It was opened on 29th April 1965 and is within the Macclesfield District of Cheshire. It is a County Primary School and works within the policies established by Cheshire County Council.

Lower Park has ten classrooms, 3 of which are brand new, spacious, well equipped and have pleasant view across the school field and adjacent countryside. They were opened on Monday 23rd September 2002 and at the same time the school opened a new computer suite.

The computer suite is a perfect environment in which the children can learn all about the 'power of the PC' and its increasing importance now and in the future. It features the latest technology, hardware and software all of which the children are taught to use.

• To have high expectations and aspirations for every child's academic, artistic, personal and sporting achievements.
• To create a safe and friendly school environment that provides stimulation and an expectation of high standards of behaviour whereby we respect ourselves and others.
• To provide a rich and wide curriculum with an enhanced curricular school life
• To meet every child's social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs so they can move on from Lower Park with integrity and confidence

Maths and the National Numeracy Strategy - What should your child be able to do?

The National Numeracy Strategy started at Lower Park in September 1999 and has been successfully running ever since.

The strategy gives a clear indication to teachers and parents about the expectations of a child at the end of each school year.

As parents it is often hard to know how much your child knows compared with children of a similar age. The guidelines below should help.

BY THE END OF RECEPTION, CHILDREN SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

• Say and use the number names in order in familiar contexts
• Count reliably up to 10 everyday objects
• Recognise numerals 1 to 9
• Use language such as 'more' or 'less', 'greater' or 'smaller', 'heavier' or 'lighter', to compare two numbers or quantities
• In practical activities and discussion, begin to use thevocabulary involved in adding and subtracting
• Find one more or one less than a number from 1 to 10
• Begin to relate addition to combining two groups of objects, and subtraction to 'taking away'
• Talk about, recognise and recreate simple patterns
• Use language such as 'circle' or 'bigger' to describe the shape and size of solids and flat shapes
• Use everyday words to describe position
• Use developing mathematical ideas and methods to solve practical problems.

• Count, read, write and order whole numbers to at least 100; know what each digit represents (including zero as a  place holder)
• Describe and extend simple number sequences (including odd/even numbers, counting on or back in ones or tens from any two-digit number, and so on)
  Understand that subtraction reverses addition and state the subtraction corresponding to a given addition
• Know by heart all addition and subtraction facts for each number to at least 10
• Use knowledge that addition can be done in any order to do mental calculations more efficiently
• Understand the operation of multiplication
• Know that halving reverses doubling
• Know by heart multiplication facts for the 2 and 10 times tables
• Estimate, measure and compare lengths, masses and capacities, using standard units; suggest suitable units and equipment for such measurements
• Read a simple scale to the nearest labelled division, including using a ruler to draw and measure lines to the nearest centimetre
• Use the mathematical names for common 2-D and 3-D shapes; sort shapes and describe some of their features
• Use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction and movement.
  

BY THE END OF YEAR 3, CHILDREN SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

• Read, write and order whole numbers to at least 1000; know what each digit represents
• Count on or back in tens from ant two-digit three-digit number
• Recognise unit fractions, and use them to find fractions of shapes and numbers
• Know by heart all addition and subtraction facts for each number to 20
• Add and subtract mentally a 'near multiple of 10' to or from a two-digit number
• Know by heart multiplication facts for the 2, 5, and 10 times table
• Understand division and recognise that division reverses multiplication
• Use units of time and know the relationships between them (second, minute, hour, day week, month, year)
• Understand and use £.p notation
• Choose and use appropriate operations (including multiplication and division) to solve word problems, explaining methods and reasoning
• Identify right angle
• Identify lines of symmetry in simple shapes, and shapes with no lines of symmetry
• Solve a given problem by organising and interpreting data in simple lists, tables and graphs.

BY THE END OF YEAR 4, CHILDREN SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

• Use symbols correctly, including less than (<), greater than (>), equals(=)
• Round any whole number less than 1000 to the nearest 10 or 100
• Recognise simple fractions that are several parts of a whole, and mixed numbers; recognise the equivalence of simple fractions
• Use known number facts and place value to add or subtract mentally, including any pair of two-digit whole numbers
• Carry out column addition and subtraction of two integers less than 1000, and column addition of more than two such integers
• Know by heart facts for the 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 multiplication tables
• Derive quickly division facts corresponding to the 2,3,4,5, and 10 multiplication tables
• Find remainders after division
• Know and use the relationships between familiar units of length, mass, and capacity
• Classify polygons, using criteria such a number of right angles, whether or not they are regular, symmetry properties
• Choose and use appropriate number operations and ways of calculating (mental, mental with jottings, pencil and paper) to solve problems.

