WHITEHILLS PRIMARY

SCHOOL

HANDBOOK 2015/16

Whitehills Primary School

Fyfe Street, Forfar, Angus, DD8 3EQ

Tel: 01307 473170 Fax: 01307 465294

Email: Whitehills@whitehills.angus.sch.uk

Website: http://www.whitehills.angus.sch.uk/

This document is available in alternative formats, on request

(Please contact the Head Teacher)

at Whitehills BESTelieve, njoy and ucceed ogetherB E S T

mailto:Whitehills@whitehills.angus.sch.ukhttp://www.whitehills.angus.sch.uk/

1

CONTENTS

Angus Council Information: o Contact Details:

Angus Council People Directorate

Angus House

Orchardbank Business Park

FORFAR

DD8 1AE

Tel: 01307 476337

Fax: 01307 461848

Email: People@angus.gov.uk

o Pre-School and Early Learning Provision (primary schools only) o School Clothing Grants o Education Maintenance Allowance (secondary schools only) o Pupil Absence Procedures (Attendance) o The Complaints Procedure o Parent Councils o The Curriculum for Excellence

Curriculum Levels

The Senior Phase

Skills for Learning, Life and Work

Careers Guidance and Financial Advice

o Sex Education o Drugs Education (Drugs and alcohol misuse) o Religious and Moral Education o Assessment and Reporting o Transitions

Starting Pre-School

Enrolling in Primary School

Transfer to Secondary School

Leaving School

Post School

o Support for Pupils o School Meals

Special Dietary Requirements

Snack Provision in Pre-Schools

o Applying for Free School Meals o Administration of Medicines o Transport o Insurance o Music Services o Parental Access to Records o Child Protection o Transferring Educational Data about Pupils & Holding and storing pupil data o Emergency Closures & Transport Updates o School Holiday Dates o Useful Links & Contact Details

mailto:People@angus.gov.ukhttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20267/school_and_nursery_placeshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20226/childcare_school_and_educational_grants/124/school_clothing_granthttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20226/childcare_school_and_educational_grants/124/school_clothing_granthttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20226/childcare_school_and_educational_grants/125/education_maintenance_allowancehttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20276/general_information/314/attendancehttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20252/customer_care/209/making_a_complaint_or_comment_about_our_serviceshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20278/parental_involvement/294/parental_involvementhttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20274/curriculum/318/curriculum_for_excellencehttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20274/curriculum/323/sex_educationhttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20276/general_information/359/drugs_and_alcohol_misusehttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20274/curriculum/330/religious_and_moral_educationhttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20274/curriculum/286/pupil_reports_and_assessmenthttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20267/school_and_nursery_places/395/early_learning_and_childcare_places_for_three_and_four_year_oldshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20267/school_and_nursery_places/395/early_learning_and_childcare_places_for_three_and_four_year_oldshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20267/school_and_nursery_places/289/enrolling_in_primary_schoolhttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20267/school_and_nursery_places/292/moving_to_secondary_schoolhttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20276/general_information/291/leaving_schoolhttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20265/activites_and_support_for_young_people/250/16_learning_choiceshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20268/additional_support_needs/321/additional_support_needshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20276/general_information/358/school_mealshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20276/general_information/358/school_mealshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20163/education_grants_and_benefits/123/free_school_mealshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20163/education_grants_and_benefits/123/free_school_mealshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20276/general_information/320/administration_of_medicineshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20234/travel/175/free_school_transporthttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20234/travel/288/school_trip_insurancehttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20274/curriculum/284/music_serviceshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20276/general_information/316/parental_access_to_recordshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20237/protect_someone_from_harm/178/child_protectionhttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20276/general_information/319/transferring_educational_data_about_pupilshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20276/general_information/315/holding_and_storing_pupil_datahttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20025/schools/176/emergency_school_closures_and_transport_updateshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20025/schools/13/school_holidays

2

WHITEHILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL

WELCOME

Dear Parents/Carers

Welcome to Whitehills Primary School. We are delighted to have your child join us and

look forward to working in partnership with you.

