PROSPECTUS
2014 - 2015
Wardour
Catholic Primary School,
Wardour
Tisbury
Wiltshire
SP3 6RF
Tel: 01747 870537
Headteacher: Miss Caroline Lander
head@wardour.wilts.sch.uk
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‘Education is about the growth and development of the whole person. It should aim to
integrate a pupil’s intellectual, spiritual, moral, emotional, psychological, social and physical
development, thus assisting progress towards the fullness of life which comes from God.’
The Distinctive Nature of the Catholic School
Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales
‘Education - e-ducare - is a drawing out from the person his or her truth, what he or she has
in the heart, especially about themselves…….The person is at the heart of Christ’s teaching ’
In Verbo Tuo
Pope John Paul II
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Dear Parents,
Welcome to Wardour Catholic Primary School.
Wardour prides itself on its good reputation and high standards. It is a place where your
child will be encouraged to fulfil his or her potential, while surrounded by love. The broad
curriculum allows everyone to be good at something.
Above all, the school is motivated and guided by Christian principles and underpinned by the
ideals of the Catholic Church. As Catholic parents, you will be secure in the knowledge that
your children are being encouraged and guided on their journey of faith; as fellow Christians,
you are secure in the knowledge that your children are being given a strong ethical and
spiritual foundation, which will support then in their future life.
Parents are always welcome to visit us. If you would like to know more, please make an
appointment and come in for a chat. We hope you enjoy your time with us.
The Staff Team
Wardour Catholic Primary School
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The Governing Body
Wardour Catholic Primary School is a Voluntary Aided school, provided by the Wardour
Chapel Trust under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton and maintained by
Wiltshire County Council. The school has fourteen Governors’, at time of writing, we have 2
vacancies for foundation governors.
Susie Blundell
Chair of Governors (LA)
Father Robert Miller
Parish Priest /Vice Chair (Foundation)
Miss Caroline Lander
Headteacher
Mrs Juliet Austin
Foundation
Mr Jamie Clark
Foundation
Mrs. Adele Cordle
Foundation
Mrs Fiona Baker
Parent
Mrs Lara Harrigan
Parent
Jacqui Windsor
Non teaching staff
Beth Dewey
Clerk to the Governors
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Members of Staff 2014-2015
Teaching staff
Headteacher: Miss Caroline Lander
Mrs. Laura Ellerby
Mrs Rebecca Liddington
St David’s Class
St. David’s and St. Andrews Class
cover Mondays
Foundation Stage / Year 1 children
Mrs. Sophie Hyslop
St Andrew’s Class
Year 2 children
Mrs Madeleine Coward
Monday & Tuesday
St George’s Class
Year 3 / Year 4 children
St Patrick’s Class
Year 5 / Year 6 children
Mrs Katie Weston
Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday.
Mrs Emma Dixon
Mrs. Sue Dawson
St. Patrick’s and St. George’s Class
cover Wednesdays
Office staff
Mrs Jacqui Windsor
School Administrator & Finance Officer
Teaching Assistants
Mrs Philippa Wilkinson
Mrs Debbie Searle
Mrs Daisy Maryon
Ms Fortunata Paliano
Lunchtime staff
Mrs Melissa Best
Mrs. Zena Hacker
Mrs. Daisy Maryon
Mrs. Beth Dewey
Mrs. Julie Burrows
Mrs. Vivienne Parton
Catering
Midday Supervisor
Midday Supervisor
Midday Supervisor
Midday Supervisor
Midday Supervisor
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The History of Wardour and its school.
Wardour School has been in existence for well over 200 years and probably qualifies as the
oldest Catholic School in the State Sector. As early as 1780, it is mentioned by the Vicar of
Tisbury to the Bishop of Salisbury, as a ‘non-conformist institution’.
That a Roman Catholic school should appear in Wardour is no surprise, as it was situated on
the estate of the Arundell family, who had remained staunchly Catholic during the
Reformation and the troubled times that followed.
