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ST.
SEBASTIAN'S SCHOOL PROSPECTUS |

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Welcome to St. Sebastian's...
From
the Headteacher
Dear
Parents and Children,
May
I greet you on behalf of myself and the whole staff to your school. Here at
St. Sebastian’s we welcome the partnership of Parish, Home and School; we
work extremely hard to create a community spirit and we very much hope you
will choose to become part of it.
As
you have chosen a Catholic
School
for your child you will understand the importance our religion holds for us
all; it is this ethos which is so much a part of St. Sebastian’s. We look
to our pupils to embrace the traditions of our School and live up to its
mottoes.
We
must all work very hard to enable our children to achieve their full
potential in everything they do -in their work, play and spiritual
development.
St.
Sebastian’s is a happy and lively place where we want everyone to feel at
home and comfortable. You have a crucial role in making this happen and I
hope you will become fully involved in all we do.
Yours
sincerely,
Dennis
Hardiman.
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St.
Sebastian’s is our school;
Let
peace dwell here; let
rooms be full of contentment.
Let
love abide here; love
of one another;
Love
of mankind; love
of life itself and love of God.
Let
us remember that as many hands build a house, as many hearts make a school.
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The
building is a listed one and subsequently has been converted for several
purposes connected with St. Sebastian’s:
A
new Foundation Stage Unit (Nursery and Reception classes).
An
Art Centre & Conference Room.
Sporting
facilities
These
facilities have shared usage with the local community.
Donations
have also come from Kensington Regeneration group; Space for Sport &
Arts; DfC; St. Sebastian’s Parish.
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General
St.
Sebastian’s is a
Voluntary
Aided
Catholic
Primary School
with an attached Nursery providing for girls and boys on a daily basis. This
means that the site and buildings belong to the Catholic Trustees but are
equipped and maintained by the Liverpool Education Directorate.
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School
Statements
“Everyone
is special at St. Sebastian’s...the School, the Parish and the Parents
form a partnership which St. Sebastian’s is all about.” -Fr. Kelly
(Parish Priest/Chair of Governors)
“Be
kind to one another; only my best will do.”
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Mission
Statement
Our
School aims to be a community which reflects real gospel values of love and
forgiveness -a community in which each individual, child and adult, can work
and develop in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding so as to
broaden their appreciation of the world, its cultures and its people.
Study;
Sanctity; Service.
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| TEACHING |
Senior
Management: |
Senior
Management:
Deputy Head
Assistant Head- ;
SMT: |
Headteacher- Dennis Hardiman
Jacqui
Davies
Claire
Knox
Jackie Hilton;
Angela Brough (Early Years Federation); Lorraine Fay (FMSIS) |
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Teaching
Staff & Co-ordinators:
Field
of Dreams Nursery |
English/Discipline/Curriculum/Discipline
Science:
Geography
/ Eco-School:
History
/Reading Recovery:
DT / Assessment
(Federation):
Music
SEN/RE/SEAL
ICT/Art
& Design/Children's University
PSHE
& Citizenship / School Council
PE
/ Healthy Schools
Mdn.
Foreign Languages/ Maths/
International
Dimension/
Gifted
&
Talented
EAL
/ Inclusion / Child Protection
SEAL
/ Extended Day / Family
Liaison / Complaints(Fed)/ Learning Support/ Safeguarding Officer -Family
Liaison
IiP
CPD
Nursery
Nurse
Nursery
Manager
Deputy
Manager
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Jacqui Davies
Dave Burke
Anne
Carney
Maureen
Rabbette
Claire
Knox
Tina Smith/Diane Mooney
Diane Mooney
Patricia Minogue
Jackie
Hilton
Joanne
Devine
Jane
Keenan (Advanced Skills Teacher)
Margaret Hagan
Jackie
Hilton
Dennis
Hardiman; Jacqui Davies; J. Kenyon
Betty
Mahoney
Liz
Connor-Scahill
Nina
Young |
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Support Staff:
(For helping children with their learning) |
Angela
Denson
Pam
Doherty
Margaret
Callaway
Sue
Quinn
Julie
Maguire
Margaret
Haney
Debbie
Furlong
Kathy
Rimmer |
F1
F1
KS1
(Eco School)
KS1
KS2
KS2
(Walking
bus; Eco school; ICT)
KS2
KS2 |
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Part-time
Teaching Staff
Extended School Staff
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Diane
Mooney (F2); Dave Burke (Upper KS); Margaret Hagan (PPA Federation); Susanna Hodgson (Spanish); Maria Antonia (CTIL / Spanish);
Joyce Wiley (F2)
Stephanie
Bullen; Nicola Canavan; Laura Doherty; Lauren Murphy; Ruth Denson;
Christopher Grierson; Bethan Hughes; Becky Hardiman; Nicky Torrington;
Dianne Fleming.
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| NON-TEACHING
STAFF:
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Caretaker
School
Cleaners
Admin.
Officers
Clerical
Assistants
Kitchen
Staff
Dinner
Time Assts.
Peripatetic
Music
SENISS
Support
Educational
Psychologist
School
Nurse
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Garry
Hilton
Diane
Dickie; Betty Forrester; Tina Reynolds; Julie Ellis; Sandra Ellis.
