Welcome to West Coker Primary School’s Prospectus

Thankyouforshowinganinterestinourschool.Wehopethisprospectusprovidesyouwithsufficientinformationforyoutotaketheimportantstepofchoosingtherightschoolforyourchild.However,togetagoodfeelforaschool,youwillwanttoseetheschool‘inaction’.Wewarmlywelcomevisitsandencourageallprospectiveparentstocomeandlookaround,tohavetheopportunitytoseeclassesastheyworkandgetasenseoftheethosandatmosphere.Weareveryproudofourschool.Pupils,parentsandstafftogether,makeitahappy,caringandinspiringenvironment.Weinviteyoutocomeandseeforyourself!

WestCokerPrimarySchoolisa4-classvillageschoolontheoutskirtsofYeovil,with89pupilsaged4 to11.

  • Our children are happy learners
  • Our children feel safe and secure and behavewell
  • Our children are proud of their school and enjoy theirlearning

We aim for high standards in everything we do; to instil in children the desire to succeed and a love oflearning. Webelievethatchildrenlearnbestinanatmosphereofmutualtrustandrespect.Itisourdesirethatevery childwillgrowinconfidenceasasuccessfullearner,valuingtheachievementsandwisdomofothers.

Contents

OurSchool / Page2
History of theschool / Page2
Ethos andAims / Page3
Behaviour / Page3
ComplaintsProcedure / Page4
Charging andRemissions / Page4
SchoolLife / Page5
Schoolday / Page6
Care / Page7
Security / Page7
ChildProtection / Page8
Uniform / Page8
Your child’s nextschool / Page8
Curriculum / Page9
Homework / Page11
SchoolPerformance / Page12
Extra-Curricular Activities / Page12
Staff / Page13
Parentsandchildren / Page13
Governors / Page14
Governing BodyPurposes / Page14
ContactUs / Page16
FurtherInformation / Page16

OurSchool

History of theschool
  • Ethos &Aims
  • Behaviour
  • Complaints

WestCokerCofEVCPrimary Schoolaimsto developstronglinkswiththe Churchandthewidercommunity.

Wewelcometheinterestandsupportofparentsinallaspectsoftheschoollife.Weaimtokeepyouwellinformed about your child’s education so that we develop a partnership between home andschool.

Youareencouragedtokeepinregularcontactwithyourchild’sclassteacherandto‘popin’foraquickwordnow andagainattheendofschool.Teacherswillalwaysbepleasedtospareafewmoments,unlesstheyhaveother engagements. If you would prefer a longer discussion with the teacher, this can bearranged.

Formal consultations with parents are arranged in the Autumn and Spring Terms when children’s progressis discussed. All children receive an end of year report from theirteacher.

It is important that you keep the school informed of any important changes that may affect your child. Please letus know promptly about any medical, physical or emotional difficulties and advise us of changes of address,telephone number, contact/child-minder,etc.

Ouraimistoprovideequalopportunitiesforallchildren.Werecognisehowimportantitisforeachindividualto have a positive perception of their role in life and the possibilities open tothem.

WestCokerCofEPrimarySchoolisaschoolforchildrenbetweentheagesoffourandelevenyears.Asavoluntary controlled school the Church of England is represented on the GoverningBody.

History of theSchool

The first school in West Coker, which is now known as The Old School Room in Church Street, came into use in1850. ItwasbuiltandownedbytheReverendCharlesPennywhosubsequentlygaveittotheparishin1858.

In 1869-70 the school building became too small and the same Rector, the Reverend Charles Penny, wasresponsible forthebuildingofthisschool.Thesitewasgivenbyachurchwarden,MrMoore.Avisittotheparishchurch, provides lots more information about the Moore family and their bequests to thisparish.

ThefoundationstoneofthisschoolwaslaidbyMrsPenny,wifeoftheReverendCharlesPenny,in1874andthe trowelpresentedtoheratthetimefounditswaybacktotheschoolin1961whenamemberofthePennyfamily visited the village and gave it to the then Rector Reverend EMiller.

