st mark’s c.e. junior school our prospectus mark’s ce junior school | page 2 we believe great...

St Mark’s C.E. Junior School

www.st-marks.wilts.sch.uk

our prospectus

Reaching in, Reaching up, Reaching out . . .

• our school page 1

• ethos, aims & values page 2

• teaching & learning page 3

• curriculum page 4

• extra-curricular activities page 5

• getting the children involved page 6

• supporting learning page 7

• looking after everyone page 8

• partnerships page 9

• outcomes page 10

• community page 11

• facilities page 12

• organisation page 13

• keeping in touch page 14

• school uniform page 15

• governors page 16

• admissions page 17

• contact us page 18

contents


our school We are very proud of our school and believe it is a warm and friendly place in which to work and learn.

We believe the positive relationships we develop with children and their families enable us to create a distinctive Church School ethos.

We aim to settle the children quickly in a rich environment where they feel happy, supported and challenged to achieve high standards. It is within such surroundings that we believe children will flourish and be encouraged to do their best,

whatever their starting point or strengths. As a school we have high expectations of manners, behaviour and demonstrating the school’s values. We believe everyone can make progress, enjoy themselves and be successful in their own right. We strive to make learning fun, challenging and inclusive.

We hope your child’s time with us will be fulfilling and hold enormous memories. I am heartened that all children can become smarter – their destinies are not set in stone – and that hard work and application are rewarded in school and in life.

St Mark’s CE Junior School | page 1

Seeking the best from everyone, by everyone giving their best

ethos, aims & values EthosOur motto encapsulates what we all should strive for every day: reaching in, reaching up, reaching out

We take this to mean:

Reaching in: Developing talents, confidence and positive attitudes to help in all situations.

Reaching up: Wondering and marvelling at the world around us and understanding how we relate to the ‘bigger picture’.

Reaching out: Developing fruitful relationships and seeking to serve others within and beyond our community.

Aims• Success in all we do.

• Confidence to be who we are.

• The development of responsible citizens.

• Curiosity and imagination.

• Respect for self, family and others.

• Responsibility for possessions, choices and actions.

• Hard work, commitment and resilience.

• Tolerance, compassion and integrity.

• Enjoyment and excellence in all we do.

• A positive mind-set to approach every challenge.

ValuesThese represent our highest priority. They help us explore our distinctive character as a church school. However they are not exhaustive or exclusive to Christianity. Our core values are:

• Love

• Honesty

• Trust

• Respect

• Compassion

We develop an understanding of the world we live in and show high levels of respect and responsibilty towards others and our world


We believe great teaching is built upon strong, unshakeable foundations of respect, trust, discipline and an unerring desire to be the best we can

teaching & learning We aim to deliver high quality teaching consistently across the school. Better teaching enables deeper, more memorable learning. We use all our available resources to provide children with:

• An inclusive environment in which the learning needs of the individual are met.

• A curriculum that enables children to become literate, numerate and IT proficient.

• Opportunities to make links, develop independence, resilience and co-operate.

• Excellent facilities conducive to learning.

• Rich, challenging and relevant learning opportunities.

• Activities that encourage imagination and creativity.

• An inspiring culture that excites and celebrates achievement as well as effort.


curriculum Our curriculum is planned and monitored by Year Leaders and Subject Leaders. Although we organise our learning into discrete subjects we often take opportunities to link similar areas together in topics. Immersing children in this way makes learning more enjoyable and meaningful.

Our curriculum aims are to help pupils to:

• Develop inquisitive minds, the ability to question and argue rationally and to apply themselves.

• Acquire knowledge, skills and qualities which will help them to develop so that they may become independent, responsible members of the community.

• Thrive irrespective of gender, ethnicity, social groups, or learning ability.

• Use language and number effectively and with creativity.

• Develop personal values and respect for others’ diverse ways of life.

• Understand the world in which they live.

• Value human achievements and aspirations.

• Find pleasure in lifelong learning and to experience success.

• Develop imagination and aesthetic awareness.

• Recognise the crucial role which parents play in their children’s education.

