JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

PROSPECTUS

JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

Contents

Essential Information

How to Find Us Welcome

Address: Park Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HU

Our Philosophy Rights, Respects and Responsibilities Starting Out

Telephone: 01844 212291 ( School ) 01844 260282 ( Nursery ) Fax: 01844 217651

Facilities

Email: [email protected]

Every Child Really Matters Inclusion

Website: www.john-hampden.oxon. sch.uk

Teaching and Learning Curriculum

Headteacher: Mr Alan Haigh

Parents and Carers School Community Links

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JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

How to Find Us The school site is in Park Street, adjacent to Elms Park and a short distance from the town centre of Thame.

Welcome Our schools are friendly and caring places, committed to excellence in learning. We aim to support children sympathetically and encourage positive attitudes to learning, school and life. We believe that the higher the expectations we have of the pupils, the greater their achievement will be. We are classified with ‘community school’ status. Working closely with parents, we want all children to develop their full potential and to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills in a wide variety of subjects and activities. We also trust that they will find enjoyment and satisfaction in learning and working with other children and adults. We are proud to be associated with Civil War hero John Hampden, a man of great integrity. His family motto was ‘Vestigia Nulla Retrorsum’, which means ‘Never a step backwards’. We aim to ensure our children will live to the spirit of these words and develop the attitudes and aptitudes to meet the challenges of their future.

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JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

Our Philosophy We believe in the Artist, the Poet, the Scientist, the Explorer and the Pioneer. We believe in a school where children and adults look forward to each day; in which each accomplishes something worthwhile, from which each leaves with satisfaction. Our quest is to rejoice in learning – to strive towards the very best in everything we do, so the school is a place of continual growth, of skills and understanding, of confidence and enthusiasm and where there is compassion for everyone. We aim to create a caring community where mutual support and respect is fostered and the full potential for everyone is first revealed and then fully extended. We aim to love our fellows, nurture tenderheartedness and value everyone’s contribution to life as highly as our own.

Rights, Respects and Responsibilities We believe that children have three basic rights at our schools. They are as follows: • the right to learn • the right of respect for themselves and of others, their ideas and their belongings • the right to feel safe Everyone within our school community is responsible for upholding these rights.

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JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

Children at John Hampden Primary and Nursery Schools are encouraged to show consideration , care and respect for others at all times and to take care of their school and environment. Everyone, staff and children alike, are encouraged to treat each other in a positive way and to give praise and encouragement where it is due. School rules are kept to a minimum but these rules need to be observed in the interests of the children’s safety and happiness. We are very proud that at this school, the children are involved in the making of their own class rules. The School Council, which includes representatives from each class, meets regularly to discuss a host of school life issues. Within some limitations they even have a budget to change their ideas into reality! Genuine responsibilities mean real opportunities for children to be involved in decisions that encourage independence of thought. The most important aspect of this work is to give every child a positive selfimage. All children contribute to the citizenship within our school by participating in Buddy Councils and as members of our House system. Our children genuinely strive towards the high ideals and values we have associated with our houses – friendship, truthfulness, perseverance and endeavour. Good communication with our children and families enables our schools to build positive relationships and create a distinctive family ethos that is inclusive. We are a dedicated staff, committed to developing each child to their fullest potential which will enable him or her to enjoy learning, achieve success and become a happy and fulfilled young person. We hope that this prospectus will give you a clear insight into our schools and the values we are constantly striving to achieve. Better still – why not visit the school to experience this for yourself! Alan Haigh Headteacher

Michelle Buchanan Chair of Governors

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JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

Starting Out Admission John Hampden School is a Primary School for boys and girls aged from 4 to 11 years, with an attached Nursery School on the same site welcoming pre-school age children from the age of three. We welcome children from the town of Thame and surrounding Oxfordshire villages. Part time Nursery places are offered to children during the term following their third birthday. The provision entitlement is for 15 hours per week and in order to be as flexible as possible, children can access either five half day sessions or a permutation of full and half full days. The logistics around flexible provision are complicated and although we do our best to accommodate parental preferences, we may have to consult with you further which may involve some form of contract arrangement. Additionally, parents can opt for their children to attend lunch club and other sessions for a fee to cover staffing costs. Children can start school full time in the Autumn term within the Foundation Reception stage i.e. within the academic year in which they become five years old. Requests for admission can be made in writing or in person at the school. A copy of the Oxfordshire Education Authority admission procedures will then be given to parents. If you would like to look round the school, meet the headteacher and staff, and see what we have to offer, please telephone the school secretary on 01844 212291 or 01844 260282 who will be pleased to arrange your visit.

