Starting year 3 A handy guide for parents and pupils

C H Coombe CoombeHill Hill Junior School Junior School

what's inside? Welcome from the Head Teacher

page 3

Settling In

page 4

Practicalities

page 5

School Houses

page 6

Uniform, Equipment (and Sticky Back Plastic)

page 7

Sets and Streaming

page 8

Reading and Homework

page 9

Communication

page 10

Frequently Asked Questions

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Welcome I am delighted that you and your child will be joining us in September and becoming part of our proudly multicultural school. At Coombe, our aim is for every child to thrive not only as an outstanding learner but also as a confident individual.

If you need any lations, help with trans a please speak to office member of our 949 1743, staff on 020 8 pop in! or feel free to

As a school community we have three key values: to be Creative, Encouraging and Aspiring. These three words sum up our aims for ourselves but also what we want for our children - that they should have as many chances as possible to develop their creativity, encourage each other and aspire to be the best that they can be. We strongly believe that the key to success begins with making school a challenging and enjoyable place to be. Pupils need the confidence and resilience to face

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Coombe Hill Junior School

each new challenge with enthusiasm. These qualities begin with the habits and relationships we forge at home and in classrooms. At school, inspirational teaching, lively lessons and close tracking of each individual are vital. We all work hard to challenge and enthuse each pupil to achieve his or her best. I want your child to spend the next four years looking forward to coming to school each morning and going home each afternoon with something positive to share about their day. I hope that happens but I also know that we will not get absolutely everything right - few parents or institutions do. However, where there is difficulty or uncertainty, these things will only be solved through good communication. Come and talk to our staff, to your child’s teacher, to Parent Council representatives and of course, to me. We all have the same aim after all - making this school and your child’s future as good as it can be. Mark Clutterbuck, Head Teacher

www.coombehillj.kingston.sch.uk • Tel: 020 8949 1743 • Email: [email protected]

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It is only a small step across the path from the Infant to Junior School but it can still seem daunting for some. Over the year, the Head Teacher and other teachers visit classes in Year 2 and children are invited to an afternoon in the school. This way there are some friendly familiar faces, which help to put the children at their ease when they arrive in school. Pupils who are likely to find transition most difficult are also invited to visit early in small groups.

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SCHOOL FOR PARENTS As parents, you’ll be invited to come along to see some of the work done by the children and look around the school. In the second week of term, you’ll be invited to a meeting to find out about the Year 3 curriculum. There will also be an early progress meeting with class teachers to check how well everything is going.

“Joining a new school can be a nervy time, but we do everything to make sure that when our new children begin in September, they are excited and free from worries.” Mr Tuck, Head of Year 3

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN All new Y3s have two buddies to guide them through the first few weeks of school and beyond. When your child is in year 2 they will receive a letter from their two buddies welcoming them to the school. Once they begin in September their buddies will be there to answer questions and keep an eye on them in the playground.

My buddy, my friend “Pia, my buddy showed me around the playground and told me about all the things happening, like Strictly Coombe Dancing, and she taught me cool games... she’s really fun and is always kind and gives me hugs” Eleanor Yr3 “ I really enjoyed being a buddy. It is fun learning how to do it and I think it might help me in the future. Even after a year, I still help out my buddy sometimes and play with her“ Rashika, Yr6

settling in... 4

practicalities

www.coombehillj.kingston.sch.uk • Tel: 020 8949 1743 • Email: [email protected]

WHERE YOUR CHILD’S CLASS WILL BE

LOCKERS

The Year 3 classes are in the main school building, which also houses the Library and the school offices.

Each child in juniors has their own a locker. They put their picture on it so they know that it is theirs. This is where they keep their coats, empty lunch boxes and PE kit.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP The school gates open at 8.30am. On the first day of term your child’s Year 3 teacher will be there to meet them at the school gates and will bring them to their new classroom. There will always be one teacher at the gates at drop off. Pick up is at 3.30pm and Yr3 parents or carers go to the school playground to pick up their child.

What I like about playtime “The best thing about table tennis is you don’t have to play people in your year, you get to meet new people. But there’s also days when the tables are just for Yr3s” Daniel, Yr3

TOP TIP!

A HEALTHY OPTION

At break time children can buy a piece of fruit for 20p

LUNCHES AND SCHOOL MEALS If your child is having packed lunch, first thing in the morning they will go to the main hall and leave it on a Yr3 trolley. If your child is having school meals, you must book these from our supplier at least one week in advance.

PLAYTIME Children have 2 playtimes during the day. They have the opportunity to play in the playground, use the quiet areas, play table tennis or play ball games such as football or basketball on the MUGA.

Coombe Hill Junior School

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School houses

UNIFORM

WHAT’S GOOD TO HAVE IN THEIR PENCIL CASE

Coombe Hill’s uniform supplier is PMG Schoolwear (www.pmgschoolwear.co.uk) and you’ll find all the information about the school uniform for pupils on the main website.