Wardour was a mixed boarding school during the 1780s, with Catholic children coming from al
over the area and farther afield to gain a Catholic education. By 1791, it was taking boys
only and, later again, it became a Charity day School. Most of the children attending would
have been from the Catholic families employed on the Arundell estate.The school’s popularity
spread and in 1801 it was taking fee-paying pupils from Tisbury – 1/- per child per week!!
The original site of the school is not known, but in the mid-1850s, Lord Arundell erected
today’s building – to accommodate 300 pupils!! Boys and girls were taught separately, with
Infants in a nearby house.
From 1871, following the Education Act, the school became part of the state maintained
system as a Voluntary Aided School. Log books became a legal requirement and these make
fascinating reading today. It was then a co-educational Junior school; the Infants joined in
1880.
For about 80 years, until 1964, the Sisters of Charity ran the school, with pupils up to 15
years old. In 1964 the Sisters moved to Salisbury and it became a true Primary School.
With some additions – particularly the new rooms at the back – the school still looks much as
it has done since the 1850s. We are proud of our history which helps to make our school the
very special place it is today.
Organisation
We have four classes at Wardour, catering for children from Foundation Stage ( 4 years
old) to the end of the primary range at 11 years old. Our emphases are on enjoyment and
encouragement for all the children, extending the more able to fulfil their potential, while
supporting those who have learning needs.
The classes are accommodated in attractive classrooms that are light and spacious. There
are extensive grounds, with a playing field, hard-surface playgrounds and a garden. The
youngest children also have their own secure outside play area.
The teaching in school encompasses the Foundation Stage and the KS1 and 2 National
Curricula. Literacy and Numeracy are taught in line with the Primary National Strategy and
RE, Science, French and PE are taught as discrete subjects. The rest of the curriculum is
presented as cross-curricular themes, embracing the Humanities and Arts.
In both Key Stages we offer high academic standards and good teaching. We also provide
opportunities for creative activities – Music, Art, Dance – and a wide choice of Sport, both in
school time and as after-school clubs.
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Secondary transfer
After Year 6, pupils transfer to one of the local secondary schools. In July 2014, children
left us to go to: South Wilts Grammar Schools; Gillingham School, St. Joseph’s Catholic
School and Shaftesbury School. These schools normally advertise their own open days and
evenings, but your choice has to be made by the Autumn term in Year 6. It would therefore
be a good idea to know where you want your child to go when they are still in Year 5.
The school is happy to advise you about the 11+ examination and the scholarships to local
independent schools. We tend to do extremely well in these, with three 11+passes this year
and the offer of two scholarships to St Mary’s.
Individual Needs
“Inclusion is about changing the rules of the game,
so everyone can win”
Wardour is a totally inclusive school, with a proud record of educating children with all kinds
of special needs. Every child has its own needs and we aim to meet all of them, dealing with
each pupil as a unique creation and part of God’s plan.
We undertake Special Needs in line with the Code of Practice and supported by the Local
Authority and the Diocese. The Headteacher and Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)
ensure that children have appropriate individual education plans and call in experts whenever
necessary. Parents are an integral part of the process and, if your child needs help, you will
be consulted and informed at each step of the way.
Gifted and talented children have their own needs and it is important that children with
special abilities are identified and nurtured, too. Work is differentiated to meet the needs
of all, and able children will be extended and challenged to meet their full potential.
‘Many children will need some extra help at some time in their school career, Providing extra
support is another way to help our children achieve their full potential..
Equal Opportunities
We ensure that each child will have the same opportunities, regardless of gender, race or
ability. Our pupils will be able to develop their potential as individuals – academically,
physically, socially, spiritually and emotionally. Our broad and balanced curriculum will
provide a wide range of non-stereotyped activities and experiences, where each child can
develop a positive self-image.
