Prospectus
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Diss Church of England Junior School is a Voluntary Controlled Junior School normally catering for children aged from 7 to 11 years. This means that we operate under the control and guidance of Norfolk Local Education Authority, but maintain strong and close links with the local church. The school was originally opened in 1862 as a National School , and has been substantially remodelled and modernised over the last 139 years. The last phase of this finished in September 2002 and included two brick built classrooms, ICT suite, administration block, boiler room and entrance lobby. The school stands in an attractive setting close to the centre of Diss and has extensive grounds including three sports pitches, a track for athletics and an all weather cricket strip. There is an adventure trail near to the playground. As the majority of our pupils transfer from Diss County Infants School , we maintain very strong links with them. The Head teacher s meet regularly to discuss relevant information and individual subject leaders meet to discuss curriculum continuity. We also have a comprehensive programme for ensuring a smooth transfer of the children in Year 2. Our current roll is 23 though this changes as children enter or leave the school. The school will be organised into 8 classes, two in each year group. These are mixed ability groups and stay with their own class teacher for the majority of the time. Most of our children transfer to Diss High School at eleven. At an appropriate point before this, parents are given all relevant details about the procedure and information for selecting schools.
THE GOVERNING BODY
THE CURRICULUM
We aim for every child to enjoy their school experience, to achieve success and in so doing, develop self-confidence and a positive attitude to learning. We take pride in providing a rich environment with a range of activities to develop the children’s interest and to widen their experience so they can take their place as well informed and caring members of our rapidly changing community. The school’s curriculum takes account of the requirements of the National Curriculum with emphasis on the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. We follow the National Strategies for both Numeracy and Literacy and follow programmes of study for ICT, Science, History, Geography, Music, Art, Design and Technology, Physical Education and Religious Education, P.S.H.E. and Citizenship. Very thorough and careful planning ensures that appropriate requirements are met.
English
The development of excellent language and communication skills is of prime importance as it forms the foundation for learning in all subjects.
We aim to enable every child to
· speak clearly, confidently and effectively
· listen attentively and respect the views of others
· show an interest in words and their meanings, thereby developing a widening vocabulary
· make use of a range of strategies to read and spell accurately
· read a range of text with confidence, fluency, understanding and enjoyment
· have fluent and legible handwriting
· use IT to complement their work
· plan, draft, revise and edit their own work
· write confidently and accurately for a range of purposes and audiences
· develop powers of imagination, inventiveness and critical awareness through listening, reading and writing
· express themselves through drama and performance
At the beginning of each year, the children are given a reading journal which allows parents/carers to comment on their child’s reading. Teachers also use this book and so establish a useful home/school link to promote good reading habits and an interest in books.
There are frequent opportunities for the children to purchase books through initiatives such as the “Puffin Book Club”, book presentations and an annual bookfair.
The school has a well-stocked library, which all the children are encouraged to use in order to develop their interests and reference skills. We have a computerized library system in which children are allocated their own bar-code which enables them to take home a book of their choice each week.
During Year 3, the children will be introduced to writing with a pen. We do supply a basic pen but we encourage everyone to purchase their own pen. Fibre tip pens or gel pens in black or blue are acceptable.
Mathematics
We follow the requirements laid down in the national Numeracy Strategy and the New Framework Guidelines to teach Mathematics for one hour per day.
In the first two years much of the emphasis is on mental calculation and children learning all of their tables and number bonds. They learn to tell the time, measure length, weight and height and handle money whilst solving problems. Parents can support their children by practising these skills at home when the opportunity arises – e.g. when out shopping!
As children move up through the school, they experience a range of pencil and paper methods and learn to select the most appropriate method to solve problems.
The daily maths lesson can consist of three main parts. A mental and oral starter which lasts for 10 minutes, followed by main teaching and tasks (40 minutes) and a final session where the teacher checks for understanding and reinforces key points.
