SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE , LARGE ENOUGH TO INSP I RE VALUING ALL GOD ’ S CHI LDREN THE FOREST CE FEDERATION ‘All things are possible for one who believes’Mark 9 v 23
WELCOME On behalf of all our pupils, staff and governors I would like to welcome you and your family to the Forest CE Federation. We are immensely proud of our Federation and what we have achieved since we joined together in 2011. Our achievements have only been possible because of our highly committed staff, fantastic pupils and supportive parents and governors. I am proud and honoured to be the Executive Headteacher of five small schools. The union of our Federation has enabled us to pool our strengths and experiences in the classroom, alongside leadership and governance to create a richer learning experience for all our children. Being a Federation of five small rural schools enables us to give the children experiences that previously would have been difficult to organise in a small village school with small year group numbers. We come together for joint school trips, celebration parties, sporting events and special events in the Christian calendar including Easter, Christmas and Harvest. My priority as Executive Headteacher is to ensure that every child is treated as an individual to give them the opportunity to develop and grow into confident young people with a thirst for learning and knowledge. We are proud to be Church of England Schools, closely affiliated with the Diocese of Peterborough. This provides us with a rich ethos embedded within Christian values which shapes the whole of school life. The heritage of the villages in which we are set is a wonderful resource for the children’s exploration and education. Our curriculum is creative, well balanced and topic based. We want every child in our Federation to have a happy, safe and inspirational engagement with education. We are passionate that every child enjoys the best opportunities to widen their aspirations, develop and stretch their abilities whilst nurturing their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Our children are expected to do their best whilst taking pride in their education. If you are interested in sending your child/ children to one of our schools please do get in touch. We would love to welcome you to any of the schools to view our day to day activities. MRS ELIZA HOLLIS Executive Headteacher 1
FORGIVENESS We forgive others to become stronger people PEACE We live with one another in peace and harmony TRUST We trust in our own abilities and strength to make the right decisions FRIENDSHIP We encourage one another and support each other to be the best that we can be LOVE We love and care for one another without any regard to what we get in return RESPECT We treat others as we would like them to treat us and celebrate their differences 2 OUR VISION AND AIMS VISION AND ETHOS The Forest CE Federation aims to provide children with an exciting, broad and balanced curriculum that will instil a love of learning. Our approach enables all children to become lifelong learners by developing transferable skills to equip them to succeed in a competitive world. A strong Christian ethos permeates through our daily lives ensuring our pupils are cared for in a safe, nurturing environment within our small community. Everyone is valued as an individual and helped to develop and progress in their own unique way within a Christian environment. Our vision, ‘Small enough to care , Large enough to inspire , Valuing All God’s children’ is at the core of everything we do. The curriculum we offer is not merely academic, but embraces the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils and is deeply rooted in our vision that: We believe in the “whole child” and are committed to children’s wider well-being through our creative inclusive curriculum, which is driven by our spiritual values. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity in young minds through carefully planned opportunities for pupils to acquire, apply and master their knowledge and skills in a unique learning environment. We know that a child who feels happy, safe and secure will have the confidence to try their best and achieve in all that they do. We endeavour to provide all children with the knowledge, skills and environment in which to thrive. ‘All things are possible for one who believes’Mark 9 v23. We believe that it is important for children to try and live their daily lives by upholding Christian values. As a school family we have chosen six values which we celebrate throughout the school year. These values are displayed around the schools as a reminder to our children. All schools have been accredited with The Bishops award for Excellence, in recognition of their distinctiveness and effectiveness as Church schools. ‘All things are possible for one who believes’Mark 9 v 23
