WWW.MARKETHILLPS.CO.UK Tomorrow’s Success Begins Today PROSPECTUS 2024 - 2025 MARKETHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL
TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY 01 WELCOME Dear Parent / Guardian In Markethill Primary School children are at the centre of all we do. Our aim is to promote excellence in child-centred education by providing a thriving learning and teaching community with a culture of success for all children. Teaching staff create an environment where pupils can grow, learn and achieve their potential, regardless of ability levels. Within our school we promote a rich, inclusive and welcoming learning community. This community is committed to offering a safe, secure, caring, positive and challenging working environment in which every individual feels valued, respected, supported and happy. Indeed, we strive to make our school a happy place for our pupils. While Markethill Primary School is underpinned by Christian values, which are expressed in the life of our school, we welcome all children. We recognise that diversity in the school community enriches the educational experiences of all our children. Within Markethill Primary School, we foster and encourage caring attitudes and values: self-respect, self-discipline, commitment, confidence, fairness, courtesy, good manners, tolerance and respect for others. We believe that these are attributes that will serve children well as they progress through school and beyond. Our aim is to prepare children for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life, indeed, to cultivate our good citizens of the future. Positive staff, pupil and parent relationships permeate our school community. The favourable outcome of this is everyone consistently working together in a purposeful and supportive manner. We recognise and respect the importance and value of working in partnership with our parents and with the local community. As Principal of this welcoming and vibrant school, I am delighted to welcome you and hope we will have the privilege of sharing part of your child’s journey with you. As a prospectus cannot truly reflect the real ethos and atmosphere of a school, I warmly invite you to contact us if you would like to learn more about our school or to arrange a visit. Yours sincerely Dr Helen McLernon Principal
02 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY Mission To promote excellence in child centred education in a safe, nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment where the dignity of all is valued and where everyone can aspire, aim, achieve and experience success. Aims for our Pupils To promote excellence in child-centred education by providing a thriving learning and teaching community with a culture of success for all children. To encourage all children to set and achieve the highest personal, academic and social goals. To create an environment where pupils can grow, learn and achieve, regardless of ability levels. To ensure all pupils experience a happy and deep learning journey, one that will promote the idea of lifelong learners. To promote a rich, inclusive and welcoming learning community which is committed to offering a safe, secure, caring, positive and challenging working environment in which every individual feels valued, respected, supported and happy. To stimulate, motivate, enthuse and provide children with opportunities to work independently and collaboratively and feel that they make a positive contribution to the life of our school. To foster in our children a desire to learn and achieve success. To provide an ethos in which fairness, tolerance, compassion and forgiveness permeate all relationships within the school. To foster and encourage caring attitudes and values: self-respect, self-discipline, commitment, confidence, courtesy, good manners, a spirit of tolerance and respect for others. We believe that these are attributes that will serve the children in Markethill Primary School well as they progress through school and beyond. To prepare children for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. We want to cultivate our good citizens of the future, with a responsibility and a desire to contribute to the community.
TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY 03 Board of Governors & Staff School Building The Board of Governors of Markethill Primary School takes a keen and dedicated interest in the life and wellbeing of the school, staff and pupils. The Governors have considerable responsibility for the school and make decisions about financial management, curriculum, maintenance of premises, staff appointments, admissions and enrolments, community links and pastoral care, including child protection and discipline. The Governors are highly supportive of the school and work closely with the Principal and staff to ensure that each child fulfils their potential and in all areas of the curriculum. Each Governor is assigned a subject area and links with the co-ordinator for that area. Markethill Primary School is at the heart of our local community and we are extremely proud of our positive reputation, close family connections and rich heritage. There has been a school in the Markethill district since at least 1818, with a ‘National School’ being established in 1837. The closure of the National School in the early 1920s made way for a Public Elementary School built for the town on a new site on the Mowhan Road. This building continued in use until 1987 when the present school was erected on the same site. In 2008, the building was extended from 8 classrooms to 11 classrooms to accommodate the increasing enrolment. Our children are taught in bright, airy and positive learning environments. They have access to the latest technology with iPads, Promethean Panels and many additional facilities beyond the classroom, including a sensory garden, ICT suite, library, hall, 2 learning support rooms, a Sensory Regulation Room, Foundation Stage outdoor play area, a conservation area, polytunnel, forest area, bird hide, sensory and herb garden, large playgrounds, a play park and a MUGA pitch. Above all, however, are the team of dedicated staff who make Markethill Primary School the warm, welcoming, caring and supportive school that it is. We have supportive parents who contribute to the life of the school. Together our aim is to ensure that for every child, their future success begins today.
