Tyssen Community School
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Proudly Achieving Together It is our vision to make Tyssen Community School and Children’s Centre a thriving hub that promotes inclusive teaching, learning and achievement within the ethos of mutual respect for all.
www.tyssen.hackney.sch.uk
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Welcome to Tyssen Community School. We take pride in being at the centre of a thriving community where our children leave having had a great experience and achieved to the best of their ability. Tyssen is a lively two-form entry school, which is complimented by a Children’s Centre and an on-site Autism resource. Integration is at the forefront of all we do. Many children begin their schooling here with little or no English, where they quickly gain knowledge and experience through our friendly and supportive environment. Our belief that we can do better together is core to our children’s development and outcomes. We have caring, encouraging and highly trained staff who work hard to ensure that children’s needs are met in all areas. Inclusion is evidenced throughout the school, ensuring everyone has the confidence to do their best. Our Children’s Centre doors are open to children aged from six months to five years. Families benefit from a variety of services offering both emotional and practical advice. Our strong emphasis on the community achieving together works as a strong foundation for a smooth and successful transition into primary school. To fully appreciate our welcoming and friendly environment please visit us or contact the school office for more information. We would be delighted to meet you. Jackie Benjamin Headteacher
Tyssen is a joyful place. Visitors say that our children are very happy, and if you get to know our staff, you will see that they are very happy too. We are all working together to make Tyssen the best school in the country. There is a rich diverse mix of children at Tyssen. Our children are encouraged and supported to develop strong relationships with each other and with staff. They work and play well together and have an enthusiastic Student Council. As governors, we are very much involved at Tyssen. We sit on interview panels, helping to recruit only the best staff. We regularly visit the school to see how the children are learning and to ensure that we are doing everything we can to make the school the best it can be. We take staff wellbeing very seriously and are proud to have very low staff turnover. Our staff are compassionate, creative and do an amazing job. Parents play an active role too. We have a thriving Parent Staff Association. Our Headteacher holds regular parent coffee mornings, but is also found in the playground most mornings and afternoons. All staff make time to welcome parents and visitors, and we would love to welcome you too. Chair of Governors
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Community matters We believe in working as a team to enable development. Children, parents, staff, governors and the members of the community all come together to build policies, which guide us every step of the way. Our Student Council ensures that children have a voice and that their opinions are respected. To ensure togetherness we have a strong commitment to British Values, which are set out by the government and underpin our community work. These are:
Our weekly themed assemblies encompass a value where we explore different views and knowledge of ‘right and wrong’ enabling children to build self-confidence and self-esteem.
yy Democracy;
yy Mutual respect for and tolerance of those
Through our parent surveys and regular pupil voice we know that children feel safe at Tyssen. This is very important to us. We have a very rich, diverse culture, which means that we always have very strong anti-bullying and equality policies for all our stakeholders.
We teach these values throughout all areas of the curriculum interweaving social aspects into all we do in order to work together harmoniously.
Behaviour is a strength of the school. Our positive behaviour policy encourages and promotes good behaviour through our caring and supportive ethos.
yy The rule of law; yy Individual liberty; and
with different faiths and beliefs.
www.tyssen.hackney.sch.uk
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Tyssen is brilliant because children here are all different and that’s good. TEO, YEAR 5 PUPIL
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Learning at Tyssen We offer a fun, engaging and inspiring curriculum. This includes formal learning in the classroom coupled with social, personal and moral experiences gained from all aspects of life.