Lorraine
Fay (LMS, SMT, FMSIS)
Freda
Turner (Dinner money; School fund; Attendance; Newsletters)
Kathy
Grierson (Registers; Money; Telephone)
Mary
Donelon (Extended schools; First-day response)
Dawn
(cook); Collette; Mary
Joan
Brown; Mary Donelon; Karen Daly; Claudia Conroy; Tina Reynolds;
Ronnie
Cook (1st Aid; 4-day at work certificate)
Mr.
R. Gordon Smith (RLPO Workshops);
Mr.
N. Storey (Guitar)
Mr.
T. Burrage (Violin)
Aigburth
High School; Maureen Fearon
Farida
Myer
Tinu
Odukobe
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The above information
is meant as a set of useful guidelines for staff in general and visiting and
new staff in particular.
If you are unsure about anything in this guide
PLEASE ASK!
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Recognition
of Achievement
Accolades
are nothing new to St. Sebastian’s. After all, very few schools in the
whole Country can lay claim to having achieved both the Charter Mark and the
Investor in People awards three times each.
Several
teachers and support staff have acquired nationally acclaimed awards. Jacqui
Davies and Jane Winstanley have been awarded Advance Skills recognition in
Literacy & MEL.
It
is part of the St. Sebastian’s ethos to work with parents; to encourage
them to actively involve themselves in the school and with the education of
their children.
And
while the school has understandably achieved national celebrity status for
its achievements, nevertheless daily routine goes on. To the pupils each
member of Staff is simply someone to respect; to confide in; to learn from;
to have total trust in. Nothing more; nothing less.
St.
Sebastian’s received the School Achievement Award from 2003, the last year
it was awarded.
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Staff from St Sebastian's Learning Support Assistants and Lunchtime
Staff receiving a first aid certificate in recognition of their
one-day update in First Aid, an important aspect of staff training and
keeping our children safe. |
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National Recognition
CHARTER MARK is an award
for organisations which provide you with an excellent public service. It
rewards those who work hard and go out of their way to help you. Public
services which apply are assessed by a team of independent judges and if
they meet the tough standards set, they receive a Charter Mark.
CHARTER MARK is an accolade
not easily achieved. It is therefore an immense accomplishment on the part
of St. Sebastian’s School to been given this Award for Excellence twice.
The INVESTOR IN PEOPLE
symbol is conferred upon those institutions which are attaining to the
highest levels of performance.
It is given to companies and places where the workforce is seen to be
working consistently at its best. At St. Sebastian's there is a priority to
sustain this optimum level of quality; everyone recognises what the school
is about; knows what their tasks are; how they are achieved. The
INVESTOR IN PEOPLE award is
a national recognition, locally administered and assessed for specifically
measured standards. In 2001 the School successfully retained this award for
the next three years.
The School Development Plan
is designed to identify training needs to enhance performance. St.
Sebastian's is proud of its CHARTER MARK and of being recognised as an
INVESTOR IN PEOPLE.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AWARD
(twice)
ARTS MARK AWARD (three
times)
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Admission Policy and Arrangements for 2010-2011
THIS WILL BE UPDATED VERY SHORTLY |
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Pastoral Care
The pastoral side of a
child’s schooling is the responsibility of the individual class teacher
working in liaison with the Headteacher and the Ancillary Assistants.
Well-trained female staff are available to any girls who may wish to
consult, while the Headteacher and Deputy Head are always available should
anyone wish to talk to them.
Children and parents who
join the school community must be fully aware of the schools’ aims and be
supportive of them.
All are accorded equality
of respect, dignity and esteem whatever their background, colour, culture,
gender, role, status or ability.
Protection of all children
is our paramount concern.
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Complaints Procedure
For every child in
St.
Sebastian’s to want to do their best and achieve to their full potential
parents and teachers need to be in partnership. If you have any worries or
concerns, no matter how small, please contact school as soon as possible.
The sooner problems are sorted out, the happier everyone will be.
For concerns or questions
which do require a lot of time, each class teacher is available most
afternoons AFTER the children have been dismissed. If you have a complaint
or a suggestion to improve the quality of your child’s school life, please
follow the procedure below:
Phone or write to school
requesting an appointment with your child’s class teacher. By doing so you
can be sure the teacher will be able to provide sufficient time.
If, after seeing the class
teacher, you wish to discuss the matter further, you should make an
appointment to see the Headteacher, his Deputy or an Asst. Head..
In
the unlikely event of continuing concern, you may then wish to take up the
matter with the school governors. The parent governor can assist you in
arranging this. A copy of the LEA’s Complaints Procedure is available in
the school office.
Mrs
J. Hilton is the member of staff dedicated to dealing with complaints.
Please make an appointment through the school office if you need to speak to
her.
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Ethos of the School
St. Sebastian’s is an
‘all-inclusive’ school where all children are treated as special and are
given appropriate time and attention to fulfil their potential.
We want visitors to feel at
ease in our environment and they will be able to see this, through
multi-cultural literature, displays and children’s well-informed
attitudes, that we value every individual as equal. Furthermore, we value
the many and varied cultures brought into our school by families who have
come to live in our community.
