BritanniaCommunity Primary School

School Prospectus 2011Ref: SP2/09.11

Be Outstanding. Be Britannia.

At Britannia School, all members of our community strive to create a school which is welcoming and safe, and where all pupils and adults are valued and treat each other with care and respect.

Britannia School is an “Outstanding” school committed to providing a learning environment which is both challenging and supporting.

The aim of our school is to ensure that each child fulfils their potential, and attains the best possible results in all areas of the curriculum. We value each and every child, and cater for a wide variety learning styles in our teaching. We aim to develop positive self-esteem in our pupils, and the ability to work independently. We encourage our children to care for each other, and to respect and tolerate each other’s viewpoints. We understand that all children are different and have different skills and talents. We celebrate those differences and value the richness of diversity it brings to the life of the school.

Welcome to Britannia Community School

All the staff, governors and children work together to create a safe, stimulating and successful learning community, where everyone is able to give of their best and provide a caring environment for all.

I hope this prospectus gives you a good sense of our daily lives at Britannia. More than this, I hope it encourages you to come and visit us to experience the warm welcome first hand and the opportunity to share in the real sense of learning, purpose, family and community that it at the heart of our school.

Mike HullHead teacher

Our school

“Pupils are currently making outstanding progress and achieving

standards generally that are well above average.”

Ofsted, 2008

The school is set in approximately three acres of mainly grassed playing fields. The original post-Edwardian building has had several extensions and improvements over the years and now provides space for its 204 pupils to be taught in seven spacious, colourful and stimulating classrooms.

Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard and computers, and the ICT suite is used by all pupils. At the heart of the school is a bright Resource Area, which provides additional work areas and a central hub for teachers and children.

Britannia Community Primary School is in the heart of Lancashire’s Rossendale Valley. It was opened in 1928 as an Infant and Junior School for the Britannia area of Bacup.

The school is “outstanding” according to Ofsted’s latest inspection.

Britannia offers Primary Education to children in the age range 4 years to 11 years with single form entry. At the end of Year 6 (when children reach the age of 11), pupils transfer to secondary education. The area has access to many secondary schools, many of which provide the highest level of education standards.

Central to the school’s outstanding success is a team of qualified and highly skilled staff who deliver a curriculum that is wide ranging and with real depth.

“Pupils achieve and learn so well because of the excellent teaching they receive and the outstanding attributes they bring to their work.”

Ofsted 2008

Government legislation requires pupils at certain ages to undertake Core and Foundation subjects.

Britannia ensures its curriculum is balanced, broadly based and:

•promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils

•fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum (copies of this Government document are available in school)

•prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life

The Core subjects are English (Literacy), Mathematics (Numeracy) and Science.

The Foundation subjects are History, Geography, Design Technology, Information Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education.

The National Curriculum sets Programmes of Study in all subjects for pupils at various stages of their school career, but it is left to schools to plan schemes of work to deliver the programme of study.

At Britannia, we believe we offer pupils the very best opportunities to learn through a stimulating and varied curriculum delivered by outstanding teaching.

The core subjects

NumeracyA high priority is given to the teaching of Mathematics through the daily Numeracy lesson.

Children develop and apply their knowledge and skills through a wide range of stimulating ideas.

Problem solving is important and we also see an essential place for routine practice and exercises (tables etc.)

We encourage enjoyment of mathematics and extend each child’s experience by taking practical opportunities to use mathematics in other areas of the curriculum e.g. science and technology. A weekly maths game loan scheme is also available to children

LiteracyIn Literacy, we work with the children to develop their ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing and to listen to others with understanding.

We support and encourage children using a variety of teaching strategies to become enthusiastic, fluent and responsive readers who can learn and gain pleasure from the written word. Writing is an essential skill for all of us and Literacy lessons at Britannia include attention to grammar, spelling and handwriting. Children know the qualities we are looking for in their work and they are given opportunities to evaluate and reflect so that they are able to develop their own sense of quality. We believe in giving clear feedback to our children so that they know when they have succeeded and what they need to do to improve even further. 

The core subjects

ScienceAt Britannia School we believe that the way in which young people find out about the world in which they live is as important as what they discover. Most young people are curious about scientific phenomena and usually have their own explanation for what they observe.

Lessons are often practically based to give the children the opportunity to consider ideas for themselves. They are encouraged to develop and demonstrate hypotheses as well as record their work in a variety of ways.

The key elements of the curriculum are: life processes and living things; materials and their properties; and physical processes.

“The outstanding curriculum the school provides effectively supports

teachers in finding the best methods to support children.”

Ofsted 2008

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)Good ICT capability among pupils enhances and improves learning across the whole curriculum. At Britannia, we have a suite of 17 multimedia PCs, classroom based PCs and interactive whiteboards so children quickly become familiar with the use of ICT in many contexts.

Design TechnologyChildren love to make things that work. We encourage pupils to think creatively in order to solve problems or address needs and strive to make DT exciting, inventive and fun. The children develop practical skills, an appreciation of good design and an awareness of safety issues.

