1. Meet the Teaching Team Parents Open Afternoon September 2015

2. Teaching Team The staff working with Class 6 this year are: Miss Fawbert Mrs Bailey Mr Acs Mr Evans

3. Secondary school applications Later this month you will receive a letter informing you of the process for applications for secondary school. This process will need to be completed online and the website is on the letter. However; if you do not have access to the internet, there is a phone number for you to request a paper copy.

4. Curriculum Overview In Class 6 we study 3 broad topics: Autumn TermViva Brazil! Spring TermIs it Right to Fight? WW2 Summer TermThe Marvellous Mayans! To support your child’s learning at home please encourage them to carry out their own research using books or the Internet. A more detailed outline of topic coverage will be posted on our class page of our website each term. (www.thegrangeprimary.com) Throughout the year we also have a number of curriculum enhancement weeks inc. International Week, Art Week, Science Week, National Sports Week, etc. We will keep your informed when these events take place.

5. Key Stage 2 Tests The Key Stage 2 National Tests will take place during Monday 9 th May – Friday 13 th May 2016. Children will be tested on their English (reading & GAPs), Mathematics (calculations and reasoning) and (possibly) Science knowledge. During Spring Term 1 children will receive a revision resource pack from school to help them with their studies. An ‘Achievement School’ will take place during the Spring. There will also be Saturday morning sessions leading up towards the tests. It is vital that your child is in school to complete the tests.

6. Homework Timetable During the week your child will bring home a range of homework activities. Your support with the completion of these tasks is essential. If for any reason your child is unable to complete their homework please send a letter or call the school office. Monday Reading + Spelling Tuesday Reading, Spelling + Mathematics Wednesday Reading + Spelling Thursday Reading, Spelling + English Friday Reading, Spelling + Science

7. Reading Throughout the week your child will bring home reading books from our levelled school reading scheme. They will also bring home a reading record book which contains vital information about the ways that you can support your child’s reading development. We require you to read with your child every day and maintain a dialogue with us through this book. A written comment about your child’s reading should be made daily.

8. Spelling Each week your child will bring home a set of new spellings to learn. The spelling tests will be every Monday. Please encourage them to learn them using the ‘look, say, cover, write, check’ method. Encourage your child to spend a few minutes each day revisiting and reviewing their spellings. If you could test your child verbally or on paper throughout the week this would also really support their learning too.

9. Maths To assist your child with their maths homework, please have at look at our ‘Mathematics Calculation Policy’ on our website. It explains how we are teaching your child to carry out the four number operations (+, -, x & ÷ ). Your child will, occasionally, be given mental maths books to complete at home – please time your child and read the questions aloud.

10. P.E. P.E. in Class 6 takes place on Tuesday and Thursday. This year Class 6 will swim at The Meadows Swimming Pool (Maghull) on Tuesday afternoons during Autumn 1 & 2. Could you please ensure that your child has appropriate kit in school for these lessons. Your child should wear black shorts, a red Grange T- shirt and black pumps (indoor) or trainers (outdoor) to participate in P.E. lessons. Could you please ensure that all P.E. kit is labelled with your child’s name.

11. Attendance & Punctuality Classrooms are open from 8.45am each morning. Lessons begin at 8.55am. Any child arriving after this time is late. Please ensure you try to ensure your child arrives on time to avoid disruption to the class and your child’s learning. If your child is unable to attend school, due to illness, please ring the school office. If you haven’t contacted school our Home-School Liaison Officer will contact you. If your child has an appointment could you please send a letter or appointment card into school with the details. Annual and weekly attendance awards are given to the classes with the best attendance. Please help our class to achieve as many awards as possible this year!

12. Uniform Could you also ensure that all uniform and belongings are labelled with your child’s name. Please ensure your child is always dressed for school in the appropriate school uniform. Trainers are NOT allowed to be worn for school. However, children may bring in trainers to change into at break-times. Jewellery (apart from small stud earrings) may not be worn. Children with long hair should wear it tied back. Please ensure haircuts are appropriate for school. Nail varnish should not be worn in school.

13. Extended School Activities In school we offer a large range of extended school activities which we encourage your child to take part in. All activities are run by our own team of teaching assistants or qualified teachers/coaches and there are different activities offered each half-term. Study Support begins each morning at 7.45am. The children will have an opportunity to graduate from the Children’s University this academic year. Credits can be collected by attending school clubs and passports can be purchased from school at a cost of £1.

14. Communication If you need to speak to one of the class 6 staff you can do so between 8.45-8.55am or briefly at the end of the day. If you require more time to discuss an issue please ring the school office to arrange an appointment with the teacher/s. Please ensure the front office has your most current address and phone number. Newsletters will be sent home regularly to keep you up to date with school news.

15. Lakeside The Lakeside residential trip will take place on the 10 th February 2016 – 12 th February 2016. More information to follow.

16. Website Please check out our new website www.thegrangeprimary.com www.thegrangeprimary.com On it you’ll find lots more information about school. There are shortcut links to Espresso Learning and Bug Club (reading books) on the home page. Some children will also have access to Lexia Learning and Rmeasimaths. Individual log in and password details can be found in your child’s Online Learning Passport. Regularly visiting and working on these websites, particularly with your support, will have positive effect on your child’s learning.

17. Snack Unfortunately the funding that was used to buy fruit for children in Key Stage Two (i.e. Years Three to Six) has been withdrawn. We are obviously very keen that all children continue to receive the nutritional benefits of a piece of fruit every day but, in future, we ask that you send your child to school with fruit to be eaten at break time. Please note Only fruit is permitted (e.g. an apple or a banana.) Children may not bring snack bars, biscuits, cereal bars or any other snack.

18. Finally… If you have any concerns or issues during this year please come and speak to one of us. Thank you for attending. Any Questions?