On15July1949thisschoolbecameVoluntaryControlled.Themanagersappliedforthisstatusunderthe1944 EducationActastherepairinganddevelopingoftheschoolwastooheavyaburdenforthechurch.TheLocal Education Authority became responsible for the repair and maintenance of the school but the building stillremains thepropertyofthepresenttrustees,theRectorofthisparishandtheNationalSocietyoftheChurchofEngland.

Ethos and Aims of the School

We always treat children with consideration and respect. As a result, we hope they will learn to respect otherpeople and have a responsible attitude to the general care of the school. We believe the development of self-control andan acceptanceoftheresponsibilityfortheiractionsisessentialifchildrenaretolivehappilyinacommunity.

We also have a number of school rules of which the children will be reminded from time to time. These aredesigned to ensure a safe and orderlyenvironment.

OurSchoolEthosStatementis:

"Recognisingitshistoricfoundation,theschoolwillpreserveanddevelopitsreligiouscharacterinaccordancewith theprinciplesoftheChurchofEnglandandinpartnershipwiththeChurchatparishanddiocesanlevel.

Theschoolaimstoserveitscommunitybyprovidinganeducationofthehighestqualitywithinthecontextof Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, andpromotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all itspupils".

OurSchoolAimsare:
  • To cater for the needs of every child in a happy, secure and stimulatingenvironment.
  • To provide a broad, balanced and challenging curriculum, appropriate to the needs of eachchild.
  • To enable children to develop skills, attitudes and values and to achieve their fullpotential.
  • To enable children to become responsible, independent members of the community showingunderstanding and sensitivity toothers.

Behaviour

Asaschool,wefeelitisimportanttopromoteacaringandsupportiveenvironmenttoenableallmembersofthe school community to feel secure, respected and therefore promote good behaviour in others. We aim, throughour school'srulestobefair,ensureconsistency,totreatallwithrespectandtohaveclearexpectations.

Weofferincentivestopositivebehaviourthroughwarmrelationships,astimulatingcurriculumandpositiverole models reinforced by the awarding of merit points. These accumulate until a merit certificate is awarded. Goodwork andbehaviourarecelebratedandclasscupsawardedattheendofeachweek.Everychildisrewardedforgood behaviour through 'Golden Time', a 30 minute period each week, when children have the opportunity to take partin a planned activity of theirchoice.

Wehavesanctionswhentherulesarebroken.Theserangefromlow-keyclasspracticeorlossofGolden Time minutes, to the Headteacher and parents being involved should more serious displays ofunacceptable behaviour occur. Exclusion would only be considered where all strategies fail andthere is long-term seriousunacceptable behaviour.

Wealsobelievethatitssuccessisdependentuponthesupportofparents.Helpingyourchildtoarrivecalmlyon timeinthemorninghavinghadagoodbreakfast,withthe correctequipmentforthe day,isessential.

Pleaseuseyourchild'sclassteacherasthefirstpointofcontactwiththeschool.Iftheteachercontactsyouabout behaviour,pleasesupportyourchildandworkwiththeschoolinordertoovercomethisdifficulty.

Weseeitasvitalthatthehomeandschoolworktogethertosupportsuccessandovercomeproblemsshouldthey occur. We will share our successes and achievements with you and likewise ourconcerns.

ComplaintsProcedure

Weaim tobefair,openandhonestwhendealingwithanyconcernorcomplaint.Wegivecarefulconsiderationtoall complaints,anddealwiththem asswiftlyaspossible.Weaim toresolveanycomplaintthroughdialogueandmutual understanding.

Concernswouldusually,inthefirstinstance,bediscussedwiththeClassTeacher.Inourexperience,mostissuescan be resolved positively in this way. If the matter has not been satisfactorily resolved, an appointment should bemade to discuss it with the Headteacher, who will consider any concern or complaint seriously and investigate thecase thoroughly.

Only if an informal complaint procedure fails to resolve the matter, should a formal complaint be made tothe governing body. This complaint must then be made in writing to the Chair of Governors, stating the nature ofthe complaint, and how the school has handled it sofar.

