The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
KEY STAGE 1 HANDBOOK
A guide to Key Stage One at The King’s School, Manila
" This Key Stage handbook will introduce you to the specific policies and procedures which will help you to support your child becoming integrated into their life at the King’s School, Manila. Please take the time to read it through carefully and keep it on hand for future reference. www.kings.org.ph
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
" " " Table Of Contents" " WELCOME FROM THE HEADTEACHER" " TERM DATES"" " " " "
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7" 9 " 11" 2" 3" 4" 16" 17"
EXTRA CURRICULAR " AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES (ASA)"" LIBRARY" " " " " " FIELD TRIPS" " " " " SPECIAL EVENT DAYS" " "
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19" 19 " 20 " 20"
THE PASTORAL SYSTEM THE HOUSE SYSTEM" " " " " " REWARDS AND SANCTIONS" " " " " WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO SUPPORT THEIR CHILD?" "
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SCHOOL PROCEDURES" HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION"" REPORTING TO PARENTS" " " PLAYGROUND" " " " SECURITY"" " " " " SCHOOL LUNCHES" " " " HEALTH AND ABSENCES" " "
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THE CURRICULUM" INTRODUCTION" LITERACY " " NUMERACY" " TOPIC WORK"" MUSIC" " " CHINESE" " " P.E." " " E.A.L." " " HOMEWORK" "
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
" " " " " " " " Welcome from the Headteacher
" Dear Parents and Pupils" Key Stage 1 is the phase which includes the children from Year 1 and Year 2 and is the bridge between the play-based education of our Foundation Stage and the more formal learning within the Key Stage 2 phase. The Key Stage 1 teachers are responsible for building on the early literacy and numeracy work done in the Reception class and in particular for ensuring that children become confident and enthusiastic readers." As you would expect the emphasis at this age remains on learning through direct experience, with particular attention being given to children’s personal, social and emotional development to help them to become confident independent learners. If you have the opportunity to look around our school I am confident that you will be impressed with the warmth of the learning environment, the impressively organised classrooms, the quality of the work on display and the supportive relationships between the children and their teachers and teaching assistants." Mathematics, Reading and Literacy are a major part of the Key Stage 1 curriculum with the other subjects often integrated into a termly topic. As in our Foundation stage the Key Stage 1 children benefit from specialist teachers in music, PE and Mandarin but will also take part in Primary Instrumental Music (PIM’s) lessons provided by our peripatetic music experts. This pilot project gives all of our Primary students an opportunity to learn to read and write music and to experience the challenge of learning a range of instruments." The facilities provided at King’s, for our Key Stage 1 children, provide an ideal environment to support their educational development. Our children benefit from a safe and caring environment with specialist areas for guided reading, dance, music and ICT whilst also enjoying indoor and outdoor play areas." At King’s I have no doubt that you will see your child grow in confidence and in ability in a learning environment where they can feel respected and can learn to respect others." Welcome to Key Stage 1 and to our school." PETER LINDSAY
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Term Dates
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" Term One Monday, 18 August First day of Academic Year Thursday, 21 August National Holiday (Ninoy Aquino Day) Monday, 25 August National Holiday (National Heroes Day) Monday – Friday, 13 - 17 October School closed for half term Friday, 12 December Last day of term - Noon finish
Term Two Monday, 5 January First day of term Monday – Friday, 16 – 20 February School closed for half term Wednesday, 25 February National Holiday (EDSA Revolution) Thursday, 2 April Last day of term - Noon finish
Term Three Monday, 20 April First day of term Friday, 1 May National Holiday (Labour Day) Monday – Friday, 25 - 29 May School closed for half term Friday, 12 June National Holiday (Independence Day)
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Tuesday, 14 July Last day of term - Noon finish
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Our Curriculum
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
What is Key Stage One?! Key Stage 1 comprises of two year groups: Year 1 (ages 5-6) and Year 2 (ages 6-7). Our underlying objective is to build on the foundations laid in Early Years Foundation Stage and continue to provide a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment that encourages children to become confident in their own abilities."
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How is the curriculum delivered?! At The King’s School we aim to ensure that all children in our care are happy, confident, well motivated, challenged and excited about life. We provide a broad and balanced academic curriculum which will enable each child to realise his or her potential in a safe, caring and supportive environment. We use the English National Curriculum as our starting point and adapt it to the needs of our International community whilst taking advantage of the myriad of local learning opportunities available to us in Manila."
