IT'S CHILDREN IN NEED on FRIDAY 20th with a CHILDREN'S DISCO at 6PM.........Mathematics - How can I help my child? Come and find out...Tuesday 1st December at 4.30pm. In the hall. All welcome, see letter home with children.

Our School Prospectus

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust this prospectus will provide some of the information you require about Probus Community Primary School. We are very proud of our children and all our achievements and we would be delighted to show you around the school and answer any of your questions.

We invite you to join us in the partnership between home and school which is so vital for the education and welfare of a child. Together, we can continue to enhance your children's learning and growth in an industrious, exciting, challenging, happy and caring environment.

Yours sincerely,

R. Adams
Headteacher

Probus Community Primary School
Ladock Road
Probus
Truro
TR2 4LE
Tel: 01726 882647

Aims of the School

Our aims are directed towards preparing each pupil for life beyond the school. They are concerned with developing the highest standards to which each pupil can aspire through the provision of quality learning experiences and making the most efficient and effective use of all resources available to us.

Within a safe and caring environment we aim to:-

* promote high self esteem through the recognition of individual qualities and achievements.

* encourage self respect and self confidence, and an ability to respond to the feeling and needs of others.

* provide equality of opportunity for each individual to develop a broad and balanced view of the world.

* develop knowledge and skills, by realising the intellectual and physical potential of each individual.

* develop independent thinking and learning and a confidence to question and reflect upon knowledge and experiences.

* promote an understanding of spiritual and moral values which reflect a sense of fairness and justice.

* foster the ability to appreciate with sensitivity the beauty of our surroundings and the wider world.

Staff and Personnel at the School

List of Teaching Staff
Mr R. Adams Headteacher
Mrs. S. Penhaligon Deputy Headteacher
Mr. A. Bowyer Classteacher
Miss S. Woolridge Classteacher

Mrs H. Kirkpatrick Classteacher
Mrs. N. Abbott Classteacher
Mrs N.Wigham Classteacher

Mrs T. Montgomery-Smith Classteacher

Mrs S. Hockley Classteacher
Miss G. Trevethan Classteacher

Teaching Assistants
Mrs. C. Bray
Mrs. A. Crabb
Mrs. J. Davey
Mrs. E. Eames
Mrs. T. Hayhoe
Mrs. L. Hughes

Mrs. S. Hunkin

Mrs. L. Jones

Mrs. P. Luscombe

Miss E Williams

Non-Teaching Staff

Mrs. T. Bassett Secretary

Mr. D. Toon Caretaker
Mrs. R. Grigg Mid-day Assistant
Mrs. J. Kennedy Mid-day Assistant
Mrs. D. Berryman Cleaner

The Governors

List of Governors
Mr. D. Hayhoe LEA
Mr. R. Adams Headteacher
Mr. A. Bowyer Staff Representative
Mrs. L. Hughes Staff Representative
Mrs. E Harper LEA
Mrs. L. Jones Parent
Dr. R. Jenkins Parent
Mrs M Warne Parent
Mrs K. Sharpe Chair
Mr D. Davies Parent

Mr P Renowden Parent

Miss T Greener Parent

Mr. C. Nicholls Clerk to the Governors

What are the Governors?
Governors are like a Board of Directors and make decisions about school policy. Governors work together, they cannot act individually.
They meet at least once a term in school and have legal duties, powers and responsibilities, including:

* supporting the Headteacher in the day-to-day running of the school:
* deciding what is taught within the guidelines laid down by the Department for Education:
* setting standards of behaviour:
* interviewing and selecting staff:
* deciding how the budget is spent:
* reporting annually to parents on activities, achievements and key issues.

School Governors are:
* Parents,
* Teachers and staff at school,
* Local Council representatives,
* Community representatives, businessmen and women.

Parent Governors:
* Have a child in school,
* Are elected by parents of the school,
* Serve, as do other governors, for four years.

Co-Opted Governors:
* Are invited to join by elected members,
* Serve for a four-year period.

Our School

Probus Community Primary School is a 7 class school for children between the ages of 4 and 11. It is situated in an attractive village just a few miles from Truro. The school enjoys fine views across the adjacent countryside.

