ST. JAMES HATCHAM
CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
PROSPECTUS FOR 2006/2007
St. James
New Cross
London SE14 6AD
School: Tel: 020 8692 4937
Fax: 020 8692 9774
e-mail: admin@st-jameshatcham.lewisham.sch.uk
Nursery: Tel: 020 8469 0896
Family Learning Centre: Tel: 020 8694 2571
Fax: 020 8694 6030
A school of the Diocese of Southwark:
Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
48 Union Street
London SE1 1TD
The Local Education Authority is:
Lewisham Education
Laurence House
1 Catford Road
London SE6 4RU
FROM THE HEADTEACHER
Welcome to St. James.
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions that a
parent will have to make. At St James we value the interest of parents and hope to
encourage children in the way that ensures that they achieve their best. In putting
together this prospectus, the Governing Body and I hope to give you a flavour of our
aspirations that we share for our school.
With your support we will strive to give your child the best possible start in life. We
recognise that all children are different but we believe that with encouragement and
the right guidance all children can positively contribute to the school's Christian values,
positive ethos and pursuit of high academic standards.
We are sure that with all this in mind, your child's time at St James will be a happy and
fulfilling one.
Ms S E McFarlane
FROM THE PARISH OF ST. JAMES
In the present climate of social change and moral uncertainty, Church Schools have a
vital role to play. All schools try to build up a partnership between school and home
but many parents feel that if the Church is also in the partnership it gives greater
stability to the children's upbringing and education.
Church Schools continue to be a major part of the church's work in society - still
providing about a third of all the schools in England. The largest concentration of
Church of England schools in the country is in our area - the dioceses of London and
Southwark. St James School has fulfilled this role in the parish since 1851 while more
recently the related efforts of the Nursery and Family Learning Centre have extended
the work in a leading way. Theirs, like the work at St Michael's, is about the
development of young people - and through them, our future.
Our school is particularly important to the Christian Community in New Cross, while
the influence of the Nursery and Family Learning Centre as well as St Michael's
Nursery and After School Club is growing in the wider society.
Our aim is for the pupils to be well prepared for the trials and tests that life has in store
for them. We want to give them a firm grounding in Christian morality to help them to
be self-reliant, responsible, thoughtful and considerate towards others - to follow the
example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father Neil Nicholls
CONTENTS
Page
The School:
Our aims and objectives
What is special about a Church of England school?
Who is responsible for the School?
1
3
3
Admissions, Attendance and Various Practical Things:
Admissions
Attendance, Holidays, Absence and School Hours
Coming into School: Dress and Appearance
School Meals
Health and Safety
Charging for School Activities
How to resolve a problem
4
8
9
10
10
11
12
The OFSTED Inspection
12
The Foundation Stage
12
The National Curriculum and Related Matters:
Background Information
The Core Curriculum: English
Mathematics
Science
Religious Education
Information & Communication Technology
The Foundation Subjects:
Music
Physical Education and Sport
Art and Design
History
Geography
Design and Technology
French
Assessment of Pupils' Progress
Special Educational Needs
Sex Education
Homework
Outside Visits
After School Clubs
Secondary Transfer
13
14
15
15
16
16
17
17
17
17
18
18
18
18
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
Behaviour and Expectations
21
The School and our Parents:
The Family Learning Centre
Becoming a Governor
School Visits and School Meetings
Helping your Child at Home
Helping the School Financially
Parent/Teacher Association
23
23
24
24
25
25
THE SCHOOL
St. James Hatcham Church of England Primary School is in New Cross close to
Goldsmiths' College and the former Deptford Town Hall. It is one of the 108 church
schools in the Diocese of Southwark which are supervised on behalf of the Church of
England by the Diocesan Board of Education.
In 1850 the City charity of Christ's Hospital and the Clothworkers' Company gave land
next to the new St. James Church for the building of a school for the children of the
parish and the original school was opened the following year, in 1851, by the Earl of
Shaftesbury, famous for his work in helping children.
After many years of vigorous campaigning and fund-raising, the site of the present
school was acquired and the new school was opened in 1975. It is modern, spacious
and light, with good facilities. Important improvements have been made recently to
the building.
The school is on one level with seven classrooms, a hall dividing the infants and junior
sections, a library area and several shared practical areas. Outside there are two
playgrounds and grassed areas and a wildlife garden is in the corner of the infants'
playground.
The school house is a recent development and is used for Music tuition, as a staff
library and for small group work. It is also used as a Breakfast Club.
It is a one form entry school and the eight classes are arranged in year groups, from
Nursery to Year 6.
The Nursery and Family Learning Centre in St James, opposite the school, opened in
2000. The Family Learning Centre provides activities for children and their parents
together, as well as adult learning opportunities, using the parents room and the
computer suite.
For 150 years, St. James Church of England School has been educating children in
New Cross. It remains a very popular school. It is now providing a thoroughly modern
education in a traditional Christian context.
OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
At St. James, our aim is to give all our pupils a well balanced education of high quality,
firmly based on Christian moral principles. Our objective is that our children should:

reach their full potential in life;

be self motivated;
-
1-

be enthusiastic to learn;

persevere to do their very best;

always be considerate towards others and

be able to recognise the difference between right and wrong and make the right
decisions.
The way St James is conducted is rooted in Christian faith and life and the example
set to us by Jesus Christ. We are conscious that our pupils come from many cultures
and we set out to make the most of this diversity in the knowledge that it makes the
school richer. As a Christian school, we are committed to give equal opportunity to all
our children regardless of their culture, race, colour and ability and whether they are
boys or girls.
Starting from the basis of Christian morality, we aim to:

provide a stimulating environment for learning;

make available a wide range of activities appropriate to each stage of the
child's development;

give our children opportunities for developing self confidence and self respect;

raise standards of expectation and achievement throughout the curriculum
subjects;

help children to learn about Christianity and to develop their awareness of
other faiths.

provide support for children and parents through the extended services we
offer.
We try to maintain an environment in school which is one of happy personal
relationships built on friendship and trust where children can convey their views and
feelings. We seek to work with parents to help them fulfil their unique role in the
education of their children.
We work to develop links with the wider community and in particular our local Church
and Secondary Schools, so that our children can learn from and about the wide variety
of people and places in our neighbourhood outside their school.
-2-
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT A CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL?
The special quality of a church school is the way in which every part of its work is
based on Christian traditions, practices and beliefs. The contribution that Christianity
makes to the ethos of St James was recognised and commended in the Ofsted report
made following their inspection at the end of 2001.
Our school is seen by the church as a key part of its mission within the community in
New Cross. The Parish of St. James and the Diocese together nominate the majority
of the Governors.
The daily assembly for collective worship is a most important part of the school's
routine. Every Wednesday morning, all the children attend St. James Church. The
service is taken by the vicar, Father Neil, or by another local clergyman and usually
includes a talk. There are also special church services to celebrate Christmas, Easter
and Harvest in which all the children play a part.
Church schools are different in other ways too. St. James is an aided school which
means that its running costs are met by central Government and the local authority,
but the school has a greater degree of independence, in particular:

the Governors appoint all staff;

the Governors have a special responsibility for religious education;