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We aim to foster a good work ethic and to instigate an enjoyment and love of learning by providing an interesting and stimulating school environment in which children are encouraged to be individuals. We also encourage children to recognise and celebrate diversity and cultural variety, and to respect themselves and others."
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The English National Curriculum has core subjects of Literacy and Numeracy which are taught at least one hour a day as discrete subjects in the curriculum. History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, Science and ICT are taught through a topic based cross curricular approach. Chinese, Music and Physical Education are taught by specialist teachers.
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Literacy Literacy development is recognised as being the essential basis for all learning. As a part of our overall literacy curriculum, the school encompasses the Primary Framework, to promote and teach good practice in reading, writing and speaking and listening."
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Reading: Reading is a very important part of a child’s education. At The King’s School we see the partnership between parents and school as a vital part of reading development. Your contribution is crucial to help your child to achieve his or her full potential."
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There are two main strands to reading at King’s. One strand is an ‘individualised reading system’ using books which are levelled according to the reading age of the text. Children work their way through the levels, at their own rate, until they become free readers. The children bring these books home and parents are asked to monitor their reading."
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The second strand of reading comes within the ‘guided reading’ part of the literacy lessons. During these lessons, children will be taught about reading and understanding of texts while learning essential reading skills."
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As well as the two main strands to reading, children usually visit the library weekly where they are encouraged to borrow books which interest them."
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Writing: In order to write successfully pupils must learn the rules of punctuation, sentence construction, spelling and grammar. At the infant stage of development, writing will be based on the child’s own experience. Within Key Stage 1 they will be introduced to a variety of writing forms so that their written expression is confident no matter what content."
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Teachers closely monitor, assess and track progress in writing. The students are aware of what writing level they are working at and set achievable targets to move towards the next level."
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Handwriting: Throughout the school children are taught the correct letter formations and are encouraged to write fluently and legibly. Teachers issue ‘pen licenses’ to those children who are using a joined and consistent style and once they receive their certificate they are encouraged to write in pen."
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Speaking and listening: Speaking and listening both play an important part in language development. In order to express their thoughts clearly children have to search for the most suitable language for them. At King’s the children are given many opportunities to develop their skills through activities such as drama and circle time. Our planning, using the Primary Framework, focuses on speaking and listening at the beginning of each unit of work. We help to develop children’s listening and speaking skills using a variety of games and resources, and class discussion are an important part of all curricular areas.
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Units covered in literacy! The following units are completed in Year 1 over the course of the year:"
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Narrative
Non-fiction
Poetry
UNIT 1
UNIT 2
UNIT 3
UNIT 4
Stories with familiar settings
Stories from a range of cultures/ Stories with predictable and patterned language
Traditional and fairy tales (includes plays) "
Stories about fantasy worlds
UNIT 1
UNIT 2
UNIT 3
UNIT 4
UNIT 5
Labels, lists and captions
Instructions
Recounts, dictionary
Information texts
Recount (fact and fiction)
UNIT 1
UNIT 2
UNIT 3
Using the senses
Pattern and rhyme
Poems on a theme
" The following units are completed in Year 2 over the course of the year:" " Narrative
Non-fiction
Poetry
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UNIT 1
UNIT 2
UNIT 3
UNIT 4
Stories with familiar settings
Traditional stories
Different stories by the same author
Extended stories/ Significant authors
UNIT 1
UNIT 2
UNIT 3
UNIT 4
Instructions
Explanations
Information
Nonchronological texts reports
UNIT 1
UNIT 2
UNIT 3
Patterns on the page
Really looking
Silly stuff
Please note that the curriculum at The King’s School is constantly evaluated and improved and as a result the units above may be subject to changes."
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Lesson Structure: Literacy lessons take place every day. Lessons have an opener, a main teaching session, a group or individual activity and a plenary. In the Opener the class will gather on the carpet and play a warm up game that is related to the text they are studying that week. The main teaching session is a teacher-led session where the lesson "
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objective is introduced to the children. After this the children work in ability groups supported by the teacher or the TA or work independently. Finally, during the lesson plenary, the class gathers together to review the learning of the lesson."