The school comprises a main building, originally built as a Weslyan Day School in 1901 and a new extension that was completed in 2001. The original building comprises of two spacious classrooms, that have recently been refurbished, and toilets. Attached to this is a recently built hall / gymnasium as well as canteen facilities. The hall provides a high quality environment where children can take part in dance and drama lessons, indoor sports, gymnastics as well as productions and performances to parents. Our new entrance area, library, I.C.T. suite and administration area were officially opened in our centenary year and was cause for wonderful celebrations. They have provided the school with a 'heart' and are an excellent focal point where we can celebrate our achievements and display the work produced by the children. In September 2005 we opened our new extension that includes five spacious classrooms and a large library.

The school boasts excellent facilities. The library is well stocked and is a lovely environment where children can browse through books and access information to support their work. The school has a strong partnership with Truro College and through the partnership we have been able to establish a computer suite that has the latest hardware and is available to both the children and local community. We aim to develop a food technology area in one of our smaller rooms at the front of the school. The school grounds are an excellent resource and as part of the Centenary Celebrations were improved with the planting of trees donated by friends of the school to mark their association with the school. A Centenary Sense Garden is located at the rear of the school, is invaluable as a resource to support work in the curriculum and improve recreational facilities. Our wild garden is a thriving environment for minibeasts and wild plants.

In a spare 'mobile classroom' at the rear of the school, Probus Kid's Club and Probus Playgroup have worked tremendously hard to create excellent facilities. Probus Playgroup run sessions each day for their oldest children and this has proved invaluable. Not only are the children able to share our facilities here at school but the transition between the playgroup and Primary School is made much smoother with all the children being very familiar with the school environment.

Probus Kid's Club is a facility that allows parents to leave their children with qualified carers whilst they are at work. The club opens at 8.00am until 8.45am when the children are taken to their classes. The club then reopens at 3.15pm until 6.00pm. Yvonne Smith the organiser, can be contacted on 0777 4906078 for further details.
In addition to term time care, they also run an extensive holiday programme of activities. Further details of these are published before each holiday break.

The school arranges both day and residential educational visits which relate to the children's curricular work and social / personal development. These visits have the full support of the Governing Body.

Children in both Key Stages are encouraged to play a big part in the smooth running of the school. Year 6 children act as prefects and have specific responsibilities assigned to them and these change on a termly basis. We have a School Council made up of children from Reception to Year 6 and they are currently involved in planning and designing an outdoor activity play area in partnership with the PTA.

Children's work and achievements are celebrated in an assembly each Friday. Here children can show their work and share good attitudes towards learning and behaviour with the rest of the school.

Special guests often supplement work in our classes. We find their expertise extremely valuable. In addition to this we often gain the support and expertise from colleagues and other professionals who form the backbone of the Education Service in Cornwall.

The children in school, as part of their social and moral education, are encouraged to take responsibilities for supporting people less fortunate than themselves. We therefore, have frequent charity events, mostly organised and administered by the children themselves, in support of charities of their choosing. We have developed strong links with St. Petroc's Church who run in a drop in centre in Truro for the homeless. Money raised from our Christmas performances usually go to the Baby Care Unit at Treliske Hospital.

The Community School
Over the past few years we have worked hard to develop the school into a true community school and in particular The Centre of Learning for the Community. We are very proud of our links with the local community and we have developed strong links with local shops, businesses and organisations. We have regular involvement with Probus Church and have produced displays for local exhibitions and shop windows and art work produced by the children can be viewed at Probus Surgery. We make a regular contribution to Probus News and you can access their website at:
www.probus.cornwall.eu.org

Our most recent project involves the community use of our I.C.T. Suite. Throughout the week a number of courses are run to cater for beginners and more experienced users. Truro College arrange for tuition and a variety of qualifications can be achieved. For further details, please contact the school office. Back to top

Admissions and Transfer

Admissions Policy

Children may be admitted full time to school as follows:

1. Children whose fifth birthday occurs between 1st September and 31st December inclusive, may be admitted (full-time) at the beginning of the Autumn Term.

2. Children whose fifth birthday occurs between 1st January and 31st August inclusive, may be admitted (full-time) at the beginning of the Spring Term. These children will be admitted part-time in September, at the beginning of the academic year, in which they are 5.

Transfer Policy
Pupils from the village normally transfer to Probus Community Primary School from Probus Playgroup. Opportunities are provided for children and parents to visit school prior to transfer and we will arrange meetings where you can discuss any issues with the class teacher. Additionally, both the Headteacher and the class teacher visit the playgroup children to ensure that they are familiar faces and children from neighbouring villages are equally welcome.

