Corpus Christi Primary School, Brixton - Parent handbook 2015 2016

CORPUS CHRISTICATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

Parents’ Handbook2015-2016

- 1 -

CONTENTS Welcome from the Headteachers

Mission Statement

A History of Corpus Christi

Everyday Life at the School

The Religious Life of the School

Pastoral Care and Behaviour

Curriculum at Corpus Christi Early Years Foundation Stage Phonics SATs in Year 2 Year 6 Testing and Assessment Arrangements KS1 and KS2: A Creative Curriculum

Special Educational Needs and English as an Additional Language

Regular Events at Corpus Christi

From the Children: A Warm Welcome Our Views

Extra-Curricular Activities at Corpus Christi

Parental Involvement A Welcome from the Corpus Christi Parents’ Association

Healthy Schools

Community Links

Inspections and External Awards

Further Information

- 2 -

Welcome to Corpus Christi School This booklet aims to answer any questions you may have as a parent while your child progresses though the school, as well as providing you with additional information. Developed with the help of parents and the children, it should provide all the information you require. Please read through it and keep it for future reference. Our whole school community of children, parents, staff and governors are justifiably very proud of our school and its successes. These successes are evident both in the academic standards achieved and in the excellent curriculum on offer to the children. We aim to provide a nurturing and stimulating Christian environment in which each child can thrive and develop his or her own interests and talents. One of the key strengths of Corpus Christi School is the invaluable support that parents provide to their child and to the school community. We look forward to working with each of you and your children so that they are provided with the best possible start to their education. Mrs J Connery and Mr R Coyle Headteachers

- 3 -

Mission Statement Corpus Christi School exists to serve the Catholic communities of Brixton Hill and its neighbouring parishes. We are here to educate our children to the highest possible standard in a community which has the gospel values, traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Faith at the centre of its ethos. In all aspects of the school, Christian values will be upheld, with an emphasis on respect, helpfulness, unselfishness and co-operation.

- 4 -

A History of Corpus Christi School

From the beginning: The Mission In 1880, a Catholic mission was established in Brixton under Father Van Doorne, which covered Brixton, Streatham, Tulse Hill and Stockwell. There were approximately seventy-five Catholics in the Brixton area. In 1881, Father Van Doorne purchased 4 Gwydr House, between Lambert and Hayter Roads, which he renamed Corpus Christi House. Later that year, the house was purchased for £3,400 by the Sisters of Notre-Dame-de-Namur, who opened a secondary convent school at 34 Brixton Hill in 1882, although they did not open an elementary school.

In 1883, Father Van Doorne started a church building fund. On 14th July 1885, the first stone of the church was laid and the first Mass celebrated on 14th August 1885. On 12th June 1888, the first part of the church was opened by Bishop Butt with a congregation of 800. By 1899, the Corpus Christi School Fund, raised by the parishioners, had reached £4000. In 1901, Father Van Doorne retired as parish priest of the church he had founded, and was succeeded by his assistant, Father William Curran, who took over responsibility for building the school. From the beginning: The School Corpus Christi School was opened in February 1902 by Father Curran, its first head teacher Miss Catherine Dempsey. The school’s first building, and the church itself, were designed by the architect John Francis Bentley, who later went on to design Westminster Cathedral. It consisted of a four-classroom block which stood in the area which is now the Nursery playground. It was the then back garden of Bethel House, a large Georgian home which stood on the site of the present church hall. By 1932 the school was reported as being overcrowded, with 206 pupils. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s Father Bernard Kelly, the parish priest, made several attempts to enlist the support of the diocese and council to improve the school buildings. World War II In August 1939, parents of children were advised that “all children will be evacuated from the major cities to rural areas.” Bernard O’Sullivan, a Corpus Christi pupil from 1934-1941 was in Mrs Healey’s class at the time. “On 1 September 1939, parents were told to pack a change of clothing, pyjamas, towel and sponge bag, sandwiches, an apple and a bar of chocolate and report with their children to the school at the normal time. On arrival at school, we had a label attached to our clothes, with our own and our school’s name. We went by bus to the local railway station where we joined other schools and boarded steam trains to Horsham, Sussex.” (28 Corpus Christi children were evacuated to Horsham.) “On arrival we were billeted to families and taken there by a member of the Women’s Volunteer Service. I returned to school for one term in 1941.”

During the war, Corpus Christi School remained open and the air raid shelter was one large room. The children came to school in the mornings one week and in the afternoons the next week. Those who were evacuated went to Lostwithiel in Cornwall after Horsham.

In 1940 air raids destroyed the main classroom block as well as the stained glass in the church. The school remained in bad condition until 1946 when the main block was rebuilt, though a bombed out classroom was still used as a boys’ playground.

Corpus Christi Church, 1905

Effra Parade, 19th July 1944

Trent Road, 1905

- 5 -

A History of Corpus Christi School

Post War Years In 1955 an annexe was established for the 260 pupils in Rosbart Street, Stockwell, a mile away from the main school, which was eventually transferred to St Helen’s in 1970. A new annexe was built in 1960 on Lambert Road. By the early 1970s plans were well underway to rebuild the Trent Road buildings, and enough land had been acquired to provide the site on which the school building now stands.

Over the years the school has expanded further to include new Year 2 classrooms, a nursery, music room, the chalet and an extended playground on the Trent Road site, new Year 3 and Year 6 rooms, library, ICT suite, after-school club room and an Upper Hall to meet the school’s expanding needs on the Lambert Road site. Our School The work and achievements of our school have been recognised in several ways over the years. Our last three Ofsted inspections have found us to be Outstanding. Corpus Christi has featured several times in the Sunday Times’ Good Schools Guide, and in 2001 won the Evening Standard School of the Year Award. We have had numerous important visitors and our children have met a number of important people over the years, including:

Meeting HRH Prince Harry in 2013

We now have a Nursery class and two classes from Reception to Year 6 with specialist music and sports coaches in a fully-equipped and ever evolving building. We are proud to offer our children a varied and bespoke curriculum and excellent pastoral care, as well as a range of after school activities. We maintain our close links with both Corpus Christi and St Philip and St James’ parishes, and are actively involved in community events. We are incredibly proud of our school both past and present, and we continue to evolve and develop as we move into the future.

Junior class in the playground, early 1950s

Bethel House 1970s

Corpus Christi Football Team, 1978

With special thanks to Rachel Johnson-Ferguson for the content of these pages, taken from her work on “Corpus Christi: The First 100 Years 1902-2002”

Nelson Mandela Tony Blair Boris Johnson David Cameron Nick Clegg Michael Gove HRH Prince Harry

Meeting Nelson Mandela in 2000

- 6 -

Everyday life at Corpus Christi School

School Structure - Staffing The school is well served by a professional and dedicated team of teachers, teaching assistants and support staff.

