Vision Statement
Our school is working hard to create and maintain a safe and secure environment for children, with an atmosphere that fosters happiness and growing self-confidence. We aim to teach literacy and numeracy first and foremost, but in a way that will equip our children for the many challenges that face them now and in the new century. We also seek to develop in each child the realization that individually they are unique and of immense worth, and that they each have an important contribution to make in maintaining and developing the society in which they live.
General Background
Our school is a co-educational day school for children aged 4-9 years with approximately 200 on roll.
The school is set in its own grounds with large playing fields and separate playgrounds. There is also a school environmental area with a large pond.
The school has a large hall for assemblies and P.E. as well as a separate dining area. Classrooms are large, carpeted and well resourced.
Our ICT suite has recently been upgraded to give us 30 stations. This ensures that our children can benefit from using the latest technology, including Internet access. Every classroom has at least 4 computers and is also connected to the Internet. We are also continually developing our own website so that parents and the wider community can learn more about the school - www.watllinglower.ik.org .
Session Times
4+ Unit
Morning - 8.55 - 12.00
Afternoon - 1.35 - 3.20
Key Stage 1
Morning - 8.55 - 12.15
Playtime - 10.35 - 10.50
Afternoon Sesion - 1.35 - 3.25
Playtime 2.35 - 2 50
Key Stage 2
Morning: 8.55 - 12.30
Playtime 10.35 - 10 50
Afternoon: 1.35 - 3.30
The Classes
The school is organised into 7 classes, with most year groups split across 2 classes. The 4+ unit is one class. Key Stage One consists of a year 1 class, a year 2 class and a mxed year 1 and 2 class. Key Stage Two also has three classes; one year 3, one year 4 and one mixed year 3 and 4. The class teacher accepts full responsibility for the educational and pastoral progress of his or her children. Teachers work in teams under the co-ordination of the Key Stage leaders.
Homework
Our belief is that work done at home with parental help and encouragement is very beneficial to a child's overall educational progress. There is no doubt that in the early years children benefit enormously from parents who actively encourage the love of books. Sharing storybooks, discussion of words and pictures and a willingness to talk with children about their experiences greatly enhances a child's reading readiness and provides the best possible role model. Teachers offer guidance to parents on ways in which parents can help their child at home.
Key Stage One have homework most weekends, usually literacy or numeracy based as well as continuing the reading encouraged in the early years. They are also given spellings to learn.
In Key Stage Two spellings and multiplication tables are given to learn each week. A separate homework task is also set. This takes the form of a Learning Log. Children are encouraged to complete the task in whatever way suits them best. Our only expectation is that is their best work at all times. This will be given on a Wednesday and should be handed in by Wednesday of the following week.
School Uniform
Boys: White polo shirt, grey socks and trousers and Red school sweatshirt with school logo.
Girls: White polo shirt, white socks (dark tights in winter), grey skirt/trousers or pinafore, Red school sweatshirt with school logo or cardigan sweatshirt with school logo.
Physical Education
Boys: Red tee shirt with optional school logo, black shorts, slip-on plimsolls.
Girls: Red tee shirt with optional school logo, black shorts, slip-on plimsolls.
KS2 children can wear trainers for outdoor activities and, for safety purposes, shin guards. During cold weather children are encouraged to wear plain tracksuits.
Most items of uniform are available from all major department stores. Items with the school logo are only available from school. We are hoping to provide the facility to order school uniform online in the near future.