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- Computing | AlbourneCEPrimary
Computing Progression of Skills Overview 2024-25 Online Safety Computing – Intent, Implementation and Impact. Intent: Our aim at Albourne is to give children a thorough and ambitious education in computing, equipping them to use technology, computational thinking and creativity with a solid grounding for future learning and the ability to become active digital citizens in the modern world. At Albourne we understand that technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal part in students' lives; therefore, we want to model and educate our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely and that they see good models of this. By the time they leave Albourne, children will have gained key knowledge and skills in the three main strands of the National Curriculum for Computing (2014): computer science (programming and understanding how digital systems work), information technology (using computer systems to create, store, retrieve and send information) and digital literacy (evaluating digital content and using technology safely and respectfully). We encourage staff to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding; by Upper Key Stage 2, children should have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers. Our curriculum ensures they know what to do if they have concerns about anything they encounter online, and how to be safe, responsible and respectful when using the internet. Implementation: At Albourne, computing is taught weekly, the key knowledge and skills that must be taught within each unit have been identified and mapped to support the progression of children’s learning across the primary phases. An overview of each unit’s key vocabulary, key knowledge and linked prior knowledge is available through the knowledge organisers. Our computing progression framework ensures a balanced coverage of the three computing strands (computer science, information technology and digital literacy). The children work on all three strands each year, including e-safety. As they progress through the school, children build on their prior learning within each strand, covering new or deeper knowledge and developing their technical skills. For coding, the school uses the Discovery Espresso units from year 1 to year 6; this allows for a clear progression and development of block coding skills. We will continue to develop our links with the other schools within the Trust, sharing resources, skills and ideas. Wider Curriculum links and opportunities for the safe use of digital systems are considered in curriculum planning. Through cross-curricular uses of computing in other subjects, teachers are able to revisit misconceptions and knowledge gaps in computing in tandem with other curriculum areas. This supports varied paces of learning and ensures pupils make good progress. The importance of online safety is shown through displays within the learning environment and through PSHE lessons. Parents are informed when issues relating to online safety aris e and further information/support is provided if required. Impact: We believe the children of Albourne will be confident users of technology, and will be able to use it to accomplish a wide variety of goals, both at home and in school. Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems, which is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving. Children will be able to apply the school values and expectations when using digital systems. Children can use their computer skills to showcase their writing and presentation skills which can then be featured on the school website. We know that finding the right balance with technology is key to an effective education and a healthy life-style. We feel the way we implement computing helps children realise the need for the right balance and one they can continue to build on in their next stage of education and beyond.
- The School Day | Albourne C of E Primary
We hope that all Albourne parents and their children will feel confident about joining our friendly school. In order to help this process it is useful for parents to know our school routines and timings. The School Day A typical day at our school. We hope that all Albourne parents and their children will feel confident about joining our friendly school. In order to help this process it is useful for parents to know our school routines and timings. Below are the basic timings for a typical day at Albourne Church of England Primary School. Breakfast Club Our breakfast club is available every morning from 7.45am for pupils of all ages. Find out more on our Wrap Around Care page. Start of the school day The school gate opens each morning at 8.45am and pupils are welcomed into school between 8.45am and 8.55am. The Headteacher or another member of staff is always outside to make sure all pupils enter the school safely and to take any messages. The school office staff are also available at this time. Pupils should bring their book bags to school daily. They will be given an Albourne Reading Record book in the first few weeks of school. Pupils also need a water bottle and, when the weather is hot, a sunhat is useful. Break times Break times begin at 10.30am every day. When they first start school, pupils in Reception class play in their own outdoor area throughout the day. They join the older children for break times later in the year. Lunchtimes Lunchtimes begin at 12.00 noon for Reception class and 12.15pm for all other classes. Hot schools meals are served by our Chartwells staff in the school hall. All children in Key Stage 1 (Reception to Year 2) can have their hot school meal for free. All pupils can bring a packed lunch if they prefer. Once pupils have finished their lunch they may go outdoors to play until 1.15pm. We always have plenty of staff to ensure the pupils play safely and are supervised. Our responsible older pupils also enjoy looking after the younger children at lunchtimes and around school. We employ a Sports Leader at lunchtimes to facilitate different opportunities for pupils to play different sports. Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme We have adopted the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme to enhance pupils’ break times. Pupils can take part in active pursuits and have access to a range of traditional and modern equipment. Activities include dressing up, a mud kitchen, water play, hula-hooping, dancing, den-building, tree climbing and riding scooters. We have found this OPAL programme has a positive effect on pupils’ well-being in addition to their performance in lessons. End of the school day The s ch ool day ends at 3.25pm. The side gate is opened at 3.20pm to allow parents and carers to wait outside the classroom doors in order to meet their children. In Key Stage 1, teachers will ensure that a child's parents can be seen before the child leaves the classroom. All of our children are taught that if they can't see 'their' adult then they should go to the school office and wait safely until someone comes to collect them. Our total weekly hours are: 32.5 hours Further questions Please ask at the office if you have any concerns or would like to know more about how our school works, we are always ready to answer queries, no matter however small. If you have a question about something in class, a message can be passed onto the class teacher, or an appointment made at the end of a school day (please note the start of the school day is a busy time for teachers whilst they welcome children into the classroom). You can contact the school office at office@albournecep.co.uk Downloads For all letters, information and forms for parents, please visit our Downloads page. Downloads
- Forest School | Albourne C of E Primary School
Our Forest School offers children regular opportunities to develop their self-esteem through hands-on learning in a natural environment. Forest School Developing self-esteem through hands-on learning in a natural environment. Intent Our Forest School offers children regular opportunities to develop their self-esteem through hands-on learning in a natural environment. Forest School sessions provide time for play, exploration and focussed activities. They also provide practical ways for children to further understand the natural world. Children learn skills such as the use of tools for designing and making; shelter-building and fire-lighting and cooking. Forest School within the curriculum Forest School learning contributes to a broad and balanced curriculum. It enhances the National Curriculum for each subject. Reading We read stories around the fire. Books such as Follow the Swallow lead to discussions around bird migration, nest building sessions and collecting 'worms'. The story Stick Man leads to children making their own 'stick people'. Mathematics We use counting (varied and counting up and down) in Forest School games such as Hide and Seek. We compare lengths of sticks to children’s heights. Sticks for the fire are ordered, just as we order items in Maths lessons. Children create 2-D shapes with sticks We use directional language and movement (e.g. clockwise/anti-clockwise) when working with tools, especially palm drills. Science Pupils observe and identify evergreen and deciduous trees and how they look/change in different seasons. Pupils learn to identify bluebells and primroses and are aware of the variety of fungi which grow on the site. Pupils are taught to identify nettles and brambles to avoid being stung/scratched. Pupils observe a variety of birds, including robins and pigeons, squirrels and pond creatures such as newts, pond skaters and water boatmen. They also observe a variety of insects and mini beasts. We hold natural scavenger hunts in the Forest. We hold ongoing discussions about materials, especially when building shelters. In Key Stage 2 we looking at self-seeded trees; compare green and dry woods; observe sap bubbling when 'green' sticks are put on the fire. We hold discussions on role of parts of trees. Pupils are introduced to the idea that plants make their own food. We look at different methods of seed dispersal. Art and Design Forest art includes mud hand prints and mud sculptures; creating 'stick people'; wood disc names and decorations; creating pictures made with natural materials; whittled and decorated sticks; using clay to make tree faces and making and using charcoal. Pupils in Key Stage 2 make whittled knives and sticks; natural leaf print pictures using hammers; carry out natural weaving; make dream catchers and natural jewellery. In Forest School we use a number of tools to create design work, such as palm drills, bow saws, peelers, and flint and steels. Pupils create items of their choosing as well as adult-initiated objects. Technical knowledge is applied when building shelters and in our tallest free-standing tower challenge. Design and Technology (Cooking and Nutrition) We use a of range of cooking techniques in Forest School to cook marshmallows, popcorn, waffles, soup, damper bread, pitta pizzas, sausages, pancakes, toffee apples and toast. We make use of ingredients that grows in the area to make sticky-weed juice and dandelion jam. Pupils learn about the poisonous plants growing in the area and therefore those that are not suitable for eating. As part of the Hurst Education Trust , Albourne pupils have also been able to take part in Forest School workshops at Hurst College. "Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions." FOREST SCHOOL ASSOCIATION Downloads and links Download our documents for further information about our curriculum. Forest School Association Forest School at Albourne Forest School and the curriculum