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The Curriculum
‘Excellent teaching gives children the life chances they deserve……..Enjoyment is the right of
every child………..But the most powerful mix is the one that brings the two together. Children
learn better when they are excited and engaged – and what excites and engages them best is
truly excellent teaching, which challenges them and shows them what they can do. When
there is joy in what they are doing, they learn to love learning.’
‘Excellence & Enjoyment’
Wardour is a school offering this potent mix of excellence and enjoyment, further enriched
by a strong moral and spiritual education, in line with our mission as a Catholic school.
We aim to:
 provide the spiritual, cultural , moral, social and intellectual education for our pupils.
 promote the child’s physical, social and emotional development.
 encourage children to become independent, confident, self-disciplined and courteous.
The curriculum we provide follows the Primary National Strategy, the QCA planning
programmes and the RE Scheme of Work “God Matters.”.
Core Curriculum
 Religious education
‘’Catholics believe that RE is not one subject among many, but the foundation of the
entire educational process. The beliefs & values it communicates should inspire and unify
every aspect of school life.
It should provide the context for, and substantially shape, the school curriculum, and
offer living experience of the life of faith in its practical expression.’
Bishops of England & Wales 1988
 RE is one of the Government’s core subjects, but it also forms the most important part of
our work here, where education is about the whole child. It is taught using the ‘God
Matters’ programme, which is scripture-based, but also provides a strong moral
framework. The work is based on discussion and includes some study of other World
religions.
 Assemblies are based on themes from the ‘God Matters’ scheme, the Church’s year and our
PSHE studies. There are daily acts of worship, and classes pray together during the day.
Each week, a class attends Mass at the Chapel, shared with Parish and parents. Whole
school Masses are celebrated at appropriate times in the school year.
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Catholic children are prepared for their First Holy Communion in their parishes. Parents
are invited to attend meetings before the courses begin and classes are delivered by Parish
catechists.
Children learn to say Catholic prayers and are expected to attend the Masses. The law
gives parents the right to withdraw their children from all or part of RE. You have chosen
a faith school, the whole ethos of our school is bound up with the Christian celebration of
our gift of life. We hope and pray that the whole community can celebrate together.
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 English. English is taught using the framework of the Primary National Strategy. Wellplanned lessons are supported by structured reading, both through schemes and the use of
library books. The importance of spelling and hand- writing is recognised and excellent
presentation of work is stressed. Children are also taught to express themselves effectively,
through Drama and public-speaking.
 Mathematics Mathematics is taught through the Primary National Strategy using the
Abacus Evolve scheme and other resources. This offers a balanced programme, helping
children to cope effectively and confidently with the concept of number in everyday life, as
well as encouraging an academic interest in the subject and a delight in the abstract world of
number.
 Science
Our Science programme offers many opportunities for practical work, for
observation, measurement and communication - and fun!
Children are encouraged to see the wonder of our world, from tiny cells to the universe
around us. We use visits to support the learning, such as beach studies or woodland walks.
 ICT
All children, from Foundation onwards, make good use of computers to enhance
work and research topics. Any discrete teaching follows the ICT Alive scheme. We have
interactive whiteboards and PCs in every room as well as a class set of laptops. The Internet
is used under adult supervision, and there is a filter system in place. We also use digital
cameras and children are taught to use all the technology available, from CD players to the
photocopier.
Foundation Curriculum – taught as cross-curricular topics
 Geography
Children are taught to interpret the landscape and to understand places and why they are as
they are. They also learn about what people do, where they live and why. Environmental
studies and green issues are taught and children are encouraged to recycle and to become
interested in issues affecting our world, God’s creation. Visits support the learning, such as
town, coastal or river studies. We also include Global Development Education, linking the
study of developing countries to the work of charities, and thus to our RE, doing God’s work
here on earth
 History.
Unless we understand the past, we cannot interpret the present or influence the future.
