ROWANDALE INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL‘Love to learn and learn to love’Prospectus

Dear Parents,

WE STARTED THE JOURNEY AT ROWANDALE 8 YEARS AGO WHEN WE WANTED TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE CHILDREN COULD LEARN TOGETHER AND REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.The school has grown from strength to strength and we are delighted that the Minister for Education, Mr. John O’Dowd, approved our development proposal to increase our intake in Year 1 to 57 children. This decision will ensure that all families in the Moira and surrounding Moira area who wish to choose integrated education will be able to do so.

The school was inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate in February 2015 and we were delighted that we received an overall grading of ‘Very Good’. The ETI reported ‘In the areas inspected, the quality of education provided by the school is very good. The school is meeting very effectively the educational and pastoral needs of the children; and has demonstrated its capacity for sustained self-improvement.’

Education is a shared experience. It involves children, parents, staff, governors and the wider community. At Rowandale Integrated Primary School we work together to create a secure and happy environment for our children:

• Where their innate love of learning is nourished• Where their creativity, originality and expressiveness are

nurtured• Where they learn, play and become friends with children

with different cultural and religious backgrounds • Where they ‘love to learn and learn to love’

I invite you to read our prospectus, talk to our children and parents and visit our school. I hope you will entrust us with the privilege of sharing in the education of your child. We will work hard to make you and your child an integral part of our whole school community.

Yours sincerely

Frances HughesPrincipal

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BACKGROUNDIn 2001 a small group of families in the Moira area were unable to find a school where their children would learn to be at ease with religious and cultural difference and where parents could become fully involved in the educational process. They resolved to undertake the journey that led to the opening of Rowandale Integrated Primary School in September 2007.The school is situated in a peaceful rural setting on the edge of the picturesque village of Moira on an extensive 4 acre site. Our school has grown rapidly and has become a popular choice for families gaining a reputation for excellent educational attainment and genuine integration. The current enrolment stands at approximately 216 children from Year 1 - Year 7 with a further 24 children in our purpose built Pre-school Community Playgroup.

This year (September 2015) we welcomed 2 classes of Year 1 which has increased our Year 1 enrolment from 29 to 57. The school’s overall enrolment will grow from 203 to 399 by 2020.

The school has agreed on nine principles as being integral to the creation of an all inclusive learning environment for our

children.WE ARE INTEGRATED

Our aim is to enrich individual identity through the understanding of other beliefs.

WE ARE CHILD-CENTRED We base education around the child rather than around the teacher.

WE ARE CO-EDUCATIONAL We empower children to fulfil their potential irrespective of gender.

WE ARE ANTI-BIAS We encourage our children to have an unbiased approach to other people.

WE ARE ALL-ABILITY We give each child the opportunity to achieve personal excellence.

WE ARE DEMOCRATIC We will consult with you on all school policies and procedures - our Board of Governors of sixteen

members will include six parents – all parents are encouraged to become involved in the Parents’ Council.

WE ARE ECO-FRIENDLY We will involve and educate children about sustainability issues.

WE ARE HEALTHY We will encourage and enable children to respect their health.

WE ARE A WHOLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY We will seek to create a close partnership involving children, parents, staff, governors and the wider

community.

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STAFFOur teaching and support staff share our core values of integration and inclusion. Their caring role is evident in every aspect of the child’s school life. With praise and encouragement they ensure that the children are happy and secure in whatever activity they are taking part in. They guide them in acquiring essential life skills in a stimulating learning environment. Respecting the individuality of each child, they encourage all the children to be accepting of others. They provide opportunities for the children to interact confidently with society.

ENROLMENTRowandale is the only integrated school in the Moira and surrounding Moira area. Integrated education brings children together to learn and grow in one school. We seek to reflect in the total number enrolled each year, an overall balance amongst all traditions and backgrounds.

To achieve this we aim to enrol 40% Protestant, 40% Roman Catholic and 20% who represent other faiths, world religions or those who have no religious beliefs.We aim for this balance not only among pupils but also teaching staff, non-teaching staff and Governors. Only integrated schools guarantee this commitment to an overall balance amongst all traditions and backgrounds. We believe that the long lasting relationships between children, staff and parents help promote mutual understanding and respect within the wider community. At Rowandale we are proud to be a fully integrated school and this ethos permeates through everything we do. The school accepts enrolments from Year 1 - Year 7.

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CURRICULUMThe Northern Ireland Curriculum became statutory in September 2007. The curriculum takes into consideration the individual needs, learning styles and personalities of the children. This complements our child centred approach. In implementing the curriculum we have created an environment in which;

• there is an appreciation among the whole school community that we all learn in different ways• learning experiences are wide and varied - appealing to the visual, kinaesthetic and auditory styles of

learning• there is greater emphasis on learning through play - outdoor and indoor - where children learn through

relevant and enjoyable activities• using a thematic approach which supports the transfer of skills and knowledge across the curriculum the

children can see a real purpose to their learning.

