Type of school

St. Joseph’s is a Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Junior School for pupils aged 7-11 years. Since was built in 1898 it has undergone many changes. The Victorian interior has gone, replaced by four large classrooms, a main hall, library and dining area, plus of course the office and staff areas. Outside there is a large playground and garden adjacent to the building. The sports field, although detached, is only a few minutes walk away.

Ethos

When you enter the school you will notice the tidiness and sense of organisation. In the classrooms you will see lots of happy children, who enjoy learning. The displays on the class and corridor walls and the sense of purpose emanating from staff and pupils will provide the visitor with all the clues needed to deduce that this school is proud of its high standards and Christian values.

OFSTED(June 2004)

OVERALL EVALUATION
"This is a very good school with some excellent strengths. Pupils achieve very well and reach very high standards overall. Pupils benefit from very good teaching with some excellent features, and are inspired by a lively and exciting curriculum. The school is very effectively led and managed and effectively governed. The school gives very good value for money."
(Click here to see the full report)

By following Christ's teaching we intend to make all that happens
in this school speak of God's loving care for us all.

We aim

To develop and maintain a Christian ethos that will be apparent in all areas of school life.

To encourage the development of Christian values and attitudes towards ourselves, others and the environment.

To provide an environment in which each individual feels safe, secure and valued.

To enable all who work and learn within this community to grow towards their full potential by gaining appropriate knowledge and skills.

To seek opportunities to strengthen and extend the school's links with home, parish and the local community.

UPDATE IN PROGRESS

School hours

The children are expected to be in the school yard no later than 8.55 a.m and no earlier than 8.30am

Secondary school

The designated secondary school is Cardinal Basil Hume School, Wrekenton.
Parents can make application to the secondary school of their choice. Many of our past pupils attend St.Robert of Newminster School, Washington.
Other schools chosen include St.Leornard's, Durham and Lord Lawson, Birtley.
www.gateshead.gov.uk/education/admissions/

The pupils elect house captains who reresent them on the Pupil Council. Meetings are held regularly to discuss a wide range of issues.

Contact school for update

The Core Subjects

Religious Education

As a Catholic school we have to do our best to help parents bring up their children to love, practise and understand their faith. Lessons are based on the "Here I Am" scheme, which tries to develop the children's knowledge of God according to their capabilities. They are also assisted to express their faith and nourish it through prayer, liturgy and the sacraments. Their education will include, where appropriate, moral training in such issues as self-discipline, honesty and sexual matters.

English

In this subject the children develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills that they can use across the whole curriculum. The children use the structure of the Literacy Hour as described in the National Literacy Strategy every day. Much time is spent on teaching and developing reading and writing skills. We teach the children the best way to use spelling, grammar and punctuation. They are also taught a good style of handwriting. In addition to the Literacy Hour time is set aside each week to provide the opportunity for sustained creative writing.

The school library offers a wide range of story and information books. It is well used during school time by groups of children researching their topics. The children are also allowed to borrow books for home reading. Parents can play an important part in their children's education by reading to them and with them thus encouraging good reading habits.

Mathematics

We want the children to enjoy maths and through the concepts and skills that they learn to become aware of its power to communicate and explain. The school uses the National Numeracy Strategy with 'Rigby Maths' as the core resource to make sure that the children develop their mathematical skills and knowledge in a systematic and ordered way.

Science

Curiosity is one of the great qualities of the Human Race. Young pupils in particular are eager to find things out about the world around them. Much of the Science work is of a practical nature. They often have to try out and test their own ideas. We use wide range of teaching support materials, some from publishers and some devised by the class teacher.

Information Technology

A fast growing area of activity in the primary school concerns the use of computers. They are used to support every subject in the curriculum. The children through focused teaching acquire a wide range of IT skills. Our computers are modern RM Window Box PCs supported by a comprehensive range of educational software. There are three computers in each class, all connected to the Internet.
All classrooms are well equipped with radios, tape-recorders, CD players and over-head projectors. Classes have access to a computer linked LCD projector. At present Year 6 classroom has a fixed LCD projector and interactive whiteboard. Similar systems will, in time, be installed in the other three classrooms.