BY THE END OF YEAR 5, CHILDREN SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

• Multiply and divide any whole number up to 10000 by 10   or 100
  Order a given set of positive and negative numbers
  Use decimal notation for tenths and hundredths
  Round a number with 1 or 2 decimal places to the nearest whole number
  Relate fractions to division and their decimal   representations
  Calculate mentally a difference such as 8006-2993
  Carry out column addition and subtraction of positive   integers less than 10000
  Know by heart all multiplication facts up to 10 x 10
  Carry out short multiplication and division of a three-digit number
  Carry out long multiplication of a two-digit number by a two-digit number
  Understand area measured in square centimetres (cm ); understand and use the formula in words 'length x breadth' for the area of a triangle
  Recognise parallel and perpendicular lines, and properties of rectangles
  Use all four operations to solve simple word problems involving numbers and quantities, including time, explaining methods and reasoning.
  
  BY THE END OF YEAR 6, CHILDREN SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
  
  Multiply and divide decimals mentally by 10 or 1200
  Order a mixed set of numbers with up to three decimal   places
  Reduce a fraction to its simplest form by cancelling   common factors
  Find fractions of numbers or quantities
  Understand percentages as the number of parts in every 100, and find simple percentages of small whole-number quantities
  Solve simple problems involving ratio and proportion
  Carry out column addition and subtraction of numbers   involving decimals
  Derive quickly division facts corresponding to   multiplication tables up to 10 x 10
  Carry out short multiplication and division of numbers   involving decimals
  Carry out long multiplication of a three-digit by two-digit number
  Use a protractor to measure and obtuse angles to the   nearest degree
  Calculate the perimeter an area of simple shapes that can   be split into rectangles
  Read and plot co-ordinates
  Identify and use the appropriate operations (including combinations of operations) to solve word problems involving numbers and quantities, and explain methods and reasoning
  Solve a problem by extracting and interpreting information presented in tables, graphs and charts.

ASSESSMENT

The assessment of the progress of all pupils in the National Curriculum is measured using the Attainment Targets in each subject, indicating the knowledge, skills and understanding that the children have gained. The number of Attainment Targets varies with each subject. Details for the Core Subjects are given below.

The written reports at the end of the school year will give the teacher's assessment of your child's progress in the Curriculum and where pupils have taken SATs the levels achieved will be reported i.e. for year 2 and year 6 pupils. Information on attendance is now also a legal requirement. It should be stressed that all such information is strictly confidential.

ATTAINMENT TARGETS (AT) - CORE SUBJECTS

English
1. Speaking and Listening
2. Reading
3. Writing including Spelling and Handwriting

Maths
1. Using and applying Mathematics
2. Number and algebra
3. Shape, Space and Measures
4. Handling Data

Science
5. Scientific investigations
6. Life and living Processes
7. Materials and their Properties
8. Physical Processes

In all subjects each AT is divided into 8 levels to show progress throughout the whole of your child's statutory education.

All teachers regularly assess what pupils know, understand and can do as part of their class work. All identify opportunities for this in their half term planning for their classes. Any identified weaknesses are picked up and included in future planning and work.

All pupils have a "Blue book" which contains items of their work from Reception to year 6. This helps to track progress. Teachers to indicate the level of attainment within the National Curriculum annotate many of these items.

In a formal way we have introduced an Assessment programme for each year group:

Reception - Baseline assessment:
Conducted by reception teachers during the child's firstfew weeks at the School.

Year1 - MIST Programme:
Helps to identify pupils that need extra help.

Year 2 - SATs:
National tests that are conducted during the first part of the summer term in English, Maths and Science. They give an indication of pupils' performance in comparison with the National picture.

Year 3 - Cheshire Tests:
These are offered in March each year and cover Reading, Mathematics and Intelligence. Cheshire County Council insists that these are conducted as they give a picture across the County.

- QCA Optional SATs:
These are offered during the Summer Term and cover English and Maths.

Year 4 - QCA Optional SATs:
These are offered during the Summer Term and cover English and Maths.

Year 5 - QCA Optional SATs:
These are offered during the Summer Term and cover English and maths.

Year 6 - Cheshire tests:
As in Year 3.

SATs in English, Maths and Science:
These are conducted in May.

All of the test data is analysed and use to help inform further planning. Governors are offered data from these tests to indicate attainment trends. Governors are not, however, given the names of any pupil in order to preserve confidentiality. Parents are informed of their child's test results either informally at Parents Evenings (for younger pupils) or by letter or report (for older pupils).

