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PLEASE NOTE: The information in this booklet relates to the 2000-2001 school year. Although correct at the time of publication, it should not be assumed that there will be no changes before or during this school year or subsequent school years.

Saint Peter's Catholic School: is a co-educational school. It is part funded by the Catholic Church through the Governors.

The School Will Work: with committed parents who want the support of a Catholic School to assist them in their responsibility of bringing up our children in the Faith.

The School Governors: have oversight of the conduct and curriculum of the school and provide essential links between the school, the church and the local community also between the school and the local Education Services.

Governors Fund: Parents are asked to contribute to the School Governor's Fund which pays part of the cost of certain repairs and improvements through a voluntary family subscription of £5.00 minimum per term. Voluntary/Church schools have to meet extra costs that other schools do not.

The Parents Association: All parents/guardians are members of the Parents Association whilst their child is attending the school, it is run by an elected committee of parents, all parents are encouraged to support all fund raising functions and events. All funds raised go to benefit the children's educational needs, the committee work closely with the Head Teacher and the Governing Body.

We Draw Upon the Many and Varied Cultures: and experiences of our children. These valuable contributions enrich the work of all the children and are an essential part of the children's education and preparation for life in a multi-cultural society. Emphasis is also placed upon equal opportunities for girls and boys so they can take advantage of a broad range of experiences in school. Children for whom English is their second language are given support in school through class room teaching.

Arrangement For Transfer To Another Primary School: If at any time, parents wish to transfer their child to another primary school they should approach the other school first, then if a place is offered ask the Headteacher for a transfer form.

Assemblies: are held every day and are a very important, prayerful start to the day.

Masses: Children attend Mass in the church and in the school during the course of the school year.

All Children Are Expected to Attend All Assemblies and Masses.

Medical and Welfare Arrangements: Each child will have a medical with the school nurse (or a doctor), usually during the first year at school. Parents may request a medical at any other time. The school nurse carries out regular inspections of eyes, feet etc…

Lunches: Children may have a school lunch or bring a packed lunch. Lunches have to be paid for in advance every Monday.

Homework: Children are encouraged to take reading books home and parents are asked to share books with their child and hear their child read. Written homework suited to the age of the child should be completed on time. Parents are requested to oversee the work.

Parents are Encouraged to Keep in Close Contact: with the teachers and the Headteacher throughout their child's schooling and encourage the child in his/her successes and to resolve any difficulties experienced.

In the Event of Wrong Doing: the child is made aware of what s/he has done wrong and how this affects others. Where necessary, punishment is carried out by the withdrawal of privileges. The are a few rules for safety and to ensure good order, these are made known to the children at different stages as necessary.

The school has an anti-bullying policy in place (covered later in this document), close contact between parents, class teacher, head teacher, priests and the education social work service, ensures a high level of pastoral care.

Education Reform Act - Complaints Procedure: A parent with concerns about implementation of the National Curriculum should put the concerns in writing to the chair of Governors via the school

The following documents are available for reference inspection from the School Admin Office:

1. Schemes of Work currently used by teachers.

2. School Policies.

3. Trust Deed.

4. The most recent OFSTED Inspection Report on the school.

St.Peter's School Aims

As we declare in our Mission Statement, Equal Opportunities Policy, Curriculum and other School Policies:

Our school will complement the vocational work of our children's personal relationship with God through prayer, mutual respect between all adults and children, self-respect and self discipline, integrity and mutual tolerance.

We will strive to educate the whole school community to learn about and respect one another's cultures as God given, to respect the dignity of children and adults of both sexes, those with special needs and to overcome the various prejudices that stem from ignorance.

We will strive to provide a 'safe environment' in which children can experiment to learn making reasoned judgements, aspiring to do their best, organising their time, develop enquiring minds, self confidence, initiative and independence. Great emphasis will be placed on democracy, recognition of tradition, the need for reasoned change and the need for co-operation and interdependence in society.

