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Building for future generations

Welcome to Melcombe Primary School

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Hello and welcome to Melcombe.

We are enormously proud of the school’s multi-cultural mix and are very much committed to achieving not only high standards but also providing a range of activities that are designed to develop every child’s ability to their full potential, irrespective of their background.

Through the pages of this brochure we would like to take you on a tour of the school with the children and introduce you to the many differing qualities of Melcombe that make it such a stimulating environment.

If you need any additional information on the school then please do not hesitate to ask us.

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About the School Melcombe was designed by T J Bailey in 1901. It is a classic Grade II listed building and a fine example of the period with it’s red brick work and buff terracotta and red tiled roof. The school is spread over three floors with a variety of classrooms, together with a Nursery, three spacious halls, two playgrounds and a ‘Sure Start’ Children’s Centre. The building is unfortunately unsuitable for children with pronounced physical difficulties, but provision has been made for those with a hearing impairment.

A new pavilion within one of the playgrounds provides alternative indoor activities during playtime and in wet weather.

The top floor hall is convertible into a fully equipped Dance and Drama Studio which hosts visiting stage, ballet and opera educational programmes and is used for a wide range of differing school productions. Lunch is freshly prepared each day within our own kitchen.

Year 5 in their production of ‘Macbeth’

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Our Staff Governors and Parents

The school places great emphasis on providing high quality pastoral care to all our pupils and is led by an experienced Senior Leadership Team together with highly qualified staff comprising both teachers and support staff.

We also have an enthusiastic and energetic group of ‘Parent Class Representatives’ who provide an essential link between parents and the classroom. They organise a number of events each year to raise funds and encourage the school community to work together in promoting their children’s learning.

At Melcombe there are twelve governors who’s prime purpose is to bring everyday experience to bear on the running of the school and for this reason they are drawn from a cross section of the community because of their particular interests, experience or professional expertise. They are essentially trustees of the school, responsible for securing it’s effective performance both currently and in the long term.

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Melcombe Primary School is committed to the achievement of high educational standards.

This means providing a challenging, stimulating and secure environment where the emphasis is on high expectations and quality of learning outcomes.

We believe that children need to be actively involved in their learning outcomes and see both the purpose and values of it.

They need to have the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively and they need to see themselves as successful learners. It is therefore vital that the children are given the desire, belief and the confidence to achieve.

We actively seek the involvement and support from parents and from organisations within the local and the wider school community so that the children have access to a broad range of learning experiences.

Finally Melcombe Primary School is committed to an equal opportunities policy.

We believe that a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, which caters for the individual needs, is an entitlement for all children , regardless of their age, gender, religion or social background.

Our Mission

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The Curriculum

We seek to provide children with a broad and balanced curriculum where they are introduced to and develop a range of knowledge, skills and concepts. Each year group’s curriculum is mapped out to ensure that, where possible, the children make purposeful and meaningful links between subject areas, and are able to transfer skills taught from one subject area to another. The Foundation Curriculum begins when the children enter nursery at

three years old and is organised into six areas of learning: Personal, social and emotional development. Communication, language and literacy. Knowledge and understanding of the World. Physical development. Creative development

The curriculum for Years 1 to 6 follows the National Curriculum core subjects and the following foundation subjects together with Personal, Social and Health Education.

History covers differing periods and through their studies (which include visits to museums and landmarks of importance) the children are given the opportunity to develop their historical understanding, knowledge and research skills.

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Geography is directed towards developing a greater understanding of the physical and human environment both in the local community and in different localities beyond England.

Design Technology is linked to units of work in science and art where the children are given the opportunity to examine designs for products, including food, and are then given challenging and purposeful tasks involving design, planning, making and evaluating their work

Art has a high profile within the school. In fostering the children’s creativity and imagination they are taught a range of skills including colour, tone form, texture and pattern. The Art department has a kiln used within pottery classes. Film making has been introduced as an ad-hoc course.

Music appreciation is fostered in the children by introducing them to the work of a range of composers and different types of music and songs from around the world that reflect the diversity of cultures within the school.

Physical Education is timetabled twice a week and includes gymnastics, dance and games where they learn the importance of communicating effectively and co-operatively with each other. Swimming is available at facilities in Charing Cross Hospital opposite the school.

Religious Education is aimed towards developing an understanding of the diverse religions across the world

The school is well equipped with ICT resources and employs a range of laptop computers that move between classes as

required. All areas of the school are network to the Melcombe main server.

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Our Pledge is to ensure that every child will: Have  at  least  one  educa onal  visit  each  term  to  a  place  of  interest  

which  is  directly  linked  into  their  learning.

Have  the  opportunity  to  be  involved  in  an  outdoor  learning    experience,  which  helps  them  understand  more  about  the  environment  during  each  term.

See  at  least  one  theatrical  performance  a  year

Take  part  in  at  least  one  performing  arts  produc on  a  year.

Have  the  opportunity  to  take  part  in  an  interna onal  fes val  that  celebrates  the  cultural  diversity  of  the  school.