ICT
Throughout the school, children are taught a variety of ICT skills to enhance their understanding, knowledge and confidence. All classes have a regular weekly session in the ICT suite and access to different types of digital media. The progression of skills involves multimedia presentations, data handling, control systems and research tasks. The installation of interactive whiteboards in all the classrooms has had a significant impact on teaching and learning.
Science
The ability to explore, to relate Science to everyday life and to communicate are essential elements in developing an investigative approach to Science. All children gain a wide experience of scientific processes and skills including observing, questioning, fair testing, investigating, interpreting, communicating and recording. During their time with us, they will cover the following areas of knowledge:
- Life processes and living things (Biology).
- Materials and their properties – change and separating mixtures (Chemistry).
- Physical processes: electricity; forces and motion; light and sound; the earth and beyond (Physics).
During their time at Diss Church of England Junior School, children have the opportunity for school trips to enhance their learning. Science is taught for a minimum of two hours per week throughout each year. Support from parents for our science curriculum is vital, as many opportunities for discussion arise from everyday experiences.
History
The children are taught historical skills, understanding and knowledge. They learn to describe, explain and analyse historical changes, drawing upon their own experiences and evidence. They have the opportunity to use various artefacts including books and photographs. The children have the opportunity to go on visits to support their learning and understanding.
Geography
The children are encouraged to develop a lively interest and sense of place for their local environment and beyond. They are required to work with a variety of first and second hand resources such as maps and photographs in both the field and classroom. Using and developing an understanding of maps of a variety of scales helps the children begin to identify geographical features. Great emphasis is placed upon the fragility of the earth. The children are encouraged to investigate local environmental issues, how the local environment can be improved and how we can work towards a sustainable environment.
Music
The school possesses a wide range of pitched and unpitched musical instruments plus electronic keyboards and musical software which all the children use to develop their musical skills in playing together and creating their own compositions. As well as enjoying singing, we are able to introduce the children to a variety of musical styles and instruments. Whenever possible, we make use of the expertise of visiting groups to present musical workshops.
We can offer tuition to those children who show an aptitude and interest in learning a brass instrument or the violin. A termly charge is made for tuition plus hire/maintenance costs.
Art
We aim to develop children’s understanding and enjoyment of art through practical experiences and aesthetic knowledge and appreciation of the work of other artists. Children have the opportunity to make detailed observations and to express their feelings in a variety of 2D and 3D media, as well as developing such skills as colour mixing and the use of line, tone and pattern. In developing their awareness of important artists, they will experience work from the present, the past, and other cultures. They are encouraged to make connections between their own work and that of other artists.
Design Technology
Throughout the teaching of this subject the children undertake a variety of designing and making tasks. These are chosen to help them understand the need for planning their work, considering safety when using a variety of equipment, developing specific making skills and evaluating their finished products. The children will have the opportunity to work with paper, card, textiles, food and also construction kits to develop their understanding of basic mechanisms, structures and products. The children’s attention is focused throughout on the quality of finish and how well the end product fulfils its purpose.
Physical Education
Every week all children participate in two lessons to acquire and develop skills, learn to select and apply skills and tactics, know and understand how to gain fitness and healthy lifestyle whilst evaluating and improving their performance. School PE kit is black or blue shorts and a plain white t-shirt and a tracksuit for outdoor games. Plimsolls or trainers can be worn!
In games activities children have the opportunity to learn and develop skills to outwit their opponents in games such as basketball, football, netball, tag rugby, tennis, volleyball, and softball.
During the year there are opportunities to investigate movement and stillness by creating, remembering and repeating movements in dance and gymnastics.
Every child has the opportunity to visit Diss Swimming pool for at least six swimming lessons during the year. Certificates are awarded for skills and distances achieved plus there is an annual whole school swimming gala. To celebrate athletic achievement there is a whole school Sports Day in the summer term to which parents are invited.