Children are taught world history – the great civilisations of Egypt, Rome & Greece – and the
history of our own country – kings & queens, important figures and the life of ordinary
people. Local history is important too, and children need a sense of their culture and
heritage. We study the Celts and Anglo Saxons and how they settled in the area, and we are
fortunate to have Wardour Castle on our doorstep and Salisbury and Stonehenge not too far
away! Visits are made to underpin the learning and we encourage the children to appreciate
that we live in an area rich in history. We also make use of the workshops held at local
museums and National Trust properties.
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Music We love music at Wardour! We all learn to play the recorder and encourage
children to play a second instrument if possible taught by peripatetic staff. We encourage
every child to sing daily in assemblies. And, of course, children are used to singing in church
and participating in school events.
 Art Class teaching is supplemented by visits to galleries, the visits of local artists, and
participation in cross-curricular projects.
 Design Technology
This is a practical subject involving the children in designing and
making. It is used in a cross-curricular way to support history, geography, science and art,
cooking and sewing.
 Languages
Wardour is fortunate to have staff members who are keen on languages.
We offer French from Years 1 to 6. We find that children’s confidence is improved and they
are provided with a useful platform for language learning at Secondary school.
 Personal Education
We have taken this to include PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education), EPR (Education
in Personal Relationships) and Citizenship. This block of subjects is planned alongside RE and
we see it as combining with our religious studies to create a ‘whole’ person. The school is part
of the Healthy Schools‘ Initiative and children are encouraged to eat healthily, to exercise
and to talk about their feelings – emotional health. We use Circle Time, when children are
encouraged to discuss anything they have on their minds, and teachers know when and how to
deal with the issues that emerge.
Relationships Education (SRE) is taught at a level suitable to the children at different
stages in their development, using the Diocesan scheme, ’In the beginning…’.. Teachers
answer questions honestly and alert parents where we feel they need to get involved.
At Year 6, local health professionals deliver sex education to prepare the children for the
wider world of the secondary school, and children receive the Church’s teaching alongside
this. All our work aims to develop an understanding of loving, caring relationships within the
family, in line with Catholic teaching.
 Physical Education
The school is committed to giving all the children as many
opportunities as possible to be involved in sport and exercise.We offer Swimming lessons
weekly during the Spring Term at St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury, to KS2 children.
Tag Rugby, Tennis, High 5 Netball & Football are taught to boys and girls at KS2 during
class time. Our teams participate in tournaments and play matches against other local
schools.
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Athletics is taught in the Summer Term, and Dance is explored as part of our PE
programme.
We are part of a local schools’ Sports cluster and so have been fortunate to receive support
with skills coaching and class teaching from our local Sports College at Shaftesbury.
Extra-curricular activities.
We offer after-school clubs for our children. During a school year, these may include Drama,
Outdoor adventures, Sports (e.g. Netball, Football, Tag Rugby, Athletics and Rounders,
Handball, Ultimate Frisbee), Pilates and Dance. Clubs vary each year depending on the
expertise available to us. There is a small charge for each club.
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Homework
Homework is seen as an important way for parents to get involved in their children’s learning.
Homework will include:
reading, book-sharing, visiting the library and bookshops, and everything that will encourage
children to love books. And reading can include books, magazines, the internet, recipes,
newspapers, etc, etc. The emphasis has to be on enjoyment!
spellings and tables, the old-fashioned discipline of learning for tests, which is so important
for memorising facts.
research for school subjects. Using the internet, Encarta or good old encyclopaedias to find
out more about the topic we are studying. And another reason to visit the library!
finishing work. While we don’t want to overburden children, this is often a good opportunity
to finish off something begun in class.
Children should not work for more than 20 minutes per night (younger children) or half an
hour (Y3/4) to an hour (Y5/6). We recognise that children also need time to relax with the
family, to play and watch TV, as well as become involved with many out-of-school activities.
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Behaviour and Discipline.