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05 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY Curriculum It is the policy of Markethill Primary School that all children will receive a broad and balanced curriculum. Each child in Markethill Primary School is unique and equal to all others in dignity and rights regardless of intellectual ability, emotional, social or physical disability, gender or class. Staff will encourage full integration between those with emotional, social and physical disabilities and the whole school. Within the broad and balanced curriculum offered, we focus on maintaining the achievement of appropriate high academic standards in Literacy and Numeracy. We strongly advocate the importance of Thinking Skills and Capabilities, whereby children have the opportunity to develop thinking, problem solving and making decisions; self-management; working with others; managing information; and, being creative. These skills underpin success in all aspects of life, hence the importance we attach to them in Markethill Primary School. We have participated in the Shared Education programme for over 10 years and we have recently become a Daily Mile School, a Sustrans Active Travel School, a Forest School, a Rights Respecting School and an Eco School. The children are engaged in daily outdoor learning lessons which enables them to bring their learning experiences outside the classroom. MPS has commenced the Roots of Empathy Programme which will teach children new skills to increase resilience, empathy, inclusion, positive mental health and reduce aggression. In Markethill Primary School, we adopt an approach across all areas of the curriculum which allows pupils to think more skilfully, become more knowledgeable about themselves as learners and become more aware of their learning and how it can be improved. The content of our areas of learning complies with the requirements of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. • Language and Literacy • Mathematics and Numeracy • The Arts including Art and Design, Drama and Music • The World Around Us (Geography, History and Science and Technology) • Personal Development and Mutual Understanding • Physical Education (Physical Development and Movement in Year 1 and Year 2) • Religious Education These areas incorporate the Cross Curricular Skills of: • Communication • Using Mathematics • Using Information and Communications Technology A managed computer system provides a fully operational computer suite to apply information and communication technology skills across the curriculum. In addition, we use laptops and iPads to enrich pupils learning. We have Promethean Panels in every classroom which support ICT and enhance learning opportunities within the school. Within Markethill Primary School every child is of equal worth with positive and individual contributions to make to the life of the school. We recognise that we have a responsibility to provide learning experiences which will enable children to achieve their full potential. To achieve this, staff create caring, organised and family classroom environments which enables children to learn in a stable and friendly setting, which we believe will maximise learning potential. We strive to encourage children to take responsibility for their learning, to be involved, where possible, in evaluating the way they learn and reflect on how they learn, i.e. what helps them learn and what makes it difficult for them to learn. Children set personal learning targets at the start of each academic year. Specific literacy and maths class and whole school targets are set by staff in order to raise standards in particular areas. A systematic whole school approach to planning is in place and all lessons throughout the school are planned with clear learning intentions and success criteria.
Children learn best when learning is practical, interactive, meaningful and enjoyable and in Markethill Primary School we adhere to this principle. The wonderful outdoor space at Markethill Primary School enables us to take learning outdoors. This has proved very beneficial, not only in terms of enhancing the learning experiences of our children but also for their mental health and wellbeing. Our P1 – P4 children love their Welly Wednesdays in our Conservation and Forest Areas. At Markethill Primary School, we want learning to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all children within our school as this will help to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to make informed choices about important things in their lives. How children learn is regarded as important not only for developing understanding of concepts, but also for the personal, social and emotional development of the whole child. People learn in different ways and we therefore use a range of strategies to ensure that the learning styles of all children are accommodated. In the early years the approaches adopted are less formal and these progress to more formal learning in the senior classes. Within Markethill Primary School children are encouraged to develop their own skills, discipline and personalities as they progress through school as this reflects our aim of focusing on the learning of the individual. In Markethill Primary School we emphasise the importance of good manners and good attitudes. We encourage our children to be courteous, well mannered, respectful and considerate to other’s needs. We believe these qualities will serve our children well as they progress through school and beyond. 06 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY
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TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY 08 Rights Respecting School Eco Schools A Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted. UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children, and young people to respect the rights of others in school. As a Rights Respecting School our core values are reflected in the following articles for the UN rights of the Child. Article 3 (best interests of the child) The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children. Article 12 (respect for the views of the child) Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. Article 29 (goals of education) Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment. • Eco Club • Nature based projects • Use of the school garden and polytunnel • Planting and growing projects • Use of our Conservation Area for lessons and play based learning • Use of our forest area for various activities • Bird feeding and use of the bird hide for bird watching We are very proud at MPS to have been awarded a ‘Green Flag’ which gives us ECO School status. This has been achieved with a lot of hard work. When visiting Markethill Primary School, the Eco Assessor made the comment that “the enthusiasm of the children was infectious and it’s evident that there is a whole school approach and positive culture surrounding eco schools.” • Eco Council • Recycling of paper and cardboard • Collecting food waste from every classroom
09 Sustrans: Active Travel to School An important aspect of the work on Eco Schools within MPS is to promote active travel to school to help cut down on transport use, which is good for the environment. Many of the children in MPS now walk, cycle and scoot, to and from school, which is helping to improve their health through physical activity, promote independence and raise safety awareness. Markethill Primary School is a Silver Sustrans School. Forest School Markethill Primary School is an accredited Forest School, with 2 teachers trained as Forest School Leaders. Both the Eco School and Forest School assessors commented on how fortunate MPS is to have “an outstanding forested outdoor space which has been managed to its full potential.” The Conservation Area at Markethill Primary School has undergone a complete transformation over the past few years. What once was an overgrown jungle now consists of a lovely green space with a sensory garden, herb garden, a polytunnel, bird hide, wildlife flowers, outdoor classroom and a woodland area. The children regularly use this outdoor space for outdoor learning activities, Forest School lessons and break and lunch time fun. The boys and girls in P1 – P4 love their Welly Wednesdays, when they get to explore the outdoor area with their wellies on. The garden areas and fully equipped polytunnel are being used to grow a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and flowers, which the children plant and look after. The children love their bird hide for bird watching and are fascinated at watching the camera footage of the variety of wildlife that visit the Conservation Area! The next project that MPS is undertaking is to add a chicken coup to the Conservation Area.
10 Special Educational Needs (SEN) / Additional Educational Needs Markethill Primary School has always given a high priority to providing support for children with special educational needs. All teachers recognise the importance of identifying and addressing the specific needs of pupils early in their school journey. Effective support is then planned for these children. The special, additional and other individual educational needs of pupils are effectively and consistently met by the implementation of the following inclusive strategies. • Implementation of our inclusive SEN and pastoral care policies. • Implementation of appropriate staff development. • Trained classroom assistants providing additional literacy support with selected children, using relevant and recent research initiatives. • A systematic phonics programme which provides consistency in teaching strategies across the school. • Full implementation of our thorough and age-appropriate assessment procedure. • SEN monitoring by the SENCO/Principal. • Differentiation in all classes by all teachers, ensuring that the level and amount of work set match the child’s ability. • Challenging those children who are of above average academic ability. • Utilisation of external agencies as appropriate to support the needs of pupils. • Use of group and individual education planning. • Effective and supportive relationships with parents and carers.
11 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY Religious Education Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Education Authority’s prescribed core syllabus. The Hall is timetabled for assembly twice a week. These assemblies are often led by local clergy, youth workers, the Principal, teaching staff and pupils. If parents do not wish their child to be taught the Religious Education Curriculum or to take part in the assembly, they should inform the school. Arrangements will be made for such children during RE lessons and assemblies. All pupils will be treated with respect and dignity. As a controlled school, our core values are Christian, however, we provide a learning environment where children of all faiths or none can learn from and about each other. Music There are opportunities for all pupils to sing and play a musical instrument within the school curriculum. Every pupil will have the opportunity to perform in public at some stage during their time at Markethill Primary School, whether this is for a Harvest Assembly, Christmas Concert or school performance. Within our Shared Education programme, we are delighted to have a band which celebrates the cultures of both traditions. In addition to the musical expertise within the teaching staff, the school has access to the specialist services of the Music Service within the Education Authority and private music tutors offering tuition in a range of musical instruments. We are part of the Ulster-Scots Programme and our children benefit from this through tuition in bagpipes and drums.