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Numeracy The principal focus of mathematics teaching in Key Stage 1 is to ensure that children develop confidence and mental fluency with whole numbers, counting and place value. This involves working with numerals, words and the four operations, including with practical resources [for example, concrete objects and measuring tools]."
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At this stage, pupils should develop their ability to recognise, describe, draw, compare and sort different shapes and use the related vocabulary. Teachers use a range of measures to describe and compare different quantities such as length, mass, capacity/volume, time and money."
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By the end of Year 2, children should know the number bonds to 20 and be precise in using and understanding place value. "
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Children will also read and spell mathematical vocabulary, at a level consistent with their increasing word reading and spelling knowledge at Key Stage 1.

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Curriculum guidelines ! At King’s we follow the programme of study for the national curriculum in England which is separated into different strands:"
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1. a. b. c. d.
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Number" number and place value" addition and subtraction" multiplication and division" fractions" Measurement"
3. Geometry" a. properties of shape" b. position and direction"
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Statistics"
Planning structure for Year 1 and 2 ! These strands are taught throughout the year within five blocks. The structure is the same for Year 1 and 2. A block is designed to cover the equivalent of 6 or 9 weeks of teaching and within each block there are three units. Each block covers objectives from the Using and applying mathematics strand and from two or three of the other core strands. The blocks are:
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Block A: Counting, partitioning and calculating
Block B: Securing number facts, understanding shape
Block C: Handling data and measures
Block D: Calculating, measuring and understanding shape
Block E: Securing number facts, relationships and calculating
Unit A1
Unit B1
Unit C1
Unit D1
Unit E1
Unit A2
Unit B2
Unit C2
Unit D2
Unit E2
Unit A3
Unit B3
Unit C3
Unit D3
Unit E3
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Lesson Structure! Numeracy lessons are planned across a year group to monitor standards, progression and consistency and to ensure each class is teaching a mirror curriculum. Children are placed in ability groups for independent activities which are differentiated accordingly to ensure all pupils are supported and challenged. The teacher and TA work with each ability group in turn during the week thus ensuring all pupils receive a high level of adult support during lessons, while also having the opportunity to develop independent skills. In addition to normal lessons the children in KS1 complete a basic skills quiz for ten minutes first thing each morning on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday vertical groups complete a direct teaching session led by a teacher or TA assigned to each of the levels. These groups are populated by KS1 and KS2 children."
" Mental maths and times table tests are done on Friday. " "
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Topic KS1 uses the “topic” approach for teaching science, history, geography, ICT, PSHE, art and DT. It is a dynamic and fun way to create a lively and interesting environment to engage the children. We present a new topic with a “hook” to capture their imagination. This can be anything from setting up an art gallery in preparation for a visit from Pablo Picasso or Vincent Van Gogh, to learning all the necessary skills a pirate would use to compete in the Pirate Games; from learning the layout, features and function of parts of a city in order to become a city planner, to studying animals through comparison of diet, body, environment, location in world to prepare for a safari. "
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Year 1 Topics may include:
Year 2 Topics may include:
Ourselves
You are what you eat
Pirates
Water of life
Toys
Let’s celebrate
Healthy Eating
Media magic
Tropical Animals
Active planet
At the end of a topic, the children are able to put their learning into practise by applying the skills and knowledge in a practical way as they participate in an end of topic celebration. This relates directly back to the hook that was introduced to them at the beginning of the topic. From topic, students learn and practise skills that they can apply to everyday situations outside the classroom.
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Music Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A highquality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon."
" By the end of Key Stage 1 children at The King’s School will be be taught to:" "
• use their voices expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and
" rhymes" • play tuned and untuned instruments musically " "
• listen with concentration and understanding to a range of high-quality live and recorded music " " experiment with, create, select and combine sounds using the inter-related dimensions of music. " • " Children in KS1 receive music twice a week led by a music specialist. In addition they also attend a weekly singing assembly."
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Each year, the children perform in a large scale production which involves singing, playing percussion, acting and dancing. Pupils in this key stage are strongly encouraged to participate in after school clubs with a musical theme such as recorder club, junior choir or music & movement."
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Mandarin There are two different groups in Mandarin in Key Stage1: " " 1. Chinese Language (CL1 & CL2) Children need to be native or near native Chinese speakers to be able to enter this programme."
