PRIMARY DEPARTMENT NEWS

Yet another busy term with hard work continuing by all staff and pupils.

Silver class have enjoyed weekly swimming lessons this term.

On February 1st our Department had a ‘Day for Change’ – this was a fundraising event for UNICEF.  It was a non-uniform day where each pupil paid £1 for the privilege of not wearing their school uniform, many pupils also brought a change from home.  We used this to fill an outline map of Africa.  All monies raised are to be used for clean water and sanitation projects in Gambia.

March 6th was World Book Day.
The Primary pupils celebrated this by having BSL stories, puppet making, drama and role play activities.  An enjoyable day was had by all the pupils.

March 13th, Yellow and Silver classes were involved in a Sports Multi Skills Festival, organised by KS4 pupils through Sporting Voices, with Girlington pupils here at Thorn Park.  All the pupils involved had a fun afternoon and received medals for their participation.

Many of our pupils have participated in lunchtime sports clubs.  There have been football skills and training each Tuesday and Jujitsu each Friday.  The pupils have expressed how much they’ve enjoyed these sessions.

March 19th some of our Primary pupils went to Derby to take part in Cross Country running.  Well done to Darren who won first prize in the junior boy’s competition.

Purple class visited Cliff Castle Museum in Keighley today to study ‘rocks’ as part of their science work.  All pupils had an enjoyable learning experience.

The new playground equipment is very successful.  All pupils are benefiting from the equipment.  They particularly enjoy using the climbing frame, although the new football walls are also very popular.

Finally we have had to say ‘Goodbye’ to one of our pupils, Habeebah Sabir, who has transferred to Wedgwood School where she has settled in nicely.  We wished her well by having a department party o say ‘Goodbye and Good Luck!’

The Primary department presently covers Year 1 to Year 4, with the Reception Children spending the morning with Year 1. Pupils are taught in class groups. The department is growing year by year and will eventually cater for pupils up to and including Year 6.

We provide a broad and balanced curriculum covering all subjects of the National Curriculum with extra-curricular gym and swimming clubs each week. We are developing a sign bi-lingual approach and provide a safe and friendly atmosphere for the pupils. We follow a positive behaviour policy and promote respect for others and their belongings at all times.
The pupils have access to both deaf and hearing staff and follow a B.S.L. curriculum as well as the English curriculum.

Deaf studies is taught as part of P.S.H.E in order to enable pupils to develop a positive identity and an understanding of Deaf culture.
Work is clearly differentiated to suit individual pupil needs and progress is regularly monitored. Our aim is to enable the pupils to become confident, independent learners, ready to adapt to the next stage in their education.