Get documents about "School Brochure September 2009 complete copy
Document Sample
Dear Parents
I would like to welcome you and your family to Western House Primary
School. We are all looking forward to getting to know your child and
you.
We know that this is a very big step for your child to take, and you may
be feeling a little anxious about it. We hope that the information
meeting, and this welcome pack, will help to give the information you
need to prepare you and your child for joining our school family.
If you have any concerns at any time, please do not hesitate to come
and talk about your worries with one of our staff.
Western House Primary School is recognised by its parents, pupils and
the wider community as a good school. We celebrate the diversity of
our pupils and value the contributions made by every individual
regardless of race, gender, religion or disability. We are sure your
child will do very well and will have a happy time here with us.
Kind regards
Gill Bodman
Parents & Friends Association
Western House Primary School
welcomes you to
The Parents & Friends Association
as you are now a member
Please! Please! Come and join us
to meet the other members of
the PAF
We raise lots of money So come
and support your child’s school
For more details contact Helen Haines or Lea Miller
Via the school office or via e-mail
Policies and Practices
Admissions Policy
Our admissions policy is set by Slough LEA in line with 1988 Education
Act. At Western House Primary School we can accommodate up to 60
children in each year group. The nursery offers 30 morning and
afternoon places. Application forms are available at the school office.
Children attending Western House Nursery need to apply in the normal
way for a place in full—time school.
In the case of over subscription the following criteria is followed for
school admission:
I) Children with special needs
2) Children living within the designated area
3) Children with siblings attending school
4) Children living outside the designated area
Appeals
Should an application be refused parents have the right to appeal
through application to the admissions officer at Slough Town Hall.
The School Day
The start of the school day is 9.00 a.m.
The end of lessons — 3.15 p.m. for Reception and
3.25p.m. for the rest of the school.
The children will come out shortly after these times.
Please make sure your child arrives at school on time and you are waiting
to collect him/her at the end of the day.
Children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 are not to be left unattended in the
playground before school opens.
Absence from school
IMPORTANT – Please let us know before 9.30 a.m. on the first day of
absence if your child is ill or will be away from school for any other
reason. The school will telephone or text you on the first day of
absence if we do not receive notification for absence. If your child is
taken ill in school or has an accident we call parents as soon as
possible, so please make sure we have up to date emergency contact
numbers.
Please let us know if your child suffers from a medical condition such
as asthma, eczema or food allergy. If your child needs regular
medication we will ask you to complete a medication form. We are not
able to administer non-prescription medicine.
Family holidays during term time
The Governors of this school have adopted Slough Borough
Council’s Policy. This states that there should only be a single leave of
absence in exceptional circumstances while a child is at primary school
(5 – 11)
It is the policy of this school not to authorise any absence from school
other than for sickness. Should you take holiday during school time
you must complete a request for leave form obtainable from the office
at least a month before date of leave. Pupils must return to school on
the date stated on the form; failure to do so may result in your child
being removed from roll. If there are exceptional circumstances
causing the need to take leave during term time please make an
appointment to meet with the head teacher.
Health and Safety
All reasonable steps are taken to ensure the care and safety of your child
whilst on school premises during the school day. Guidelines we issue
regarding the school rules, jewellery, medicines and discipline have been
devised with your child’s health and safety in mind. We endeavour to ensure
adequate supervision for all activities which have been arranged by school.
Sometimes, particularly for school trips we ask for parental participation.
1. Jewellery
In recognition that so many children now have pierced ears small stud
earrings only are allowed. However all other jewellery should not be worn to
school at any time. If earrings cannot be removed for P.E. and Games then an
adhesive plaster must be supplied from home to cover the ears.
School cannot accept any responsibility for any jewellery worn to school.
2. Cars and dogs
You may park on school premises in the red zone only. Please do not park
directly outside the school gates on the double yellow lines. You are also
allowed to park in the community centre car park which is around the corner.
Dogs are not allowed on site (except guide dogs) for obvious reasons.