• Pencils (lead and coloured) • Eraser • A clear white glue stick • Ruler (non-bendy) • Sharpener • Scissors

Until October half term children can wear a white polo shirt or white open neck blouse. Children will be placed into one of our four houses. Twins or children with an older brother or sister are usually put in the same house. The four houses are

• Belet • Neville • Somerset • Spencer Each house has a boy and girl House Captain - and your child’s swim hat and PE shirt should be in their house colour. Houses compete for points in sports, good work, attendance and behaviour. Points are collected and cups awarded in assembly at the end of term to the winning house. Each term, the winning house has its own MUFTI Day.

What’s great about being in houses... “I like Somerset because we won a MUFTI Day for getting the most House Points” Eleanor, Yr3 “I like being in Spencer because it is good to meet with people you have not been with before” Yaseen, Yr3 “I like being in Neville because it is the same house as my brother” Jacob, Yr3 “I have just arrived in school and I went into Belet House straight away. I am pleased because I like the colour blue” Isabella, Yr3

TOP TIP!

HOUSE PRESENTS AT THE XMAS FAIR Unlike Infants’ - CHJ’s Christmas fair is run during school time and is more pupil lead. Your child’s house will ask for wrapped presents (in house colours!) to sell at a lucky dip tombola - and the houses will compete to raise the most funds.

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Coombe Hill Junior School

From October half term to Easter all children are encouraged to wear a white collared shirt and tie. It is worth spending time with your child learning to tie one and also having at least one reserve! Ties are available to buy at the school office for £2.

TOP TIP!

HAVE A LOOK AT YR3’S PATRICK’S TOP TIPS FOR TYING A TIE on the uniform section of the school website

Details of the PE kit your child will need are also on the school website.

BAGS AND WATER BOTTLES Unlike infants’ a school bag is not supplied - a rucksack is a good option. Your child will also need a PE kit bag clearly labelled with his or her name. A water bottle is also a good idea.

TOP TIP!

THE FRIDAY STATIONERY SALE The School Council regularly runs a stationery shop. Children can bring up to £1.50 into school to buy stationery. Best sellers include SMENCILS - that’s a smelly pencil to those of us in the know!

COVERING TOPIC, LITERACY AND NUMERACY BOOKS In the first few weeks of term your child will be sent home with a yellow reading record book, blue homework diary and a set of large A4 note books which are used for topic work or for completing literacy and maths homework. To keep the books intact the school asks parents and carers to cover these with sticky back plastic - be prepared! Buy a few rolls in advance - and check out this handy tutorial (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=7dkGzdi7ul8) on how to cover the books in a way that is bubble free.

TOP TIP!

FOR A STRESS FREE OPTION You could purchase recyclable book covers - look out for the order form arriving soon.

Uniform, Equipment (and sticky back plastic) www.coombehillj.kingston.sch.uk • Tel: 020 8949 1743 • Email: [email protected]

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Children are put into sets for English (Literacy) and Maths (Numeracy). This happens in Year 3 after the first half term.

TOP TIP!

MY-MATHS PASSWORDS It’s worth keeping a note of your child’s MY-MATHS password in a notebook or on the fridge - a forgotten password can cause a stressful weekend.

Letters are sent home to parents before Autumn half term to tell you which teacher your child will have for Literacy and Numeracy. Groups are decided by the test data from the Infant School, the results of our own analysis, and teacher assessment. The pupils are judged on the work they produce in school. The assessments are reviewed regularly. We group children to ensure that we are best supporting them to reach their potential. All groups work to the same learning objectives while pace, support and activities are differentiated to cater for individual strengths and needs.

GOOD TO KNOW On one afternoon a week, each class will be taught by a different teacher as the Year 3 class teachers plan their lessons for the following week.

“Our grouping system enables us to differentiate more effectively to ensure that all pupils’ needs are met, from those that are finding something difficult, to those who are impatient to surge ahead. Groups are fluid and there is plenty of movement between them over the year, which helps us to really personalise children’s learning.” Sara Carlton, Deputy Head Teacher in September

Reading & Homework

READING

HOMEWORK

At the beginning of the year, we look at Key Stage 1 data and carry out a test in order to assess each child’s reading age. These outcomes are used alongside teacher assessment. Levels are reviewed regularly.

In Yr 3 your child will get maths and literacy homework once a week and a set of 10-12 spellings to learn.

The children choose books from their chosen book band to read and it is their responsibility to pick up a new book once they have finished their book. Each class will also visit the school library once per week to change their library books. Each child will be given a yellow reading record book which parents/carers sign to confirm that their child has read. The school expects children to read with an adult each school night for at least 10 minutes and at least once at the weekend (Friday to Sunday) and during holidays.

Sets & Streaming

If a child does not read then they will have to read during lunchtime. This will also apply if their reading record has not been signed. We place a great importance on reading and find that this system helps to develop good reading habits.

