As we are unable to invite families into school as usual we have put together this virtual tour. We hope it gives a flavour of our school and answers some of the questions you may have.
Our Vision
At Brunton First School we believe in creating a secure, happy, vibrant and exciting environment inspiring children to become successful lifelong learners. We value your children’s individuality whilst challenging and supporting them to excel in their lives. We believe all children should be given the opportunity to thrive - academically, socially, emotionally, physically, morally, spiritually and creatively, enabling each child to grow in confidence to participate in the wider world. We work in partnership with parents and the community in an atmosphere of mutual trust and unity.
We achieve this by:
Providing a creative curriculum which has breadth and is rich in experiences through which children will develop a sense of direction, purpose and a real enthusiasm for learning.
Encouraging children to take opportunities for learning which develops enquiring minds, enabling them to apply themselves to tasks expressing their ideas, thoughts and feelings to bring happiness and success at heart.
Creating a safe environment both inside the school and outside which is attractive, stimulating and busy so children can enjoy their learning and take pride in themselves and their environment.
Providing a happy and secure atmosphere in which each child develops to the best of his/her ability.
Encouraging children to become independent learners, able to make informed choices throughout life.
Developing the children’s social and emotional well-being building confidence and self-esteem, encouraging them to show respect for others and tolerance of opinions and beliefs.
Promoting high standards of behaviour, which are acknowledged and celebrated positively.
Maintaining and cultivating a sense of partnership and ownership with parents and the wider local community.
Promoting positive values and to make sure that there are equal opportunities for all children.
Early Years Foundation Stage
We are a three form entry first school catering for children from four to nine years of age. Our building is built for the 21st century with well-equipped classrooms, halls and group areas, all having access to the most up to date technology.
All classes are mixed ability. Each class has a support assistant for some part of the week. Children are taught through whole class, group and individual teaching based upon very careful planning for each year group.
The Curriculum
We establish a secure foundation for all children within Literacy and Maths ensuring high levels of attainment.
We plan the curriculum to give the children a motivating and stimulating environment in which they wish to learn. Our curriculum extends beyond the National Curriculum, giving the children opportunities to learn about themselves, develop independence and resilience.
We develop cross curricular themes across each year group which is led by the children telling us what they would like to find out about. This engages and enthuses the children, resulting in the children developing high levels of knowledge and understanding, across all curriculum areas. The curriculum is enhanced by visits and visitors providing context for their learning.
The children are given opportunities to develop skills in creative arts such as music, drama and dance, alongside many sporting activities. Children in Key Stage 2 can learn a musical instrument if they wish to. There are many opportunities for the older children to take part in competitive sporting events.
Throughout the year we hold themed weeks – encouraging the children’s enthusiasm and creativity to be developed.
We follow the Locally Agreed Syllabus for the teaching of Religious Education. Our assemblies celebrate the many different faiths promoting the spiritual, moral and cultural development of the children. Our PSHE and citizenship encourages children to celebrate others and to work cooperatively, whilst developing their own individuality and the important part they play in the life of school.
The initial years at school are very important. They lay the foundations for all future learning and influence attitudes to education. We believe that early education should be a hugely positive and rich experience. School must be a happy, caring environment where friendliness, empathy and understanding exist between teachers, children and parents.
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
We believe that each pupil has individual and unique needs however, some pupils require more support than others to achieve their full potential. Many of these pupils may require help throughout their time in school, while others may need a little extra support for a short period to help them overcome more temporary needs. If these pupils are to achieve their full potential, we must recognise this and plan accordingly. We aim to provide all pupils with strategies for dealing with their needs in a supportive environment, and to give them meaningful access to the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum.
We recognise that partnership with parents and carers plays a key role in enabling children with SEND to achieve their potential.
Behaviour
It is a primary aim of our school that every member of the school community feels valued and respected, and that each person is treated fairly. We are a caring community, whose values are built on mutual trust and respect for all.
We have six Golden Rules:
- We have six Golden Rules:
- We are gentle
- We are kind and helpful
- We are honest
- We are hard working
- We are good listeners
- We are respectful
We use a positive approach to behaviour management where children are encouraged to develop independence and a sense of responsibility whilst understanding the needs of others.
Brunton children are well behaved. We have high expectations of the children’s behaviour which we share with the children. When our children visit places outside school their excellent behaviour is often commented on. All children receive praise and recognition for their good behaviour and all children are aware of the sanctions used should our expectations not be followed.
Safeguarding
It is our belief that as a school, the children in our care are safe and protected throughout all activities which the school undertakes. School has systems in place to ensure that all staff and volunteers are alert to possible concerns about every pupil, and to report these in a proper fashion.
The school has a child protection and safeguarding policy which are available on our website.
Partnership with Parents
At Brunton we believe that working in partnership with parents and carers is vital. Since opening we have developed a strong partnership between parents, staff and children. Through provision of a caring, relaxed, happy and secure environment we aim to build on the foundations already laid at home. Children learn better when parents and school work together.
We operate an ‘open door’ policy and welcome your involvement in every way.
Once the children are settled into their classes in September, there will be an opportunity for Reception parents to visit during an Open Morning and watch the children ‘in action!’ There will be many other opportunities for parents and carers to join in with activities and play/learn alongside their child.
Staff will always find time to discuss any concerns or information which will keep us up to date about your child’s well-being.
Before and after school provision
Brunton Butterflies and Bugs provides childcare provision before and after school. The club operates during term time every morning and afternoon. It is also open during most school holidays providing full day care. There is a charge for this provision. Details are available from their website:
School Meals
All meals are freshly cooked in our school kitchen. The children have vegetables as part of their meal every day and there is always a salad bar and fresh fruit. Special diets can be catered for.
Please contact the school office for further information about those children who qualify for free school meals.
Gosforth Schools’ Trust
Brunton First School is one of eleven schools in Gosforth that have joined together to form a Foundation Schools’ Trust. The aim of the Trust is to formalise our working together whilst maintaining our own unique ethos and being able to provide even better opportunities for our pupils in Gosforth.
What our parents think of our school...
A fantastic school - children are happy, settled and love learning.
Brunton has a lovely atmosphere with a positive learning environment.
A very welcoming school with the headteacher always being available to speak to which is highly respected by all.
There isn’t anything I would change about the school. I think we are very fortunate that our children attend such a fantastic school and we wouldn’t ask for anything more.
Keep up the good work!
We appreciate the support and helpfulness of all staff across the whole school.
Keep doing what the ‘Brunton Team’ are doing and the children will have a fantastic start to school life.
Brunton is a great school both in matching my child’s education and development needs.
The staff do a fantastic job.
Overall a wonderful place to learn.
Credits:
Images Gem Education © Brunton First School