At St Mark’s we believe that every child is extraordinary and that education has the capacity and the potential to change lives for the better


extra-curricular activities Although our curriculum is broad and balanced there are further opportunities for children to join in and make a positive contribution to the wider community. We provide a wide variety of activities before school, at lunch time and after school.

Club lists are published termly for parents and children to see via our website. A large number of our clubs and activities are run free by staff. Others are offered by specialists/coaches at a cost.

Examples of clubs offered include: Athletics, football, cricket, basketball, netball, rugby, table tennis, art, chess, French, Spanish, running, cycle training, ICT,

dance and drama (Starcast), Imitate (a faith and fun filled club run by St Mark’s Church).

Our curriculum is enriched by numerous educational visits and trips. The fact that we are within walking distance of the historic city of Salisbury also gives us plenty of opportunities for local projects and visits. Previously our children have visited Old Sarum, Salisbury Museum, The Playhouse, Waitrose, The Living Rainforest, and Science Museum.

Visitors to the school further enhance the children’s experiences, for example theatre companies, authors and local community visitors.

Year Six spend a residential week at Osmington Bay (Dorset), experiencing exciting activities such as abseiling, canoeing and climbing.

We believe that learning and enjoyment are not confined to the classroom, we endeavour to help children discover more about themselves and their interests


getting the children involved We offer many opportunities for children to get involved with activities during the school day. Examples include:

• Music – subsidised lessons are available from peripatetic music specialists.

• Singing – our Choir is made up of children throughout the school who perform at annual events.

• Drama,danceandperformances– the school puts on a variety of shows and Church Services throughout the year.

• Goldentime – children get to choose a wide variety of activities earned for good behaviour.

• Schoolcouncil – children are elected to the council by their peers and meet weekly. They raise issues with the Headteacher that are brought to them by their class mates, and discuss which will have a positive effect on the school.

• Sport – the school is involved in many inter-school and inter-house competitions.

• Schoolambassadors – these nominated children show visitors around the school.

• Eco-warriors – our class champions help with reducing, reusing and recycling.

• Peersupporters – children are trained to help others resolve their differences, give support and advice to other children. Training is endorsed by Childline.

• Prefectsystem – Y6 duties provide an insight into serving others and developing more responsibility. We believe this develops leadership skills and fosters good team work.

• Schoollibrarians – the school has a separate library that is well stocked with fiction and non-fiction material.

• Communityactiontitans – children undertake a series of activities and challenges to attain bronze, silver and gold awards.



supporting learning • Punctuality – children need to be in class

for 8.50 am.

• Attendance – higher attendance is linked with higher standards and happier children.

• Routines – everyone needs routine including eating well, exercise and sleep.

• Medicalneeds – we do all we can to support every need – both long and short term.

• Adultvolunteers – many parents and governors offer their time and expertise to listen to readers, and help organise many activities.

• Minimisingabsence – avoid booking holidays in term time, have contingencies if the car breaks down or a sibling is ill and be vigilant with returning too early after sickness.

• Keepingtheschoolinformed – please let us know if something important has changed e.g. contact details, they will be absent from school or if there are ‘home issues’ you feel we should know about.

• Helpingathome– reading often, helping with homework, being organised, being supportive and encouraging at home all help further your child’s learning.

• Supportforparents– Norma Hallett is our PSA (Parent Support Adviser) whose role is to support, advise, help and encourage parents.

• Pastoralassistance– we offer counselling, have an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), Teaching Assistants (TAs) run various support groups.

• Keepinghealthy – eating well in school helps significantly. Fizzy drinks, chocolate bars, food with nuts, sweets and highly processed foods are not allowed in school.


We believe learning is a partnership between the school, your child and the home, we can all do our bit to enhance children’s outcomes and make the most of opportunities

We have high expectations of care, courtesy and consideration by everyone for the benefit of everyone

looking after everyoneWe have a series of simple rules and systems to keep everyone safe and things running smoothly.

