HOMEWORK Homework is an essential part of a child's education. It helps him/her to learn independently and it enriches and extends the curriculum. The amount of time taken to complete homework will vary between individuals, as some children work more quickly than others. Teachers always attempt to set reasonable and realistic homework. Homework timetables for each year group will be sent to parents near the beginning of the year. Homework diaries are available for all children and these should be brought home each day. As children move through the school, homework will change and increase. Homework is work set to be completed outside the teaching lessons. It complements and reinforces work done in school and may be the completion of work started in school. Homework is set throughout the week. Children usually have several days to complete each task. In Year 3 homework will mainly consist of reading, spelling, tables, numeracy and occasional research for projects. In Year 6 this will have extended to include major pieces of work. Advice and encouragement from home is vital, and parents are asked to satisfy themselves that homework has been completed. Please ensure children have conditions in which to work which are conducive to study i.e. away from the television. Parents and teachers need to work together. This partnership is to ensure that children make the most of their abilities. ASSESSMENT There is a continual programme of assessment
throughout a child's time at Roseacre. Teacher assessment and a careful
monitoring of progress are recorded. Parents are kept fully informed at
Consultation Evenings. English and Maths are tested annually in the summer
term. Teacher marking and assessment gives children positive criteria to help future learning. Year 6 children undergo Key Stage 2 statutory
SATs in May, and these results form the basis of future assessment at
secondary schools. Children with additional educational needs (including gifted and talented or SEN) are identified by the teachers and their needs are catered for as appropriate. The school subscribes to various professional organisations in relevant areas. YEAR 6 TRANSFER TO SECONDARY SCHOOL There are opportunities for parents and children to visit the local Secondary Schools in order to make informed choices of the most suitable school for their child's secondary education. Some children will be best suited to a place at a grammar school and others as suited to a high school. The Headteacher holds a meeting to discuss the transfer procedure with year 6 parents. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND VISITS A full range of clubs operate at the school, either during the lunch hour or after school. These include recorders, sports, etc. A full programme for these and the times will be issued at the beginning of the year, this is dependent upon the adults in the school being willing to run clubs. Educational visits, which we make throughout the academic year, are an important feature of our working programme. These are intended to offer the children a range of first hand experiences, which can then be followed up by the school. Authorisation sheets are provided for parents to sign whenever their children are scheduled to go on a visit which takes them away from the school area. For details of charging for activities and events please see the section headed: CHARGING POLICY. A residential visit takes place in England which usually involves outdoor pursuits. SPECIAL EVENTS Throughout the year, there may be special events
taking place in the school:- There will also be out of school events in which
the school may take part if relevant personnel are available:- CURRICULUM COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE The Education Reform Act makes provision for parents to express any concerns they may have about the curriculum or religious education. If you have such a concern you should first discuss it informally with the Headteacher. If you are still concerned you should write to the Chairman of Governors asking that your complaint be considered by the Governing Body. It is the wish of the Governors that any complaint is dealt with as quickly as possible. The Headteacher will always advise you about the procedure. GOVERNORS' CHARGING POLICY School Trips It is the policy of the school to deliver the main elements of the National Curriculum within the confines of the site. There is a policy of enhancing and enriching the National Curriculum by visits and activities that are valuable educational experiences. These will take place off-site. Such activities form an essential part of an extended curriculum and may give rise to extra costs, which will need voluntary contributions from parents. No child will be excluded from an activity because his or her parents cannot make a contribution. Parents are invited to approach the Headteacher in confidence if there is difficulty in making a voluntary contribution. Visits may be cancelled if insufficient voluntary contributions are made. All visits and activities organised by the school are subject to the strictest safety requirements set by the Governors with Government Health and Safety regulations being regarded as a minimum. Such safety requirements may affect the cost of the trip. Residential Trips The school organises a residential trip. The activities undertaken in this trip are carefully researched and checked by Staff and Governors and comply fully with Government requirements. Such visits are extensions of the normal curriculum and parents are asked to make contributions towards the costs. Swimming The National Curriculum requires that all children should be able to swim 25 metres at Key Stage 2 and the school organises swimming lessons for all children in Year 3. Swimming lessons are organised by the LA as a package from Mote Park Swimming Baths. The school has bought in extra facilities to improve the safety requirements. In addition the school purchases extra instructors at the baths, and provides a `First Aider' to accompany each group. These extra safety requirements increase the cost of the lesson to beyond the minimum payment. The arrangements for providing swimming lessons are reviewed by staff and Governors annually. Music Lessons The Law states that charges may be made for individual or group music lessons which are over and above the National Curriculum. Music lessons are provided by Kent Music School on a variety of instruments. Charges are levied by KMS and paid directly to them. Materials No charge is made for books and materials used by children in school, although children may prefer to use their own stationery items. In addition no charge is made for specialist equipment used in such activities as Technology and Creative Days etc. Children are allowed to keep items produced at no cost. If any school equipment or furniture is damaged as a result of pupils' behaviour, parents may be asked to pay all costs involved. Governors review their policy on charging annually.
Local Authority Level 4+ Level 5 English 78% 29%
Level 4+ Level 5 |
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