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2. Chinese Additional Language (CAL1 & CAL2) Children who learn Mandarin as an additional language or who have no previous learning experience in Chinese will enter this programme."
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General learning objectives and topics of each level ! A. In Chinese Language 1 and 2 (CL1&2) children will:" • read, write and use Pinyin "
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• develop their listening and speaking skills through learning and reciting texts"
" • read, write and use between 300 and 700 characters " " • learn up to 11 texts each term " " "
B. In Chinese Additional Language 2(CAL2) children will " • read pinyin and read & write some Chinese characters "
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• develop their listening and speaking skills through learning texts and nursery songs "
" • read 500 characters and write 200 characters " " • make some phrases and sentences by using the words they’ve learned" " • learn topics such as Greetings, Family members, Nationalities, School
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life, Dates and Food. "
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" P.E. PE is a compulsory subject. Every child takes part in two lessons per week, covering a range of different sporting activities. "
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A high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all children to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities. P.E. provides opportunities for our children to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. We believe that opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect."
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Aims of P.E.! The UK national curriculum for physical education aims to ensure that all pupils: " • develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities" • are physically active for sustained periods of time" • engage in competitive sports and activities" • lead healthy, active lives"
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Subject Content! At The King’s School children in Key Stage One develop fundamental movement skills, become increasingly competent and confident and access a broad range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance and coordination, individually and with others. They are able to engage in competitive (both against self and against others) and co-operative physical activities, in a range of increasingly challenging situations."
" Key Stage One children are taught to:" "
• master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and co-ordination, and begin to apply these in a range of activities "
" • participate in team games, developing simple tactics for attacking and defending " " • perform dances using simple movement patterns. " " • swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres" " • use a range of strokes effectively [for example, front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke] " " " " " " " www.kings.org.ph
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
" P.E. Department Expectations! Dress! All students are expected to wear full King’s P.E. kit for every lesson. On P.E. days children in KS1 may wear their kit to school. For swimming they should bring a swimming costume, swimming cap and towel. Swimming goggles and sun cream are also advisable. All P.E. kit should be clearly labeled with the child’s name. Jewellery and watches should not be worn in lessons and long hair must be tied back."
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Sickness/injury! In the event that a child is not able to take part in the lesson they must submit a letter from either their parents or a doctor to outline the reasons why." Students who cannot take part in a practical way will still be involved in the lesson in the form of assisting and observing.
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" English as an Additional Language (EAL) Overview The aim of the EAL programme at The King’s School is to help students gain competence in English so that they may succeed in the academic programme and integrate fully into the social life of the school." Our primary objective is to provide enjoyable activities that will make both teaching and learning fun, while exploiting younger children’s innate capacity to assimilate new information. We create a reassuring environment in which the children can express themselves without anxiety and so become confident and dynamic individuals."
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The Key Stage One EAL Programme" The language needs of students who join the EAL programme are analysed and each student is placed in the EAL group considered most appropriate for them according to their level and year group. The groups are withdrawn from the larger class and given language support, usually while the class are at Mandarin. When the child is assesses to be exceeding expectations in a particular EAL group, she or he is moved to a higher level. When a child is able to function independently in the mainstream classroom without EAL intervention, he or she will be released from the programme."
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Objectives!
• To help students learn the basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English."
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• To help students to gain confidence to use their acquired language to socialise with their
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peers, and in a wider school environment."
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designed around their specific needs."
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and mentally active and encouraged to make sense of the language themselves."
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in different contexts."
• To motivate students to learn English through an interesting curriculum that has been • To make learning an active process in every way to ensure that students are physically • To give students plenty of opportunities to practise the language acquired by recycling it • To help students develop a broad range of vocabulary and sentence structures to make them able language learners."
" • To enable students to become effective communicators and to improve pronunciation. " " " " " " " www.kings.org.ph
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Homework Homework is an integral part of life at The King’s School. All children in Year 1 and Year 2 receive homework appropriate to the their capabilities. Homework generally consists of literacy, numeracy, spelling, Mandarin and daily reading. "
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The literacy, numeracy and Mandarin work is always directly related to the class work and school curriculum to ensure that the topics covered in school are consolidated at home. "
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Weekly spelling lists are sent home the same day each week and we encourage the children to practise everyday in preparation for their weekly spelling test. Results for spelling tests are placed on your portal in the Assessment tab of your child. You’ll also be told which word, if any, has been spelled wrong!"
