Oystermouth primary School

Oystermouth Primary School, Ysgol Gynradd Ystumllwynarth,

Headteacher/Pennaeth : Mr. E. W. Wynne Headteacher/Pennaeth: Mr. E. W. Wynne B. Ed (Hons)

Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea.

SA3 4BE e mail/e bost: oystermouth.primary@swanseaedunet.gov.uk Web site:www.oystermouthprimaryschool.ik.org

Dear Prospective Parent, Thank you for your enquiry regarding Oystermouth Primary School. Please accept a copy of our School Prospectus.

If you have any questions regarding the content of the Prospectus, please do not hesitate to telephone the school and we will be only too happy to answer them.

Similarly, if you wish to look around the school and talk to me in person, please contact the school for an appointment.

Governors, teachers, parents and children – indeed, everyone connected with the school, are proud of the way in which the aims of the school have been translated into good practice and the way in which we are always striving for excellence.

We will be pleased if you choose to send your child to our school and look forward to welcoming you into our community. Be rest assured that not only will your child’s educational needs be met, but, since we pride ourselves on being a ‘caring community’, your child will be ‘cherished’ and their whole welfare, emotional, social, physical and moral will be cared for and nurtured.

I hope to hear from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely,

E. W. Wynne (Headteacher)

City and County of Swansea Abertawe

Dinas a Sir

Oystermouth Primary School Dear Parents, We welcome you and your child to Oystermouth Primary School and hope that the years spent here will be both happy and rewarding. The information in this prospectus is intended to help in introducing you and your child to the school.

Each year we have numerous visitors to the school, and it is pleasing to note how many pass unsolicited comments on the high quality of the learning environment and relationships within the school. The school is justifiably proud of its reputation for academic, sporting and aesthetic achievement and its concern for the individual child, both in terms of welfare and educational and extra-curricular provision. We work on the premise that each child is entitled to the highest quality educational experience that can be provided.

As a parent, there are a number of things you can do to help us: *

do reassure your children about school; talk to them about their teacher, the activities they are doing, the friends they are making, and above all, the happy time which they will have;

*

do keep us informed of any significant details relating to your child's education. Tell us of any allergies, major health problems, or personal circumstances which might have a bearing on the way in which your child reacts within school. This information will be regarded as confidential and will help us to care more effectively for your child;

*

do not hesitate to come and see us at any time if there is any matter you wish to discuss, or any anxiety you wish to share. Remember, however, that some things are better discussed away from your child, at a time when the teacher is free to talk to you.

You may be sure that we will do our best for your child. All the staff are highly skilled at assessing each pupil's individual level of development and then supporting them in moving, at their own pace, towards their full potential. We work hard to ensure that all children feel good about themselves, and acquire a high level of self-esteem.

We wish your child a happy introduction to the school and successful and enjoyable progress while he/she is with us. We strongly believe that your involvement in this process is crucial and we will provide frequent opportunities to keep you informed about the ways in which we are working with your child. We are keen to have parental involvement at all levels and if you have any spare time to come into school and work with us, you will be made very welcome.

Yours sincerely, E. W. Wynne (Headteacher)

Current Appointments & Information, Areas of Curricular Responsibility

Headteacher

Mr. E. W. Wynne, B. Ed. (Hons.), T. Cert.

Y6

Miss J. Higgins, M.A., B.A. (Hons.), Higher Dip. in Education, Dip. in Library and Information Skills, P.G.C.E. Language and Literacy , Assessment, Able & Talented , School Improvement Y5 Mrs. J. Joseph B. Ed. D. & T., Science, Welsh Y4 Mr. M. Hughes B.A., P.G.C.E. Boys’ Games, P.E., History & Geography Y3 Mrs. H. Morris B. A. Ed. I.C.T., R.E. Girls’ Games Y2 Mrs. C. Morgan M.A., B.A., P.G.C.E. Drama, Maths, PSE, Healthy Schools’ Initiative, ESDGC Y1 Mrs. D. Webster, B.A. (Hons.), P.G.C.E. Art, Music Rec. Mrs. G. Jeffries T. Cert.

Supervision of Early Years, Display Nursery Mrs. S. Penn T. Cert.

Supervision of full range of Nursery Experience and involvement with the Early Years Support Teacher P.P.A. Teacher

Mrs. K. Ferguson Miss Ellen Draper B. A., P.G.C.E., Music

Mr. E. W. Wynne is responsible for Special Education, Health and Safety & Staff Development

Oystermouth Primary School 2008/2009 Staffing Mrs. T. Walton, NNEB Mrs. M. Canning Mrs. C. Sutherland Mrs. N. Harris, NVQ Level 3 Mrs. L. Jones, City & Guilds Mrs. S. Aston, NNEB Mrs. S. Roberts, B. Sc. (Hons.), H.N.Dip. Miss L. Stocks, NVQ Level 3, CACHE Level 2 Miss A. Tuckett Mrs. J. Evans Mrs. E. Hermimawati Mr. M. Thomas Mrs. M. Lagwa Mr. L. Jones Mr. J. Billington

Nursery Nurse School Secretary Clerical Assistant Support Assistant L.S.A. L.S.A. L.S.A. L.S.A. L.S.A. Cook Canteen Assistant School Caretaker Cleaner Cleaner School Patrol Officer

Five Supervisory Assistants are employed during the lunch-time break.