Ifthecomplaintisstillnotresolved,representationmaybemadedirectlytotheSecretaryofStateforEducation. Thisshouldbealastresort,andyoushouldhighlightinyourletterthestepsyouhavealreadytakentoresolvethe problem. Guidance can be found on the Directgovwebsite.

For further information, please see our policy for parentalcomplaints.

Charging andRemissions

ASummaryoftheChargingandRemissionsPolicy

Therearenocompulsorychargesfortheusualcurricularactivitiesatourschool.Forsomeactivities,suchasschool tripsandswimming,theschoolasksforvoluntaryfinancialcontributionsinorderfortheactivitytotakeplace.In suchcircumstances,parentsonlowincomes,andwhosechild/renareeligibleforfreeschoolmealswillnotbe expected to make a contribution for the activity unless they wish to doso.

PupilPremium

Theschoolreceivesadditionalfundingforchildreneligibleforfreeschoolmeals,aswellasforchildrenofservice personnel. This funding is used to support disadvantaged children and close the attainment between them andtheir peers.

SchoolLife

SchoolDay

  • Care
  • Security
  • Uniform
  • Your child’s nextschool
AdmissionArrangements

ChildrenmaystartschoolintheSeptemberfollowingtheirfourthbirthday.InordertohaveahappystartatWest CokerSchool,Receptionchildrenstartonapart-timebasisandareusuallyinfull-timeeducationbyOctoberhalf term.Ifparentsfeelthattheirchildisnotreadyforfull-timeeducation,parentsareencouragedtospeaktothe Headteacher, as the part-time arrangements may beextended.

Induction

Allpre-schoolchildrenaregiventheopportunitytovisitDiscoveryClassforonehourforseveralmorningsinthe SummerTerm.Childrenandtheirparentsareinvitedtoattenda‘PlaytoLearn’morninginschoolintheSummer Term.

EarlyYearsFoundationStageProvision

Educational programmes and activities are based on the seven areas of learning specified in the statutoryframework for the Early Years Foundation Stage: Communication & Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social& EmotionalDevelopment,Literacy,Mathematics,UnderstandingoftheWorldandExpressiveArtsDesign.The attainmentofeachchildisassessedthroughthese aswellasTheLearningCharacteristics:PlayingExploring,Active Learning and Creating & ThinkingCritically.

PlannedAdmission-OurPlannedAdmissionNumberis12.
Who Can Come to West Coker Primary School?

Parentshavetherighttochoosetheprimaryschooloftheirchoiceifthereisaspaceattheschoolintheagegroup sought.ThisiswhynotallofourpupilsliveinWestCoker–occasionallythereisaspaceattheschoolandparents apply from outside thearea.

Theschoolorganisesanopendayeachyear,usuallyearlyintheAutumnTerm,althoughparentslookingtoplace theirchild(ren)atanytimethroughouttheschoolyear,areinvitedtocontacttheschoolandwewillbepleasedto show youaround.

The Somerset LA is the admission authority for this school and places are allocated in accordance withtheir published arrangements. A copy of these arrangements can be obtained by ringing the School Admissions Teamon (0845)3459122.

KeyStages

Children in English primary schools are organised into Reception (Foundation Stage) and Key Stages. Children inYear 1 and Year 2 are in Key Stage 1. Children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 are in Key Stage2.

Class Sizes - the school currently has fourclasses:
Discovery Class (MrsCrisp/Miss Davies) / (Reception & Year1) / 23pupils
Rocket Class (Mrs Cottle) / (Years 2 & 3) / 18pupils
Explorers Class (Mrs Free/Miss Davies) / (Years 3 &4) / 21pupils
Voyagers Class (Mr Hyland) / (Years 5 &6) / 27pupils

SchoolDay

School SessionTimes

Mornings9.00am -12.00pm

Afternoons1.00pm -3.15pm

Each class has the following break time: 10.15 -10.30am

Key Stage 1 children also have a break time in the afternoon, usually 2.15 -2.30pm

Childrenarriveinthemorningfrom8.40amwhenamemberofstaffwillbeontheplayground.Ourschoolcrossing patrol will cross the children no earlier than 8.40am. The youngest children (Discovery Class) go straight to theirclass andtheolderchildrenwaitontheplaygrounduntiltheschoolbellsignalsthechildrentolineupat8.50am.In inclement weather the children are permitted into school from8.40am.