A progressive scheme that develops the children's skills is followed through the school. There are plenty of good quality materials available for them to use whilst experimenting with a variety of creative techniques.

Design and Technology

In school we present the children with situations for which they devise solutions. To do this they will make plans and then select materials and tools best suited to the task. They will be taught skills to help them make best use of tools and construction techniques.

History and Geography

The children will come to understand their world better by learning about the physical world and the people that inhabit its regions both now and at various times in the past. Emphasis is put, particularly in the early years on the children's own experience within their own locality. They should learn about the social, cultural, religious and ethnic differences present in societies as well as the experiences of men and women in these societies. The children will also find out about some of the great environmental issues of the modern world such as conservation, pollution, famine and future energy sources.

Music

Pupils understanding and enjoyment of music will be developed through activities that involve performing and composing, listening and appraising. There may be the opportunity to learn how to play a musical instrument. A limited amount of special tuition is available through the Schools' Music Service for clarinet, violin and guitar. Parents are asked to contribute £35 per term towards the cost.

French

The children follow a scheme that introduces conversational French in a fun way.

Physical Education

The children are offered a balanced programme of activities that include gymnastics, dance, swimming and games skills. These are developed using the facilities available which include the school hall, outside yards and the playing field. Swimming lessons, which begin in Y3, take place at Birtley Baths.
The school takes advantage of coaching in ball skills offered by Newcastle United F.C., Sunderland F.C. and local Rugby and Basketball clubs.
Our aim is to give each of the children the opportunity to develop as far as possible skills that improve control and co-ordination of body movement. These skills will help them now and in the future to stay fit and to participate in a variety of leisure time physical pursuits.

Sport

The school has a long tradition of involvement in football, netball and athletics competitions. We like to encourage our pupils to participate in outdoor pursuits and activities. Many will have the honour and personal satisfaction of representing the school at an official or friendly sports fixture.

The school's responsibilities in this area supplement and enhance values first learned at home in the family. We will always encourage partnership with parents by keeping them informed at all stages. Issues of human relationships, the functions of the body and reproduction will occur in the general curriculum. They will be looked at in a way that is suitable for the growing child.

Sex Education does not appear as a subject or topic in the curriculum. Information given to the children takes into account their level of maturity. It will be set within the context of the young persons growing awareness of the human need for satisfactory social and personal relationships and the Christian values of love, responsibility and respect.
The use and misuse of drugs and other substances, safety, exercise, food/nutrition and personal hygiene are other issues that will be included in the curriculum.

As we are a healthy school, we have the Healthy School Award, activities are organised to encourage healthy habits such as ‘Walk to School Day’. Each half term we sell fruit for a week to promote healthy eating.

The development of self-control and self-discipline is encouraged by the high expectations of the staff. The children are taught the virtues of good manners and respect for others. Good attitudes in behaviour and work are always rewarded.
The school's emphasis is placed on encouraging and rewarding positive aspects of the children's work and behaviour through the school's house point system and merit book.
If correction is needed it takes the form of a telling-off or withdrawal of a privilege. Classes follow the school's Traffic Light Procedure (Click here to download).
Parental support will be required if difficulties persist.
Some behaviours will not be tolerated so parental co-operation will be called for immediately. These include:violence towards pupils or adults, bullying, insolence, confrontational behaviour.
Exclusion, following LEA guidelines, will be considered in cases of extreme and persistent misbehaviour of a serious nature.

Special Educational Needs

Some children have learning difficulties. These will usually have been identified in the Infant school. Some will be identified as a result of teacher observation and assessments in the Junior School. To help these children in the best way the parents and the school need to work closely together. The teachers will devise special programmes of work. Sometimes it may be necessary to seek the advice of experts and perhaps eventually to prepare a Statement of Special Educational Need. Parents will be consulted at every stage.

