Hook C.P. School
Prospectus 2013-14
Newtown Road
Hook
Haverfordwest
Pembrokeshire
SA62 4ND
Headteacher/Prifathro- Mr. N. Allen
Telephone - 01437 890343
E-mail - head.hook@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
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Message from the Head teacher, Mr. N. Allen
Governing Body Membership 2012/13
Staff Members 2012/13
Background Information
History of the school
Hook C.P. School aims
School Sessions
Absences
Houses
Working with Parents
Homework
Health Promoting School
Road Safety
Uniform
Transfer to Secondary School
Annual Report
Restorative Practice in school
Meals
Religious Worship
Ethnic Data
Sex and Relationship Education
Health
Annual Events
Friends of the school
Charities
Emergency Information
After School Clubs
The Curriculum
Special Educational Needs
Assessment
Basic Skills
Equal Opportunities
Charging and Remissions Policy
Home/School Agreement
Complaints
Child Protection
Disabled Accessibility
School Security
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Hook C.P. School
Newtown Road
Hook
Haverfordwest
Pembrokeshire
SA62 4ND
September 2012
Dear Parent/Carer,
I would like to extend a warm welcome to you from Hook County Primary School, please use
this prospectus to help you to understand more about the life and work of our happy and
caring school.
At Hook County Primary School the development of each individual's potential is central to
the ethos of the school. This is delivered through a broad and balanced range of activities
that are exciting and stimulating, experienced in a caring learning environment. Equally we
are proud of the atmosphere of friendliness and co-operation in all our settings; Peter Pan
Play Group, Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2.
We believe it is important that parents and teachers cooperate to develop an atmosphere of
trust and confidence so that our pupils make a positive contribution to society and become
life long learners.
I look forward to welcoming you to Hook County Primary School.
Yours sincerely
N Allen
N Allen
Headteacher
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Hook C.P. School Staff.
Chair Person
Mrs S. Burt
Inglewood
West Hook Road
Hook
Haverfordwest
Vice Chair person
Cllr. M. John
L.E.A. Representative
Cllr. M. John
Mr. K. James
Parent Representative
Mrs. Z Monk
Mrs. K. Miller
Mrs. J. Managhan
Co-opted Member
Mrs. S. Burt
Mrs. J. James
Community Council Representative
Cllr. R. Howells
Head Teacher
Mr. N. Allen
Teacher Representative
Mrs. C. Waterhouse
Director of Education
Mr. Jake Morgans
Pembrokeshire County Council,
County Hall,
Haverfordwest.
Tel: 01437 764551
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Teaching:
Head Teacher
Senior teacher
Years 5 and 6
Years 3 and 4
Foundation Phase
Foundation Phase
Job Share
Mr. N. Allen
Mrs. C. Waterhouse
Mrs. A. Rodriguez
Mrs. L. Bullimore
Mrs. C. Waterhouse
Mrs. H. Callan
Mrs. P. Evans
Classroom Learning Support Assistants:
Mrs D Brick
Mrs. J. Osborne
Ms N. Oriel
Mrs. S. J. Morphew
Miss N. Lewis
Miss D. John
Mrs. A. Teevan
School Admin Officer
Mrs. A. Bruins
Peripatetic Teachers:
Mrs. V. Evans
Mrs. C. Sanders-Swales
Caretaker
Mrs. E. Jones
School Cook:
Mrs. J. Holder
Mid-Day Supervisors:
Mrs. J. Hayden
Mrs. S. Devonald
Mrs. E. Jones
Breakfast Club
Mrs. J. Hayden
Ms S Devonald
Road Crossing Officer:
Mrs. E. Jones
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Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Strings (Violin)
Brass and Woodwind
Hook Community Primary is a small school, situated about five miles south of Haverfordwest
in Pembrokeshire. It serves the communities of Hook, Freystrop, Lower Freystrop and
Deerland.
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A history of Hook C.P. School.
We and the community are extremely proud of the history of the school and we are fortunate to
have a well documented past. Children from the village of Hook have attended Hook C.P. School since
1914!
The Hook County Primary School was opened on the 17th of March 1914 and the
first headmaster was a Mr G.R. Jones. Seventy one pupils started on the opening
day, many of them having attended Llangwm School previously, walking the best part
of two miles every day regardless of the weather.
The first name on the admission register was Nancy, all the children in the village
who at the time of the opening ceremony were not of school age, had their names
placed in a bottle which was
then buried in the school walls.
A glance at the school log for the early period throws an interesting light on the times.
In August 1915 there was great sadness in the school when pupils were told that their first master
was fatally wounded at the Dardanelles in the First World War.