It is important that children are not late for school. Late arrival in the classroom can be upsetting for your childand can affect the smooth running of ourschool.

If your child is absent from school for any reason, it is essential that you let us know by 9am. Please eithertelephone theschooltoleaveamessage,sendinanoteoremailtheofficegivingareasonfortheabsence.Ifnomessageis receivedbythetimetheregistercloses,atextmessagewillbesentoraphonecallmadetorequestareason.Ifwe areunabletoestablishareasonforanabsence,itwillberecordedasunauthorised.

Should you wish your child to leave school for an appointment during the day, please ensure that we are informedin writing in advance, wheneverpossible.

Holidaysduringtermtimearediscouragedandmayonlybeauthorisedunderexceptionalcircumstances.Holidays during term time must be requested in advance by completing a holiday form which is available fromthe Administrative/FinanceAssistant.Detailsofexceptionalcircumstancesmustbestatedclearlyontheformand evidence may be requested by the Headteacher. Further information is available from theoffice.

Hours Spent on Teaching During theWeek:

The total time spent in school per week for KS1 is 23 hours 55 minutes and 24 hours 45 minutes for KS2. 40minutes perweekisspentonCollectiveWorship,25minutesonRegistration.TotalteachingtimesforKS1is22hours50 minutes and 23 hours 40 minutes for KS2 atpresent.

HealthySnacks

We encourage all children to bring in a morning snack to be eaten at playtime. Snacks should be fruit orvegetables. Crisps, sweets or chocolate are not permitted. We also participate in the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme,which providesfreshfruitandvegetablestochildreninReceptiontoYear2.Thesearegivenoutasanafternoonsnack. Milk is available through the Cool Milk Scheme (free to under-fives) – please contact the office for details abouthow toorder.

Lunchtime

Thehallisusedforluncheswhicharetakeninonesitting. Hotmealsaredeliveredtoschool,currentlyatacostof

£2.30permeal,orchildrencanbringinapackedlunchfromhome.Ifyouthinkthatyourchildisentitledtofree school meals, please contact theoffice.

CarParking

Intheinterestsofthechildren'ssafety,wepolitelyrequestthatparentsdonotdriveontotheschoolsitewhen delivering or collecting their children, unless prior permission has been sought from the Headteacher. Parkingis available in Brookside, opposite the entrance to the school. Please be considerate of the residents of Brooksideand other road users. Also in the interests of the children’s safety, children should not be dropped at theschool entrance. Please use the school crossing patrolprovided.

Severe WeatherConditions

Intheeventofdeterioratingconditionsovernight,anoticewillbeputontheschoolwebsiteasearlyaspossibleto informparentsofadecisiontakentoclosetheschool.Everyeffortwillalsobemadetoupdatethetelephone answering message by7.30am.

Ifyouanticipatedifficultiescollectingyourchildrenlaterinthedayduetoweatherconditions,pleasecomeearly and collect them from school or telephone us to advise alternative arrangements. The Headteacher orother authorisedstaffwillremainatschooluntilallchildrenhavebeensafelycollectedbytheirparents.

If worsening weather conditions indicate that children and staff may have difficulty getting home, every attemptwill be made to contact you to ask you to come and collect children fromschool.

Localradiostationswillalsobenotifiedofschoolclosures.Informationcanbefoundontheirwebsitesandwillbe broadcaston:

BBC Somerset 95.5 FM & 1566MW Heart 102.6FM

Breeze FM (Midwest) Radio 105.6 & 106.6FM

Care

Pastoral

Inallaspectsofschoollifeweaimtopromotethepersonalandsocialdevelopmentofchildren.Weaimtodevelop an understanding of how to look after ourselves, basic life skills and interpersonal skills. We provideequal opportunities for all children at West Coker CofE VC Primary School. Children study multi-cultural faiths inReligious Education. We aim to help children grow into adults who respect and care for allpeople.