Mrs. L. Jones Mrs. V. Roberts Mrs. G. Courtney Mrs. A. Parvin Mrs. T. Uddin Governing Body Mr. W. Watson (Chairman) Mr. D. Pearce Cllr. M. C. Jones City Cllr. J. Peters, M.B.E. Cllr. A. Colburn Vacancy Rev. A. Davies Mrs. H. Faulkner Mrs. L. Miles Ms. V. Morris Mr. E. W. Wynne Mr. M. Hughes Mrs. C. Sutherland Mrs. R. Broad

Coopted Parent Governor Minor Authority Coopted LEA LEA Coopted Parent Governor Parent Governor Parent Governor Headteacher Teacher representative Non-teaching representative Clerk to the Governors

P.T.A. NAME

PHONE

POSITION

Rhian Broad

361870

Chair

Samantha Ward-Jones

368848

Secretary

Josie Greenwood

367322

Committee

Amy Pearce

07967968703

Committee

Lisa Fabb

368996

Committee

Sara Selby

367388

Treasurer

Sonya Hawkes

360495

Treasurer

Tracey Bateman

361376

Committee

Nikki Harris

556488

Committee

Andrea Jenkins

368827

Committee

Claire King

363475

Committee

Katherine Ferguson

403961

Committee

Helen Faulkner

366035

Committee

Claire Parkin

369161

Committee

Heather Stokes

368514

Committee

Emma Richards

425162

Committee

Lucy Smith Alison Booth

Committee 419436

Committee

Percentages of attendances and unauthorised absences Year

% Attendance

2009/10

95.3

% Authorised Absences 4.4

% Unauthorised Absences 0.3

School Terms and Holidays – 2009/2010 TERM

TERM BEGINS

HALF TERM BEGINS Monday, 25th October

HALF TERM TERM ENDS ENDS Autumn Wednesday, Friday, Friday, 2010 1st September 29th October 17th December Spring Tuesday, Monday, Friday, Friday, 15th 2011 4th January 21st February 25th February April Summer Tuesday, Monday, Friday, Thurssday, rd th rd 2011 3 May 30 May 3 June 21st July nd th Bank Holidays – 22 April, 2011 – Good Friday;2 5 April, 2011 – Easter Monday; 2nd May, 2011 – May Day; 30th May, 2011 – Spring Bank Holiday INSET Days are Wednesday, 1st September, Tuesday, 4th January, Tuesday, 3rd , Wednesday, 5th May. Parents will be informed of the dates of two further INSET Days.

School Terms and Holidays – 2010/2011 TERM

TERM BEGINS HALF TERM BEGINS nd Friday, 2 Monday, September 24th October

HALF TERM TERM ENDS ENDS Friday, Friday, Autumn 2011 28th October 23rd December Spring Monday, Monday, Friday, Friday, 30th th th th 2012 9 January 13 February 17 February March Summer Monday, 16th Monday, Friday, Friday, th th 2012 April 4 June 8 June 20th July Bank Holidays – 6th April, 2012 – Good Friday; 9th April, 2012 – Easter Monday; 7th May, 2012 – May Day; 4th, 2012 – Spring Bank Holiday, 5th June – additional Bank Holiday

Our INSET Days have not yet been decided upon. Parents will be informed when this has been done.

Oystermouth Primary School School Prospectus School Year 2010/2011

Address: Telephone No: e mail: edunet.gov.uk Web site: Headteacher: County/Voluntary/Welsh Co-Educational/Boys/Girls Age Range of Pupils Number on Roll Chairman of Governors

Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4BE. (01792) 369233 Oystermouth.Primary@swanseawww.oystermouthprimaryschool.ik.org Mr. E.W.Wynne, B. Ed.(Hons) County Co-Educational 3-11 years 234 Mr. W. Watson

This information has been compiled in accordance with the Education (School Curriculum and Related Information) (Wales) Regulations 1991.

This information is correct and up-to-date at the time of printing - Autumn Term 2010. Some adjustment/rearrangement of provisions may be necessary for the school year 20010/11.

Mission Statement ‘Achievement Through Challenge’ Vision Statement

‘Our school will seek to provide an imaginative, broad and balanced interpretation of the curriculum in inspiring, caring and secure classroom, home and wider school environments.

We want children of all potential, abilities and talents to enjoy learning and to develop as independent and motivated thinkers and learners whose achievements are recognised in all areas of the curriculum and personal experience.

We work to create a climate of tolerance, respect, mutual communication and support wherein all are willing to accept, and are proud of, the standards set by the school’.

Class

Teacher

No. of pupils

Y6 Y5 Y4 Y3 Y2 Y1 Rec Nursery a.m.

Nursery p.m.

P.P.A. Support Teacher

Miss J. Higgins Mrs. J. Joseph Mr. M. Hughes Mrs H. Morris Mrs. C. Morgan Mrs. D. Webster Mrs. G. Jeffries Mrs. S. Penn Mrs. S. Penn Miss E. Draper Mrs. K. Ferguson

30 30 28 29 30 27 30 22 10

School Aims The Governing Body has adopted the Authority's policy on the curriculum and its provision. The underlying principles are as follows:

the whole person will be developed within a framework of moral values;

learning is a life-long process;

all learners are of equal value whatever their stage of development and capacity for learning;

the learner's education is a process shared with the family, the establishment and the community;

the education provided for each learner shall be broad, balanced, coherent, differentiated and relevant.

