HARROWBARROW SCHOOL
(Academy Trust)
PROSPECTUS
2014 – 2015
At Harrowbarrow School our aim is for every child to reach their full
potential academically, socially and physically in a safe, caring,
challenging and stimulating environment.
Our School Vision
 To achieve the highest quality of teaching and learning, securing
high standards of attainment.
 To provide a challenging, stimulating and safe learning
environment in which children are motivated to work hard to
achieve their personal best.
 To encourage children to be independent learners who are happy,
confident and secure and have respect for others.
 To promote the spiritual, moral, social, health and cultural
development of each child in line with the ‘Every Child Matters’
agenda.
 To offer equality of opportunity and access to a curriculum, in line
with national developments, that is broad, stimulating, creative,
balanced, relevant and differentiated.
 To promote partnership between child, parent, teacher and the
wider community.
 To ensure all staff are valued as committed and caring
professionals within a reflective and developing team.
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Dear Parents,
Welcome to Harrowbarrow School. In this prospectus you will find all the
information you and your child need, as they start their learning journey
with us. We very much look forward to working in partnership with you.
Yours sincerely
Mr Andrew Hunt
Headteacher
CONTENTS
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Getting Ready for School
Entry to School
School Achievements
School Dress
Physical Education
School Premises
Times of the School Day
Teaching Arrangements
Curriculum
Extra- curricular activities
OFSTED
Discipline and Care
Attendance
Parental Involvement
Harrowbarrow Parent Staff Association
Complaints
Staff
Governors
Contact Details
Term Dates
For various reasons it may be necessary to amend articles in this document throughout the
year.
A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, number 7770592
An exempt charity
Registered Office: Harrowbarrow School, School Rd, Harrowbarrow, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 8BQ
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GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL
The school runs a “Learning Together” transition project in the term
before admission. These sessions provide an opportunity for pre-school
children to become familiar with the school, their teachers and their
future classmates. A book and activity pack may be borrowed each week.
Your child will have the opportunity to participate in “Learning Together”
sessions in the summer term prior to starting school.
Harrowbarrow & Metherell Pre-school Playgroup which is held in the
adjacent village hall is the main feeder playgroup for the school. For
further details call the Playgroup mobile: 0777 3640139 or the hall land
line: 01579 351250. Alternatively, visit
www.harrowbarrowandmetherellplaygroup.btik.com
The school and playgroup have close links allowing pre-school children to
attend a weekly story time session in the reception class in the spring and
summer terms. The pre-school are also invited to use the school’s
facilities as required.
The school also maintains links with Dimson Day Nursery and Kid’s Club
who offer before and after school care. For further information please
look at the Dimson website www. dimsongunnislake.co.uk
ENTRY TO SCHOOL
Your child will be eligible for a place in the Reception class during the
school year which runs from 1st Sept 2014 – 31st Aug 2015 if he/she was
born between 1st Sept 09 and 31st Aug 10. All parents now have the
opportunity to enrol their children full-time from September. However,
this is optional and parents whose children were born after 1.3.10 may
elect to send their children part-time for the Autumn Term if they choose.
This would be morning only sessions from 8.50am until 12.00pm. They
would then start full-time in the Spring Term.
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Arrangements for school visits can be made through the School Office. It
is recommended that you register your interest in the school as early as
possible. Those who have registered their interest in the school will be
sent a reminder about the admission procedures at the appropriate time.
All admission decisions are made by the Local Authority.
SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS
Healthy School Award
The school has received recognition for its achievements in pupils’ sports
activities, the promotion of a healthy diet and lifestyle and pupils’ care
and well-being.
Active Mark Gold Award
The school has received Sport England’s Active Mark Gold Award and the
FA Charter Mark in recognition of the school’s outstanding commitment
to promoting the benefits of physical activity and school sport.
Inter- school sport competitions
The school regularly participates in local schools leagues for football,
‘High Five’ netball, cross country and athletics. We participate in multisports and tag rugby festivals among many other local sporting events.