On September 22nd 1916 the village was in mourning after two men drowned when the colliery
flooded and a young miner was rescued after being trapped in an air pocket for 15 hours.
In September 1918, children from the school collected 805lbs of blackberries which were forwarded
to the Education Department at Haverfordwest.
On September 14th 1921, a thirteen year old pupil, William H. Davies, was presented with a
luncheon/book bag to mark the fact that he was the first boy from the school to win an entrance
scholarship to Haverfordwest Grammar School.
On February 9th 1922, the school closed for the day - the children witnessed the opening of the
Hook to Freystrop road.
Although the number of pupils regularly hovers around the 90 to 100 mark there was a time in the
1950’s when the figures slumped to a little over 20.
Extract taken from
Where the river bends edited by Richard Howells
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The Aims of Hook C.P. School.
THE AIMS OF THE SCHOOL
The General Aims of Hook C.P. School are for the benefit of each child, member of staff,
and parent; and are as follows:
1. To ensure that each child is received into a welcoming and secure atmosphere, where he
or she will be given the opportunity to fulfil his or her potential; academically, physically,
aesthetically, socially, psychologically and spiritually.
2. To ensure that the relationship between home and school is such that parents and staff
can together in the best interest of the pupil.
3. To ensure that the ethos is such that the Governors, the Local Authority, Parents,
Children and the Community in general can take pride in their association with the school.
4. To ensure that the guidelines of the National Curriculum documents are made available to
each child at school, and their contents are explored fully when planning the school
curriculum.
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These aims will hopefully: enlarge and develop the child’s knowledge, experience and skills so that he or she can
become a valuable contributor to society.
 provide quality activities and experiences that are purposeful and worthwhile, which
will provide children with a sense of achievement.
 ensure that children know how to behave with care, courtesy and good manners, and
are respectful of people and property.
 help children grow in independence and self reliance as they progress through the
school.
 develop co-operative children who are happy, cheerful, enthusiastic, keen at school,
and eager to succeed.
 develop the ability within each child to read, write and speak in English and use
Mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress at work and in society in
general.
The aim of the staff is to provide a quality education for all our pupils.
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SCHOOL SESSIONS
Morning Session
8:50 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Afternoon Session
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Nursery children
12.50 p.m. to 3.25p.m.
It helps if children can be in school a few minutes before the morning session commences,
but the school can take no responsibility for any child who arrives more than fifteen minutes
before the morning session starts. This is most important especially on wet days and during
the winter months. We also request that all children arrive at school on time as one child’s
lateness can disrupt a lesson for the whole class. Children are welcomed into school at 8:40
a.m. when they are able to enter their classrooms for a relaxation time prior to the
commencement of the school day.
ABSENCES
Parents are requested to send notes/email admin.hook@pembrokeshire.org.uk /telephone
giving reasons for absence. Reasons for all absences must be provided. Application for leave
of absence of any child can be arranged through the class teacher, in writing. Please note
that parents should not remove children from school for any reason. If your child has a
doctor’s, hospital, or dental appointment during school hours then the child must be collected
from school. He or she cannot be sent out of school on his or her own.
Unfortunately we have no additional staff to deal with sick children or children who become
ill at school so these children must be taken home; as a result it is important that we have a
contact telephone numbers for each child.
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HOUSES
Children are placed into one of two houses for sporting events. These houses are named
after areas in Hook - Lansker (Red) and Cleddau (Blue). Friendly competition is encouraged
with an accent on effort. The Glyn Jones Challenge cup is presented to the winning house at
the end of the school sports.
During the year junior pupils take part in friendly but competitive games e.g. swimming gala,
school sports, football, netball etc.. Parents are encouraged to come along to support the
children in these activities.
WORKING WITH PARENTS
The school has an ‘open door’ policy. The Headteacher freely welcomes parents into school.
All parents are encouraged to attend school for meetings and functions. We consider the
education of your child to be enhanced by the successful partnership of home and school. If
you have any problems, then please contact the school. If, as a school, we feel that there is a
matter to discuss with you, then we will contact you. Hook is a school that cares very much
for the Community it serves.
There will be an Induction Evening at the start of the school year when you will have the
opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher and have the chance to see what will be taught
in various curriculum areas. There may also be some tips as to how you can help your child at
home.
The Headteacher is available each morning before school commences until 8.50 a.m., as well
as after school. Please make an appointment if you require more than a few minutes of his
time.