Whether your child is starting pre-school or school for the first time or an older child

changing schools, a new school can be a daunting experience for both pupils and

parents. However please be assured that we are here to help make this transition as

smooth as possible.

Whitehills Primary School was formed in August 2007 and moved to its present site in March

2008. It is the result of an amalgamation of two schools, Wellbrae and Chapelpark.

The classrooms are set up in open plan areas with P1 – P3 situated on the ground floor

around a shared activity area. P4/5 classes are upstairs and have access to a shared area

as do P6/7 classes. We also have a dedicated pre-school class which can cater for 40

morning and 30 afternoon children. We have a Gaelic class which has children from P1 –

P7 within one room. Each classroom has the benefit of an interactive whiteboard.

We are very lucky with our fantastic facilities and benefit from having a dedicated library,

games hall, dining hall, ICT room and spacious playgrounds with plenty of equipment to

keep our children active during playtimes.

We offer many extra-curricular activities both at lunchtime and after school and children

benefit from taking part in community festivals and sporting events along with other

schools and our local secondary school.

Should you require further information or if you have any queries regarding your child’s

education or school-life in general, please contact the school office on 01307 473170.

This handbook has been produced in consultation with a group of pupils and parents. We

hope that you will find it useful. Please keep it handy for future reference

Yours sincerely

Mrs Coureen Peters

Head Teacher

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CONTACT DETAILS

School Name Whitehills Primary School

Address Fyfe Street, Forfar, Angus, DD8 3EQ

Telephone Number 01307 473170

Website http://www.whitehills.angus.sch.uk/

Email Address Whitehills@whitehills.angus.sch.uk

Twitter Account @Whitehillsps

Class Stages Pre-School – P7 and P1-7 Gaelic Medium Unit

Present Roll Pre-School 38 (am)/ 39(pm)

School 430

Head Teacher Mrs C Peters

Depute Head Teacher Mrs C McDiarmid (oversees Pre-School – P1)

Principal Teachers Miss J Morrison (oversees P2-4)

Miss V Donnachie (oversees P5-7)

Teachers & Classes

Gaelic Teacher Ms W Kennedy

Reduced Class Contact Teacher Mrs L Evatt

Pre-School Team Mrs J Lemanczyk Senior EYP

Miss J Blackie EYP

Mrs D Ritchie EYP

Mrs A Ellis EYP

Mrs L Caldwell EYP

Mrs T Caird EYP

Mrs L Robertson EYA

ASN Teacher Mrs K Boath

Nurture Staff Mrs T Caird and Mrs L Caldwell

P1H

P2C

P3B

P4B

P5S

P6F

P7M

Miss L Harrison

Mrs F Cargill

Miss A Kinloch

Mrs S Burke

Miss K Simpson

Mr A Findlay

Miss S McGinty

P1S

P2N

P3K

P4J

P5W

P6J

P7S

Mrs L Simpson

Miss C Norrie

Miss N Kilcoyne

Mrs E Johnston

Mrs E Wilkie

Mrs P Jarosz

Miss J Sanderson

P1W

P4L

P5Y

P7W

Mrs L Ward

Mrs S Lawson & Mrs A Hegarty

Mrs J Wyllie

Mr J Webb

http://www.whitehills.angus.sch.uk/mailto:Whitehills@whitehills.angus.sch.uk

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Support for Learning Assistants Ms K Niland and Mrs S Ironside

Primary School Assistants

Visiting Specialists Art Ms G Rae

Music Miss N Boyle

P.E. Mrs P Fletcher

Kodaly Mrs J Linn

Instrumental Teachers Upper strings Mrs K Harper

Lower strings Miss A Marshall

Brass Miss D Hendry

Woodwind Mr P Morrison

Piano Ms Potter

Office Staff Senior Clerical Mrs S Low

Clerical Miss S Ross

Janitors Mr Dale Anderson and Mr Derek Anderson

School Chaplain Mrs K Fenwick

Parent Council Contact Miss Faye Anderson

whitehillsparentcouncil@googlemail.com

Organisation of the Pre-School and Primary School Day

Stage Start Break Lunch Close

P1 - 2 9.00am 10.30 – 10.50am 12.20 – 1.30pm 3.10pm

P3 - 7 9.00am 10.30 – 10.50am 12.30 – 1.30pm 3.20pm

Pre-school

(morning)