School Leadership Team Mrs J Connery – Co-headteacher, School Achievement Manager Mr R Coyle – Co-headteacher, RE coordinator Mrs K Smart – Assistant Headteacher Mrs S Cole – Assistant Headteacher

Teachers and Additional Responsibilities

Teacher Class Additional Responsibilities Mr S Dervan Nursery Early Years Co-ordinator Miss C Crean Class 1 Miss N Martin Class 2 School Council Healthy Schools Co-ordinator Miss L Kelsall Class 3 School Council, Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator Miss H Smedley Class 4 Green Team, Irish Dance Club Mrs L Powell Class 5 KS1 Phase Group Leader, Creative Curriculum Co-ordinator

Miss N Thompson Class 6 Science Co-ordinator Mr M Kelleher Class 7 Lower KS2 Phase Group Leader

ICT Co-ordinator Mrs S Stevens-Cox Class 8 School Council, Art and D&T Co-ordinator, Cookery Club,

Running Club, Parents’ Handbook Miss R Kriechbaum Class 9 Mr M Calvey Class 10 History and Geography Co-ordinator

Educational Visits Co-ordinator Cookery Club

Miss H Hughes Class 11 Green Team Mrs A Duffy Class 12 P.E Coordinator, EAL Co-ordinator Mrs S Cole Class 13 Mathematics Co-ordinator Mr S Lehmann Class 14 Upper Key Stage 2 Co-ordinator, English Co-ordinator Mrs K Smart Music Teacher, Special Needs Co-ordinator, Maths Teacher Mrs C Kelleher British Values Mrs G Jenson Mrs Z Bray Early Years Support Teacher

Early Years Co-ordinator Mr M Brady Specialist Sports Coach Mr Staples Specialist Sports Coach

Teaching Assistants

Nursery Miss Morrison & Mrs Bell Reception Ms Donlon, Miss Moore & Mrs Sheehan Year 1 Mrs Antoniou, Mrs Buglione & Mr Tope Year 2 Mrs Tomoriova, Miss L Murnin & Mrs Marrone Year 3 Mrs Channer, Mrs Gutierrez & Ms Everett Year 4 Mr Fenick Sanchez & Mrs Humpage Year 5 & 6 Ms T Murnin, Mrs Tope, Mrs Rodriguez & Mr Perry

- 7 -


Governing Body and Committees Clerk to the Governing Body Ms S Ruiz Consultant to the Governing Body Mr J Mann

Governing Body Type of Governor Term of Office Start Term of Office ends Roles & Responsibilities

Ms K Byrne Foundation 17/08/2011 16/08/2015 Chair of Governors, Safeguarding

Mrs J Namusisi-Riley Foundation 30/01/2012 29/01/2016 Dep. Chair of Governors, Equality

Mr M Burke Foundation 13/09/2012 12/09/2016 School Journeys/Visits, Science

Mr P Beaumont Foundation 17/08/2011 16/08/2015 H&S

Mrs F Brown Foundation 17/08/2011 16/08/2015 Equality, EAL

Vacancy Foundation RE & Ethos, English

Mr W Mordaunt Foundation 17/08/2011 16/08/2015 Maths

Mr J Wood Local Authority 12/12/2014 12/12/2018 Training Link

Mrs M Sawyer Parent Governor 15/11/2014 14/11/2017 IT

Mrs C Carberry Parent Governor 15/11/2014 14/11/2017 SEN & PE/Sports

Fr. A McKenna-Whyte Foundation 01/09/2013 31/08/2017

Mrs G Tatton Staff 2012 2016

Mr S Lehmann Staff 15/11/2014 14/11/2017

Mr R Coyle Ex Officio 2012 2016

Mrs J Connery Ex Officio 01/09/2013

Office Staff Ms S Ruiz - School Business Manager Mrs C Nickie – Finance Officer

Mrs G Tatton – Parent, Pupil & Data Officer Miss L Banks – Admin Assistant Miss S Seddon – Admin Assistant

Class Structure

Key Stage 2 Maths Groups In Key Stage 2 the children are arranged in groups for maths. The groupings are based on teacher assessment. Children may be moved into different groups at any time of the year dependent on progress.

EYFS KS1 Lower KS2 Upper KS2 Nursery am/pm Reception: Class 1 & 2

Year 1: Class 3 & 4 Year 2: Class 5 & 6



Facilities The school is very fortunate to have a wide range of facilities available for the children’s learning. These include a fully equipped computing suite, interactive whiteboard and networked class computer in every classroom, iPads, library, music room, main school hall with gymnastic apparatus, and an additional hall.

- 8 -


School Times Nursery Morning Session 8.40am -11.30am Afternoon Session 12.30pm -3.20pm Reception and Key Stage 1 (ages 5 to 7) 8.50am -12.10pm * Lunch break 1.15pm -3.10pm Key Stage 2 (ages 7 to 11)8.50am - 12.30pm * Lunch break1.30pm - 3.10 pm * Morning break 10.30am - 10.50am

Where to line up in the mornings

Infant Playground (Nursery side)

Infant playground (Hall side)

Junior Playground

NurseryClass 5 Class 6

Class 1Class 2 Class 3Class 4

All Key Stage 2 classes

Absences

Corpus Christi has an excellent attendance record, the impact of which helps all children maximize their learning potential. Children’s attendance is recorded and rewarded in school. We ask all parents to make doctor or dentist appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. Holidays are not permitted during term-time. You must make an appointment with the Headteachers to request approval to remove your child in exceptional circumstances. Parents should be guided by the school’s Attendance and Punctuality Policy which is published on the school’s website.

If your child is going to be absent from school, please telephone the school office by 9am. Office: 020 7274 4722

- 9 -


School Term and Holiday Dates 2015/2016

Autumn Term 2015 Open Thursday 3rd September 2015 Close Friday 18th December 2015 Half Term 26th October – 30th October 2015 Inset Days (School Closed): Wednesday 2nd September 2015

Friday 9th and 23rd October 2015 Spring Term 2016 Open Tuesday 5th January 2016 Close Thursday 24th March 2016 Half Term 15th – 19th February 2016 Inset Days (School Closed): Monday 4th January 2016 Summer Term 2016 Open Tuesday 12th April 2016 Close Thursday 21st July 2016 Half Term 30th May - 3rd June 2016 Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2016 Inset Day (School Closed) Monday 11th April 2016

Inset Day (School Closed): Monday 5th September 2016

Re-open for 2016/2017 Academic Year on Tuesday 6th September 2016

Please note that on the last day of each term, children should be collected at 2pm.

Nursery children finish a day earlier. Please speak to your child’s teacher for further information.

- 10 -


Uniform

.

Boys

Girls

Summer UniformMonth of September Summer Term

Mid blue shirt School tie School pulloverGrey short trousers (without combat-style pockets) Grey socks Black shoes Navy blue blazer with school badge School cap

Light blue/ white striped summer dress Striped summer blouse and navy blue skirt (Y5&6) School pullover White socks Black shoes Navy blue blazer with school badge Straw hat

Winter Uniform Ist week in October – End of Spring Term

Long grey trousers Mid blue shirt School tie School jumper Black shoes School cap Navy blue blazer with school badge Plain navy blue overcoat

Mid blue shirt School tie Navy blue pinafore or skirt School jumper White socks/ navy blue tights Black shoes Felt hat Navy blue blazer with school badge Plain navy blue overcoat

PE Kits PE kits come into school on a Monday and are taken home on a Friday. All children should wear a white Corpus Christi t-shirt (available from the school office), navy blue shorts, and correctly-fitting black plimsolls. Junior children may be provided with plain trainers in addition to plimsolls and a Corpus Christi tracksuit for outdoor PE lessons. They should, however, ensure the rest of their PE kit remains in school for indoor PE and other lessons.

Nursery Uniform

Summer Winter Navy shorts Blue Corpus Christi Polo Shirt Blue Corpus Christi jumper Plain white trainers Socks

Navy blue track suit trousers Blue Corpus Christi Polo Shirt Blue Corpus Christi jumper Plain white trainers Socks Coat

Uniform The school uniform, worn by all children, is an important and distinctive feature of the school. We place an emphasis on achieving high standards of dress and appearance because we believe it encourages the children to take pride in themselves and their school. We therefore ask parents to ensure that their children always wear the correct uniform at the correct time of year. Girls should keep long hair tied back, and boys’ hair should be above the collar and the ears.Items in italics should be purchased from the school; others are available from high street stores.

