Ballacottier Primary School opened its doors to pupils for the first time on 8th September, 1998. As this is a relatively new school, there will be changes as time goes on.
The school has provision for two parallel classes in each of the seven year groups, a Nursery Unit and a Special Unit which is called the Rainbow Room.
We very much believe that your child’s education is a two-way process between home and school and, therefore, parents are always welcome to come in and see us; by appointment if possible.
The main aim of our school is for each child to achieve as high an educational standard as possible, through a balanced and quality based curriculum. We strive to provide a happy, secure and stimulating environment in which the child can develop self-confidence and respect for others.
IS BALLACOTTIES THE RIGHT SCHOOL?
In accordance with the National Curriculum, children entering school are known as ‘Reception’ and children in our oldest classes, who leave at the end of the school year to start at secondary school, are known as ‘Year-sixes’.
Any child of the right age living in our ‘Catchment Area’, revised for September 2000, as shown on the map can be admitted to Ballacottier School.
Ballacottier School is a closed school and therefore we do not take children from outside our ‘Natural Area’.
NURSERY
Ballacottier School has its own purpose built 20 place Nursery which is for children in the year prior to the reception year. There is provision for any child of this age living in our catchment area to attend for half days each week (either all mornings or all afternoons) subject to space being available. Places may be available for children living outside the catchment area subject to space being available and a waiver being signed ensuring that the child will attend the reception class in the school within his/her own catchment area the following year.
HOW DO I ENROL MY CHILD?
If you have a child due to start school the following September either for the nursery or a reception class please register him/her if possible by the end of the previous Autumn term.
Your details will be entered onto our database and we will post you further details about meetings and starting school when appropriate.
All other entrants should go with their parents to the school office and request an admission form. We will check that your address falls within our catchment area and will require you to provide proof of address in the form of a suitable bill with your name and address on it or other documentation.
Enrolment forms can be obtained from the school office.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
Your child will have the opportunity to take part in the many ‘extra curricular’ activities. We hope to be able to offer the following activities to children in the years to come:- Instrumental groups, Recorders, Badminton, Table Tennis, Netball, Football, Short Tennis, Scrabble, Sewing, Technology , Computers, Chess, Drama and Knitting.
Details of how to take part in these various activities are explained to the children at the appropriate times. Parental consent forms are required for children who stay to after school hours activities. It is in Key Stage 2 that the majority of clubs operate. All children will, therefore, have their chance when they enter this key stage.
Parental Help
We would welcome any help from parents who are able and willing to give up their own time.
Perhaps you have a particular skill or interest which you could pass on to the children; or, maybe, you have a little spare time each week that you could give to the school by helping to supervise the children. We draw up a list at the beginning of each school year, so please do send your name to school if you think that you can help - particularly with any of the following:- soccer, netball, cricket, rounders, badminton, swimming, table tennis, gymnastics, needlework, cookery, hearing children read,