Consideration is given to all children with Special Educational Needs, including the most able children, childrenwith learningdifficulties,childrenwithphysicaldisabilitiesandchildrenwithemotionalproblems.

Class teachers work closely with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator who is able to offer advice and additional support to ensure that all children have access to a fullcurriculum.

MedicalCare

We will always care for children who become ill at school and will inform parents if we need to discuss whetherthe childshouldremainatschoolorbecollected.Medicinesshouldonlybebroughttoschoolwhenitisessentialand wouldbedetrimentaltoachild’shealthifthemedicinewerenotadministeredduringtheschoolday.Medicines shouldalwaysbeprovidedintheoriginalcontainer,asdispensedbyapharmacist,andclearlylabelledwiththe child’s name and dosage. The school will not accept medicines that have been taken out of the container asoriginally dispensed.

Medicinesshouldbetaken,byanadult,totheofficetogetherwithacompletedconsentform,availablefromthe officeorwebsite(seepolicyforManagingMedicinesinSchool).Medicinesotherthaninhalerswillbestoredina locked cabinet during the day. A record will be made of when the medicine was dispensed. The school does nothave a lockable fridge to store medicines that require refrigeration. For this reason, antibiotic mixtures will not bestored or administered by staff in school. It is expected that if a child is finishing a course of antibiotics but is well enoughto attendschool,thedoseswillbeadministeredout-of-schoolhours,i.e.beforeandafterschool.

Security

Thesafetyandsecurityofchildrenandstaffareparamount.Wehaveattemptedtomaketheschoolsiteandthe procedures as safe as possible, but recognise that the school cannot be a fortress. There are security locks fittedto thefrontentranceandtotheElliottclassroomtopreventunauthorisedvisitorsfromentering.Allvisitorsmust reporttothereceptionofficeonarrival.Childrenarealwayssupervisedwhenplayingorworkingoutside.

If you need to visit the school during the school day, please ring the bell or buzzer and an adult will come to thefront door.Childrenareinstructednottoadmitanyone.Allvisitorsarerequestedtosignthevisitors’bookinthefront entrance. Your cooperation with this procedure is muchappreciated.

We instruct children never to go off with a stranger. If you have arranged for someone different to collect yourchild from school, then please let the Class Teacher and your child know of thisarrangement.

ChildProtection

The Headteacher has specific responsibilities regarding the school’s Child Protection Policy. We appreciate thatsuch mattersaresensitivebutitisourdutytopassonanyconcernsifwethinkachildhasbeenmistreated,either physically, emotionally, sexually or by neglect. This policy is implemented in the best interests of the children.All adults who work in our school must complete a disclosure form (CRB – Criminal Records Bureau), which is sentaway forchecking.

Uniform

Uniform is worn at West Coker C of E VC Primary School and children are encouraged to take pride intheir appearance. It is important that all items are clearly labelled with the child's name. The school cannot beheld responsible for any lost property. If however children lose any personal items they are requested to report it totheir classteacherinthefirstinstance.Enquiriesaboutlostpropertynotfoundinclasscanbemadetotheschooloffice.

Wedonotwishyourchildtowearjewellerytoschool.However,anychildwhohaspiercedearsshouldwear sleepers or studs which should be removed for PE, games and swimming to avoid the possibility of theitem becomingcaughtandcausinganinjurytotheweareroranotherchild.Notwearingjewelleryatschoolwillalso prevent the possibility of items going astray and avoid any upset that mayarise.

Theschooluniformisasfollows:

Royal blue schoolsweatshirt Whiteblouse/shirt

Greyskirt/pinafore Greyshorts/trousers

Blue/white cotton striped or check summerdress Navy, grey or white socks ortights

Footwear:Comfortableshoesthatgivesupport.Nohighheels.Notrainers,exceptforoutsidegames. School sweatshirts: These can be obtained from the schooloffice.