Opportunities exist, particularly within the Foundation Phase classes, for parents to help in
school. If you are interested in supporting the school in any way, such as listening to readers,
helping with craft activities or school trips, please could you contact the school as we will
require a CRB plus two references, as in line with Pembroke County Council Safeguarding
Policy. The school is always pleased to receive extra help!
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Should you wish to discuss your child’s progress or any problem relating to the child’s
education, the staff are always available each day after school to discuss matters with you.
We would prefer this to be done by appointment. This will allow the teacher time to prepare
materials and collate information that may be useful and to make arrangements if they lead
an After School Club. Please do not (emergencies excepted) try to see the teacher before
school begins – this is always a busy time for staff and pupils alike.
Throughout the year parents will have the chance to attend assemblies, Christmas Concerts,
Sports Day, Swimming Gala and other celebrations. These events will be signposted in letters
/ newsletters etc.. We hope that you will be able to join us.
HOMEWORK
Your child will be given homework so please encourage him/her with it and give any help that
you can. Reading and tables are regular weekly homework tasks for most pupils at our school.
For Key Stage Two pupils there will be a more creative approach. They will each have a Learning
Log. Pupils will be given a task with a question, title or an aim/learning objective that they should
reach. They complete this task in their logs, but in any creative way that they choose: written,
fold out charts, pictures, diagrams etc. It should be well-presented as it is a piece of work, but
as long as they reach the aim given, it is otherwise very flexible and suits all styles of learning
and ability. The task will always be relevant to our current theme, and we will share the logs so
the children learn from each other.
Reading books are also taken from school for home use, research shows that children whose
families read together at home are much more likely to become confident and independent
readers. It is important that your child sees YOU reading books, newspapers, magazines and
other materials on a regular basis. Having lots of reading materials around helps your child
to see how important and enjoyable reading is.
Some tips to help your child with homework:
 Let your child get over the school day – don’t persist as soon as you see them.
 Ensure that they have a peaceful (but not necessarily silent) room and a clear surface.
Younger children may need company and encouragement to enjoy their work.
 Help them to plan their time; suggest short spells of work rather than a long stretch.
 Help them to establish a routine.
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 Be consistent; if you insist today, then you must tomorrow.
HEALTH PROMOTING SCHOOL
A health promoting school is one which actively promotes and protects the physical, mental
and social health and well being of its community through positive action by such means as
policy, strategic planning and staff development with regard to its curriculum, ethos, physical
environment and community relations.
Aims
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To promote actively the self esteem of all members of the school community;
To actively develop good relationships in the daily life of the school;
To identify, develop and communicate a positive ethos and appropriate social values within the
school community;
To ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to benefit from stimulating educational
challenges;
To take every opportunity to enhance the environment of the school;
To develop good school / home/ community links and shared activities;
To encourage all staff to fulfil their health promoting role, through staff development and
training;
To develop and implement a coherent health education curriculum;
To establish good links with associated schools to ensure smooth transition, both socially and
in relation to a developmental health education programme;
To develop the school as a health promoting workplace with a commitment to the health and
well being of all staff;
To develop the complementary role of all school policies to the health education curriculum,
such that the curriculum reflects the contents of the policy and the policy reinforces the
curriculum;
To develop partnerships with appropriate outside agencies and individuals, including the school
health service, for advice and active support for health education and health promotion in the
school.
ROAD SAFETY
All children who walk to and from school are to enter and leave via the main gate. It is
obviously very congested at the beginning and end of the day and I should be grateful if
parents would refrain from parking outside or opposite the area around the main gate, as
drivers’ view will be restricted and will put the children at risk. There is ample parking in the
car park behind the school, and the school’s rear gate is open at these times for children who
are brought, and collected by car.
The road crossing patrol officer is responsible for seeing children safely across the
road from the school gate. Please ensure that if you collect your child from school, you are
at school when the children are dismissed.
The infants are dismissed from school at 3.25 p.m. via the rear door. If you drive to
school to collect your child please assemble near the gate at the car park behind school so
your children can leave the school at this exit. This will help alleviate the congestion
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problems caused by cars parking at the front of the school. Parents collecting their children
from the junior classes are invited to assemble in the playground to collect their children at
3:30 p.m.
UNIFORM
Although school uniform is not compulsory, parents are encouraged to follow the dress code.
The benefits of wearing uniform have been clearly identified in terms of better discipline
and pride taken in the school as well as a greater sense of identity and community within the
school.
Girls – grey/dark skirt, navy blue pullover, cardigan or school sweatshirt, blue polo shirt.
Boys – grey/dark trousers, navy blue pullover or school sweatshirt, blue polo shirt. Stud ear
rings may be worn but removed for PE.