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It is important to note that homework is used to review and consolidate learning rather than to introduce new concepts. The place for challenging activities is the classroom where children have the support of the teachers and not at home where they may feel overwhelmed if they do not fully understand the task." Expectations! The following times are a guideline for weekly homework:" Other homework from class teacher per week
Reading at home
Spellings
10 mins per day max.
10 mins per day
1 task per week
1 task of approx. 15 mins
15 mins per day max
15 mins per day
1 task per week
1 task of approx. 20 mins
Class
Mandarin
Year 1 Year 2
Teachers keep a class record of homework and issues of incomplete or poorly attempted homework activities will be discussed at parent meetings.
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Extra Curricula Activities
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Extra Curricula Activities After School Activities (ASA)! After school activities take place on Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m."
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Teachers and Teacher Assistants lead ASA. The purpose of ASA is to promote the creative and physical elements of the curriculum through stimulating and fun activities. It is also an excellent opportunity for children to interact with children of a different age group. Each term each member of staff is asked to offer a different ASA, but some choose to continue this ASA throughout the year if suitable."
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You and your child will be invited to choose her or his ASA by booking online. These bookings are accepted on a first come first served basis. It is school policy that children do not change ASA mid-way through the programme - an aim of the ASA programme is to inculcate perseverance by taking a choice through to the end."
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On Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday outside agencies will hold additional after school activities (AASA) for children. Usually children are charged a fee for AASA, and the activities may be conducted off-site."
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Library The aims of King’s Library are:" • To provide a balanced collection of resources, which have been developed with consideration for the interests, ability and individual needs of the users. "
" • To effectively manage resources and materials providing users with ready access. " " • To work with children and teachers to ensure that a wide range of research and information skills are learned and practised in all areas of the curriculum. "
" • To promote the notion of reading as an enjoyable recreational activity. " " • To support the curriculum, personal and recreational needs of the
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school community."
• To provide an attractive, comfortable working environment for users.
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Library Sessions The children in KS1 get at least one library session a week. In this time they can undertake a range of reading activities which include individual reading, researching information and listening to stories. They also have the opportunity to borrow books to take home. This allows them to select books that they find interesting to help develop their reading skills.
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Field Trips Each KS1 class participates in a series of educational day visits in and around Manila. At King’s we consider these trips to be an essential part of a child’s education where classroom learning is extended, put to use or stimulated, and also where our pupils develop independence, self-reliance and grow in confidence. Parents might be asked to accompany school trips to support their child’s class and assist with extending all pupils’ learning. " Special Event Days! 1. Activities Week!
In Key Stage One during Activities Week the children participate in a series of extracurricula activities that take place both in the school and out in the community. Events may include day trips to parks, theme days in school, inter-class learning, games and treats."
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2. Year 2 Overnight in School" Our Year 2 children have an overnight camp-out in the school grounds which includes sports games, a BBQ, and team games. In this way we can help the children prepare for their residential visit in Key Stage 2 and celebrate their growing independence." 3. Whole School Events" As well as special events days for particular year groups, there are also many days for the children from the whole school and Key Stage One to enjoy. These include:" • Book Week - Focus on enjoying books, dressing up as a book character"
" • Maths Day - Lots of fun activities relating to numeracy and quizzes" " • Science Day - Fun science activities and investigations" "
• UN Day - Coming to school in our national costumes and enjoying a truly international
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• Chinese New Year - a day of learning Chinese games and cooking, and performing in Mandarin"
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Pastoral System
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" Pastoral System Houses At The King’s School we consider sportsmanship, teamwork and gentle competitiveness to be essential components of our broad and rigorous programme. Each child in KS1 is placed in a House team and each House elects two House Captains to lead them that year:"
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During the course of the year, there are several House events including Inter-House sports contests and music competitions, and the result of the ongoing House Point competition is announced each Friday."
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House Points: House Points are awarded to children for their individual and team achievement and successes. House totals are logged in each classroom and when a child reaches the 25, 50, 100 and 200 House Points total they receive a certificate at one of our Friday assemblies. Overall records of House Points gained by each team in all House events are maintained throughout the year and the winning House receives the House Cup at the end of the academic year.