  MusicWe offer all our children the opportunity to enjoy and understand music. This powerful form of communication promotes confidence. It enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development.

At Britannia, active involvement in different forms of music making develops a sense of togetherness and identity. We have musical assemblies, an annual production, and peripatetic teachers of violin, keyboards, brass, flute and clarinet.

Art and DesignArt at Britannia offers opportunities for our pupils to develop understanding of colour, form, texture and pattern. The curriculum includes drawing, painting, textiles, printing, sculpture, collage and digital media. Sex and Relationship EducationBritannia School believes we must help our pupils develop knowledge of the world and society. The SRE programme is tailored to the age, physical and emotional maturity of the children and delivered through the Science curriculum and Personal, Social and Health Education. We regularly welcome specialists into school to discuss puberty issues with Year 6 students and once a year the ‘Life Education’ bus visits school to facilitate learning regarding drug awareness and abuse.

Religious EducationRE forms a part of the normal classroom curriculum and incorporates comparisons between a rich variety of world religions, creeds and customs.

Our school assemblies and RE lessons are of a broadly Christian nature in accordance with the Education Reform Act. Any parent, however, has the right to withdraw their child from any religious worship.

We often look back at our school days and it’s often the times involved in activities away from the classroom that we remember most.

At Britannia, our children take part in a variety of extra curricular activities that are so vital in developing confidence and self esteem, improving teamworking skills, individual achievement and simple, pure enjoyment.

From the woodland walks through our school grounds to the class trips to local quarries or areas of natural interest, opportunities for learning outside the classroom are an essential part of Britannia School’s education.

Sport forms an important part of the busy daily life of Britannia and pupils are offered the chance to participate in a wide range of physical activities.

Physical EducationPE is a vital component to school life at Britannia. The school aims to provide children with a range of sporting activities through the school curriculum and extra curricular clubs which include football, rounders, netball, cross country and athletics.

Britannia School see the experiences of sport and physical activity in a safe and supportive environment as vital and unique to our children’s physical and emotional development and health.

We have a large playing field marked out for football, rounders and athletics during the summer term. We also have a netball court marked on the hard surface area.

We believe we offer a balance of individual, team, co-operative and competitive activities that often carry over into After-school League and Cup tournaments. The school participates in matches against other schools.

The Rossendale Sports Development team currently add to our PE curriculum with specialist coaching in cricket, handball, hockey, rugby, karate and football.

Parents, Teachers and Friends AssociationParents are encouraged to become active members of the organising committee which works for the benefit of children at Britannia.

School policies and procedures

Complaints procedure for parents summaryThe school takes the welfare and education of its pupils and staff very seriously. If, in the rare event parents feel they need to make a complaint, the school has a comprehensive Complaints Procedure in line with Lancashire County Council’s policy. In summary this means:

•All complaints will be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible.•Complaints should be initially lodged informally with the Headteacher.•Where an informal attempt fails, the Headteacher will supply the complainant with the name of the Clerk to Governors and the LEA Officer, and will provide relevant documents explaining the arrangements for formal complaints. The clerk will subsequently notify the Governors (who are responsible for the school’s curriculum) of the nature of the complaint.•The complainant will be allowed, on request, to make oral representation to the Governing Body.•If the outcome is still unsatisfactory, the complainant will be informed of the procedures for pursuing the complaint through the LEA.

Child Protection ProceduresBecause of the day-to-day contact with children, schools are particularly well-placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to develop.

Parents should be aware, therefore, that when it appears to a member of school staff that a child may have been abused, the school is required, as part of the local Child Protection Procedures, to report their concern to the Social Services Department immediately.

The governors and staff are determined to ensure that the school remains a place where children feel happy and comfortable as they work to a high standard.

School policies and procedures

Uniform

The school colours are green and grey. School sweatshirts and cardigans are available from ‘Ann’s Childrenswear’ in the centre of Bacup. Uniform is not compulsory but children are expected to dress sensibly and neatly.

No jewellery apart from studs for pierced ears should be worn in school. For PE and Games children need pumps, shorts and a t-shirt. These items should be kept in a PE bag, which should be suitable for hanging on a cloakroom peg. Older children will require trainers/football boots/old shoes for outdoor games. Trainers are not allowed for PE in the Hall. All stud earrings must be removed before a PE lesson. If a child is unable to do this on their own they should be removed for school on PE days. PE and swimming are part of our school’s curriculum and unless advised by a doctor, children are expected to take part. Parents are responsible for ensuring that children are correctly equipped for such activities. The swimming pool requires boys to wear trunks and not swimming shorts; hats to be worn for pupils with long hair; and to have a letter of consent from parents for any child who wishes to wear goggles.

If for any reason a child needs to be excused from a swimming lesson a note of explanation should be sent to school. All items of clothing should be clearly labelled. If a child loses any article they should notify their class teacher immediately. All property, which is clearly named, can be identified and returned quickly.