We are always looking to achieve high standards in work and in behaviour. Self-discipline is
always the best and we believe in explaining to the children why school rules are in place and
why breaking them is dangerous. We develop the children’s characters, encouraging respect
for others and for their property.
If rules are broken, children are spoken to by the staff and asked to apologise. In the case
that a child’s behaviour causes more problems, we would follow the measures laid out in our
Discipline Policy (attached). However, we cannot imagine ever having to do so!!
Awards
Good work and good behaviour are encouraged using our awards system. Children receive
house points for their houses and are rewarded more personally for good work and conduct
with a Golden Ticket (also worth 5 house points!) All this is celebrated at our weekly Awards
assembly. Children also receive awards for participating in competitions or representing the
school in some way.
Medicines in school.
All medicines should be handed in to the school office, together with a form (available from
the office) giving permission for the medicine to be administered, dosage, time, etc.. Ideally,
children on medicines should be at home, but we know this is sometimes impractical.
Children who have asthma should look after their own inhalers and should have them with
them at all times.
Parents of children who have a severe allergy must provide the school with a treatment plan
from their consultant or GP, and with two ‘epipens’ for use in school. We work on advice from
the Anaphylaxis Society and from our own school nurse.
Any children with severe illnesses (diabetes, epilepsy), will have a care plan discussed with
medical professionals, and the partnership with parents will be very important.
Charging for activities
As a school, we think visits to support learning are very important. Swimming and sports
outings are important too. The Governing Body recognises, however, that this is an additional
expense for families, so we subsidise activities, either partially or wholly, through meeting
the costs of those who find it difficult to pay.
All payments are voluntary contributions. Please pay if you can – it helps the school and,
without your money, we would be unable to take part in many enjoyable activities. This is
particularly true of Swimming, where the cost of transport is a major financial burden on the
school each week.
Residential visits are not a part of the curriculum and so are not subsidised. Children can only
participate in such visits if the money is paid in full. That is why the decision has been made
that they should not take place every year. Children not participating are taught in school as
normal.
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Food at school
We have an hour for lunchtime at school, giving the children and the staff ample time to
relax and socialise.
We have a kitchen in the school and we are serving our own hot meals at lunchtimes. Our
cook, Melissa Best, sources food locally - for example, meat from Pythouse, and vegetables
from the school’s own kitchen garden - and the lunches are superb! Menus are sent out in
one week to order food for the next; there is always a choice of main course, with fresh
fruit and yogurt as well as puddings.
All out KS1 children are entitled to receive a free school meal.
Children may also bring packed lunches. We encourage parents to pack healthy food, with as
little ’junk’ as possible.
Because we are part of the County’s Healthy Schools Initiative, children bring fruit at
break-time; please do not send chocolate, sweets or crisps. KS1 children receive free fruit
under the Government’s Free Fruit for Schools Scheme.
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Attendance
As you will be aware the Government have made changes to authorised absences during term
time holidays with effect from September 2013.
Amendments have been made to the 2006 regulations in the Education (Pupil Registration)
(England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013. These amendments, as described below, came into
force on 1 September 2013.
Term-time holiday
The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 currently allow Headteachers
to grant leave of absence for the purpose of a family holiday during term time in “special
circumstances” of up to ten school days leave per year.
Amendments to the 2006 regulations remove references to family holiday and extended
leave as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days. The amendments make
clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless
there are exceptional circumstances.
A request for leave of absence could be considered exceptional in the following
circumstance;
 For service personnel and other employees who are prevented from taking leave of
absence outside term time at any point in the academic year;
 The terminal illness or bereavement of a parent of sibling if the absence is concurrent.
There may be other circumstances when a parent may request an absence for their child,
which may involve some time away from home. Examples of these include:
 The wedding of a family member
 Family bereavement
 Prison visits
 In some cultures specific religious occasions are very important (for example a child’s
first communion) and the family may want to return to their country of origin to
celebrate this with family
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School Uniform List
We have designed the uniform to be inexpensive but in cases of severe need the governors
may consider assistance. Uniforms may be ordered from the school.