3. Cycling
Parents take full responsibility for their children cycling to school. Cycles may
be left at school providing they are adequately padlocked. Please supervise
your children whilst in the playground. For safety reasons the riding of
cycles, scooters and skates around the playground is not allowed at any time.
4. Climbing Frames
Please note that the climbing frames are for use during school break times
only. PLEASE keep your younger siblings off the climbing frames at all times
whilst waiting for brothers or sisters.
5. School gardens
We try very hard to keep the school grounds attractive, tidy and clean and
therefore ask that you are careful with your litter and stop your children from
running over the gardens and raised box areas. Thank you.
Charging Policy for School Activities
Parents will be invited to make voluntary contributions for any visits or
journeys organised by the school of an educational nature. Any parent
who may find it hard to meet the level of contribution should meet
with the Headteacher. The school reserves the right to determine
whether the level of voluntary contribution is sufficient to enable the
activity to take place. We welcome help from the parents on our trips.
There will be requests for small contributions towards the cost of
cooking and finished art work. This will be organised through year
group teams.
There may be occasions where school property is lost or broken
(windows, books, equipment). The school will ask for the parents of
the child responsible to contribute to the cost of replacement.
School meals
The children have the opportunity to have a school
meal which is cooked on the premises. The school is keen to provide a
nourishing, healthy lunch and is able to offer a choice of a fresh meat
and vegetarian main course served with fresh vegetables or salad and
dessert daily. Milk or water is always available. The cost of a school
meal at present is £1.86 per day. We do anticipate an increase from
September, which we will inform you of. You are free to provide a
packed lunch for your child but it must follow the school food policy
this means that crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks are not allowed.
Experienced lunchtime controllers supervise the children and there is
always a teacher available.
Proof of the right to claim a free meal must be brought to the office on the
first day of every new term.
Lost property
We strongly suggest that all items of clothing are clearly labelled with
your child’s name. It is extremely difficult to match school uniform to
an individual if it is not marked with a name. All items of clothing that
are lost are placed in the lost property box and parents are free to
check for items of lost clothing at the beginning or end of the school
day.
Western House Primary School
Home School Agreement
The governors and staff aim to ensure that all children are given the best
possible opportunity to succeed and we believe that the best way to achieve
this is through close co-operation between home and school. We want
parents to feel welcome in the school and involved in their child’s education.
School will:
Encourage children to do their best at all times by setting high
expectations of behaviour and academic achievement
Ensure a safe and stimulating environment
Encourage children to have respect for adults and their peers
Inform parents of their child’s progress at regular meetings and by
annual written reports
Keep parents regularly informed about what the teachers aim to teach
the children each term
Provide appropriate and relevant homework
Be approachable and deal with concerns as quickly and effectively as
we can
The school requests the right to share information when it is in the
best interest of the child or young person, this includes at Multi
agency meetings
Parents will:
Make sure children arrive at school between 8.50 and 9.00 a.m.
Make sure children are collected promptly at 3.15 p.m. & 3.25 p.m.
Make sure children attend school regularly
Notify the school of reasons for absence on the first day of absence
Attend parents’ evenings and other discussions about my child’s
progress
Support the work of the school through encouragement, praise and
help with homework and other activities
For safety will not allow your child to ride around the playground on
bicycles, tricycles, skateboards, scooters or roller blades.
Support school policies
Children will try their best to keep the school’s rules including:
Taking good care of school equipment and building
Doing their homework
Trying their best at all times
Observing school and classroom rules
Being polite, helpful, kind and friendly
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Childs Name:…………………………………………………
Signed: School Parent………………………………….
Please sign and return to school
I agree to support my child by signing the Home School Agreement.
Dear Parents
At Western House Primary School we ask that all parents kindly make a
contribution to our school fund. The money helps to provide all sorts
of extras for the children, such as visiting performers and artists. This
provides a wonderful enrichment for the children’s interest and
enjoyment and it would be sadly missed if we unable to continue to do
this.
We ask for a donation of £10 per year which is payable in September
but you can pay £5 per term if you prefer.
If you are willing to generously subscribe to school fund, please
complete the form below and return with your donation.