- 11 -

The Religious Life of the school

“Corpus Christi is an outstanding example of Catholic education. It is a faith community in which everyone plays a part in living out the mission of the school.”

Section 48 RE Inspection Report, November 2010

Religious Education At Corpus Christi School we aim to give children a deeper knowledge and understanding of their Catholic faith. We aim to guide and foster the growth in faith of each individual child and to make prayer, worship and the liturgy meaningful and relevant experiences. The religious, spiritual and moral education of the children is given high priority here. We regard religious education as more than a curriculum subject. It is something that guides every area of our school. As a Catholic school we aim to educate the whole child, and our ethos is inseparable from the curriculum. Religious education is taught through lessons using the ‘Come and See’ programme and also through celebrations, prayer and everyday experiences in school. Mass The children at Corpus Christi celebrate Mass with the parish at the beginning of each term and on several feast days throughout the year. In addition, we hold liturgical and celebration services once a term. Parents are very welcome to join us at mass and celebration services. Holy Communion and Penitential Services Children begin their preparation for First Holy Communion and Reconciliation at their local parish churches while they are in Year 3.

From that point on, children attend Penitential Services in the church during Lent and Advent. Christmas and Easter Celebrations All the children at Corpus Christi will be involved in celebrations at Christmas and Easter, with masses, prayer services and productions throughout the school.

Christmas Nursery and Reception children perform a short annual Nativity story. Key Stage 1 children perform a full Nativity story, with drama, song and celebration. Key Stage 2 children perform a Carol Service at Corpus Christi church to which all parents are invited.

Easter Reception and Key Stage 1 children all attend a special Easter Prayer Service in the school hall, and are invited to wear their own Easter bonnets in celebration at Easter time. Years 3-5 children perform The Way of the Cross, a production about the Passion of Christ.

- 12 -

The Religious Life of the school

“My child is being developed as a rounded individual, with a sense of Christian tradition and civic responsibility, informed by her religious instruction’

A Parent view cited in Section 48 RE Inspection Report, November 2010 Class Saints

Each class has its own special Patron Saint. The children pray to their saint and learn about their lives and the examples that they set to others. The children also celebrate their saint’s feast day in class and use that day to give to the local community by collecting provisions for the Brixton Food Bank. The children also learn about the four school Saints: George, David, Andrew and Patrick.

Saint Feast Day Nursery St Francis of Assisi 4th October Class 1 St Vincent de Paul 27th September Class 2 St Mary Magdalene 22nd July Class 3 St Elizabeth Ann Seton 4th January Class 4 St Martin de Porres 3rd November Class 5 St Bernadette Soubirous 16th April Class 6 St Catherine of Siena 30th April Class 7 St Theresa of Lisieux 1st October Class 8 St Ignatius Loyola 31st July Class 9 St Charles Lwanga 3rd June Class 10 St John Bosco 31st January Class 11 St Thomas More 22nd June Class 12 St Benedict 11th July Class 13 St John Fisher 22nd June Class 14 St Emilie de Rodat 19th September

Prayers

The children pray in school at various times during the school day and in the collective worship of assemblies.

They will learn a range of prayers during their time at Corpus Christi, and in Year 2 each child receives their own Corpus Christi prayer book in a special ceremony conducted by the parish priest. All children should know the Our Father and the Hail Mary.

St. John Bosco by Lukas

- 13 -


“Relationships are extremely positive and children thrive as a result of the excellent care and guidance they are given.”

Ofsted Report, January 2010

Behavioural Expectations We believe that the traditional values of good order, courtesy, politeness and respect for adults and other children are essential ingredients in creating a secure and happy learning environment. Good behaviour is expected from every child here; we provide support and guidance to enable them to achieve our expected standards. If a child gives cause for concern, parents are contacted at an early stage to discuss the matter.

Buddies At the suggestion of the children themselves, Corpus Christi has set up a buddy system across the school. To enable children to transfer smoothly from Infants to Juniors, the children in Years 2 and 3 are matched with a ‘buddy’ from Year 5 and 6 who will help the children with projects or reading, or simply serve as a friendly face.

Children’s Responsibilities At Corpus Christi, children are encouraged to take on responsibility and serve their school and community. In Year 6, the children elect a Head Boy and Girl who represent the school. They have a range of duties and responsibilities which they carry out.

Individual classes have a range of classroom monitors to help with jobs such as taking the register to the office, giving out books or giving out fruit.

Playtime and lunchtime Playtime: 10.30 am -10.50 am Morning break is supervised by a teacher and teaching assistants. Children are provided with a range of playground equipment to play with. During morning break, the Key Stage 1 children are provided with a free piece of fruit or vegetable each day. Key Stage 2 children bring their own from home. Lunchtime: Key Stage 1 12.10 pm -1.15 pm Key Stage 2 12.30pm - 1.30 pm Children are supervised by Lunchtime Supervisors. They are provided with a carefully planned range of playground equipment to play with, and may be given opportunities to use the school library and computing suite. There are also opportunities for children to serve as playground helpers.

- 14 -


“Pupils enjoy school and their outstanding social, moral, spiritual and cultural development results in their excellent behaviour.”


School Dinners All children receive a choice of three hot school meals each day, cooked on the premises by specialist catering staff. The school has received the Healthy Schools award, and our menus are carefully balanced. The children eat in two sittings, the first for the infants and the second for the juniors. The class order for eating first is rotated weekly.

Security Safety is a priority at Corpus Christi. Gates to the playgrounds are kept securely locked during the school day, and entry to all external doors is restricted by electronic locks. Staff wear clearly visible identification cards at all times, and visitors to the school must visit the office to sign in and receive a visitor’s pass, which must be worn clearly for the duration of the visit.

Role of the Newsletter The Corpus Christi newsletter is sent home every Friday. It contains the week’s news from school, important information about upcoming events and messages. A section is also available for parents. Please email the school at [email protected] for further details.

Bullying Corpus Christi takes bullying extremely seriously and implements an anti-bullying policy. A useful guide on bullying for parents is available from the school office. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to your child’s teacher. “Corpus Christi is a good school because we are all very kind to one another. It is special because we are all one family in the infants and the juniors.”

Cameron

mailto:[email protected]

- 15 -

Curriculum at Corpus Christi

Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum

In Nursery and Reception, children study seven areas of learning, which are divided into the Prime and Specific Areas, plus RE. At the end of the EYFS, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Parents or carers will receive half-termly topic newsletters.

PRIME AREAS Achievement in the Prime Areas is a priority in all EYFS settings. There are three Prime Areas of Learning.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development Children develop a positive sense of themselves and of others, respect for others, social skills, and a positive attitude to learning. We provide support for children’s emotional well-being to help them to know themselves and what they can do.

“Children make outstanding progress in their personal, social and emotional development, which makes a significant contribution to their progress in other areas. Children confidently participate in all activities and play extremely well independently and with others.”


Communication and Language Children learn essential skills for communicating, speaking and listening. Children are encouraged to develop their vocabulary, expression, knowledge of tenses and to speak in full sentences while participating in conversation. We will provide a range of learning opportunities and encourage them to use their skills in a range of situations and for a range of purposes.

