Our class organisation

Our classes reflect the different Key Stages of primary education. The Foundation Stage is Nursery and Ash (Reception class). Key Stage One is Oak and Elm, (Mixed Year 1 and 2 Classes) and Key Stage 2 is Classes Beech and Rowan, (Mixed Year 3 and 4 classes) and Chestnut and Willow (Mixed Year 5 and 6 classes). Children can benefit from the experience of other teachers and so grouping may vary from time to time, according to best primary practice and the needs of individual children.

The Curriculum

We aim to provide the children at St Mary's with a broad and balanced curriculum which meets the needs of the pupils and enriches their learning. We are proud of the increasing opportunities we are providing for the children. We seek to meet their learning needs and to take careful account of the need to connect with others. We plan off-site visits (including a residential trip to Norfolk in Year 6) and we also invite groups in to lead activities such as:

• History off the Page - Victorian, Greek, Egyptian
• Storytellers
• Musicians
• Science workshops.
• Artists

The curriculum is covered by 2 year rolling programmes in Foundation (Nursery and Reception), KS1 (Years 1 and 2) and Lower KS2 (Years 3 and 4) and Upper KS2 (Years 5 and 6). Long term, medium term and short term plans ensure all parts of the curriculum are taught, and assessment of each child's achievements is made on a day-to-day basis.
Work in the classroom is differentiated according to age and ability levels. Children can be taught individually, in small groups, or as a whole class, as appropriate.
The latest OFSTED report can be viewed on the internet. This was written in January 2009.

Religious Education

The school follows the Suffolk Agreed Syllabus, which all schools in the county teach to. It has a strong Christian element as well as knowledge and understanding of other religions. Please note that parents do have a legal right under the 1988 Education Act to withdraw their children from Religious Education. Please speak to the Headteacher to discuss the procedure.

Special Educational Needs

The aim of St Mary's is to provide the best possible quality of education for all its children. In meeting this objective the Governors and staff take full account of the 1996 Education Act and Code of Practice and the Identification of Assessment of Special Educational Needs.

The school recognises that all children are different, have different strengths and weaknesses, different speeds and ways of learning. All children may need help at some stage in their education. All staff recognise early identification as a priority and always seek to identify any difficulties as soon as possible so that teaching can be structured accordingly.

Our Special Needs Teacher works alongside the class teacher to support each identified child and we also attach great importance to involving parents at every step. We also have good support from the authority through one of their Advisory Teachers of Special Needs, who comes to the school at least once a term to discuss children who need help and may return later to observe or test the child where necessary.

Educational Visits

To extend children's experiences in their curriculum work, we arrange a wide range of local visits. We ask you to sign the permission slip as part of the admission form, which you will complete when your child joins school. At other times we will organise visits further afield. All children are eligible to be included in these visits for which we ask for a voluntary contribution to cover the cost of each child taking part. However, in the event of us being unable to raise sufficient funds, the visit may have to be cancelled.

Parental Help

As part of our 'open door' policy we very much welcome parents' assistance in school. Children really benefit from knowing that their teachers and parents are working together on their behalf.
If you would like to help, please see the class teacher or Headteacher for details as to how you can be involved. There are many non-teaching duties which you may find both rewarding and enjoyable.
All adults helping regularly in school will need to complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

Community Links

Our school is not only part of the St Mary's Church Community, but also part of the local community. So classes and groups of children visit establishments in the town; entertain local organisations and clubs, whilst other organisations make use of our premises for their meetings and other events.

Homework

It is important that the children complete any homework set. It is part of their school learning and excellent practice for high school. The amount will increase as the pupils get older, but will remain within their capabilities.

From early on homework will include daily reading and sharing of books. All children will need support to read at home each evening. The amount of time will depend on the age and ability of the child. We hope that you will encourage and support your child to complete any homework they may have on time.