- The Albourne Way Song | AlbourneCEPrimary
The Albourne Way Song Following The Albourne Way, we have created a school song that Listen here Verse 1 We walk each day, with hearts that care, Respect is all and always fair. We can see the wonder of the Albourne Way. We can shape tomorrow Even when we fail Chorus I believe in kindness, Something good in everything I see I believe in caring, The Carer shows exactly how to be. We proudly say: The Albourne Way. We proudly say: The Albourne Way. Verse 2 We care for trees, and skies so blue, For birds and animals, each other too. And our Albourne family, makes it worth the while, Guided by the carer, respecting every smile. Verse 3 I have empathy, a big heart within, To help me cope with everything. We can see the wonder of The Albourne Way, Shining in the future, flourishing every day.
- Year 3 | AlbourneCEPrimary
Year 3 Kingfishers Class Following the Albourne Way living life to the full Ask Me Abouts Spring 1 Ask Me Abouts Autumn 2 Ask Me Abouts Autumn 1 Meet the Teacher Kingfishers Curriculum Overview Welcome to Kingfishers and Year 3. The class teacher in Kingfishers is Miss Johanson. Kingfishers have a locker to keep their belongings in – we ask that children only bring small bags/book bags into school each day so that the lockers are not too full! Children are welcome to bring a snack of fruit, vegetables or cheese for morning playtime and will need to have water bottles in school, as usual. Pictures of staff Our main topic for the Autumn Term is Stone Age to Iron Age. In history, we consider the key question: What are the similarities and differences between the stone, bronze and iron ages. In the Spring term, we move on to focus on to the ancient Egyptians and in the Summer term our topic is UK and the South Downs. More detail is available on the curriculum pages of the school website. One of the exciting things about Year 3 is that we start swimming at Hurst College in the spring and summer terms! Remember to bring in your swimming bags on Wednesdays. We have high expectations of reading, therefore we encourage every child to read at least 5 times weekly, and ask parents or children to record this in their reading diaries. We will check the diaries every Monday and each week a child achieves the 5x a week target, a raffle ticket is put in the box ready for the reading challenge assembly. Tickets are drawn half-termly to see who can choose a ‘Golden Book’. Homework in Year 3 consists of reading (as above), spellings (weekly) and a topic based task that will cover options from across the curriculum, which is due every half term. Copies of our half-termly ‘Ask Me About’ newsletter and our latest homework grid can be found below. Ask Me About May 2024 Ask Me About May 2024 Ask Me About March 2024 Ask Me About February 2024 Ask Me About
- Attendance and Absence | Albourne C of E Primary School
Information for parents/carers about attendance and absence. Attendance and Absence Information for parents. The 2025-26 academic year Whilst we understand families will be looking forward to travel and holidays abroad again, after the past couple of years' disruption, but we want to set expectations now: as a school we will NOT be authorising holidays during this academic year (2025-26). Every day in school counts and we will be monitoring attendance and lateness on a daily basis. Reporting an absence If your child is going to be absent from school, we expect you (the parent/carer) to do the following: Call the school office before 9.00am to explain absence each day your child is off school - this is for safeguarding reasons. Ensure you provide a written letter of explanation when your child returns to school, in addition to the phone calls, so we can maintain accurate records. If your child’s absence is longer than three days we would expect medical advice to be sought. If parents/carers have not contacted school, they will receive a message asking them why the child is not at school. Unexplained absences may also be followed up by a home visit or a letter. If the reason for the absence is not explained then the absence will be marked as unauthorised. When to contact us Please do contact us if you are having any difficulties or face challenges we may not be aware of, before it becomes a problem that we need to raise with you. Withdrawal from learning requests In line with the Department for Education (DfE), we will not authorise pupil absence for withdrawal from learning during term time unless there are unusual and compelling circumstances. This applies to absences of any length. The withdrawal from learning request process is as follows: All withdrawal from learning requests should