AIMSBy giving the children high quality learning experiences which are relevant and based where possible on first hand experiences, the curriculum aims:

• To enable young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives

• To develop as effective learners who understand what they are learning, how they are learning and why• To develop the young person as an individual, and as a contributor to society, the economy and the

environment

THE ARTSArt, Music and Drama enrich and extend our children’s experience of each area of the curriculum and will be utilized to assist in the development of creativity. Children are taught a variety of musical styles reflecting many traditions and cultures. Similarly, developing children’s own artistic skills enables them to appreciate the art of other times, traditions and places. All of these activities are conducive to a spirit of integration.

Children who show particular talents in this area are placed on the Talented Register and given opportunities throughout the school year to perform, compete and display their skills.

MUSIC TUITIONThe school offers violin, woodwind, piano, drums, guitar and singing tuition to children who can access private lessons on a weekly basis. The children are encouraged to enter external examinations in their instruments.

LANGUAGE AND LITERACYChildren develop skills through the areas of Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing.Reading is taught in a multi-sensory way using a linguistic, synthetic and analytical phonics approach. This approach significantly reduces the amount of memorizing which each child is asked to do, teaching only the information and skills necessary for reading and writing.

We encourage cursive handwriting which enhances fluency, movement and confidence. In the school’s recent inspection report it stated ‘ The quality of the children’s written work and, in particular, their handwriting, is a key strength throughout all key stages.’

We encourage Spelling Bee competitions on a termly basis to encourage the children’s enthusiasm for spelling.

Talking and Listening is developed through Show and Tell scheduled sessions, PowerPoint presentations, poetry recitation, drama, public speaking, choral speaking and assemblies.

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MATHEMATICS Mathematical ideas are developed in the areas of number, shape and space, measures and data handling. A variety of approaches and methods of investigation are used to develop a sound understanding of these mathematical concepts. In every area of mathematics, including numeracy, practical activities support children to become confident and successful mathematicians who use thinking strategies and problem solving skills.

ETI Inspection stated: ‘The whole school programme for numeracy is comprehensive, provides for a broad and balanced coverage across the areas of mathematical and ensures clear progression through the school.’

Information Communications Technology (ICT)This is a cross-curricular skill that is used to enhance learning and to provide a variety of learning approaches:

THE WORLD AROUND USThis area embraces the traditional subjects of History, Geography and Science. Opportunities are presented for children to become aware of themselves in the context of their families their locality and, with time, their broader setting with its similarities and differences. National and regional dimensions add realism and the scope to compare and contrast themselves with others.Science and Technology is also a focus and is about observing , investigating, analysing and bringing coherence to the natural world. Children will acquire scientific skills and concepts which will bring an understanding of physical, chemical and biological issues. They will also become aware of the implications for society of technological and environmental change.They are challenged to ask questions about their own world and to seek answers using a wide range of resources. They are helped to understand their role in making the world a better and safer place through working together positively and looking after their environment.

PHYSICAL EDUCATIONOur exciting range of resources makes fitness fun.The children are encouraged to take part in a wide range of games, dance, athletics, swimming and gymnastics. The children are encouraged in individual and team sports that reflect different cultural traditions. Complementing our fun approach to Physical Education within the curriculum, we encourage physical activity at break and lunch times through providing equipment and playing games. We utilise a number of coaches to facilitate tag rugby, Gaelic football and hockey on a weekly basis during curriculum time. Physical exercise is also promoted in our afterschool schedule including tennis, football, athletics, hip-hop and movement skills.

The school enters teams in football, swimming, hockey and netball competitions in local leagues, swimming galas and tournaments throughout the year. The school hosts Sports Days on an annual basis for all Year Groups 1 – 7 inviting family and friends to attend in the local Moira Demesne.

• Bee-bots, Probots• Listening centres• PC, printer and

educational programmes

• Digital camera• Interactive Whiteboard• Internet (within safe

supervised parameters as outlined by our Internet Access policy)

• ipads• Apple TV• NEXUS tablets• Kindles

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The Anti-Bias CurriculumThe anti-bias curriculum is taught in the school and is about understanding and valuing difference. It aims to influence children’s attitudes and behaviour positively by developing an unbiased approach to other people. It needs to start early because it is from the age of 3 or 4 that children begin to translate experience into attitudes.

