ABOUT US

Our school is founded on Christian values, principles and beliefs. All our school community - children, parents, staff and governors - are valued for the unique individual qualities which each member contributes. We celebrate the efforts and achievements of all.

In partnership with parents we aim to support and develop the individual skills and talents of all our children. Our objective is to encourage them to become fulfilled and well-rounded human beings, with the self-confidence to take up the challenges of the wider world.

Legally we must provide a curriculum which teaches the children English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, RE, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Art, Design Technology, Music and Physical Education. The clearest explanation of the legal coverage for these curriculum subjects can be found at: www.nc.uk.net. and we would refer parents to this website. Alternatively, we hold paper copies of the National Curriculum documents in school and parents are most welcome to view these at any time.

The exact time allocation which each school is required to give to each curriculum subject is, within certain constraints, the decision of the individual school.

In common with all good Primary schools we place a healthy emphasis upon the basic skills of literacy and numeracy. However, we feel most strongly that within the context of a First School active, exciting and energetic learning brings about engaged and happy learners. For this reason we have altered the structure of the school day to give a longer morning (9a.m until 12.30 pm) and a shorter afternoon (1.30pm until 3.15pm for Key Stage 2 children {i.e. age 8 & 9}; and 1.45pm until 3.15pm for the younger children). During the morning, the children have literacy and numeracy sessions interspersed with a 45 minute ‘skills’ session focussing on such areas as phonics, intensive reading support, ICT skills.

• After School
• Gardening
• Football
• Dance
• Problem Solving
• Art
• Drama

Piddle Valley does not have a pre school on its own premises, but is fed by a very good pre school at Piddlehinton, called 'Stepping Stones'. Our Reception team visit the Pre-School to ensure that the children coming to Piddle Valley get to know their future teachers in a familiar environment. We work together to ensure accurate and meaningful assessment data is transferred between settings.

To be really effective, school should be an active partnership between parents, children and teachers. To support this all DASP Schools are developing a common Home-School Agreement. A copy can be found at the back of this prospectus. School Council representatives from First Schools have consulted together to formulate the section relating to expectations of children. Parents of Reception children are invited to complete the agreement at their first parent consultation. Parents of children joining Piddle Valley First School later in their school career are asked to complete the document at the date of joining.