Older pupils usually transfer to Roseland Community School at Tregony having reached their eleventh birthday by the 31st August. Transport is provided. The on-going pupils have the opportunity to:

* Attend an Open Evening;
* Be welcomed by Roseland Community School Head of Year 7;
* Engage in communication with current Year 7 pupils;
* Experience a typical day at Roseland Community School.

All the above help to answer the important questions both pupils and parents have
about their prospective new environment.

We are extremely proud of our close links with both Probus Playgroup and Roseland Community School and we continue to develop Inter-school curriculum links to enable the continued smooth transition from the Pre-School to Primary to Secondary Phases of education to take place.

"What I like best is making things and making friends" Amber

"Whoot I like at school is playing in the sand" Dominic Back to top

General Information

Pastoral Care and Discipline

We are aware that we share responsibility with parents for children in our care and make every effort to provide the care which any responsible parent would be expected to make. Our objective is the creation of a visible climate of "caring" between the teachers and the children whom they teach. This is extended to encompass caring relationships between staff, both academic and domestic, and between staff and parents. All are regarded as being equally important in the learning process. We control movement about the school, supervise children when at play, and encourage a disciplined, sensible independence.

Each year the children are involved in developing a set of 'Golden Rules' which provide us all with an excellent code of behaviour. This has now been incorporated in our HOME / SCHOOL AGREEMENT which all parents, teachers and children are requested to sign and return to school. We believe that it is important to look for as many opportunities as we can to enhance self esteem and behaviour and therefore we have adopted and adapted 'Circle Time' activities in each of our classrooms.

Home/School Links

1. Contact with Parents

a. Parents are invited to attend annual events such as School Productions and Sports Day. Regular newsletters go out to all parents keeping you in touch with what is happening in school.

b. There are two formal Parents' Evenings held every year, during the Autumn and Spring terms. Parents are invited to see their children's work and to discuss progress with their child's teacher. Full written reports are issued to all parents during the Summer term.

c. Children work hard at school and it is good for them to know that parents are interested in their efforts. We try to run an open school at Probus and encourage honest dialogue about individual children and school life in general. We invite parents to help us fulfil the aims of the school by mutual exchange of ideas and information. Parents are always welcome here. Do not be puzzled by anything connected with the school. Come and find out.

d. Home and school are the two most important influences on your child and he/she must feel that you and his/her teachers are working together, showing an interest in all his/her activities both in school and at home. Please let us know if there is anything about your child that you think may affect the way he/she works in school. Should a problem arise with a child at home or at school, it is to everybody's advantage that it is dealt with quickly. All the staff at Probus are approachable and very ready to discuss the welfare and progress of the children in their care. We are almost always available if you need to see us and can make arrangements to meet you after school, if you are unable to get into school during the day. A phone call is all that is necessary to arrange an appointment with one of us.

e. All parents receive an individual copy of the Governors' annual report.

Parent Teacher Association

During the Autumn Term of 1999, we formed a P.T.A. It has registered as a charitable organisation and has affiliated with the National Association of Parent Teacher Associations.

It has organised a committee and is currently planning a series of events for children, parents and friends in order to raise money for the school. If you would like to get involved with this organisation, please contact Mrs. Karen McMonagle (Chairperson) through the School Office. They organise events throughout the year but their big gest projects include the Xmas Fair and Summer Fair.

Transport Arrangements

The Education Committee has responsibility for a pupils transport to and from school
Under the age of eight, children are entitled to free transport if their home is more than 2 miles from the appropriate school. For children over eight, the relevant distance is 3 miles.
For further information please contact Mr. P.S. Boorman (Area Transport Office) Tel. 01872 322000

Extra-Curricular Activities

The school regards these extra-curricula activities as one of its great strengths. As a result of the wide interests and willingness of staff to give up their own time out of school hours, the school offers an extremely wide range of extra-curricula' activities. At the present time, these include: Short Tennis, Art, Football, Choir, Beginner Recorders, Advanced Recorders, Netball, Internet Club and Tag Rugby. We also start a S.A.T. Revision Class during the Spring Term. A list of clubs, timings etc. is included in the newsletter at the beginning of each half-term.

Before and After School Club

In September 2000, we opened a before and after school club which provides Parents with qualified child care. Parents are able to book their children in for sessions before and after school, where they will be supervised by suitably qualified and experienced staff.

