Creating Success Through Partnership
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETING SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
The school makes special provisions for children with learning difficulties. The school has established close links with its partner Primaries so that relevant information about the pupils’ needs is passed onto the Special Needs department. The school also has close links with an Educational Psychologist and many other appropriate agencies to ensure correct assessment of, and advice about, the pupils’ needs. All the teachers are made aware of pupils’ needs and difficulties and their lesson planning takes specific account of these. Also, as much adult support as possible is made available (both withdrawal tuition, and also in-class support from Learning Support Assistants) – the school has recently greatly increased this provision. In addition, the Special Needs department has access through the school’s Social Inclusion programme to specialist counselling and courses, which can be tailored to meet the pupils’ needs.
Greenfield School has an established reputation as a school which cares greatly about its pupils as individuals, and which is determined to help each and every pupil be the best that they can be, whatever their needs or ability.
THE ICAN BASE
Greenfield is committed to providing equality of opportunity. We aim to respond to a diversity of needs, overcoming barriers to learning and participation for individuals and groups.
The ICAN base is purpose-built and provides a positive environment which is safe and comfortable for those pupils needing support, guidance or advice. Pupils, staff or parents can refer. We provide individual and group interventions to meet the needs of pupils. At present, we have 8 professionals with varied experience. They can provide support: counselling / anti-bullying / mentoring (peer and adult) / anger management, teamwork, relationships, conflict resolution, relaxation, self esteem, social skills. We believe that school can make a difference with vulnerable pupils.
SOCIAL INCLUSION MANAGER - JILL BURDIS: 01325 379047
WECAN PARENTS’ GROUP
Has successfully operated since April 2002 to provide fun, support and a variety of activities. Meets one afternoon weekly during term time.
SECLUSION
This new initiative introduced this year as an alternative to exclusion. The aim is to enable pupils who have seriously misbehaved to continue to attend school and avoid disruption to their education whilst being removed from their lessons. It is based in a special room in school where pupils are expected to work in silence and they take their breaks and lunch at a different time from the rest of the school.
The seclusion day is from 9.30 am – 4.00 pm.
We have a number of staff working in the seclusion room who will provide appropriate intervention to allow pupils to return to their lessons equipped with the strategies they need to avoid further disruption to their education.
PROVISION FOR MORE ABLE AND TALENTED PUPILS
The government’s strategies for raising standards of achievement include all pupils within the education system, from those with learning difficulties to those able pupils identified as ‘gifted’, ‘promising, or ‘talented.’ Indeed, it is quite possible to fall into both of these categories, that is, to be identified as having difficulties in some subject areas, and also being talented in others. While a small proportion of children, 5 – 10%, on average, would be regarded as having exceptional all-round ability, many more will demonstrate particular talents in one or more curriculum areas.
Here at Greenfield we have developed a policy for the More Able and Talented that we are implementing comprehensively across all aspects of school life. When pupils arrive at Greenfield they are tested so that we can find out about their potential abilities. The results are then added to what we know about their achievements so far. We lead the field nationally in using information thus gained to best further the needs of all pupils in our school. We are paying particular attention to differentiation of work in all classes. Increased focus upon National Curriculum levels is intended to give pupils a greater sense of ownership over their learning, with enrichment activities provided in topics where they show themselves more able. This focus upon the More Able and Talented does not replace the care that we give at Greenfield, rather it should be seen as part of our continuing commitment to help all our pupils develop and achieve their very best.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
Religious Education and Collective Worship is given in accordance with the Durham Agreed Syllabus, a copy of which may be viewed at the school on request. Assemblies take place each week and are of a broadly Christian character. Parents wishing to withdraw their children from Religious Education or the morning assembly are invited to discuss the matter with the Headteacher.
HEALTH EDUCATION
This covers topics which include sex, drugs as well as physical and mental well being in the context of Social and Personal Education. Issues are covered in a sensitive way by staff who are supported by the school nurse and experts from a number of other agencies. Owing to the sensitive nature of material, information is provided for parents who are welcome to contact school if they have any concerns. The school promotes Healthy Eating.
EXTRA OPPORTUNITIES
Every lunchtime, after school, in the evenings, at weekends and during the holidays, groups of children will be busily involved in activities extra to their normal subject timetables.
Out of school activities are fast becoming one of the most exciting and powerful elements in the drive to achieve lifelong learning for everyone. We strongly believe that our resources, facilities and expertise should be available, wherever possible, to children after school. The many teachers, and indeed other adults, who put their energies and efforts into extra-curricular activities are recognised and valued by the children and their parents. When children have that extra chance to show what they can do - whether it is in the arts, sports or science - and when they have a place for reading, for quiet study and homework - children of all ages and abilities have the capacity to surpass expectations and surprise us all with their talent, creativity and enterprise. Successful children make a successful school.
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Students leaving Greenfield will live in a society with a highly evolved and diverse technological infrastructure. We aim to prepare them, not only for current day applications, but also with a readiness for change. The school provides carefully planned and progressively more complex experiences in the use of I.C.T. across all aspects of the curriculum. I.C.T. supports learning in all subjects as well as well as a variety of work outside school.
The use of the computer network and associated developments in the use of digital cameras, video conferencing, interactive white boards etc. has been a major motivation for staff and pupils alike and the systems are heavily used during formal lessons, at lunchtimes and after school.
There is a clear system and policy in place to ensure that ICT is available to all pupils and to safeguard against any abuses of the system especially relating to the internet.
SPORTSMARK
Greenfield has gained an excellent reputation for sport at local, regional and national levels. Success has been achieved in all major games as well as in individual competitions. We offer an extensive programme of competitive sport enabling many children to participate in both internal competitions and also to represent the school.
Greenfield was one of the first schools in the northern region to be awarded SPORTSMARK status. This was in recognition of the high standards of staff qualifications, expertise, quality of curriculum, organisation and teaching in the Physical Education Department.
‘ARTSMARK’
is a national initiative developed by The Department for Culture, Media and Sport in partnership with the Arts Council of England, the Department of Education and Skills, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, OFSTED and Sport England encouraging excellence in the provision of arts education. In order to achieve ARTSMARK Gold status, schools have to demonstrate an outstanding commitment to providing opportunities across all the arts from drama to music, photography to poetry, dance to sculpture. The scheme also encourages effective partnerships with artists and arts organisations.
Artsmark Gold was awarded to Greenfield in 2001 and 2004.