Sweatshirts, cardigans, fleeces, rainproof jackets and polo shirts may be purchased from
school.
Please ensure that all clothing and personal belongings have your child's name on.
High-heeled shoes, crocs, Ugg boots and flip flops can be a safety hazard and, therefore,
are not permitted.
Games clothing must be brought to school on the correct days and all children must have a
complete change of clothes for the games lessons.
It is requested that the children in Classes 1 and 2 bring kit (tracksuit in winter and shorts
and t-shirt in summer together with a pair of daps) in a bag and that is left in school for a
half-term.
Swimming lessons for junior children are held once a week during the autumn term, and all
children will have an opportunity to learn to swim. One-piece, dark swimming costumes and
swimming hats will be required by children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, who travel to the swimming
pool for lessons.
These pupils will also enjoy a session in the Sports Hall at the Leisure Centre (jewellery must
be removed in order to participate in these sessions).
Pupils attending after school sports club need to bring appropriate footwear, a change of
clothes in case of damp weather or pitch conditions. Pupils attending football club will need
shin pads.
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TRANSFER OF CHILDREN TO SECONDARY SCHOOL
Children leave the school to go on to Secondary School when they are 11 by the 31st. August.
The choice of secondary education is open, but it is assumed that all pupils will transfer to
Tasker Milward Secondary School, Haverfordwest, unless otherwise requested.
Open evenings, visits and the school prospectuses are made available by all Secondary
Schools in order to assist parents in choosing a secondary school. Liaison is made with these
schools and support is given by the school to make as easy a transition as possible.
ANNUAL REPORTS AND CHILDREN’S PROGRESS
Each summer you will be given a written report on your child’s progress; you are invited to
discuss this report with your child’s teacher before the end of the term. Parents are also
invited to discuss their child’s progress in November. This is especially important when
children have progressed to a new class. If you wish to discuss your child’s progress at any
other time please make an appointment with me and a suitable time and date can be arranged
with his/her teacher. You are warmly invited to school functions as they occur.
RESTORATIVE PRACTICE AT SCHOOL
Overall responsibility for school discipline rests with the Headteacher but it is a shared
responsibility for everyone connected with the school, including parents. Formal rules are
kept to a minimum - the aim is towards an acceptable standard of personal behaviour and
responsibility.
At Hook CP School we adopt the principles of The Restorative Approach; an approach to
negative, inappropriate behaviour which puts repairing harm done to relationships and people
at the centre of our focus. Everyone involved in an incident is taken through the 5 stages of
the Restorative Approach and is therefore supported in coming to understand the harm that
has been caused to all parties.
The 5 stages are:
What happened? Drawing out each person’s story one at a time.
What were you thinking at the time/since? What each person was thinking at the time,
before and since.
Who has been affected and how? Who has been harmed/affected and how?
What has been the hardest thing for you? In what why have they been affected? What
those affected need to feel better, move on, repair harm and rebuild relationships.
What do you think should happen next? How do those people agree and negotiate meeting
the needs identified above and what support might they need to do this?
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Staff support pupils in this process but try to ensure the pupils form their own agreement
when possible.
This approach encourages those involved to identify ways in which a relationship can be
repaired or how they can move forward. By giving pupils this responsibility we are supporting
them in developing their own strategies for avoiding and resolving conflict. We also believe
that if pupils reach their own agreement as to how to move forward after a conflict, they
are more likely to abide by it than if it is suggested by an adult or imposed upon them. By
involving the pupils in the design of the agreement we give them ownership over it and ensure
it is helping them to resolve the situation in their own way.
All staff working within our school use active listening skills when dealing with a conflict.
This enables them to draw out more from those involved.
Children are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and orderly manner at all times
and it is considered important to develop children's self-discipline, especially in their
approach to their work and in their relationships with staff and fellow pupils.
Merit Certificates are awarded weekly in our school assembly. Our Discipline Policy promotes
positive behaviour. This is achieved through openly praising pupils who are prepared and
ready rather than focusing attention on those who are not. An agreed procedure has been
formulated by pupils, parents and staff regarding appropriate sanctions that are
administered for misdemeanours that are anti-social.
MEALS AT SCHOOL
Traditional dinners are provided at school. These are available to all full-time children. We
would appreciate payment on a weekly basis to be made on Monday mornings. As the charge
for meals is constantly changing you will be informed of any changes when they occur.
Any assistance with free school meals will be given confidentially at school. Enquiries may be
made to the Local Education Office or the Head Teacher.