CURRICULUM The Forest CE Federation aims to provide children with an exciting, broad and balanced curriculum that will instil a love of learning. This will enable them to become lifelong learners by developing transferable skills to equip them to succeed in a competitive world. Our curriculum is underpinned by two main threads : For ALL our children to develop high levels of oracy. To have a rich and broad vocabulary, to be confident and literate within society. To know about the world: to know what it has to offer, how it differs from their locality and how others experience the world. We define progress as the widening and deepening of essential knowledge, skills, understanding and behaviours. This is done through how we deliver our curriculum; Continuous Provision. IMPLEMENTATION At the Forest Federation, we plan learning in a thematic approach using quality texts to inspire discussion, support the development of reading and provide opportunities for high quality writing within each theme. Themes have been organised across the classes to ensure that there are a variety of curriculum drivers that cover the content of the National Curriculum. As we have mixed age classes, we have adapted our implementation of the curriculum to suit the needs of our pupils. Teachers rarely teach as a whole class, instead the curriculum is planned and designed to give pupils the opportunities to work specifically with the teacher, in small groups and independently. The pupils throughout each day have to complete their core learning and their COOL tasks, (Carrying On Our Learning). Throughout the day/week pupils will access a variety of activities and subjects which we call Continuous Provision. At times learning will be directed and other times more open-ended enquiry based approach. We see the local community as so valuable to our children’s learning, so we thread these links into the curriculum throughout the year. Using the outdoors as a learning environment is fundamental to our values and this can be school based or with enrichment visits to other locations. Trips/activities are all vital to enhance the learning opportunities we offer our children. “ Leaders have developed a curriculum that is ambitious and well organised. They have considered the needs of all pupils. ” OFSTED 3
ENGLISH, READING & WRITING Daily English lessons develop the skills of written and verbal communication. We aim to equip the children with the ability and confidence to express themselves with clarity. Through speaking and listening activities, we help children to sustain and develop their ideas and adopt active listening strategies. Children are encouraged to work collaboratively and join in group discussions; they are also taught the skills of critical analysis. We foster a love for reading. There is a progressive reading scheme that is used to support the teaching of specific reading strategies such as using phonics, visual and contextual clues. Much time throughout the week is dedicated to reading, including individual, group and class reading. Writing is taught to enable children to coherently communicate their thoughts, ideas and experiences. Grammar, punctuation and spelling skills are taught in a structured way enabling children to write effectively for a range of audiences. We encourage children to be creative in their writing. MATHEMATICS Through teaching Maths, we aim to equip pupils with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem solving skills, and the ability to think in abstract ways. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematics through practical activity, exploration and discussion. They focus on various aspects of number, shape, space and measures, and data handling. Children are taught to identify mathematical relationships, apply mental skills with speed and accuracy, and acquire an ability to apply Maths skills in everyday practical situations. FOUNDATION SUBJECTS We have a number of specialist teachers to ensure that children gain the highest quality education across a range of subjects. We are creative in our curriculum and offer children a range of opportunities through themed days and more importantly through the curriculum we provide everyday. Through the wider curriculum children gain skills to prepare them for later life. We celebrate and explore the diversity of our world and challenge children’s perceptions. CORE SUBJECTS “ There is an ambitious and well-structured curriculum. Teachers’ subject knowledge is strong. Skilful questioning helps guide pupils’ understanding. The curriculum’s key drivers of oracy and developing a broad understanding of the world weave throughout each subject. ” OFSTED 4
WHY CHOOSE THE FOREST CE FEDERATION 5