Assesment In Markethill Primary School we believe that the assessment, recording and reporting of children’s work plays an important role in ensuring the sustained achievement of our pupils and the raising of standards of attainment. Our assessment process is varied, regular and consistent. Each child’s progress is continually monitored throughout the year with standardised tests used during the Summer term. Staff evaluate lessons on a daily basis and planners for each term are evaluated and future action highlighted. Pupils are also involved in assessing their learning. Following maths, literacy and World Around Us topics each child has the opportunity to review their work and that of a peer. The outcomes of the assessments are used to evaluate the success of learning and teaching and inform future learning and teaching. The systematic analysis of our data enables us to identify at a child, class and whole school level development opportunities for the school. Assessment outcomes are shared with pupils, parents, co-ordinators and professionals (e.g. Educational Psychologist). Parents are informed of their child’s progress during interviews, which take place twice a year – October and February) and these also offer teachers the opportunity to advise parents on how best they can assist their children with areas of the curriculum. A written report is issued to parents in June. Pupil Involvement Within Markethill Primary School we have a number of pupil groups: School Council, Eco/Sustrans Committee, Rights Respecting School Steering Group and Digital Leaders. These groups meet regularly to discuss issues and contribute to whole-school decisions. These groups are encouraged to take responsibility and have an input into the daily life of the school. P7 Buddies are assigned to look after the P1 pupils and help them settle into life at MPS. 12
Safeguarding TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY Markethill Primary School aims to create a safe and supportive environment for both pupils and staff. Parents are invited to discuss their child’s progress as well as his or her welfare. This combined information is invaluable in helping the school promote the learning and development of each pupil. Markethill Primary School has clear safeguarding guidelines and procedures as well as an easily identifiable and approachable specialist team for Pastoral Care, Child Protection and Safeguarding. Our prime concern is the well-being of the pupils. All concerns will be acted upon immediately. Where necessary, professional advice will be sought and the matter referred to relevant outside agencies. Our belief is that caring is a sharing responsibility for everyone within the school community. The Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. MPS CHILD PROTECTION / SAFEGUARDING TEAM DESIGNATED TEACHER Mrs Pamela McCool DEPUTY DESIGNATED TEACHERS Mr Kenny Qua and Mrs Sandra Black GOVERNOR Mr Timothy Wilson PRINCIPAL Dr Helen McLernon 13
Pastoral Care 14 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY The pastoral care programme in Markethill Primary School extends into all areas of school life and involves all members of our school community: the children, parents, carers, teachers, governors and all other staff within the school. The governors and staff are deeply conscious of their duty of care towards the children. We strive to create an environment in which all children feel secure, happy and safe. We recognise our responsibility to do everything possible to care for each child’s physical and emotional well-being. Pastoral Care is regarded as an integral part of the curriculum and through this we aim to: • Enhance the child’s self-esteem and confidence; • Develop effective communication skills; and, • Enhance pupils’ personal safety skills. The atmosphere of our school is based on the quality of relationships at all levels: the professional relationships between teachers, between teachers and pupils, between pupils themselves, between teachers and parents and between the school and community. Pupils contribute to their Class Charter each year which ensures their learning environment offers quality learning and teaching experiences for everyone. We appreciate and value the important role which parents have in their child's education, and every effort will be made to ensure that parents feel welcome and that they are made aware of the school's aims, curricular policies and their child's individual needs, progress and achievements. Our pastoral care policies: Child Protection and Safeguarding, Positive Behaviour, Anti-Bullying, Safe Handling, Drug Education and Relationships and Sexuality Education may help you if you have any concerns. Copies of these are available on the school website or from the School Office. The Acceptable Use of the Internet, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and E-Safety policies are reviewed regularly and updated as technologies evolve.
