Classes
Curriculum
We adopt a child centred approach to the curriculum ensuring that we provide a broad and balanced education for every pupil in our care. Lessons are planned in order to stimulate and provide suitably challenging opportunities, allowing all pupils to achieve through interactive, practical and enjoyable lessons. The children have full access to the complete range of subjects prescribed by the Statutory Curriculum which are as follows
• Language and Literacy (including Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing)
• Mathematics and Numeracy
• The Arts (including Art and Design, Drama and Music)
• The World Around Us (Including Geography, History, and Science and Technology)
• Personal Development and Mutual Understanding
• Physical Education
• Religious Education
• ICT
Extra Curricular
As part of our physical development provision we offer swimming and gymnastics coaching. The school works closely with the Down GAA coaching structures and the IRFU and IFA coaches to provide a provision for Year 1-Year 7 children for physical activity and multi skills development. Our extended schools provision is flourishing with music tuition (including a Tin Whistle and Traditional Music Club) and a languages club. Each term there are a variety of after schools clubs on offer which include Netball, Football, Rugby, Dance, Cycling Proficiency, Science, Computers and Art and Craft and a Key Stage 1 Drama Club. Activities are arranged according to the children’s wishes.
Education For Mutual Understanding /School Community Relations Programme
EMU provides opportunities for children to build relationships with children of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds. Our school is currently linked with Londonderry Primary, Millisle Primary and Castle Gardens Primary. Activities related to environmental awareness and cultural heritage are carefully planned by the teachers involved. From Year 3 onwards children meet in each other’s schools and on educational trips to venues such as Castle Espie, Mount Stewart, Lisburn Linen Museum, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and the Saint Patrick’s Centre. Close liaison with West Winds Primary School and the CPNI organisation allows Year 7 children to visit America during the summer months and stay with host families. As part of a shared future, children are taught to acknowledge and respect all identities and cultures.
Home Based Learning
Our aim in setting homework is to foster initiative and develop independent learning skills and allow for the practice, application and consolidation of what has been learnt in school. Our homework policy aims to differentiate tasks in order to accommodate the learning needs of each individual child. The success of home learning activities depends on the support and involvement of parents.
• Homework establishes a vital link between home and school creating an effective partnership in fostering children’s learning.
• It provides opportunities to share learning experiences at home and encourages communication between parents and children.
• Homework informs parents of their child’s progress, attainment, and ability as well as the nature of the work being undertaken and the teaching methods used.
The main focus of homework in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 is Literacy, Numeracy and topic work. As well as written work, children in all classes are expected to carry out reading activities each night particularly with their parents.
Parents can also contribute actively to the life of the school by assisting Saint Finian’s PTA in organising activities for the children, the adult community and supporting fundraising.
25 August 2009, Administrator