Football - 4th October 2007
On Thursday, both the A and B teams played at Vernon Junior School.

The A Team lost 3-2, Josh scored both goals, Jared was man of the match.

The B team drew 3-3 – goal scorers were Kyle, Otto and Adam, man of the match was Zachary. Well done both teams!

Cross Country - photos below
Just before the Easter break, a team of cross-country runners from Lower Park took part in the South Stockport Schools' Cross Country Running Championships.

They were overall winners in the Year 3 / 4 girls' race and in the Year 5 / 6 boys' race.

Special mention to those who achieved 1st place in their races - Georgia (Y3 /4 girls, Jared (Y3 / 4 boys) and Thomas (Y 5 / 6 boys).

Year3/4 Team - click HERE for big photo.
Top L-R: Thomas, Louis, Louis, Jared & Michael.
Middle: Georgia, Katie, Georgie.
Bottom: Francesca, Lydia, Sophie & Bobby.


Year5/6 Team - click HERE for big photo.
Top L-R: Ben, James, Matt, Cameron, Tom B & Tom H.
Bottom: Lucy, Julia & Jenny.

Congratulations to all 22 boys and girls for a wonderful achievement.

Netball
Our netball team played against Bolshaw School in mid November. It was played with great enthusiasm but unfortunately Lower Park lost 6 -1.

Athletics
There was a super photograph in the Macclesfield Express of our Athletics team this week. The final yesterday (30/11/06) was a great experience for our children who, although they did not win, they will receive medals. Well done!

Top Sports Award for School
In January 2007 it was announced that the school has received a top sports honour for the second time.

The Active Mark for Sport is awarded to schools who are judged as having the highest standards of sport in the curriculum and after school activities. Find out more about the award in a January 2007 edition of The Beacon.

New Club Launched
At the start of October our newest club got underway – a Karate club. Details of times and location can be found near the bottom of each weekly newsletter. If there are any changes they will be shown there.

New Basketball Club
In the winter term there is now a Basketball Club on Mondays. More details in the Lower Park Beacon.

A Dancing Success
Congratulations to Ellen in Year 4, who came 3rd in the National Balloon Dance finals last weekend in Bournemouth. She is far too modest to boast, but she is a talented dancer. Well done and keep it up!

Tennis Aces!
On Tuesday 19th June Lower Park played its first competitive tennis match at Macclesfield Tennis Club against schools in the area. Although the team came third overall both Cameron and Tom won all their matches and were the top boys. Rachael and Emma played for the girls team.

Football (more football lower down)
2nd May 2007
On Tuesday our A & B teams played against Disley. The A team won 2-1 and the B team won 3-2. The goal scorers were, Josh, Adam, Will and Luke. Well done to both teams.

Cricket
19th April 2007
Mr Parry took a team of budding cricketers to Poynton High School where they enjoyed playing and they finished 3rd. They won 2 games, lost 2 games and a number of children hit sixes.

Badminton
We are very proud that Matthew R. represented the school at a recent Cheshire Badminton Competition in Chester and won the U11 competition. He also was runner up with his partner in the U13s Doubles Competition. He has donated his trophies to the school’s display cabinet.

This is a fantastic achievement Matthew- very well done!

Football
22nd March 2007
On Thursday our girls’ football teams played in a tournament at Moss Hey. I am delighted to tell you that both teams won and have returned with medals. Molly scored 2 goals and Georgie scored a hat trick.

13th March 2007
Our A & B teams played against Vernon. The A team won 4-3 and the B team lost 4-3. (honours even!). The goal scorers were, Josh N (1), Josh B(2), Matt (1), Kamron (2), Will (1).

8th March 2007
Our A-Team played against Nevil Road and won 6 - 1. The goal scorers were, Josh B (3), Josh N (2), Matt R (1). Well done - the team played really well.

28th November 2006
Our A & B teams played football against Pownall Green. The A Team won 4-0 and the B team drew 1-1. Well done to both teams.

20th November 2006
In not very pleasant weather, our football teams played against Norbury Hall. Both teams deserve praise for playing in such a good spirit. Our A team lost 2-0 and our B team won 6-0.

Our children were on the winning side when competing at the high school in the Poynton Schools' indoor competition. They returned to school with the winners trophy.

In the same week our football team also played gainst Nevill Road. The A team drew 1-1 and the B Team won 8-0. In a friendly against Moss Hey, the A Team won 6-0 and the Girls team won 2-0. Well done to all the girls and boys representing our school in football, you have brought credit to the school in the way you have played.

Also in a cup match at Norbury Hall, in early November, the football team won 4-1. Thomas H – man of the match. Well done to the team!!