Packed lunches are brought by some children to be consumed in the dining hall. These should
be brought in suitable containers, clearly marked with the child’s name. We do not allow
any glass bottles or cans of drinks; neither do we allow food containing nuts or nut
extract to be consumed by children eating packed lunches due to some pupils’ severe
allergic reaction to this type of food. As we try to encourage a healthy eating policy,
children may not eat sweets or chocolate at school. If children wish to eat a snack at
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playtime, an item of fruit may be consumed. Please note:- fruit bars are not regarded
as fruit.
Any pupil who has a special dietary need will be catered for, providing we have official
notification from either the hospital dietician or G.P. This will obviously have been dealt
with by parents and the Health Department as a matter of course. I ask you to support
those class teachers who have pupils with allergies in their class by being considerate and
mindful of the allergies.
Many thanks for your support in this matter.
BREAKFAST CLUB
The school operates a ‘Breakfast Club’ each morning between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Parents who
wish their children to take breakfast at school between these times are welcome to bring
their children to school for this purpose only, where they will be supervised appropriately in
the school canteen. After the children have finished eating their food, they have the
opportunity to play board type games in the dining room until 8:40 a.m., when they are
welcomed into class. This initiative instigated by the Welsh Assembly is free to all children
who attend the school, and no financial charge is made at present. Again children with special
dietary needs will be catered for as recommended by the Health Department.
RELIGIOUS WORSHIP
Assemblies held at school incorporate a broad moral and Christian theme that includes
awareness of other cultures, customs and religions. Parents have the right to withdraw their
children from religious worship at school if they so wish. If you have any queries regarding
this please contact me at school.
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R. E. WITHDRAWAL
Parents have the right to withdraw pupils from the school’s act of collective worship and the
Religious Education programme. The Head Teacher will need to discuss alternative
arrangements with respective parents wishing to make separate provision at the same time
as general acts of worship.
ETHNIC DATA
All maintained schools are expected to collect ethnic data (ethnic origin, religion and
language) on each pupil who enters the primary and secondary sectors at the ages of four
and eleven. This data is designed to ensure that the education provided in schools meets the
needs of all pupils. This information will be treated with confidentiality and will only be
available to authorised personnel. It will only be passed on in aggregated form with no
mention of individual names. You as parents have the right to refuse to give this
information, and anyone wishing to discuss this should contact me at school.
SEX AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION
Relationship Education is essentially taught through Circle Time and positive behaviour is
encouraged throughout the school day. Sex and Relationships Education within the school is
taught in a factual way, through the science section of the National Curriculum.
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The school works closely with the School Nurse, our Year 5 girls are taught about the body
changes that occur during puberty and when in Year 6 our pupils watch a ‘Growing Up’ video
and experience a more in-depth discussion related to puberty. Parents will be informed of
this beforehand. We want our pupils to be well informed (by the time they leave Hook) of
bodily changes that will happen to them, however all issues are dealt with in a sensitive
manner. Parents are more than welcome to discuss any of these issues with the Headteacher.
Pupils will not participate in these lessons unless you have been informed. You are also able to
discuss the content of these lessons with the Headteacher or School Nurse.
The school acknowledges that parents have the right to withdraw their child from Sex
Education at school.
HEALTH
We have very close links with the Health Authority and school nurses undertake regular
visits and screening. Hearing tests and speech therapy are available on referral.
ACCIDENTS
Accidents and incidents are recorded and parents are informed in person or by telephone if a
head injury. If your child needs medical attention and we are unable to contact you, your child
will be taken to hospital in an ambulance with a member of staff.
ADMINISTERING MEDICINES IN SCHOOL
While we are prepared to administer prescribed medicines when necessary, it can only been done
following a request, with written instructions, from the parents. A form is available in school for
this purpose.
All children with medical needs will have a healthcare plan which will be drawn up in consultation
with the parents. This will apply to any child with long term medical needs, i.e. allergies etc.
ANNUAL EVENTS
A Harvest Festival is held in the school hall during October, during this service an auction of
produce presented is held with proceeds being donated to a local charity. We try to support
the ‘Children in Need’ charity in November with a non-uniform-dressing up day. The school
holds a Christmas Concert, which takes the form of a Carol service or concert. Children
normally dress up to celebrate St. David’s day, and a concert is held in the school hall.
During the summer term the school holds its Sports Day on the village field. At the end of
this term a special concert is held to say farewell to all school leavers.
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THE FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL
We have a very active Parents’ Association, The Friends of Hook C.P. School. The Friends
have been very successful in raising money to help purchase many items for school since its
introduction. We hope all parents will take an active interest in this work, either as a
committee member or as a helper and supporter when fund raising events take place.