Such things are always well considered and never intended to upset or marginalise anyone. We have many policies explaining why we do certain things in certain ways and many procedures outlining how we deliver the policies and practices at St Mark’s. Our school rules can be summarised as follows:• Do your best• Listen• Be kind

We take bullying very seriously, and although incidents are rare, we safeguard as best we can to protect and challenge. We teach children that bullying is never acceptable and encourage them to deal with issues responsibly and appropriately.

Many children experience a degree of difficulty with their learning at some stage for a variety of reasons. We have a wealth of experience in addressing these and providing tailored support. Sometimes this involves the Special Educational Needs team, sometimes in class support is most appropriate. We always think deeply about our most able children. We are never comfortable with labels and try to offer excellent opportunities for all.


• Be helpful• Be responsible• Be honest

partnershipsGovernors play a pivotal role in setting the direction or strategy of the school whilst holding it to account. Providing the best educational experience possible is in everyone’s interests.

The PSA is also available most days or is contactable via her own mobile and email address. Mrs Hallett offers many opportunities to build partnerships – from Tea and Chat weekly to Community Zone and Specialist parenting and SEN support groups.

Although staff, including the Headteacher are available daily for informal talks with parents there are occasions when a more formal, private discussion is called for e.g. Parents’ Evening (October, March and July). All appointments can be made via the school office so a mutually convenient time can be agreed.

Occasionally we call upon the assistance of many agencies such as Behaviour Support, the Education Team, Educational Psychologists, Ethnic Minority Advisory Service (EMAS), Social Care or Education Welfare Officer (EWO often deals with absence and attendance issues). Many of these are coordinated by the Special Educational Needs Coordinator who has time each week to meet with parents to share concerns, offer advice and procure services where possible.


Our school does not exist in isolation. It relies on many partnerships for it to work

outcomesWe want our youngsters to leave St Mark’s as confident, successful and responsible individuals.

We endeavour to develop, nurture and challenge all children on a spiritual, social, moral and cultural level. We respond to the needs of all youngsters – whether they have ‘faith’ or ‘no faith’. At St Mark’s, everyone matters.

Enjoying learning is central to our ethos and we are affiliated to the Healthy Schools Partnership. We do our utmost to make it easy for children to approach staff with their problems or concerns and also have staff members trained specifically in supporting children with emotional needs. Our approach is based on the universal moral principle - ‘treat others as you would like them to treat you.’

Sport and exercise are vital to a child’s development and physical activity is paramount in maintaining a healthy lifestyle; this aim has been reflected in our school achieving and maintaining Healthy Schools Status. Children experience a wide variety of sports and excellent partnerships with local clubs and organisations provide specialist coaching in sports such as tennis and rugby.

We promote healthy eating for all our children. Everyone is encouraged to drink water throughout the day and rest at appropriate times.

Achievements are highly valued and celebrated. House points, Achievement Cards, Lion Awards and Certificates of Merit reward and motivate children. Weekly assemblies celebrate children’s successes and provide the opportunity for certificates and house points to be awarded.


Success can be defined in many ways – not just academically and not just in ways we can measure with a test

We exist as a small part of something larger at every level

communitySchool council – our school council is at the centre of pupil-initiated decision making at our school – pupils have a strong and representative voice. Regular meetings are held with class representatives who discuss, agree and act on pupils’ ideas and wishes to enhance the school’s development and progress.

Local community – our school is at the centre of the community. We enjoy strong links with local schools, pre-schools, colleges, places of worship and local businesses. Students from our local college extend and enhance children’s learning in many areas. We visit local businesses, such as Waitrose, so that children experience how the skills they learn in the classroom can be applied to ‘real life’ business environments. People in the community, including vicars, doctors, police officers and authors, often visit and tell us about what they do. We visit people outside and take part in community activities such as working with students from Exeter House Special School.

Wider community – we have supported international initiatives and charities and maintain links oversees via our website.


facilitiesSt Mark’s is one part of a campus arrangement which includes St Mark’s Pre-School, Wyndham Park Infants and Exeter House Special School. We believe this is a unique place for local families.