Music and Performing Arts
We are proud of Harrowbarrow School’s musical achievements. The
school orchestra and choir perform at both school and local events at
various times throughout the year. Both infants and juniors sing and
recite in concerts and special assemblies. The school’s country dance
troupe put on an annual display at the May Day village celebration.
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Creative arts
Creative arts are encouraged beyond the normal curriculum provision
through after school clubs, enrichment afternoons, collaboration with
artists and participation in local art and craft fairs.
We have also been privileged to take part in the Cotehele Garland project
where a group of children have been involved in growing and drying
flowers to contribute to the garland.
Recognition for pupils
Cups are awarded to Year 6 pupils who have shown outstanding
achievement in the above areas. These are presented at the annual Year
6 Leavers’ Assembly.
SCHOOL DRESS
The school uniform is as follows:Winter clothes for boys and girls:
Grey
trousers/skirts/pinafores
Navy
jumpers/sweatshirts/pullovers/cardigans
White, pale blue, or navy
shirts/blouses/T-shirts
Summer clothes for boys:
Grey
Navy
White, pale blue or navy
shorts/trousers
sweatshirts/pullovers/jumpers
T-shirts/shirts
Summer clothes for girls:
Grey
Blue & white check or stripe
White, pale blue or navy
Navy
skirts/shorts
summer dresses
blouses/T-shirts
cardigans/jumpers
Navy round-necked sweatshirts, V-necked cardigans, T-shirts, polo shirts,
zipped fleeces and baseball caps incorporating the school badge may be
purchased through the school’s supplier at www.wovina.com
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For health and safety reasons it is essential that pupils wear suitable
footwear. Shoes or trainers must be dark-coloured and flat heeled.
Please ensure your child does not wear fashion shoes, open toed sandals
or high block heels.
Please also ensure that your child is dressed for their working day in the
appropriate uniform. Pupils who attend Harrowbarrow School should be
in clothes that comply with the school colours. Children may wear a
watch to school but the wearing of any other form of jewellery, with the
exception of stud earrings, is discouraged in the interest of health &
safety.
It is extremely important children attend school with an appropriate coat
as they will spend time outside, regardless of the weather.
Extremes of hairstyle are not allowed. What is an extreme and therefore
unacceptable hairstyle is difficult to define. Our current school Hairstyle
Policy is as follows:
The school does not accept any display of inappropriate hairstyles,
including:
 The dying of hair to an extreme and unnatural colour (eg red, blue or
pink)
 Shaven heads where the hair is shorter than a number 1
 Sculpted hairstyles where the hair is deliberately shaped into an
extreme style or design e.g. patterns or words shaved into very short
hair are not acceptable.
The final decision on what is acceptable rests with the leadership of the
school.
Lost Property
Lost items appear regularly. Possessions can only be returned if they are
clearly labelled with the child’s name. Name tapes can be ordered
through the school. A lost property ‘bin’ is located in the entrance foyer.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Although children in the Early Years Foundation Stage will participate in
some movement activities without changing into full PE kit, they should
have their PE kit in school at all times.
For health, safety and hygiene reasons, it is very important that children
learn to change into the appropriate kit when doing their PE sessions. If
earrings cannot be removed they should be taped on PE days. Please
ensure your child has a plain navy or white T-shirt and navy or black
shorts. Long hair should be tied back.
It is also a good idea to bring a tracksuit, hat and gloves over the winter
months and a sun hat and sun cream for the summer months.
Trainers/plimsolls must be worn for outside sessions and all children who
play football and tag rugby require boots and shin pads.
Please ensure your child has their PE kit at all times during the school
week.
The school will provide team kits for competitive matches against other
schools.
Sport is used in the school to promote health, communication skills, a
sense of fair play and honest competition as well as developing physical
skills and talents.