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Marble Rewards! Individual pupils are awarded Marbles for displaying the positive qualities which we value at King’s, such as patience, understanding, helpfulness, diligence, teamwork, good organisational skills, friendliness and good manners. The class keeps a total of the Marbles awarded each term and decides on Marble Rewards for each 100 gained. These Marble Rewards are short periods of time spent on the children’s favourite activities, i.e. 15 minutes extra playtime or ICT, 30 minutes of board games, 45 minutes of cookery or 60 minutes of swimming. In this way, the children develop an understanding of teamwork, manners and good study skills which will help to set positive behaviour patterns for life."
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Sanctions! While behaviour is seldom an issue the children are made fully aware of a system of sanctions that are in place to protect their learning at all times. These are clearly posted in every classroom and are referred to when necessary."
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
What can parents do to support their child?! We believe that to achieve the best possible education for your child, we need to foster a close partnership between home and school. Each child will benefit when her or his parents and teachers work in close collaboration with one another. Below are just a few ways in which we suggest that you might wish to help in your child’s education."
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1. What to bring to school every day! In order to help your child, help them to become more independent by helping them to remember what they should bring to school each day. These include:" • Book bag" • Healthy Snack" • Water bottle"
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2. Reading at home! Read with your children as often as possible to encourage them to enjoy reading frequently. This may involve listening to your child reading their home reader books or a book from home, or may be you reading a book to your child so that they may learn about skills like using expression. Remember to discuss the story plots and characters in fiction books and the information in non-fiction books."
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3. Spellings" Your child will receive weekly spellings and should be encouraged and helped to learn their weekly spelling rules in preparation for the spelling test."
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4. Homework" Weekly homework is an important part of your child’s education and is given out by the class teacher in order to consolidate what the children are learning in school. Children should complete their homework as independent activities but may require your support in order to complete it successfully."
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5. Sharing experiences! Try to talk to your child each day to discuss what they have learned at school and things that they have enjoyed or found challenging. This will allow your child to widen their vocabulary, develop their speaking and listening skills, and will bring their learning to life.
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" School Procedures
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The King’s School, Manila
August 2014
Key Stage One" School Procedures Communication! At The King’s School we ensure that teachers and parents work in partnership to ensure the very best for your child. As part of this, we place a strong emphasis on opening up many avenues of communication between us. Please take the time to read the following to help you understand the different ways that we will share information with each other."
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Daily Communication! 1. When dropping off or collecting your child! When you drop your child off in the morning or collect him/her at the end of the day, it is an good opportunity for you to convey any important information to the teacher about your child (i.e. if your child didn’t sleep well last night, really loved their new library book or has made great progress with their times tables recently at home, etc.)."
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2. Email! You will be given the teacher’s email address and can email them at any time. Emails are checked regularly throughout the day and will be replied as soon as possible."
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Each Week! 1. Parent Portal! When you enrol your child at a British Schools Foundation school you are given a username and password that gives you access to the British Schools Foundation’s parent portal. Your portal is an interactive blog with your child’s teacher. It works in the form of a social media webpage."
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On your profile page you will be informed, almost on a daily basis, about events happening at school that pertain to your child. You will also find regular updates about your child’s academic progress, pastoral successes and attendance. "
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Staff will post links to important documents (homework sheets, timetables, examples of children’s work) as well as photographs from that day’s learning activities."
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2. Photographs " Photos are taken regularly in class, some of which are shared on your interactive blog. Others are displayed around the school or on the school website. "
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Additional Information and Correspondence during the Year! 1. Monthly newsletters ! Every month we upload a newsletter onto the website. It’s full of great images, examples of children’s work and monthly reviews of happenings in each class and from each teacher. "
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2. Three official King’s School reports per year ! Each term you will receive a full written report on your child’s progress and attainment."
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3. Class Timetable ! This timetable indicates which activity your child is doing at what time during the week."
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4. Termly Curriculum Letter ! This is sent out to parents three times a year and is an overview of what the class will be achieving in the upcoming term."
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Information we offer to parents personally on a face-to-face situation! 1. Curriculum Evenings ! These are presentations at the beginning of each term where you will hear about the curriculum and organisation of your child’s class."