At St. Sebastian’s we
know that racism goes against our aims and want the victims of racism not
only to feel that the school will deal with the perpetrator, but also that
he/she will receive positive support in order for him to develop strategies
for coping with the pain.
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School Uniform
The wearing of school
uniform helps the pupils establish a sense of identity with specific groups
of people; furthermore conforming to school uniform regulations helps
sustain the principle of self-discipline. Parents are asked to make every
effort to ensure that the correct uniform is worn on all school occasions by
all children from Foundation to KS2. Well presented, smart children feel
good; they enjoy being in school and work well.
Girls: Navy blue skirt or
gymslip; navy blue cardigan or pullover; pale blue or white blouse; school
tie; white or navy blue socks; sensible shoes (no trainers). Tights may be
worn in cold weather. In summer a blue gingham dress (preferably navy) may
be worn.
Boys: Grey short trousers
(At the discretion of the school Year 6 may wear long grey school type
trousers); navy blue pullover; blue or white shirt; grey socks; school tie;
sensible shoes (no trainers).
School Clothing Grant /
Free School Meals
These are available in
certain circumstances of need from the Local Authority. Claim forms are
available from any One Stop Shot. Even if your children do not wish to avail
themselves of free school dinners if it is crucial that all who are entitled
fill in this claim form. Laser Schoolwear are the designated uniform
suppliers.
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Physical Education
Requirements
Girls require a yellow
T-shirt and navy blue shorts, while boys need a pair of navy shorts and a
navy T-shirt. Both boys and girls require appropriate footwear for outdoor
activities.
Movement and dance are
taken in the school hall/gymnasium in bare feet to obtain a surer grip on
the polished floor and apparatus. Pumps may be worn only for medical
reasons, certified by a signed note from parents. The school has strong
links with the Everton and Liverpool Clubs and all children have access to
specialist coaching.
PE kit and uniform can be
purchased from Laser Schoolwear.
During bad weather it is
important that pupils have the right degree of clothing and the appropriate
footwear.
All Junior classes attend
swimming instruction during the year. A costume and towel are needed; all
pupils are required to wear a swimming cap where appropriate when swimming.
PE and Swimming are
essential parts of the curriculum and withdrawal from either activity is
allowed only in the event of a serious injury. It must be remembered that if
children are withdrawn from a timetable event it is very difficult to make
other arrangements for supervision.
Children
fit for school are fit for all activities and PE kit should be kept in
school at all times
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Medical & Welfare
Checks
There are regular visits to
school by the School Nurse who undertakes sight tests, medical preparations.
Parents can contact the Nurse through school.
All children are examined
by the School Medical Officer during their first year in Foundation,
and again later in the Junior Classes. Parents are notified of the
Doctor’s visit and an appointment is made for each parent to consult the
Doctor.
A Dental Officer also makes
visits to the school to make periodical dental checks.
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Child Protection
St. Sebastian’s is
committed to protecting every child. The School provides an ethos in which
children feel totally secure and is committed to safeguarding and promoting
the welfare of children and young people. It expects all staff, volunteers
and visitors to the school to share this commitment.
All staff employed by the
school and including peripatetics, have an enhanced CRB check. Any parents
wishing to help in school must sign a disclosure form.
If it appears to a member
of Staff that there is suspicion of child abuse, the school is required, as
part of the Child Protection Act, to report its concern to the Social
Services department. In general, if the school is concerned about a child,
the family will be contacted and the situation discussed.
Only in extreme cases will
the first procedure be followed, however it is the law and all schools must
comply.
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Jewellery & Personal
Items
For reasons of safety and
security, children are NOT ALLOWED to wear jewellery in school. Where ears
have been pierced, studs must be covered. We are asked to point out that
neither the School Governors nor the Education Authority can accept
responsibility for jewellery and personal items lost or otherwise missing in
school. This also applies to wrist watches.
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Attendance and Punctuality
It is important that the
school is informed of any special health difficulties which may affect your
child. A phone call or e-mail should be used on behalf of pupils who are
absent from school and in the case of a phone call, upon return they must
bring in a letter (or medical certificate) from a parent or guardian stating
the reasons for absence.
The EWO may also visit
homes where there seems to be an excessive amount of time off school. By law
it is the responsibility of parents to see that their child attends school
regularly.
The Governing Body refuses
to endorse family holidays being taken in school time.
The school is determined to
achieve a minimum 95% attendance each term and has a first-day response
policy to absence by means of a phone call home.
Children cannot receive
full-time education when they arrive late for school; it is disruptive for
the class, the teacher and the child. The school rewards excellent
attendance by individual pupils.
Persistent lateness will
inevitably result in a call from the EWO. Children should arrive at school
by 8.55am and at least 5 minutes before the beginning of the afternoon
session. Any child who arrives late may miss part of the instruction
provided by the school and may be marked absent. It is hoped that parents
will insist upon their children being punctual.
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Assemblies
The gathering together of a
Year group or even the whole school is a very important aspect of school
life.
It is an opportunity to
discuss issues that involve a particular age group or for the Headteacher to
announce the achievements of children.
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Discipline and Rewards
A booklet has been prepared
which parents, children, staff and governors have contributed to.