15 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY Concerns & Complaints In Markethill Primary School, we take concerns and complaints seriously. We have the best interests of all our pupils and their families at the centre of all we do. We encourage anyone with a worry to speak to us as soon as possible. If issues are dealt with at an early stage, then they are more likely to be resolved leaving no unnecessary dissatisfaction. We welcome communication with our staff. Parents / carers can do this by contacting the class teacher. If the matter is unresolved contact can be made with the Principal, or if concerns persist, contact can be made by writing to the Chairperson of the Board of Governors. The School Complaints Procedure is available on the school website or from the School Office. Any concerns regarding Child Protection should be shared with the designated teachers for Child Protection. Promoting Positive Behaviour In light of our desire to provide a happy, safe and comfortable environment to promote effective learning, our approach to behaviour management is based on concern for the well-being and safety of each child in the school. We adopt a positive reinforcement approach and expect the children within Markethill Primary School to behave in a responsible manner both to themselves and to others, to show consideration, courtesy and respect for other people and their property. We encourage high standards of attendance, punctuality, homework, wearing of school uniform and personal appearance. This high standard of behaviour is expected inside school as well as on the way to and from school. The co-operation of parents forms a fundamental part in the interaction between school and home. If a problem should arise, either at home or at school, it is our experience that prompt and meaningful discussion between parents and teachers can resolve any issue. Our approach is to encourage and celebrate good behaviour and positive achievements in all children. We have class rules in place for all classrooms and other general areas, which children help to design at the start of the year. The emphasis is placed on children making good choices which we hope they do throughout their time in school and beyond. We have a whole school approach which celebrates positive behaviour across aspects of the school day. This continually reinforces children’s care and consideration of others and strengthens the relationship within Markethill Primary School. Reward System In Markethill Primary School we have four house teams (Oak, Sycamore, Beech and Chestnut). These house teams are made up of children from each year group. House Captains and Vice-Captains are selected for each team and these pupils act as good role models to the children. The children stay in their teams until the end of the year. Points are awarded to pupils throughout the day for: • working hard; • effort, • sensible behaviour; • good manners; • being helpful and many more things, indeed, any good quality the teacher feels is deserving of recognition. At various stages during the year, staff organise house events for the classes such as the summer sports event for P1 – P3. Individual children collect house points and these contribute to their team. At the end of each term the overall winning team receives a special reward. Pupil of the Week certificates are awarded within classes. Teachers select a pupil who has worked hard or demonstrated good/kind behaviour. We have three monthly certificates. The Endeavour Award is presented to pupils who have worked hard and tried their best. The Be Award, such as Be Respectful, Be a Good Friend, focuses on particular values which are targeted each month. We also have a Handwriting Award, as the presentation of our work is something we believe to be very important. At our monthly Celebration Assembly, certificates are
16 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY presented to a pupil from each class. Our Celebration Assembly also provides our children with an opportunity to share their achievements from outside school activities such as swimming, dance and football. Pictures of the children who receive certificates are displayed in the school and on the school website.
TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY Home-School Partnership At Markethill Primary School we place a strong emphasis on developing good home-school partnerships. We view a supportive and positive relationship between home and school as key to the development of children. Unity I dreamed I stood in a studio And watched two sculptors there They clay they used was a young child’s mind And they fashioned it with care. One was a teacher; the tools he used Were books and music and art; One a parent with guiding hand, And a gentle loving heart. Day after day the teacher toiled With touch that was deft and sure While the parent laboured by his side And polished and smoothed it o’er. And when at last their task was done They were proud of what they had wrought For the things they had moulded into the child Could neither be sold nor bought. And each agreed he would have failed If he had worked alone For behind the parent stood the school And behind the teacher the home. Home Learning Home learning activities are provided to consolidate, supplement and reinforce classwork, to inform parents of work completed in class and to foster the habit of working independently. It is important part of our home-school link and is a means by which parents can share in their child’s learning experiences. Our Seesaw and Google Classroom Apps are a valuable tool, enabling work to be done online and enhancing communication between school and home. Parent - Teacher Meetings During the school year there are a number of opportunities for parents and teachers to meet, both formally and informally. In September there are class information sessions with parents which aim to outline the teaching programme of a particular class to be covered during the year. Formal parent-teacher meetings take place twice a year: October and February. Our parents are encouraged to become involved in the school by: • promoting school as a positive and enjoyable