Physical Development We provide opportunities for children to be active, interactive, and improve their skills in coordination, control, manipulation and movement. We also support them in their understanding of the importance of physical activity, and making healthy choices in relation to food. In addition, children in Nursery and Reception classes receive weekly PE lessons from a specialist sports coach. SPECIFIC AREAS Children’s learning is further developed and extended through the teaching of Specific Areas:

Literacy Children are introduced to reading and writing through a combination of adult and self-led activities. Daily phonics sessions support children’s understanding of the sound system in English, and support them when reading and writing independently. Children have extensive opportunities to read both books of their own choice, and within the school’s Guided Reading scheme, the Oxford Reading Tree, which is led by an adult.

Mathematics Children are supported in developing their understanding of Mathematics through a broad range of contexts in which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practise and talk about their developing mathematical understanding. Key topics are centred on number, calculating, space, shape and measure.

- 16 -


Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum

Understanding the World Children are supported in developing the knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. We offer opportunities to use a range of tools safely, to encounter creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environments and in real-life situations, to undertake practical experiments and work with a range of materials.

Expressive Arts and Design We extend children’s creativity by providing support for their curiosity, exploration and play. We provide opportunities for children to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings; for example, through a variety of art, music, movement, dance, imaginative and role-play activities, mathematics, and design and technology.

School Trips and Parental Involvement

In the EYFS, we endeavour to enrich the children’s learning experiences as much as possible through visits to museums and local places of interest, as well as inviting guests in to speak to the children. The Nursery and Reception classes have recently visited the Garden Museum, Battersea Zoo, Bockett’s Farm, The Polka Theatre, and have been visited by Theatre Tots and Rhyme Rockets.

Topics across EYFS Term Even Year Odd Year Autumn A

All About Me People Who Help Us

All About Me Water

Autumn B

Fireworks Christmas

Jungle Christmas

Spring A

Fairytales

Superheroes

Spring B

Growing and Plants

Space

Summer A

Animals and their Young

Minibeasts and Their Homes

Summer B

All around the World

Dinosaurs

- 17 -


Phonics At Corpus Christi, we give high priority to the teaching of systematic synthetic phonics. We base our teaching on the National Letters and Sounds strategy, which is split into a six phase structure. Letters and Sounds is based on the best practice from the Early Years Foundation Stage, and places high priority on developing children’s speaking and listening skills. In turn this prepares children for reading and writing skills. In the Early Years, phonics is delivered through our Letterland Scheme, a fun and interactive package including songs, games, stories and a wide variety of resources that introduce the different letter sounds through characters.

Children are introduced to individual sounds, represented by one or more letter (for example the individual sound a or the two-letter sound ch) and are then taught the skills of blending sounds together to read, and segmenting words into their component sounds to write.

From Year 1 to Year 2, daily phonics sessions are taught in groups to ensure children’s progression throughout the phases. Any child who has not reached Phase 6 by the end of Year 2 will receive ongoing support as they move into Key Stage 2.

Year 1 Phonics Screening Check In 2012, the government introduced a new National Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, which is a quick and easy assessment of a child’s phonic knowledge. It allows teachers to confirm whether a child has made the expected progress. The results of the check will be reported to the parents. Any child who has not met the pass mark for the check in Year 1 will have the opportunity to retake it in Year 2.

Further reading about Phonics

If you would like to find out more about phonics, please visit: www.gov.uk/government/collections/phonics, a good online guide for parents can also be found at www.Phonicsplay.co.uk/ParentsMenu.htm

http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/phonics

http://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/ParentsMenu.htm

- 18 -


Standard Attainment Tests (SATs) A new national curriculum was introduced in 2014. As a result, the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) is changing the nature of the tests so that they assess the new curriculum. Pupils in Year 2 and Year 6 will take the new tests for the first time in May 2016.

Year 2 Testing and Assessment Arrangements 2015/16 Year 2 SATs take place during the Summer Term, and are used to assist the teacher assessment that takes place throughout the year. The teacher assessment is then passed on to the local authority and Department for Education. In 2016 the pupils within Year 2 will take their Key Stage 1 SATs. Schools are required to administer the following tests: English reading

English grammar, punctuation and spelling (SPaGs)

Mathematics The Year Two teachers do not refer to the tests as ‘SATs’ in front of the children, and we encourage parents to do the same to avoid unnecessary stress and pressure. The attainment of each pupil is not based on how the children perform in the tests alone but is a combination of ongoing teacher assessment throughout the year and the tests. Levels of achievement

Teachers will translate pupils’ raw scores from the tests into scaled scores to see whether each pupil has met the national standard. Teachers will use the scaled scores to inform their teacher assessment judgements. There will be a meeting in the Spring Term to discuss the SATs with the Year Two parents.

- 19 -


Year 6 Testing and Assessment Arrangements 2015/16

Recently a number of changes have taken place for Year 6 SATs, with the aim of making it fairer for all children. A report on the SATs recommended a greater focus on the progress children make throughout the school year, as opposed to a test-day snapshot of what they know. The value of teacher assessment was also highlighted. Currently all core subjects are teacher assessed, with external tests in English and Mathematics.

In the 2016 KS2 SATs, schools are required to administer the following tests:

English reading

English grammar, punctuation and spelling (SPaGs)

Mathematics

Writing is assessed internally and moderated by Lambeth. A sample of schools is selected to administer an external Science test each year. KS2 SATs will be held in the week beginning Monday 9th May 2016. Booster Classes

Booster classes take place after school once a week in the Spring Term and during a week of the Easter holidays. Levels of achievement

The introduction of a new National Curriculum in 2014 means that this 2015-16 cohort of pupils will be the first to have their SATs results reported as a ‘Scaled Score’ instead of levels. As a result of the tests, children will be awarded a scaled score based on results nationally. Expected attainment for a Year 6 child will be 100. Further information is available online: https://www.gov.uk/scaled-scores

https://www.gov.uk/scaled-scores

- 20 -


Curriculum Information

Children follow a varied and creative curriculum at Corpus Christi school, which include opportunities to study the following subjects in addition to English and Mathematics: Science Art and Design Design and Technology Geography History ICT Music P.E A Modern Foreign Language (Juniors)

“The curriculum is exceptional because it provides captivating and exciting learning opportunities which engage and motivate pupils. Links between subjects support pupils’ wider understanding and creative links are made across topics.”


A Creative Curriculum

We endeavour to ensure the creative curriculum (foundation subjects) is delivered via an exciting, creative and cross-curricular approach that is tailor-made to the interests and abilities of the children at Corpus Christi.

Every half term a new topic is introduced to the class. Classes in Key Stage Two may have a topic for a term. The foundation subjects are then delivered to the children based on the chosen topic. This allows the children to make links between the subjects and understand the relevance of their work. The topic can also be linked to English and Maths work where applicable.

Class teachers will keep parents up to date with each new topic throughout the school year. If a parent has an expertise in a topic and would like to visit a class to share their knowledge, they are always encouraged to do so. Please speak to your child’s class teacher with regard to doing this. Curriculum Week

Each term there will be a special Curriculum Week during which on one subject is focussed on throughout the whole school for a week. The children enjoy school trips, school-based visitors and project work based on the chosen subject. Previous successful curriculum weeks have included ‘Maths Week’, ‘Literacy Week’, ‘Science Week’, ‘Sports Week’, ‘Art Week’, ‘History Week’, ‘International Week’, ‘The Olympics’, and ‘The World Cup’. Parents are warmly encouraged to participate during curriculum weeks.

