Bishop Parker Catholic School

We work, we share, we pray, we care

In accordance with relevant legislation and guidance from the Secretary of State for Education, the Local Authority, the Diocesan Religious advisers, and the Governing Body, we aim to ensure a balanced and broadly based curriculum which:

• promotes the spiritual, moral and cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and in society; and
• prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

Every maintained school must have a daily act of collective worship and each must provide a curriculum which includes religious education and the National Curriculum, consisting of core and foundation subjects.

Introduction

Through the curriculum offered at Bishop Parker Catholic School we set out to develop the skills and attitudes, which are acceptable in our society and to help each child become a responsible and valued member of society.

The school has a clearly defined Mission Statement which supports the aims that follow this paragraph. It is through these aims and the Mission Statement that the distinctive nature of the Catholic school is realised. In part this is realised from the religious education programme and worship but also, in part, from the life of the school and its members and the values that are promoted and should therefore be found in every aspect of the curriculum and activities that are pursued in the school.

Aims:

1. To help pupils develop lively enquiring minds, the ability to question and argue rationally and to apply themselves to tasks and skills
2. To help pupils to acquire understanding, knowledge and skills relevant to adult life and future employment.
3. To help pupils use language and numbers effectively.
4. To help pupils understand their environment and the interdependence of individuals,groups and nations, leading to tolerance of other races and cultures
5. To help pupils appreciate human aspirations and achievements.
6. As in all Catholic schools, the skills and knowledge promoted throughout are in accordance with the teaching of Christ and the Catholic Church. We are concerned for the spiritual and moral welfare of our pupils and attach great importance to the home/school/parish links which are a feature of Catholic schools. 
7. In the “hidden” curriculum to foster tolerance and understanding, compassion, acceptance of criticism and duties involved in being a member of society
8. And provide a curriculum which is broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated.

Methods to be used to deliver the aims:

1. The delivery of a broad curriculum as specified in the various pieces of legislation appertaining to education.
2. Adoption of the programmes set out by the relevant authority.
3. The involvement of parents in the learning process whenever possible.
4. Involvement of the community and local services to widen the scope of the childrens’ experiences whenever possible.
5. Fostering positive attitudes to work and actively encouraging children to take a pride in the presentation of their work via classroom acknowledgement and assemblies.
6. Enabling each child to experience success.
7. A School Council for Years 1 to 6

Almost all of what is taught is prescribed by the National Curriculum (NC). There are 12 subjects. Each subject and each key stage has a programme of study which sets out what pupils should be taught

The subjects are:

Religious Education also has to be taught and is an essential element of this schoolʼs curriculum.

We have a happy and industrious school and set out to promote a caring community based on mutual respect and tolerance. We foster habits of self-control and self-discipline based on Christian principles.

Here at Bishop Parker we use the Read Write Inc phonics programme.  If you would like more information it can be found on the link below.

Overall the main purpose of education at this level is to develop the basic skills of reading, writing, listening, thinking and talking, so that the children are able to communicate with confidence and pleasure.

Modern Foreign Language (MFL)

We are lucky to have a specialist teacher of  German in Bishop Parker.  At present, each class group is taught between 30 minutes and 1 hour of German each week.

Teaching Hours

Key Stage 2           - 25 hrs, 50 minutes per week

Key Stage 1           - 24 hrs, 35 minutes per week

Access to Documentation

Copies of the school documentation are kept in the school office.

Parental Involvement

It is important that your child sees there is co-operation between home and school. If you have a problem that is likely to affect your child in school please contact your child's class teacher. Should you have any general queries please phone the school and you will be directed to someone who can give you an answer.

Help in the school

Parents frequently help in the school with small groups, for cookery and craft activities. Help is also sought for school trips and related ventures. One of those ventures would be sports activities, when help is needed to take children to venues. If you feel you can help don't wait to be asked, please volunteer. Please note that all people working with or helping children need to have DBS clearance. Forms are available from the office.

Fund raising and social events

Throughout the year several social events are arranged, some of them fund raising. Please support these events. Funds raised are used to provide equipment and facilities for the children to use or benefit from in many ways. The Bishop Parker Friends' Association meets regularly and supports the school as a community. Its objectives are enshrined in a constitution. An Annual General Meeting is held each year at which a committee is elected.

Extra Curricular Activities

The children are given the opportunity to take part in football, hockey, netball, basketball, athletics and other competitive games out of school time. Other extra curricular activities include singing, school council, karate, gardening, dancing, Rainbows, Italian. Parents are asked to encourage and support the children in these out-of-school activities and help us to develop a sense of commitment and loyalty, which is important as training for life.