The aims which arise from these principles are:

To nurture in all persons positive attitudes to learning which will enable them to adapt to new ideas and methods and thereby achieve their full potential.

To help learners to become self reliant, self respecting and responsible adults.

To develop in all individuals the capacity to work both collaboratively and independently, and also the ability to decide on the appropriate method for the task.

To promote equality of opportunity and respect for all men and women irrespective of race and sex.

To preserve and develop our own cultural identity within Wales while at the same time promoting an understanding of, and a respect for, cultures and creeds different from our own.

School Organisation The school is organised on a year basis. All classes are of mixed ability, some may be of mixed age-groups. Regular Staff meetings ensure that all work is co-ordinated and that the National Curriculum is delivered efficiently and comprehensively.

Pastoral Care Arrangements

Pastoral care of the pupils is the concern of all class teachers with the Headteacher having overall responsibility. A caring, compassionate attitude is taken towards the general well-being of each pupil.

If your child is going to be collected at the end of the day, or for any reason during the day, by a person other than the adult who normally brings a pupil to school, then the class teacher must be informed. We cannot hand over a child to any adult without this prior notice.

We require parents to let the school know if their son/daughter will not be in school, for whatever reason. We ask that this is done on the first day of his/her absence. If we do not hear from you, we will send out an automated message to your mobile phone requesting that you contact us to explain your child’s absence.

In the event of a pupil becoming ill, or sustaining a minor accident, parents are informed and appropriate arrangements made.

In the case of emergencies, parents will be contacted as soon as possible and the children conveyed to the appropriate unit.

Medical and Dental Services attend school on a regular basis.

Adequate supervisory arrangements are made during breaks and lunchtimes.

School meals are cooked on the premises, and provision is made for sandwiches to be consumed in the Canteen or, in fine weather, out of doors. Children are not allowed home during the lunch-hour.

Fire drills are carried out regularly.

The P. E. equipment is checked regularly and all lessons are supervised responsibly.

If when your child returns to school after an illness, he/she needs to take prescribed medicines, we require you to complete a form, which is available from the office. We will not administer any medicines without the authorisation of this form.

Accessibility The school has an Accessibility Plan which ensures that all pupils, whatever their disability, have access to all areas of the school and all aspects of the curriculum.

Where this is not possible, i.e. in respect of the Gym, steps will be taken to ensure that all lessons which would normally take place in this building, will be accommodated in an accessible part of the school, e.g. the Hall. (See Accessibility Plan for detailed information).

Inclusion The school is welcoming of all children, regardless of gender, ethnic background or disability. We ensure that all pupils have access to all areas of the curriculum by reducing barriers to learning and participation for all pupils not only those with impairments or those who are categorised as ‘having special needs’. The school is committed to overcoming barriers to access and participation in all aspects of school life. We also view the differences between pupils as something to celebrate and as resources to support learning, rather than problems to be overcome. We must always have at the forefront of what we do the maxim that ‘inclusion in education is one aspect of inclusion in society’. (‘Index For Inclusion’)

School Security Once all pupils are inside the building, all doors are locked to ensure their safety. It is the responsibility of the teacher on duty to ensure that the main

door for each department is locked after the children are brought into the school.

Pupils who are late for any reason may access the school by:

Ringing the bell on the main door in the Infants’ dept. A member of staff will open the door for them.

Ringing the buzzer on the main Office door. A member of the Administrative staff will then open the Art room door for the pupil

Because the Main door in the Junior dept. is not self-locking, all parents are asked to exit through the Art room door, if they have been in to see their child’s teacher. In this way we can ensure that your children are safe once they reach the school.

Visitors are asked to report to the Office if they have business in the school.

They will then be asked to ‘sign in’ and will be issued with a ‘Visitors’ Pass’ which they must return to the Office when they have completed their visit. All staff are required to challenge anyone on the school premises who does not have a ‘Pass’ and is not known to them.

School Discipline The overall discipline and enforcement of school rules is the responsibility of the Headteacher with the assistance of his Staff.

Children are encouraged to develop self-discipline.

Punishment is normally through loss of privilege and this can vary according to the child's interests. Three years ago, we started a ‘Star Card’ system.

Each child is issued with a card, upon which they may collect points for good work, excellent behaviour, etc. Accumulated points bring the award of a Bronze, Silver and Gold badge.

Valuables are brought to school at the child's own risk. Wearing of jewellery and earrings is discouraged. If girls do have pierced ears, only studs are allowed. No earrings for boys. Glass bottles are strictly forbidden on school premises. Mobile ‘phones are not necessary and are not allowed.

Punctuality and good behaviour are stressed and encouraged. Parental notes are required for any absences or for requests for early release from school - children to be collected by parent or guardian.

General School Curriculum

A broad and balanced curriculum offers a wide range of experiences to meet the diverse needs of the pupils.

The main curriculum areas are:

the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Information and Communications Technology and the foundation subjects of

History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education, Design and Technology and Welsh as a second language.

Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education form an integral part of the curriculum.

The school recognises the importance of the basic skills of literacy and numeracy as being the basis of all learning. The acquisition of these basic skills by all pupils is vital for their progress and is the responsibility of all staff.