Thank you
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Western House Primary School Fund
Name of child………………………………………………. (please print)
I am willing to contribute £……………. to school fund.
Signed ……………………………………… parent / guardian
Free School Meals
If you claim income support or are in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance
your child may be entitled to a daily free school meal.
At the beginning of every term you will need to bring proof, in the
form of your income support book or a letter confirming you are
receiving Job Seekers Allowance. If there is no evidence to support the
claim, forms are available in school, which must be signed by the
Benefits Agency / Jobcentre.
Once a year we will require you to complete a new Application form
for free school meals.
Please note that the school will make a claim for any meals not
covered by your free school meals application.
School colours: burgundy, pale blue and grey
Boys Girls
Grey (not black) trousers Grey (not black) skirts
Grey trouser are permitted
Burgundy jumpers Burgundy jumpers
Burgundy sweatshirts Burgundy cardigans or
jumpers
Pale blue shirts/polo shirts Pale blue blouses/polo shirts
School tie* (optional) School tie* (optional)
Grey shorts for summer Pale blue/white check
dresses for Summer
Old shirt for Art/Craft Old shirt for Art/Craft
For P.E. and Games
Burgundy or black shorts Burgundy or black shorts
Burgundy or pale blue T-shirt Burgundy or pale blue T-shirt
Trainers (for outdoor sport) Trainers (for outdoor sport)
Plimsolls or trainers (indoor) Plimsolls or trainers (indoor)
Tracksuit or jogging bottoms Tracksuit or jogging bottoms
and sweat top (Year 3) and sweat top (Year 3)
Footwear
Boys-Flat black shoes or sandals in the summer
Girls-Flat black shoes or may wear white or navy sandals in summer
Socks must be worn with all footwear
No coloured trainers of any kind
Trainers may only be worn during P.E. and games.
*Obtainable from the School office
PLEASE LABEL ALL CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME
Western House Primary School
Homework Policy
Reception
School reading books are changed regularly to be read with an adult at
home.
Reception children change their library books each week.
Children are also given key words to learn.
Each week they are asked to complete a numeracy or literacy sheet.
Year 1
School reading books are changed regularly with adult supervision.
The children are able to change their library books each week.
Children complete a spelling sheet for a weekly test.
A numeracy activity, linked to the week’s work, is sent home.
Year 2
Children change their own reading books with guidance from teachers
and support staff.
Library books are changed weekly.
A spelling sheet is taken home with a list to learn for a weekly test.
A numeracy activity, linked to the week’s work, is sent home once a
week.
Year 3, 4 & 5 (In year 3, 4 & 5 if homework is not completed on time teachers
may ask pupils to miss their playtimes in order to complete the work)
Reading for improvement and enjoyment.
Learning spellings for weekly test.
Learning multiplication tables.
Consolidation activities related to Numeracy and Literacy.
Research.
In all years children will be asked, from time to time, to complete small pieces of research for
history, geography, science and other subjects.
Homework should be enjoyable and should last between 15 & 20 minutes and no longer than
30 minutes a night.
WESTERN HOUSE PRIMARY SCHOOL
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Our Special Educational Needs Policy recognises the important statutory
duties we have towards pupils with special needs:
To ensure all children are given equal opportunities to reach their
full potential.
To enable all children to have full access to all elements of school
life as far as possible.
To ensure that children are identified as having a special
educational need, assessed and provided for as early as possible.
To ensure parents are consulted and informed at every stage.
The full policy is available from the office.
Children in this school are allocated resources and teaching support on a
needs-basis, as identified by school and the Code of Practice. These
children may be taught for some time individually or in a small group.
Progress is reviewed each term and parents are actively involved. Children
receiving extra support and are classed as having a special educational
need will have an Individual Educational Plan (I.E.P.) which sets out a
teaching programme and pupil’s targets.
The Deputy Head has overall responsibility for arranging and monitoring
all SEN provision in the school. The school also has a designated
governor for SEN responsibility: Mr. Geoff Howard. He can be contacted
via the school office. Our teachers and teaching assistants have a great
deal of experience and expertise in supporting children with special
educational needs of many kinds.