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JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

Starting school Starting school or changing schools is a very big step for children and their families and we wish to do all we can to smooth the way for you at this time. Children are offered visits to the Nursery and Primary School before they start to familiarise themselves with their surroundings, meet their teachers, and spend some time getting to know their peers. An added advantage is that we provide a seamless transition for children in the Foundation Stage between the Nursery and Primary School Reception class. There are also opportunities to meet with the Headteacher and Foundation Stage Co-ordinator to talk about school routines and respond to any queries or questions they may have. Parent’s Handbook All new parents and carers are advised that a handbook is available for download from our school website or as a hard copy on request. The handbook outlines in detail all you need to know about the daily procedures and policies of the school including all session times for Nursery and the Primary school, staffing personnel, governor and uniform information. The school website also includes comprehensive information about the life of the school in a highly visual way.

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JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

Facilities Grounds The schools are set in spacious attractive grounds, including extensive playing fields, numerous hard playgrounds and seated quiet corners. John Hampden benefits from a wealth of environmental and wildlife interest. The school is valued highly for its work in conservation and boasts a Millennium garden, wildlife sanctuary, ponds, woodland and broad grass areas. The Foundation Stage includes a designated Nursery and Reception class area which is securely fenced in. It is substantially and comprehensively resourced providing an excellent and spacious outdoor learning area. Our children are able to use these surroundings for exciting exploratory play as well as to enhance and stimulate their natural scientific enquiry or curiosity. Classrooms The classrooms are of a good size and equipped to provide a varied and exciting curriculum. There are crafts areas and comfortable spaces where children can enjoy reading alone or in small groups. The oldest part of the school, fronting Park Street, was extensively refurbished in 2003, now homing the school office and reception area. The headteacher’s office, a large library, three classrooms and a communal working area are also part of this. Halls Our two school halls – the Jackson Hall and the Vernon Hall – provide space for indoor PE, drama productions, country and contemporary dance, assemblies and worship. Extended Services As part of our extended services provision to support families we offer a Lunch Club and extended sessions in the Nursery School and Breakfast Club and After School Club in the Primary School. Details of times of sessions and availability of these facilities along with fees are available from the school office, website and Parent Handbook, where information is updated regularly.

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JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

Libraries John Hampden has a main library in the School House, but there are several smaller ones throughout the school, tailored to different age groups. Each classroom has a stock of ‘current use’ books. Computer Suite The school benefits from its own computer suite, with 15 terminals. There are other PCs in all of classrooms and the library. All classes have access to an interactive whiteboard. Music Room Our music room is equipped with an excellent range of instruments and the school is supported in their use by a specialist music teacher and a number of dedicated peripatetic teachers.

Every Child Really Matters It is very important to us that every child is valued and their own unique qualities are recognised. We actively promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle. We work hard to build trusting relationships with all children and families to ensure their engagement and enjoyment in every aspect of school life. Children and families experience a range of needs at different times in their lives. We work together with many different agencies to support and to ensure individual needs are always catered for. We believe that the environment we offer plays a crucial part in developing all children into happy, healthy, safe and motivated learners. Our calm and purposeful atmosphere contributes greatly to the development of the whole child. John Hampden School children are taught from the very youngest age to make good choices, considering the impact upon themselves and others. We encourage independence skills in order to develop our children into caring, sensitive, thoughtful citizens of the future.

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JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

Safeguarding John Hampden Primary and Nursery Schools are committed to the safeguarding and promotion of all our children’s welfare. We take seriously the need to protect children and in line with this our safeguarding policies comply with all local and national expectations. Copies of these procedures and other school policies are available by request from the school office.

Inclusion Both John Hampden Nursery and Primary Schools are well resourced to meet the needs of all children. We believe that all children are special and we work hard to provide an accessible and stimulating curriculum which caters for the diverse needs of all of our pupils. We pride ourselves on this inclusive ethos.