Teachers hand out homework on slips of paper which children are expected to stick into their blue homework diary. Homework will be given out on a Wednesday, to be handed in at the latest, on the following Monday. This is also the day when children are tested on their spellings. Homework diaries should be sent back to school every day and homework books should be returned once the homework is completed. If your child is absent on the day homework is given out, it is their responsibility to ask their teacher for their homework or pick it up from the homework tray. Details of homework can also be found on the school website homework page. Some numeracy homework will be online using the system My-Maths, for which pupils will be given a log-in. If homework has not been given in by the due date children will be asked to do it during lunchtime.

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www.coombehillj.kingston.sch.uk • Tel: 020 8949 1743 • Email: [email protected]

Coombe Hill Junior School

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Communication PARENTMAIL

TALKING TO YOUR CHILD’S TEACHERS

Make sure you sign up for Parent Mail as soon as you can, all notices come through that first. The Head Teacher writes a newsletter to parents each week, which gives information on the events of the week, celebrates particular pupil achievements, raises any important issues and has a list of forthcoming dates. You will receive the newsletter on Parent Mail but it is also put on the website shortly after publication.

Year 3 teachers can be seen for short conversations at the playground at home time but please bear in mind, time for longer conversations should be booked at the office in fairness to both the teacher and other parents. Letters to teachers should be sent in with your child and handed in during registration. We suggest that they are put in an envelope inside the reading record as this is checked every day.

WEBSITE

The Parent Council is an important forum for parents to have a voice in the school. It is run by Jill Evans, our Parent Liaison Officer. Representatives from each class meet regularly to discuss issues raised by other parents and present them to the Head Teacher. Outcomes from these discussions are then fed back to parents.

The website is constantly updated and is a fantastic tool for finding out what’s going on, what the homework is or just for checking dates. Visit our website at www.coombehillj.kingston.sch.uk

THE SCHOOL OFFICE STAFF The office team can help with most queries, they can make appointments, and take in letters and payments. The school is moving to ParentPay - an online system which should make paying for things much more straightforward. Opening hours are from 8.30am to 5pm.

Watch out...there’s a chicken about “It’s very nice feeding the chickens, but it’s a bit of a job. Nandos pecks everyone, so watch out” Sonny, Yr3

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PARENT COUNCIL

SCHOOL COUNCIL Yr3 pupils choose representatives for their year for the School council. Each Friday a ‘Pupil Voice’ meeting is held with the teachers where the School Councillors offer feedback, raise concerns or offer ideas that can make the school a better place to be. It’s thanks to the council that we have our 6 school chickens, Misty, Midnight, Coco, Angel, Nandos and Backy (because she likes walking backwards) whose eggs are used in the school’s cookery classes.

Coombe Hill Junior SchoolCoombe • Tel: 020 8949 1743School • Email: [email protected] Hill Junior

What can they eat and drink at school other than their lunch? We encourage children to bring a water bottle to school which they can have on their desks during lessons and refill at break times. Fruit is sold at playtime (20p). If children bring in their own fruit from home to eat at break then this should be kept in their rucksack so that it is easily accessible at break time. Sweets are not allowed and due to severe nut allergies nuts are also not permitted in school. Will my child learn an instrument? In Year 3 each has a term’s whole class violin tuition. If you would like your child to have one-to-one instrument lessons at school you will need to contact Kingston Music Service on 020 8391 9248. What is the policy on bringing personal things into school? We do not advise that children bring in personal belongings of any value (including those that have no monetary value but a lot of personal value!). If children do bring in such belongings, then they do so at their own risk. Does to school run any clubs after school? Yes, there’s a wide variety of sports, music and craft activities on offer. All clubs run until 4.30pm and 4.15 in winter. The full list of clubs and the days they are run is on the school website. We will let you know through school ParentMail the days when club booking is available and like infants’, places are on a first come first served basis.

FAQs What’s the procedure regarding lost property? If items are named, they will usually be redistributed to the child through their class. If they are not named then they will be put into lost property drawers in the foyer. At regular times throughout the year, children are invited to have a look at the lost property to see if anything belongs to them. Parents can come and look for lost property during school office hours. How can I make contact with other parents of children in my class? Coombe Hill Junior School has an active parent teacher association - CHJPTA - that organises a number of social events through the year: details of these will be sent home with your child. Each class has a Parent Council representative as well. What happens if I am running late to pick up my child? If you are walking or using public transport, please phone us to advise us you will be late. If the child is expecting to be collected and is not met, then they should return to the school office where they will wait in the care of the school until they are collected.

All information can be found on the school website at:

www.coombehillj.kingston.sch.uk

www.coombehillj.kingston.sch.uk • Tel: 020 8949 1743 • Email: [email protected]

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keep on your fridge Call the school office on 020 8949 1743 Email the school office on [email protected] Visit the school website at www.coombehillj.kingston.sch.uk Look out for upcoming events that you and your child can come to before school starts Remember to order new uniform

DESIGN: www.clarespencerdesign.com

The new term starts on 3rd September 2015

Have a great Summer Holiday!

C H Coombe CoombeHill Hill J uniorSchool School Junior