Western House Primary School is committed to providing more than the
statutory provision for supporting children with additional needs and we
have been recognised for the high level of inclusion we achieve.
Western House Primary School
Bullying – A Charter for Action
We are working with staff, pupils and parents to create a school community
where bullying is not tolerated.
Our school community
Discusses, monitors and reviews our anti – bullying policy on a
regular basis.
Support staff to identify and tackle bullying appropriately.
Ensure that pupils are aware that all bullying concerns will be dealt
with sensitively and effectively.
Report back quickly to parents/carers regarding their concerns on
bullying.
Seeks to learn from anti – bullying good practice elsewhere and
utilises the support of the LEA and relevant statutory / voluntary
organisations when appropriate.
Western House Primary School
Acceptable Usage School Policy
Pupil access to the Internet
Adopted: March 2007
The school encourages use by pupils of the rich information resources available on
the Internet, together with the development of appropriate skills to analyse and
evaluate such resources. These skills will be fundamental in the society our pupils
will be entering.
On-line services significantly alter the information landscape for schools by
opening classrooms to a broader array of resources. In the past, teaching and
library materials could usually be carefully chosen. All such materials would be
chosen to be consistent with national policies, supporting and enriching the
curriculum while taking into account the varied teaching needs, learning styles,
abilities and developmental levels of the pupils. Internet access, because it may
lead to any publicly available site in the world, will open classrooms to electronic
information resources which have not been selected by teachers as appropriate for
use by pupils.
Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation of
citizens and future employees during the coming Information age. The school
expects that staff will begin to investigate possibilities and blend use of such
information as appropriate within the curriculum and that staff will provide
guidance and instruction to pupils in the appropriate use of such resources. Staff
will consult the ICT co-ordinator for advice on content, training and appropriate
teaching levels consistent with the school’s ICT programme of study.
Independent pupil use of telecommunications and electronic information resources
is not advised and will only be permitted upon submission of permission and
agreement forms by parents of pupils.
Access to on-line resources will enable pupils to explore thousands of libraries,
databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with people throughout
the world. The school believes that the benefits to pupils from access to
information resources and increased opportunities for collaboration exceed the
disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for
setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using
media and information sources. To that end, the school supports and respects each
family's right to decide whether or not to apply for independent access.
The school’s ICT co-ordinator has prepared appropriate procedures for
implementing this policy and for reviewing and evaluating its effect on teaching
and learning.
Internet Parent Permission Letter Key Stage1
Dear Parent,
Internet Permission Form
As part of the school’s ICT programme we offer pupils supervised access to the Internet,
which will enable pupils to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards
whilst exchanging messages with other Internet users throughout the world. Pupils
benefit from access to the Internet in the form of information resources and opportunities
for collaboration.
During school, teachers will guide pupils toward appropriate materials. Pupils’ access to
the Internet is always supervised. Also, we use an Internet Service Provider that filters
out all undesirable web pages, ensuring children can not access anything inappropriate.
We would be grateful if you would complete the permission form that follows, giving
permission for your child to use the Internet in school.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Gill Bodman
Headteacher
Please complete and return this form to school
Parent
I grant permission for my child to use electronic mail and the Internet.
Parent Signature ………………………………….. Date ___/___/___
Name of Pupil …………………………………….
Class ……………………………….
Internet Parent Permission Letter Key Stage 2
Dear Parent,
Internet Permission Form
As part of the school’s ICT programme we offer pupils supervised access to the Internet,
which will enable pupils to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards
whilst exchanging messages with other Internet users throughout the world. Pupils
benefit from access to the Internet in the form of information resources and opportunities
for collaboration.
During school, teachers will guide pupils toward appropriate materials. Pupils’ access to
the Internet is always supervised. Also, we use an Internet Service Provider that filters
out all undesirable web pages, ensuring children can not access anything inappropriate.
We would be grateful if you would complete the permission form that follows, giving
permission for your child to use the Internet in school.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Gill Bodman
Headteacher
Please complete and return this form to school
Parent
I grant permission for my child to use electronic mail and the Internet.
