T 07506 977602 E info@falconsprimary.org www.falconsprimary.org Falcons Primary School Prospectus | 03 The vision for Falcons Primary School is to create a school that is inspirational, with a love for learning at its core, engendering a culture where exceeding expectations is the norm, and where pupils share and give to the local community. Our ethos is based on the principles of the Sikh faith, promoting the oneness of humanity. For this reason we are open to all communities. We will promote inclusion and respect for all, irrespective of faith, class, gender, creed, status, ability or disability. Welcome to Falcons Primary School Falcons Primary School Prospectus 04| 05 Our pupils are articulate, kind and reective, proud of their school, their peers and their community. They participate in class, school and community events with enthusiasm and seek to improve the experiences of all involved in such events. They are compassionate and thoughtful and this is reected in their behaviour towards each other and in their attitude to the wider world. We seek to develop our pupils to be tolerant and dedicated citizens who appreciate the efforts and contributions of others to society. Our pupils work hard, serve their community and achieve to the best of their ability in all their endeavours. They have high aspirations for themselves and for their peers. MESSAGE FROM THE TRUSTEES Falcons Primary School will provide an environment where all pupils can learn, achieve and share nobly. By creating a multiculturally diverse school community we will provide an education worthy of the 21st century. Our pupils will become independent creative thinkers and develop skills to enable them to make positive contributions to the local community and society at large. In line with the Sikh ethos, our school will promote inclusion and respect for all faiths and for those of no faith. Hence, we will reserve 50% of places for pupils from the Sikh faith and 50% for pupils of other faiths or of no faith. We will nurture the ve virtues of compassion, faith, determination, resolve and mastery which ensures that our pupils will have the drive to surpass expectations. Each pupil will understand the strength of seless service and build on their own beliefs. Our staff and parents will play an integral part at the school. Continuous professional development is key to our journey to excellence and we have partnered with Afnity Teaching School Alliance to ensure this. Our focus will also be on excellent enrichment activities promoting condence and self esteem. Each child will have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument and take part in sports activities and martial arts. I hope you choose Falcons for an unrivalled, well rounded education for your child. Harminder Singh Jagdev Chair of Trustees MESSAGE FROM CHAIR OF GOVERNORS I am very proud to act as Chair of Governors for the Falcons Primary School. Falcons is an exciting new school which is dedicated to ensuring all children reach their potential academically, socially and through a clear moral education. Although a Sikh faith school, Falcons embraces children from all faiths and no faith. It places emphasis on supporting every child to be the best they can be. Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions that you will make. We can make sure that your child will receive the very best teaching and learning through an exciting curriculum that will challenge and allow individuals to discover their talents. Falcons Primary School is part of a highly successful partnership of schools, where schools are involved in exciting teaching projects and training, thus ensuring all the staff at Falcons receive the very best training. We would like to assure you that everyone associated with the school is fully committed to improving the opportunities for the children in our care. Children are at the heart of everything that we do. We believe that every child is an individual and has a unique offering to the school and the community in which they live. By having the highest standards and expectations we will build on individual strengths through a rich and varied curriculum. We enable children to discover and respect themselves so they will be better equipped to respect and value others around them. We encourage children to live by strong moral and spiritual values. We would welcome the opportunity to meet you further and for you to visit our school. Paul Stone Chair of Governors MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Thank you for your interest in Falcons Primary School, a school with the highest aspirations for all. Our aim is to ensure that the entire school community works to ensure our pupils reach their potential in a nurturing environment that values excellence, enjoyment and innovation. It is a great pleasure to be the inaugural Principal of Leicesters rst school based on Sikh principles. I am keen to welcome children and families from a wide range of backgrounds who can join with us in building a cohesive learning community that will be rooted in the inclusive nature of the Sikh faith whilst embracing those from all faiths and none. I intend to build an outstanding school with a rst-class reputation from the outset. Fundamental to this is our belief in the power of collaboration. I want to ensure that Falcons is rmly embedded within the local and wider education community, so all children have the widest range of experience and challenge. I look forward to welcoming you to our school. Stephen Snelson Principal Introducing Falcons Primary School Falcons Primary School Prospectus 06| 07 OUR ETHOS We aim to encourage and inspire the following ve virtues in our pupils: Compassion - for each other