A child’s primary years are vitally important. It is a time when attitudes are formed which will affect the rest of their lives. We want Orrishmere to be a school where children feel happy, safe and secure. We work hard to make them feel valued, to develop positive self-esteem and to become responsible members of our community. We aim to motivate our children to work hard and develop the latent talents within themselves, to enable every child to reach their own potential and to foster a love of learning.

We believe that it is essential that we work together for your child’s success, happiness and wellbeing. We look forward to fostering a relationship which will both enrich and support your child ensuring your child’s education is both enjoyable and successful.

Yours sincerely

Rosemary Garratt
Headteacher

The curriculum which we offer the children is a broad and balanced one. In each area of the curriculum we will be helping children acquire knowledge and skills as well as fostering a positive attitude to both their work and the general life of the school.

Our whole school planning ensures continuity and progression as children move throughout the school. We recognise the importance of having a curriculum that takes account of the needs of the children who learn through their experiences. "I do and I understand"

A variety of teaching styles are used to deliver the curriculum. We are particularly interested to help children’s preferred learning style – whether it is visual, auditory or kinesthetic. Class, group and individual teaching will be experienced as well as encouraging co-operative work. As Vygostsky says "What a child can do in co-operation today, she/he can do alone tomorrow." Lessons will begin with a whole class introduction, ending with a whole class plenary time, which will reinforce the teaching and learning objectives of the lesson. W.A.L.T. (What we are learning today) and W.I.L.F. (What I am looking for) notices will be seen in all classrooms.

The school follows the published requirements of the National Curriculum. The core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science and ICT. The foundation subjects are History, Geography, Design Technology, Art and Design, Music and Physical Education. We also follow Stockport's Agreed Syllabus for teaching Religious Education which teaches mainly about Christianity but includes teaching about Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism

All children at Orrishmere are special but we do recognise the importance of early identifications of children with Special Educational Needs - those with general learning difficulties, Specific Learning Difficulties or Gifted and Talented children. Additionally 1:1 or small group lessons are being provided for both these groups of children. We have in the past, where appropriate, arranged for Manchester Metropolitan University tutors to teach our Gifted and Talented mathematicians and scientists.

There are as many as 20% of children who have special needs at some point during their education. It is the Governors' and School's duty under the 1981 Education Act to identify these children. Once identified, a programme to provide extra support in school will be given. There may be times when the school is unable to meet the child's needs without additional resourcing. There is a carefully laid procedure in place to assist the school. Parents will always be involved in discussions with the class teacher/special needs co-ordinator once a teacher has identified a concern. This relates to children both with and without SEN statements.