The school was very pleased to learn that it had been awarded the Basic Skills ‘Quality Mark’ by the Basic Skills Agency. The delivery of the National Curriculum respects that a variety of methods will need to be involved, ranging from thematic and direct class and group situations to special assignments that respect the needs and interest of individuals. The curriculum acquires additional coherence and relevance with the progressive emphasis on:

the cross-curricular competencies of communication (including literacy and oracy), numeracy, problem-solving and studying and the cross-curricular dimension that encourages,

the provision of equal opportunities for all pupils, irrespective of gender, ability or cultural and ethnic background,

the fostering of sympathetic understanding of the cultural diversity of society,

catering for the special needs of pupils in ways which make the curriculum accessible to all pupils,

demonstration of the cultural relevance of the curriculum to its Welsh setting and the development of bilingualism.

Arrangements for Religious Education Daily School Assembly gives an opportunity for collective worship incorporating biblical/moral readings, hymns, a period of reflection and prayers. The Junior classes, in turn assume a responsibility for the service at times during the year. Every Thursday the Assembly is organised by Mr. E. Morgan, one of the elders of the Baptist Church or Rev. Andrew Davies Minister of the local Baptist Church and School Governor. Children are encouraged to participate in these services. Once a month, Mr. Sampson from the Linden Christian Fellowship, takes an Assembly.

Parents, however, have the right to have their children excluded from these School Assemblies, but this must be supported by a parental statement.

Moral and Religious Education represent an important part of the school's curriculum and accordingly has the necessary time allocation in class.

School Council Pupils from Y2 to Y6 vote biennially for two of their classmates to represent them on the School Council. This meets twice a term and considers issues brought before it by those class representatives, in consultation with all class members. We, as a school, use this mechanism, along with others, to find out pupils’ opinions about the school and about issues which directly, or indirectly, affect them and their well-being. Other methods include questionnaires, speaking with individual pupils, etc.

A few years ago they were instrumental in putting forward a bid for a grant for ‘Safer Routes to School’ to enable us to take measures to help ensure pupils’ safety in the journey to and from school and we were successful in gaining this money. Work on improvements were completed at the end of March, 2008. The School Council is also very heavily involved in running the ‘Healthy Food Tuck Shop’ as part of the whole school’s involvement in the ‘Healthy Schools Scheme’ which emphasises the need for a healthy diet and exercise as being a major contributor to our well-being. We have completed the first four phases of this scheme and are currently working towards the completion of Phase Five.

The ‘School Council’ has also been responsible, with the help of the PTA, in purchasing games, etc, for use in the playground at break and lunch times.

We are hoping to add to these resources this year.

Members of the School Council are also involved in the ‘Safety Squad Team’ which looks at aspects of safety for all who use the school, both in the school and outside in the wider community.

The Environment The school believes very firmly in taking care of the environment, not merely within the school, but the wider environment way beyond the school gates.

Children are involved in recycling paper and have set up compost bins to take food and other waste which can then be used as compost around the school in our containers and window boxes. We have already won the Bronze and Silver awards run by the City and County of Swansea in their recycling award and we are hoping to join the ‘Eco Schools Award’ next year. Such schemes help the pupils realise the importance of protecting and enhancing the environment and the world’s resources and is a practical element to Personal, Social and Health Education.

Sustainability and Global Citizenship Today, more so than ever before, we need to teach that what we do as a society impacts dramatically on the wider community and can improve, or diminish, the quality of life for us and future generations, here and in other parts of the world.

As a school, we engender in pupils the need to act as responsible citizens doing their utmost to ensure that they consider all their actions in relation to society and the world at large.

Our aim is to develop within the children the ‘knowledge, values and skills to enable them to participate in decisions about the way we do things, individually and collectively, both locally and globally, that will improve the quality of life now without damaging the planet for the future’.

Homework Policy This has long been recognised as "good practice". Homework is given by class teachers as, and when, they feel it is beneficial for the pupil's progress.

Generally this is an extension of the current school work. Parental cooperation is sought to ensure that all Homework is completed in time and presented in a careful manner.

Sex Education The school's policy is based on the Authority's Policy Statement. The programme is in the main presented in a general manner as part of the science and PSE curriculum. Certain issues are discussed in a more specific manner when appropriate. The Authority's Policy Statement is available for inspection at the school.

Curriculum Arrangements for Special Education Provision is made for children who have received a statement under legislation prescribed by the 1981 Education Act, 1993 Education Act and the Special Needs Code of Practice for Wales.

Oystermouth Primary School aims to:

work towards developing inclusive educational provision; work in partnerships with schools, parents, etc., to achieve the best for all pupils; identify, assess and provide for children's special educational needs early and efficiently; secure the resources to ensure that pupils' needs are effectively met.

Additional support is given to children experiencing difficulties in Reading and/or Numeracy.

Children from overseas who have difficulty in learning to speak English also receive provision from the Ethnic Minority Language and Achievement Service. The school make every effort to make pupils from an ethnic background settle in as soon as possible. Their needs are assessed promptly, help is given, signage around the school reflects the languages of these pupils and documentation, wherever possible, is made available to parents where the understanding of the English language is a difficulty.

The staff has recently received training from the Head and Deputy of the EMLAS service to give us a better understanding of how we can help ethnic minority pupils more effectively.

Use of Welsh Language and Bilingualism The medium of instruction is English. Welsh is taught as a second language as part of the National Curriculum with the emphasis being on preparation for further development in the secondary school. An interest in, and appreciation of, Welsh Culture is developed throughout the school through the learning of Welsh songs, verses and hymns, studying the work of Welsh artists, writers, etc.

