Our School in Pictures
Learning
Curriculum
"The curriculum is good and the recently revised curriculum, based on the views of pupils and local government initiatives, is contributing very well to pupils' enjoyment of school. - Ofsted 2008
We follow the national curriculum, but have adopted it so that children learn some subjects through central themes. This allows us to incorporate local environment visits and respond to the interests of the children. Single subject teaching also takes place, especially in English, Maths, Science, Music, Religious Education, French and P.E.
In addition to offering a high standard of teaching and child-based learning we offer:
- Weekly swimming lessons for every child in our heated indoor pool. Children leave the school having achieved personal survival certificates and distance awards. The skills they acquire are reflected in our excellent track record at local swimming galas.
- A range of sporting activities both during lessons, at clubs and at an annual sports day.
- Music provision, including a choir and individual tuition in guitar and piano.
- After school clubs, for example French, Art, Sports Clubs, and 11+ preparation classes.
- Regular themed learning days and weeks, for example Healthy Week, Science Week.
Parental Involvement
We welcome parents into the school, and run workshops and activities when parents can come into the school and see their children learning. We also appreciate any help parents can give during the school day, for example with supervising changing for swimming, helping with reading, assisting with art activities or as escorts on educational visits. In the first instance, we ask parents to contact their child's class teacher if they are able to help in any way.
We have a hard-working Parent Teacher Association that arranges social functions and fund-raising activities for the benefit of the school. The help and support the parents give enables our children to benefit from fun events such as the Christmas Bazaar; Discos; Quiz nights and the Summer Fete and raise money to support the school. Recent fund raising has enabled us to purchase a "Tarzan Trail" for the children among other exciting resources. In the past PTA fund-raising has enabled us to build our swimming pool and rebuild our library. All parents automatically become members of the PTA when their child joins the school. We hope that all parents will be willing to support the activities of the association.
Homework
Homework is one way in which parents can support and enhance their child's learning. The nature and length of any homework set varies according to the age of the child. Full details of Meadgate's homework policy can be found in the School's brochure.
Parents may wish to purchase a "Meadgate Book Bag". These are used to transport books and activities between home and school. The bags are available from the School Office.
Early Years
Our Reception class is supported by a full time Learning Support Assistant closely with the class teacher. We hold induction sessions for new pupils to ensure that they have a happy start to their school life. All children are able to begin school full time from the September in the school year in which they turn five.
See the full 2008 Ofsted Report,here.