be made to the Headteacher by completing a form which is available from the school office, and below. The Headteacher will speak to you (the parent/carer) regarding your request It is possible that unauthorised absence will trigger involvement from the Local Authority Attendance Team and you could be liable for a fine. The school scrutinises registers regularly to identify any patterns of absence/poor punctuality and these are discussed with the Headteacher to see there is anything the school can do to assist. In cases where attendance and punctuality do not improve, further support will be sought from the Local Authority Attendance Team. Your assistance in setting good attendance patterns early is much appreciated and it will help your child later on in their education. Local Authority information and guidance about attendance can be found on the WSCC School absences page . Medical appointments Every effort should be made to arrange medical appointments outside school hours. If it is necessary for a child to be out of school for this reason, the child should be returned to school directly after the appointment. Proof of the appointment should be shown to the school office. Parents/carers must inform the school of any planned absences in advance using the absence request form. Copies of these will be kept with the child's records. Holidays during term time Parents should be aware that taking holidays in term time are not an entitlement and are strongly discouraged by the Government, Local Authority and the school. The Headteacher can only authorise absences for exceptional circumstances - and this will be rare. Why attendance matters Attendance is important to us - and will continue to be so - not because of any targets we, or others, set for us but because when your child is not in school, they are missing their education. In addition, the children have missed so much time in school over recent years, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Attendance and punctuality are an important part of good behaviour and such an important life skill. It is an essential requirement in any job and habits formed early become embedded. Pupils who miss valuable time in classrooms fall further behind and become more disengaged from the work of the class. It is hard to regain this ground and hard to motivate pupils when attendance drops. Absence Request Form (Word doc) Downloads For all letters, information and forms for parents, please visit our Downloads page. Downloads
- Design & Technology | AlbourneCEPrimary
Design & Technology... The Albourne Way DT Overview 2024-25 Progression of Skills Intent: At Albourne Primary School we intend to build a Design Technology curriculum which is inspiring, rigorous, and practical. We want our children to use creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. It is a subject that encourages children to ‘learn to think’ creatively to solve practical problems both as individuals and through teamwork. We intend for all children to acquire appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum. It is our aim to create strong cross curricular links with other subjects, such as Mathematics, Science, Computing, and Art. We want Design and Technology to prepare our children, to give them the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences they need to be successful in later life. Implementation: Design and Technology is a crucial part of school life and learning and it is for this reason that as a school we are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of a high-quality Design and Technology curriculum. This is implemented through: A well thought out, whole school, yearly overview of the DT curriculum which allows for progression across year groups in all areas of DT (textiles, mechanisms, structures, food and electrical systems) Teachers are given ownership and flexibility to plan for Design and Technology; often teaching DT as a block of lessons to allow the time needed for the children to be able to design, make and evaluate (incorporating relevant technical knowledge). Some lessons are delivered using an existing scheme of work which teachers adapt as needed. A range of skills being taught ensuring that children are aware of health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken Pupils are introduced to specific designers, chefs, nutritionists, etc. helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement and increase the cultural capital from which they can draw in the future. Units on nutrition are taught ensuring that children have a growing understanding of where food comes from, its seasonality and the need for a healthy and varied diet. We will continue to develop our links with the other schools within the Trust, sharing resources, skills and ideas. Impact: Children will have clear enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology that they will then apply to other areas of the curriculum. Through carefully planned and implemented learning activities the pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. They gain a firm foundation of knowledge and skills to see them equipped to take on further learning as they move through the school and into KS3. They get to evaluate and considered improvements in their designs, linking their ideas to real life situations. The curriculum lead for DT will review planning and lessons, they will speak to the children and gather evidence of the progression through the years.