Parent Signature ………………………………….. Date ___/___/___
Name of Pupil …………………………………….
Class ……………………………….
Pupil
As a school user of the Internet, I agree to comply with the school rules on its use. I will
use the network in a responsible way and observe all the restrictions explained to me by
the school.
Pupil Signature ____________________ Date: ___/___/___
End of Key Stage 1 Teacher Assessment Results
2008
Percentage
Level 2 & Above Level 3
Speaking and Listening 97% 30%
Reading 97% 20%
Writing 96% 18%
Mathematics 96% 22%
Science 97% 22%
Attendance Figures
% %
Attendance Absences
94.8% 5.2%
Our target attendance for 2007/08 is 94.6%
Our target absence for 2007/08 is 5.4%
Term Dates 2009 - 2010
AUTUMN TERM 2009
School closed Wednesday 2nd September 2009 Inset Day (Staff Training)
Thursday 3rd September School open 9.00 a.m.
26th to 30th October Half Term
Friday 18th December End of Term
SPRING TERM 2010
Monday 4th January 2010 School opens 9.00 a.m.
15th – 19th February Half term
Wednesday 31st March End of term
SUMMER TERM 2010
Monday 19th April School opens 9.00 a.m.
31st May – 4th June Half Term
Friday 23rd July End of term
Please note 4 further INSET (staff training) days to be advised
The staff at Western House Primary School are keen to offer a range of extra –
curriculum activities which would be run either at lunch – time or after school.
A selection of activities will be offered to the children
throughout the year. e.g. gardening at appropriate seasonal times of the year.
Generally these clubs are available to children from year 2 upwards.
At present the school offers:
* Cookery club * Ballet
* Recorder club * Cheer Leading
* Drumming club * Cricket
* Choir * Football
* Gardening club * Story club
* Tennis (Summer) * Drama club
* Netball (Autumn Term) * Orchestra
If there are any parents who would be willing to give support with running any
of these activities, we would be glad to hear from you.
Some clubs are run by outside companies and incur a cost.
The Governing Body
Summer 2007
Western House is a local authority community school and like all other
schools we have a Governing Body. The Governing Body meets like a
board of directors to make decisions about how the school is run and how
the budget should be spent. The Governors serve for four years after
which they must be re-elected. Our Governing Body members are as
follows:
Chair of Governors Councillor Geoff Howard
Vice Chair Mrs Mandy Bryant
Clerk to the Governors Mrs Jenny McCabe
Teacher Governor Mrs Hilary Male
Staff Governors Mrs Samantha Stevens
Parent Governors Mrs Pretika Uppal
Mrs Rachael Giles
Mrs Dawn Tagg
Mrs Mandy Bryant
Community Governors Mrs Raffat Ali
Mr Auvtar Lakhan
LEA Governors Councillor Geoff Howard
Sonny Sidhu
Governors may be contacted via the school’s office
Governors
Western house is a local authority community school and like all other community
schools we have a Governing Body. The Governing Body meets like a board of
directors to make decisions about how the school is run and how the budget should
be spent. The Governors serve for four years after which they must be re-elected.
The Governors are committed to ensuring that the highest standards are maintained
at the school both in the provision of education to pupils and in every other aspect of
the running of the school.
Mrs. McCabe is Clerk to the Governors and all governors may be contacted via her at
the school’s office.
Should there be a time when a parent/ carer wishes to complain, the following
procedures should be followed:
Informal Stage
We hope that most parents’ concerns can be adequately resolved by discussion with,
in the first instance, the class teacher. Every attempt should be made, at this stage to
resolve difficulties informally.
However, if the concern is not met to the parents’ satisfaction by discussion then the
matter should be referred to the Headteacher or a designated member of the senior
management team.
The Headteacher or designated member of staff will investigate the circumstances of
the complaint and if appropriate to ask for written statements from staff or pupils.
If the complaint is against a member of staff, that member of staff has a right to be
given details of the complaint and the opportunity to make representation about it.