- 21 -


PE Provision All children from Reception to Year 6 receive a weekly PE lesson from a qualified sports coach. In addition, all children in the school receive an extra PE lesson delivered by their class teacher.

Corpus Christi is committed to developing Physical Activity in school and a number of sports after-school clubs are available to the children (see Extra-Curricular Activities or ask at the school office for further information).

Music Provision All children receive a weekly Music lesson from a specialist teacher. In addition, all children in Years 3 learn an instrument and play in a band, which is run by specialist staff in partnership with Lambeth Music Service. Year 4-6 have the opportunity to continue playing in the Corpus Christi Band.

Music lessons to learn instruments such as the violin, keyboard and guitar are also available (see Extra-Curricular Activities or ask at the school office for further information).

ICT provision All children from Reception to Year 6 receive a weekly Computing lesson in our fully-equipped computing suite. Every classroom has a computer which is linked to this suite, giving access to the internet. Children also have access to a set of iPads.

In addition, all classrooms are equipped with Interactive White Boards to enhance teaching and learning. The school has an internet safety policy, which is available at the school website.

Art and Design and Technology Provision All children study Art and Design and Technology modules in class through their Topic work. In previous years, children have studied still life and landscape drawing and painting as well as designing and making lanterns, customising t-shirts, and making torches, pottery, and model Anderson shelters.

“Pupils make rapid progress in their learning because teaching is outstanding. All classrooms provide calm, well-organised learning environments, and relationships between staff and pupils are a significant strength.”


- 22 -

Special Educational Needs and English as an Additional Language Special Educational Needs (SEN) Provision

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities make exceptionally good progress because of the very effective way they are challenged and supported in their learning by class teachers and their assistants.”


Children with Special Educational Needs are supported by a network of staff within Corpus Christi School, ranging from the child’s class teacher and teaching assistant, to the Special Education Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) and specialist support teachers, depending on the level of need. Common Terminology

SEND Support Plan. This is a document drawn up for some children on the Special Needs register who have personal targets. It details support for the child, and monitors progress with next step goals.

Wave 2: Children are assessed by their class teacher and after consultation with parents, may receive group support.

Wave 3: Children are further assessed by the SENCO, and receive additional support out of class, led by a specialist teacher. Children are also specifically planned for by their class teachers.

Education and Health Care Plans: Children may receive assessment from external sources, and be designated a number of hours for one-to-one support from a suitably qualified adult.

Staff Responsible SENCO: Mrs K Smart.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Provision

Children with English as an Additional Language are well supported at Corpus Christi School, where over twenty different languages are spoken. Children on the EAL register receive specific language targets from their teachers and are given support to help them to make good progress. Staff responsible for EAL provision: EAL co-ordinator: Mrs A Duffy

For further information about Special Educational Needs, please consult the SEN report on the school website.

- 23 -

Regular Events at Corpus Christi School

Class Assemblies Each class has its own assembly where they share what they have been learning in school. These assemblies are held on Fridays at 9.00am in the School Hall, and parents in that class are warmly invited to attend.

“I loved being Roald Dahl in my class assembly. I enjoyed telling the children all about my great books!” Celia Policy on Photography The school is happy for parents to take photographs or record assemblies or other celebrations, with the understanding that they are kept for personal or family use only; they are not to be published or distributed on the internet or any social networking sites.

Annual Productions Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1

Reception Service of Welcome EYFS Nativity Key Stage 1 Nativity Easter Prayer Service and Easter Bonnet parade

Key Stage 2 Christmas Carol Concert The Way of the Cross Leavers’ Production Leavers’ Service

- 24 -

Team Points From Reception onwards, children are placed into one of four teams – Saint George, Saint David, Saint Andrew or Saint Patrick. They will remain in that team for the duration of their time at Corpus Christi school.

Children are awarded team points for hard work, good behaviour, manners, helpfulness and kindness.

At the end of each term, the winning team has a special winners’ afternoon with rewards for all their efforts.

Class Talks From Year 1, children are invited to give a talk to members of their class on a topic of their choice. The talks last between ten and twenty minutes, and are given once a year on a date set by the class teacher. Topics have been hugely varied and some examples include:

Bearded Dragons Lego Cornwall Bubble Tea Chocolate

Children often bring in props or PowerPoint presentations which help to bring their talks to life. They are highly valuable in developing children’s speaking, language and confidence, and are thoroughly enjoyed by the class and staff alike.

Awards

Attendance Awards Children receive individual reward badges for 100% attendance each term, which are presented in a special assembly. When a child collects three attendance badges in one academic year, they receive an additional special award.

When a class has achieved 100% attendance in a week, they are presented with a special attendance shield which is theirs to display proudly for one week.

Child of the Week Each week, class teachers select one child from each class to receive a special badge and pencil, and have their name published in the school newsletter. Reasons for receiving the badge may range from children trying their best, helping others or having a good sense of humour!

“It’s really good being child of the week because you feel proud of what you have done. This year, I got the award for doing well in my maths”

Christopher

- 25 -

Regular Events at Corpus Christi School Assembly Awards At each Monday assembly, one class is chosen to receive a special trophy for excellent behaviour during assembly. Each adult also nominates one child to receive a special gold sticker for sitting well as the children file in. Headteachers’ Awards If a child has achieved something exceptional, whether in or out of school, they may be nominated by their teacher or peers to receive a special Headteachers’ Award in assembly. This is a badge which they may keep on their blazer.

Meeting with teachers At Corpus Christi, staff and parents work closely together to ensure the best learning for each child. Parents are invited to meet with their child’s teacher each term at Parents’ Evening, where information and feedback can be shared. In addition, parents can make an appointment to meet with their child’s teacher from 8.30 to 8.45 am Monday to Thursday, or after school. Appointments should be made via the school office. Small pieces of information can be exchanged before or after school with the staff in the playground, however, please note that between 8.45am and 3.10pm, the teacher’s time belongs to the children. Appointments can be made before or after school with prior notice. “Corpus Christi is absolutely amazing because you make lots of really good friends”

Emily

“I like Corpus Christi School because I feel safe here, I like the work and it’s easy to make friends” Max

26

Regular Events at Corpus Christi School

Annual Events In addition to the school productions, there are a number of other events which take place every year.

Christmas Celebrations and Lunch At Christmas, children are involved in Christmas arts and crafts, and parents are often invited to come and help the children. Individual teachers will notify parents of dates and activities. Every year, the children enjoy a Christmas Lunch.

Book Week Book Week is celebrated bi-annually, and World Book Day is marked every year. During Book Week, parents are invited into class to share stories with the children, and the classes complete a range of exciting activities. On the closest Friday to World Book Day, all children come to school dressed as a famous book character. Previous characters have included Mary Poppins, Biggles, Horrid Henry and Pippi Longstocking. Every year we are impressed by the effort that goes into the costumes, including one year with a record number of Harry Potters!