the school building is owned by the Church and the Governors are responsible
for its upkeep and look to parents for help in this respect as described on page
26.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SCHOOL?
There have been great changes in education in England and Wales in the past twenty
years. A succession of Education Acts have established a national curriculum, a
national inspectorate and a national system of testing of pupils. Within this national
framework, more and more of the responsibility for the running of individual schools
has been delegated to Governors and staff.
The Governors of St. James are responsible for determining the broad aims and
overall conduct of the school. They decide with the Headteacher how the school
should develop so as to maintain and improve the standards, approving the policies
and plans which will support that development. The Governors are also responsible
for making sure that the school's budget is spent wisely and is not overspent.
The Headteacher with the staff is responsible for formulating those policies for
approval by the Governors and then for implementing them, managing the school,
organising the curriculum and ensuring proper discipline.
-3-
The present staff of our school and their main responsibilities are set out in
Appendix 1.
The Governors are listed in Appendix 2 with their individual responsibilities. In addition
to the nominations of the parish and the diocese, three of whom must be parents of
children who are or were at the school, the Headteacher and the Vicar are ex officio
Governors, a Governor is nominated by the Local Education Authority, one is elected
by the teachers and one by the support staff and two Governors are elected by all the
parents with children at the school. The parent Governors are an important channel of
communication with parents.
ADMISSIONS, ATTENDANCE AND VARIOUS PRACTICAL THINGS
ADMISSIONS
If you wish to apply for a place for your child either at the nursery, the first thing you
should do is to register the details of your child with the School Business Manager.
This can be done on any morning in the school week between 9.30am and 12 noon.
There is a form to be completed and the secretary will give you a copy of our school's
admissions policy. If you wish to apply for a Foundation place, you will also receive a
form for your Minister to complete confirming your attendance at church.
If you wish to register for the school, a Common Application Form (CAF) for Lewisham
Primary Schools will need to be collected (from any primary school in Lewisham). You
can only collect a CAF between 1st November and 1st February the year prior to you
child being 5 years.
The Governors admit 30 pupils for each year group. The School is normally oversubscribed and Governors pay careful attention to the Admissions Policy below when
deciding on the offer of a place, particularly at the Reception class stage of the
process.
The closing date for registration for a place in the Nursery is 31 March in the school
year starting the following September. Hitherto all places have been part time but full
time places are now available.
Following your acceptance of a place in the School for your child you will be invited to
a meeting in the term before your child is due to start in the School. This meeting is
important and all new parents are expected to attend. This is your opportunity to meet
staff and Governors and to hear about what your child will be doing during the first
year at the School.
-4-
ADMISSIONS POLICY
ADMISSIONS POLICY – 2007/2008
St James Hatcham is a Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School. Each year the
Governors admit thirty pupils to the Reception Class in the School. There is a maximum of
fifty pupils on a part-time basis in the Nursery although some full-time places may be offered
to older nursery children if there are places unfilled. The admission limits have been agreed
between the Governors and the Lewisham Education Authority. The thirty places available in
the Reception Class of the School are divided into Foundation places and Open places.
FOUNDATION PLACES
The Governors have designated twenty places each year as Foundation places to be filled by
pupils whose families are committed and regular Christian worshippers. If there are more
than twenty applicants for Foundation places, consideration will be given to their admission
according to the following criteria in order of priority.
1. Children who are looked after (in public care) whose carer fulfils the Foundation place
criteria which follows:
2. Children whose parent (s) have been a committed and regular worshipper for the preceding
twelve months in one of the churches of St James Hatcham or St Michael’s United Church,
New Cross. (Applicants recently having moved to the area and attending one of the above
churches will be asked for a reference from their previous Minister).
3. Children, whose brothers and/or sisters are attending the School on the intended date of
admission.
4. Children with known special educational, medical or social needs whom the Governors
believe would benefit from a place at the School. A written reference form the relevant
agencies will be required before the application is considered.
5. Children, whose parent (s) are committed and regular worshippers in a neighbouring
Church of England Church.
6. Children, whose parent (s) are committed and regular worshippers in a neighbouring
Christian Church (who are full members of Churches together in Britain and Ireland).
If any one category is oversubscribed places will be offered to the children living closest to
the school, measures in a straight line from the home to the school gate.
The intentionis that preference should be given to children of committed Christian families.
A minimum attendance of twice a month is expected.
Unsuccessful applicants for Foundation places will be automatically considered for Open
places after the Open place applications have been considered and vice-versa.
OPEN PLACES
Governors have designated the remaining ten places as Open places. In the case of
applications for these places, no consideration is given to active membership of a Church of
England Church, but parents applying for such Open places do so accepting that the School
provides an education based on Christian principles and that pupils take part in Christian
worship as well as in lessons in the Curriculum for Religious Education. If there are more
than ten applicants for these Open places, then consideration will be given to them according
to the following criteria in order of priority.
1. Looked after children whose carer specifies a wish for a Church of England School.
(Looked after child has the same meaning as in section 22 of the Children Act 1989 and
means any child in the care of the local authority or provided with accommodation by them
(e.g. children with foster parents).
2. Children who have brothers and/or sisters attending the School on the intended date of
admission.
3. Children with known special educational, medical or social needs whom the Governors
believe would benefit from a place at this particular school. A written reference form the
relevant agencies will be required before the application is considered.
4. Places will be offered to children solely on the grounds that they live locally to our school
and priority is given to those whose permanent home address is nearest, measured in a
straight line from the home to the school gate. (In determining where a child lives we cannot
accept the address of grandparents, other relatives or child minders unless the parents
themselves also live at the same address. (Proof of permanent address will be required by
production of current council tax and utility bills).
THE NURSERY
Pupils will be admitted to the Nursery initially on a part-time basis. If oversubscribed, the
Governors have designated thirty places as Foundation places and twenty places as Open
places.
The same criteria and order of priority will be applied in the allocation of these Nursery class
places as are set out above in respect of the school.
Three terms are regarded as the minimum time that children should spend in the Nursery and
five terms is the maximum. No child is admitted before the age of 3 years. The Headteacher
will decide on the balance of the three and four year olds who are admitted to the Nursery and
the number of full-time Nursery places. Full-time places will be offered as available strictly
on an age basis with the oldest children gaining the opportunity to attend morning and
afternoon.
In the best interests of the children it is to be noted that only one part-time Nursery place
should be accepted in an LEA school or nursery. Parents holding both offers should accept
one place only.
Because Nursery education is not compulsory, by law, children in our nursery cannot be given
priority for a place in the school’s Reception class. Attending the nursery therefore, does not
guarantee you child a place at the school. If you wish to apply for a place in the school for
your child, you must complete Lewisham’s Common Application form. All application
forms for entry to the school are considered on their merits according to the Admissions
Policy set out in the Prospectus.
NOTES
Applications for the academic year 2007/2008 must be made on Lewisham’s Common
Application form (CAF) which is available form the school or the LEA between 1 November
2006 and
1 February 2007. It must be returned in a sealed envelope before the 1 February and a copy
retained by the parent.
A supplementary form must be completed and signed by the minister (if a Foundation place is
sought) and returned to the school during the same period. Parents will be advised of the
outcome of their applications early in May 2007. Unsuccessful applications will be given
reasons related to the oversubscription criteria listed above and advised of their right of
appeal to an independent appeal panel.
An application made after the published closing date can de added to a second waiting list
(via the LEA) unless it can be shown that the application was late because the family has just
moved into the area. This application will then be measured and inserted in distance order in
the appropriate category.
A sibling is defined as a blood or adoptive sibling, or half-sibling, plus foster or step-sibling,
living at the same address as the child.
Parents can appeal against the decision not to offer a place and forms may be obtained from
the school. The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (as amended by the Education
Act 2002) limits the circumstances in which an independent appeal panel may allow an
appeal where the child was refused a place on ‘class size prejudice’ grounds. An information
sheet is obtainable from the school.
Children with disabilities – The school will not discriminate against applicants with
disabilities. There are no specific units or facilities for pupils with particular special needs
and there are not specific facilities for pupils with physical disabilities. The school is
however on a level site and all the accommodation is on one floor, there are also ramps at the
main entrance and at the entrance to the playground. All classrooms may be entered without
steps. As far as possible, the school will ensure that pupils with disabilities have access to the
same opportunities as other pupils.
-7-
ATTENDANCE, ABSENCE, HOLIDAYS AND SCHOOL HOURS
All children of school age (five to sixteen) are required by law to attend school unless
absence is authorised. Class registers are kept by the teacher responsible and all
absences, authorised and unauthorised, are recorded together with lateness.
Under recent legislation, the school has to authorise an absence. If your child is
absent for any reason, the class teacher or the Headteacher must be informed in
person, by telephone or in writing. In the case of the nursery, the nursery teacher
must be informed.
If the school regards the reason for absence as acceptable, then it is classed as
authorised. If the reason is unacceptable or no reason is given, then the absence is
unauthorised. All unauthorised absences are recorded by the LEA and the
Department for Education and Employment. Our registers are scrutinised by LEA
Inspectors. If there are a series of unauthorised absences by any child, then the
Headteacher will refer the case to the Educational Social Worker.
Reasons for authorised absence may be:
-sickness
-attending interviews for secondary school
-dental/hospital appointment (half day)
Reasons for absence which would be classed as unauthorised are:
-going out to buy clothes
-going out for the day
-taking family holidays
Absence figures for the latest period available are given in Appendix 3.
Absence from school makes it harder for children to keep up with the national
curriculum but there may be exceptional reasons why parents may find it essential to
take a holiday during term time. In such special cases, parents must write to the
Headteacher, give the reasons and ask for leave of absence. Any such special leave
can only be considered for the first ten school days of a term.
The dates for terms and holidays in the current year are also in Appendix 3.
The school hours are:
Morning:
Afternoon:
9.00 - 12.15 (Infants)
1.30 - 3.30
9.00 - 12.25 (Juniors)
Parents must ensure that their child is in the playground by 8.55am. The school gate
is open from 8.30am and children will be supervised from 8.45am. If it is raining hard,
then children are admitted into the school at 8.45am.
The Nursery hours are:
Morning sessions: 9.15 - 11.45
Afternoon sessions: 1.15 - 3.45
-8-
Please ensure that your child arrives promptly. A late start is unfair to your child and is
disruptive for other members of the class.
After registration, pupils may not leave the school premises before the end of school
unless a note with an explanation requesting this is sent to the school beforehand and
an adult calls for the child.
All infant children must be collected by an adult promptly at 3.30pm, the end of school.
Parents can collect their children from their respective infant classrooms at the end of
the day. Junior children can be collected from the junior gate. Similarly, all Nursery
children must be collected by an adult from the Nursery teacher and/or Nursery nurse
by 11.45am for those children attending the morning sessions and by 3.45pm for
those children attending the afternoon sessions.
In the event that prompt collection is not possible, please advise the School Secretary
or Nursery teacher on the day concerned so that some practical arrangements can be
made to make sure that your child is kept safe. In the event that there is a long delay
in collection without explanation, the staff may have to call on the help of Social
Services to look after the child.
COMING INTO SCHOOL: DRESS AND APPEARANCE
The pupils of St. James are expected to wear the school uniform except on Mufti days
when there is a special dispensation.
Details of the school uniform and PE kit are given in Appendix 4.
Lewisham Borough Council make available clothing grants for parents who need help.
Application forms can be obtained from the school secretary.
All clothing should be marked clearly with your child's name.
On appearance, our rules are few and simple:

no jewellery may be worn except small plain ear-studs;

no nail varnish or make-up is allowed;

no watches should be worn;

children may apply creams or lotions, if parents wish, after swimming but at no
other time;

hair must be kept neat and tidy; patterns and designs are not allowed and
long hair should be worn tied back or plaited.
Please remember not to let your child take toys or games or sweets with them to
school unless permission has been given by a member of staff.
-9-
SCHOOL MEALS
Meals are cooked on the school premises. There is a choice and this includes a
vegetarian option. The cost per day is £1.25 and payment must be made for the
whole week on Monday morning between 08.30 and 10.00am. Please send this
money in a sealed envelope clearly marked with your child's name or hand it in at the
school office in person. Cheques made payable to St James Hatcham CE School will
need to be supported by a current cheque card.
Parents may choose to provide packed lunches for their children to eat. Packed
lunches should be brought to school in appropriate lunch boxes and must not contain
glass bottles or cans, chocolates or sweets. The school will provide water for these
children to drink with their lunch.
Children may switch from school dinners to packed lunches and vice versa at the
beginning of each week.
Free school dinners are available to children whose parents need help. An application
form can be obtained from One Stop Shop at Laurence House or Deptford upon proof
of income support.
Full time Nursery children must bring a packed lunch.
Children in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are given free fruit daily. Under
fives are given free milk and parents of children over the age of five are able to request
that milk be given to their children. There is currently a small charge for this.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The key features of the School's Health and Safety Policy are:

if your child is unwell please keep him/her at home and notify the school without
delay. In the case of Nursery children, you should inform the Nursery teacher.
If you expect the absence to last more than a day or so please let us know but
any absence must be explained by a note from you when your child returns to
school.

if there are signs that your child might have a contagious disease, please let us
know at once as the school is required to notify other parents.

minor bumps, bruises and scrapes at the school will receive simple first aid
treatment. Should your child receive more than the most minor of injuries or if
he/she is clearly ill, we will need to make contact with you immediately. We
will also contact you immediately if you child is bumped on the head, therefore,
it is vital therefore that the record of contact addresses and telephone numbers
is kept regularly up to date. Please let us know immediately if your place of
residence or your place of work change or there is a change of telephone
number.
- 10 -

occasionally it may be necessary for your child to take medicine during school
time even when the child is fit to attend school. The school is not permitted to
administer medicines of any kind but parents are welcome to come into school
to do this themselves. Please advise the school (or the Nursery staff in the
case of Nursery children) when this will be necessary.

children who have not had a medical check between three and four years or for
whom there are inadequate records will have a medical examination during
their first year at school. There is no further medical examination given unless
requested by the parents or teacher or the doctor wishes to follow up on the
original medical.

every child on the school roll has an annual dental check.

a school nurse visits the school every week to discuss concerns parents may
have.

children's hearing is tested twice during their time at St. James.

it is important that parents inspect their child's head regularly. Head lice can
spread quickly in a school. If parents find that their child is infected then please
let the school know immediately as the school is required to notify other parents
of an outbreak.

many children are afraid of dogs. Please try not to bring your dog to the school
gate and certainly not if they are not on a lead. On no account should dogs be
brought into the playground.

parking in St. James is very difficult and can make the road dangerous for
children. If at all possible, please come without a car to collect children. If you
must bring a car, try and avoid parking it in St. James. There are neighbouring
streets, for example Jerningham Road, which are less congested.

the school operates a no smoking policy.
CHARGING FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Education at St. James is free and no charge is made for anything which is essential
to the delivery of the National Curriculum but we ask for voluntary contributions for the
upkeep of the building (see page 26).
Parents may be asked to pay for outings and visits which take place during the school
day, for tuition in playing musical instruments and for the use of any instruments not
belonging to the child being taught. If such a contribution would cause them hardship,
parents may be given help. They should contact the Headteacher directly if this is the
case.
Parents will be asked to pay for damage done by their child to school property.
- 11 -
HOW TO RESOLVE A PROBLEM
If parents consider that they have reason to complain about some aspect of the
school's activity, they should follow this procedure:

first discuss this with your child's class teacher. If you are not satisfied, then

discuss the problem with the Headteacher or Deputy Head who will investigate
your complaint. If there is still no resolution, then

you should refer the matter to the Chairman of the Governors who will review
the problem and try and find an answer. If there is still no resolution, then

the Governors have adopted the procedure recommended by Lewisham
Education whereby an independent panel of the Governors of St James will
hear the full case put by both sides and make a final decision. Details of this
procedure are available at the school or direct from Lewisham Education.
The aim is to find an early answer to any problem, an answer which is fair and which
satisfies all parties.
THE OFSTED INSPECTION
The last Ofsted Inspection (October 2001) concluded that St James Hatcham was an
effective school. The quality of education provided was sound overall and the
teaching being provided was effective in raising standards and most pupils were
achieving in line with expectation for their age. A substantial proportion of very good
teaching was observed during the Inspection, in addition to some excellent teaching.
The Headteacher was judged to be providing clear leadership and she was supported
by an enthusiastic team of teachers. Overall, the Report judged that the School
provides satisfactory value for money. Copies of the summary of the OFSTED report
can be obtained from the school office.
THE FOUNDATION STAGE
The 'Foundation Stage' came into effect in September 2000. This is the phase of
education from a child's third birthday to the end of the Reception year.
The early learning goals set out what most children are expected to achieve by the
end of the Foundation stage. They are organised into six areas of learning:






personal, social and emotional development;
language and literacy;
mathematical development;
knowledge and understanding of the world;
physical development;
creative development.
- 12 -
THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM AND RELATED MATTERS
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
It is important to realise right from the beginning that children spend only about 15% of
their waking time in school. However hard the teachers work, it is not possible for
them alone to provide 100% of the education that the children need in 15% of the
time. A close working relationship with parents is essential if your children are to
realise their full potential.
Teaching at St James is a combination of whole class interactive teaching and
teaching in smaller groups.
Like all schools that receive financial support from the Government, St. James is
required to deliver the National Curriculum. 21 hours a week during term are spent on
teaching in Key Stage 1 and 23½ hours are spent on teaching in Key Stage 2.
The National Curriculum is divided into five "core" subjects and a number of
"foundation" subjects. The core subjects are English, Mathematics, Science,
Religious Education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The
foundation subjects are:
Music
Physical Education (Sport and Dance)
Art and Design
History
Geography
Design and Technology
Drama
PSHE (Personal and Social Health Education)
Through the integration of many subjects, we are developing a creative approach to
the delivery of the curriculum. This provides children with the opportunity to
experience the links between subject areas, as well as allowing/encouraging teachers
to be more flexible in their teaching styles.
The National Curriculum is regularly revised. The descriptions which follow reflect
what is being taught in our school now but there will be changes if the National
Curriculum changes.
The Department for Education and Skills documents on the curriculum and the
school's policies on the curriculum subjects may be viewed by parents on application
to the school office.
There are two Key Stages at which pupils are tested in primary schools like St. James:
*In Year 2, at the end of Key Stage 1 at the age of six and seven years. The levels
are 1, 2 and 3 with the average child considered to achieve level 2.
*In Year 6, at the end of Key Stage 2 at the age of ten and eleven years. Here there
are also three levels: levels 3, 4 and 5 with the average child considered
to achieve level 4.
- 13 -
Parents receive a printed report of their child's performance in each of their tests
alongside the teacher assessments. Teacher assessments are based on the child's
work in English, Maths and Science over the course of the year.
The results of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 tests taken in 2006 by children at
St. James are shown at Appendix 5 together with the most recent national results
available for comparison.
THE CORE CURRICULUM
English
The national curriculum sets out programmes of study aimed at three attainment
targets:



the development of speaking and listening skills;
fluent reading and good understanding of what is read;
clear and accurate writing.
At St. James, we have always been clear that good reading and good comprehension
are the doorway to learning in all subjects. We have concentrated resources on this
part of the curriculum and currently employ teaching or classroom assistants for each
class. Our Reading Diary gives clear guidance on reading practice and has been
effective in stimulating more and better reading at home.
Our school is therefore in a good position to take advantage of the Government's drive
to improve literacy skills. The National Literacy Strategy - a framework for teaching
literacy - offers detailed objectives for planning and teaching reading and writing, and
some aspects of speaking and listening. Every primary school is required to set aside
at least an hour a day to concentrate on raising achievement in literacy. Our school is
putting a special effort into this part of the curriculum. Recently, we have used more
stimulating ways to teach literacy through the use of drama techniques and interactive
whiteboards. Teachers now plan from core texts in order to engage all learners and
make Literacy more fun and with a meaningful context. Children are really immersed
in the text and take part in a wide range of activities which stimulate their ideas for
producing their own quality writing outcomes. Help from parents is also of critical
importance. Parents taught their children to speak; they can help enormously in
teaching them to read and understand what they have read. Parents are expected to
play a vital part in commenting and signing new Reading Diaries. A Literacy Evening
is run annually in order to update parents on the teaching of Literacy and how they can
help their children at home.
Class teachers and teaching and classroom assistants in the school are joined by
parents and others who volunteer to come into school to help our children learn to
read. We know, however, that it is the active involvement of parents at home in
helping their children to read that makes the major difference to what they achieve.
For this reason, the Governors require parents to sign a reading contract. Parents
undertake to spend time three or four times a week to listen to their children reading
and then to question them about their book.
- 14 -
We have a strong link with Lewisham Education Business Partnership. We have
volunteers who come in and listen to children read.
Because it is so important for the child's future, we look to the parents for a real
commitment to supporting their child and the school in this way. The greatest gift you
can give to your child is your time. We realise the pressure on school families,
especially where both parents work full time, but developing skill in reading is so
important to your child that it must have priority over the ever present competition from
television and videos. If your child comes to St. James therefore, we expect parents
to make the necessary time available at home to help their child read.
Mathematics
A sound knowledge of mathematics is essential if our children are to deal with modern
living confidently and competently.
St James has been involved in the National Numeracy Project since September 1997.
Each school is expected to fully implement the National Numeracy Strategy - a
framework for teaching mathematics on a daily basis.
The national curriculum has three attainment targets for both Key Stage 1 and 2:



in using and applying mathematics, children gain sufficient understanding so
as to use their new mathematical knowledge to solve real problems in their
daily lives. They are encouraged to ask questions, explain and record their
thinking.
in number and algebra, children are taught relationships between numbers
and explore computation and recording. Calculators and computers are some
of the tools they use. Algebra is taught from the earliest years in the form of
patterning and sequencing and this progresses throughout the school to reach
simple formulae in year six.
in shape, space and measures, children are taught about two and three
dimensional shapes, how to recognise and measure angle and they learn about
the whole range of measures: money, time, weight, length, area, capacity and
volume.
At Key Stage 2, a fourth attainment target is added:
*in handling data, children collect, record and interpret data using a variety of
methods including computers.
We make use of the National Numeracy Strategy supported by New Heinemann
Machts Scheme. Practical mathematics is carried out in all year groups. Each
autumn term, parents are given the opportunity to find out more about how
mathematics is taught at St James when our school holds its annual Maths Evening.
- 15 -
Science
Science is highly valued at St James. The national curriculum aims to develop three
principal skills in science - planning experimental work, obtaining the evidence and
assessing it. There are four attainment targets:




in scientific enquiry, children are taught to plan together, to collect evidence
and share their ideas using scientific language, drawings, charts and tables.
in life processes and living things, children study nutrition in the human body,
the life cycles of plants and animals and where they live.
in materials and their properties, children learn to identify and classify
everyday materials and to understand their properties;
in physical processes, we look at electricity, the force of gravity, light and
sound and the planetary system.
The Interactive Whiteboard is now used to teach Science in a more creative way. A
Science Week is held during the summer term.
Religious Education
Religious Education has a special place in a church school like St. James. Our aim is
to impart a good knowledge of the principles of Christianity and to describe how the
Christian faith fits into its world environment. There is also the opportunity to look at
other faiths: Judaism and Islam. Although St. James practises and teaches the
Christian faith, our children are taught to show respect for the faith of others.
There are two attainment targets in the National Curriculum:
*the first is a framework of knowledge of Christianity - the life and work of
Jesus, the festivals of the church year and how different Christians
worship;
*the second is designed to get children to reflect on beliefs and values, to move
beyond the stories to the meaning and significance of what Jesus said
and taught.
The law provides that if they wish, parents may withdraw their children from Religious
Education and collective worship. As St. James is so clearly a Church of England
school, it is hoped and expected that in entering their child for the school in the first
place, parents will have fully accepted its ethos and that every child should take a full
part in all the school's activities.
Information and Communication Technology
ICT is at the heart of modern life and good ICT skills are essential to earning a living.
For this reason, the school has had classroom computers for several years. Whole
class teaching of ICT is possible in the computer suite situated in the Nursery and FLC
building. In 2004 there was a major refurbishment of computers and associated
equipment throughout the school. The school is connected to the Internet.
For Key Stage 1, pupils are taught to use ICT equipment, to communicate and handle
information and to help solve problems.
- 16 –
For Key Stage 2, they are taught to extend their range and to use computers and the
information they produce to analyse a range of problems.
Interactive whiteboards have been installed in Years 2, 4 and 6. These creative tools
are used by teachers in science, numeracy and literacy. (Years 1, 3 and 5 share the
Interactive whiteboards with the other year groups.)
THE FOUNDATION SUBJECTS
Music
At both Key Stage 1 and 2 children are taught using programmes of study with two
attainment targets:


performing and composing;
listening and appraising.
Music has always been a very important part of the life of St. James. Throughout the
school, there are many opportunities for our children to make music. The school has
its own choir and recorder group. From Year 4, children are given the opportunity to
play the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone or tenor horn. Our children have taken part
in local concerts and in October 2002, a child won the notable "Rotary Prize" for
playing the clarinet. Making music plays an important part in our school performances
at Christmas and other special occasions. It has been possible to arrange a number
of visits to the school by a variety of professional musicians. These visits have given
our children a greater appreciation of the range and quality of music performed in
Britain today.
Physical Education and Sport
Although St. James is an inner city school on a small site, we give a great deal of
attention to children's physical development. All children are expected to take part in
PE lessons. These include gymnastics, dance and games. Children in Year 5 and
Year 6 are given swimming lessons and we hope that all children will attain their 25
metres certificate by the time they leave.
Football after school club takes place throughout the year for both infant and junior
children. We also run after school clubs such as cricket and netball.
All children are involved in an annual Sports Day which takes place in the summer
term on Goldsmiths' College Sports Field.
Art and Design
The national curriculum requires two learning processes in art:


investigating and making;
building knowledge and understanding.
- 17 -
Art is an important means of self expression for children. At St. James, children
become familiar with a variety of activities and materials: paints, crayons, chalks,
pastels, printing, collage and clay modelling. Each year, all children in Year Groups 16 are given the opportunity to visit galleries and museums i.e. Hornimans Museum and
Dulwich Picture Gallery, where they are introduced by expert staff to some of the
pictures. A professional artist then joins each class for a whole day and the work is
displayed around the school. This is linked closely with units of work. Children have
also had an input from the Magic Lantern, which has supported their knowledge and
understanding. The children are given the opportunity to enter yearly nationwide
competitions i.e. the ‘Spirited’ Art Competition, which links Art and RE.
During their time at our school, we aim to develop an appreciation of the various art
forms and encourage our children to study a range of pictures, sculpture, photographs
and prints.
By the end of their primary education, they should be able to select and use the right
medium for the task and they can then concentrate their main effort on presentation of
the subject. Pupils' understanding and enjoyment of art and design link closely to the
design and technology part of the national curriculum.
History
For Key Stage 1, pupils are given opportunities to become aware of the past and the
ways in which it differs from the present. They are introduced to historical sources of
different types.
For Key Stage 2, pupils focus on four key periods in Britain's past: the Romans, the
Tudors, Victorian Britain and Britain since 1930. They have the opportunity to study
these periods in some depth and learn about changes in life over a long period of
time.
All children take part in Black History Month which takes place each October. Some
children have been given the opportunity to take part in after school workshops
learning about the Queen of Sheba.
Geography
Throughout the work for both Key Stages, we aim to arouse our children's curiosity
about the environment in which they live as well as far distant places.
In Key Stage 1, infants start by studying their own locality and comparing this with
somewhere else. They use simple plans, maps and photographs.
In Key Stage 2, the children's skills are extended and they study three localities, one
close by, one elsewhere in England and the third outside Europe.
Each Year Group has the opportunity to compare New Cross with the contrasting
locality of Horton Kirby in Kent.
- 18 -
Design and Technology
This part of the national curriculum has two attainment targets:


designing;
making.
At each Key Stage, children are taught to develop their capabilities by combining their
designing and making skills with theoretical knowledge so as to design and make their
own products.
ASSESSMENT OF PUPILS' PROGRESS
St James operates a regular assessment of pupils' progress to identify individual
strengths and weaknesses e.g. termly reading and writing tests, sampling half termly,
numeracy tests. Pupils of all levels of ability have strengths that can be built on and
weaknesses that can be corrected. We aim to identify these early so that we can take
appropriate action. Children who have above average achievement in particular
subjects are encouraged to progress further by the setting of work designed to stretch
their talents and where it is appropriate, by grouping by level of ability in the
classroom. We share writing and numeracy levels with the children and give them
targets in order form them to move on.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
As a Christian school, we believe at St. James that we should go as far as we can
without harming the education of other pupils, to support pupils with special
educational needs (SEN). We have a part-time SEN co-ordinator and one Governor
has special responsibilities for SEN.
SEX EDUCATION
Throughout our school, children's questions are dealt with in a natural and honest
manner appropriate to their age and understanding and within a Christian family
framework.
The Governors have agreed that more specific instruction related to birth, growing up
and the life process should be given to Year 6 pupils. The syllabus is currently being
reviewed to include a programme suitable for all year groups, in consultation with the
school nurse. Parents of the children involved are informed before the lessons are
given and parents are asked to sign a consent form. Parents have the right to
withdraw their children if they wish by writing to the Headteacher to this effect.
- 19 -
HOMEWORK
For both the Infants and Juniors, regular reading has always been the most important
part of homework at St. James. Under our Reading Contract, we look to parents to
play an active part in listening to their children read and questioning them about their
understanding of what they have read, noting things of importance in the Reading
Diary. In Key Stage 2, children are also set spellings and tables to learn at home.
For our junior children, class teachers set homework during term time and projects for
completion during the holidays are sometimes set. It is essential that parents check
what homework their children have to do and ensure that it is done on time by allowing
them the space and time free of other distractions. For older children, project work is
of particular value because it requires them to make their own investigation and this
breeds self reliance and self confidence.
Each term parents will receive details of the work that their child will be covering in
English, Mathematics and Science, plus information on any topic work the class may
be studying so that parents can support their children at home.
When appropriate, parents are invited to class meetings where the class teacher with
the Headteacher will explain any new developments or initiatives in the curriculum,
and how parents can support this work at home.
Recently, Parent Drop-In sessions have begun. These give parents the opportunity on
an informal basis to meet with class teachers and Nursery Nurses (in Reception and
Nursery) to discuss various aspects of children's learning.
OUTSIDE VISITS
Regular visits throughout the year are made to the Horton Kirby Environmental Study
Centre. These give children the opportunity of investigating and studying a rural
environment and comparing this with the environment in which they live. This work is
an integral part of the geography curriculum. Classes spend a whole day there.
Although the Centre is subsidised by Lewisham, the school has to pay £300 per visit
and parents are asked to contribute to the cost of travel and tuition.
A much expanded programme of visits to museums, galleries and places of interest is
now in operation. Visits have included the Science Museum, Southwark Cathedral,
Horniman Museum and Apsley House. These not only help with class work but are
important in stimulating a wider interest and appreciation on the part of the children.
BREAKFAST CLUB
The school has a breakfast club which is resident in the school house. Breakfast Club
runs from 8.00am until 8.45am and is organised by Lewisham Early Years. The
Breakfast Club provides childcare, which includes breakfast and activities.
- 20 -
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
There is a regular after school club at St. Michael's for children aged 5 to 11. Children
who join the club are collected by the staff of St. Michael's after school and walked
down to the Centre.
There is also a school club at Shalom based in Creek Road which offers early riser,
after school and holiday schemes.
At St James itself, there are already after school dance and football clubs and it is
planned to start a regular After School Club in the Autumn. A choir practises at lunch
times and children are taught to play brass instruments on Monday mornings before
school.
SECONDARY TRANSFER
On completion of their sixth year at school, children transfer to secondary schools.
This change takes place each September.
During the latter part of the summer term children in Year 5 take some tests as part of
the process for Secondary Transfer. These tests currently consist of the Optional
Year 5 SATs Tests in English and Mathematics. Children are placed in one of five
bands. The purpose of this is to ensure that each secondary school has a broadly
balanced intake of children across the ability range.
Lewisham secondary schools are open for visits by parents during September and
October. In October, parents complete the secondary transfer form for their child,
listing up to six schools and putting these in order of preference. These preferences
are processed and the result of this given to parents in January.
If parents wish to apply to City Technology Colleges, grant maintained schools or to
schools in other boroughs, then they should contact the school or the Local Education
Authority concerned direct.
In 2006, our children have moved to a wide range of schools within Lewisham and
outside:
Addey and Stanhope
Bonus Pastor
Christ Hospital
Crofton
Hayes
Notre Dame
Deptford Green
Haberdasher Askes
Northbrook CE
Prendergast
St Saviours and St Olaves
St Thomas the Apostle
St Josephs Academy
Waverley
- 21 -
BEHAVIOUR AND EXPECTATIONS
Like the rest of policy and practice at St. James, our Behaviour and Relationships
Policy is firmly based on Christian morality, justice, love and forgiveness. It aims to set
clear standards for the behaviour expected in every part of the school's activity and
there are rewards and sanctions to match the degree of positive and inappropriate
behaviour. Because a behaviour and relationships policy must be understood and
accepted by everyone, children, staff and parents were consulted in the process of
preparing it.
There is a school council and two children are elected from each year group in Years
2 to 6. Practical experience shows that this has made children act in a more
responsible way and the council has made several useful suggestions which have
been implemented.
Our policy leaves no doubt about the behaviour which will and will not be tolerated.
All our children are expected to have proper respect for others; in particular they
should:
*be polite to everyone, children and adults;
*care for others and always be ready to help;
*be open and honest at all times;
*be co-operative and do as they are asked by the staff;
*show respect for people from all cultural and religious backgrounds;
*respect the school and its contents and the property of others.
Around the school, there are posters spelling out this policy and showing what we
expect to see at St James which encompasses our overall aims.
At the same time, they should be conscientious about their work and are expected to
do their very best at all times.
Pupils who have distinguished themselves by examples of particularly good behaviour
or good work are acknowledged at our Sharing Assembly each week as an example to
everyone at the school. Student of the Year Assemblies are made at the end of each
year.
Behaviour that will not be tolerated in any circumstances is equally clear:












bullying whether physical or verbal
fighting and aggressive behaviour
racist behaviour of any sort
temper tantrums
name calling
swearing
answering back in a rude way
behaving aggressively or without respect to teachers and adults in the school
cruelty to any person or animal
lying
stealing
vandalism
- 22 -
Incidents of unacceptable behaviour are carefully recorded in the Class Incident Book.
This details when it happened, what it was and what has to be done about it.
Wherever possible the child will see what is being recorded and should agree with
what is written. This book is reviewed weekly by the Headteacher. In the case of a
serious incident of misbehaviour the Headteacher will give it immediate personal
attention.
Our first reaction to unacceptable behaviour is a verbal reprimand. This may be
followed by detention during playtimes and/or by loss of privileges, e.g. school visits.
For more serious incidents, an "Incident Form" will be completed by the child and this
has to be signed by the parent. Depending on what has happened and in particular
whether the incident was isolated or one of a succession, parents will be brought in to
discuss the matter to see how they and the school can co-operate to stop a repetition.
More recently, the school has begun to use Year 6 children as mentors to encourage
positive behaviour from the Infants and Year 3 children.
LEARNING MENTOR
The Learning Mentor delivers a 12 week Behaviour Programme for children targeted
for extra support with their behaviour.
It is open to the Headteacher and the Governors to exclude children for a limited
period or in extreme cases, permanently. St. James tries to avoid exclusions but
sometimes it is just not possible. In our experience, really serious misbehaviour is
something which builds up over a period. It is vital that all the adults involved both set
the right example and act quickly to stop inappropriate behaviour getting out of hand.
Our school will work promptly with parents where there is serious inappropriate
behaviour but looks to the parents to support the school in getting the child back on
the rails.
THE SCHOOL AND OUR PARENTS
We hope that this prospectus has explained how the school works and what it sets out
to achieve for the children in its care. However hard we try, our children cannot reach
their full potential unless parents and the school work closely together. There are
many ways in which we do this.
- 23 -
ST JAMES FAMILY LEARNING CENTRE
The Family Learning Centre is attached to St James Nursery and Primary School. It
provides support and activities for children, parents/carers and other families from the
local community. A team of staff work at the Family Learning Centre. One member of
staff works at Monson Primary School where we have started a new Parent and Under
5’s Playgroup.
Current activities include:



Toy lending library for 2-3 year olds who attend the Parent and Under 5s group
or Family Play Sessions, St James Nursery and Reception
Parents and Under 5s Playgroup at St James FLC and Monson Primary School
Family Play Sessions for children aged 2-3 years old. Referrals can be made
by health visitors, speech and language therapists and other Early Years
professionals and children's services.
In addition we organise coffee afternoons for parents and babies, positive parenting
course, baby massage, half term activities and summer play sessions for 0-7 year olds
with visiting artists, activities and day trips out to the beach, farm, etc. We link up with
other children and families services and often have visitors to our parents and under
5s sessions, eg the dental team, child therapists, benefits advisers and midwives. The
Family Learning Centre is an information point for parents/carers for a wide range of
issues, eg adult education, childcare, family activities in the local area, family support.
Our programme is developing all the time and working towards providing more
courses and learning activities for parents/carers and children. We work in partnership
with 2 local agencies – Sure Start and New Cross New Deals for Communities and
Monson Primary School.
BECOMING A GOVERNOR
Parents should seriously consider becoming a School Governor. You could offer
yourself for election as one of the parent governors. Two Governors are now elected
by the parents to represent them and it is a requirement that three of the Foundation
Governors are also present or past parents of children at the school. There are other
opportunities. At St. James, we welcome observers at some of our Governors'
meetings so that they can gain experience of what it is like to be a Governor.
Becoming a Governor means you will gain experience and will be involved in decision
making that affects your child’s education.
There is a full Governors' meeting twice a term and three sub-committees normally
meet once a term. School Governors now have many more responsibilities and more
work to do than in the past but our meetings are lively and interesting and by taking
part, you can help make St. James a better school.
- 24 -
SCHOOL VISITS AND SCHOOL MEETINGS
Any parent can see the Headteacher to discuss any matter of concern. Please make
an appointment with the school secretary. If parents want to see their child's class
teacher it is usually better to do so by making an appointment at a mutually agreed
time.
A number of meetings for parents are arranged throughout the year:

there is a special meeting for new parents of Reception children in the term
prior to your child starting school.

there is an opportunity for Year 6 parents to meet the Headteacher to discuss
the process of Secondary Transfer early in the autumn term. Following this,
parents are invited in to complete the Secondary Transfer Forms.

each class has Parents' Meetings three times a year, during the year, one each
term, when you can discuss your child's work and progress with his/her teacher.
In addition to these meetings, the class teacher and the Headteacher meet the
parents of Year 2 and Year 6 children at the beginning of the autumn term to
discuss targets for the children and the SATs.

towards the end of the summer term, there is also a further opportunity for
parents of other children within the School and the Nursery to meet their class
teacher to discuss their child's Annual Report, progress and targets.

the staff aim to keep parents up to date with the curriculum which they are
tackling next so that parents can help their children effectively.