CHARITIES
Many demands are made upon the school to support charities. We normally support a local
charity from the proceeds of the Harvest Festival auction, the Children in Need Appeal and
possibly one other during the academic year. The emphasis is always put on the educational
benefits of giving, rather than how much can be raised by each child.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
We need to have up to date records of telephone numbers for contacting parents or a
representative in an emergency.
Please note that if weather conditions deteriorate during the winter months, school may
need to be closed and children be sent home as a safety measure. Every effort will be made
to avoid sending children home or to the representative, without contacting parents first. In
the event of a sudden deterioration of weather conditions, parents of children who have a
long distance to travel i.e. by car, are advised to contact the school or come to collect their
children early. We also have a link with Radio Pembrokeshire and any closure will be
announced as soon as contact is made with this media service,
May I stress that every effort will be made to keep the school open during severe weather,
but please ensure that we are open on days after an enforced closure before sending your
child to school.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
We feel that children benefit from extra curricular activities either in or out of school. As
a result a number of members of staff have volunteered to hold activities either during the
lunch hour or after school. The following activities are on offer:
 Netball
 Rugby or Football or Cricket
 Cross Country
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 Performing Arts
 Computer (lunch time)
 Gardening
 Cookery
We request that all parents who collect their children at the
end of the after-school clubs arrive in good time to collect their
children.
THE CURRICULUM
Our school curriculum is organised to complement the National
Curriculum orders. The skills based curriculum introduced has meant that the Key Stage 2
curriculum content is now being delivered through a thematic approach, and the content of
each subject is linked to other subjects where possible being
taught through separate topics each term.
The topics we have adopted for the Foundation Phase are:
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Term
Term
Term
Term
Term
Term
Term
Term
Term
Term
Term
Term
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
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Forces and weather
Sound and communication
Plants and animals
Light and dark
Ourselves
Minibeasts
Seasons
Materials, houses & homes
Around the world, environments
People who help us
Materials and clothes
The seaside
We deliver the skills based curriculum through a thematic approach in Key Stage 2. The
content of each subject is linked to other subjects where possible.
Topic taught include:
Class 2 Years 3-4
Class 3 Years 5 – 6
Term 1
Invaders & Settlers
Mountains
Term 2
Overall Mapping Skills
World War II
Term 3
The Tudors & Local
Modern Times 60s & 70s
Castles
Term 4
Age of the Princes
The Victorians
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Living in My World
Chembakolli
Term 5
Other Continents and
Customs
Term 6
The Milford Haven
Waterway
ENGLISH
A detailed scheme of work to complement the National Literacy Strategy has been
developed under the following headings: Speaking and Listening
Children are given every opportunity to express themselves and to listen to other people’s
points of view. We encourage the children to listen by reading stories to them. This we feel
helps develop a desire to read. The school places a high level of importance upon oral
presentation and produces four concerts each academic year; these are: Harvest Festival where poem, prose and songs are performed to the parents.
 Christmas Concert where the children produce plays and sing carols for the parents.
 Dydd Gwyl Dewi/St. David’s Day where the children perform short plays, poems, prose
and sing songs for the parents. This concert has a specific bilingual theme.
 Leavers’ Concert where the pupils perform a variety of items to celebrate the Year 6
pupils’ time at the school.
Reading
We use a main scheme - Oxford Reading Tree - from which we can assess their development.
Other scheme and ‘real’ books are also used, and together these will help to develop the
children’s language skills. The school is continually updating resources to develop reading
skills. The school operates a ‘Grouped Reading’ session which
takes place each morning. Children are placed in small reading
groups to read aloud, and monitored by staff members and
year 6 pupils.
The school has invited parents to open evenings to discuss
the importance of reading. Parents’ assistance in listening to
children read at home is always encouraged.
The school has introduced Read Write Inc (RWInc) scheme
to help children develop letter sounds in preparation to
reading and to develop reading.
Writing
Many different stimuli are used to encourage children to write. Written work is often linked
with the theme or topic being studies. Grammar work is encouraged to build up the
children’s basic skills.
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Spelling
Letter sounds and names are taught to encourage accurate spelling. Children are encouraged
to spell for themselves with teacher support. As they progress through the school children
are encouraged to use dictionaries to help them.
Handwriting
The children are always encouraged to present work neatly. Letter formation from various
schemes of work is taught to develop handwriting skills throughout the school.
Assessment
The children are assessed in the following manner:
Early Years & Reception – Sight Vocabulary and Phonic Assessment when the children
have progressed to the reading schemes.
Key Stage 1 – Shonell Word Recognition Assessment in the autumn term,
(occasionally the Salford Sentence Reading Test is used with children
when we feel it is necessary).