and for the environment Faith - in your own ability, your chosen way of life and a positive energy that permeates all Determination - strength of conviction to succeed in all your endeavours Resolve - to see it through Mastery - a desire to develop mastery of your own physical, spiritual, mental and emotional targets These ve virtues are key to the Sikh faith. They will empower all of our learners to become outstanding individuals and great humanitarians with a lifelong passion for learning and seless service. LEARN In order to raise academic performance, we create an environment in which our community of teachers, children, parents and carers are fully engaged in promoting learning. The highest quality of education and lifelong love for learning will be an expectation. OUR THREE FOUNDING PRINCIPLES ACHIEVE We nurture a culture where exceeding expectations is the norm. By overcoming barriers and making learning fun for all we aspire to greatness. High expectations throughout our entire organisation help us give children the education they deserve. SHARE NOBLY Life is about more than oneself; the joy of giving can exceed the joy of receiving. Sharing and giving to others impacts learning. This is often best pursued by various forms of teamwork, but recognises the ability to celebrate the distinctive contribution of each individual. Within these three principles we interweave three further principles: the welfare of society and the environment; humility; and working honestly with integrity. Falcons Primary School Prospectus 08| 09 Learning at Falcons Primary School Our curriculum is designed to inspire a passion for learning and a thirst for knowledge. Through our creative approach to teaching we will nurture a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world. Fundamental literacy, numeracy, scientic and IT skills will underpin our exciting and innovative learning journey and will go hand in hand with the development of learners who are resilient, tolerant and independent. Our approach is guided by the National Curriculum and enables children to make a positive and active contribution to the local community and to becoming lifelong learners. SUPPORTING THE CURRICULUM Effective tracking of progress and personalised learning journeys will contribute to all learners achieving their potential. Physical Literacy will be taught through the Fundamental Movements Skills programme, which involves developing a childs gross motor skills. These skills are the building blocks or foundation movements for more complex and specialised skills. Our Physical Literacy programme will have a positive impact on pupils overall learning, handwriting development and maths skills as well as improving concentration and physical development. Information and communication technology (ICT) will underpin all aspects of the curriculum with pupils taught to access information and work with it in cooperation with others. The school is working closely with cutting- edge providers of hardware and software to ensure we are well equipped in this respect. EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE Developing learners who are enthusiastic, curious, able to form effective relationships, work independently or cooperatively, and who are proud of their achievements and of their school, begins the moment children join Falcons Primary School. Our Foundation Stage provision is informed by the Statutory Framework for Early Years Foundation Stage and we share the overarching principle that every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to full their potential. The four guiding principles of the EYFS Framework are: Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, condent and self-assured. Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships. Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers. Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. Provision should be outstanding for all learners, including children with special educational needs and disabilities. Our approach is based on three prime areas of learning and development: Communication and language Physical development Personal, social and emotional development These will be strengthened and applied through specic areas of learning: Literacy Mathematics Understanding the world Expressive arts and design Furthermore, children aged 3-5 years should be active for at least three hours during the day in structured activities and free play sessions. To nurture their gross motor development, our Physical Literacy approach will be a signicant part of their daily routines. THE SCHOOL DAY The day begins at 8.30am for all pupils, but we will be open an hour before to provide a Breakfast Club to accommodate the needs of working parents. The school day will offer the exibility needed to accommodate the demands of different learning activities and learning styles. Our highly skilled teachers will ensure that the best use is made of the available learning time. The school day ends at 3.00pm for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, and parents can collect their children from that time. However, a range of extra-curricular activities, clubs and societies (see page 11) are available from 3.00pm for parents who wish to pick up their child later in the day. In 2016 and beyond this will also support parents who have a child in Year 3 or above, whose day is proposed to end later. EYFS/Key Stage 1 (Reception to Year 2) 7.30 Breakfast Club 8.30 Registration 8.45 Learning period 1 10.15 Assembly 10.30 Break 10.45 Learning period 2 12.00 Lunch 1.00 Learning period 3 1.50 Learning period 4 2.40 Reection 3.00 End of school day 3.00 Extra-curricular activities 4:00 Extra-curricular activities continue
Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6) 7.30 Breakfast Club 8.30 Registration 8.45 Learning period 1 10.15 Assembly 10.30 Break 10.45 Learning period 2 12.00 Lunch 1.00 Learning period 3 2.30 Learning period 4 2.40 Break 3.00 Learning period 5 3.45 Reection 4.00 End of school day 4.00 Extra-curricular activities Learning at Falcons Primary School Falcons Primary School Prospectus 10| 11 FACILITIES Our school facilities are designed to ensure that children can learn in light, airy and spacious classrooms optimised for learning. Our outdoor areas are intended to provide plenty of space for children to play and exercise within a safe and stimulating environment. Parents, grandparents and the wider community can also take advantage of the facilities, with activities such as Brownies/Cubs, Silver Surfers, English classes for adults and parent learning opportunities being hosted on site. BEHAVIOUR In order that all learners can full their potential, the school ensures all members of the learning community are aware of the high standards of behaviour expected from all children, staff and parents. Our aim is to create an outstanding climate for learning where children work cooperatively, secure in themselves and respectful of others. Our behaviour policy is based on the following principles: Children should feel safe, happy and secure in school, both in the classroom and in the playground. Children will develop positive attitudes about themselves, others and towards their learning. We will encourage good behaviour through positive reinforcement and reward. The school works with children to make positive choices and to understand the consequences of their actions. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS After-school activities are an integral part of life at Falcons. The range and variety of clubs will increase as the school grows below are examples of the type of activities that will be available. Extra-curricular activities Literacy Numeracy Chess Club Languages Punjabi, Gujarati, Spanish Sikh studies Gardening Club Cookery Club Cultural studies a programme that reects our diverse community Music heritage instruments, guitar, piano, recorder, vocal Football Hockey Fencing Archery Gatka Karate Gymnastics Outdoor Pursuits Not all clubs are available at all times to all year groups. Activities are subject to demand and available resources. Falcons Primary School Prospectus 12| 13 Learning at Falcons Primary School RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS AND HOLIDAYS Within the Sikh faith there are a number of celebration days, linked to Gurus birthdays and key events in Sikh history. We do not intend to close the school for these events, but will celebrate them as appropriate during the school day. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Our parents and their views are very important to us so we intend to ensure parent governors are represented on our governing body early in the schools development. We hope to engage fully with all parents to ensure we work in collaboration to achieve the best for every child in our care. We encourage an active and representative Friends of Falcons Association to support the school in the very important roles of fundraising and of providing a sense of community amongst parents. UNIFORM The school uniform has been chosen to reect the high standards we have at school, and we expect pupils to wear their uniform with pride. Girls Boys White blouse White shirt Navy pinafore Grey trousers Navy cardigan Navy V-neck jumper Navy/White tights Grey socks Black shoes Black shoes Book bag Book bag Blazer * Blazer * * For Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) Extra support at Falcons Primary School SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES Falcons Primary School is fully inclusive and we are committed to meeting the requirements of children with special educational needs. We aim to educate children with special educational needs and disabilities within the classroom and ensure that they have access to the whole of the curriculum. Some children will require extra support with their learning, whilst others may require more challenge. A member of the teaching staff will have responsibility for children with additional needs (our Special Educational Needs Coordinator or SENCo). The SENCo will work closely with parents, class teachers and other school leaders to ensure that all children are well supported in making the progress of which they are capable. GIFTED OR MORE ABLE AND TALENTED The school recognises that some children show a particular gift or talent in one or more academic, sporting or creative eld. We seek to identify as early as possible pupils who are considered gifted or talented and to ensure their needs are met through extension activities and individual education plans as appropriate. These children are encouraged to develop their attributes, skills and potential within a learning environment that embraces equality of opportunity. Our overall aim is to ensure that all pupils thrive in a culture of ambition and aspiration. SCHOOL MEALS At Falcons Primary School we promote a vegetarian diet. From September 2014, all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in state-funded schools in England will be eligible for free school meals. In addition, some children are entitled to receive free school meals if their parents receive certain support payments. The school will provide a healthy, balanced, vegetarian meal for all children who meet the criteria. PUPIL PREMIUM The Pupil Premium is a grant from the government allocated to children from low-income families who are currently known to be eligible for free school meals (FSM) and