We will strive to see that each child reaches high standards of personal achievement, maintain high expectations of every school member, involve children and their parents in their own learning, and provide a broad, balanced curriculum.

Curriculum Statement

By the Governors of St.Peter's Catholic School

Our aim is to assist parents to develop in their children a personal, loving relationship with Jesus. Within this framework the school endeavours to develop fully the God given potential and talents of each child and to ensure that, having regard to the child's ability, s/he has the skills necessary to live a fruitful, rewarding life within the community, showing Christian care and concern for others.

We wish to promote independence, leadership, co-operative working, sound judgement, informed decision taking and the ability to learn from experiences. We lay great emphasis on equality of opportunity for all.

Through a broad, balanced curriculum at both key stages including the National Curriculum, the child:

· Comes to know Jesus through prayer and the teachings of the Catholic Church

·Gains an understanding of Mathematics, recall facts, and can use this in everyday situations

·Discovers the what, why and how of the work through Science, developing an investigative approach

·Gains and uses computer and related skills (ITC) throughout the curriculum

·Discovers the wonder of God's creation - humans, animals and plants - through Personal and Social Education and Sex Education

·Gains the skills of Reading and Writing to communicate effectively and develops a love for literature

·Develop skills and strategies for problem solving through Technology

· Comes to a full understanding of people in the time and place through History and Geography

· Develops a feeling for and love of Music by singing, listening and playing instruments and also confidence to perform by acting in assemblies and at special celebrations

· Become aware of shapes, colours and textures by selecting and using a variety of Art and Craft materials

·Develops a full awareness of the body, appreciates the importance of physical well being and the pleasures of sporting activities through Physical Education - Educational Gymnastics and Games.

Within the Curriculum there is flexibility and adaptability to meet the special educational needs of individuals. Children extended their understanding and from study habits through homework. Recording pupils' achievements and making these known to parents will ensure a full appreciation by home and school of all aspects of his/her development.

Where appropriate children are taught in ability groups. Whole class and group teaching methods are also used.

Able children are identified by professional judgement and assessment procedures including standardised tests. Appropriate work will be set.

The hours spent on teaching in the normal school day:

Hours spent on teaching infants - 20.0 hours per week - Key Stage 1

Hours spent on teaching juniors - 22.5 hours per week - Key Stage 2

School Times:

Morning Session

Afternoon Session

Infants (8.55am arrival)

Juniors (8.55am arrival)

9.00am - 12.00 midday

9.00am - 12.15pm

1.30pm - 3.30pm

1.15pm - 3.30pm

Absences (most recent statistics):

Authorised absence: 4%

Unauthorised absence: 0.5%

Personal, Social and Sex Education

Children are given the opportunity to learn about growth and development and to come to appreciate, respect and value their minds and bodies as gifts from God, showing respect for others.

We aim to offer a curriculum which will help develop each child spiritually, intellectually, morally, socially and culturally. Sex Education is integrated into this process. It is our Faith that God created everything.

In Year 5, children learn about human reproduction and celebrate the fact that life is a gift from God.

Special Educational Needs

Children with special needs are identified by the class teacher, in discussion with the child's parents.

Once identified, we adopt the staged approach from the 1993 Code of Practice to make appropriate provision.

Where appropriate a differentiated curriculum is provided.

The Governors, Headteacher and school staff believe that, in our Christian environment, each child with special needs is entitled to be given every opportunity to develop his/her potential.

Statement of Charging Policy

by the Governors of St.Peter's Catholic School

Under the Charging provisions of the 1988 Education Reform Act, the Governor's Charging Policy is as follows:

Parents will be charged for board and lodging of any residential visits (within school hours).

In the case of every education day visit and residential School Journey, parents will be asked to make a voluntary contribution - if insufficient contributions are received, the journey will not go ahead.

Parents will be charged for instrumental tuition on orchestral instruments.