For further information - contact Yvonne Smith on 0777 4906078 or 01637 881447.

"Well, the thing I like most about school is probably when we get ready to go home! We all get to have some rest!" By Bryher.

"What I love about Probus school is evry body works together like team work".

"I like playtime best. I play kiss catch with Emily and Amy. We play on the field when it is dry. We talk about when we are older. It is a lovely game and I like playing it and my friends always laugh," Georgia Back to top

School Uniform

School Uniform - As from September 2000

BOYS - WINTER
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black/dark grey trousers
Plain - Dark coloured socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes

GIRLS - WINTER
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black Trousers
Plain - Dark coloured socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes
OR
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black Knee Length Skirt
White Socks or Black tights
Suitable Black shoes ? not training shoes

BOYS - SUMMER
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black/Dark Grey Tailored Trousers
Plain - Dark Coloured Socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes
OR
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Suitable Tailored Shorts (Black/Grey)
Plain White Socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes

GIRLS - SUMMER
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black Trousers
Plain Dark Coloured Socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes
OR
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black Knee Length Skirt
White socks or black tights
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes
OR
Red and White Gingham Dress
White Socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes

Jewellery
Single Stud Earrings
Wristwatch
(No Nail Polish)

P.E. Indoor and Outdoor
Red Round Neck Tee Shirt or Red Polo
White Shorts
White Socks
Training Shoes or Plimsolls
A Suitable Tracksuit/Sweatshirt/Jogging Suit Can Be Worn

* Please ensure that all items are clearly marked with your child's name.

Personal Property

Essential items such as pens, pencils, rulers, stationery, books etc., are obviously all readily available in school. Many children, however, often bring their own personalised items to school to assist their work. Whilst this is never discouraged the school must state that it cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage to items of personal property brought onto the premises. Back to top

Catering

A midday meal is prepared in a well equipped kitchen on the premises and served in the school hall. We adopt a two- sitting system. Menus are normally published weekly so children may stay on occasional days if they wish. Children may also bring their own packed lunch but we do ask that they do not bring canned drinks or bottles, or hot drinks, as these have all caused problems in the past. Children are supervised throughout the meal.

The price of the 'set' school lunch is £1.65. Children are helped to select a balanced meal from the daily menu and prefects are available to support the youngest children. All monies must be brought in a named wallet or purse and handed to the Classteacher at the beginning of the day. These are then handed back to the children at the end of the school day.

Free meals are available and parents who qualify should contact the Grants and Benefits Section at Cornwall County Council. Telephone number 01872 322410/11/12. Application form are also available from the School Office. Back to top

Visits and Outings

Educational visits are fundamental to providing first hand experiences for our children. All classes link them carefully with topics being studied. Parents are often invited to accompany their children on these visits, if they so wish.

Similarly, we frequently invite visiting speakers and entertainers into school. These visits are always linked into work in which the children are currently involved.

Field Work

We provide the opportunity for children to participate in a residential experience. For 2005 / 2006 we arranged for Year 5 to stay Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre at St. Austell where they took part in water based activities eg. sailing and canoeing as well as walking, basic rock climbing and abseiling. In 2006 our Year 6 children stayed on the Isles of Scilly for four nights. They slept under canvas and took part in a wonderful range of activities as well as taking part in a sporting tournament with local schools.
This visit is an extremely valuable experience and provides the children with
opportunities to experience activities we are unable to carry out at school and learn how to work effectively with other people. The staff at Porthpean and on the Isles of Scilly are excellent and the children are always working in the safest possible environment.

Charging - Remission Policy

The School Governing Body has determined the following policy.

For activities during school time, including visits from outside speakers, workshops or visits by the children to places of educational interest, no charge will be made, but voluntary contributions will be invited. Parents will be informed of the amount of money required. However, no child will be placed at a disadvantage because of a parent's unwillingness or inability to pay. If, as a direct consequence of a number of parents not paying, the voluntary contributions received do not meet a level necessary to cover the costs of the activity/event, it may be cancelled and all monies returned.

The school quite naturally looks to the continued support of parents in this matter, thus enabling such worthwhile visits and activities to continue. Back to top

Health

Health
Eyesight, hearing and dental screening is carried out regularly and those children who need attention are referred for specialist treatment (if parents agree).