As a school we also stress the importance of bilingualism within the school environment. Children are encouraged to use Welsh phrases and sentence patterns learned within the classroom in subjects other than Welsh, at breaktimes and lunchtimes as well as in extra-curricular activities. Points, under the ‘Star Card’ system and the award of ‘Cymraeg Cwl’ badges are awarded for this use of Welsh to encourage the pupils to use the language of their home country and to become truly bilingual as they pursue their time within the school. Staff set a role model by using Welsh both within the classroom and outside with the pupils and with other members of the teaching and non-teaching staff. Parents are also encouraged to practise Welsh patterns with their children at home and to this end sheets containing Welsh phrases and sentence patterns are sent home to ‘help’ parents. All signage within the school is given, as far as possible, in both English and Welsh.

School Website The school’s website can be found at www.oystermouthprimaryschool.ik.org and is a very useful resource for parents to see what is going on within the school.

It has been set up with the aid of pupils and is regularly updated by them.

On it you will find dates and events, information about the school, samples of the work being done by pupils in all areas of the curriculum as well as comments from parents, pupils and visitors to the website. Just lately the site contains examples of computer animations done by the pupils. It is well worth a visit and we, as always with all aspects of school life, would welcome your suggestions as to how we can improve the site to make it more helpful to all those involved in the life of the school. We are in the process of evaluating the website and it may be that it will be re-designed completely, if we cannot tailor it to our needs and the needs of parents.

Extra Curricular Activities and Parental Liaison Extra curricular activities are encouraged at the school. Organised games cater for Rugby, Netball, Rounders, Cricket and Athletics. Short Tennis and

Tennis are prominent, and organised coaching in the superb, full-size Gymnasium is available for Short Tennis.

Swimming instruction is given in school time to the Junior pupils at the Wales National Swimming Pool. Additionally many children and parents are involved with the Langland Bay Lifeguards.

The full facilities of the adjacent Underhill Park are at the school's disposal for Rugby, Rounders, Cricket, Athletics and the annual Sports Day. Netball games are played in the School Yard.

Members of the Staff provide tuition for the Recorder and a peripatetic teacher gives tuition in the violin and cello and practises with the school Orchestra.

Pupils frequently display their talents on public occasions, particularly over the Christmas period when the Orchestra and Choir are in great demand. A school Choir was started three years ago and has already performed in a series of concerts, e.g. supporting the ‘Excelsior Ladies’ Choir’. It has since taken part in the ‘Swansea Life’ Swansea Festival of Music at the Brangwyn Hall and did very well, coming a creditable fifth at its first attempt.

The tradition of Art in the school is strong and pupils feature in the lists of prize-winners in local competitions. The school involvement in Art Workshops at the Glyn Vivian Art Gallery and other centres has always produced worthwhile results. Where possible, artists are also invited in to work with the children, for example the printing workshop and the ‘Felt making’ which took place last year.

The school also operates a number of ‘Lunchtime Clubs’. These include: • • • • • • • • • • •

‘Drama Club’ with Mrs. Morgan on Tuesdays and Fridays ‘Writers’ Club’ with Miss Higgins on Mondays Recorders for Y3 with Mrs. Webster on Mondays Recorders for Y5 with Miss Draper on Mondays Recorders for Y4 with Mrs. Walton on Mondays Recorders for Y6 with Mrs. Walton on Tuesdays ‘Internet Club’ with Mrs. Morris on Tuesdays Orchestra with Mrs. Bramley on Wednesdays Netball training with Mrs. Morris on Thursdays ‘Knitting’ on Thursdays with Miss Higgins School Choir rehearsals with Mrs. Walton & Mr. Wynne on Fridays

And: • Rugby/football training on Thursday after school The annual School Show is now an established part of the school calendar.

Previous shows, held at Ostreme Hall or in the school Gymnasium, have been "The Call of the Piper", "Alice in Wonderland", "The "Wizard of Oz", an "Old

Time Music Hall", "Around the World", "Joseph and His Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat", “We’ll Meet Again” and “A Musical Journey”.

The Infants also stage a performance during the year alternating between St. David's Day or the Summer Term. Last year's performance was for St. David's day and was entitled ‘Sion Cwilt’. Last year there was an Infant concert in the Summer Term entitled ‘Billy No Buzz’ and in 2010 a musical based on the ‘Pied Piper’. The Junior Dept. also performed their concert at the end of the Summer Term 2009 on a theme of ‘Travel’ and in 2010 performed a revue based on the songs, sketches and shows of the Second World War. The Y5 class every year spends part of the week at the Urdd centre at Llangrannog, West Wales. Here, as well as steeping themselves in the Welsh Language and culture, they can take part in adventurous activities such as tobogganing, skiing, skating, quad bikes, etc. In the Summer term the Y6 children spent the day learning water-based skills such as canoeing and dinghy-handling. This year, for the first time, the Y6 class will be attending an adventure activity visit for three nights to an Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Brecon.

The interest and care for the Environment is a popular theme throughout the school, as are the history and traditions associated with the village of Oystermouth and the Mumbles area in general. The proximity of the castle, the Parish Church, the foreshore, etc., all provide an abundance of interest.