8.45am 11.55am

Pre-school

(afternoon)

12.20pm 3.30pm

Mrs E Crawford

(First Aider)

Mrs J Anderson

Mrs F Howie

Mrs B Jones

Mrs J Ewen

Mrs C Paterson

Mrs G Ramsay

mailto:whitehillsparentcouncil@googlemail.com

5

VISITS OF PROSPECTIVE PARENTS

Parents wishing to enrol their child in Pre-School and Primary 1 should follow the timetable

for admission to school as advertised in the local newspapers. In June, prospective pupils

are given the chance to spend part of a day in

class to enable them to meet their class teacher

while the Head and Depute Head talk with

parents. A transition programme is in place and

prospective parents are sent out details from

school nearer the time.

Parents seeking a place for older children should

first contact the school office. You will be

encouraged to make an appointment to come

and visit our school and meet the staff. This is an

ideal opportunity for you and your child to ask

any questions that you may have.

Please see link below which will take you to a guide for parents that includes more

information on choosing a school.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/11/06125905/0

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/11/06125905/0

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WHITEHILLS SCHOOL UNIFORM

We are very proud of our school uniform and encourage all children in P1-7 to wear it.

Uniform may be purchased locally in J.P. Whyte or from Tesco online. We discourage the

wearing of training shoes but are happy for children to bring a change of footwear for

interval.

Outdoor PE Kit Indoor PE Kit

School sweater, plain t-shirt, tracksuit

bottoms, trainers

Plain t-shirt, plain shorts, gym shoes

Our School Uniform

Our PE Uniform

Lost Clothes

If it is something valuable please go to

the school office

If it is clothing please ask to check the lost property box

PLEASE PUT LABELS ON ALL ITEMS

7

PARENTAL CONCERNS AND THE COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Key ingredients of a successful school are open communication and partnership working.

At Whitehills we recognise this and encourage this approach at all times.

If you have a concern, query or complaint you can communicate this to us in several

ways:

Telephone the school office on 01307 473170

Send in a letter or place a note in a homework

diary/reading record

Email the school on whitehills@whitehills.angus.sch.uk

Drop in at the school reception but you may be

required to make an appointment if the member of

staff is unavailable

Depending on which stage your child is at in the school you

should report your concern to the following members of staff:

In the first instance the class teacher

If this remains unresolved please contact:

o Mrs McDiarmid, (Depute Head Teacher) if your child is in Pre-school – P1

o Miss Morrison, (Principal Teacher) if your child is in P2 –P4

o Miss Donnachie, (Acting Principal Teacher) if your child is in P5 –P7

If after this the issue still remains unresolved please contact the Head Teacher - Mrs

Peters

The staff will listen to and record your

concern. They will agree a way forward with

you.

We will also ensure early communication of

any queries or concerns regarding your child

at school, again by telephone or a note

home.

We look forward to working in partnership with you to achieve successful outcomes and

experiences for all of our children.

THE COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE – also see link below: http://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20252/customer_care/209/making_a_complaint_or_comment_abo

ut_our_services

mailto:whitehills@whitehills.angus.sch.ukhttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20252/customer_care/209/making_a_complaint_or_comment_about_our_serviceshttp://www.angus.gov.uk/info/20252/customer_care/209/making_a_complaint_or_comment_about_our_services

8

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Becoming Involved in School

We welcome the support of parents in school activities as we feel

this strengthens the partnership between home and school which

impacts directly on the outcomes for our children. Parents will be

consulted on school matters and policies will be developed in

consultation with parents. There are many opportunities for parents

to become involved in the school.

We actively seek ways for parents to:

be involved with the school – For example helping with classroom activities, supporting

our pupil committees: Eco, Fairtrade, Health and Wellbeing, Pupil Council; helping at

fundraising events; supporting during class trips and activities, for example cycle

training; running or assisting to run extra-curricular activities such as netball, ICT, rugby

or football.