Easter At Easter, Key Stage 1 children celebrate with an Easter Parade; they come to school wearing bonnets, often decorated with flowers or chicks. Parents are invited to join in a special Easter Prayer Service and watch the children as they parade around the hall and playground. Marian Procession Every May, the school honours Our Lady by holding a Marian Procession where each child brings in a flower. The children gather together in the playground to say the Rosary, led by the parish priest, and process with their flowers to the school hall, where the flowers are displayed. The children then join together in celebration with prayers and hymns. Corpus Christi Day Each year, Corpus Christi School celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi with a fun day in Brockwell Park. The children bring a packed lunch to school, from where we walk to the park and play games before having a picnic. Last year, the children all took part in a fun run in the park too and raised money for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal. The children return to school for the end of the day as normal. Sports Day

Last year, Sports Day took place on the grounds of Dulwich College. Parents are very welcome to come and cheer the children on. All children participate in a competitive running and novelty race; winners are presented with special medals in an assembly. They also join in a range of Challenge Activities where they are encouraged to try new things, including racing 100m on a running track, and the long jump. Curriculum Weeks At Corpus Christi we offer a number of themed curriculum weeks for the children to participate in. Last year, these included Art Week and Science Week and Book Week. In previous years the children have had an opportunity to take part in Maths Week, International Week and Sports Week. Themed weeks are rotated on a two/ three yearly cycle to enable us to offer the children as broad a number of experiences as possible. Typically, themed weeks include workshops in school for the children to participate in a wide range of visitors, and trips out of school to relevant places of interest.

- 27 -

From the Children

From the Children: A Warm Welcome

Our Head Boy and Head Girl would like to offer you a warm welcome you to Corpus Christi School on behalf of all of our children.

To any children thinking of joining us: A warm welcome to Corpus Christi! We are the Head Boy and Head Girl (2014-15) of our school. We would like to give you a small snapshot of our loving school community. At Corpus Christi everyone is nurtured in a loving way and is encouraged to be themselves. We are all accepted into this caring community, and nobody is excluded for who they are. We take it on ourselves to help and guide each other in everything we do, and we are constantly looking out for our fellow school mates. In the Upper Juniors we are assigned duties which alternate each half term, with the extended responsibilities comes essential trust this is not a problem for us or for our teachers. Although we are encouraged to be independent we all have many opportunities to work as a team. Every child at Corpus Christi is expected to do their best in every way. For teachers here your child’s academic best is the only thing that will satisfy them as we strive for scholastic excellence across the curriculum. Our teacher’s lessons are always interesting and unique to their personality, at Corpus Christi we always learn from our mistakes. We expect all children at Corpus Christi to behave in a mature and adequate manner. Although this may be not so easy for our younger pupils they quickly learn to act in a friendly, respectful way. Charity is an important part of our community we support the Ace of Clubs (a homeless charity) and present them with an annual Christmas tree as well as food from the harvest festival. At Corpus Christi our Christian values are an integral part of our daily school life - we regularly visit our church, and once a week we have our religious education lesson. Each class has its own special saint and we enjoy learning about them throughout the course of the year. Year 5 & 6 also have the opportunity to prepare their own school mass. We annually have a carol concert which members of the parish and the school communities attend, and with the school choir singing; it is a great success. As well as the choir we have three bands (which we are given a choice of an instrument) run by some amazing musicians (including our very own Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year and lots of individual music tutors that come in on a weekly basis). Throughout the school we have the privilege of going on many school trips. These also include residential trips such as a weeks visit to P.G.L in Year 6, Camping for Year 5 and a stay in a hotel in Bournemouth for Year 4. The Year 2 & 3 children have the opportunity to sleep over at school. At Corpus Christi there is range of after school clubs that you may join according to your interests. We hope to see you next year so you too will be able to join our family!!!

Evan Grandidge de Paz Tess Galloway Head Boy Head Girl

- 28 -

From the Children

From the Children: Our Views

“All the teachers at Corpus Christi treat you fairly so it is a calm place to be, and it’s fun too!”

Oscar

“The residential trips at Corpus Christi are really exciting! My favourite was St. John Bosco Camp, where I tried canoeing”

Rhynev

“I love playing in the playground with my friends” Desiree

“I enjoy sport at school. I like playing football with my friends and I was proud to play for the school football team for the first time this year.”

Montel

- 29 -

From the Children

From the Children: Our Views

“I love going to school because it’s amazing! I get to learn cool things everyday” Susie

“There are lots of opportunities to do sport at school. I played in the netball and cricket tournaments” Hope

“I won the 2k Fun Run, I got a trophy and I was so proud!” Alice

- 30 -

Extra- curricular activities at Corpus Christi

School Council

At Corpus Christi the children are encouraged to take an active role in the running of the school and decision making. From Year 2 upwards, each class nominates two children to represent them on the School Council. Elections are held at the beginning of each academic year, where the children must prepare their own election speech to deliver to their peers, who then vote for the winners. Classes hold their own class meetings to suggest points for discussion by the Council, who will then deal with the points raised.

Every year, the School Council has delivered a Christmas tree to a local homeless centre. This year, the children also organised a Film Night to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The idea for this new event came directly from the School Council who organised a vote to choose which film would be shown, advertised the event and helped to sell refreshments on the night. It was a great success that the children are keen to repeat next year. The School Council was also instrumental in deciding on our whole school fundraising event for the Summer Term, which was the inaugural Corpus Christi 2k Fun Run in Brockwell Park which raised money for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal. The School Council has also visited City Hall and the Houses of Parliament, and met the Lambeth Youth Mayor who came to visit the school.

Green Team

The Green Team is an elected group of children responsible for making Corpus Christi as environmentally friendly and green as possible. Elections to the Green Team are held in the same way as the School Council. The Green Team have recently renewed their prestigious Green Flag Award from the national Eco-Schools scheme. Over the past year, the Green Team have been actively involved in various initiatives, completing work on the church garden, monitoring ‘Green Behaviours’ across the school and working to improve travel to and from school.

We are delighted to announce that Corpus Christi has achieved Silver status for TFL Sustainable Travel: Active Responsible Safe (STARS). This year, the school has been involved in various initiatives, promoting walking, scooting and cycling to school. At the beginning of the year, we joined Sustran’s Bike It programme. Felix Hilton from Sustrans has provided excellent support to the school in the form of Dr Bike assemblies, in-class workshops, ‘Ditch the Stabiliser’ sessions, ‘Bike IT Breakfast’, reward programs to encourage cycling, a stunt show, BMX taster sessions, drawing contests and the purchasing of discounted cycling goods. Along with this, we have continued to provide opportunities for children to complete ‘Bikeability’ training in Year 4 and 5, along with Scooter training in Year 2, ensuring improved road safety. Furthermore, the close link we have formed with Looplabs has meant that we have explored walking as a viable transport option. Our Citizen Scientists from Year 5 and 6 studied the behaviours of adults and the pollution levels around us. Through this initiative, behavioural changes were notable in the adults who participated. We also had children present their thoughts at the Lambeth Town Hall, inspiring other adults to participate in this study. Highlights from the project can be found on:https://vimeo.com/126436267 https://vimeo.com/125226220. We celebrated ‘Walk to School Week’ with a walking school bus, a school wide competition, and a cleaner air route workshop. The Big Pedal also saw many children get out their bicycles, with over 1000 cycling journeys recorded over the two weeks. This year we have seen a reduced number of people driving to school, as a result of the increased cycling, scooting and walking initiatives. We are hoping we can continue to improve our travel behaviours, as we now work towards Gold status.

https://vimeo.com/126436267

https://vimeo.com/125226220

- 31 -

Extra- curricular activities at Corpus Christi

Extra-Curricular Music Lessons

In addition to the two school bands and choir, Corpus Christi is committed to providing children with the opportunity to learn a range of instruments. All children from Years 2 – 6 learn an instrument, in their weekly music lesson. In addition to this, all year 3 children learn an instrument for a year as part of a band, paid for by the school. Individual lessons are available, subsidised by the school where needed, for children in Years 2-6 in the following instruments:

Violin Euphonium Guitar Clarinet Piano Trombone Saxophone Flute Trumpet Percussion ‘Cello Recorder

Please note that there may be age limits on these lessons and fees are payable in advance. Please make all enquiries to Mrs K. Smart, the school’s Music co-ordinator.