SMALL CLASSES One of our strengths as village schools is smaller than average class sizes. We encourage children of all abilities to reach or exceed their full potential. HIGH STANDARDS We set and expect high standards in all aspects of education. As well as achieving good results we want our children to adopt healthy attitudes and to learn the personal skills to help them in life. These skills include learning to appreciate their own self-worth, to show respect and understanding for others of all ages, to be part of a team, to know right from wrong and pursue a healthy lifestyle. We inspire all children to have a love for learning to become life-long learners. HOW WE TEACH We combine the best of traditional and modern teaching methods according to the age, ability and previous knowledge of the children, the size of the group and what we are teaching. We use a mixture of whole class teaching, individual study and small target groups. We match the level and nature of teaching to the needs and abilities of children. Due to us being small schools we are able to tailor individual education to help children achieve. We have an vast array of technology to support teaching and learning including laptops, chrome books and iPads. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES A number of children experience some form of learning barrier during their school life. Children may have a variety of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and we are committed to early identification. If additional support is required, a programme of support is put in place. They may be taught individually, in small groups or supported within the whole class. We also seek advice from a number of specialists to support the child and the school. We are passionate in our belief that every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. SCHOOL LIFE AND PUPIL VOICE We encourage our children to become good young citizens by helping to develop wellrounded pupils who show consideration for others, respect for their environment, an ability to make healthy informed choices, and recognition that they can make a positive contribution to society. Each school has a strong and proactive School Council. They are active in making our school’s and the Federation an even better place. Alongside the School Parliament, we have a Sports Crew. Children are responsible for encouraging active play and help plan sports competitions and events. We hold monthly VIP assemblies where we celebrate effort and achievements. Parents and family are invited by Golden Ticket to attend this “Red Carpet” event. PARENTS AND CARERS We encourage a close partnership with parents/ carers in our school. All parents/carers are invited to regular “Walk in Mornings” where they can get involved with their children’s learning. Regular information meetings are held with parents to help their children learn at home. Sessions are held for help with Phonics, English and Maths. We actively encourage parent volunteers into school. UNIQUENESS Our Federation is unique. The five schools retain their individual identity while benefitting from the wider opportunities the Federation can offer. The Federation offers the children a wider base with children making firm friendships across the school’s which is beneficial for them when they start their new journey into secondary education. All the schools offer a warm friendly atmosphere where children feel safe and secure. 6
“ The embrace of the small school community, in which each member is personally known and celebrated, has led to a transformative culture of aspiration. ” SIAMS INSPECTION “ And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them ” Luke 6.31 FRIENDSHIP LOVE “ Let us not love in words or speech but with actions and in truth ” John 3.18 7
“ Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbour as yourself ” Matthew 19.19 RESPECT “ Behaviour is commendable. Pupils speak of resolving differences with forgiveness. ” SIAMS INSPECTION “ This is indeed a place where watching over one another in love is normal. ” SIAMS INSPECTION 8
“ All flourish because positive relationships are lived out within the dayto-day life of the school ” SIAMS INSPECTION “ My God is my strength in whom I trust ” Psalm 18.2 TRUST PEACE “ God blesses those who work in peace, for they will be called the children of God ” Matthew 5.9 9
“ If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you ” FORGIVENESS “ Leaders relentlessly apply the distinctively Christian vision of belief that all things are possible and all individuals are valued. The sense of community is powerful. There is a culture of welcome, acceptance and doing good to one another. ” SIAMS INSPECTION “ Leaders have skilfully constructed an environment that is built on dignity and respect. Pupils behave well because everyone is treated as unique with individual needs. As a result, they are respectful, kind and polite. ” OFSTED 10
STOKE BRUERNE CE PRIMARY Bridge Road, Stoke Bruerne Northants, NN12 7SD 01604 862872 bursar@stokebruerne.northants-ecl.gov.uk TIFFIELD CEVA PRIMARY High Street South, Tiffield Northants, NN12 8AB 01327 350325 bursar@tiffield-ce.northants-ecl.gov.uk WHITTLEBURY CE PRIMARY High Street, Whittlebury Northants, NN12 8XH 01327 857700 bursar@whittlebury.northants-ecl.gov.uk GAYTON CE PRIMARY Bugbrooke Road, Gayton Northants, NN7 3EU 01604 858749 bursar@gayton-ce.northants-ecl.gov.uk WWW.FORESTFEDERATION.CO.UK THE FOREST CE FEDERATION YARDLEY GOBION PRIMARY SCHOOL School Lane, Yardley Gobion Northants, NN12 7UL 01908 542261 bursar@yardley.gobion.northants-ecl.gov.uk
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