If you wish to be a regular parent helper, PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) checks

have to be completed. Please get in touch with the school office and we will arrange

for this to be carried out.

support your child’s learning – Every term a

curriculum leaflet will be sent home to indicate

what your child will be learning and how you can

support this; My Learning Journey’s go home

every term to update you on your child’s

progress. Please take time to look at this with your

child and discuss progress, next steps and please

add comments in the boxes provided. We also

encourage you to support as appropriate the

completion of homework tasks and sign all

completed homework.

You are invited to attend Meet the Teacher/Open

Events throughout the year. All parents are also invited to attend Parents Evenings in

November and March. At these meetings you will have the opportunity to meet your

child’s class teacher for a 10 minute interview and hear about your child’s progress, and

how best you can support this at home.

Communication with school is very important. We will send you a newsletter every term to

keep you in touch with the life of the school. We hope that you will keep in touch with us if

there is anything which concerns you about your child. We are well supported by parents

and the community as a whole and very much appreciate this. If you feel you can help us

in any other way we would be delighted to hear from you!

SCHOOL ETHOS

In our school we are committed towards providing a caring and positive ethos in which

children, staff and parents work together to enable all children to flourish as individuals,

reach the highest levels of achievement and make valuable contributions to society.

9

Our school welcomes and encourages diversity and individuality, while emphasising our

common commitment to moral values such as honesty, respect for others, compassion

and justice. It is a fundamental principle of our school that all who are involved in the life

of our school both has the right to be respected

as individuals and carry the responsibility to act

in a considerate and respectful manner towards

others. We implement the Council policy for

Equal Opportunities and Racial equality and

ensure that all pupils have access to the full

range of educational experiences available

within the resources of the school. We are firmly

committed to the elimination of any form of

discrimination on the grounds of race, religion,

gender or disability.

WHITEHILLS VISION, VALUES AND AIMS

Our Vision

BEST at Whitehills - Believe, Enjoy and Succeed

Together

Our Values

Be Honest

Be Hard working

Be Respectful

Be Responsible

At Whitehills, our aims are to:

be kind, make smart choices and be well

behaved

be able to work as a team and independently

be happy to learn and try our best at everything

we do

make learning fun and interesting, but also

challenging

encourage everyone to feel healthy, safe,

included and respected

encourage children, staff & families to work

together so that we can continually improve in

all that we do.

10

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY LINKS

Whitehills School is an integral part of the community of Forfar. Children develop skills and

learn to be better citizens as they engage with and support the work of the local

community. Our pupils participate in community events and competitions organised by

the local churches and Rotary Club. They participate in sporting and cultural events and

take part in carol singing in local supermarkets and care homes. Primary 7 children

organise a Fair-trade café every month for the local community.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT

Children work hardest when they know that their work

will be appreciated and praised. All staff encourage

pupils at all times and in all activities to give their best.

Their effort may be rewarded verbally by praise and

weekly certificates linked to our behaviour system, or

non-verbally by a smiley face or sticker.

The whole school celebrates achievement on a weekly

basis by sharing successes and awarding certificates at

weekly Get Togethers. Successes are also shared in

school newsletters. We have an end of session prize

giving as part of our Church service where a variety of shields and cups are awarded to

recognise successes.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

Good behaviour is essential to good learning. The general aim of the school is to provide

an atmosphere of mutual respect and collective responsibility. Pupils, parents and staff all

have an important part to play in producing and sustaining this positive ethos. Our

Behaviour Policy has the following key themes: approaches are based on repairing

relationships and moving on (Restorative Approaches); with rights come responsibilities;

with choice comes consequence. The rules of the school are of a common sense nature,

bearing in mind the interest and safety of all concerned.

Our Golden Rules:

Always do your best

Line up and walk around the school sensibly and

quietly

Be polite and treat people the way you would like

to be treated

Do as you are asked to do the first time

Look after our school - the building, our

playground and our equipment

Be helpful

Always be a good representative of our school

11

Our Golden Rules are reviewed annually with all

children at a whole school Assembly and a copy is sent

home to parents at the beginning of each school

session to allow school and home to work in partnership

to implement and encourage positive behaviour.

Class rules are negotiated each year with the pupils.

The staff remind children of these rules in many ways

and they are displayed in classrooms. A copy of the

class rules is also sent home in the child’s My Learning

Journey so that they can be discussed at home.