The building itself is single storey and lends itself well to access for everyone. There are twelve classrooms in the main building and two further rooms in the mobile that we use as a library and a conference room (Sycamore Room). The building has been extended, modernised and refurbished several times in the last fifty years and has the following facilities:

• A welcoming and accessible Front Entrance (Reception) and School Office.

• Twelve main classrooms – each one bright, spacious with an Interactive Whiteboards (IWB).

• A well-stocked library from which the children may borrow fiction and non-fiction books.

• A Reading Oasis – mini-library for children to read in and change books.

• A Computer Suite with 32 machines and an IWB.

• Small group working areas – one per year group.

• Two mobile laptop trolleys for use throughout the school.

• A large, well-equipped hall used for assemblies, PE lessons and extra-curricular activities.

• A large kitchen providing hot school meals each day.

• Music – many peripatetic music lessons are taught here.

• TheGardenRoom–alearningareaforsmallgroupsupporte.g.NurtureGroups.

• Sycamore Room – conference facilities for various meetings.

• Extensive school grounds used to support learning, breaks, extra-curricular activities.

• ICT Office – where Miss Hollman supports ICT teaching and learning.

• Office for the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher.

• School gardens.

• A disabled toilet with a shower facility.

• Large multi-use playground.

• Outdoor heated swimming pool and new outdoor changing facilities.

• Adventure playground.

• Sports pitches, bespoke long jump pit, cricket strip and perimeter path (500m) for running.

• LargeOutdoorClassroom(TheGazebo).



organisationSt Mark’s is a three form entry primary school for children aged 7-11 that is organised into twelve classes.

The school has four distinct National Curriculum year groups (Year 3, 4, 5 and 6) each with three mixed ability classes. Each year group is led and managed by a Year Leader. They are responsible for the day to day organisation of activities, timetabling, homework and learning opportunities. Year Leaders also line-manage the teachers and Teaching Assistants in that team. Enquiries or concerns should be directed first to the class teacher, then Year Leader before being referred to the Headteacher.

We teach lessons in mixed ability groups and lessons are carefully differentiated to accommodate the range of abilities and help ensure maximum progress for all individuals.

Other specialist teachers also work with the children to enable teachers to have their Planning, Preparation and Assessment (PPA) time each week. Typically this includes ICT, PE and Music. Teachers use their PPA to compare standards, share best practice and ensure progress for all.

Standards are monitored within year groups but are ultimately overseen by the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher. The school is also subject tomonitoringandevaluationvisitsbyGovernors,the Local Authority and Ofsted.


We believe if children are resilient, are reflective and become resourceful learners – they have the best ‘toolkit’ to be successful and fulfilled

keeping in touchWe have found the following helps us keep in touch about events, changes and important information:

• Newsletters – these are sent out fortnightly by email – always on a Thursday.

• Telephonecalls– occasionally we need to contact you e.g. exploring an absence, child injury etc. If we are unsuccessful with a landline we may try a mobile contact.

• Textmessaging – we use a text messaging service (Teachers2parents) to contact many people instantly. Replies are not necessary. They are short and useful!

• Emails – we can also send group emails via Teachers2parents. These are very informative and require no response.

• Website – the website is updated regularly and is the best source of reference (www.st-marks.wilts.sch.uk)

• Noticeboards – we display newsletters and advertise events on a notice board on the top playground near the mobile. We also use our front entrance to publicise various events.

• Letters – we send numerous letters for information and to gain specific consent. Copies are usually held in the office.

• Downloadsection – there is a facility on the school’s website to download some of our policies as well as frequently used forms e.g. holiday request form.

• Schoolplanner – we produce an A4 yearly planner setting out the main events for the academic year e.g. Parents’ Evening, Sports Days.

• Inperson – Information is a two way process – please ask questions in person if unsure. The Headteacher is available most days without appointment.

• Termlycurriculumletters – Year Leaders publish a seasonal termly letter outlining what will be covered in areas of learning and how parents can support their children’s learning.

• Governornewsletters – ‘Reaching out’ is issues three times a year.


Keeping everyone informed of everything going on at school is no small task. Communication is at the heart of everything we do and is a two way process

school uniformOur school uniform

• Embroidered round neck sweatshirt or cardigan - available via the office.