The aim is always to foster
self-discipline since this is something which will extend beyond school
life. Our aim is to create conditions in which the difficult tasks of
learning and teaching can proceed efficiently, satisfactorily and
effectively.
Emphasis is placed on the
exercise of good manners towards both adults and children. The Christian
attitude of kindness and respect for each other is the ideal state we are
seeking. ‘Be kind to one another’ is a phrase often used in the School.
School rules are kept to a
minimum and all regulations are formed in the context of the pupils’ best
interests and in accordance with strict considerations for health and
safety.
In an imperfect world there
will inevitably be breaches of this code; when this occurs pupils are dealt
with in one of the following ways:
Verbal reprimand by class
teacher. In more serious cases the child will be spoken to by the Assistant
Head, Deputy
Head and if necessary the Headteacher.
Should misbehaviour persist
parents will be informed by letter. Full details are included in the School
Behaviour Policy available on request from the school secretaries.
In serious cases when more
severe measures may need to be considered, parents are called in to school.
In the final analysis only is suspension invoked, this usually happens at
lunchtimes, but does happen for full days.
Generally speaking however,
a positive attitude towards children is most beneficial. Incentives leading
to an attitude of cooperation are normally more successful than threats of
punishment. With this in mind the School operates an individual as well as a
house system, whereby points are awarded for good work, good behaviour and
effort.
Rewarding excellence is one
of the most effective methods of promoting good discipline.
Children are thrilled to have their work put on display. Equally they
receive positive feedback on their classwork and there is a weekly rewards
assembly.
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School Meals
St. Sebastian’s has an
excellent dining facility, providing meals freshly cooked on the premises.
Payment must be paid in advance on Monday morning of each week. It is not
possible to pay for meals on a day to day basis. Any meal missed during the
one week will be credited to the following week.
Children are allowed to eat
a packed lunch during the school break, subject to the following conditions
concerning safety and welfare:
Supervision and ordering of
meals necessitates parents giving TWO weeks notice when the child is
transferring from hot meals to packed lunch.
As with cooked meals, no
child may leave the school grounds unsupervised during lunchtime.
Food must be brought to
school securely packed in a lunch-box and marked with the child’s name.
The packed meal must only
be eaten under supervision.
No sweets of any
description including chocolate nor crisps, cakes and fizzy drinks (only
still water and orange juice) are allowed in school either with or without a
packed lunch.
St.
Sebastian’s has received the Healthy Schools Award three times for its
healthy eating policy.
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In 2010, the
school will have a brand new kitchen facility offering a choice
of meals and a daily school bar. |

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Parent-School Partnership
A lively PTA has been run
at St. Sebastian’s for over 23 years. All parents are automatically
members and the committee comprises a group of parents and teachers who
organise a large number of school social events. Over £100,000 has been
turned over in the last 5 years, a third of that directly profiting the
school. More than £20,000 was handed over for refurbishing the school with
new furniture and decorations and all funding raised at present will be
going to the enhancement of the outdoor area for school and community usage.
Meetings are held on the
first Thursday of each month and all parents are welcomed. Many fund raising
and family events are arranged throughout the year.
Parents are encouraged to
help in all aspects of school life and with their many talents are always
welcomed in the classroom along with the many who support children with
their homework. This aspect of the partnership is now an integral part of
school life and reflects on the academic success of the school.
Parents’ courses are
available in school, these offering many courses including Computer Studies,
Numeracy, Literacy, Art & Craft along with the Webster Stratton course
on parenting skills.
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School Council
This body, which meets
regularly, is made up of democratically elected pupils from each class. The
School Council enables different classes to be aware of each other’s
problems; it discusses issues that need to be addressed at whole school
level. The elected individuals represent the views of their class at the
School Council meeting and report back on the outcome.
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Safeguarding:
Click here for Guidelines.
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St. Sebastian’s Nursery
Admissions
The aim is to provide at
least one full year of Nursery Education on a part time basis for the
children within the area and especially for Catholic children within the
Parish of St. Sebastian’s.
St. Sebastian’s Nursery
is brand new, purpose built unit -one of the finest in the Country-and is a
well equipped area where children learn through their play.
There is an outdoor
activity area provided by the parents. Toilets and washing facilities are
self-contained.
Classes:
Foundation
One:
9.00
to 11.30am morning session;
1.00
to 3.10 pm afternoon session
Foundation
2
8.55
to 12.15am
1.15
to 3.10pm
Letting down and Picking up
Parents are asked to bring
the children to the Foundation Unit door before school and to meet them at the
same door when the session ends. There is accommodation for a maximum of 26
part-time pupils in each of the morning and afternoon classes.
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Key Stage 1
8.55am: Collect children
from Junior yard. Escort to classroom.
For a full timetable Click
Here
Children require a note if
they are to be allowed home on their own or with another person.
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Key Stage 2
8.55am: Classes assemble on
Junior yard. Class teachers collect their own classes from yard.
For a full timetable Click
Here
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PLEASE NOTE: In the
interests of safety parents are reminded that all Infants and Juniors must
enter and leave school by the Junior Yard Gate. The Access Gate is for car
usage only.