The PE kit is as follows:Navy, grey or blackshorts WhiteT-shirt

White or black cotton gym shoes/plimsolls (or trainers) for indoorwork Trainers are required for outside games (usually the olderchildren)

Footballboots,shinpadsandwarmtracksuits(orsimilar)arealsorequiredforwintersportsonthe field A named drawstringbag

Children in Discovery Class need to have a pair of Wellington boots for their ‘welliewalks’! Children also need hat and gloves for outside activities in the coldweather.

We also ask that you provide your child with a sun hat during the summermonths.

YourChild'sNextSchool

At the age of eleven all children transfer to secondary school. The Local Authority will send parents particulars ofall the options open to them in the Autumn before theymove.

Inordertoeasethetransfertosecondaryschooleachchild'sabilitiesandprogressarediscussedwiththechosen school. Secondary school teachers visit our school and the children before theytransfer.

AninductiondayisalsoarrangedforourYear6childrentovisittheschooltowhichtheywillbetransferring.This usually happens inJuly.

Liaisontakesplacewithalllocalsecondaryschoolsandparentsneedtovisittheschoolsandmaketheirownchoice.

Curriculum

Homework

  • SchoolPerformance

At West Coker Primary School we want learning to be enjoyable and relevant. Our curriculum is reviewed everyyear toensurethatthetopicsarefresh,livelyandengaging.ThestatutoryrequirementsoftheNationalCurriculumare incorporatedintoacurriculumthatincludesskills-basedandcross-curriculartopicswhereverpossible.

A range of learning experiences is provided to meet the needs of every child. The progress of every child iscarefully monitored.Theclassteachercontinuallyassessestheprogressofeachchild,targetsaresetandattainmentis tracked every term. Pupil progress meetings take place with the class teacher and subject leader and/orthe headteacher.

Literacy

Reading,writing,speakingandlisteningskillsaretaughtthroughavarietyoffictionandnon-fictiontexts,during dailyliteracylessons.‘TalkforWriting’hasbeenimplemented.Meaningfullinksaremadetootherareasofthe curriculum, such as history or science topics wherever possible. The children also take part in guidedreading sessionsthroughouttheweek,whentheirlanguageskillsandunderstandingarefurtherdeveloped.Olderand younger children are paired during weekly ‘buddy’ readingsessions.

Numeracy

Childrendeveloptheirskillsinnumber,calculation,understandingshape,measurementandhandlingdataindaily ‘numeracy’lessons.Thereisanemphasisonmentalcalculationswithwrittenmethodsbeingtaughtwhenmental strategiesaresecure.Childrenlearntouseandapplytheirskillsinavarietyofpracticalandproblem-solving activities,inreal-lifesituations,includinglinkstootherareasofthecurriculum,suchasscience.

Science

Scienceistaughtasasubjectonitsownaswellaspartofspecificprojectsortopicsandwhereverpossiblethrough enquiryand‘hands-on’activities.Childrenaregivenopportunitiestoobserve,investigate,acquireknowledgeand skills, to communicate their ideas and interpret evidence. These skills help them to analyse and solveproblems. Manychildrenenjoyrepeatingsafeexperimentsathomeandwestronglyencouragechildrentobringinitemsof interest from home for Sciencelessons.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Children are taught ICT skills through discrete lessons. These are transferred across the curriculum to enablechildren tousetheskillstheyhavelearntinpurposefulways.Wehaveadesignatedcomputersuiteaswellasabankof wirelesslaptopswhichallowchildrenregularandfrequentaccesstoICTandtheInternetwithintheirclassrooms.

ReligiousEducation(RE)

RE is taught according to the Somerset Agreed Syllabus, a copy of which is available in school. Childrenare encouragedtodevelopChristianattitudes.Theyareencouragedtorespectourworldandthelivingcreaturesand people within it. Children learn about Christianity and other religions, beliefs and practices to developan understanding and tolerance of the beliefs of others. Parents who, for any reason, wish to withdraw their childfrom RE are asked to notify the Headteacher inwriting.