We look for all opportunities to recognise and celebrate

good behaviour and positive choices through a range

of approaches including weekly certificates, stickers

and earning house points. All children are allocated a

House: Cherry, Chestnut, Willow or Oak. We try to keep

siblings in the same House. Children can earn House

Points for a variety of reasons including being kind,

effort with tasks and displaying good manners. Weekly

class and House point totals are celebrated at

assemblies.

The ‘Golden Time’ positive behaviour management

approach is used consistently across the school. All

children begin every week with 5 minutes Golden

Time and through following the school and class rules,

children earn an additional 5 minutes Golden Time

daily. Children receive their Golden Time on a Friday

and any child that has not received the full amount of

Golden Time is encouraged to reflect on the choices

they made and how they can change this to achieve

success the following week.

Although we always emphasise the positive approach to behaviour management

through recognising and celebrating good behaviour, the main aid to positive behaviour

in school is the support of parents. If the child sees that home and school are working in

partnership there is much more likely to be a positive response to any consequences we

may have to impose such as not earning golden time golden time, writing a letter of

apology, writing about why they broke a rule or paying a contribution towards damaged

property. We recognise at times that children will make the wrong choice which can

impact on the learning and safety of others. We believe that with rights come

responsibilities and therefore making a negative choice will result in a consequence. We

recognise that the most important aspect is to be able to repair relationships and move

on from a negative situation therefore our consequences are guided by restorative

approaches as follows (see next page):

12

Golden Rules Always do your best

Line up and walk around the school sensibly and

quietly

Be polite and treat people the way you would like

to be treated

Do as you are asked to do the first time

Look after our school – the building, our playground

and our equipment

Be helpful

Always be a good representative of our school

Classroom Consequences

1. Verbal Warning and

reminder of

Classroom

Rules and name

moved to a thinking

area

2. Yellow warning; use restorative

bookmark to reflect upon behaviour;

restorative discussion held

3. Time in a Thinking Space

4. Red warning; 5 minutes

Golden Time not earned

5. Sent to PT or DHT with a slip

indicating what has happened;

restorative discussion held;

and letter sent home if appropriate

6. Sent to HT; restorative discussion

held with HT and phone call home

with child present

Our full behaviour policy is available for viewing in the parents information folder in our

foyer area and anyone who wishes to discuss any aspect of the policy should contact the

Head Teacher.

20 minutes

Golden

Time

5 minutes

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=phone&start=100&biw=1093&bih=491&tbm=isch&tbnid=9QtVhAbmFcayrM:&imgrefurl=http://www.possibilities.nu/hypnosis_by_phone.htm&docid=hG0M5V8D9IAiCM&imgurl=http://www.possibilities.nu/ri_phonehypnosis_ma.jpg&w=635&h=900&ei=tAEIUsObI-qW0AXt3ICgDQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:9,s:100,i:31&iact=rc&page=8&tbnh=181&tbnw=130&ndsp=15&tx=76&ty=78.80001831054687

13

The teachers

try to make

learning fun.

I like all the

teachers

because they

are kind.

We keep the

school tidy. The school is nice

and modern

looking.

The school is a

good place.

There is lots of

space in the

playground for

playing different

games.

There are fun

clubs at

lunchtimes and

after school.

At wet playtimes

the monitors are

kind and helpful.

The classrooms are a

good size.

Everybody follows the

rules and that helps to

keep us safe.

We have good

Playground

equipment.

14

We have a

lovely modern

building and the

facilities are

excellent.

The children have

access to high

quality ICT

equipment.

Communication is

strength and parents

are kept informed

through a range of

methods.

Teaching is of a high

standard and staff

make learning fun

and challenging.

Staff are helpful,

caring and

encouraging.

15

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

There is a vast array of extra-curricular activities available for your child to participate in at

either lunchtime or the end of the school day,

these include:

Computer

Choir

Quiz club

Science club

Reading club

Rugby

Basketball

Netball

Information will be sent home regarding extra-curricular activities and if you wish your child

to take part please sign the parental permission slip and return to school.