There are numerous extra curricular sports clubs offered at lunchtime and after school. A highlighted few are Tennis, Tri-Golf, Running, Dance, Tag Rugby and Ultimate Frisbee! As sporting opportunities increase so does our achievement with children appearing as ball boys at Carrow Road, winning the local rounders tournament and individual achievements in the South Norfolk Cross Country Races.
Religious Education
Religious Education is taught according to the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus, which requires us to focus on Christianity and also teach about Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.
If parents wish to withdraw their child from Religious Education they need to discuss this with the Headteacher who will arrange for their child to be placed in another class to complete alternative work.
Collective Worship
We are a Voluntary Controlled Church of England School. Our whole school assembly each day includes a simple act of collective worship. The school has close links with our local church – St. Mary’s – and we visit once a term and hold a service to which parents are invited. The Rector, Revd. Tony Billett, may lead our worship either in school or on our frequent visits to St. Mary’s Church
If parents wish to withdraw their child from Collective Worship they need to discuss this with the Headteacher who will arrange for their child to complete alternative work.
P.S.H.E. & Citizenship
Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship is taught throughout the school. Emphasis is placed on four key areas:
· Preparing to play an active role as citizens
· Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle
· Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people
· Developing confidence and responsibility and making the most of their abilities
We believe that P.S.H.E. and Citizenship taught in school should complement the personal and social development of children provided at home and therefore consult parents regularly on such issues.
Sex & Relationships Education
Following extensive consultation with parents, staff and governors, Sex Education is taught in Years 5 / 6 and includes aspects of personal hygiene, issues relating to puberty, family life and relationships as well as reproduction and birth. Children are taught in normal class groups for the majority of the time. The exception being when one of our teachers talks to the girls about menstruation. A variety of teaching materials are used but a key part is the T.V. programme “Living and Growing” and the related teaching materials.
As parents have the right to withdraw their child from Sex Education (except the life processes section which is covered by N.C. Science) they are informed before the teaching programme begins. There is a summary video which is available should parents wish to preview the material before making a decision.
Gifted and Talented Provision
The school has adopted a policy that recognizes that all children are Gifted and Talented by issuing Achievement folders. These folders should contain any copies (or originals) of certificates, achievements, photographs or awards that your child would wish to keep as a momento of personal achievement both in and out of school.
Enrichment of the curriculum is offered by visiting artists, musicians and theatre companies. There may be some occasions where individual children from classes will benefit from such visitors.
The School also works closely with the other primary schools in the Diss Cluster together providing half-termly workshops, in a chosen area of the curriculum, for a small number of pupils in a particular year group. These workshops are hosted and led by each school in turn.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Our policy is to provide each and every child with the opportunity to achieve to the best of his/her ability in every area of school life. We aim to give support where a child has learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
In the first instance, the class teacher generally makes the identification of special needs. Parents are always welcome to approach staff with any concerns they may have about their child. When a difficulty is identified the class teacher consults with parents and our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). Appropriate support in the form of strategies, work or an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may be given, or , where appropriate, referrals to other professionals such as the Speech Therapist or School Nurse may be made.
If necessary, assessment, guidance and support will be sought from our School Support Team which meets termly in school. This team includes an Educational Psychologist and a Learning Support Teacher who meet with the SENCO.
We also work closely with ACH who can provide both one to one and small group support for children with emotional or behavioural difficulties.
BEHAVIOUR
At Diss Church Junior School we expect and promote high standards of behaviour. We place a high emphasis on rewarding good behaviour through a House system, awarding team points, Gold Table and positive praise.
It is the combined duty of parents and teachers to make sure that children know what kind of behaviour is appropriate. Anti-social behaviour is unusual, but, if serious problems do arise, we will consult parents immediately to resolve the difficulty. Where a child has ‘behavioural difficulties’ we aim to give support in an appropriate way.
CHILD PROTECTION
Diss Church of England Junior School is committed to promoting the health and welfare of all pupils. We are required by law to follow procedures laid down by the Norfolk Area Child Protection Committee if we see signs which suggest that one of our pupils may have been a victim of abuse. Use of the procedures in this way is an obligation placed on the school by legislation and in no way infers that any parent/carer is being accused of wrong doing.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The school is fortunate to have a wide range of extra curricular activities. The details of times and days are given to children in assembly. For some after school activities we ask for a small contribution towards the cost of hiring coaching staff to run each session.