When leaving or collecting
your child from school, please do not park outside on the yellow lines or
cause an obstruction by parking in an irresponsible way.
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Whole Class Teaching
Whole class involvement is
just one of many features of life in St. Sebastian’s. Alongside the
teacher Classroom Assistants and volunteer parents come along to help with
individual and small group tuition.
In essence, it provides the
best of both worlds. At St. Sebastian’s we believe in aiming for the
highest achievement.
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Personalised Learning
This involves a variety of
techniques for providing children with their best way of learning. Examples
are brain gym, learning preferences, different settings all in the same
classroom at the same time.
West Derby Network learning
comprises a group of Primary schools linked to Broughton Hall and
Cardinal
Heenan
Catholic
High Schools
.
This group looks at issues
like Personalised Learning and at ways to best help pupils and staff in the
community.
Workshops are provided
using resources from the two High schools with their respective
Sports
College
and
Technology
College
status as well as their expertise and that of St. Sebastian’s own staff.
WDNLC is one of just 150
similar groups in the Country and at St. Sebastian’s we are proud of our
involvement in accessing and developing the most up-to-date research on
brain mechanics, diet, water, learning environment and similar.
The school also requests
that parents become active learners on these matters as their children
progress throughout the school.
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If it’s good then display
it for everyone to see and share...
...in a Primary school the
importance of a lively and stimulating environment cannot be overstated.
Children are inspired by displays of their work on the classroom walls.
Indeed there is nothing more likely to encourage good work than recognition
of it by a public classroom display.
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Religious Education
As a Roman Catholic school
the religious education it provides is in conformity with the doctrines of
that Church, and is central to the ethos of the school. In both the Infant
and Junior departments RE is catered for within the timetable according to a
syllabus authorised by the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
The aim is to interpret
human knowledge to the pupils in the light of the gospels and teachings and
example of Jesus, with the school community contributing intellectual and
physical development.
Children may be excused
Religious Education lessons but only by personal request from parents to the
Headteacher and in writing.
Each term, a letter is sent
home to parents detailing the topics which are to be studied and ways by
which parents can support religious education.
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The Curriculum
There is an emphasis on
excitement and enjoyment and these are features of learning in St.
Sebastians.
In both Infant and Junior
Departments, pupils at St. Sebastian’s follow the National Curriculum, a
copy of which is available for parents on the Government’s Department for
Children website and through school. In the course of the curriculum, the
aim of the school is to create a happy and stimulating atmosphere in which
pupils may develop their innate abilities and attain their potential.
Individual needs are always a consideration and teachers plans their daily
lessons with this in mind. Other emphases are placed on:
• The learning and use of
basic skills.
• Individual discovery
and first hand experience.
•
Opportunity
for self expression and creative work.
All pupils are involved in
a course of studies which includes Religious Education, English,
Mathematics, Science and Information & Communications Technology (Core
Curriculum); Humanities, P.E.
Art, Music, Design & Technology and Citizenship.
Throughout every stage the
Teacher monitors the progress of the individual child, and at the end of
each Key Stage there are national tests (SATs & NFER) which should help
you to identify how well your child is progressing against a national
average.
National Literacy and
Numeracy Strategies
These DfES initiatives have
brought literacy and numeracy to the forefront of all learning. The Literacy
Strategy involves setting aside one hour each day for reading and writing.
St. Sebastian’s also
teaches a daily lesson of Mathematics which lasts up to one hour.
Teachers and Classroom
Assistants spend time in whole class teaching, in one-to-one situations as
well as with children who enjoy one-to-one situations as well as with
children who enjoy working together in small groups or pairs.
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Literacy
St. Sebastian’s offers an
exciting and challenging literacy curriculum which includes drama, speaking
and listening, reading and writing.
There are 5 literacy
sessions each week, but this subject is addressed throughout the curriculum.
At St. Sebastian’s we
intend that our children are exposed to an extremely wide variety of
literature, from Shakespeare
through to JK Rowling. The children’s work is often published and we pride
ourselves on our ICT/literacy work.
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Mathematics
This includes the 4 rules
and the application of these to everyday life of practical experience; also
to give the child an idea of volume shape, mass and area, this in relation
to their needs and abilities; also basic algebra and data handling. The
pupils are always encouraged to apply their knowledge to real life
situations and are involved regularly in problem solving and mental
arithmetic.
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Science
Pupils will be shown how to
develop a basic knowledge and understanding of life and basic living
processes; materials and their properties as well as physical processes.
Skills are developed by undertaking investigations, predicting
outcomes, recording and drawing conclusions.
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History & Geography
The Geography curriculum
encourages children to develop an awareness and appreciation of their local,
national and international environments, emphasising physical, human and
environmental skills, knowledge and understanding.
History is about the
present as well as the past, so we encourage our pupils in the early years
to explore the history around them. As they grow older we try to make
History come alive through drama as well as visits to museums, art galleries
and places of interest. We attempt to give children the skills to help them
appreciate that studying History is as much about interpretation as it is
about important events.
The school regularly
engages in lively, imaginative and very enjoyable theme days to enhance
learning in many of these events –eg. Victorian
& Ancient
Greece
Days.