Children's Illnesses and Medicines in School

If your child has been absent through illness please ensure he/she is fully recovered before returning to school. Should your child become unwell in school, we will care for him/her whilst contacting you through your "Emergency Contact Number". Please notify us of any change in the "Emergency Contacts". This information is sometimes vital.

The school prefers parents to come into school to administer medicines to children e.g. antibiotics. Where this is really not possible the following applies:-

* Medicines will only be administered in school, if the child brings the medicine to the Headteacher with clear instructions for use written by the parent. This then constitutes formal permission.

* Any such medicine must be clearly marked with the child's name and prescribed dosage.

* Only medication (such as inhalers for asthma) previously agreed between parents and school (listed on Emergency Contact Information) may be personally carried and used by children. The children should bring no other medications and verbal messages from children regarding dosages will not be accepted.

* Patent medicines, such as cough mixtures or tonics, should only be brought to school by parents if they have been prescribed by the child's own doctor.

* The school is not allowed to keep or administer aspirin or paracetomol to children in school.

"The bes fing is going to the sealif centre cus I like sharks and seay bas and cil waels and dofins and sardines" Tom E. Back to top

School Attendance

The school day begins at 08.55am., so children should arrive around 8.45am. for a punctual start. Arrival prior to 8.45am. is discouraged, as there is no supervision.

If a child is absent from school you should contact the school immediately and a note should be sent to the class teacher when the child returns. If we are not informed the absence will be unauthorised.
The following table provides details of unauthorised absence from Probus Community Primary School for the Academic Year 2005 - 2006

Number of Pupils 172
Number of School Sessions (to ) 51484
Authorised Absence 2236
Unauthorised Absence 55

Please help us to improve these statistics.

If parents wish to take their children on holiday during term time they should complete a holiday form which is obtainable from the school office. Schools have discretionary power for leave to be granted for an annual holiday during term time and only in exceptional circumstances should this amount of leave exceed 10 school days in any one year.

Parents are asked to avoid key dates such as SAT's week.

Any child who goes home for lunch should be back in school by 12.50pm. Those parents who arrive by car are respectfully requested to park sensibly along Ladock Road, Chapel Street or Cullen View and to avoid blocking the driveways of local properties. (Please do not park on the staff car park before or after school.)

No child will be allowed to leave school during the school hours unless collected by a parent / guardian from the main entrance or having notified the school, in writing, of their arrangements.

Further details of arrangements before and after school are circulated at the beginning of each academic year.

Pupils are expected to attend school for 190 days when the school is open, unless they are ill, have to attend hospital, have medical or dental appointments, or have to attend the funeral of a near relative. Regular attendance is important as it helps to foster appropriate attitudes to school and to aid continuity of progress. Frequent absences can lead to truancy. The school has a responsibility to report to the Education Welfare officer for any persistent absence.
"What I like about scolle is riting becoas it helps my hand" Bethany Back to top

The Curriculum

We value highly the pursuit of academic excellence and we do this through a very clear structure of work which forms part of a "Whole School Plan". This is organised to cover all areas of the National Curriculum and provide a broad and balanced experience for all the children. We firmly believe that the work must build on their previous experience and capture their interest. In all our work we recognise the need to provide a range of teaching styles in order to ensure our teaching is accessible to children who learn in a variety of ways.

We are also very much concerned with the development of what may be termed the "hidden curriculum". Moral education, for example, is a central concern of the school, together with a concern for care in dress, manners and habits. We also actively encourage care in relationships with peers and respect for the feelings of others. This, we believe, is as much "caught" in the atmosphere of the school as taught in the classroom.

The encouragement and co-operation of the home are essential if our aims are to be achieved. We believe that education takes place not just in school: the idea that we are educating children goes in hand with the idea that life itself is a great educator. Many skills, experiences and attitudes started in school will be encouraged and bear fruit, through the right support and development, once our children are outside the school environs. For these reasons, we seek to foster links with the community of which we are a part and thus involve parents, governors and friends in the achievement of our aims.

We follow the National Curriculum which was brought about by the Education Reform Act of 1988. It provides the structure for all we do and is made up of three "Core Subjects" and seven "Foundation Subjects" including ICT and Religious Education.

Children in the Primary School study "Key Stage 1" which is assessed at seven years of age and "Key Stage 2" which is assessed at eleven years of age. Full details of the National Curriculum structure and content are available from the Headteacher.