Girls
Winter
Navy tunic or skirt (preferred)
or navy trousers.
School jumper with logo
White shirt / school tie
or school jade polo shirt
Navy tights / white socks
Black shoes
Boys
Winter
Grey/navy trousers/shorts
White shirt & School tie
or school jade polo shirt
School jumper with logo
Grey socks
Black shoes
PE/Games
All children need:
White t-shirt with logo
Navy shorts
School sweatshirt
Navy jog trousers
Black plimsolls
Trainers
Socks
Summer
Green gingham dress
or navy skirt & school jade polo shirt School
jumper with logo or school cardigan
Closed toe sandals or shoes
Summer
Grey/navy shorts
White short-sleeved shirt & tie
or school jade polo shirt
KS2 only:
Swimming costume
Towel
Waterproof swimming bag
Football boots
Shin pads
Spare football kit for
practice
PE bag
Please make sure that all articles are marked with your child’s name!!
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Parental involvement
We encourage parents to come in to school as often as they wish. Only through such close
personal relationships will your child achieve his/her full potential at school. You are welcome
to come in and see what goes on or to volunteer for regular work in one of the classes.
At the beginning of each term, you will receive a pastoral letter from the teacher outlining
the work to be done during the weeks ahead. Weekly Newsletters, with news and an up-todate calendar of school events, go out each Friday.
Parents’ Meetings are held 3 times per year, usually just after half term. These provide
individual interviews for each child’s parents, with time to discuss attainment and concerns.
However, if you have a problem, please don’t wait for a Parents’ Evening; make an
appointment to see the teacher and /or the Head as soon as possible.
Written reports are provided in the summer term of each school year, sets individual
targets for the child and progress towards these targets.
The report comments on level of effort and attainment in each area of the curriculum as well
as attitudes and attributes to learning. It clearly sets out targets for the children that will
enable them to improve. If you wish to discuss the report then please contact the teacher or
office to arrange an appointment to discuss your specific area of concern and please bring
the report with you.
There is also a Friends of Wardour group, meeting a couple of times each term. They run
the School Fetes and Bazaars and provide us with much-needed funding; they also ensure
that there are informal opportunities for teachers, governors and parents to get together.
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School hours
School opens
8.30 am
(The bell rings at 8:42 so that we are settled in class ready to start work at 8.45 am)
Morning session
8:45 am – 12:15
Afternoon session
1.15 pm – 3.30pm
After school clubs (KS2)
3.30pm – 4.30pm
Children should be at school about ten minutes before the session begins. They should not be on the premises
before 8.30am, as there is no-one to look after them. (If you have a problem, please discuss it with the school.)
School term and holiday dates 2014/2015
Term/holiday
Start Date
End Date
Autumn Term
Monday 1st September 2014
Children return to school
Friday 19 December
- Half Term
Friday 24th October - Staff Training Day
Monday 27 October
Thursday 23rd October last day of children in school
Friday 31st October
Spring Term
Monday 5 January 2015 - Staff Training Day
Tuesday 6 January 2015- Children return to school
Friday 27 March 2015
- Half-Term
Monday 23rd February 2015 – Staff Training Day
Monday 16 February
Tuesday 24th February children return to school
Friday 20 February
Summer Term
Monday 20 July 2015 – Staff Training Day
Monday 13 April
Friday 17th July last day of children in school
Monday 20 July 2015
- Half Term
Monday 1 June 2015 – Staff Training Day
Monday 25 May
Tuesday 2nd June children return to school
Friday 29 May
Public Holidays
Date
Christmas
25 & 26 December 2014
New Year
1 January 2015
Easter
3rd & 6th April 2015
May Day
4 May 2015
Spring Bank Holiday
25 May 2015
Summer Bank Holiday
31 August 2015
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