P.E. and Games are done in the large covered play area or adjacent village
hall. Spacious outdoor facilities exist for athletics and team games and
with the addition of the activity trail the children are offered ample
opportunity to enjoy a range of physical activities.
The school participates in competitive team sports and has been
rewarded with success in athletics, cross-country, netball, soccer and tag
rugby.
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All classes are timetabled to have at least two PE sessions per week and
the school’s aim is to achieve the Government’s target of 2 hours of
quality physical activity for all children each week.
SCHOOL PREMISES
The school caters for 100 - 120 pupils from the villages of Harrowbarrow,
Metherell and the surrounding area.
There are four classrooms, two infants, a lower junior and upper junior. A
large central room also serves as an assembly hall/ library/ music and
resources room. Additionally, computer technology (PCs, laptops, digital
video cameras, portable recording devises etc) is used to enhance
learning and each classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard.
The school also has a dedicated computer and cookery area shared by all
classes.
Other facilities include extensive grounds containing environmental
studies areas, wildlife pond, poly tunnel, outdoor activity trail, reception
safe play area, KS1 outdoor learning area, a large covered
games/playground area and a football/athletics pitch.
The school also has use of the adjacent village hall for P.E, drama
activities and school productions throughout the year. School meals are
of a high standard and are cooked on the premises using locally sourced
ingredients. Located in the adjoining school house are the school's
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administrative offices and reception area. Should your child choose to
cycle to school there is a bicycle storage facility in the front playground.
Children are asked to dismount before entering the playground, in
consideration of other users, and must take responsibility for their own
bike’s security. We have disabled access throughout the school.
TIMES OF SCHOOL DAY
8.00am
Breakfast Club (For a small fee of £1.75 children
can attend Breakfast Club. For this they will be
provided with fruit juice, cereal and toast. For
more information please contact the school
office).
8.50am
School begins at 8.50am prompt. Children arriving
before this time must go to the covered
playground where they are supervised from
8.40am. Children must not arrive before 8.40am.
10.30am - 10.50am
Morning Break
12.00 - 1.00pm
Lunch time. School meals are cooked on site and
are of a high standard. They currently cost £2.10
per day (If you receive benefits, your children may
be entitled to free school meals.)
2.00pm - 2.15pm
Afternoon Break (infants only)
3.10pm
School finishes. At dismissal time parents of
infants are asked to meet their children in the
school playground from which point they may
safely escort them out of school through the main
exit gate. Junior children also leave via this exit.
We promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging children to walk to school.
Pupils may also cycle, although parents are responsible for their own
children. A cycle storage rack can be found to the front of the school.
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TEACHING ARRANGEMENTS
The teaching and learning in each class is a blend of individual, group and
class teaching; this blend varies according to the subject, pupil needs, and
levels of ability. Personalised learning is viewed as integral to meeting the
needs of every individual child.
Throughout the school year, teachers will exchange classes for specific
subjects e.g. French, PE, music and science. This has many benefits such
as enabling all pupils to get to know the staff, allowing the staff to teach
at different levels and to give the children the benefit of a particular
staffing expertise.
SEN – Special Educational Needs
The school makes provision for children with special educational needs.
Any child identified with special educational needs will be fully integrated
into all aspects of school life. The school works in an integrated approach
with a variety of SEN professionals who provide training for staff,
assessment of children’s needs and the identification of learning support
programmes. Obviously, we work even more closely with parents, where
their child has been identified as having additional needs.
Equality of Opportunity
As part of the school ethos we promote equality of opportunity for all.
This is developed through our curriculum and staff will act promptly if it is
felt an individual or group has been discriminated against.
CURRICULUM
On joining our school, your child will enter the Early Years Foundation Stage
(Age 4-5). Early years learning concentrates on 7 areas split between prime and
specific areas of learning.
The prime areas of learning are:
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communication and language
physical development
personal, social and emotional development
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The specific areas of learning are:
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literacy
mathematics
understanding the world
expressive arts and design
Teaching is often done through play, where the child learns about subjects and
other people through games.