Numeracy

Our mathematics teaching is designed to give children a broad range of experiences in mathematics, a sound grasp of mathematical processes and the ability to solve problems. Children work individually, in groups, or as a class when appropriate, using a wide range of materials. The work is often of a practical nature and investigation work is encouraged. We emphasise the importance of understanding, but some work involves committing facts to memory.

The school has successfully implemented the National Numeracy Strategy and we place a high value on the three part lesson which includes the oral/mental starter, main part and a plenary which enables children to share their work and the teacher to assess the children's learning.

Literacy

We consider the acquisition of language skills to be the basis for effective learning. Speaking, listening, reading and writing are the four components within the National Curriculum.

From Reception, children are encouraged to speak clearly and to express themselves effectively. They are encouraged to listen attentively and sensitively to others, to follow instruction and to appreciate story-telling and poetry.

We are guided by the National Literacy Strategy - Literacy skills are taught each day during "Literacy Hour". Reading and writing skills are developed through class, group and individual activities and tasks. This provides a balanced approach to the teaching of reading and writing which caters for the learning needs of individual children.

The Jolly Phonics Scheme forms an element of our early phonetic work. Games, flash cards, jingles, rhymes, stories, Breakthrough word makers and computer software are all used to help build the children's knowledge of phonics. ?Progression in Phonics? provides further work throughout the Key Stages.

It has always been our aim to present reading as a pleasure and adventure. The idea to foster is that reading books is fun. We try to instil a love of books, to read for pleasure and to read for information. As Parents, you can help in the early stages by your interest and patience and supporting the work done in school. Remember, over anxiety is easily communicated to the child and can result in negative feelings towards reading. Reading activities build on the oral language and experiences which the children bring from home.
These activities develop the necessary confidence, vocabulary, skills and techniques essential to fluent reading. Particular account is taken of the very important link between home and school. For this purpose Reading Diaries are used to record individual progress and materials read. All children and parents are encouraged to use this regularly.

Reading covers a variety of texts, both fiction and non-fiction, and a wide range of genres. Each classroom has a wide range of fiction material to suit individual needs and children may work systematically through a scheme if this is considered by the class teacher to be appropriate. Alternatively children are exposed to a range of material rather than working through a progressive scheme. Children will also participate in guided reading sessions.

In reading to parents, their teacher or another adult, children are encouraged to ask and answer questions about what they have read - how characters feel and their motives - to predict the endings of stories and so on. They are encouraged to talk about the ways in which language has been written down, to notice how words are constructed and spelled, to make informed guesses and to correct themselves. They will also discuss the authors/illustrators of the books they are studying.

The school has recently set up a library which is open throughout the week during the school day, and also before and after school. All children are encouraged to borrow books for home use and parents are invited to the library to choose books with their children.

Science

Science is about gaining an understanding of the physical and natural world around us. Young children are, by nature, scientists, in that they spontaneously try things out, experiment and think up their own explanations of events in their surroundings. Our science teaching aims to capitalise on a pupil's natural curiosity and develop scientific investigation.

We teach science through a series of scientific topics. At both Key Stages pupils will be encouraged to use a practical approach to find out about their immediate surroundings and to develop and understanding of scientific ideas. They will have opportunities to test ideas suggested by their teachers as well as to suggest ideas that can be investigated. They will be encouraged to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of science through the range of practical activities.

Information Communcation Technology

All children experience ICT as a cross-curricular tool. As a school, we have responded to the guidelines set by the National Grid for Learning and all pupils have the opportunity to send and retrieve information using the World Wide Web.

The school has computer systems for each class and a variety of software to which all children have access at various times. In addition we have a state of the art ICT Suite. Here we have 8 computers, web camera, digital camera. Children regularly use the room and we can guarantee every child has a significant amount of time devoted to developing ICT skills. The school's E-mail address is:

secretary@probus.cornwall.sch.uk
We also have a web site for the school and this can be accessed using: www.probuscp.ik.org

Religious Education

Under the terms of the 1988 Education Reform Act, Religious Education will be taught to all pupils for an "adequate" and "reasonable" length of time.

We accept the fact that the religious traditions in this country are, in the main, Christian. Therefore our teaching will give a prominent and assured place to the study of Christianity, including its basic teachings, its current practice and world-wide growth. Our teaching will also take significant and due account of the basic teachings, practices and influence of other major faiths. Our syllabus will be non-denominational and children will take part in daily collective worship.