children who have been looked after continuously for more than six months. The purpose of the grant is to enable schools to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for free school meals and their wealthier peers. The aim is to increase attainment among these pupils. Schools are required to spend the money on areas that will directly impact these children. Every school receives an additional pupil premium fund for each child on free school meals. Each school decides how the Pupil Premium it receives is spent. Falcons Primary School will ensure that our funding has a positive impact on the children who need it. More information can be found on the Department of Educations website www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/premium Falcons Primary School Prospectus 14| 15 THE GOVERNING BODY The schools governing body plays an important role in ensuring that the quality of education at the school is high. It involves monitoring the performance of the children and staff and challenging the Principal as and when necessary. The governing body is also responsible for managing the schools nances and property. Our governing body is made up of a team of people who share the schools vision. The group is unique in that it includes ve experienced headteachers, senior professionals in local businesses, as well as committed parents. PAUL STONE Chair Headteacher, Kibworth Primary School HARMINDER SINGH Managing Director, Leicester Precision Components MATTHEW PEET Headteacher, Redlands Community Primary School JANE WINDSOR Headteacher, Parkland Primary School KAREN McVEA Headteacher, St Josephs Catholic Voluntary Academy JOAN GIBSON Headteacher, Oakham CE Primary School TAJINDER KAUR Quality Assurance Manager, Leicester Precision Components GURJIT SINGH Head of Admissions, Leicestershire County Council INDERJEET SINGH HM Inspector of Taxes Governors provide their time voluntarily and the school is grateful for all their hard work and the expertise and support they provide. CHAIR OF GOVERNORS PAUL STONE Paul has been Headteacher at three schools, both large and small, since 2003 and is currently Headteacher of Kibworth Primary School. He has experience of working in a federation and supporting schools in challenging circumstances, and has also been a Section 48 SIAS Inspector. Paul was awarded National Leader of Education status in November 2010 and since then has supported several schools in difculty, with a particular focus on improving the quality of teaching. He has particular expertise in developing whole school improvement systems, the use of ICT to inspire learning and the development and implementation of new technologies. As Director of the Afnity Teaching School Alliance Paul is now developing a wide range of school-to- school support initiatives between partner schools and on behalf of local authorities. Comprising 66 primary schools across Leicestershire and Rutland, the Alliance has had particular success in developing the School Direct ITT programme, a job swap and secondment policy, and self-improving school systems for primaries. The Alliance is also a lead partner in Inspiring Leaders, and is a licence holder for national college leadership courses. Paul is also Director of Discovery Schools Academies Trust, where he is now developing an accountability and self-evaluation system for this newly formed chain of three primary schools. The Trust is awaiting conrmation of approval to become a sponsor and a recognised Primary Academy Associate. PRINCIPAL STEPHEN SNELSON Before joining Falcons Primary School, Mr Snelson successfully led Farndon Fields Primary School, a Primary Associate Academy in Market Harborough. He has also taught at a Junior school in the Highelds area of Leicester and was a Deputy Headteacher of a primary school in the New Parks area. Mr Snelson is a member of the Department for Educations Primary Headteacher Reference Group, which is made up of leading headteachers from a wide range of schools across England who bring valuable frontline skills, knowledge and ideas to the Department. He lives in Leicestershire and is married with two young children. STAFF Whilst Free Schools are able to employ staff on similar terms to the independent sector, where some teachers might be subject experts without formal teaching qualications, Falcons Primary School intends to attract and recruit fully qualied and inspirational teachers for all classes. Leadership and staff at Falcons Primary School Falcons Primary School Prospectus 16| 17 Falcons Primary School Prospectus 18 | Designed and produced by Radius Brand Consultants Admissions at Falcons Primary School Our admissions policy is compliant with the School Admissions Code, the School Admission Appeals Code, and we participate in full with Leicester City Councils Fair Access Protocol. Priority is given to looked-after children or children who were previously looked after, children with exceptional medical, social or welfare needs and children with older siblings attending at the same time, but we expect the majority of places to be allocated to children living closest to the school. We will admit half of any remaining places under the Sikh faith and the remaining half from other faiths or of none. Applicants can apply either directly to the Akaal Education Trust or by completing Leicester City Councils common application form. Applicants applying under the Sikh faith criteria will need to send a letter from their Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) conrming that they regularly attend directly to the Akaal Education Trust. Our full admissions policy can be viewed at www.falconsprimary.org/admissions.html The school does not have a designated catchment area.