Traditionally, too, there is a close association with the Mumbles Lifeboat and the work of the Coastguards.

Mrs. Eynon, our retired Caretaker, with groups of children, use the greenhouse to grow plants for the benefit of the school grounds. We have been fortunate to have won both 'Swansea in Bloom' and 'Mumbles in Bloom' in recent years. The greenhouse is located in the school garden where we also have a raised pond for use in Environmental Science.

At the present time, with the demands of the proposed Foundation Phase in mind, we are looking at ways to enhance our outdoor areas to facilitate a more ‘hands on’ approach to the curriculum. We have established a covered area and role-play area outside for the Nursery, and the Juniors have begun to develop a ‘kitchen garden’ in the Junior yard, which will be the responsibility of the Junior classes. With the help of funding from the PTA, we have established a Foundation Phase Outdoor Area which is being used by all the Infant classes. We, as a school, are very aware of the importance of getting the school ready for the full implementation of the Foundation Phase and are planning accordingly.

There are close ties with the local community. MENCAP, Senior Citizen groups and local organisations are remembered and helped, particularly at Harvest and Christmas time. This care for the community at large always seeks to emphasise the value of local traditions.

The depth of the school experience is reflected in the range of visits that are made during the year. Theatr N’Nog is involved in an annual project with the Y1 and Y2 class. The Pandemonium Theatre visits the school every year and present popular performances to the Infants and Juniors. We also invite other visitors in, to tie in with the themes followed by the pupils. We also encourage visits out to the local museums, businesses, etc to give the children first hand experiences which can be followed up in school. Just lately, Infant classes have been to Cadle Farm, ‘Somerfields’ supermarket and ‘Patricks’ restaurant and Swansea Market.

In turn classes travel themselves to experience the atmosphere of live productions.

As often as possible visitors speak on a variety of themes to develop individual awareness, ranging from Safety in the Home, to 'Say No To Strangers' or 'My Wartime Experiences’. A Building Site, Folly Farm, the Waterfront Museum, Plantasia, the Observatory, the Art Gallery, Swansea Museum, St. Fagan's and the Maritime Museum are but a few of the host of interesting venues associated with the development of school themes and projects. The Community Policeman also visits the school to talk to children on a wide range of issues from ‘People who help us’ to ‘Peer Pressure’ and ‘Drugs and Substance Abuse’.

Strings tuition is provided by a peripatetic music teacher, Mrs. S. Bramley, who visits the school once a week. Children are entered for music examinations. The recorder is also taught to those children who are interested

by Mrs. Walton and Mrs. Webster.

The school runs an 'Out of School Club' from close of school at 3.20 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. A charge is made for this facility. The school also operates a 'Wrap Around’ facility which caters for Nursery children. If parents so wish, their child can use this provision after the normal morning Nursery until 3.20. Last year, we started a similar facility for the children of the afternoon Nursery session.

There is a charge for these activities.

‘Out of School Club’ Staff: Miss L. Stokes Mrs. C. Phillips Mrs. T. Uddin ‘Wrap Around’ Staff: Mrs. L. Bullett Mrs. D. Ritchie Mrs. S. Condon Mrs. S. Aston We also operate a ‘Breakfast Club’ which runs from 8.10 until the start of the school day at 8.50. This takes place in the school canteen and operates five

days a week. There is no charge for this facility. Staff are Mrs. J. Evans, Mrs. C. Sutherland and Mrs. D. Hill.

Classes are also organised after school to enable the children to learn French and Spanish. These take place on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings under the supervision of Mrs. J. Lloyd. A charge is made for this facility.

Parental Help Parents are active now, almost on a daily basis, on the school premises in preparation and support work for a variety of school activities. This has proved a significant boost to school achievement and is much appreciated by the Staff. Other parents kindly help in the areas of Games, Sport and Swimming and so contribute a great deal to school success.

We also encourage parental help within the school itself: helping with Art, mounting and displaying work, supervisory roles on school visits, working with children to practise their Welsh reading skills, etc.

P.T.A. The vigorous and enthusiastic support of the P.T.A. has considerably enhanced the quality of school life. This year the Sponsored Fun Run, Sponsored Aerobics, the Christmas Fayre, the Music Quiz Evening, and the 70's night have already raised large sums of money and provided happy social occasions.

Consequently, following upon the provision of the playground for the Nursery, the Library and Art-Room have now been refurbished, and extra Books, Sports equipment, Computer software and hardware, etc. are being generously funded. The PTA have provided games for the Junior yard and had a pergola built as a ‘quiet’ area for Junior pupils.

They have recently raised the money, £10,500.00, to install an Activity Play Area for the Junior children in the Junior yard. They have also paid for the Interactive Whiteboard for the Reception class, which means that all classrooms will then be thus equipped. All parents are urged to support the functions and ventures of the P.T.A. Their most recent contribution is a climbing wall in the Junior yard.

Just recently, they have helped to fund our Foundation Playarea in the Infants yard and have spent money to ‘re-vamp’ the Infants’ Yard.

Parents are welcome to visit the school at any time, but obviously it would be preferred if this was done by appointment. Formal opportunities to discuss the children's progress and presentation of work are timetabled twice a year.

A statutory report is then sent home at the end of the school year. Parents are contacted at an early stage if there is concern about the welfare of a child.

The traditional dialogue between Home and School today has an even bigger role to play for the good of the child. This partnership should be a working

one and a successful one. Parental understanding and support is needed for every aspect of school life.