• Or a Plain round neck sweatshirt or Cardigan (Plain).

• Greyorblackschooltrousersortailoredshortsor

• Greyschoolskirt/culottes.

• White or red polo shirt or white shirt/blouse (long or short sleeves).

• Red and white gingham/striped dress or grey pinafore dress.

• Socks or tights should be plain and simple, e.g. black, grey, red, white.

Sports kit

• Red T-Shirt with printed logo and Navy blue/black plain shorts.

• Plimsolls (indoor PE sessions) and Trainers (outside sessions).

• Tracksuits or equivalent are recommended for outdoor sessions in colder weather.

• One-piece swimming costume for girls and swimming hat (term 5 and 6 only).

• Swimming trunks and hat for boys (term 5 and 6 only).

Shoes – It is important that children wear sensible school shoes (preferably black or brown) and not trainers. Shoes with large heels are particularly unsuitable for the safety of children. In the summer children can wear proper tailored sandals. Boots, of any kind, are not allowed.

Hairstyles – hairstyles should be sensible and practicable. Coloured hair or extreme cuts are not suitable for school. Long hair should be kept tidy and preferably tied back. Tied back hair is less susceptible to transmittable agents e.g. head lice.

Jewellery – no Jewellery should be worn for school. Exceptions include a sensible watch and stud earrings. Pierced ears, within the first 6/8 weeks, should be covered with a plaster/medical tape (provided by home) during sports sessions. Please note that ‘taped’ ears are not suitable in the swimming pool. For health and safety reasons children are not permitted to wear necklaces or bracelets or rings because of the potential danger to the wearer and others. This includes ‘religious symbols’.

Please ensure all clothing is named.


We are proud of all our children and think that when they are dressed smartly in their uniforms they are better prepared to learn at school

governorsGovernors provide a strategic view of the school’s work. They offer support and hold the school to account for the educational standards it achieves and the quality of education it provides.

Governorsrepresentdifferentgroups:Parents,Community, Staff, Local Authority and Foundation.

AlltheGovernorssitononeofthecommitteesthat report to the full board of governors. They must make decisions together; they cannot act individually.

Any correspondence with governors should be addressedtotheClerktotheGovernors,inthe first instance – Mrs Lisa Parrott (c/o School Office). ChairofGovernors–MrRoyBexon(c/oSchoolOffice).

• FullGoverningBody– this includes all the governors, meeting six times a year in school (at least once a term).

• CurriculumCommittee– this committee is concerned with teaching and learning and how this is reflected in the data. They deal with all curriculum policies and planning.

• PersonnelCommittee– this committee is concerned with issues related to human resources in the school.

• ResourcesCommittee– this committee controls all financial aspects of school life, health and safety compliance and resource allocation.


The governors provide an important and vital link between the county council, the school, the parents and the wider community

admissionsThe school welcomes visits by parents who are considering sending their children to our school.

The Headteacher will be delighted to talk about the school, answer questions and show parents around during the school day. Please telephone to make an appointment. Our admissions policy follows that of Wiltshire Local Authority which requires all parents to apply to the LA on the appropriate form. Forms are available from the office, by contacting the Admissions Team at County Hall (01225 713000) and are on line (www.wiltshire.gov.uk).

This is the priority order given to applications when there are more applications than places available:

1. Vulnerable children

2. Linked Infants’ School

3. In-area siblings

4. Other in-area children

5. Out-of-area siblings

6. Other Children

More information is available in our Admissions Policy. Please see our website for more details (www.st-marks.wilts.sch.uk).



Address: Somerset Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3BL

Telephone:01722 333497

Website:www.st-marks.wilts.sch.uk

Fax:01722 328978

Email:If the content is general i.e. not sensitive or confidential, please use the main address, which is read by several staff. If the content is specifically for the Headteacher please use the alternative address:

The main email address: [email protected]

Headteacher’s email address: [email protected]

contact us



st mark’s c.e. junior school our prospectus mark’s ce junior school | page 2 we believe great...

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