From the EYFS, children progress to Key Stage 1 (age 5-7) then Key Stage 2 (age
7-11) and are taught the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum.
This consists of three main core subjects; Mathematics, English and Science,
two additional core subjects of Religious Education (RE) and Information
Communication Technology (ICT), plus seven foundation subjects; History,
Geography, Design Technology (DT), Music, Art, PE and Personal Social and
Health Education (PSHE) & Citizenship. In our primary school many of the
subjects are taught through a topic themed approach.
RE is taught according to the locally agreed syllabus. Parents have the right to
withdraw their child from religious education and collective worship if they so
wish. Children withdrawn will be supervised in one of the classrooms.
Sexual Relationships Education (SRE) is taught to older juniors according to the
requirements set down in the National Curriculum and the Governors Policy on
Sexual Relationships Education. This policy also encompasses education on
personal hygiene, family life and moral codes.
In addition, French is taught throughout the school, starting with basic
vocabulary from the EYFS. We have established communication links with
schools in France, which provide opportunities for the children to practice their
French in a real life context. Pupils in Year 6 also have the opportunity to
spend a week in France with children from other local schools.
The school's well stocked library is organised. Infant pupils have a library
session each week where they borrow a book to keep in class. Junior pupils are
encouraged to take library books to supplement their reading experience.
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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Enrichment afternoons
Each term children participate in a range of enrichment activities for one
afternoon a week. These activities provide opportunities to extend
learning beyond the normal curriculum provision. Children also have the
opportunity to work with their peers in other classes and in a small group.
Previous options have included gardening, mosaic making, science
experiments and wake & shake.
Music
Violin, flute, clarinet and brass lessons are offered, if so desired, and
charged for privately by individual music teachers. We have a school
orchestra, which meets on a weekly basis before the beginning of the
school day on a Wednesday from 8.15- 8.45.
School Trips
Regular educational trips by our classes to places of interest also help to
enrich pupils learning. All junior pupils have the opportunity to
participate in a residential trip on an annual basis.
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Extended School Day Services
Throughout the school year children are invited to participate in afterschool clubs such as Athletics, Cross Country, Dancing, Art &Craft, ICT,
Cookery, Gardening, Basketball, Cricket, Netball and Football. For some of
these clubs there is a nominal charge to cover staffing and material costs.
OFSTED
All state schools are subject to regular Ofsted inspections to judge the
quality of provision and make recommendations for improvement.
As a result of our most recent Ofsted inspection the school is focussing on
the following priorities:
 Raising the quality of teaching, so that pupils’ attainment and
progress, particularly in writing and for boys, improve.
 Strengthening the impact of leadership and management.
 Undertaking an external review of governance.
Our full OFSTED report can be found at our website:
www.harrowbarrow.cornwall.sch.uk
BEHAVIOUR AND CARE
We promote self-discipline among the children by providing a stable
environment where individuals are encouraged to have respect for each
other and where everyone's contribution is valued.
Playground Pals
We have developed a peer support scheme within our school. Older
children are trained in mediation skills and are on duty each playtime.
They help children discuss their disagreements, listen to their problems,
organise games and enhance fun and friendship throughout the school.
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School Council
The school has a School Council made up of a boy and girl from each year
group. The children stand for ‘office’ and are elected democratically by
their peers. Harrowbarrow School Council meets every 2 weeks and helps
to make decisions about school life.
Safeguarding children
The school practices child protection procedures according to the
governors’ policy.
Behaviour
The school uses positive behaviour strategies to promote good behaviour.
ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is a legal requirement. In the event that your
child is absent through illness, or another authorised reason, please
contact the school office on the first morning to inform us. If this is not
possible, we ask that you provide a written note on your child's return to
school. We follow Health Protection Agency guidelines when allowing
pupils to return to school after sickness. These state that pupils should
only return to school 48hrs after sickness and diarrhoea have ceased, to
prevent the spread of illness.