Teaching and Learning At John Hampden Schools we believe that all children are entitled to a broad and balanced curriculum. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and the National Curriculum. Learning is fun and interactive and the children are always well supported in their own personal goals. We believe that providing excitement and challenge are the reasons why achievement is so high. In all year groups we monitor pupil progress, sharing this with the child and with their parents helping everyone to understand the next important steps in learning.

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JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

Curriculum Our dynamic curriculum is enriched through activity weeks, where the whole school explores a theme together. Children develop and extend existing skills in new learning contexts. The school is proud of its strong tradition of excelling in the Arts including Drama. All children are encouraged to participate in local community events and school productions. In addition the school has a renowned choir. Foundation Stage – ages 3 to 5 We have lots of fun in our Foundation Stage whilst still laying firm foundations for developing skills and attitudes the children will need to become effective learners. Our Nursery provides a really excellent start to school life. The Nursery and reception class work closely together through a play based curriculum. Key Stage 1 – ages 5 to 7 Key Stage 1 builds and develops the learning that has taken place in the Foundation Stage. The curriculum presented through an exciting team based and challenging approach provides varied opportunities to meet a range of learning styles. Key Stage 2 – ages 7 to 11 In addition to academic elements of the curriculum we aim to develop the social skills which will enable children to gain the confidence and independence they need in order to prepare for transition to their secondary school education. Curriculum extras At John Hampden, children also learn about their environment, the world of work, and about current affairs and news. They are taught to keep themselves safe and healthy and are educated in a multicultural society. When they are asked to support a charity, they learn about the people they are trying to help. Extra Curricular activities Further opportunities for children to enhance their interests are offered through residential visits and a comprehensive range of after school clubs including sports, arts, music and drama. 11

JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

Parents and Carers Parents and carers are important to us at John Hampden Nursery and Primary Schools and we have a strong commitment to develop links between home and school. We have an active and very supportive PTA who offer a wide variety of events for children and adults to enjoy. We encourage frequent contact between home and school through parent’s evenings and regular stay and play sessions for parents of Foundation Stage children. We welcome parents into the life of our school, whether helping on a school visit, joining the PTA or supporting children with their learning in school activities and lessons. We believe that learning for every child is more successful and fulfilling if everyone works as a team. This involves teachers, parents, governors and people working in and around school, as well as the children themselves. By choosing John Hampden School, you will enter into a partnership that will last for as long as you have children here. The support of parents is vital.

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JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

School Community Links Governors The school governors are responsible for the general performance of the school, in particular for its curriculum, its finances and the selection and management of staff. Every year in the summer term, governors provide parents with a profile report illustrating how the school has functioned during the previous year. This can be accessed through a links page on our widely acclaimed website. All the governors are happy to discuss any issues you may wish to raise. Their contact details are available from the school office and are included in the Parents’ Handbook. Parent Teachers Association The PTA is a group which informs a very important link between home and school. The PTA has raised thousands of pounds for the school, helping to buy much-needed equipment ranging from gym apparatus to musical instruments, computers to tape recorders. Events organised by the PTA are enjoyed by many people. They include a family barbecue and barn dance, a ball, Christmas bazaar, quiz nights and summer fete. Outside links Our schools are federated with Tetsworth Primary School which is a small village school near to Thame. The federation enables pupils and staff to benefit from joint projects and developments. Thame Partnership of Schools Our school belongs to a mutually supportive Networked Learning Community based on the Thame Partnership of Schools that serve Lord Williams’s. These schools are in Thame, Chinnor, Tetsworth, Aston Rowant, Brill and Long Crendon. The aim is to develop collaborative ways of learning and supporting each other, along with inter-school projects all dedicated to improving and enhancing children’s experience of education. 13

JOHN HAMPDEN PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOLS

Lord Williams’s School We enjoy close links with Lord Williams’s School, Thame, which takes many of our children when they leave us at 11. There is a varied programme for children in Year Six (the oldest year at John Hampden) to prepare them for their transfer to secondary school, which includes a series of workshops and other activities. Teachers from the two schools work with the children regularly in their final year here. Pupils from Lord Williams’s are often involved with classes and activities at John Hampden. Parents also have an opportunity to meet the Principal and staff of the secondary school at arranged meetings.

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