www.tyssen.hackney.sch.uk
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Literacy Our literacy curriculum emphasises the importance of books and literature enabling children to become confident, happy and enthusiastic readers and writers. We understand the link between good talking and skilful writing. We know that children will be motivated to write if the purpose of writing is clear. Writing is taught using core books, giving the children a secure context and purpose for their writing. Our children are taught key skills to help them plan, draft and edit their work, learn to proofread and improve their own writing, as well as having the opportunity to discuss their writing with peers. We encourage children to read for pleasure and to develop a real passion for reading. Children take part in daily reading sessions and are exposed to whole-class explicit teaching, group and partner work and are given time to apply knowledge and skills independently. The reading curriculum is stimulating and purposeful. High quality texts engage children in reading lessons and books linked to topics, trips and their own lives or preference; providing children with clear motivation for reading. This links to wider enrichment opportunities. Maths Through maths, our aim is to teach the children to be creative thinkers and problem-solvers, encouraging the children to think for themselves. We develop core skills in children to enable them to apply maths outside the classroom. Our maths curriculum is a unique toolkit, carefully crafted to inspire a genuine love of maths and help every child master the national curriculum.
Science Science is a vital part of children’s learning in order to understand the world around them, and importantly, what the world might be like in the future. Our broad and exciting curriculum inspires inquisitive thinking and exploration. Questioning is at the heart of Science at Tyssen, helping children challenge their own ideas and develop understanding, skills which can be applied across all curriculum subjects. Spanish Children learn Spanish from Year 3 to Year 6 from a specialist native Spanish speaking teacher. There are also opportunities in class for children to access Spanish beyond their weekly lesson. Instructions are often given in Spanish to extend the children’s access to it and they are given opportunities to rehearse new vocabulary. Children are given lots of practice in speaking and listening and are encouraged to learn through songs, games and role play. We are lucky to have many native Spanish speaking children who are given the opportunity to develop their reading, writing and grammatical understanding, as well as acting as mentors to other children. We believe that learning a language enriches the curriculum and provides excitement, enjoyment and challenge for children and teachers.
Tyssen is brilliant because it helps you learn, it helps your future and it changes your life for the best. It helps you with your friends and problems and it does the best for you. TEO, YEAR 5 PUPIL
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Healthy living Physical Education at Tyssen is dynamic, inclusive and engaging. It fulfils all the elements of the national curriculum. It is predominantly taught by specialist sports coaches. Developing healthy children is an important part of life at Tyssen. Whether it is through encouraging healthy eating, the development of sport and active lifestyles or the nurturing of healthy minds, you can be assured that our staff are doing everything they can to help your children. Children are encouraged to eat healthily and our tuck shop provides only healthy snacks and drinks. Children are also encouraged to walk to school. Our access to open spaces provides the perfect location for the school’s cycling club, which teaches children to ride and maintain their bicycles safely. We have achieved a Gold standard for the TFL sustainable transport award every year due to the good work we do around travel.
To ensure we support both physical and mental health, all our children have opportunities to share their thoughts through: yy Weekly circle times where children can talk about
their feelings and emotions
yy Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and
Emotional education (PSHCE)
yy Worry boxes in every class yy Curriculum work centred around child
development
yy Weekly praise assemblies to recognise and
reward children
All children at Tyssen receive basic First Aid training as part of our curriculum.
www.tyssen.hackney.sch.uk
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Developing healthy children is an important part of life at Tyssen. Whether it is through encouraging healthy eating, the development of sport and active lifestyles or the nurturing of healthy minds you can rest assured that our staff are doing everything we can to help your children. MICHELLE AMOOTY, SCHOOL ACTIVITIES PARTNER
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Imagination is everything Our creative curriculum inspires children to express their learning through dance and drama, art and crafts, music and technology. Children are encouraged to think for themselves and explore other areas of curiosity and interest.
www.tyssen.hackney.sch.uk
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Tyssen Community is our school Learning here is really cool, Lively literacy, marvellous maths Helping us choose our different paths. As we work in ‘Destination Reader’ Ms Benjamin pops in, she’s our leader. Out on the playground, the fun keeps coming, Football, basketball, cricket and drumming Delicious school dinners we devour applauding, Ready for an afternoon of exploring. The teachers are here to make us achieve In ourselves they make us believe We know we’ll find it hard to leave. Tyssen, our home – both family and friends Our journey of learning never ends. YEAR 6 PUPILS
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Everyone can achieve their fullest potential Tyssen is an inclusive setting that ensures children with additional needs reach their full potential. We are committed to offering an accessible approach to the curriculum to achieve the best possible progress for all of our children whatever their needs and abilities. Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Our inclusion team work closely with parents, support staff and class teachers to raise achievement, develop life skills and self-esteem and remove barriers to learning. Life skills are explicitly taught, so as to give our SEND pupils a holistic education.
Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) We have an ARP dedicated to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We are the first and currently only school in Hackney to have obtained National Autistic Society Accreditation. All children in the ARP access the national curriculum with an individualised, differentiated programme, based on an ASD approach to teaching (PECS, TEACCH, SCERTS). ARP staff work closely with mainstream teachers by embedding ASD specific approaches to support pupils’ learning. Ethnic Minority Achievement (EMA) A large proportion of our pupils have English as an additional language. We provide language sessions run by a qualified teacher or support staff, which are personalised to meet the individual needs of the child. The EMA team work in cohesion with teachers to support the children to access classroom teaching. At Tyssen we promote and celebrate our cultural differences by encouraging community involvement and organising events such as Black History Month, International week, Language of the Month and many more.
www.tyssen.hackney.sch.uk
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The inclusion of the Autism Resource Provision (ARP) is remarkable as it caters effortlessly towards autistic children. PARENTS OF ARP STUDENT
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Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) At Tyssen, children will discover their identity, gain independence and unleash their potential through play, high levels of wellbeing and creativity. With skilled practitioners and families working together, we provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment that challenges and develops every child. We are the first school in Hackney to adopt the ‘In the moment’ approach. This way of teaching comes from, and is for, the children. The children’s interests lead the practitioners to guide them in their learning in line with the EYFS outcomes. At this age, children need to be fully engaged in their learning through play that stems from their own needs and interests. Exploring the world around them and having real life experiences stimulate and encourage their learning journey. When children show high levels of wellbeing and involvement, progress and development follow naturally.
Our happy children make excellent progress from their entry points giving them a strong foundation to begin their life long journey through education. We have taken a leading role in supporting other schools in Hackney, sharing our innovative and child led practice. Hackney Learning Trust advocate our way of teaching; an Early Years consultant stated that our teaching creates ‘learning at its purest form.’
www.tyssen.hackney.sch.uk
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Tyssen Children’s Centre Our role is to provide daycare and support services for children and families living in and around the Stamford Hill, Cazenove and Upper Clapton areas. Our aim is to provide them with quality opportunities to help them with their next steps in life. Daycare We offer care and education to children aged six months to five years, helping children learn through play. Open 48 weeks a year, 8am to 6pm, our range of full and part time places are delivered by highly skilled and qualified staff. Please visit us to check whether you are eligible for support with fees and childcare tax credits. We can also advise on access to free 15/30 hours per week for your two or three year olds. Free Stay and Play activities We provide free services in the community for all families to access including: yy Stay and play – opportunities for children to play
with toys and other children and information for parents on home activities;
yy Baby group for parents and new babies – this
allows parents to get information about how their children are developing, growing and changing. The group includes advice and guidance visits from health professionals;
yy Groups for children under 18 months; and yy Opportunities for messy play.
Family Support Services Tailored to the individual needs of the family, we offer support to families where children may have additional needs like autism, developmental delay and problems with speech or language. We also work with parents suffering with mental health and disabilities. We can support families in dealing with external agencies and provide a range of information, advice and support in order to empower parents. This can include support towards volunteering or routes into training and employment. Our well attended parenting classes support, guide and facilitate healthy relationships within the family. We can direct families for support with housing, finance, legal and immigration issues. We can also help families get access to grants for purchasing childcare and household equipment.
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Our friends Our school achievements simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and passion of our friends. We are fortunate to draw on a group of talented, knowledgeable and inspired people who make our vision a reality. Pupil voice The School Council plays an important role in school. Each class is represented by two elected members. The representatives also have a say in matters such as school meals, teaching and performance evaluation. Pupil voice supports us to shape policy and the curriculum.