All Wales Reading (Sentence Comprehension) Test in the summer term.
Children are assessed formally at the end of this key stage.
Key Stage 2 – N.F.E.R. Sentence Comprehension test in the autumn term.
All Wales Reading test in the summer term.
Children are assessed at the end of this key stage prior to their transition
to secondary school.
MATHEMATICS
The Ginn Abacus Evolve Maths Scheme is used within the school. It is supplemented by
teacher input and other schemes that are used to give additional practice to the children to
assist them with their development. We also encourage the children to develop their problem
solving skills to increase their ability to use maths in everyday situations.
Tables are taught and the children are tested regularly. The learning of the tables is
obviously the responsibility of the child, and your encouragement is welcomed. We also teach
the children to develop instant mental recall of number bonds with appropriate levels of
skills according to the respective age groups being encouraged.
Maths games are encouraged and we use the ‘Heinemann – Using and Applying’ Maths scheme.
Simple games such as dominoes can be played with the children at home to develop their
number skills.
Assessment
The children are assessed at the end of each topic; they are also assessed using the
computer generated ‘Snapshot Assessment’ scheme. Children are assessed formally at the
end of each key stage. At the end of Key Stage 2 pupils are assessed using the moderation
initiatives initiated by the ‘Family of Schools’ prior to their transfer to Key Stage 3.
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SCIENCE
We use the Ginn Star Science Scheme within school. Topics are chosen to complement the
new topics we have adopted as stated above. The scheme contains its own assessment
procedure that is administered and used for teacher assessment. Activities are varied and
children are given practical tasks wherever possible. Problem solving, curiosity and the
development of the inquiring mind are actively encouraged.
Assessment
The children are assessed formally at the end of K.S.2 before transferring to secondary
school.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Children are asked to plan and carry out activities involving various mediums. The use of
computers is encouraged to support all areas of the curriculum. Data handling and word
processing are encouraged. The children of Class 4 publish a newspaper once a term and
many skills are developed in this production.
HISTORY
Children are given the opportunity to develop an interest in the past and in human
achievements and aspirations. The areas of study have been selected from the National
Curriculum guidelines and are integrated into the chosen topics for each term. These are
highlighted in our long term planning.
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GEOGRAPHY
Within the framework of the theme children are asked to develop a strong interest in their
own environment and in the world. The areas of study are outlined in the National Curriculum
and these are integrated into the chosen topics for each term. These are highlighted in our
long term planning.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
This area covers many aspect of moral and religious understanding, and the areas of study
are incorporated into our broad thematic work covered in school. Bible stories and moral
parallels are also drawn into all topic work.
MUSIC
Music is taught throughout the school. Singing and instrument participation are encouraged,
peripatetic music tutors teach brass and string instruments. The school organises a choir
frequently to perform in school concerts: we are frequently invited to perform at out of
school events such as supporting local choirs at charity fund raising concerts; and seasonal
fairs.
P.E. & GAMES
P.E. is now taught by a member of the L.E.As Sports Development team. We have a
playground large enough to have a netball pitch; and the use of the Hook sports club field.
Boys and girls play soccer, rugby, cricket and netball together with no discrimination. During
wet weather we are able to use the hall situated in the Hook Sports club Years three, four,
five and six have swimming tuition once a week during the Autumn term at the
Haverfordwest Pool.
During the Summer Term the children take part in the Athletics Sports Day from which a
team is selected to represent the school at the Haverfordwest and District Athletics
Meeting.
Team Games with other schools take place when appropriate. All children are given the
opportunity to take part in any county or district sporting activities as and when they arise.
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WELSH
Welsh is taught throughout the school as a second language. The emphasis is on conversation
and writing is introduced in the final years at the school. The category of the school within
Pembrokeshire’s policy on Welsh language is a ‘C’ category.
The school celebrates Welsh through its ‘Pegiau Pawb’ scheme, encouraging pupils to use
welsh phrases. A child is then selected to look after the class mascot.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
The children are encouraged to develop their skills such as measuring, designing, cutting and
gluing where safety allows in this area in line with National Curriculum orders. The school
has purchased many apparatus items to assist them in this subject.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
All children are dealt with according to their needs, but outside agencies are involved where
it is considered necessary. If you have any doubts about your child’s progress, please
contact me at school. All children at school are assessed periodically with standardised
tests. If as a result of these tests, or teachers’ continual assessment, we feel that your
child is in need of extra help, you will be contacted immediately.
All pupils with special educational needs have an individual educational programme planned
with the assistance of parents.