The Government has made amendments to the Education (Student
Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 which came into force on 1 st
September 2013. These state that Headteachers may not grant any
leave of absence for holidays during term time unless they are
exceptional circumstances’.
As a consequence of these changes we are no longer able to approve
requests for leave of absence for during term time unless there are
‘exceptional circumstances’.
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Lateness
Children arriving at school after the morning bell has gone must register
at the Reception Office. Likewise, if it is necessary for you to collect your
child from school during the day for dental/medical appointments etc.
you must go to the Reception Office. Children arriving after the register
closes are legally required to be marked as an authorised absence. We
ask parents to ensure children arrive in time for registration as lateness is
inconvenient for staff and disrupts pupils start to their lessons.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
At Harrowbarrow School we greatly value the contribution parents can
make to their children’s progress and enjoyment of school. We believe it
is important to develop a strong home/school partnership.
Homework
Please support your child with reading at home throughout the Early
Years Foundation Stage, KS1 and KS2. In the EYFS, meetings are held to
offer guidance and support for parents when helping their children with
learning to read.
Additional homework starts in Year 2, when pupils will have some
additional tasks to complete over the weekend. By Year 3 children will
have their 'spellings' and 'tables' to learn. In addition, all juniors are given
regular homework to supplement their class studies.
Reporting progress
In the spring and summer terms parents of EYFS children are invited to
discuss their child’s progress at school. Thereafter, at least once a year,
consultation sessions are arranged to enable parents to meet with their
child's class teacher to discuss any matter relating to their child’s progress
at school and to view their work. During the summer term you will also
receive a written report from your child's class teacher.
In addition, if you have concerns regarding your child's progress, or any
other aspect of school life, please contact their class teacher at any time
during the school year. This can be arranged by telephoning or visiting
the school and making an appointment to see the class teacher at a time
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which is mutually convenient. If the school has concerns about your
child’s progress and development we will contact you.
In order to celebrate and share their achievements, pupils in Years 1 – 6
are free to take home work files, exercise books and record of
achievement files at any time, provided they are returned the next day.
Information for parents
We celebrate the rich and varied range of activities and children’s
achievements through a fortnightly newsletter. This also provides
information and dates for forthcoming events. In addition, your child may
bring home letters regarding extra-curricular activities, trips etc.
Information about the school can also be found on the school website.
Information about classroom routines and curriculum are given to
parents at the beginning of each school year.
Parents are welcome to come in at the end of the school day to see any
special topic displays in which their child was involved.
Other opportunities to see different aspects of school life include
attending the Christmas celebrations, concerts and sports day.
We also welcome parents and grandparents as helpers in the classroom
and often require help with transport on trips and activities outside
school. (Volunteer driver forms are available from the school office.)
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HARROWBARROW PARENT STAFF ASSOCIATION (PSA)
All parents and interested parties are welcome to join this organisation.
The association meets at the beginning of each term to decide upon
forthcoming events and discuss any issues relevant to the life of the
school.
The PSA provides valuable support to the school in promoting good
relations, as well as raising money for extra equipment and educational
visits, for which the school is unable to make finance available. Please feel
free to complete and detach the form below and hand in at school office.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Contact details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I am interested in supporting the PSA. Your details will be passed on to
the PSA committee who will contact you in due course.
If you have any ideas or interests that you feel would benefit the school
please mention them here.
...............................................................
.............................................................
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Complaints
The school is committed to having good communication and relations
with parents.
Staff will;
 Be open, accessible and supportive.
 Be impartial and act fairly and reasonably with you at all times.
 Give you information in plain language and offer help if there is
anything you do not understand.
 Act promptly.
 Respect your right to be heard and your right to confidentiality.
 Deal with a complaint and correct any errors that may be identified.
 Explain any actions which are a cause for concern.
Parents are required to;
 Read any letters or other information which the school has sent
them.
 Check the school’s public noticeboards and website for dates and
other relevant information.