experience; • ensuring the correct school uniform is worn every day; • ensuring children’s attendance is good; • ensuring children arrive to school on time; • ensuring children are in bed at an appropriate time each evening; • supporting children with homework tasks and ensuring homework is completed; • ensuring children respect members of staff and visitors to the school; • ensuring children respect school property; • reading with your child at home; • ensuring strategies promoted in school are replicated in the home environment; • attending interviews with the class teacher; • informing the teacher or principal (in confidence, if necessary) any problems or difficulties that may affect your child’s progress, happiness or behaviour; • responding to letters sent home from school; • ensuring emergency contact details are up to date; • supporting school events; and, • supporting extra-curricular activities such as after-school clubs and Hub events. 17
TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY Charging and Remissions Policy We provide a free education for all pupils at Markethill Primary School under the Education Reform Order 1989. There are a few exceptions which include: • All board, lodging and travel costs on residential trips (except where statutory remissions apply). • Costs associated with optional extras e.g. visits to the theatre or extra-curricular activities. • Materials or ingredients used in practical subjects where parents have indicated that they wish to receive the finished product. • Tuition in musical instruments / swimming instruction. If deliberate damage is caused to school property, the parents of the child responsible may be asked by the Board of Governors to pay for all or part of the cost. From time to time, the parents are asked for voluntary donations, such as for non-uniform days. No child will be disadvantaged if parents decide not to contribute. The Charges and Remissions Policy is available from the School Office. The HUB (Parent Teacher Association - PTA) Markethill Primary School has a very active and supportive group of parents who work throughout the school year planning and organising various events. The outcome of this hard work is the raising of invaluable funds for our school and our pupils. The objectives of The Hub are: • To develop extended relationships between the staff and parents of the school; • To organise activities which support the school and the education of the children; and, • To encourage parents and friends to support the school and the various school activities. Extra Curricular Educational and Residential Visits As the Board of Governors and staff of Markethill Primary School believe that trips enhance the educational process, educational visits take place on a regular basis. Many of these visits link in with curriculum areas as well as local community initiatives. Trips include Gosford Forest Park, Armagh Planetarium, he Fold and Transport Museum, Oxford Island, The Ulster Museum, Navan Fort. 18 Our Year 6 pupils go on a residential trip to Shannaghmore Educational Resource Centre. This trip is designed to enhance the overall curriculum provision while promoting independence. The Year 7 pupils visit various locations such as Edinburgh, York and London. It is a trip which all children look forward to and thoroughly enjoy.
18 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY A wide range of activities are provided in our After School Clubs which are available for our pupils in Years 1 – 7. Staff and other qualified instructors give the children the opportunity to participate in these activities after school hours. During the year the children can take part in the different activities listed below. When the opportunity arises, the school believes in giving children the opportunity to compete in a competitive situation. We take part in football, rugby and hockey events organised with other local schools. The school has a MUGA pitch, large outdoor tarmac playground and a hall. Sports and Extra Curricular Activities Hockey Football Rugby Tag Rugby Gymnastics Dance Art and Craft Faith Mission Eco Schools / Gardening Science ICT Skills
20 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY The School Day 8.45am School opens and children are supervised 9.00am Children make their way to the classroom 9.10am School starts 10.35-10.50am Morning break P1 - P4 10.55-11.10am Morning break P5 - P7 12.00-12.45pm Lunch-time - Years 1-4 12.45-1.30pm Lunch-time - Years 5-7 2.15pm Home-time - Years 1-3 3.15pm Home-time - Years 4-7 Breakfast Club: 8.00-9.00am (food not served after 8.45am) 123 Club : 2.15-3.15pm & 3.15-4.15pm Year 1 pupils will go home at lunch time (12 mid-day) for the first two weeks of September. From the third week of September home-time for P1 children is 2.15pm. A Breakfast Club is available from 8.00am and an after school club is available until 4.15pm.
21 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY School Uniforms Years 1 - 3 All our pupils are expected to wear school uniform and we very much appreciate parental support in this area. Wearing uniform promotes a sense of belonging to the school and encourages pride in smart personal appearance. Boys - Grey trousers - Red school crested sweatshirt - Navy crested polo shirt - Plain black/grey socks - Black school shoes Summer Uniform - Optional - Grey knee length school shorts - Red school crested sweatshirt - Navy crested polo shirt - Plain black/grey socks - Black school shoes Girls - Grey skirt / pinafore / trousers - Red school crested sweatshirt - Navy crested polo shirt - Plain white socks / plain red tights - Black school shoes Summer Uniform - Optional - Red gingham dress - Red school crested sweatshirt or red cardigan - Plain white knee high / ankle socks - Black school shoes
