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ST. SEBASTIAN'S SCHOOL PROSPECTUS |
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St. Sebastian's School Prospectus -Text version available for printing here
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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
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. A Computer Suite. 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 |
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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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. |
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TEACHING
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Senior Management: |
Senior
Management: Headteacher- Dennis Hardiman |
| Teaching Staff & Co-ordinators: |
English/Maths/Discipline: Jacqui Davies (Advanced Skills Teacher) Curriculum (Federation) Science Dave Burke RE Brenda Bell Geography / Eco-School Louise Bridges History /CPD /Reading Recovery Maureen Rabbette PE / DT / Assessment Claire Knox (Primary Liaison Teacher) Music Tina Smith SEN / SEAL Diane Mooney Art & Design Patricia Minogue PSHE & Citizenship/ Kathy Buckley Healthy School/ Child Protection/ Maths/ Mdn Foreign Languages/ International Dimension/ Gifted & Talented Jane Winstanley (Advanced Skills Teacher) EAL / Inclusion / Art & Design Margaret Hagan Foundation
Laura ICT Patricia Minogue; Joanne Devine; Chris Gallagher Learning Support/ Extended Day/SEAL Jackie Hilton Nursery M'ger. (0-3 yrs) Liz Connor-Scarhill Deputy Manager Nina Young Part-time
Teaching Staff: Diane
Mooney (KS1)
Dave Burke ( Mo Rabbette (KS1) Sheila Grady (Spanish); Susanna Hodgson (Spanish) |
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| NON-TEACHING STAFF: |
Caretaker Garry Hilton Space for Sports & Arts Paul Hardiman School Cleaners am- Dianne Dickie pm-Sandra Ellis FOD- Betty Forrester pm-Julie Ellis Admin. Officers Lorraine Fay (LMS) Freda Turner (Dinner money, School Fund) Clerical Assistant Kathy Grierson (Registers, Money, Telephone) Mary Donelon (Extended Schools, 1st Day Response) Nursery Nurses Betty Mahoney (Fdtn 1) Jackie Hilton (Fdtn 2) Support Staff (for helping children with their learning): Margaret Calloway; Debbie Furlong; Siobhan Daly; Megan Agnew; Margaret Haney (ICT, Walking Bus, Eco-School) Julie Maguire; Pam Doherty; Kathy Rimmer; Angela Denson, Sue Quinn Breakfast Club Leader Dianne Fleming After-school Play Leader Stephanie Bullen Dinner time Assistants Joan Brown, Tina Reynolds; Ronnie Cook (First Aid), Jackie Stewart Mary Donelan; Karen Browne. SENISS Support Jan West Educational Psychologist Gus Galbraith School Nurse Lisa Baxter EWO Sean Timms Peripatetic Music Mr R. Gordon-Smith (RLPO workshops) Mr N Storey (Guitar) Mrs Newton (Keyboard) Mr T Burrage (Violin) Mr G Jones (Cello) Mr R Fleming (Brass) Miss E Wakefield (Woodwind) |
| 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. |
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Admission Policy and Arrangements for 2010-2011
1 St Sebastian's is a Catholic Primary School situated in the Archdiocese of Liverpool and is maintained by the Liverpool Local Authority. 2. The Governing Body of the school is responsible for determining and administering the policy relating to the admission of pupils to the school. It is guided in that responsibility by: " the requirements of the law 3. The school serves in the first instance baptised Catholic children living in the Parish of St Sebastian. 4. Having consulted with the LA and others in accordance with the requirements of the law, the Governing Body has published its admissions limit at 30 pupils for the school year commencing September 2010. 5. Parents must complete the Local Authority application form. Parents who wish their application to this Catholic school to be considered against the priority faith criteria should also complete the supplementary form. If the school is oversubscribed, failure to complete the supplementary form may result in your application for a place in this school being considered against lower priority criteria, as the Governing Body will have no information upon which to assess the application on the basis of the applicant's baptism and/or membership of a faith community. Both forms should be returned to the school no later than 27th November 2009 Notes The Governing Body has delegated
responsibility for determining admissions to its Admissions Committee which
will consider all applications made in accordance with the criteria set out
over. As required by the law the Governing Body will not admit more than 30 pupils to any one reception or infant class. Parents may wish to know that for entry in
September 2008, the school was oversubscribed; below is a breakdown of how
places were allocated: Over-subscription Criteria Where the number of applications exceeds the
number of places available the 1. Baptised Catholic looked after children. 2. Baptised Catholic children living in the Parish of St Sebastian. 3. Baptised Catholic children who have a brother or a sister at the school at the time of likely admission. This includes full, half or stepbrothers and sisters, adopted and foster brothers and sisters or children of the parent/carer's partner, and in every case who are living at the same address and are part of the same family unit. 4. Baptised Catholic children living in other Catholic parishes. 5. Looked after children who are other than Catholic. 6. Children who are other than Catholic who have a brother or a sister at the school at the time of likely admission. This includes full, half or stepbrothers and sisters, adopted and foster brothers and sisters or children of the parent/carer's partner, and in every case who are living at the same address and are part of the same family unit. 7. Children from other Christian denominations. Proof of Baptism in the form of a Baptismal Certificate or confirmation in writing that the applicant is a member of their Faith community from an appropriate Minister of Religion is required. 8. Children of other faiths. An appropriate Minister of Religion would need to confirm in writing that the applicant is a member of their faith group. 9. Children whose parents express a preference for a place at the school. In the event of any over-subscription in the number of applications made under any of the categories above then the admissions committee will offer places first to children living nearest to the school measured in a straight line from the front door of the house/flat to the main front door of the school as measured by the Local Authority, with those living closer to the school receiving higher priority. |