 Report at first to the class teacher on a matter of concern or
complaint (remember the teacher can afford you more time at the
end of the day than the beginning).
 Not delay any reporting any complaint or issues of concern.
 Make an appointment with the Headteacher when an issue is
unresolved with the class teacher.
 Appeal to the Chair of Governors in writing if your complaint has
not been resolved.
Secondary Education
Each July the year 6 pupils leave Harrowbarrow to start their secondary
education in September. Most of our pupils transfer to Callington
Community College, but others may transfer to other secondary
providers, based upon parental preference. Cornwall Council’s secondary
transfer application booklet will be sent to you at the appropriate time.
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Staff
Teaching staff
Headteacher
Year R teacher
Year 1/2 teacher
Year 3/4 teacher
Year 5/6 teacher
Part-time music teacher
Part-time learning support
teacher
Part-time PE teacher
Mr Andrew Hunt
Mr Tom Taylor
Miss Emma Canning
Mr Mark Goodright
Miss Pinfield & Mrs Reid
Mrs Rachel Lane
Mrs Marion Ingleby
Ms Jo Walker
Support staff
Business Manager
Assistant Administrator
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Lunchtime Supervisor
Lunchtime Supervisor
Lunchtime Supervisor
Lunchtime Supervisor
Lunchtime Supervisor
Lunchtime Supervisor
Cook-in-Charge
Kitchen Assistant
Caretaker
Cleaner in Charge
Assistant Cleaner
Breakfast Club Supervisor
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Mrs Elaine Moyle
Mrs Lesley Connell
Mrs Lesley Connell
Mrs Hannah Morris-Torr
Mrs Abi Nicolle
Mrs Heather Thomson
Mrs Hilary Walker
Ms Jo Walker
Mrs Jo Cocking
Mrs Marion Ingleby
Mrs Brenda Philp
Mrs Brenda Philp
Mrs Hannah Morris-Torr
Mrs Jessica Davies
Mrs Jo Cocking
Mrs Sharon Wilde
Mrs Shirley Woolcocks
Mrs Emma Paradise
Mrs Liane Scrivens
Mr Mark Cocking
Mrs Emma Paradise
Mrs Val Wilson
Mrs Sharron Wilde
Governors
The school is supported and served by a body of Governors as follows:
Governor - Chairperson
Governor – Vice Chairperson
Governor
Governor
Governor
Governor
Governor
Governor
Staff Governor
Headteacher (Ex-officio)
Clerk to the Governors
Mr John McKenzie
Mrs Jackie Dixon
Mrs Karen Bennett
Mr T Witton
Mr Nick Swain
Mr John Bassett
Mr Sean Morris
Mr Ross Dyter
Mr Mark Goodright
Mr Andrew Hunt
Mrs Lesley Connell
Should parents wish to discuss school affairs or curriculum matters they
should contact the class teacher or Headteacher in the first instance. If it
is felt that an issue remains unresolved parents should put their
comments/questions in writing to the Chair of Governors, c/o the school
office.
Contact Details
The school address:-
Harrowbarrow School,
School Road,
Harrowbarrow,
Callington,
Cornwall.
PL17 8BQ
Tel: 01579 350576
Fax: 01579 351562
E-mail:
Website:
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secretary@harrowbarrow.cornwall.sch.uk
www.harrowbarrow.cornwall.sch.uk
Term dates
Academic year 2014-2015
Autumn Term
4th Sept 2014 – 19th Dec 2014
(Half term: 27th Oct – 31st Oct inc)
Spring Term
5th Jan 2015 – 27th March 2015
(Half term: 16th Feb – 20th Feb inc)
Summer Term
13th April 2015 – 21st July 2015
(Half term: 25th May – 29th May inc)
Non- pupil days – school closed
The school will be closed for 5 days during the academic year 2014-2015.
These dates have been provisionally set for:24.10.2014
03.11.2014
09.01.2015 (pupil progress day)
22.07.2015
23.07.2015
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