The Headteacher or designated member of staff will respond to the parent/ carer with
the outcome of the investigation, normally within 10 working days of receipt of the
complaint. The response may be in writing or at a meeting with written confirmation of
the outcome.
If the outcome is unsatisfactory to the parent/carer they have the right to refer their
complaint to the Governors, in writing addressed to the Clerk of Governors.
Formal Stage
When a formal request for the Governors to consider is received by the Clerk, the
Clerk will refer the matter, in the first instance, to the Chair of Governors, who will
investigate, may speak to the parties involved and will prepare a written statement of
findings to be submitted to the parent.
Bug Busting is an easy way to detect head lice
************************************************************************
Beware Check your Hair
Just in case some things are there!
This is the way we BUST the bug
1. Often there are very few lice
on a head and no itching
Wash,
rinse,
condition
and
comb,
will leave
the lice
without a
home. 3. Every one should check
using the Bug Buster method
regularly. Soaking- wet lice
stay still and cannot escape the
comb. The wetter the better!
2. This is what you need to bust
the bug….
…. Your usual shampoo, lots of any
conditioner and a Bug Buster comb.
4. Comb the whole head with the 5. Check the comb for lice between
hair full of conditioner, rinse each stroke and remove them.
thoroughly and comb again.
At Western House Primary School pupils will develop skills in speaking &
listening, reading and writing. We aim to develop pupils who are able to
speak and listen confidently in different situations and for different
purposes; who become enthusiastic and critical readers of a wide range
of books including stories, poetry and dramas as well as non-fiction and
media texts, and who have knowledge of how language works so that
they can choose and adapt what they say and write for different
situations.
Your child will be engaged in Literacy teaching and learning on a daily
basis for approximately an hour per day with separate lessons for the
teaching of spelling and handwriting.
R.W. Inc. At the start of school pupils are immersed in a synthetic phonic
programme that ensures reading, writing and spelling success.
Where appropriate we link other subjects with literacy to provide reasons
for writing, finding information and focus for speaking and listening
activities.
Assessment
From Year1 the children have small spelling tests on a weekly basis.
Regular assessments are made to inform teachers of pupil progress and
for planning.
At the end of K.S.1 (Year2) and K.S.2 (Year6) the children sit national
statutory tests (SATs). Pupils in Years 3,4 & 5 will complete optional SATs
papers towards the end of the academic year.
Mathematical development depends on becoming confident and
competent in learning and using key skills. This includes counting,
sorting, matching, seeking, making connections, recognizing
relationships and working with number, shapes, space and measure.
At Western House Primary School we aim to develop confident numerate
children who can transfer their knowledge to everyday problem solving
situations. Their skills and knowledge will develop from the sound
foundation provided in our Early Years.
The pupils will be engaged in practical activity, exploration and
discussion. They will develop a range of mental calculation skills and use
these confidently in different settings.
Assessment is administered every half term. These are used to inform
progress and planning and results will be sent home. National Curriculum
Assessment (SATs) are administered at the end of K.S. 1 & K.S. 2
Years 3, 4 & 5 will sit optional SATs papers to help asses achievement
and progress.
Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about phenomena and
events in the world around them. Pupils will be engaged in observing,
exploring and being encouraged to ask questions and link this scientific
ideas. They will learn how to predict, and evaluate evidence and consider
whether tests and comparisons are fair. They will learn how to record
their ideas and findings using scientific language, drawings, charts and
tables.
Sex Education in this school will meet the requirement of the Education
Reform Act 1988 and Sex and Relationships guidance Dfes 2000. A policy
is available from the school office should you require further information.
Science is taught in:
Foundation Stage as part of the integrated day
K.S.1 for 1 hr. per week
K.S.2 for 2 hrs. per week
At Western House Primary School we know that the modern world
requires new skills. Understanding ICT and applying it in our work
enhances the way we learn. We recognise the need for effective use of ICT
across the curriculum to raise standards, particularly in Literacy and
Numeracy.
The children have their lessons in an ICT suite which has an interactive
‘Smart Board’, printing and scanner facilities. K.S.2 pupils have access to
the Internet during lessons to gather information and send e-mail. The
Internet provider we use provides a filtered system, so that children do
not access anything undesirable.