Breakfast Club Our breakfast club service for up to 24 children is up and running, with an emphasis on healthy breakfast choices. To apply for a place at the club please speak to the school office. Fees are payable for this service through ParentPay.

After-School Care Corpus Christi has a limited number of places for children at its After-School Care Club. Please speak to the office, Ms T Murnin or Mrs E Antoniou for further details. Please note that a fee is payable for this service. Additional After-School Clubs Corpus Christi is proud to offer a range of after-school activities for the children to join. These clubs may run at different times of the year and are for different age-ranges, so please read the School Newsletter for further information. If you would like to enrol your child in one of the clubs, it is essential that you return the permission slips by the dates provided. Below is a sample of some of the school clubs that were run last year:

Basketball Club Chess Club Netball Club Football Club Dance Club Gym Club Cookery Club Code Club

Corpus Christi also has a number of Sports Teams which represent the school in competitive matches. Please note that membership of a club does not guarantee a place on a competitive team.

- 32 -

Extra- curricular activities at Corpus Christi School Trips (Day) A key feature of Corpus Christi School is the number of trips and outings that the children are taken on. By spending educational days away from the school, we aim to enhance the curriculum, taking it beyond the classroom and into other settings and contexts. During a child’s time with us, they will be given the opportunity to visit a vast array of exciting museums, galleries, farms and other places of interest.

Parents are asked to make a contribution towards the cost of trips. It is possible to make this contribution as a one off payment through the Parent Pay website.

There are often opportunities for parents to accompany us on day visits; see individual trip letters or speak to your child’s teacher for further details. Trips this year have included:

Tate Modern The Science Museum Kensington Gardens National Maritime Museum Museum of London Bushey Hall Evacuee Centre Littlehampton Beach

School Trips (Residential)

From Year 2 onwards, each year group is given the experience of staying away from home. We believe this helps to develop confidence, social skills and friendships, all of which we value highly. Year 2: sleepover in the School Hall. Year 3: Science sleepover. Year 4: 5 day residential trip to Bournemouth. Year 5: 5 day camping trip to the St John Bosco Centre. Year 6: 5 day residential trip to a PGL Centre.

Financial Hardship No child will miss out on any activity due to financial hardship. If you need help with the cost of school activities, please speak to the Headteachers, who will deal with this matter in complete confidence.

- 33 -

Parental Involvement at Corpus Christi

Parental Involvement We welcome full and active involvement of parents in their children’s education. We work in close partnership with parents and rely on a mutual sense of trust, support and co-operation. With this, we are better able to support parents in fulfilling their responsibilities towards their children’s education.

Parents’ Association Corpus Christi is extremely fortunate to have a highly organized and effective Parents’ Association. The Association raises a tremendous amount of money for various projects around the school. In the past, this has included new playground markings and a shaded area for children to sit under. All parents are welcome to come along and join in the Parents’ Association Meetings, details of which are regularly published in the weekly newsletter. The Parents’ Association organizes a number of fundraising events throughout the year, including cake sales and the extremely successful Christmas Fair. Parents are welcome to volunteer at these events even if they are unable to attend meetings.

Parents’ Forum The Parents’ Forum is an opportunity for parents to share their opinions and provide input on a range of issues and events within the school. At each meeting there will be a specific focus and agenda, which parents discuss in groups and give feedback on. There is also an opportunity for parents to suggest new areas for discussion and subjects for future meetings. All parents are welcome to come along to the forums.

PACT Books From Reception upwards, each child is provided with a PACT book, in which details of the children’s reading is recorded. This also provides an opportunity for brief messages about reading to be passed between teachers and parents, such as suggested areas for development or a specific focus for a certain text.

How to support your child’s learning. Parents can help to develop children’s learning at home in a number of ways. Regular reading with your child at home is essential. Whether reading a book sent home from school or a library book, hearing your child read will help to develop their skills and confidence. It is also important to read to your child, at bedtime or when sharing a story together, to provide a good role model. Encourage your child to find about their interests through trips to museums and galleries, or doing their own research via the internet and reference books. Children enjoy producing their own projects and often bring these is to share at school

- 34 -

Parental Involvement at Corpus Christi

A Welcome from the Corpus Christi Parents’ Association A Warm Welcome from the Parents!

At Corpus Christi we are lucky to have a dynamic and friendly Parents’ Association, of which you are will automatically become a member. The PA has put together some useful information for you below.

What is the Parents’ Association?

The Parents Association is a body of parents in the school that meet once a month to discuss fund raising ideas for the school. You can come to one meeting a year or just contribute to the PA via email. So Who Is Part Of The Parents’ Association?

The answer to that question is everyone that has a child at Corpus Christi....you do not need to be a member of the PA

What Does The Parents’ Association Do?

The PA raises money for the school. In the past, the PA has raised money to pay for the School Minibus, a set of iPads for the children’s use, the massively extended playground, the chalet in the Infants’ playground and costumes for school productions. How Does The Parents’ Association Raise Money?

The PA agrees a certain number of events to be held through the Academic Year, examples include the Christmas Fair, the Cake Sale, Bingo Night, Race Night, Toy Sale, Spooky Disco and World Dance Night. These events are supported by the school but run by parents. I work full time so can’t come to meetings or events?

The PA holds monthly meetings alternately in the evenings and in the daytime post drop off. The PA communicates largely via email so we can include all parents – working or non-working. Why Should I Help The Parents’ Association, I’ve Got Enough On?

The PA is a great way to meet other parents and the events aim to encourage socialising between parents of children in all the academic years.

You will receive more information regarding the PA when you come to the Nursery or Reception Welcome Meeting, or further information is available from the school. We hope to see you soon!

- 35 -

Parental Involvement

Homework

Children are given regular homework - more as they get older. Younger children are expected to read at home and to learn spellings. You can help your child with spellings by encouraging them to practise regularly using the Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check method. Ask your child to look at the word and say it out loud. Cover the word and ask the child to write it, and then check if they have spelt it correctly.

Older children are given regular assignments, usually in English or Mathematics. They are also given spellings and times-tables to learn for weekly tests. We ask parents to sign homework books.

Sleep

You can also help to support your child’s learning by ensuring that they have plenty of sleep so that they come to school refreshed, rested and ready to learn. The recommended levels of sleep for children are detailed below:

Age Recommended hours of sleep per night 3-4 12 hours 4-6 11-12 hours 7-11 10 hours

Midas Club The Corpus Christi School Charitable Trust raises money though parental donations for projects aimed at enhancing the children's educational and extra-curricular activities including the facilities available to them. Please contact the school office to fill out a form if you are able to make any contribution. We have recently set up a link to easyfundraising.org.uk if you are able to register supporting us when you shop online - http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/corpuschristischool

http://easyfundraising.org.uk/

http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/corpuschristischool

- 36 -

Healthy Schools

Healthy Schools

Corpus Christi is very proud to have been awarded the Healthy Schools Award. There are a number of things we do in school to ensure the health and well-being of the children. We are currently in the process of upgrading the award we have to the next level.