Activities change from term to term but include:
Art
Athletics
Brass Instrumental Teaching
Chess
Cricket
Dance
Drama
Football
Golf
Knitting
Netball
English as An additional Language
Rounders
Rugby
Science Club
Singing Group
Violin Teaching
Children are given permission slips which parents are asked
to complete prior to children joining after school clubs.
The school has been awarded a Charter Mark by the Football Association and an Activemark for its high quality work. Diss C.E. Junior has achieved the national Healthy Schools award
ADMISSIONS POLICY
In our school children enter in the beginning of the academic year in which they become eight. The majority of our children transfer directly from Diss Infants School. The LEA issues preference forms to parents in November and parents have until mid January to complete the form. The LEA then considers all applications and allocates places and notifies parents in mid March.
The criteria the LEA applies when considering applications are as follows.
Children living nearest to the school who:
1. Hold a Statement of Special Educational Needs naming the school.
2. Have a brother/sister already at the school.
3. Have no brother/sister at the school.
Children living outside the school area who:
1. Have a brother/sister at the school.
2. Attend feeder schools.
3. Have no brother/sister at the school.
Where parents are seeking to have their child admitted part way through an academic year or if their child is not at Diss Infants School, applications can be made directly to the Headteacher at the school. The same criteria will still apply; the LEA will handle all appeals.
A Parents’ Induction Evening is held in May/June when new parents visit the school and meet staff who will answer any questions or queries they may have. Parents who wish to have their child admitted at other times can make an appointment to be shown round by the Headteacher.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Governors have adopted a policy of formal uniform for all pupils. We see our school uniform as a way to generate a positive and purposeful spirit in the attitude of our pupils and pride in our school. Parents who choose to send their child to Diss Church Junior School are deemed to support the school uniform policy.
1. All pupils are required to wear school uniform and to present themselves in a neat and tidy fashion.
2. No make up or jewellery should be worn except for one stud per ear. These must be removed for all P.E., games and swimming lessons.
3. Hair colour and style should be sensible. No hair gel. Long hair should be tied back for all P.E., games and swimming lessons.
4. Shoes should be sensible and must not include trainers.
Winter Uniform
Grey or black trousers, grey or black skirt or tunic
Maroon sweatshirt or cardigan
White shirt, blouse or polo shirt
White, black or grey socks or tights
Black, grey or brown shoes
Trainers, high heels or platform soles are not permitted, but children may change into trainers for break times when using the field.
Summer Uniform
As above but including:
Pink gingham dress
Tailored black or grey shorts. Sports shorts may not be worn.
Physical Education
White T-shirt
Black shorts
Trainers
Plimsols
Track suit/ warm sweatshirt
Swimming trunks or costume. Bikinis are not permitted.
All items of clothing should be clearly marked with your child’s name.
All uniform is ordered through Get it 4 Schools either by email or by mail order.
www.Getit4school.com
LUNCH TIME
School meals are freshly prepared on the premises in our own kitchen by Norfolk County Services staff. There is a three-weekly menu, copies of which are available for parents. The menu includes a set meal of two courses, including a vegetarian option, costing £2.05. Drinks can be purchased but water is freely available. Children do not need to have a school meal every day they may choose on a daily basis whether they wish to have a cooked meal or a packed lunch. This raises the important issue of money in school. Money needs to be in a named purse or wallet.
Free school meals are available to those children whose parents are claiming Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers’ Allowance. Please call into the office for further details.
We have six Midday Supervisors who are responsible for looking after the children at lunchtime. Each year group has a Supervisor who after them and gets to know each child.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
If you are unhappy about any aspect of your child’s education or experiences at school, you should make an appointment to see the class teacher. We would expect this to resolve the situation, but if you remain unhappy and wish to take the matter further, you should make an appointment to see the Headteacher.