PUPIL COUNCIL

We have a range of active Pupil Councils/Committee groups

including:

Pupil Council

Fair-trade Committee

Eco Committee

School Improvement Planning Committee

Health and Wellbeing Committee

Junior Road Safety Officers

The members of the committees

are elected by their class peers at the beginning of

session and they hold office for the duration of one year.

Throughout the year they will meet regularly with a

member of staff. They will be involved in taking forward

school improvement priorities, gathering children’s views

and ideas, maintaining a display board to communicate

key messages and addressing emerging issues as they

occur.

Teaching is of a

high standard and

staff make learning

fun and challenging.

16

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Our curriculum aims to raise achievement for all,

and enable children to develop the skills,

knowledge and understanding they need to

succeed in learning, life and work.

Your child will learn in a variety of different contexts

and groups including ability, co-operative and

social.

THE PUPILS AND PARENTS VOICE

Personalisation and choice is one of the seven

principles of curriculum design and children at

Whitehills will have the opportunity to discuss with their

teacher the context in which they learn and how they

will approach the learning. Staff will discuss new

learning with the children at the beginning of a new

topic and plan together the areas of specific focus

e.g. World War 2 – The Battle of Britain. This will be

shared with parents through a termly curriculum leaflet

and parents may be invited to support the learning by

sharing resources from home e.g. ration book or visit

the school to share a talk.

Parents will be invited to share comments regarding the planned work for their child and

are encouraged to feedback comments at anytime through their child’s homework diary

and their My Learning Journey folder.

THE CURRICULUM AT SCHOOL, LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL

The school website http://www.whitehills.angus.sch.uk/ is a source of considerable

information, illustrating the work of classes across the school. Additionally, open events for

parents are held annually and led predominately by the children. During such events the

children and staff will describe, demonstrate and share their experiences of the curriculum

in school.

http://www.whitehills.angus.sch.uk/

17

GAELIC MEDIUM EDUCATION AT WHITEHILLS SCHOOL

What This Is?

The Gaelic class is a place to learn and speak Gaelic.

It is just like an ordinary class, but we do our work in

Gaelic instead of English. Most of the children’s

families don’t speak Gaelic at home. Your child can

join the Gaelic class if he or she is in Pre-school or

primary one. It is the only Gaelic class in Angus. Your

child can benefit from being in the Gaelic class

because they have the opportunity to learn a

second language from P1.

WHAT THE CHILDREN THINK

We can learn a new language and develop

speaking skills.

We learn Gaelic songs.

Everyone is very nice and helpful and makes sure

we are OK.

What the Parents Think

It is good for children because:

As you are learning Gaelic it builds an inner confidence that helps with all subjects.

It’s a great opportunity for children to learn another language from a young age.

What is good about the Gaelic class?

Small and friendly, similar to a country school with lots of one to one teaching and

also help from the older pupils make it seem very family-like. They have a fantastic

teacher and the class is close like a happy family.

How to Find Out More

Please contact the school office to arrange a

visit.

For more information visit these useful websites:

www.bilingualism-matters.org.uk

www.gaelic4parents.com

www.learngaelic.net

http://www.bilingualism-matters.org.uk/http://www.gaelic4parents.com/http://www.learngaelic.net/

18

LIAISON WITH SECONDARY SCHOOL

The school maintains close links with Forfar

Academy and other Primary Schools within the

Angus area. Our teachers and in some cases our

pupils visit other schools and establishments and

other teachers and pupils visit us. This process is

necessary for the professional development of staff,

reciprocal understanding and the establishment of

curricular consistency. Please visit Forfar academy

website for more information: http://www.forfaracademy.angus.sch.uk/

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS

Details of the main achievements in school over the last 12 months are located in our

Standards and Quality Report. A copy of this can be found in the parent/carer information

folder in the foyer area.

How well did we do last year?

We further improved learning and teaching

approaches in maths through using First Steps in

Number and as a result we raised attainment in

maths at first and second level

Our pupils successfully represented the school

at a variety of events/competitions including cross

country, basketball, athletics, and writing and art

competitions. They received recognition for this at

school, authority and national level.

We have implemented new guidance for My

Learning Journeys so that all P1-7 pupils are setting

and evaluating termly targets and sharing

information on their learning and achievements outwith school. We have streamlined

the process to make it more manageable for staff.