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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 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. |
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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. Please order through School. |
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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 Reception Class, 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 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 be 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 a share. 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 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. |
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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. |
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 3.30 pm afternoon session Foundation 2 8.55 to 11.55am 1.20 to 3.20pm Letting down and Picking up Parents are asked to bring the children to the Nursery Class 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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Infant Classes -Key Stage 1 8.55am: Children assemble for morning session in class lines on Junior Playground (indoors in wet weather). Parents of all Infants are asked to leave them to walk to their class lines by themselves, thus establishing self-reliance and independence which is an important part of the development of our youngest children. 12.15am: End of morning classes: Children who are not staying for lunch are brought to the main entrance to meet their parents. 1.15pm: Afternoon session begins. Children assemble on the Infant yard 3.05pm: End of school day. All children are brought to the Junior yard to meet parents. When collecting them parents are asked NOT to linger on the car park. Children require a note if they are to be allowed home on their own or with another person. |
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Junior Classes -Key Stage 2 8.55am: School day begins. Children form class lines on playground before going to classroom (indoors in wet weather). Parents are reminded that no supervision is available on the playground before 8.45am, and in the interests of safety it is important to ensure that no pupils arrive at school before that time. 12.00: End of morning session. Children who are not staying for lunchtime are brought to the main entrance. 1.15pm: Start of afternoon session. Children assemble as in the morning. 3.30pm: End of school day. Junior children are released after Infants on to the main yard. |
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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 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 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. |
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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. • 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
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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
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 Adult 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 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, violin and cello lessons from Peripatetic Music Teachers. There is a small charge, which is subsidised by the school, to support this individual way of learning (does not include violin and cello). There is also an extra lesson in the Music Club each week. |
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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. |
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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.
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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*
Active Sportsmark award *
Liverpool Indoor Athletics City Champions *
Individual Captain of * Minor & Intermediate Catholic Schools *
Cross-Country Champions *
Liverpool Primary Small Schools *
Liverpool
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* Catholic Schools Inter-Athletic *
Catholic
(boys
& girls) (third
successive year) *
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 quizzes, 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). • St. Sebastian’s was chosen as a link school regarding the refurbishment of St. George’s Hall. In 2007 pupils from St.
Sebastian’s went on residential educational visits to Crosby Hall, • The Parents’ Association raised money to provide this modern mini-bus for pupils’ usage. |
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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.
Holiday
Splash Club
The
cost of these facilities is subject to change each year but costing at
present is; |
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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. Voluntary contribution. 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. 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, it 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. Curriculum committee 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 |
Destination of Year 6 Pupils
2008
Boys 17 Cardinal Heenan 1 West Derby Comprehensive 1 Auckland College 1 Broadgreen Comprehensive 1 St Edwards 2 SFX College Girls 15 Broughton Hall 1 Bellerive 1 Broadgreen Comprehensive |
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2007 KS2 SATs
English level 4 80% Level 5 22% Maths Level 4 88% Level 5 39% Science Level 4 97.5% Level 5 48.7% * 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.
2007
KS1 SATs
Reading 68.95% level 2B or above ; level 3; 13.79% *
Level 2 is the nationally expected level
for pupils to reach at the end of key stage two. |