If, after discussion with the Headteacher, the matter remains unresolved, you should write to the Chair of Governors, giving all relevant details including why you are unhappy with the decisions reached so far. The Chair of Governors will respond promptly to your concerns. If you remain unhappy you should write back to the Chair of Governors stating why and request that a Governors’ Complaints Panel is set up to investigate the matter. Again this will be done as promptly as possible. The decision of this panel is then final.
A copy of the school’s complaints policy is available in school.
CHARGING POLICY
Our charging policy is based upon the Norfolk County Council recommended model. Charges will not be made for day trips, travel and tuition for field trips in school time. However parents will be invited to make a contribution to these activities and they may only take place is sufficient contributions are forthcoming.
The school will charge for:
· Ingredients and materials for practical activities if your child wishes to take the end product home.
· Travel, entrance fees, insurance, materials, books, equipment and instruction given outside school hours.
· Board and lodging for activities involving nights away.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
If your child is absent from school for any reason, please telephone the school office before 9.30 a.m. on the first day of absence and send a letter explaining the absence when the child returns to school. We have by law to record authorised and unauthorised absences – including any child who is over fifteen minutes late.
If any absence is unsupported by a message from parents our Education Welfare Office may phone or visit your home to find out the reason for not attending school.
Taking your child out of school for medical or dental appointments is allowed but we ask that you try to avoid this if possible, and always to let us know in advance.
Please try not to take your child on holiday during term time. If you must then you should note that the limit is ten school days in any one school year and this can only be authorised by the Headteacher. You must fill in the appropriate form (available from the office) so that we can then check whether we are able to authorise the absence.
In 2008 there were 237 registered day pupils of compulsory school age on roll.
Diss Church of England Junior School Norfolk NationalAuthorised Absences – 3.5% 5.4% 5.2%
Unauthorised Absences – 0% 2.6% 2.4%
MEDICINES
The following is a statement of our policy on the use of drugs, inhalers and other forms of prescribed medicine issued to children under treatment by a doctor.
We ask all parents to observe the following guidelines to ensure that no children are put at risk through receiving inappropriate or unsuitable doses of prescribed drugs.
· Prescribed medicines brought to school should be clearly labelled with the child’s name. Medicines should be handed in to the office by an adult for safekeeping. The only exceptions to this are inhalers prescribed for asthma and emergency drugs for children with special medical conditions, where immediate treatment is necessary.
· Children with asthma requiring the regular use of inhalers should keep their inhalers with them in class. They may ask their class teacher to look after them if necessary, but please may these be named. Such children should ensure they have easy access to their medication when undertaking PE and swimming lessons.
· Children with long term medical conditions requiring medicines or special provisions should keep their medication in the office where it can be issued as and when appropriate. A consent form should be completed.
· If a child returns to school while still taking prescribed medication, ideally the parent should come into school and administer treatment. If this is not possible, the parent should complete a consent form stating what medication has been prescribed and the dosage. The child is then responsible for collecting and taking their own medicine.
· Staff are not responsible for administering medicine, only for its safekeeping.
TRANSPORT
Please note that cars other than staff or delivery vehicles are not allowed to use the school car park during the school day, unless special permission has been sought from the Headteacher.
Children who walk to school should enter school through the pedestrian gate adjacent to Rectory Meadow. Children who cycle to school must walk their bicycles down The Entry and enter carefully through the pedestrian gates. We strongly recommend that children cycling to school should wear safety helmets.
EDUCATION ADVICE CENTRE
Southern Area Advice Centre
London Road
Attleborough
Phone – 01953 456545
This office deals with general education advice. If you are in any doubt about your entitlements or wish for educational guidance, please contact the office at the above number, where the Officers will do their best to help you.
HEAD OF CHILDREN`S SERVICES
Mrs Lisa Christensen
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Norwich
NR1 2DL
Phone 01603 222146