periodically, there are open evenings at which staff make a presentation about
the teaching of a particular subject, meetings which have proved very popular
with parents.

finally, during the summer term, the Governors send to parents their Annual
Report on the work of the school. If parents request it, the Governors will
arrange a meeting with parents to discuss it.
HELPING YOUR CHILD AT HOME
All the latest research leaves no doubt about the key role that active support and
participation of parents plays in their children's learning. Children who do not receive
that support slip back compared with those who do. A recent study concludes that
"children were disadvantaged not by social class but rather by lack of parents'
interest".
- 25 -
As we have made clear in the Section on the Curriculum, there is so much parents can
do to help their children at home. Ensure that they do not spend all their time plugged
into television sets and computer games. Listen to them read and discuss their book
with them. Help them with their tables and then as they get older see that any
homework and projects are completed. This will make all the difference. We also
know how important the more general influence of parents is on their children's
behaviour, by setting them a good example and giving your backing to the clear and
reasonable rules that we have agreed at the school. Children would not be children if
there were not occasional problems in their upbringing. We want to work with you
closely to make sure not just that they stay on the rails, but that they never look like
coming off.
HELPING THE SCHOOL FINANCIALLY
We need your help to keep our school as a voluntary aided Church School. The
school building is not owned by the Local Authority but by the Church. The Governors
have to keep it in good order and insure it. We have to pay directly for part of the cost
of smaller repairs. Each year we also pay into a fund run by the Southwark Diocesan
Board of Education from which the cost of major maintenance is met. With the cost of
insurance, the total funds we have to find for our school buildings is currently about
£4,000 a year. Despite being only thirty years old, our school has needed some major
repairs and in recent years well over £200,000 has been spent by the Diocese on the
roof and renewing the windows. We could never afford this on our own and so it is
vital that we pay our dues to the Fund.
To help meet these costs, we ask parents to commit themselves to making a regular
contribution. It is small but it is vital for the future of St. James as a Church School.
For children in the main school, we ask parents to give £24 a year for the first child
and £12 each for any other children in the school. For parents with children part-time
in the Nursery we ask for £12 for the first child and £6 for any other children in the
Nursery. This money should be paid to the school secretary. School parents can pay
for three years ahead and protect themselves against further increases in charges.
We particularly welcome payment by Bankers' Order. Following a recent change in
the law, we can recover part of the tax which you will have paid on these voluntary
contributions if you confirm to us by signing a simple form that you currently pay tax.
We also have to pay 10% of the cost of any improvements at the school. Three
projects to extend the school area have been completed. Most important, the
Governors had to find their share of the cost of the Nursery and this was nearly
£20,000. Most of this was provided by old established Church of England charities but
parents supported fund raising activities that made sure that the total was reached.
PARENT/TEACHER ASSOCIATION
Parents and the school work together so as to provide facilities for the school which
are not available through the grants that the school receives from the Government and
Local Education Authority. The St James Parent/Teacher Association has recently
started on a new programme of events and results are most encouraging. Every
parent is automatically a member. The Association has three main objectives:
- 26 -

by organising social events and other activities, money is raised which is then
spent on buying for the school, things which cannot be provided from other
sources.

the financial contribution which the Association makes is valuable but it is also a
way to bring closer together parents, teachers, Governors and all those
involved in our school. It is a place where parents can exchange views and
form friendships.