School Uniform There is an official school uniform:-

BOYS Light blue or white polo shirt Dark Grey Trousers(no ‘joggers’) (winter) Sweatshirt with School Logo Shoes, not trainers

GIRLS Light blue or white polo shirt Navy skirt or tailored trousers Sweatshirt with School Logo Shoes, not trainers

Sweatshirts and pullovers with school emblems are sold through the school (contact the ofiice). Alternatively, A range of school uniform can be bought from Nash Sportswear, 37, Gower Rd., Sketty, Swansea and J & S Products, 74, Tycoch Rd., Tycoch, Swansea..

All children need a pair of trainers and appropriate shorts and T/shirt for P.E in the Juniors. This can also be purchased from the above supplier. Junior children are also expected to have the appropriate kit for games. Pupils will also need to appropriate kit for rugby and football.

Articles of clothing should be marked or labelled and sensible footwear is encouraged.

Charging Policy Following the requirements of the Education Reform Act parents are invited to make Voluntary Contributions towards the benefit of the school or to support a particular activity, e.g. educational visits, theatre groups, etc.

Teaching Hours The hours spent on teaching during the normal school week, including Religious Education, but excluding the statutory daily act of worship, registration and breaks (including lunch) = 21.15 hours for the Infants and 23.30 hours for the Juniors.

Session Times Nursery Infants Juniors Morning Break Afternoon Break

0850 0850 0850 1030 1400

-

11.30 11.50 1200 1045 1410

12.45 - 15.20 12.55 - 15.20 12.55 - 15.30

Admission Policy a)

Pupils can be admitted to full time education at the beginning of the school year in which they attain the age of five years. i.e. - a pupil can enter school full time at the age of four years and a day.

b)

Nursery provision is part-time and is organised on the basis of a morning session or an afternoon session - dependent on the availability of staff and accommodation. Nursery children can be admitted in the September following their third birthday. If numbers allow, then we operate a morning and afternoon session. Children are allocated to either on a strictly chronological basis.

c)

The induction process for the Nursery involves inviting the Parents and children of the prospective September intake to visit the school in the Summer Term to meet Mrs. Penn, the Nursery Nurse, Mrs. Walton, and other staff member, Miss A. Tuckett. Thereafter there is a staggered start in September. There is an ‘Early Years’ evening in October when parents have the opportunity to come to school and see the work which the children have been doing, visit each classroom and have an informal ‘chat’ with teachers and support staff.

d)

No class in Key Stage 1is allowed to exceed 30 pupils.

Holidays All holiday leave in term time is at the discretion of the Headteacher.

Provided the request is made in advance, in writing by the parent looking after the child, leave for up to ten days may be granted, provided the child's

attendance record is otherwise satisfactory. Holiday Request forms may be obtained from the Office. Leave may be refused where children have already missed a lot of work or at crucial times of the year. Requests for leave beyond ten days a year will only be granted in exceptional circumstances on a case by case basis.

School Bank This is collected every Monday morning and is commended to Parents and Children as a discipline of saving and also, of course, as a useful way of contributing to school funds via the interest gained over the year. Parents and children can access their money at any time of the year, though most savers keep their money in the account until Christmas.

Transfer to Secondary School The accepted procedure is that the pupils transfer to the Bishop Gore Comprehensive School though parents have the right to opt for a preferred placement to another school of their choice. There is an understood procedure for such an option, and details are available from the Headteacher.

There is close liaison between the school and Bishop Gore. Parents are invited to Open Days or Evenings. The children themselves visit and are introduced to all the facilities. Representatives of the Bishop Gore Staff, in turn, visit Oystermouth and talk to the children about the traditions and expectations. Members of the Bishop Gore orchestra visit during the year and senior pupils foster liaison by taking a morning assembly and participating in a question and answer session. Heads of Department are constantly involved in liaison over curriculum development and the transfer of records, etc., so that throughout the year there exists an involved and meaningful dialogue.

The Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator, the Educational Welfare Officer and the School Nurse are key figures in this process and they are welcomed as members of Staff with whom the children can readily identify. Pupils also visit Bishop Gore school in Years 5 and 6, participating in various activities and allowing them to familiarise themselves with the school and key staff. This year the headteachers of the feeder primary schools and the head of Bishop Gore School have drawn up a Transition Plan to draw up strategies for schools and staff to work more closely together to make the transition to secondary school as ‘seamless’ as possible. We have also set up a project involving all the cluster schools and Bishop Gore exploring the community through art and music, culminating in performances at the secondary school last term.

Parental choice means that some of our children do move onto Bishopston or Olchfa schools.

Absences from School

Any deviation from normal attendance must be accompanied by a parental request or explanation. It is requested that when children have to be taken out of school during the day for dental appointments, etc., that the children are met in school by a responsible adult.

It is also requested of parents that they inform the school, by telephone or e-mail, of their child's absence on the first day. If we do not receive such notice, the school will contact parents through an automated message requesting the reason for the child’s absence.

We, as a school, place the greatest emphasis on regular attendance.

Frequent or prolonged absences disturb a child’s education and makes it difficult to establish a routine or to make sustained progress. We ask parents’ co-operation to ensure that their child attends school regularly, only taking time away from school for legitimate reasons, and then kept to a minimum.