Parents wishing to withdraw their children from Religious Education or collective worship may make special arrangements with the Headteacher, should they wish to exercise their right under section 9(3) of the Education Reform Act.

Design Technology

The children are given a range of opportunities to develop their D.T. skills. D.T. involves identifying problems and designing the methods and means of solving them.

All pupils are involved in the technological process: identifying a need; developing a design, making and then evaluating the design.

Humanities

Children study Humanities (History, Geography and Social Studies) right through the school and gradually build on their skills, concepts, knowledge and understanding. Children begin by developing their awareness of their local environment and later, they extend their knowledge by studying contrasting localities in Britain and the wider world. Fieldwork is an essential part of this work and includes visits to historic sites, museums and geographical localities.

Music

At Probus School we have a very good reputation for our musical and dramatic performances. We produce musical plays and concerts for the local community. We currently have a choir of 32 children which is very creditable for a school of our size. We also have active recorder classes for beginners and advanced musicians. We also are very proud of our 30 piece orchestra.

Cornwall Music Service visit the school throughout the week and run classes in violin, brass, guitar and keyboard.

In addition to this, every child has the opportunity to take part in singing and music lessons led by our team of musical experts.

We have for the first time entered children into the Speech and Music Festival at
St. Austell and Truro where we achieved notable success.

Art and Design

Through giving children the chance to try out a varity of art forms and techniques, children will be able to express themselves confidently and use tools and materials effectively.

We are keen to produce art work for local community events and the school achieves a very good standard of work in all disciplines. There is a very active Art Club which takes place each week.

Please come in, look around and enjoy our displays.

PE and Games

The school places high value on sporting activities both within the curriculum and as an extra curricular activity. The school is represented in football, rugby, netball, athletics, swimming and cross-country. The school also takes part in a number of tournaments organised by other Roseland Feeder Primary Schools, we have an annual Sports Day and participate in the Roseland Inter-Schools Sports.

There is no swimming pool at the school but swimming instruction takes place in Truro weekly, for two terms, for all children upwards of and including Year 3. There
is an opportunity for all children to take part in award schemes to improve their swimming and for competent swimmers to compete in the inter-schools swimming gala.

Our hope is that the children will not only enjoy the activities but will subsequently participate in them when they leave our school and become involved in sports clubs as they get older. Back to top

Sex Education

The Sex and Relationship Policy has recently been written by the Governors. The policy has been written in the light of recent statutory requirements and in particular the National Curriculum Science Order and guidance for Health Education and Citizenship.

At primary school level we aim to
* develop confidence in talking, listening and thinking about feelings and relationships
* name parts of the body and describe how their bodies work
* prepare for puberty

The school recognises that Sex and Relationships Education must be taught at both Key Stages through the science lessons and not left until Year 6. The Education team from Cornwall Healthcare trust has supported us in delivering video material and led discussions with the pupils. This is always well received by Parents, Staff and children alike. Back to top

Special Needs

The Authority makes provision, through a variety of agencies, for children with Special Needs. The school is able to seek specialist advice and additional support for those children with learning difficulties, most particularly through the County Psychological Service and Learning Support Service. Parents are always fully consulted and involved in these matters. Children receiving direct support in this way have an IEP (Individual Educational Programme) written for them which is reviewed and modified, as necessary, every six months. An IEP will involve modification of material, support programmes and support teachers as appropriate.

Our Special Needs Teacher, Mrs. Scrace, is available to answer any of your questions. In addition, each class has at least 15 hours of support from our Learning Support Staff. Back to top

Homework

Doing homework helps children to develop important skills and habits. Young children should start by reading or sharing a book with you for short periods of time. You should also spend time talking to them in order to develop their vocabulary and introduce them to news areas of learning. As children progress through the school, the demand for homework increases. It is important that homework is "fun" and does not degenerate into a "chore". If "we" keep this idea at the forefront of our minds we will reap the rewards later on when children need to develop more independent learning patterns.

