Home >>Caldicot >>Education >> St Mary's Junior School Designed by the Caldicot Community Website Committee
Dear Parents, We hope that the time you and your child/ren spend with us will be a happy and enriching experience The information on this website will be useful for the length of your child's primary education. From time to time it may be necessary to update this site. On behalf of the staff and Governing Body, welcome to St Mary's Junior School. Yours sincerely Mrs Marje Evans Headteacher The School Past and Present Caldicot St. Mary's Junior School was opened in September 1966. Its official opening was carried out in January 1967. It was built to serve the new housing estates being developed in the expanding township of Caldicot The school occupies a site adjacent to the former Church school which only a few years prior to St Mary's opening provided education for all primary school children in the village. The building consists of a block of six classrooms on two levels together with cloakrooms and toilet facilities. There is a small block of two classrooms, again with cloakrooms and toilet, and changing facilities for PE and Games. An assembly hall is situated in front of this area with a raised area which can be used for production of small plays. Also, off this area is the provision of a small library. There is the usual administrative accommodation - staff room, secretaries' room, headteacher's office and a small room used as a medical room. A kitchen is attached to the school where meals are prepared and cooked. The Special Needs Department which is attached to the school is built of brick, containing three classrooms, one of which is open plan to house two small classes if necessary. The Department has its own toilets and cloakroom facilities and medical room. The Special Needs Department is attached to the Main School by an open sided covered walkway. The Special Needs Department was built in 1975. As with all schools, St Mary's has a body of Governors whose responsibility it is to ensure that the school operates effectively, achieving high educational standards through efficient allocation of resources. At St Mary's this is achieved very much in partnership with the Headteacher and staff of the school. St Mary's Junior School has remained within the family of schools supported by Monmouthshire County Council through the Local Education Authority (L.E.A.). Many of the responsibilities formerly held by the L.E.A. have now been transferred to the Governing Body but by remaining within the L.E.A. family the Governing Body and the school staff are able to call upon the specialist services/skills of the L.E.A. to help carry out those responsibilities. The work of a School Governor is voluntary and it requires a level of commitment both in time and effort. The Governing Body usually meets twice a term and is legally bound to hold an Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) once a year to report to parents and the local community on the years accomplishments and on the general state of the school. Government rules dictate the make-up of the Governing Body. For St Mary's Junior School these require that the Governing Body has:
Each elected Governor can hold office for up to 4 years before seeking re-election. In the broadest terms, the responsibilities of the Governing Body can be summarised as being to: Set the standards and values for the school through policy. Ensure that the National Curriculum is delivered to the required standard. Monitor and approve the spending of the schools allocated budget to maintain the educational standards and facilities. The role covers many other aspects surrounding the operation of the school in support of the Headteacher and staff who manage the day-to-day activities. The running of a school today requires contributions from many people, from Caretaker through to the Director of Education. The St. Mary's Junior School Governing Body recognises that success can only be achieved by working together with the school staff, the Headteacher, the L.E.A. and not least the parents. Only through this will our children receive the educational start they deserve. If you require further information about the Governors and the Governing Body, this can be obtained from the school or direct from the L.E.A. The Department is part of a whole school policy and planning. The Department was opened in 1975 for children with moderate learning difficulties. From April 1998 it was designated for Moderate Learning Difficulties and for pupils with Emotional and Behavioral problems. It is purpose built with four classroom areas - two of which are semi-open plan. The Department has three teachers, all trained in Special Educational Needs. The classes vary in size according to yearly demands, but on average there are 12 pupils in a class. The children attend the department for a variety of reasons - most because of learning difficulties, some because of behavioral problems. These difficulties arise for a number of reasons: (a) Loss of school because of health problems
in the past These children's problems are catered for by using individual programmes of work in the core subjects. They receive a balanced curriculum by undertaking work through a cross-curricular mode in other areas, which is planned with Main School teachers. They are integrated into Main School activities wherever possible. The children wear the same school uniform as those in Main School, partake in assemblies, join in Main School games lessons, out-of-school activities, educational or social outings, share the same break and lunch times. Some children on reaching the 'norm' return to Main School classes, initially on a part-time basis with Special Needs staff as a support, with total integration when it is thought the child is fully able to cope with larger class situations. Children who attend a Special Needs Department usually have a Statement of Special Needs. The Department has the services of two Nursery Nurses, who assist with a variety of needs - medical and classroom assistance. Our catchment area covers Caldicot and Chepstow and children are brought to school by mini-bus. The curriculum taught at St Mary's complies with National Curriculum guidelines for English, Maths, Science (the core subjects) and for History, Geography, Design, Technology, Information Technology, Music, Art, P.E. and Welsh (the foundation subjects). The curriculum for the rest of the school is divided into two Key Stages. Key Stage 1 for pupils in Years 1 and 2 and Key Stage 2 for pupils in Years 3 to 6. Each Key Stage has its own programmes of study for the different subjects. When children come to us, they come as individuals, each at his/her particular stage of development and attainment. It is our aim, as far as possible, to provide for them as individuals, to bring out the best in each child and to help them achieve educationally, personally and socially. Religious Education is also taught throughout the school, based on the Gwent R.E. Guidelines. This is an agreed non-denominational programme, but parents who, for a religious or conscientious reason, wish to withdraw their children from R.E., retain the right to do so - by letter please. It is essential we have good communication with our parents. If any parents have a problem please ring to make an appointment with the Headteacher. Often a few minutes discussion can alleviate much distress. As Headteacher I will frequently send home letters to inform parents of events and routine matters. Parents' evening are held twice a year usually in October and in the Spring term. This will enable parents to discuss their child's progress with the class teacher. Sometimes it is necessary to ask parents to visit school between these appointments if we feel that there are any problems. Parents are asked to help their children by listening to them read, discussing books and work with them, assisting with the learning of spelling and tables We have a Homework Contract between Parents, School and Pupils. Parents are requested to help the school by observing the rules on routine matters. A formal PTA is in being with a committee which meets regularly and organises events during the year, notices of which are sent home with children. Parents are always welcome at school but it is wise to write or telephone for an appointment.
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