The school was opened in 1974 to serve the needs of the Old Warren area. The school site has a large grass area with tarmac playspace.
The pupils are drawn from Old Warren Estate and neighbouring areas. The current teaching staff is Principal plus 8 assistant teachers, and one part-time Reading Recovery teacher and curriculum support teacher. This team offers a wide range of expertise, meeting frequently to discuss the many changes in education with working groups undertaking curriculum review. The teaching staff is complemented by a secretary and a full range of ancillary staff, all of whom are dedicated to ensure that the education and social needs of the children are met.
The accommodation comprises 11 classrooms, library, assembly/physical education hall, staffroom, medical room, Principal and Secretary's offices, meals kitchen and dining hall. A purpose built nursery unit has been constructed in the school grounds and this opened in September 1998.
The school aim is to provide a warm and caring environment with a wide-ranging curriculum embracing not only the traditional subjects, but providing for extra-curricular interests. Full attention has been given to the main core subjects - English, Mathematics and Science. The school believes in regular homework and all pupils are encouraged to give of their best. Educational visits have always been an important feature and are geared to meet National Curriculum demands. The P6 and P7 classes also have the opportunity to go on residential visits each year.
The school's strong musical tradition is being continued through an allocation of part-time hours in the current year and tuition is offered in woodwind, with several pupils attaining Grade 3 and 4 in Associated Board examinations each year. Choirs and other musical groups perform regularly and the strong physical education tradition of the school has been fostered this year by the provision of swimming and gymnastics for all children in P5 - P7 classes, with P1 - P4 children also involved in gymnastics sessions. Within the school there are netball and football teams. Extra curricular activities include art, chess and needlework.
There is a strong emphasis on discipline, leading to self-discipline within the school, and the wearing of school uniform and general neatness of appearance in strongly encouraged. This is fully supported by the parents, who are closely involved with the teaching staff through regular interview situations, attendance at school functions such as Sports Days, Harvest Services, Christmas Nativity Services, with the latter two reflecting the place of regular assemblies and Religious Education within the school. The school has a very active PTA and many events are organised during the year.
THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Old Warren Primary School aims to provide a broad education for each child in its care. We believe that Primary children need a solid foundation in all subject areas and there is a great emphasis put on reading, writing and mathematics. Our traditional approach to these subjects is based on tried and tested methods but we are also very willing to embrace new ideas and new technologies. We believe in maximising each child's potential and we encourage parents to become fully active in their child's learning. All teachers attend regular training courses to keep up to date with the many new developments in education.
Other areas of the curriculum
The School of Music provides pupils with the opportunity to learn brass and woodwind instruments.
The school also provides guitar tuition.
There is an active school choir.
School clubs include football, netball, hockey, cookery, dance, craft, art and design. Rugby coaching is also available.
We have a long tradition in the performing arts and we have recently acquired stage lighting and sound equipment.
The school has excellent computer facilities.
Primary 3 - 7 pupils learn gymnastics at the Salto Centre.
All pupils are given specialist gymnastics training in term one.
All senior children go swimming.
Visiting theatre groups/performers help enrich the pupils' experience further. |