We ask parents to keep in close contact with teachers over the completion of tasks. Back to top

Complaints about the Curriculum

Formal complaints about the curriculum or any related matter should, in the first instance, be discussed with the Headteacher. If complaints cannot be resolved, they should be taken up with the Chairman of Governors. In the event of complete dissatisfaction, parents may approach the LEA through the Area Education Office. Back to top

Information for Parents

In accordance with the Education Regulations of 1989, parents have access, at the school, to the following information:-

Copies of the Prospectus,
The Governing Body's Annual Report,
Local Education Authority Curricula Statements,
Governing Body's Curriculum Policy and Aims,
Department for Education Orders and Circulars,
Arrangements for the Consideration of Complaints,
Policy for Charges and Activities,
Schemes of Work in Use for the School. Back to top

Evaluation

Children will be assessed during their first year at school. This assessment is part of the Foundation Stage profile, a summing up of each child?s progress during his/her first year. During Year 1, children will be assessed in reading, writing and listening skills. Similarly, at the end of Key Stage 1 (7 years old) and Key Stage 2 (11 years old) children are assessed in the three core subjects of Mathematics, English and Science. This is a combination of Teacher Assessment and Standardised Assessment Tasks. In addition to this legal requirement, the school elects to administer the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) test material to children in Year 3, 4 and 5. Parents are advised of all test results and these are discussed at Parents' Evenings, when each child's books are available for inspection. Finally, a full written summative report is issued to all parents during the Summer term.

"I like playtime because you get to collect bugs and creepy crawlies"

"I like drama because we get to make and adventure"

"I like maths because the techers give us challenges and I like challenges." Edward

"Another thing we like to do at playtimes is chat, chat in the corner of the playground about things we did in the weekend and how our pets are getting on and things like that." Amelia.

"I like maths because me, Edward, Morgan finsh and then we do exter." Ethan Back to top

Term Dates

TERM DATES & HOLIDAYS

Please check with our CALENDAR for current term dates.

'What I like about school is evfing bcoses I gust love it.' Charlotte

'I likt it wen we went to the aquarium.' Britney Back to top

School Times

Key Stage 1

08.45a.m. Children arrive at school
08.55a.m. School begins
08.55 - 10.30a.m. 1st. Session
10.30 - 10.50a.m. Break
10.50 - 12.00 2nd. Session
12.00 - 13.00p.m. Lunch
13.00 - 14.30p.m. 3rd. Session
14.30 - 14.40p.m. Break
14.40 - 15.10p.m. 4th. Session

Key Stage 2

08.45a.m. Children arrive at school
08.55a.m. School begins
08.55 - 10.30a.m. 1st. Session
10.30 - 10.50a.m. Break
10.50 - 12.05midday 2nd. Session
12.05 - 13.00p.m. Lunch
13.00 - 14.20p.m. 3rd. Session
14.20 - 15.15p.m. 4th. Session

Please note : School cannot be, and in fact is not responsible, for children
arriving before 8.45 a.m.

'I am proud to be a scoohl councillor. I like Mondays.' Sophie.

'The funniest moment in school was when William spillt paint down my t-shirt. Once when we did clay somebody stode on my sculpture.' Sean

'I like the school holidays! They're great!' Tegen. Back to top

Acronyms used in Education

A number of parents suggested that it would be useful if we provided a list of commonly used acronyms.
I hope the following list is helpful:

AST Advanced Skills Teacher
CAPH Cornwall Association of Primary Heads
CDT Craft, Design and Technology
CPD Continuing Professional Development
CRB Criminal records Bureau
DfES Department for Education and Skills
EBD Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
EP Educational Psychologist
EWO Education Welfare Officer
FSM Free School Meals
FTE Full Time Equivalent
HMCI Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools
HMI Her Majesty's Inspectorate for Schools
ICT Information and Communication Technology
IT Information Technology
KS Key Stage
LEA Local Education Authority
LMS Local Management of Schools
MIST Mid Infant Screening Test
MLD Moderate Learning Difficulty
NCPTA National Confederation of Parent/Teacher Association
NFER National Foundation for Educational Research
NGfL National Grid for Learning
NLS National Literacy Strategy
NNS National Numercy Strategy
NOR Number on Roll
NPQH National Professional Qualification for Heads
NQT Newly Qualified Teacher
Ofsted Office for Standards in Education
PAN Planned Admission Number
PandA Performance and Assessment
PSHE Personal, Social and Health Education
PTA Parents and Teachers Association
QCA Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
SATs Standard assessment Tasks/Tests
SDP/SIP School Development Plan/School Improvement
SEN Special Educational Needs
SENCo Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator
SIMS School Information management Systems
SMT Senior Management Team
SSCO School Sports Co-ordinator
TA Teacher Assessment/Teaching Assistant Back to top