School governors Staff look to the governors to support the school’s efficient use of resources and to monitor the performance of children and staff. Tyssen partnerships Our motto ‘Proudly Achieving Together’ is clearly demonstrated by our partnerships with parents and communities outside of the school. We work well with a large and varied community including Orthodox Jews, members of the Muslim communities and other faith groups, local businesses, support groups and partner educational establishments. Parents Parents are given an opportunity to share comments or concerns through a suggestion box and meetings. They also receive information via the school newsletter. Events are designed to engage parents and carers in the life of the school and to encourage community cohesion.
Contact the school office if you want to know more or join in. T. 020 8806 4130
www.tyssen.hackney.sch.uk
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Parent and Staff Association (PSA) The PSA at Tyssen is a charity run by a committee of dedicated parents/carers and staff serving as a bridge between the school and its extended family. The main purpose of the PSA is to plan and organise fun events and activities to raise money for much needed resources for the children, where the school budget is continuously being stretched. They strive to deepen the existing strong community spirit, which creates our unique family environment. The PSA are goodwill ambassadors of the school who ensure all money raised at events, benefit the school and the children in the best way possible. Below are some of their proudest achievements to date, which they hope to build on: Breakfast Toast Tent – sponsored by generous friends at Warburtons, the PSA provides free toast for children who have not yet had breakfast as they enter the playground. The hope is that this will help children focus and learn to the best of their abilities.
The Toast Tent is a positive and beneficial idea for children who don’t have the time to have breakfast in the mornings. It occurs at 8.45am from Monday to Friday. The Year 6 children assist the PSA to provide a nutritious breakfast for all children rather than them picking up something from the sweet shop. Toast is free for teachers and children to come and enjoy before 8.55am. REANNA, YEAR 6 PUPIL
Gardening Club – where families join together to grow food and plants. This ensures our environment looks lovely and families learn about healthy living. Regular Events – the PSA plan and run several events including a September ‘Back to School/ Welcome BBQ’, themed and educational film nights, pop up cake sales and after school ice pop stands. The PSA can also be found with a stall at school run events such as Firework night; Winter Wonderland, healthy lifestyle activities and the Summer Fair. Charity Donations – as well as raising funds for our own needs, the PSA looks outward by having a charity focus. They host special events with fun activities to raise awareness, where all, or part, of the collection goes to the charity. Contributions to the school – so far the PSA has raised funds for a new PA system and guitars, giving more children the opportunity to receive lessons. The PSA welcome all volunteers who would like to help in any way. Whether you work full time, part time or not at all, time you give to supporting the PSA will make an amazing difference and is a great way to improve the educational outcomes of our children.
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Extended schools Pupils at Tyssen have the opportunity to take part in an extensive range of extra-curricular activities before school, during school and after school. We also arrange activities for families, parents and carers. We currently run 30 clubs including breakfast, lunch and after-school clubs. We offer a range of sports including gymnastics, ballet, kung fu, football and Fit Kids. To develop new skills and to provide a creative outlet we offer music and singing, creative club, ICT and French.
We support families to enjoy time together by providing a cycle club for parents and children to practice cycling skills and have their bicycles fixed. Clubs are developed in consultation with the parents and children and feedback and opinions are gathered before the timetable is created. Families are invited to make suggestions through regular consultation.
Wrap around care is an important role of the school; we pride ourselves in being able to provide activities through breakfast and after school clubs. JACKIE BENJAMIN, HEADTEACHER
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Tyssen is brilliant because we do fun activities and it helps you get a really good education and it also makes children happy to have an opportunity to have your dream job. BRIANA, YEAR 5 PUPIL
Proudly Achieving Together Oldhill Street, London, N16 6LR T 020 8806 4130 www. tyssen.hackney.sch.uk admin@tyssen.hackney.sch.uk
Tyssen is brilliant because they raise money for good causes. RAMIAH, YEAR 5 PUPIL