Hours of attendance

Morning08.55 to 10.10hrs Registration and 1st session10.10 to 10.30hrs Assembly10.45 to 12.00hrs 2nd session (Foundation and KS1)10.45 to 12.05hrs 2nd session (KS2)

Afternoon 13.00 to 14.15hrs 3rd session14.30 to 15.25hrs 4th session

School cannot be responsible for children who arrive before 08.50hrs. If the weather is inclement, a member of staff will allow children into the building for 08.45hrs, where they are expected to behave in a quiet and considerate manner. The ‘play-park’ adjacent to the school grounds is not school property and it must be clearly understood that we cannot be responsible for the welfare of the children who play there before or after school. 

HomeworkThe school has a homework policy dependent upon the age of the child. At the beginning of each school year, it will be clearly explained to the children what is expected of them for the year.

Parents will be given the information in writing. All school equipment should be carefully looked after at home and any which is lost or damaged other than accidentally, will have to be paid for.

Healthy eating

Parent partnersBritannia School welcomes the active involvement of its parents in school life.

A scheme is in operation whereby parents who are prepared to give regular time each week, or for a one off visit, to come into school to help a class teacher in specific areas of the curriculum.

This may involve sharing books with individuals or groups of children, art and craft or other practical activities.

Parents do not take the place of the teacher but give valuable assistance. We are always pleased to accept such offers of help. Please contact your class teacher or the Headteacher for more details of how you can be involved the Parent Partnership scheme.

Annual attendance 2010/11

“[The children] enjoy coming to school and their attendance is above average.”

Ofsted 2008

Attendance Absence Unauthorised absence

94.7% 5.3% 0.5%

School results and statistics

School results and statistics

Teacher assessmentsPercentage at each level

W 1 2 3 4 5 6 Pupils dis-

applied

Pupils absent

EnglishSchool 0 0 0 7 57 36 0 0 0

National 1 1 4 15 49 30 0 0 0

Maths

School 0 0 0 18 29 54 0 0 0

National 0 1 3 15 46 33 0 0 0

ScienceSchool 0 0 0 0 54 46 0 0 0

National 1 1 2 11 48 38 0 0 0

This table show the percentage of Year 6 pupils achieving each level in 2010, compared to national end of Key Stage 2 teacher assessment and test results for 2009.

The number of eligible children is 28. Figures may not total 100 per cent because of rounding.

School results and statistics

Test resultsPercentage at each level

Below level 3*

3 4 5 Pupils not entered

Pupils absent

EnglishSchool 0 14 46 39 0 0

National 6 14 51 29 0 1

ReadingSchool 4 7 43 46 0 0

National 7 7 38 47 0 0

WritingSchool 0 7 57 36 0 0

National 5 27 48 19 0 0

MathsSchool 0 21 32 46 0 0

National 5 15 44 35 0 1

This table show the percentage of Year 6 pupils achieving each level in 2010, compared to national end of Key Stage 2 teacher assessment and test results for 2009.

The number of eligible children is 28. Figures may not total 100 per cent because of rounding.

Staff and classes

“Pupils achieve and learn so well because of the excellent teaching they receive and the outstanding

attitudes they bring to their work.”Ofsted, 2008

Head Teacher: Mr M HullActing Deputy Head Teacher: Miss L McNamara

Year Teacher Pupils

Reception Mrs Nuttall 30

1 Mrs Cameron 30

2 Miss McNamara 29

3 Miss Holmes 29

4 Miss Foulds 29

5 Miss Berry 27

6 Mr Overton 30

Total 204

Teaching Assistants L3

Mrs RawstronMrs Howard

Teaching Assistants L2

Mrs DaviesMrs TaylorMrs MartinMiss RickerbyMrs MartinMrs SmithMiss Nestor

Admin Support

Mrs Dempsey

Welfare Mrs PurdyMiss RickerbyMrs BromleyMrs FlynnMiss Plover

Site Supervisor

Mr Yeadon

The Governing BodyThe Governors of Britannia are committed to ensuring each child achieves their full potential. They are dedicated to maintaining high standards and work closely with the management team to provide staff and pupils with a stimulating learning environment.

The governing body is made up of an experienced group of people with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests. This broad spectrum offers the school an invaluable and highly varied set of skills and experience.

The Governing Body of Britannia School:

Holiday list and term dates 2011/12

Thank you

We hope this Prospectus has given you a good sense of life at Britannia Community Primary School. If you have any questions or queries, or would like to arrange a visit to the school, please call us on 01706 874447.

The latest version of this document is available electronically on the school website. We encourage you to check regularly for updated versions.

The school has an open-door policy and we welcome your input into school life.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Be Outstanding. Be Britannia.

Britannia Community Primary SchoolRochdale RoadBritanniaBacupLancashireOL13 9TA

T: 01706 874447F: 01706 873935E: bursar@britannia.lancs.sch.ukW: www.britannia.lancsngfl.ac.uk

The information contained in this Prospectus was correct at the date of document completion, but it should be assumed there would be no changes affecting arrangements in some particular matters either:

a)Before the start or during the school year in questionb)In relation to subsequent school years.