All staff reflected on the quality of our curriculum and now have a shared

understanding of where we are now and where we want to be in three years time.

Using the results of this audit and taking account of local/national guidance we

completed a three year curriculum plan mapping out how we plan to get to where

we want to be.

All staff are now successfully implementing Talk into Writing approaches to enhance

the quality of learning and teaching within writing

Acting on parental feedback, we reviewed our procedures for anti-bullying with a

focus group of staff, pupils and parents. Our procedures are now in line with local and

national guidance.

We consulted the views of parents, pupils and staff to review our Vision, Values and

Aims. We worked with our Pupil Committees to help finalise them to ensure they are

accessible to all, provide a clear sense of direction and are ambitious. A display has

been created in the foyer to communicate them to everyone.

http://www.forfaracademy.angus.sch.uk/

19

IMPROVING STANDARDS

Our standards of attainment are of a high standard in literacy and numeracy with some

pupils exceeding expectations. Expectations of staff, parents and pupils are high. Our

pupils achieve well and are actively involved in the wider curriculum. Our pupils are

actively engaged in their learning and contribute fully to the life of the school.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

What do we want to achieve over the next 3 years?

Increase the percentage of children achieving secure in literacy by the end of a level by:

Focusing on planning and assessment approaches and the teaching of reading

use Angus Literacy standards to track and assess pupil progress

ensure literacy is taught daily

implement grammar and punctuation progression pathway at all stages

implement reading comprehension boxes in P2-7

Increase the percentage of children achieving secure in maths/numeracy by the end of a

level by:

Focusing on planning and assessment approaches and

the teaching of mental maths

implement mental maths and maths progression

pathway at all stages

create a maths policy including guidance on

feedback and presentation

deliver staff training on teaching mental maths

and implement approaches in classes

ensure mental maths and maths is taught daily;

use Angus Maths standards to track and assess

pupil progress

Increase the percentage of children achieving a score of 8 or above in their wellbeing

web by:

Focusing on learning and teaching approaches and assessment

further training on Bounce Back so it can be implemented in all classes

staff training on effective delivery of PE and then implementation of new

approaches in classes

begin to develop a health and wellbeing progression pathway

use new assessment pupil profile (APP) to record pupils wider achievements

We will update parents with progress made during open events, Parent Council meetings

and through School Newsletters. We will encourage parents and children to help us reflect

on the impact of improvements in a variety of ways, for example sampling opinions,

impact posters and questionnaires.

20

HEALTH CARE

You can contact your school health staff at: -

School Nurse: Carol Paterson

Whitehills Health & Community Care

Centre

Station Road

FORFAR

Tel: 01307 475274

Mob: 07876038142

E-mail: carolpaterson@nhs.net

mailto:carolpaterson@nhs.net

USEFUL LINKS & CONTACT DETAILS Education Scotland’s Communication Toolkit for engaging with parents – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/learningteachingandassessment/partnerships/engagingparents/toolkit/index.asp The Scottish Government guide Principles of Inclusive Communications provides information on communications and a self-assessment tool for public authorities – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/14082209/0 Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents - information on choosing a school and the placing request system – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/11/10093528/0 A guide for parents about school attendance explains parental responsibilities with regard to children’s attendance at school – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/12/04134640/0 Parental Involvement Guidance on the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 provides guidance on the act for education authorities, Parent Councils and others – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/09/08094112/0 Parentzone provide information and resource for parents and Parent Councils – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/index.asp School Ethos Supporting Learners - guidance on the identification, planning and provision of support –http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/supportinglearners/ Journey to Excellence - provides guidance and advice about culture and ethos – http://www.journeytoexcellence.org.uk/cultureandethos/index.asp Health and wellbeing guidance on healthy living for local authorities and schools -http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Schools/HLivi Building Curriculum for Excellence Through Positive Behaviour and Relationships outlines the Scottish Government’s priority actions around positive behaviour in schools and is also a source of support – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/06/25112828/0 Scottish Catholic Education Service’s resource ‘This is Our Faith’ which supports the teaching and learning of Catholic religious education – http://www.sces.uk.com/this-is-our-faith.html Curriculum Information about how the curriculum is structured and curriculum planning – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/ Information about the outcomes a learner can expect to experience and achieve across literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing, as well as the 8 curricular areas – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/howisthecurriculumorganised/experiencesandoutcomes/index.asp