- Wellbeing | Albourne C of E Primary School
The wellbeing of our pupils is important to us. Find out more about our Albourne Way Peacekeepers. Mental Health & Wellbeing Looking after all of our Albourne Family The Albourne Learner - The Carer Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to their community (World Health Organisation). At Albourne we are committed to promoting and supporting positive mental, physical and emotional wellbeing for all school stakeholders - pupils, staff, parents & community. A group of children who help develop friendships for children, find solutions to problems and encourage children to follow the Albourne Way. How to look after your mental health Anxiety Eating for your mind The Peacekeepers Further information Below are resources you may find useful to support your child in different situations. Further resources on keeping your child safe online can be found on our online safety page. Read our Ofsted inspections NSPCC National Bullying Helpline Kidscape - help with bullying
- Online safety | Albourne C of E Primary School
At Albourne Church of England Primary School, the children regularly use the internet as part of their learning. In school we regularly remind the children how to stay safe online through ‘e-safety’ activities. Online safety Useful information for parents. At Albourne Church of England Primary School, the children regularly use the internet as part of their learning. In school we regularly remind the children how to stay safe online through ‘e-safety’ activities. At home, children are not always supervised when they are using the internet. This can potentially allow children access to a whole world of information and online communities, some of which may be unsuitable for children to access. Whilst the internet is a wonderful place, we need to make sure that our children are safe and responsible internet users. Tips to keep your children safe online 1. Make sure your children use the internet in a shared area. Talk to your child about what they are doing online and, if possible, make sure that they access the internet in a shared area at home so that you can all share in the great sites that are available online. 2. Talk about what you are happy for your child to do on the internet, and set up ‘ground rules’ for using the internet Make sure that you talk with your child about what you do and do not want them to do on the internet, including who you are happy for them to communicate with using online chat forums etc. 3. Explore e-safety sites Below we have provided useful links to e-safety sites designed for children. They are great fun to explore - browse through these with your children. 4. Be aware that Social Networks have age limits of 13+ Sites such as Facebook, Bebo, Instagram and apps such as Snapchat have a minimum age limit of 13. This means our pupils should NOT be using them. These sites are also not moderated, and can allow your children a means of communication to people that they may not necessarily know. 5. Don’t be afraid to ask! There are always new websites, apps and social networks that the children are using. Try to establish open lines of communication, where you can talk with your child about what they are doing, so that you are aware of how and who they are communicating with. Further information Below are resources you may find useful to support you in keeping your child safe online. The Albourne Internet Use and E-safety policy can be found on our Policies page. Further resources on bullying can be found on our Wellbeing page. Parental Controls booklet Thinkuknow.co.uk Childnet.com Parentzone.org.uk Vodaphone - Digital Parenting NSPCC - Keeping children safe online Internet Matters - Parental Controls UK Safer Internet Centre BBC Webwise videos Common Sense Media.org Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Safety Center
- Head's Welcome | Albourne C of E Primary School
A warm welcome to Albourne Church of England Primary School from the Headteacher, Mrs Keeling. Headteacher's Welcome Welcome to our school. Welcome to Albourne Church of England Primary School. I am proud to lead an exceptionally committed and caring staff team in this thriving school. We are set in the heart of Albourne village in beautiful rural surroundings at the foot of the South Downs. From our majestic trees to soaring kestrels, Albourne is an idyllic place to learn. Our vision is The Albourne Way - 'Living life to the full' and we ensure that all children do this by experiencing an engaging curriculum, excellent teaching, unique opportunities such as performing on a professional stage, a wide and diverse range of trips, rich learning experiences and opportunities to develop leadership skills. We pride ourselves on being a Church of England School and our Christian values are the basis for everything we do here. As part of the Hurst Education Trust, we are passionate about education, developing excellent teachers through high quality training and collaboration with other schools. Our mission is that every child at our school embarks on an exciting learning journey, where they make incredible progress from their starting points, enjoy school and leave us as responsible citizens for the future. Fiona Keeling Headteacher