22 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY Years 4 - 7 PE Uniform Boys - Grey trousers - White shirt - School tie - Grey jumper with crest - Plain black/grey socks - Black school shoes Summer Uniform - Optional - Grey knee length school shorts - White shirt (can be short sleeved) - School tie - Grey jumper with crest - Plain black/grey socks - Black school shoes Girls - Grey Skirt / pinafore / trousers - White shirt - School tie - Grey jumper with crest grey cardigan with crest - Plain white socks / plain red tights - Black school shoes Summer Uniform - Optional - Red gingham dress, red or grey cardigan or - White blouse (can be short sleeved) and skirt / pinafore, school tie, grey cardigan with crest - Plain white knee high / ankle socks - Black school shoes Years 1-3 - Navy shorts - Plain navy or school logo tracksuit bottoms - White crested t-shirt - Black plimsolls Years 4-7 - Navy shorts / skort / plain navy or school logo tracksuit bottoms / three-quarter length navy trousers. - Plain white polo shirt / white crested t-shirt - Red school sweatshirt or hoody - Plain black, navy or white trainers Children may wear their PE uniform to school on PE and swimming days Please Note: Red school crest hoodie is for PE only and note for purchase as an alternative to the grey jumper / cardigan. * All items of clothing and footwear should be clearly marked with your childs name
23 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY Lunch Time School dinners are provided in the hall. Applications for pupils entitled to free school meals are available from the school office or on the school website. School dinners can be booked and paid for on the school app. Children who take packed lunches will be supervised in their classroom. If your child takes lunches, and in line with our promotion of healthy eating within the school, we would ask that you ensure he/she is provided with something wholesome and nutritious. Breaks / Snacks The school encourages pupils to make healthy informed choices about food. Bringing a piece of fruit, vegetables etc would be a positive healthy choice. We encourage healthy snacks Monday – Thursday such as fruit, cereal bars or yogurts. Friday is ‘treat’ day and chocolate and crisps are allowed in moderation. A snack trolley is available and sell items such as milk, a variety of fruit, pancakes and scones.
24 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY Admissions Our ethos is to promote a community school and over the years it has been a joy to welcome new families from the area, children of former pupils and staff to join us as part of Markethill Primary School. All children are admitted in accordance with the Admission Policy for the school. Full details of the policy are available on the school website. An Open Morning is held in December and a P1 Induction afternoon for new pupils starting in September, is held in May. The following criteria will be applied in the order indicated to select P1 pupils for admission. 1. Children who will have brothers or sisters (including half-brothers/sisters, step brothers/sisters including those fostered or adopted) in attendance in the school year 2024/25. 2. Children of permanent employees at the school. 3. Children who have Markethill Primary School as their first preference. 4. Children for whom Markethill Primary School is the controlled primary school nearest to their home. (As measured as the ‘crow flies’ using Google Maps). 5. Eldest or only child in the family. Children who, at the date of their application, are the eldest child in the family to be eligible to apply for admission to primary school (this includes cases where a child is more than seven years younger than their next sibling and cases where a family has moved residence). Parents can provide one of the following to prove eldest or only child: letter from a member of the clergy, solicitor or public servant such as a health visitor or educational professional to include pre-school/nursery principal/teacher directly involved with the family. 6. Children whose brothers and sisters (including half-brothers/sisters, step brothers/sisters including those fostered or adopted) previously attended the school. 7. Children with exceptional circumstances (e.g. of a social, medical nature) who necessitate admission to Markethill Primary School rather than any other school. The circumstances should be personal to the child and must be supported by independent and appropriate documentation, providing evidence of the circumstances being described as exceptional. The special circumstances must be made known at the time of application. The Board of Governors reserves the right to seek confirmation of the special circumstances from a statutory body. 8. The remaining places will be allocated on the basis of the proximity of the child’s home to the school, priority being given to those living nearest to the school as the ‘crow flies’ as measured using Google Maps.
25 TOMORROW’S SUCCESS BEGINS TODAY School Website & School App Our new school website, along with our school app and Facebook Page ensures that parents are well informed about all school events and important information. The school website is a place where pupils can share their work and success in school. These platforms enable us to give immediate and regular communication to parents. All parents are encouraged to use the school app. Visit our new school website to gain more of an insight into life at Markethill Primary School. www.markethillps.co.uk Charity Our school charity encourages children to think about others and give to those less fortunate than themselves. Fund raising is encouraged to support local, national and international charities. Conclusion Now that you have read this school prospectus, we hope that you will have an idea of the rich and varied life your child will have whilst attending Markethill Primary School. Your child’s well-being will be our concern at all times in his/her years here. If you have any queries about the information contained within this Prospectus, please do not hesitate to contact the school Principal. Please Note The information provided in this Prospectus is correct at the time of going to press. Any significant changes to the information will be communicated to parents as soon as possible.
Markethill Primary School Tommorrow’s Success Begins Today 14 Mowhan Road Markethill Co Armagh, BT60 1RQ Telephone Number: 028 37551589 E-mail: info@markethillps@c2kni.net Website: www.markethillps.co.uk
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