The
original Trust Deed to open a school in Horsington was signed
in 1855 and Horsington School was officially opened in 1857 as
a school for children up to the age of thirteen. Since 1958 it
has been a Primary School for children aged from four to eleven
years. As a Voluntary Controlled school it was originally built,
financed and administrated by the Church of England. These functions
have largely been taken over by Somerset Education Authority but
the School's character and ethos remain firmly based on its Christian
origins, traditions and principles.
The school enjoys strong
links with the villages of Horsington and South Cheriton and,
although many pupils come from further afield, we aim to play
an active part in the life of the local area.
Our
attractive main building maintains its original Victorian look
from the outside but inside houses teaching units, a library,
an ICT suite, a hall, kitchen, toilets and a school office. In
October 2001 an extension was built onto the school and provides
a modern, purpose built classroom for children in the first year
at our school. At the same time a new entrance for pupils was
built to link our extension to the original building. In 2002/3
our playground was extended and our hall was refurbished. In 2005
a new mobile classroom replaced an existing mobile classroom and
a disabled toilet was installed. The playground was again extended.
In November 2007 a second mobile classroom was replaced and included
a group room and a verandah. A further area of playground was
added and a safety surface placed under our outdoor equipment
The school site has two
mobile classrooms, an adventure playground, a quiet area, an environmental
area, and school gardens. We have a playing field, two hard-surfaced
playgrounds and a messy play space in an adjacent wooded area.
We are surrounded by open
farmland and have a stream, which runs through the school grounds.
Our rural situation is used to the best effect with much stimulating
environmental work taking place.
MISSION STATEMENT
|
We
are a community of Learners. We want our children to reach
their full potential and to consider their time at our school
to be one of challenge, opportunity, achievement and enjoyment.
|
THE AIMS OF THE SCHOOL
The school aims to help children
to:
- Achieve their full academic
potential
- Develop lively and enquiring
minds
- Value their own contribution,
and that of others
- Recognise their talents
in a range of areas
- Develop Independence
- Appreciate and understand
the world in which they live
- Respect moral and religious
values and tolerate other points of view
- Form appropriate relationships
with other children and adults
- Subscribe to acceptable
standards of behaviour in the school and in the community.
- To prepare the children
for the next stage of their education with confidence and
enthusiasm.
STATEMENT OF RELIGIOUS ETHOS
Recognising its historic
foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious
character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England
and in partnership with the Church at parish and diocesan level.
The school aims to serve
its community by providing an education of the highest quality
within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages
an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and
promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to
all its pupils.
CLASS STRUCTURE (2006-2007)
| WATER: |
Reception/Year One
|
Teacher : Mrs H. Shead |
| AIR: |
Year One and Year Two |
Teachers : Mrs L. Naylor
and Mrs I. Baber |
| FIRE: |
Year Three and Year
Four |
Teachers : Mr I. Rumbelow
and Mrs L. Brady |
| EARTH: |
Year Five and Year
Six |
Teacher : Mrs M. Alexander |
TEACHING HOURS
Children in Water Class
and Air Class : 22 hrs 35 mins
Children in Fire Class
and Earth Class : 23 hrs 50 mins
THE
CURRICULUM
Throughout the Primary years
the children are taught within the framework of the National Curriculum
as prescribed by the Government to ensure all children have equal
access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
For much of the time children
study the core subjects of English and
Mathematics.
They will also cover:
Some subjects are taught
separately. Sometimes several different subjects are involved
in a study which lasts for half a term or longer.
Each teacher plans work carefully
to ensure that learning experiences are developmental and appropriate
to the needs of each child. We recognise that children are individuals
and that development will occur at different rates and in different
ways.
Activities are planned to
ensure that the children learn facts, develop understanding and
improve their skills in a stimulating and relevant way.
The School has developed
a Curriculum Framework to ensure that the National Curriculum
is covered. Children aged five to seven are following the programme
of study for Key Stage One. Children aged eight to eleven follow
the programme of study for Key Stage Two. Children aged four follow
the Early Learning Goals to prepare them for the National Curriculum.
Policy statements are available
for you to view at the school.
HOMEWORK
The role of parents in promoting positive attitudes to their child's
learning is never underestimated and all of our children are encouraged
to undertake a wide range of activities to support their schoolwork.
From entry to school reading
books should be taken home each day for reading practice. This
is the first and most important form of homework. Throughout the
Primary years the importance of time and space to read and listen
to adults read is paramount.
As the child progresses through
the school he/she will experience other forms of homework: New
words or spellings will be brought home for learning;
Mathematical tasks will need to be completed at home. (This is
most relevant to junior aged children).
Research tasks will be set.
Children need support to
complete their homework with care. Should your child experience
anxiety about a task please let the class teacher know and we
will do all we can to help.
A Homework Booklet is available
to parents outlining ways you can support your child's homework.
