ASHURST WOOD - CREATING THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT TO ENCOURAGE LIVELY MINDS.
Achieving results - both measurable and invaluable The latest OFSTED inspection took place in November 2006. The Report is available from the OFSTED website – www.ofsted.gov.uk.
A dedicated team of staff There is an excellent mix of experience and expertise within our team of teaching staff, all of whom contribute so much more than the minimum required. Ongoing training ensures they are all kept up to date with changing teaching practices and relevant training is also given to our Teaching Assistants and Higher Level Teaching Assistants. The school and pupils benefit from our in-class support - often resulting in there being two adults in each class at any time.
An extended family - A supportive community With excellent support from the children's families and the village community in general, Ashurst Wood is large enough to be effective, yet small enough to be friendly. Here every child is valued as an individual, with his or her own character, qualities and needs. The teachers know the children well and have the skills and facilities to bring out the best in each pupil. The children mix well together across the age groups, as they would in extended families, effortlessly learning and practising social skills. The combined dynamics of staff, pupils and parents create a secure and happy environment in which children absorb knowledge and enjoy learning.
Working at play As well as fine playground facilities, a thriving garden and our own sports field, Ashurst Wood also has a well equipped hall for indoor games and PE. a well stocked school library and individual classroom libraries, and a computer suite and classroom computers. We are already ahead of time in meeting the government target for numbers of computers in school.
Extra-curricular clubs and activities are encouraged by the teaching staff, who give freely of their time voluntarily and enthusiastically to run them. The huge variety of interests we cover would be enviable in schools much larger than our own. Seasonally varied, activities include athletics, team sports, dance, board games (including chess), guitar lessons, a computer club, choir and recorders. All of these are well attended by pupils, extending their interests and abilities and enhancing their confidence.
A lively and active PTFA Ashurst Wood Parent, Teacher and Friends Association annually achieves the double success of raising substantial funds for additional and upgraded facilities, and contributing greatly to the social life of the children, their parents and families. Our computer, sports and playground facilities are a tribute to the PTFA's active participation in the school's plans and goals.
ASHURST WOOD - PROVIDING ALL ROUND OPPORTUNITIES FOR WELL ROUNDED EDUCATION.
ASHURST WOOD SCHOOL AIMS “Every one of us matters”
WE AIM:
To provide a happy, stimulating, caring and inclusive environment in which we promote positive attitudes and teach knowledge, concepts and skills through the Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum.
That each child will show some responsibility for his/her own learning and be able to apply him/herself independently, confidently and successfully to a variety of activities and tasks and that through our high expectations, each child will achieve his/her highest potential.
That everyone will be honest, show pride in their school, respect and value their own and other people’s belongings, including school equipment and the school environment.
To ensure and provide equal opportunities for all.
To ensure the health and safety of everyone, as the welfare of people in school is of paramount importance.
To develop, further, our school as an integral part of the local community and promote our awareness of and responsibilities to living in a global society.
To nurture in everyone excitement & enjoyment in learning through a broad, rich & innovative curriculum, whilst experiencing the joys of high achievement.
To ensure children develop qualities of spirit, empathy, imagination, creativity, a sense of beauty and an appreciation of human achievement and endeavour.
To value all individuals within the school by showing respect for one another. We appreciate and celebrate our differences by teaching & promoting respect for the religious, cultural & moral values of others.
For everyone within the school community to have self respect, self discipline and the ability to work as an individual & a team member.
Reviewed June 2007
EDUCATION
KEY STAGES IN PRIMARY EDUCATION There are three defined stages which make up primary education. They are:
Foundation Stage: This refers to the early years of your child's formal education when your child is aged 3 - 5 years old. We accept children in the latter part of this stage, aged 4 - 5 years, into our Reception class.
Key Stage 1: Formerly known as the Infant classes, Key Stage 1 (KS1) comprises Years 1 and 2.
Key Stage 2: Previously the Junior classes, Key Stage 2 (KS2) includes years 3,4,5 and 6.
AGE STAGE YEAR 4 - 5 Foundation Reception 5 - 6 Key Stage 1 Year 1 6 - 7 Year 2 7 - 8 Key Stage 2 Year 3 8 - 9 Year 4 9 - 10 Year 5 10 - 11 Year 6
FOUNDATION STAGE LEARNING September 2000 saw the introduction of six broad areas of learning at the Foundation stage. The areas are:
Personal, social and emotional development: Your child will learn to be self confident, take an interest in their peers, know what their own needs are, tell the difference between right and wrong, and be able to dress and undress.
Communication, language and literacy: Your child will learn to talk confidently and clearly, enjoying stories, songs and poems, hearing and saying sounds and linking them to the alphabet. They will read and write some familiar words and learn to use a pencil.
Mathematical development: Your child will develop an understanding of mathematics through stories, songs, games and imaginative play. They will become comfortable with numbers and with ideas such as 'heavier than' and 'bigger'. They will be aware of shape and space.
Knowledge and understanding of the world: Your child will explore and find out about the world around them, asking questions about it. They will build with different materials, know about everyday technology and learn what it is used for. They will find out about past events in their lives and their families' lives. They will find out about different cultures and beliefs. |