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2. Parent Consultations ! These take place twice a year and give you the opportunity to talk one-to-one with the teacher about your child’s progress, development and targets."
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3. Open Door Policy ! We are very pleased and willing to meet to discuss anything parents should wish to address. Please just let the teachers know and we can arrange a time that is agreeable to both parties."
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Other Opportunities to get involved at King’s! We have lots of parents in school during the week taking part in some of the following activities:" • Reading with children in class (training is given)" • Helping with class trips" • Helping with cooking or art lessons" • Coming to our coffee mornings and talks" • Leading whole school art projects with the children"
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So please get in touch if you would like to offer some of your spare time in school. We would love to have your input. If you have any questions or comments regarding any of the points that have been referred to in this booklet, then please do not hesitate to let us know."
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Playground There is plenty of space for your children to enjoy an active break from studies. A large play area covered with Astroturf provides an area for soccer and other ball games and for children to burn off energy and play with their friends."
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There are a variety of safe and child friendly climbing frames, along with other apparatus and designated areas for children to use at playtimes, including an area set aside with a variety of playground toys to keep the children amused and actively occupied."
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All playtimes are supervised by staff members, ensuring that children are safe to enjoy vital breaks and free time."
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Security There is no issue that the school takes more seriously than the safety of our students. We have security guards on the main gate to ensure unauthorised personnel do enter the school grounds and all visitors entering the school are required to sign in and out."
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All families have been asked to send in electronic photos so that ID cards are made for any adult picking up a child. No adult will be allowed in the school grounds without their ID card. Please support us in this."
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Please ensure that your child is collected from a member of staff at the end of each school day from the designated area. "
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It is essential that we have an accurate record of who is authorised to collect your child and their photograph in order to make an ID card.!
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We will not release a child to the custody of a different adult unless we have received formal written notification from the child’s parent."
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If you need to collect your child during the school day please go to the main reception area and speak to the school secretary, who will then go to the classroom to bring your child to you. Parents should provide the school with at least two contact telephone numbers in case of emergencies. It is vital that you inform the school of any changes to these contact numbers."
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School Lunches In order to maintain healthy bodies and energy levels, Key Stage One children bring in their own healthy snack for their morning and afternoon playtimes. Excellent examples include fruit and raw vegetables.
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All children should bring a small plastic bottle/flask of water to school each day (no juice or milk). It is a requirement that all bottles/flasks are named and that children can open and close them independently. Water dispensers are located throughout the school to refill water containers when necessary."
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At lunchtimes, Key Stage One students are served a hot and nutritious meal including a main course, salad, dessert and drinks. A menu is emailed to you every weekly. Please note that we do not allow children to bring sandwiches or an alternative to the school lunch due to the difficulties of providing adequate and safe storage. However our catering team provides an excellent range of meals to suit even the fussiest of eaters and teachers are on hand to support children during the lunch break."
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Please remember: The King’s School is a nut free zone to protect some of our children who have severe nut allergies. Please do not send nuts, or any kind of snack that contains nuts, for children to eat on the bus or at school. If you are supplying treats to your class to celebrate a birthday it is important to check with the class teacher or class rep to ensure that there are no other food allergies in the class."
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Health and Absences Regular daily attendance is expected but sometimes absence is unavoidable. Please telephone the school on the day if your child is not able to attend. If your child has had vomiting or diarrhoea keep them at home for 24 hours. If they have a contagious illness such as flu or chicken pox keep them home until a doctor certifies that they are no longer contagious."
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Please advise us of any medical problems that your child may have, particularly when there is a contagious condition or an allergy to food or other materials."
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During particular times of the year there are often mosquitoes around the school grounds. If your child suffers with mosquito bites please apply mosquito repellent patches on your child’s clothing each day."
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Staff are given regular first aid training from qualified medical staff. Most minor accidents and illnesses are dealt with by the nurse at school and serious accidents / illnesses will be communicated to you via email or phone. In cases of serious accidents or illnesses you will be contacted immediately and your child will be taken to a hospital / doctor of your choice."
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If your child needs medicine during the day, you will need to fill in a form at Reception outlining what the medicine is and how it is to be administered and giving a member of staff permission to administer.
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