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Information &
Communications Technology
All pupils are given ICT
opportunities. This involves progress from basic writing to graph and matrix
making to the use of ICT equipment including calculators, computers, video
camera/players, and tape recorders.
There is a designated
computer area with ten PCs for pupil usage. ICT
delivery is being enhanced by the addition of laptop computers to supplement
the present numbers of PCs.
All pupils have access to a
computer. Laptops will make it possible for one to be available in every
classroom.
An interactive white screen
is available in all classes for whole class computer usage. ICT
is now a crucial element of education and as such is integrated into the
core curriculum in the National Curriculum alongside Religious Education,
Mathematics, English and Science.
St. Sebastian’s is part
of COMENIUS, an e-mail facility whereby children communicate with children
from other Countries with the help of ICL.
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Modern Foreign Language
St. Sebastian’s is a
Centre of Excellence for Spanish and was acclaimed National
School
of the Year for Spanish in 2007. All children from Foundation Stage to Y6
enjoy 3 Spanish language sessions per week, delivered by an Advisory
Teacher, a native speaker, and Advanced Skills Teacher and their own class
teachers.
Lessons focus on the
development of speaking and listening skills, equipping children with the
confidence and enthusiasm to communicate in another language in a fun and
productive atmosphere.
Our Comenius partner links
give further purpose to language learning, providing children with the
opportunity to exchange letters with Spanish pen-pals.
The school also offers
Family Beginners’ Spanish lessons, an extra-curricular French Club and an
annual Spanish Fiesta to celebrate the Modern Foreign Language learning.
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Music & The Arts
The School has a brand new,
spacious Arts Centre in the Field of Dreams Centre which is part of the
extended
Community
School
.
The Arts in the wider sense
of the term is a very important feature of life both in and out of School.
Effectively integrated into the curriculum, they bring out the imaginative
skills and talents of the children and they enjoy the variety they bring.
Opportunities are provided
for children to learn a variety
of musical instruments.
The school has a Recorder
Club and a Choir with high standards and a long tradition; they support
School, Parish and Community events.
Pupils are able to have
keyboard, guitar, woodwind, brass and violin lessons from Peripatetic
Music Teachers. There is a small charge, which is subsidised by the school,
to support this individual way of learning.
• As a
Kensington
School
, St. Sebastian’s is linked with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
tuition. The school holds regular music workshops provided by RLPO
musicians. (above)
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Art, Design &
Technology
In D/T children are
presented with a range of materials and activities during Key Stage 1 &
2 in order to design and make products. This would be linked where possible
to everyday life situations.
Children are encouraged to
develop personal creativity by experimentation with different mediums, as
well as to increase awareness through a study of design and the works of
others.
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The P.E. Curriculum
Physical Education includes
the progression and enhancement of the child’s knowledge, skill and
understanding. The curriculum ensures that, when evaluating and improving
performance, connections are made between the development, selection and
application of skills, tactics and compositional ideas with an emphasis on
fitness and health.
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Special Educational Needs
At St. Sebastian’s we
provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all the children. Some need
additional help in school with literacy and numeracy; a few in all subjects.
If teachers feel that a
pupil needs additional support, they will place them onto the code of
practice in which there are different stages at which children are placed
according to their needs.
Sometimes pupils are
assessed by outside agencies which helps the school to cater more
specifically for their needs.
Within each lesson,
teachers differentiate work for varying abilities and also cater for
preferred learning styles.
All children who are placed
on the code of practice, have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which sets
targets for the child. The IEP’s are discussed and reviewed with parents
and pupils three times a year. Specialist teachers are brought in for some
pupils to address specific learning difficulties such as dyspraxia or
dyslexia. Parents who have any concerns should speak to the SENCO. By
working together your child can achieve his or her potential.
St.
Sebastian’s holds the Inclusion Charter Mark Award at Advanced level.
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As
it is a single storey building St Sebastian's has wheelchair
access throughout the school as well as a disabled toilet
facility. The Field of Dreams building is accessible by ramp and
a lift is available to reach the upper floor. The only area
which is not accessible by wheelchair is the Infant playground
and this will be rectified in the new outdoor plans which will
be developed over the next two years, 2009/10
The
school will make any reasonable adjustments necessary for
disabled access for pupils, staff and visitors. |
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St.
Sebastian's Disability Policy Statement |
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SEAL
(Social & Emotional Aspects of Learning)
St
Sebastian's has traditionally been a school to take on new initiatives and
incorporating SEAL into the schools curriculum was another example of
this. All teachers undertook training led by our own trained staff to take
us into what is an area of great importance for all our pupils. Lunchtime
staff and after-school staff were included in this training programme
which is continuous.
Each term pupils learn about their emotions and feelings through exploring
topics such as Going for Goals and Good to be Me. These topics are
introduced to all the children by an assembly which leads the children
into thinking about how they will become part of the learning process.
During the next few weeks the staff lead the children through practical
activities, discussions, role play and reflection on a journey of
discovery about themselves, their peers and their families. The children
are encouraged to reflect on their actions and behaviour and how this
affects the people most important to them. They are encouraged to grow in
confidence about themselves, value their gifts and the gifts of others and
if necessary how to deal with disappointment in their lives. Activities
for the families to participate in are sent home at the beginning of each
topic so that families are aware of the areas being talked about in school
and ways in which they can support the process.
