General Information

The Organisation of the School

Up until 2009 we admitted one-and-a-half classes each year, which we organised into mixed age classes. However, for the past three years the school has been over-subscribed and we have reverted to being two-form entry, that is, admitting 60 children in reception. We now have two full classes in the reception year, year 1 and year 2. Where we have mixed age classes (ie. in years 3 to 6), we arranged it so that there are three parallel classes across two year groups (eg. three classes of years 3 and 4, and three classes in years 5 and 6). Their teachers share planning to ensure that the needs of all the pupils across the age and ability range are met. They follow the syllabus of the older age group where it is practical to do so, to ensure that the older children are not held back. It also enables subject specialist teaching to take place.

The curriculum is thoroughly planned and teachers use a variety of methods to teach it. The methods used (such as whole class or group teaching) depend very much on the lesson content and on the needs of that particular group of children. Children with special needs usually have work differentiated for them (mostly in Literacy and Mathematics) and the more able pupils are given extension activities or set more challenging tasks wherever appropriate. Teachers are supported by a team of Teaching Assistants, who work with small groups and individuals within the class.