Personal,SocialandHealthEducation(PSHE)

PSHE is taught in a variety of ways; as discrete lessons, through ‘circle time’ activities, assemblies and othersubjects suchasREandscience,aswellasthroughexampleaspartofeverydaylifeatschool.Weaimtodevelopchildren’s confidence, self-esteem and an understanding of their rights and responsibilities. Children are encouraged to playa positive role by contributing to school life and the widercommunity.

CollectiveWorship

At West Coker School there is a daily act of worship, which is of a broadly Christian character. These are timeswhen thewholeschoolmeetstogether,althoughonceaweekthecollectiveworshipisclass-based.Thechildrenare activelyencouragedtoparticipateinthecollectiveworship,whichisledbymembersofstaff. Ourvicar,David,

regularlyleadscollectiveworshipinschoolandthechildrenvisitthechurchforfestivalsthroughouttheyear. Parents may withdraw their child from collective worship if they wish. Please see theHeadteacher.

HistoryandGeography

ChildrenstudyHistoryandGeographytopicsaspartofarollingprogramme.Childrenarefrequentlyaskedtodo extraresearchathomeortovisittheirlocallibrarytoobtainextrainformation.TheInternetisavaluableresource for these subjects. Field trips are often planned in order to enhance suchtopics.

Art

Childrenlearntouseavarietyofmediatocreateanddeveloptheirideas,in2-Dand3-Dforms.Theylearnthrough observationanddevelopanawarenessofcolour,pattern,shapeandform.Localartistsareengagedtovisitthe schoolfromtimetotime.Mostrecently,thechildrenhelpedtocreateawillowdeerfortheschoolgardenanda muraltobrightenthefrontentrance.Children’sworkisdisplayedinclassrooms,thehallandinframesalongthe maincorridor.

Design andTechnology

Children learn a range of practical skills to design and make products for a purpose. Topics include foodtechnology, textiles,mouldablematerials,electricalandmechanicalproducts.Theyaretaughthowtousetoolsappropriately andsafely.

Music

Childrenlistentoarangeofmusic.Theylearntoperformthroughsinging,playingandcomposingtheirownmusic. Each year a group of children perform at the South Somerset Music Spectacular. Children also have theopportunity tolearnhowtoplayaninstrumentthroughperipateticmusicteachers.Currently,thechildrenareofferedguitar tuition. Parents are asked to contribute towards group tuitionsessions.

Modern ForeignLanguage

Children learn to speak basic French phrases during Key StageTwo.

PhysicalEducation(PE)

PEisprovidedequally,withoutdiscriminationforboysandgirls.Emphasisisplacedonacquiringbasicskillsand usingdifferentapparatus.SpecialistPEcoachesareemployedtodeliversomeofthePEcurriculum.

The hall provides an area for gymnastics, dance and other indoor activities. The lower playground is used forgames, suchasnetball,tennisandmulti-skills.Othergamesandsportingactivities,includingfootball,tagrugby,cricket, orienteering,crosscountryandrounders,takeplaceontheglebefield,situatednexttothechurch.

It is expected that all children will take part in school PE activities. Should there be occasions when your childneeds tobeexcludedfromPE,anoteexplainingthesituationshouldbegiventotheclassteacher.

OutdoorEducation

Learning outside the classroom happens whenever practicable to enhance children’s learning experiences.Activities usingtheoutdoorandlocalenvironment,includingourschoolgardenandcountryside,forexample,visitstoHam Hill,areplannedintothecurriculum.Theyoungerchildrenaretakenonfrequent‘welliewalks’throughouttheyear.

ResidentialvisitsareplannedforchildreninKeyStageTwo.Childrentakepartinarangeofteam-buildingand outdoor adventurous activities, such as raft or shelter building, low or high ropes (depending on age), grasssledging etc.VenuessuchasKilveCourtandHookeCourtprovide2-dayvisitsforchildreninYears3and4.Okehampton ActivitiesCentreandCholdertonhavebeenusedforourYear5and6residentialvisitsfor4nights.