School Dinners A choice of three hot meals is available each day, freshly prepared on our own premises. The children eat in two sittings, the first for Key Stage 1, the second for Key Stage 2. All children are encouraged to choose a balanced meal which must include vegetables. Free fruit is provided to the Key Stage 1 children at break, and Key Stage 2 children may purchase a piece of fruit in the playground.

Paying for School Dinners Payment for school dinners can be done on a termly or weekly basis, by sending cash or a cheque in a clearly named envelope to the school office, or securely online via ParentPay. Alternatively, payments can be made in person. If you have difficulty in paying for school meals, please come and speak to a member of office staff in strictest confidence.

Water All children are encouraged to bring a named, sports cap water bottle to school, from which they may drink throughout the day. A Corpus Christi water bottle can also be purchased from the school office. A number of water dispensers are located throughout the school so that children may refill their bottles easily with filtered, chilled water.

Food Allergies If your child has a specific food allergy, it is essential that you notify the school as soon as diagnosis is made. In the case of severe allergies where an epi-pen has been prescribed, parents should ensure that four epi-pens are provided to the school in case of a reaction.

Sun Protection In the summer, all children are provided with a sun hat with neck guard, which they wear during any outdoor activities to protect them from the sun. Children are encouraged to come into school wearing sun cream when appropriate. On very sunny days, the children will be provided with additional sun-cream at break and lunch times.

“Pupils display an excellent understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe in different situations, including use of the internet. They have a very well-developed understanding of how physical exercise, hygiene routines and appropriate diet contribute to a healthy lifestyle.”


- 37 -

Community Links At Corpus Christi School, we endeavour to build and maintain close links with our parish and local community.

Actions taken by the school to promote community cohesion are outstanding. Links with international schools and charities make a significant contribution to the harmonious and diverse relationships that exist both within the school and the wider community.”


Visitors Throughout the school, visitors from all areas of the community are invited to work with the children. We have had visits from the Fire Service and Police, Rabbis and even the Prime Minister. The children’s learning and experience of the world is greatly enhanced by meeting different people and having the opportunity to ask questions. Organisations such as Transport for London have participated in our Citizenship programme, and members of the local Royal British Legion join us for our Remembrance Day Services to talk to the children about their memories and experiences.

Our Local Community The children at Corpus Christi have been on many visits within our local area. We have built links with the London Garden Museum, Brockwell Lido, local cafés and restaurants, the Friends of Brixton Windmill and the Ritzy Cinema. The school choir regularly performs at important events in Lambeth, including the grand opening of Windrush Square where the children met the Mayor, Boris Johnson, and MP for Dulwich and West Norwood Tessa Jowell. Our performance even made the papers!

Our Wider Community At Corpus Christi we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and wider school community. Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world. British values are promoted in much of what we do, during school assemblies, Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) sessions, through our School Council, Green Team and many other aspects of school life. We ensure that through our school vision, ethos, agreed rules, curriculum and teaching we promote respect and tolerance for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles.

Our Environment In addition, our school Green Team is doing their part to make sure that Corpus Christi is as environmentally aware as possible. They have done excellent work in encouraging children to come to school via an environmentally friendly means of transport and perform regular checks on classrooms, awarding our green bear to the ‘Greenest’ class each week.

- 38 -

Community Links

Sports We hold a Sports Week every 3 years in school. This provides an opportunity for children to experience new activities. During our last Sports Week, the children experienced a wide variety of sports, visiting the local Ice Rink, Royal Victoria Docks Watersports Centre and Street Dance.

Music The school band and choir perform throughout the community. This year the band performed at:

§ The Christmas Fair § The Royal Festival Hall § They also perform an annual Summer Concert

The choir have performed at: § St Mary’s Care Home § Lambeth’s National Holocaust Memorial Day § The Windmill Care Home § Special Masses, at the request of families

St John Bosco Camp The school has close links with the St John Bosco Camp in Colchester, a charity which provides holidays for children from the South-East during the summer. Corpus Christi School has raised money for the centre through cake sales and non-uniform days, which has helped to pay for holidays for children who may not otherwise get a holiday away from home. Charity Links The school has many events throughout the year to raise money for charities, including a Harvest Festival to support the local Ace of Clubs charity in Clapham, the St John Bosco camp and another charity chosen annually by the School Council. This year, the school council’s Film Night raised £293 for Marie Curie Cancer Care whilst the money from the Corpus Christi Fun Run for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal raised £2661. Other School Links Corpus Christi has worked closely with other local schools, including Jubilee Primary in Tulse Hill and Lambeth’s first Muslim school, The Orchard School in Streatham. In Year 6, children build close links with local secondary schools, including Bishop Thomas Grant School and La Retraite. Corpus Christi School works in partnership with the Lambeth Catholic Schools Partnership, consisting of nine Catholic primary and secondary schools, sharing good practice, expertise and resources in order to maintain high standards within the partnership of Catholic schools.

- 39 -

Inspections and External Awards for Corpus Christi

OFSTED

Corpus Christi received another excellent Ofsted report in January 2010, once again judging the school to be outstanding in all areas.

The full report can be downloaded from the Ofsted website at www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports by searching for Corpus Christi Primary School, or following links from the school website.

RE Section 48 Inspection

In December 2010, Corpus Christi underwent an RE inspection on behalf of the Archbishop of Southwark. The school was judged to be outstanding in all areas, with inspectors commenting that ‘the school fulfils its aim to be a place where the love of God underpins and permeates the educational provision’. The full report can be downloaded from the Catholic Education Service website at www.cesew.org.uk by searching for Corpus Christi, or by following the links from the school website.

Healthy Schools

In 2006, Corpus Christi received the Healthy Schools award. In order to receive this national status, the school had to demonstrate a whole-school commitment to Personal, Social and

Health Education, Healthy Eating, Physical Activity and Emotional Health and Well Being. This award is presently being reassessed and we are looking forward to its renewal in this academic year.

Further information about the Healthy Schools initiative can be found at www.healthyschools.gov.uk

Eco-Schools and the Green Team

Corpus Christi’s Green Team earned the prestigious Green Flag award through the Eco-Schools programme. The Green Team, is an elected group of children whose job it is to ensure that the school is as environmentally friendly as possible.

‘Corpus Christi Catholic Primary is an outstanding school which has sustained high levels of attainment and excellent outcomes for all pupils since the last inspection. Parents greatly appreciate the school’s work, particularly the outstanding care, guidance and support provided for pupils and their families.’


http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports

http://www.cesew.org.uk/

http://www.healthyschools.gov.uk/

- 40 -

Further Information

Admissions

Children are admitted to the school in accordance with the governing body’s published admissions criteria. Preference is given to baptised children of practising Catholic parents whose families live in the parishes of Corpus Christi and Herne Hill.

Parents who are considering applying for a place at Corpus Christi School should telephone us on 020 7274 4722 and make an appointment to see the Headteachers.

For any general admissions queries, you can also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website at: www.corpuschristi.lambeth.sch.uk

Helpful Websites

www.corpuschristi.lambeth.sch.uk www.lambeth.gov.uk www.early-education.org.uk www.foundationyears.org.uk www.qca.org.uk www.bbc.co.uk/schools

Contact Details

Corpus Christi School Trent Road London SW2 5BL Telephone: 020 7274 4722 Fax: 020 7737 2796 Email: [email protected]

http://www.corpuschristi.lambeth.sch.uk/

http://www.corpuschristi.lambeth.sch.uk/

http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/

http://www.early-education.org.uk/

http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/

http://www.qca.org.uk/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Corpus Christi Primary School, Brixton - Parent handbook 2015 2016