WELCOME!!!

Sulby Elementary School (the old Sulby School) was opened on the 2nd of December 1879. The school was built on land leased from Staward Farm close to the St Stephen's School House and St Stephen's Chapel, where education facilities were available.

Dr Daniel McDonald, the previous owner of Ballamanaugh House, Sulby, was approached by the Department of Education in 1989 regarding the purchase of land for a new school. Dr MacDonald made a very generous donation of land and also provided £1.2 million for the building of a new Sulby School.

In July 1990 Dr McDonald laid the Foundation Stone for the new building but regretfully died the following February, aged 85 years, without seeing the completion of the School. Dr Macdonald requested a traditionally built school using the finest materials and finished in local Manx stone. We feel he would be pleased and proud of the finished building which we occupy today.

The old Sulby School closed in July 1991, after serving the community for almost 112 years. The present school was opened in September 1991 by Princess Alexandra.

A friendly, caring and happy school where all members of our school community work together to ensure the best possible education for all our children.

AIMS:

• At Sulby Primary School we want children to look forward to coming to school and to enjoy the experiences we provide.
• We aim to give every child a wide range of opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge in a supportive, stimulating and challenging environment.
• We encourage each child to give their best effort, feel valued as team members and to develop a positive self-esteem.
• We are committed to achieving the highest possible standards of academic attainment and pastoral care for each individual child.
• We aim to make learning exciting, interesting, fun and successful.
• We aim for excellence in all we do.

School Curriculum at Key Stage One and Two

The Isle of Man Department of Education has adopted the broad principles of the National Curriculum policies introduced in the UK.

The National Curriculum ensures that education in Island schools is based on sound principles and that the curriculum is broad-based, balanced and does not overlook such areas as the arts, language, humanities and recreational activities.

The National Curriculum is divided into subject areas which are grouped as core or foundation subjects.

Core subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Science

Foundation subjects

• Art
• Design and Technology
• French (Juniors)
• Geography
• History
• Information and Communication Technology
• Manx (optional)
• Music
• Physical Education
• Personal, Health and Social Education

After School Clubs
At Sulby we believe that extra-curriculuar activities are a very important part of our children’s development. Our teachers provide a wide range of after-school clubs which have included, football, netball, table tennis, racket sports, needle work, drama, art and craft, dance, story club and a choir. Clubs often change on a termly basis and are offered to children of various ages.

Youth club
There is a thriving Youth Club which takes place on a Wednesday evening at our school. If you would like details of this club please contact our Secretary. There is a small charge for attending.

Dance Classes
We are also pleased to host professional dance classes after-school for our children. These currently take place on a Thursday evening and classes are available for children of different ages and abilities.

Parent Teacher Association
We have a very active and supportive Parent Teacher Association who work alongside staff for the enrichment of our children’s education. Joining the PTA is a good way to make new friends and to help support the school. As well as raising a huge sum of money the PTA events are friendly and fun. Recent successes have included a Barn Dance, Duck Race, Quiz Night, Camp-out, Hallowe’en Party, Christmas Fair, 100 Club and disco.

Parent Helpers
We have many parents who help in school with a variety of activities. Some parents are able to offer assistance with outings and visits, some help with organising books and our library, some are able to help within the classroom or with reading, swimming or sports events or by maintaining our wildlife areas. If you are able to help in any way please speak to your child’s teacher who will appreciate your offer.

Parents’ Evenings
We organise regular Parents’ Evenings when parents meet with the teacher to discuss the progress of their child and view the work that has been done in school. We hope these evenings are beneficial to both parents and teachers to sharing in the development of each child. However, teachers are always available to discuss any matter which concerns your child’s education. You may also like to speak with the Head teacher informally, before or after school, or by appointment through the Secretary.

Information Evenings
We have arranged several information evenings when we invite parents to join us for discussions on a range of topics such as, Standard Assessment Tests, The National Numeracy Strategy and reading developments. If you have any ideas for future topics please let us know.

Reports
We provide an end of year report in July to summarise your child’s efforts and progress durng the year. We also provide information on the Standard Assessment Tests for parents of children in Year Two and Year Six.

Newsletters
We provide regular newsletters to keep you up to date with events and activities in school. The PTA also provide information on their activities. Most communications are sent home by ‘pupil post’ usually with the younger child in the case of family letters. A quick check in school bags is often helpful in case of forgotten mail!

Topic Information Sheets
We provide information each term on the topics your child will be studying in the main subject areas. We hope these will help you support your child in their studies. Some methods of teaching have changed over the years and teachers will be happy to explain any areas that may be unfamiliar.