How is the School Organised?

In common with most Gloucestershire Primary Schools, we admit children at the beginning of the school year in which the child has his/her fifth birthday.  The children leave us at the end of the school year in which they have had their eleventh birthday. Most go on to Winchcombe School.

From September 2017 our published admission number is forty five children. 

In Reception, children work in the Early Years Foundation Stage.  This continues to develop Early Learning Goals which children will have started in nurseries and playgroups and links to the reception requirements of the National Curriculum.  Children in Reception and Years 1 and 2 work in small groups under the direction of the class teacher.  At times, the whole class will work together, but on these occasions, account is taken of individual differences in ability and educational need.

In Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 (known as Key Stage 2), there is greater emphasis on whole-class activities, although each child will still be expected to work at a level which suits his or her ability. The content of the curriculum will be consistent with the National Curriculum and the curricular aims of the Governors.

Children of the primary age range need the stability provided by as few staff changes as possible.  Therefore each child has a ‘class teacher’ for the majority of the time.  Where appropriate, we are able to offer additional literacy support for some children, in small groups.

We achieve a happy and effective blend of both formal and informal teaching methods.  Thus, on visiting a class, you may find an atmosphere of quiet directed study and at another time, a lively air of discussion and exploration.

Houses

The children are grouped into four houses: Avon, Isbourne, Severn and Thames.  There is friendly competition between houses, and house points are awarded for effort, kindness and helpfulness. Stickers, certificates, stars or ‘smiling faces’ are also given out as a further positive reward. Children enjoy Gold Book assembly on Friday's when their achievements are celebrated.

Every summer, the children compete in house teams at the annual sports day.  Each house fields several teams, with children from all classes within each team  under the leadership of a Year 6 captain.  They enjoy a morning of fun sporting activities followed by class races. The house which amasses the most points during the course of the morning is awarded the Cup. The score board is closely scrutinised as the points build up before the final results are announced.