Have  the  opportunity  to  learn  to  play  an  instrument  at  some  point  in  their  school   me.

Have  the  opportunity  to  meet  with  trusted  members  of  the  local  community  at  least  once  a  term,  to  extend  their  knowledge  and  understanding  of  the  world  of  work.  

Have  access  to  a  wide  range  of  extra-curriculum  ac vi es  in  both  key  stage  1  and  2.

Have  their  success  acknowledged  and  rewarded  on  a  regular  basis.

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Equal Opportunities For children to have a positive self-image and respect for each other’s cultural background, every member of the school community is aware of , and supports the cultural diversity of the school. We are committed to ensuring that every individual (regardless of their sex, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or class) has access to and participates in the full learning experience on offer.

Anti-racial behaviour

Our curriculum reflects the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nature of our society. We are opposed to all forms of racist behaviour and actively seek to develop the children’s awareness of their own cultural heritage through assemblies, class discussion, projects and displays around the school.

Sex Education

We are committed to a policy on sex education, which will give pupils knowledge and understanding of human development. We want out children to understand the changes that happen to them as they grow, and to develop into caring, responsible and mature adults.

This is taught in Year 6 through a structured programme that builds on the knowledge already delivered through the science curriculum and focuses on how physical changes affect pupil’s feelings and emotions.

Issues and questions raised by the pupils are answered sensitively with due regard to religious beliefs and cultural values.

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Positive behaviour

At Melcombe we believe that in order for children to be successful learners, they need to believe in themselves. That there is value in their learning and that they are capable of achieving it.

We want our children to be confident and articulate learners who demonstrate mutual respect and co-operation and have a sense of responsibility and self discipline both at work and at play.

To build self-esteem we believe in focusing on the positive aspects of behaviour to which children respond to being successful and getting it right.

The school has a Positive Behaviour Policy which ensures consistency and is very clear on how to deal with unacceptable behaviour.

‘Building and

maintaining positive self

-esteem in the learner is

central to everything we

do at Melcombe’

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Talk in a polite and respectful way to all members of the school community

Listen carefully to each other and adults, and show respect to each other’s views, beliefs and ideas.

Solve arguments by talking the problem through and not using bad language or violence.

Take care of the school environment by looking after the displays around the school and respecting other children’s work. Keep our school tidy by not dropping litter anywhere.

Move around the school in a calm and sensible manner remembering to keep to the left on the staircases and taking care not to push the other children.

Leave the building at playtimes unless supervised by an adult.

Play sensibly and be friendly to one another so that everyone enjoys themselves.

Be polite and well mannered in the dining hall.

Line up quickly when the whistle goes and your class is called.

Keep the toilets clean for all to use. Remember they are not a place to play in.

OUROUR

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Personalised Learning

Rather than following the traditional route of ‘homework’ we have adopted ‘Personalised Learning’ which allows pupils to work at an appropriate level and at an appropriate speed.

There are four strands to Personalised Learning:

The Steps Reading Scheme The Blocks Mental Maths Scheme Term time research projects Holiday time Research Projects The main aim is to encourage children to practice the literate and numerate learning they have received at school in other contexts. It also : Allows children to have the opportunity to explore related subjects to that which they are learning in class. Encourages parents and carers to work with their children and be part of their learning. Broadens children’s understanding of the world in which they live and to establish an understanding of the

problems and possible solutions. Allows children to show their learning in a creative way.

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At the heart of the model is the principle that the learner is self-motivated and self-confident, knows how to learn and believe they can and will be successful in their learning. The school’s equation for learning is VISION + ACTION + PASSION = SUCCESS and is based on the belief that children learn best when they: Want to learn and are motivated, interested and confident about learning. Know what they are going to learn and why they are learning it, so that they see the value of their learning . Have the opportunity to make connections with previous learning and state what they already know and can do. Engage their whole brain and have the opportunity work in their preferred learning style. Are actively involved in the learning process and are seen to be thinking and sharing their learning with others. Are engaged in learning which is memorable and have access to the appropriate resources. Regularly review and demonstrate what they have learnt and feel successful.

Our Teaching and learning Model. (Brain Based Learning)

For the past decade Melcombe has investigated and experimented with the concept of how children can best learn and have established a highly successful Brain Based Learning model (also called Accelerated Learning) based on the following principles:

Knowing how the brain works. Understanding the different learning styles of children and their preferred

way of accessing, recalling and retaining new learning. Understanding different approaches to learning including how to access and

develop multiple intelligences

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Maths Make Sense We use the ‘Maths Makes Sense’ approach to primary mathematics as part of our learning model . It is based on the fact that Maths is a logical, symbolic language and is a way of making Maths enjoyable to teach and fun to learn. By understanding symbolic Maths the children are able to quickly apply it to solve problems.

English as an additional language

We have over 25 different languages spoken at the school and as you walk around you will see displays celebrating the language and diversity of our children.

Those who have no or very little English are given additional support in class and short intensive sessions to build up their basic skills in speaking, reading and writing.