Educational visits

You will receive a letter before each visit giving information and asking for your approval. Visits are part of the educational programme therefore all pupils will be expected to attend. There will usually be a request for you to contribute towards the cost of the visit. If you have any worries about a planned visit, please contact school as soon as possible.
(e-mail now)

Reports

Parents will be invited to come into school on a Parents' Evening during each term to discuss their child's progress. A report on each child’s progress will be prepared and sent to parents in the final term of the school year.

Homework

Children will have English homework each Wednesday and Maths on Fridays. This is a good opportunity for parents to involve themselves by supervising and helping where necessary. They will also be given spellings and maths facts to learn each week. They will be provided with a Homework Diary in which homework will be recorded. Parents should sign the Diary when the homework has been completed. Messages between parents and teacher can be exchanged in the diary also.

Home/School Partnership

Some children’s learning progress is affected by a lack of confidence in the basic English and maths skills. Parents will be invited to help their children with a work-at-home programme of carefully targeted activities. This will replaces the normal homework for about 12 weeks.

Hours spent on teaching

There are twenty-seven and a half hours in the school week. Teaching time takes up approximately twenty-five hours. Morning and afternoon breaks, registration and assemblies account for the remaining two and a half hours.

Documents available in school

National Curriculum and other documents are available in school for parents who wish to see them.

Visits by parents

Parents are welcome to visit school at any time. Please use the main entrance where your query will be answered by the school secretary. If you have a particular concern, wish to speak to the head or the class teacher please 'phone in advance to make an appointment.

Parent helpers

Your help during school time is very welcome especially if you can offer it on a regular basis. Some parents repair books and mount pictures. Others accompany classes on visits. Some go into class and help with reading, art or cooking. If you would like to help in any way contact the Head or class teacher.

All adult helpers in school are required by law to fulfil a clearance procedure. Forms are available from the school office.

Please inform the school at an early stage on the first day of absence that your child will be late or will not be attending. The school office will contact home seeking an explanation if this is not done. Explanations of absences must be by the parent in writing, by phone or personal visit.

Medicines

Wherever possible avoid sending medicines to school. Try to arrange a pattern of dosage to fit around school hours. If this cannot be done then contact the school office for a Medicines Form or download it now and return by e-mail. (Click here to download)

Exceptionally, it may be necessary for a child to take medication whilst at school. Parents are welcome to visit school to administer the dosage personally. If this is not possible you may make a request for the medicine to be brought to school and that an adult member of staff supervises the dosage.

If the child is normally responsible for the prescribed medicine (eg asthma inhalers), then, they may bring it into school with the prior approval of the Head Teacher.

The following procedure must be followed:

1. A doctor should prescribe the medication, although over-the –counter medicines will be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

2. Written information and consent must be provided using the school form.

3. The school must be informed of any changes and if required complete a fresh application.

4. Clear information must be given on the circumstances for use of ‘as required’ medicines.

5. The school must be told if the child is responsible for their own medication at home.

6. A teacher or other adult staff, if required will provide supervision. There is no obligation for staff to accept responsibility for administering medicine.

Accident or illness in school

If your child becomes unwell or is hurt in an accident we will be made to contact the parent by phone. If this is not possible then the teacher in charge will act on your behalf. Please, ensure that contact details are kept up-to-date.

School meals

A hot meal with a choice of menu and a healthy alternative are served each day. The menu is available on the school website.
Dinner money must be sent in on Monday mornings in a sealed envelope, bearing your child's name, the amount enclosed and any other details. Loose money will not be accepted. Please enclose the exact amount. Cheques should be made out to ‘Gateshead Council’.
In the interests of ‘fair play’ the classes take turns at going first. The order changes each week.
Alternatively your child may bring a packed lunch

Enquiries about Free Meals should be made at the Council Office in Birtley Library or the Civic Centre, Gateshead.

Money and valuables

Children must not bring large sums of money or articles of value to school. We strongly advise you to insure any valuable items such as watches or musical instruments.

Jewellery

No jewellery may be worn by children.

Charges and refunds

Parents will be asked to contribute towards the cost of visits organised during the term. The child's attendance at the event is not dependent on a contribution being made. If a pupil has made a contribution to the cost of a visit and is not able to attend then the school will make every effort to arrange a refund.