Comber Primary School

1. Comber Primary School Information Evening for P6 Parents 8th September 2014

2. The purpose of this evening • To clarify practice and procedures for all pupils • To give you a ‘taster’ of what the children are learning at the moment and some ideas on how to guide them • KEY WORD …. CONSISTENCY

3. Late arrivals • At 9am all school doors will be closed for Child Protection reasons and entry is only available through the front door buzzer system. • If parents are leaving school through any door except the front door they must ensure that it is closed behind them. • If your child is late for any reason they should come through the front door. • Persistent lateness will be brought to the attention of both the Principal and Education Welfare Officer.

4. Absence from school • All absence from school must legally be recorded. • All absences must be either arranged with the school by written consent prior to the time off or must be explained by parents with a note/letter. • If children return to school without a letter of explanation, a slip will be sent home by staff to remind parents of their obligation. Absence without explanation will be marked as such in the official roll book. • Persistent absence will be brought to the attention of the Principal and Education Welfare Officer.

5. Absence from school • We aim for 100% attendance at school and reward it with a certificate during the end of year service. • 95% attendance in school means approx 9 days off • 90% = approx 20 days off school • 80% = approx 40 days off! • The average for this school last year was 94.4% - we can do better.

6. Collecting Children • At home time parents of P2 and P3 pupils are permitted to wait for their child in the P2 and P3 playground where they are left off in the morning. • Children must be collected promptly and by a person known to the staff. Any change in who is collecting a child must be communicated to the member of staff prior to the child being collected. • P2 and P3 staff will often be teaching older children in the afternoon session and must be prompt in taking control of the children they have responsibility for. A late collection can result in child protection issues for that member of staff. • Children being collected for medical appointments or due to illness during school must be collected from the classroom. • A pattern of late collection will be brought to the attention of the Principal and Education Welfare Officer.

7. Uniform and Jewellery • The recent policy sent home to all children should cover most issues raised with uniform and jewellery. • If for medical, or other sound reasons, a child cannot attend school in the approved uniform, then a note of explanation should accompany the child to school.

8. Parking on site • For obvious health and safety reasons parents are not allowed to park onsite to pick up or leave off children.

9. Cycling to school • All children are encouraged to cycle to school. • Any children cycling to and from school must have 3 things: • A note of permission from a parent • A helmet • A bike lock • The school cannot be held responsible for loss or damage of bicycles parked on school grounds.

10. Homework • All classes will have homework set at the level at which the children are working. • All homework must be completed on time and returned to school following the teacher’s directions – the next day unless otherwise instructed. • If a child cannot complete a homework for legitimate reasons please return it with a note of explanation for the teacher. • Uncompleted homework without a note of explanation will be sent back home to be completed and the child will be moved to the ‘Amber’ circle in our traffic light system. If the homework is subsequently completed or a note of explanation given to the teacher – the child will come out of ‘Amber’ to ‘Green’. • This is to ensure consistency between classes and year groups. All children will be treated fairly and in an even handed manner.

11. Homework in P6 • Each child has Homework Diary. You are asked to sign this every night • Homework is given every night from Monday to Thursday • Weekend homework may be given at times, when appropriate. The homework consists of:

12. Investigating words • Topic words – given on a Monday to be learned for Friday • Phonics – homework given on Tuesday and Wednesday • All words assessed in a test on Friday

13. READING – TOP PRIORITY • GUIDED READING IN SCHOOL • HOME READ A novel suited to their ability. Children should read from this every night (suggested 10 mins a night and 30 at the weekend.) Please listen to your child and even share the reading if possible eg alternating paragraphs. NEW home reads will be given every 3 weeks. When your child has completed the book a short report must be completed. Reading is the ‘key’ to learning and an invaluable ‘tool’ for your child to acquire and enjoy.

14. TABLES • These are extremely important and form the foundation for all maths. A great emphasis will be placed on the learning of tables and mathematical information in P.6. Every night children will be required to revise tables or spend 5 minutes on our current ‘Mental maths Focus.’

15. Written, learning or research • As well as spelling and reading, there will be written, learning and research homeworks. Written homeworks should always be signed. Learning homeworks are equally important and need quality time spent on them. Perhaps you could encourage your son/daughter by questioning them on the material they have been learning?

16. INFORMATION FILE • Your child will be responsible for his/her file. A series of information sheets on English and Maths will be given throughout the year and should be filed accordingly. The children will find this a valuable resource in P6 and P7. It will also be of use to you as a parent, in terms of what the children need to know for class tests.

17. Independence • Throughout the P.6. year we must encourage the children to become more independent and to realise that they must take responsibility for their own work and learning, with our support. • Good work will be rewarded!

18. Assessment • NFER Maths & English test are carried out at beginning of school year. These are used to track pupils’ progress overall and as a means of identifying areas for improvement.

19. Testing • Test completed each Friday in spellings and maths. • Please sign each week and return to school. • Your child will complete class tests in October and February. • Parent Interviews will follow these tests. • End of year exams will be sat in June

20. Transfer Procedure - AQE • Transfer to grammar school involves participating in the AQE (Association for Quality Education) entrance exam. • If you wish your child to be considered for grammar school education, they will have to sit this entrance exam in Autumn 2015 • Registration for the tests will take place in May 2015 and it will be your responsibility for entering your child for the exam.

21. Preparation • From Easter in P6 we will begin completing practice tests with the children. They involve English & Maths. You may withdraw your child from this process then, or indeed, whenever you wish. You may talk with us at any stage but ultimately it is your decision as a parent, whether your child proceeds. You will be invited to a meeting later on in the school year regarding the process.

22. Swimming • Every Monday until Christmas • Will continue in 3rd term on alternate Fridays • Please ensure your child has the correct kit • Girls must have long hair tied back and jewellery removed • Cost £3.40 • Lessons taught by qualified swimming instructors

23. PE • PE will be on Mondays (P6R), Tuesday (P6S). • Reminders will be given in HW diary • PE kit essential

24. CLUBS • Clubs will begin in October. Children are expected to attend regularly once they have been accepted for their chosen club.

25. Break and Lunch • Healthy Break is always encouraged • Dinner and Snack tickets sold daily. • £2.40 – dinner • £1.40 - snack

26. GANAWAY RESIDENTIAL • Monday 29th Sept – Tuesday 30th Sept • Pupils not going stay in school as normal • Equipment list available tonight • No electronic equipment please • See Mrs Shaw regarding Medical issues or personal medication

27. Finally…. • If you have ANY questions or concerns about issues during the year, please let me know • Available from 8.30 am and after school when not taking a club If you are busy a note is welcomed, particularly to explain non-completion of homework!