ASSESSMENT
Children undergo constant assessment as they progress through school. Assessment may be
in the form of testing children at the end of a topic studied; half-termly tests in conjunction
with the National Numeracy strategy; weekly mental Maths tests; marking of work with
individual children; or with general observation of individuals and pupils working in groups.
Teachers will record their findings and assessment results in mark books. These assessments
form part of our future planning. Examples of children’s work are kept in their individual
folders.
Tasks relating to the National Curriculum are undertaken as the children progress through
the relative year groups. The school has devised and adopted relevant assessment tasks to
monitor the children’s progress. Levels of attainment are reported to parents towards the
end of the summer term and these reports are discussed with parents at ‘Parents Evening.’
Formal assessment or ‘Baseline’ assessment takes place within the first half-term of entry to
school, to assess their skills at the commencement of their formal education. Children are
assessed formally at the end of the Foundation Phase in Year 2, and at the end of Key Stage
2 in Year 6. Results of these tests with National Curriculum levels are reported to parents
and to the secondary school to which the children will transfer.
BASIC SKILLS – QUALITY MARK
As stated in our ‘Aims of the School’ we hope to develop the ability of each child to read,
write and speak in English; and use Mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress
in society in general.
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We are assessed by the ‘Basic Skills’ agency on a regular basis to determine our
success in promoting the importance of these skills through clear leadership, innovation and
development and working in partnership with parents and the L.E.A. to provide a quality
education that results in value for money. There are ten elements to be met to achieve the
Quality Mark award; details of which are held at the school.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The school through its vigilance ensures that all pupils and staff are treated fairly and have
the right of equal opportunity to work and progress to their full potential, irrespective of
race; colour and creed; disability; and gender.
CHARGING & REMISSIONS POLICY
The basic principle is that education in a maintained school such as ours is free of charge
during school hours. However some activities may be arranged whereby a charge may be
made or a voluntary contribution requested. All parents of children partaking in these
activities will be informed before they take place. These include school trips and activity
breaks such as visits to the Urdd camp at Llangrannog.
Pupils who are entitled to reduced charges are those whose parents are in receipt of Income
Support or Working Tax Credit. Those school journeys/visits that qualify for full remission
of board & lodging are those that
 take place in school hours
 are part of provisions of the National Curriculum or part of the duty to provide
religious education
 provide delivery of part of the syllabus of a prescribed public examination
and must satisfy the Local Authority’s rules and regulations relating to school
journeys.
The school has the right to invite voluntary contributions for the benefit of the school or in
support of any activity organized by the school, whether during or outside school hours.
HOME/SCHOOL AGREEMENTS
All schools are required to have a written Home/School agreement in place. The agreement is
a statement explaining the school’s aims and values; the school’s responsibilities towards its
pupils; the responsibilities of the pupils’ parents; and what the school expects of its parents.
It is hoped that all parents and pupils (where appropriate) will endorse this agreement.
COMPLAINTS
If you have a complaint or even a minor concern then please see the Headteacher before the
situation escalates. Hopefully, issues can be worked out swiftly and satisfactorily. If you
wish to take your complaint further, then the Headteacher can advise you how to do this.
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The Governing Body has a Complaints Policy and will investigate any complaints that cannot be
dealt with informally by the Headteacher. Such complaints should be directed to the
Chairperson of the Governing Body c/o Hook C.P. School.
CHILD PROTECTION.
Every school in Pembrokeshire is required to follow a set of procedures in child protection
issues. Head teachers are required to refer child protection concerns to the Social Service
Department for further investigation so that children at risk can be identified quickly, and
the relevant services contacted as appropriate. The procedure is intended to protect
children from abuse. When a school refers a child protection concern to the Social Services
Department, it is not accusing the parents of abuse, but requesting that further
investigation takes place to establish whether a child is at risk of significant harm or
neglect.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair access is available to the school buildings and to the canteen. A disabled toilet
has been provided in Block 2 (Years 3 and 4).
SCHOOL SECURITY
The school has purchased a security system ensuring access to the school building is denied
to all unauthorised personnel. All visitors to school during the day must report to the main
door opposite the side gate and will only be allowed access upon proof of identity.
FINAL MESSAGE.
We believe that a child's time in school should be rewarding and fulfilling. We encourage
children to explore their possibilities and achieve their potential, whether it be through the
curriculum, music, sport, or the outdoors.
It is a school of which I am very proud and privileged to be involved with, we have an open
door policy here at Hook; reading about us is no substitute for understanding the close
community feel that our school has and seeing the care that is offered to our children.
Please feel free to come and visit us – the school is always keen to receive visitors.
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