Advice, practice and resources to support the experiences and outcomes on literary, numeracy and health and wellbeing – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/learningteachingandassessment/learningacrossthecurriculum/responsibilityofall/index.asp Broad General Education in the Secondary School – A Guide for Parents and Carers – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/resources/b/genericresource_tcm4725663.asp?strReferringChannel=parentzone&strReferringPageID=tcm:4-634353-64 Information on the Senior Phase – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/whatcanlearnersexpect/seniorphase.asp Information on Skills for learning, life and work – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/whatcanlearnersexpect/skillsforlearning.asp Information around the Scottish Government’s ‘Opportunities for All’ programme – http://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/our-services/services-for-individuals/opportunities-for-all.aspx Information for organisations responsible for the planning, management and delivery of career information, advice and guidance services – http://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/our-story/key-publications/career-management-skills-framework.aspx The Skills Development Scotland website ‘My World of Work’ offers a number of tools to support career planning – http://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/ Assessment and Reporting Building the Curriculum 5: a framework for assessment provides guidance around the assessment framework – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Images/BtC5Framework_tcm4-653230.pdf Information about Curriculum for Excellence levels and how progress is assessed – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/howisprogressassessed/stages/index.asp Curriculum for Excellence factfile - Assessment and qualifications – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/publications/c/publication_tcm4624968.asp Information on recognising achievement, reporting and profiling – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/learningteachingandassessment/assessment/achievement/index.asp Transitions Curriculum for Excellence factfile - 3-18 Transitions - provides information on the transitions children and young people will face throughout their education and beyond – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/publications/c/publication_tcm4660285.asp

Career Information, Advice and Guidance in Scotland - A Framework for Service Redesign and Improvement provides guidance on career information, advice and guidance strategy – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/11110615/0 Choices and changes provides information about choices made at various stages of learning – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/supportinglearners/choicesandchanges/index.asp The Additional support for learning page provides links to relevant legislation and guidance, including the arrangements that should be in place to support pupils with additional support needs – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Schools/welfare/ASL Supporting Children's Learning Code of Practice includes specific requirements on education authorities and others under the new legislation in relation to transition – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/04/04090720/21 Enquire is the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning – http://enquire.org.uk/ Parenting Across Scotland offers support to children and families in Scotland – http://www.parentingacrossscotland.org/ Support for Pupils The Additional support for learning page provides links to relevant legislation and guidance, including the arrangements that should be in place to support pupils with additional support needs – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Schools/welfare/ASL Information about the universal entitlement to support that underpins Curriculum for Excellence – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/supportinglearners/whatissupport/universalsupport/roleofkeyadult.asp Supporting Children's Learning Code of Practice (Revised edition) - provides Statutory guidance relating to the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 as amended – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/04/04090720/21 Getting It Right For Every Child and Young Person, is essential reading for anyone involved or working with children and young people, including practitioners working in adult services with parents and carers – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/gettingitright School Improvement Scottish Schools Online - provides a range of school information, including contact details, school roll, facilities, website, inspection reports – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/scottishschoolsonline/

Education Scotland’s Inspection and review page provides information on the inspection process – http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/inspectionandreview/index.asp The Scottish Survey of Literacy and Numeracy (SSLN) is an annual sample survey which will monitor national performance in literacy and numeracy – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/SSLN Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) – http://www.scqf.org.uk/ Scottish Qualifications Authority provides information for teachers, parents, employers and young people on qualifications – http://www.sqa.org.uk/ Amazing Things - information about youth awards in Scotland – http://www.awardsnetwork.org/index.php Information on how to access statistics relating to School Education – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education School Policies and Practical Information Schools and local authorities should consider the most relevant school, local and national policies and include details or links for parents to sources of further information. National policies, information and guidance can be accessed through the following sites - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People Children (Scotland) Act 1995 – http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/36/contents Standards in Scotland's Schools (Scotland) Act 2000 – http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2000/6/contents