At the end of the topic the children come together for a school assembly
(right) to which parents/carers are invited. The class chooses an activity
they have enjoyed to share with the rest of the school which they feels
demonstrates their learning. Activities have been as varied as poetry,
drama, singing, demonstrating how to follow instructions, playing
instruments, dancing and many more.
The staff feel that the time given to SEAL is important time which the
children need in their busy lives time to reflect, time to share and get
to know their teachers and classmates. Each class has a feelings board and
every day the children can put up their marker to show how they are
feeling this means that some one who is not feeling too great can share
their feelings with their classmates, their friend or the teacher if they
wish. This often this means a worry or concern can be dealt with
quickly enabling the child to feel happier.
At
the end of each topic the co-ordinators Mrs J. Hilton and Mrs D. Mooney
send out a newsletter to parents/carers to let them know about the topic
and the assembly.
Rainbows
In
St Sebastian's as part of our commitment to supporting our pupils many
staff have been trained as,' Rainbows,' facilitators in school, support
staff and teaching staff. Children who have suffered loss in some way may
feel that they have no-one to talk to about their loss. It could be loss
through death, divorce or separation of family members. Letters are sent
out to parents/carers to whom we sometimes speak to tell tem about
Rainbows. Children are supported in small groups for a session once a
week, children have a special book to work through and have time for
discussion with their group friends and teacher if they wish. The group
have a special celebration outing at the end of the programme.
The
idea for Rainbows was started by an American lady who realised after she
had been through a divorce that her children needed support and because
she was in an emotional turmoil was unable to support her children. She
approached the church and the idea became a reality with support groups
being set up all over America and then in England for pupils and adults.
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Citizenship
St. Sebastian’s School
recognises that all aspects of school life can have an impact on the
development of pupils in becoming informed, active and responsible
citizens.
From Nursery through to
year 6, the children are shown how to treat others. They are taught to be
considerate and to use kind words; to be helpful, polite and to respect
the thoughts and feelings of others; to listen and co-operate.
The children are
encouraged to join in many of the extra-curricular activities which have a
direct impact on the local community, such as the choir singing for the
Senior Citizens in residential and Nursing Homes; the School Council
organising money-raising events for charity.
In 2007 the pupils raised
money for a memorial garden in memory of a past pupil.
Our children are the
future of our Country and hopefully their education at St. Sebastian’s
will be such as to shape them into model citizens. |
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Sport For All
Pupils at St. Sebastian’s
are taught to enjoy sporting competition –playing the game, but always
doing their best.
Sporting clubs include:
football, netball, swimming, cross-country, indoor and outdoor athletics,
badminton, judo, gymnastics for all and dance club; short tennis;
mini-sport activities. |
| A Year to Dream About...
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*
National
Healthy
School
award
*
Active Sportsmark award
*
Liverpool Indoor Athletics City Champions
*
Minor & Intermediate Catholic Schools
*
Cross-Country Champions
*
Liverpool Primary Small Schools
*
Liverpool
Primary
School District
2
Y6 Champions (both girls &
boys)
*
Catholic Schools Inter-Athletic |
*
Catholic
School
Boys Athletic Champion of
Champions
(boys
& girls) (third
successive year)
* Liverpool
City
High 5 Champions
*
U11 Football League Champions & Cup Winners
*
U10 Football runners-up
*
Liverpool
Primary School Choir of the year
*
Individual Speech cup winners
*
First school in
Country to enter Spanish AQA test
(100%
passes) |
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Other School Societies
These include recorders, brass, woodwind and guitar, choir, beaver/scouts/cubs, ICT
Club, Eco-Club; also gardening, Art, dancing, nutrition, after school and
breakfast clubs, phonics. |
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Away from School...
Every opportunity is
accepted and taken to give the children of St. Sebastian’s the chance to
enhance and widen their awareness of environments away from the school,
while students from local Universities are regular visitors (right).
In 2009 pupils from St.
Sebastian’s went on residential educational visits to Crosby Hall,
Denbigh & Italy. The school also organised a large number of daily educational visits
throughout the same period for individual year groups.
• The Parents’
Association raised money to provide a modern mini-bus for
pupil usage and which enables staff to organise trips and outings. |
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Extended
School Provision
There
are a number of extended school provisions in St Sebastian's Breakfast
Club. This runs every day from 8 a.m.
until the start of school. The children are given a healthy start to the
day with a choice of breakfast. Children must be booked in for this
facility either by ringing the school office to put their name down or by
calling in to the school office to speak to Jackie Hilton who is in charge
of extended school. A registration form MUST be completed before children
can access this provision. The children also have the opportunity to play
out if the weather is fine or play board games, all staff ratios are
adhered to and the staff are CRB checked, some are members of the school
staff.
After School Club
The after school club runs every evening after school in the Field of
Dreams art room upstairs, until 5:45 p.m. The children are given a snack
and then there are many activities for them to participate in. The
children have art and craft activities, outdoor games using the schools
facilities, astro turf and woodland area. Often during the term an outing
is arranged either to an art gallery, museum or another venue. The school
minibus is used to keep costs down.