There are also a range of resources available to support them, including the use of duel texts and in keeping with our approach to learning we seek to ensure that key vocabulary is visualised so the children have a better chance of understanding and remembering it.

We have long understood the importance of teaching a second language and Modern Foreign Languages are taught in both Key Stage 1 and 2

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Special Educational Needs

We very much support the principle of maximum participation in the curriculum by all pupils, including those with special educational needs. At any one time , for a variety of reasons, up to 205 of children may have difficulties that effect their learning and may need extra help if they are going to make significant progress over a period of time.

Special educational needs may be due to difficulties in learning, physical and sensory or emotional and behavioural. For many children such difficulties are temporary, and can be met , with support from home, through a carefully planned programme of work that matches the needs of the child.

Some children however, may need additional support from a range of agencies, or long term specialist support in the classroom, and in a small group environment, depending the needs of the individual.

Our dedicated Inclusion Co-ordinator oversees the implementation of the programmes of support for children with special educational needs, monitors the delivery of them and carries out regular reviews with staff, pupils and parents to ensure the children’s needs are being properly addressed and that they are making progress.

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Melcombe Extended School Clubs

A programme of activities for the older children is available and is designed to provide a range of additional activities and services to help meet the needs of not only the children, but also their families and the wider community. A small fee is charged for some activities, whilst other are free.

As in any school, change is always present and the extended school activities tend to vary from term to term. A typical example of the activities that are available are shown below.

                 Drama    Club                          Street  Dance                    Recycled  Sculpture                Hand  Sewing                          Homework  Club  (ICT)              Po ery  Club

             Board  Games                    Cookery  Club                  Story  Club                          Tex les                                                Social  Club                          Homework  Club                                Maths  Club    

Netball  Club            Football  (Boys)    Football  (Girls)    Basketball            Table  Tennis                  Chess    Club                            Drama  Produc on                      

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The Student Voice is an aspect of the school of which we are proud. There are seven committees which run throughout the year. At the beginning of the school year the children vote a representative from each class on to every committee and they meet once every half term.

THE ECHO WARRIORS encourage the school community to be more eco-friendly. THE FAIRTRADERS ensure the school community is aware of fair-trade as an issue and that we use fair-trade products at every opportunity. INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADORS: seek to develop links with international schools. THE JUNIOR ROAD SAFETY OFFICERS: encourage more children to walk or cycle to school. THE RIGHTS RESPECTING GROUP: developed a school charter of children’s rights and are very proactive in ensuring that the charter is supported across the school community. The school was awarded ‘Rights Respecting Status’ by UNICEF in 2011. ENTERPRISERS: encourage better financial capability and economic and business understanding. MEDIATORS: help to sort out issues in the playground and help pupils to talk through issues

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Parent Involvement Parents have a crucial role to play in their child’s education and in order for a child to be successful at the school there needs to be a strong partnership between the school and home.

There are a range of ways in which we promote partnership, between parents and the school.

A School News Letter is published every Friday and ‘Around Melcombe’ every term) to provide information about activities for the following week as well as keeping parents updated on differing aspects of the school. A range of additional information is also available on our website at www.melcombeprimary.com.

A Home-School Agreement issue to parents when children are admitted to the school which explains the school’s aims, values and responsibilities towards the children, the responsibility of the parents and what the school expects of pupils.

Parental involvement in accompanying children and staff on educational visits, hearing groups of children read each morning, taking groups for cooking and providing support for children in small groups.

Parent evenings are held twice a year, one in the Autumn and one in the Summer term to provide the opportunity for parents to discuss their children’s work and progress. A written report is also provided each year.

Assemblies, theatre performance and ceremonies are regularly held with parents to enable them to share and celebrate their children’s learning.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is composed of parents, teachers and staff and is intended to facilitate parental participation in the school. The PTA is open to any parent or carer of a child at Melcombe Primary.

A Parent’s Room is set aside for parents and carers to use if they require being at the school for any length of time.

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Melcombe University is a recent initiative within the school designed to encourage children to build on their existing skills and to try new activities through a range of workshops delivered by staff and volunteers at the school.

The aim is to allow children of all ages to receive a rich and varied experience that goes beyond the current National Curriculum. Workshop sessions are held on Friday afternoons and are intended to be not only inspirational for both the staff and children but also seek to make learning motivational and successful for all involved.

A typical sample of workshops within the programme is the Craft Club, Watercolour painting, the Film Club, Caring for the environment, Website

building and Yoga.

We very much hope that your tour of Melcombe with us has been interesting and informative and gives you some sense of what the school is like.

We do see ourselves as ‘Learning to learn’ school and are constantly looking at ways to refine and further develop our practices and links with other school and organisations so that we are maximising all the children’s opportunities to be successful long time learners.

M U Melcombe  University

and finally

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Melcombe Primary School Fulham Palace Road London W6 9ER Telephone (020)8748 7411 www.melcombeprimary.com

Building for future generations