Design Technology prepares
pupils to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. At
Western House Primary School pupils will learn how to think imaginatively
and talk about what they like and dislike when designing and making.
They will build on their early childhood experiences of investigating
objects around them. As they progress through the school pupils will
work on their own and as part of a team on a range of designing and
making activities including food and textiles.
Geography is a focus within the curriculum for understanding and
resolving issues about the environment and sustainable development.
Pupils will investigate their local area. They will also begin to learn about
the wider world. They will carry out geographical enquiry inside and
outside the classroom. In doing this they ask geographical questions
about people, places and environments and use geographical skills and
resources such as maps, photographs and atlases.
Art and design stimulates creativity and imagination. Pupils use colour,
form, texture, pattern, and different materials and processes to represent
their ideas and feelings. They explore ideas and meanings in the work of
artists, crafts people and designers. As pupils progress they will increase
their critical awareness of the purposes of art, craft and design in
different times and cultures. Throughout the school pupils will develop
skills in drawing, painting, collage, printing, sculpture, ceramics and
computer graphics.
History fires the pupils’ curiosity about the past. History helps pupils to
develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant
events and people.
At Western House Primary School, we have a tradition of strong, creative
and enthusiastic work in history. History teaching offers children
opportunities to develop their own sense of identity, through learning
about the development of Britain, Europe and the wider world.
Our work in history will link creatively and enjoyably with other subjects,
for example Drama and Design Technology.
Physical Education promotes physical agility, development and skill
and a knowledge of the body in action. At Western House Primary School
we aim to provide pupils with opportunities to be creative, competitive
and face up to difficult challenges as individuals and in groups and
teams. The children will learn the importance of rules and sportsmanship
and have a positive attitude towards active, healthy lifestyles.
Pupils are involved in 2 hrs. of physical activity per week which includes
dance, gymnastics and games. In Year 3 pupils attend swimming lessons
at Windsor Leisure pool. Games in Key Stage 2 is taught by a specialist.
We also encourage children to take part in out of hours sporting
activities.
Western House Primary School
follows the Agreed Syllabus for R.E. The curriculum promotes the
spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, and physical development of pupils. The
agreed syllabus reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Great
Britain are in the main Christian, whilst taking account of the teaching
and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain.
It is divided into two attainment targets.
Learning about Religion
Learning from Religion
We expect all children to attend assemblies and take part in R.E. lessons
but parents have the right to withdraw their child.
Parents are requested to discuss this with the Head teacher before
withdrawal.
At Western House Primary School we encourage children to enjoy music
of all kinds, and are proud of the enthusiasm the children show for the
many musical activities they are offered.
The teaching of music develops pupil’s ability to listen and appreciate a
wide variety of music and to make judgement about musical quality. It
encourages active involvement and increases self discipline and creativity,
Pupils are engaged in a music lesson with a specialist music teacher for
one hour per week. Lessons include singing, listening to a wide range of
music and playing various instruments. As the children progress through
the school they learn to record music pictorially, and then with
conventional notation. To help with learning to read music they are
taught to play the recorder and the glockenspiel in class. They are given
the chance to use computer programs, keyboard and digital drums
during lessons to create their own music with technology as well as
conventional instruments.
They are given opportunities to sing in the school choirs, play in the
recorder groups, and learn ethnic drumming. Some are taught to play
instruments by visiting musicians, and there is an orchestra for them to
use the skills they learn along with others.
Our overall objective is to promote enjoyment and encourage the learning
of musical skills, which will lead the children to understand and gain
pleasure from music throughout their lives.
Modern Foreign Languages at Western House
In our school we teach French to all children in Key Stage 2 as part of the
normal school curriculum. The pupils enjoy weekly lessons with our
specialist French teacher, where they learn through singing songs,
listening and interacting in stories, drama and role-play.
Western House is in partnership with Slough Grammar School (Language
College). Last year some of our Year 3 children performed in a French
festival at The Language College. It was amazing to see the children
speaking and singing in French with confidence in front of an audience.
