Christ Church CofE Primary School

The vision for our school is to create an environment in which pupils learn and grow into young people who are equipped for the future ; physically, mentally and emotionally.A clear code for behaviour ensures a calm purposeful environment that allows every pupil to take an active part in the school community.We value reading as a key to the future and have an author in residence. We give our pupils access to a wide range of classic and modern authors to develop their love of reading.

Our Curriculum is built around activities that develop pupil experience. This means we take our learning outside the classroom. This can be maths in Battersea Park or a London walk.Outdoor learning is an important part of our timetable and pupils are given the opportunity to apply their learning within the natural garden settings the school has developed.

British Values underpin the work of the school and we have a 'Value of the Month' which is taught explicitly to all classes. Christian values have always been at the heart of Collective Worship in the school and pupils of different faiths work together to uphold these values. We value the support of parents, governors and the local community in supporting and encouraging our growth.

The school was founded in 1866 and although the present buildings were opened in 1908, they have been substantially modernised and extended during the last 10 years. The school has laptops, tablets as well as networked computers and an interactive whiteboard. The school hall was refurbished in 2003 and in 2005 the whole school was re-wired and school kitchen fully refurbished. A new boiler and heating system was installed in 2006. Most recently, the school’s main corridors and entrances were completely refurbished and three outdoor shelters erected to further enhance outdoor learning.

The School employs 10 full time teachers including two Outdoor Learning Teachers, a Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher as well as a SEND and Reading Recovery Coordinator. There is a team of 3 HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistants), and 8 Teaching Assistants to assist children’s learning in small groups and in the classroom. The School also employs 2 Lunchtime Supervisors. There is an administrative team comprising a full-time School Business Manager, and Administrative Assistant, and Office Receptionist. A part-time Premises Officer and three cleaners complete our team.

The school is single-form entry organised into the Foundation Years (Nursery and Reception classes) plus six Year Groups (KS1 & KS2 classes). Children usually spend one year in each Year Group. We receive much support and encouragement from the vicar (who is the Chair of Governors) and members of the parish and other local churches who are also on the governing board. We encourage and welcome governors and parents to come into school on a regular basis to work with children. Clergy from the parish come into school every week. Our school has good relationships with the local police, fire service, the library, old people’s homes, the local hospice, and the many secondary schools our children move on to.

The School holds the RHS Level 5 award and two DfES School Achievement Awards in recognition of its work to raise school standards. We were awarded the Basic Skills Agency Primary Quality Mark in 2006 that was renewed in July 2009 and July 2012 and 2015. During the last 4 years Christ Church School has built a very successful partnership with Emanuel School which includes a link with a school in India. Funded by the British Council’s DFID Global School Partnerships and the DCSF’s (Department for Children Schools & Families) Teachers’ International Professional Development (TIPD) Programme, members of staff from both schools have made exchange visits and are working together to embed a global dimension for learning in both schools. In recognition of its international work the school has been awarded the International School Award 2009-12. We also hold the Wandsworth Healthy Schools’ Award.

The National Curriculum is taught using methods, which are recognised as good primary practice. This includes group and whole class teaching where appropriate, individual, paired, or group work. Children may work in ability groups or be placed in groups for various subjects. Classrooms are organised as workshops with all the tools and materials that children need to do their jobs. The children are required to be responsible for their classrooms and all the equipment. Children are expected to behave in way, which enables each child to work and learn effectively. In common with all other maintained schools we are required to provide for the National Curriculum.