The after school leader is Stephanie Bullen and many of the staff who work
in after school are ex pupils of the school.
The pupils must be booked in for after school in advance as the club is
limited to the number it can take because of ratio guidelines. A
registration form must be completed before a child can attend after
school, as they must have medical and contact details. The children can be
collected from the Field of Dreams building.
Registration forms can be obtained from the school office and from After
school.
Holiday
Splash Club
St Sebastian's runs a very successful and popular holiday club the club
runs every holiday week except Christmas and Easter weekend.
The club starts at 10 a.m. Although on occasions breakfast club has been
provided from 9 a.m. if the demand is high. The day finishes at 3:30 p.m.
The children are given a wide range of activities to choose from
including, sport, art craft, dance and music. The staff ratio is high and
children have access to specialist instructors fro some activities. Every
week in the summer scheme Friday is a day out, the children have had many
exciting outings, the zoo, Safari Park, swimming to name a few. The summer
play scheme runs for four weeks in the summer holidays.
Demand is always high for this facility so early booking is recommended.
The forms can be obtained through school and must be returned before the
start of the week to enable Mrs. Hilton to ensure correct staffing ratios
are adhered to. We use ex pupils and students, sports coaches and dance
teachers. All staff are CRB checked.
The
cost of these facilities is subject to change each year but costing at
present is;
Breakfast club £1.70 per day.
After school club £5.70 per session
Holiday Splash £5 per day and breakfast club, (if required,) an
additional £1.80 per day running from 9-10 a.m. |
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Educational
Visits and Charging Policy
St.
Sebastian's participates in many visits as part of the School Curriculum
ST SEBASTIAN'S AND ST CUTHBERT'S FEDERATION
CHARGING POLICY REVIEWED BY GOVERNING BODY NOVEMBER 2008.
Charging for activities.
In general no charge can be made for admitting pupils to maintained
schools. Where education is provided wholly or mainly during school hours,
it should be free. It is therefore not possible to levy a compulsory
charge for transport or admission costs for swimming lessons or for visits
to museums etc during school hours.
The LA or governing body may not charge for anything unless they have
drawn up a statement of general policy on charging. The governing body's
policy may be more or less generous than the LA's as long as it meets the
requirements of the law.
Voluntary Contribution.
Head teachers or governing bodies may ask parents for a voluntary
contribution towards the cost of:
" Any activity which takes place during school hours.
" School equipment.
" School funds generally.
The contribution must be genuinely
voluntary, though, and the pupils of parents who are unwilling to
contribute may not be discriminated against. Where there are not enough
voluntary contributions to make the activity possible and there is no way
to make up the shortfall, then it must be cancelled. Both schools are
committed to supporting families in school and will always seek ways to
support any families who are unable to find the total cost of trips;
Either by seeking funding from outside agencies or looking for support
from the SVP. The school is committed to non discrimination of pupils and
equality of provision.
Residential Trips.
Schools are permitted to charge for the cost of board and lodging during
residential school trips. This cost must not exceed the actual cost of
provision.
Where the trip takes place wholly or mainly during school hours children
whose parents are in receipt of the following support payments will in
addition to having free school lunch entitlement, also be entitled to the
remission of these charges:
* Income support.
* Income based job seekers allowance.
* Support under part V1 of the immigration and Asylum act 1999.
* Child tax credit provided the parents is not entitled to working tax
credit and their annual income does not exceed £14,495.
* Guaranteed State Pension Credit.
A similar entitlement applies where the
trip takes place outside of school hours but it is necessary as part of
the national curriculum, forms part of the syllabus for a prescribed
examination that the school is preparing the pupil to sit, or the syllabus
for religious education.
Charges may not be made for any cost
associated with preparing a pupil for an examination. However, charging is
allowed for tuition and other costs if a pupil is prepared outside school
hours for an examination that is not set out in regulations.
St Sebastian's and St Cuthbert's have
peripatetic music teachers in school and children can access the lessons
during and out of lesson time. The schools are billed for the teaching
time of the tutors by the LA. School will ask parents for funds towards
the cost of this tuition and for examination entry. This is subsidised by the schools to keep costs to
a minimum. The schools will where possible provide pupils with instruments
to take home this means the parents/carers do not have the cost of hiring
or buying instruments as this can be very expensive.
Both schools will always try to support families with funding if possible.
Curriculum committee November 2008.
Governing Body approved November 2008 |
* Children from St
Sebastian's in Years 5 & 6 who went on a skiing trip to Italy
receiving medals and certificates in recognition of their achievements
on the slopes
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English
level 4 86% Level 5 50%
Maths
Level 4 92% Level 5 56%
*
Level 4 is the expected level for key stage
two SAT's and level 5 is achieving significantly above the national
expected level for year six pupils.
2010
KS1 SATs
Reading 86% level 2B or above; Level 3: 36%
Writing 71.4% level 2B or above; Level 3; 14%
Maths 93% level 2B or above; Level 3: 14%
*
Level 2 is the nationally expected level
for pupils to reach at the end of key stage two.
* Level 3 is achieving well above the expected level for children at the end
of year two KS1 SAT's. |
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