it is an important way in which parents can show support for the staff who
continue to teach conscientiously despite all the demands that have been
placed on them in recent years.
So this is what all of us are joining together to achieve: to prepare your children for
coping with the modern world, to develop their potential to the full and to teach them
always to be kind and considerate to others. St. James sets out to do this by giving
your child a good modern education but basing it on the Christian faith and Christian
morality which have stood the test of time.
A good way of summing up what we are all here to do is contained in some verses
which have appeared in various forms. The form that we like is:
A child that lives with antagonism
Learns to fight.
A child that lives with distrust
Learns to deceive others.
A child that lives with ridicule
Learns to be timid.
A child that lives with criticism
Learns to condemn others.
A child that lives with patience
Learns to tolerate others.
A child that lives with encouragement
Learns to be confident.
A child that lives with sharing
Learns to be considerate.
A child that lives with fairness
Learns to be just.
A child that lives with wisdom
Learns to be wise.
A child that reads God's Word
Learns to have faith, wisdom and love,
And it is that child
That will give most to the world.
- 27 -
APPENDIX 1
THE SCHOOL STAFF
Ms Sonia McFarlane
Headteacher
INSET Co-ordinator
Child Protection Officer,
Behaviour,
School Journeys Co-ordinator
Ms Deniece Graham
Deputy Headteacher
Year 6 Teacher
ICT, Numeracy, Assessment,
Creativity Co-ordinator
Teaching Staff:
Mrs Carol Mullings
Year 5 Teacher (Part time) Assessment Co-ordinator
Literacy Co-ordinator
Member of Mangement Team
Mr Robert Whitwell
Year 5 Teacher (Part time) Music Co-ordinator
Mrs Angela Hedges
Year 4 Teacher
RE Co-ordinator
Library Co-ordinator
EAZ Co-ordinator
Member of Management Team
Ms Binta Fall
Year 3 Teacher
PSHE
School Council
Miss Katherine Keen
Year 2 Teacher
Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator
EMAS Co-ordinator
Miss Louise Lawrence
Year 1 Teacher
History Co-ordinator
Geography Co-ordinator
Ms Pam Pryce
Reception
PE Co-ordinator
Black History Month Co-ordinator
Foundation Stage Co-ordinator
Mrs Sharon Lewis
Part time cover Teacher
Induction and School Based Tutor
Science Co-ordinator
Miss Alison Jennings
Nursery Teacher
Art Co-ordinator
Ms Catherine Lyle
Part time Teacher
SEN Co-ordinator
Ms Alison Billsberry
Part time Teacher
Heart Carnival Co-ordinator
Family Learning Centre
Miss Julie Rush
Family Learning Centre Manager
Extended Services Link
Mrs Maria Madronero
Creche Worker
Mr Darren Quinn
Creche Worker
Mrs Susan Winter
Playworker
Associated Teaching Staff
Mr Gerald SterlingMusic Tutor (part time)
Mr Malcolm Framingham Music Tutor (part time)
Support Staff
Mrs Caryl Giddings
School Business Manager
Mrs Yvonne Treleven
Premises Officer
Mrs Sandra Tebbutt
Specialist Teacher Assistant
Responsibility for Classroom Assistants
Senior Mid-day Meals Supervisor
Mrs Linda Hall
Nursery Nurse (Reception)
Mrs Hilary Gabbidon-Ellis Nursery Nurse (Nursery Class)
Mrs Greta Preston
Teaching Assistant (Including ICT and Office)
Meals Supervisor
Ms Marcia Miller
Classroom Assistant
Mrs Pat King
Classroom Assistant
Meals Supervisor
Miss Angela Nardini
Classroom Assistant
Meals Supervisor
Ms Lorraine Harriott
Learning Mentor
Mrs Yvonne Maguirre
Learning Support Assistant
Mr Steve Dixon
Learning Support Assistant
Miss Taisha Bailey
Learning Support Assistant
Mr Roger McFarlane
ICT Technician
Mrs Christine Huntley
Meals Supervisor
Mrs Sandra Satchell
Meals Supervisor
Mrs Margaret O'Connor
Cleaner (part-time)
Mr Ramon Sanchez
Cleaner (part-time)
Ms Cecilia Toasa
Cleaner (part-time)
APPENDIX 2
GOVERNORS
NameSpecial Responsibilities
Term of Office
Expires
Ex Officio
Ms Sonia McFarlane
Rev. Neil Nicholls
Foundation
Headteacher
Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Mr Malcolm Edwards
Chairman/Finance/Literacy
Miss Wendy Griffiths
ICT/Science
St. James PCC
Mrs Christine Hever
Mr David Calrow
Miss Gwen Randall
Oct 2006
Aug 2006
Vice Chair/Curriculum/
Sex Education/ Music
Sept 2007
PSHE/Premises/Health and Safety
Library
Sept 2007
Sept 2007
Mrs Marion Williams
Sept 2006
Mr Victor Olakanpo
1 Vacancy
Nov 2007
Lewisham Education
Mrs Sharon Thomas
Oct 2007
Elected by the Teaching Staff
Mrs Angela Hedges
July 2007
Elected by the Support Staff
Mrs Sandra Tebbutt
Jan 2007
Elected by the Parents
Mr Yemi Akinsiwaju
One Vacancy
Feb 2007
Clerk to the Governors
Mrs Lyn Peters
Treasurer to the Governors
Miss Gill Rogers
Should you wish to communicate with the Governors, the addresses of the Chair and the Clerk are:
Mr Malcolm Edwards
80 Waller Road
London
SE14 5LY1
Mrs Lyn Peters
Lewisham Education
Laurence House
Catford
London SE6 4SW
APPENDIX 3
Rates of Absence
The return covers the period 3 September 2005 to 31 March 2006:
Number of pupil sessions: 37208
Number of authorised absences: 1191 (3.2%)
Number of unauthorised absences: 543 (1.46%)
School Terms and Holiday Dates 2006 - 2007
Autumn Term 2006: Monday 4 September - Tuesday 19 December 2006
Spring Term 2007: Wednesday 3 January - Friday 30 March 2007
Summer Term 2007: Monday 16 April - Friday 20 July 2007
Half Term Holiday
Autumn Term 2006: Monday 23 October - Friday 27 October 2006
Spring Term 2007: Monday 12 February - Friday 16 February 2007
Summer Term 2007: Monday 28 May - Friday 1 June 2007
Inset Days
4,5,6 September 2006
3 January 2007
1 other to be arranged
APPENDIX 4
ST. JAMES HATCHAM - UNIFORM LIST
BOYS
Shirt
Trousers
White (short sleeves for summer, optional)
Grey Bermuda shorts except that long trousers may be worn from the end of
October half term until the Easter holiday and by Year 6 boys
throughout the year
Grey V neck
Grey
Red/silver (available from the school office)
Black/dark grey (leather plain lace up or slip on)
Black closed type
Black/navy or other dark colour
Sweater
Socks
Tie
Shoes
Sandals
Coat/Anorak
P.E. Kit
Plimsolls white or black (slip on or lace up) No Trainers
White shorts
Plain white 'T' shirt
GIRLS
Shirt/Blouse
Skirt
White (short sleeves for summer, optional)
Grey pleated/kilted skirt or grey pleated/kilted pinafore
Red checked / striped dresses to be worn from Easter to October
Grey V neck
Red/silver (available from the school office)
Red and white checked dress for summer, optional
White/grey
White
Black/dark grey (leather plain lace-up or slip on)
Black closed type (no peep toes)
Black/navy or other dark colour
Sweater
Tie
Dress
Tights (winter)
Socks
Shoes
Sandals
Coat/Anorak
P.E. Kit
Plimsolls white or black (slip on or lace up) No Trainers
White shorts/skirt
Plain white 'T' shirt
Please note:
All items of clothing can be purchased at: Whitehall Clothiers, 244a Lewisham High Street.
Telephone 020 8852 8967 or through School Trends (catalogue available from school office).
ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING MUST BE LABELLED WITH THE CHILD'S NAME
When buying shoes for school they should be plain, sturdy and not high heeled. Suede shoes, shoes
with metal pieces, ankle boots or boots of any description are not allowed to be worn in
school.
SCHOOL BOOK BAGS are available from the school office at a cost of £3.50 each, for the
purpose of carrying reading books, reading diaries or letters home. P.E. BAGS are also available
from the school office at a cost of £2.50 for their PE kit.
No bags other than these school bags can be brought into school.
APPENDIX 5
SCHOOL RESULTS
YEAR 2: KEY STAGE 1 SATs RESULTS 2005
These tables show the percentage of eligible children at the end of Key Stage 1 achieving each level
in the school. The number of eligible children is 29. Figures may not total 100% because of
rounding.
RESULTS OF TASK AND / OR TESTS AND TEACHER ASSESSMENT 2005
W
1
2
3
4+
Pupils
Disapplied
Pupils
Absent
Speaking and
Listening
0
10
86
3
0
0
0
Reading
3
21
59
17
0
0
0
Writing
7
17
76
0
0
0
0
Mathematics
0
17
62
21
0
0
Science
3
10
69
14
0
0
YEAR 2: NATIONAL RESULTS 2005
These tables show the percentage of Year 2 children achieving each level nationally in 2005, the
latest year for which detailed results are available. Figures may not total 100% because of rounding.
RESULTS OF TASK AND / OR TESTS AND TEACHER ASSESSMENT 2005
W
1
2
3
4+
Speaking and
Listening
2
10
65
23
0
0
0
Reading
3
11
59
27
0
0
0
Writing
5
12
67
15
0
0
0
Mathematics
2
7
68
23
0
0
Science
2
8
64
25
0
0
W represents children who are working towards level 1, but have not yet
achieved the standards needed for level 1.
*these assessments do not apply at every level, and therefore figures
may not total 100%.
Pupils
Disapplied
Pupils
Absent
SCHOOL RESULTS
YEAR 6: KEY STAGE 2 SATs RESULTS 2005
These tables show the percentage of Year 6 children achieving each level in the school in 2005.
Number of children in year 6: 27. Figures may not total 100% because of rounding.
TEACHER ASSESSMENT
W
1
2
3
4
5
6
Pupils
Disapplied
Pupils
Absent
English
0
0
7
11
56
26
0
0
0
Speaking and
Listening
0
0
11
19
44
26
0
0
0
Reading
0
0
7
0
74
19
0
0
0
Writing
0
0
7
15
48
30
0
0
3
Mathematics
0
0
0
15
59
26
0
0
0
Science
0
0
4
44
44
7
0
0
0
Pupils
Disapplied
Pupils
Absent
TEST RESULTS
Below
Level 3*
3
4
5
6
0
English
7
0
67
22
0
3
Reading
7
4
67
19
0
0
Writing
7
4
52
33
0
3
Mathematics
7
22
44
22
0
0
0
Science
0
41
37
19
0
0
0
W represents children who are working towards level 1, but have not yet
achieved the standards needed for level 1.
*represents children who were not entered for the tests because they
were working below level 3 in English, mathematics or science;
children awarded a compensatory level from the tests; and children
entered for but not achieving a level from the tests.
YEAR 6: NATIONAL RESULTS 2005
These tables show the percentage of Year 6 children achieving each level nationally in 2005, the
latest year for which detailed results are available. Figures may not total 100% because of
rounding.
TEACHER ASSESSMENT
W
1
2
3
4
5
6
Pupils
Disapplied
Pupils
Absent
English
1
1
5
18
49
26
0
0
0
Mathematics
0
1
4
18
46
30
0
0
0
Science
0
0
3
13
47
36
0
0
0
TEST RESULTS
Below
Level 3*
3
4
5
6
Pupils
Not
Entered
Pupils
Absent
0
0
1
English
7
14
52
27
Reading
7
7
42
43
0
1
Writing
7
29
48
15
0
1
Mathematics
6
18
44
31
0
0
1
Science
3
10
40
47
0
0
1
W represents children who are working towards level 1, but have not yet
achieved the standards needed for level 1.
* represents children who were not entered for the tests because they
were working below level 3 in English, mathematics or science;
children awarded a compensatory level from the tests;
and children entered for but not achieving a level from the tests.
YEAR 6 CHILDREN ACHIEVING LEVEL 4 AND ABOVE
English
%
Mathematics
%
Science
%
Total
%
St James 2005
88
67
56
211
Lewisham LEA 2005
79
69
80
228
National 2005
77
75
87
235