Welcome

Head Teacher: Mr. R. N. S. Walmsley

 It is our intention that all pupils should, through their experiences at school, be able to develop their full potential academically, culturally, spiritually and socially so as they may be fulfilled in their lives and take their part in society as responsible caring citizens. (School Mission Statement)

Curriculum

We recognise the middle years as being a transition from childhood to adolescence.  The curriculum is designed to develop and support children's aptitudes and abilities through this important phase in their lives.  By the time they transfer to upper school we expect the majority to be capable and enthusiastic independent learners.
             
Newnham School was inspected by OfSTED in February, 2006.  The report was a very positive one with significant progress made since the last inspection in May 2000.  These are the areas that "the School does well".

Academic Aspirations

The academic work of the School is continually being developed and guided by a group of senior staff consisting of year coordinators and curriculum coordinators.   Our approach to the curriculum is based on professional inter­est in, and knowledge of, child development between the ages of 9 and 13 from which we assess the needs of children in the context of how they learn. Equally we have a genuine concern for the concepts and skills associated with the different subject areas.

The curriculum is designed to give equal opportunities to everyone.  The School has successfully implemented the National Primary Strategy (NPS) at KS2 and National Secondary Strategy at KS3, and is in the process of cross phase liaison with lower and upper school colleagues takes place at termly subject panel meetings.

Every child at Newnham is regarded as an individual whose academic and creative talents must be developed to the full.   We feel that it is vital to give our children a real sense of their own worth and we show them that we value their efforts by encouraging them to share their work with fellow pupils, with parents and with visitors to the School through displays in class­rooms and corridors, in assemblies and in public performances.   Excellence is also en­couraged in sport and is reflected in the chil­dren's enthusiastic support of our school teams.

We are justly proud of the achievements of our pupils and of their commitment to giving of their very best in every activity they undertake.

Those pupils who are recognised as gifted and talented are encouraged to take part in school extra curricular activities, local extra curricular courses and national competitions.  At present our pupils attend the “Children’s University”, “Frontiers Club” and have an opportunity to enter the UK Junior Maths Challenge.

• Our fundamental aim is to promote the all-round development of each individual - intellectual, aesthetic, social, physical and emotional - to the maximum of his or her potential.
• We want to help children develop lively, inquiring minds, enabling them to question and to argue rationally and apply themselves properly to appropriate tasks.
• We want to help children understand the world in which we live, and the interdependence of nations.
• We hope to foster in every child a desire for learning through the acquisition of mathematical, scientific and technical skills, concepts and knowledge.
• We believe it is important to encourage creative and imaginative development in all its forms.
• We regard it as important to encourage every child to become a responsible member of the community and society of which he or she is a part.
• We hope to develop an awareness and an understanding of moral values, and a tolerance towards people, societies, religions and ways of life unlike our own.
• We consider it is important to introduce children to the many environmental problems faced by contemporary society and to encourage a responsible attitude towards natural and man-made environments.
• We believe children should be taught about human achievement and aspirations in the arts and sciences, in religion and in the search for a more just order.