The school has a target of 95% attendance for all children and we ask parents’ co-operation in ensuring that all pupils reach, or exceed that figure.

We also ask that children are present in school on time, i.e. before 8.50 a.m.

Punctuality is vitally important.

P.E. , Games and Swimming These represent part of the official curriculum and children are excused only on the basis of a parental note. Children should be dressed appropriately and with appropriate footwear (where necessary) in order to take part in these activities.

Games at Underhill Park When the weather is suitable games are played at Underhill. Y5 and Y6 play there on a Wednesday and are dismissed from the Park at 3.25p.m. Y3 and Y4 play on a Thursday, and can be met by parents or responsible adults at 3.25p.m., or are escorted back to the school by their teachers in time for normal dismissal at 3.30 p.m.

Sporting fixtures (i.e. Rugby, Cricket, Rounders, Netball) are played competitively with other Primary schools. As a school we feel that competition is an important element of school life. The importance of team-work and playing fairly are emphasised.

Inspection of Documents Documents required to be made available by Regulations may be inspected and, when appropriate, copied at the school during school hours by arrangement with the Headteacher. (see ‘Freedom of Information Policy’).

Information about how to make a complaint Raising Concerns and Resolving Complaints From time to time parents, and others connected with the school, will become aware of matters which cause them concern. To encourage resolution of such situations the Governing Body has adopted a “General Complaints Procedure�.

The procedure is devised with the intention that it will: o Usually be possible to resolve problems by informal means o Be simple to use and understand o Be non-adversarial o Provide confidentiality o Allow problems to be handled swiftly o Address all the points at issue o Inform future practice so that the problem is unlikely to recur.

Full details of the procedure may be obtained from the School Office or from the Clerk to the Governing Body. The Complaints Policy may also be found on the school website.

OYSTERMOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL - 2010 Comparative Results Table – Key Stage 1 N (%) English School 0.0 National 0.3 Maths School 0.0 National 0.3 Science School 0.0 National 0.3

D (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0

W (%) 0.0 3.5 0.0 2.0 0.0 1.7

1 (%) 0.0 13.4 3.3 10.7 0.0 8.1

2 (%) 70.0 82.6 63.3 64.9 73.3 65.4

3 (%) 30.0 20.2 33.3 22.1 26.7 24.5

4+ (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0

2+ (%) 100.0 82.8 96.7 87.0 100.0 89.9

Core Subject Indicator CSI* School National

96.7 82.8

Notes N: D: W: 4+:

not awarded a level for reasons other than disapplication disapplied under Section 364-367 of the Education act 1996 working towards level 1 represents Levels 4 and above

National Comparative Data refers to 2009 *Percentage of pupils attaining at least Level 2 by teacher assessment in English, Maths and Science in combination.

OYSTERMOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL - 2010 Comparative Results Table – Key Stage 2 N (%) English School 0.0 National 0.2 Maths School 0.0 National 0.2 Science School 0.0 National 0.2

W (%) 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.5

1 (%) 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.4

2 (%) 0.0 3.0 0.0 2.6 0.0 1.8

3 (%) 0.0 14.5 0.0 13.6 0.0 10.6

4 (%) 37.9 53.0 37.9 53.1 44.8 55.7

5 (%) 62.1 27.8 62.1 29.2 55.2 30.7

6+ (%) 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0

4+ (%) 100.0 80.9 100.0 82.4 100.0 86.4

Core Subject Indicator CSI* School National

100.0 80.9

Notes N: W: 4+:

not awarded a level for reasons other than disapplication working towards level 1 represents Levels 4 and above

National Comparative Data refers to 2009 *Percentage of pupils attaining at least Level 2 by teacher assessment in English, Maths and Science in combination.

School Inspection under Section 28 of the Education Act 2005 Every school is Inspected on a regular basis (once every six years) by a team of Inspectors appointed by Estyn, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Wales.

This school was last inspected in November, 2006, and the school did very well, achieving Grades 1 and 2 in all the Key Questions. Below are some quotes taken from that Report. They are all very positive, as was the report itself, and, I believe, gives you, as parents, a very good idea of what a professional team of people from outside the school community, much experienced in education, have concluded from their examination of the school, its ethos, quality of teaching and learning and standards. A copy of the Report can be obtained from the school.

Inspectors found that the school ‘provides a high quality of education for its pupils. Pupils consistently achieve higher standards than the national and local averages and schools of a similar type’.

‘Outstanding features were observed at all stages of the pupils’ education.’

‘Outstanding features are pupils’ ability to tackle problems confidently, to think creatively and to reach their own decisions, as well as the extent to which they understand what they are doing, how well they are progressing and what they need to do to improve. They are very motivated to learn and have very positive attitudes to work.’

‘Pupils are very well behaved and know the boundaries of acceptable behaviour. They are courteous and polite, respect adults and display good self-discipline.’

‘Relationships are good and they report that bullying is not a problem.’

‘They are very well aware of equal opportunities issues and older ones understand the need to appreciate diversity and avoid stereotyping. This aspect of their personal and moral development and the school’s promotion of these issues are outstanding features.’

‘The provision for pupils with SEN and the very effective use the school makes of the available support services, for example for pupils whose first language is not English or Welsh, are outstanding features.’

‘The school has a clear sense of purpose and direction.’

‘There is an effective team of well-qualified teachers and a wide range of appropriate support staff’.