We value parental support in advising, helping and reinforcing the anti-bias curriculum work of the school.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONIn a recent school questionnaire 100% of parents agreed that the school respects diversity and welcomes members from all communities.A Religious Education programme has been adopted that reflects the integrated ethos of our school, the needs of our children, the wishes of our parents and the requirements of the curriculum.

Whilst we encourage an awareness of the shared core of Christian teaching common to both major traditions in our society, we also nurture each child in the individual values of their own background and affirm them in their own faith. Children from the Roman Catholic tradition are prepared for the sacraments of the Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation by qualified staff. Requests for withdrawal from religious education are respected.

Our aim is to enrich individual identity through the understanding of other beliefs. We encourage each child to develop positive attitudes to the beliefs and values of others. Children work together to understand both the similarities and the differences between religious traditions in a thoughtful and inclusive way.

An emphasis is also placed on developing the children’s awareness of world faiths in preparation for the pluralist society that they are growing up in. We explore some of the major world faiths such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism and some of the important festivals in other world faiths.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING

Rowandale offers a safe environment where children learn and play together.In keeping with the integrated status of the school, we place emphasis on Personal Development and Mutual Understanding. This allows children to develop as responsible citizens who adopt inclusive principles in their work and in their play and who value and work towards achieving inclusion and equity in the local and global community. We facilitate our children in the resolution of conflict in the playground and in the classroom. We develop them to become confident individuals who have realistic positive self-concept and who are able to acknowledge their own strengths and development needs.

Recognising that self-esteem and self-confidence are essential for the children’s emotional well-being we create opportunities for them to explore their feelings and emotions as well as their dispositions and attitudes. They are encouraged to think for themselves and make informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOURWe believe that effective learning can only take place where there is a high standard of behaviour. We follow an assertive behaviour policy within the school which ensures consisitency in our approach from Year 1 – Year 7 and with all members of the whole school community. Each week the schools focuses on a particular behaviour and reinforces this within the classrooms – success is then celebrated through our behaviour certificates on a Friday. We promote good behaviour through:

• Weekly behaviour certificates

• Kindness trees• Class contracts• Circle time• Peer mediation• Sanctions when appropriate• Anti-bullying ambassadors• School council• Rights Respecting Schools• Personal Development

and Mutual Understanding lessons

PASTORAL CARE‘The quality of pastoral care is outstanding.’ ETI Inspection Report February 2015. This is characterized by the very inclusive, welcoming and supportive ethos of the whole school community and in the day to day engagement of the staff with the children.At Rowandale we are a caring community with a family friendly ethos. Our values are built on mutual trust and respect for all. We seek to provide our children with a caring, trusting, open and secure environment in which they enjoy learning and learn to be caring, confident and competent citizens who are willing to contribute to the wider community. Our aim is that every member of the school community feels valued and respected and that each person is treated fairly. Our children explore issues such as citizenship, celebration of difference, mutual understanding, conflict resolution, respect, inclusion and disability awareness. Our Child Protection, Anti-bullying and Pastoral Care policies are designed to support the way in which all members of the school community interact. The aims of these policies are consistent with and reinforce our ethos. The Year 5 children are also involved in the Roots of Empathy project for the fourth successive year. This programme develops the children’s emotional intelligence through experiencing the growth and development of the first year of a baby’s life.The school has developed a peer mediation programme as a whole school approach within the playground with the Year 7 children acting as the peer mediators. The school’s Anti-bullying Ambassadors develop anti-bullying campaigns within the school and are working towards achieving a Princess Diana Anti-bullying Award. The school has a well established Community Relations Equality and Diversity programme – CRED with another local primary whereby both staff and children participate in shared planning, learning and teaching experiences.

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CHILD-CENTRED APPROACHEvery child is unique, and the behaviour, attitudes, self-esteem and self-worth of every child are influenced by the attitudes of everyone that he or she comes into contact with. Rowandale, in partnership with parents, aims to develop the child’s respect, and confidence in self and others. Using a range of learning styles children are given opportunities for self-learning, self-expression and self-evaluation.

ADDITIONAL NEEDSEach child is an individual with needs and, in some instances, these can be quite specific. Teaching staff are responsible for identifying children with particular needs and for designing and arranging appropriate strategies to address and support the learning process. Progress is monitored on a regular basis and parents are kept informed and closely involved in the process. At Rowandale we believe that every child should have the opportunity to succeed and to achieve personal goals.Teachers devise programmes of work appropriate to the child’s age and stage of development. We aim to identify specific learning difficulties or special talents as early as possible and to cater for them accordingly. These programmes are devised and implemented in close liaison with external agencies.Literacy support and Numeracy support are offered to children who require support in either or both of these areas of the curriculum. Currently we offer weekly support to children from Year Groups 1 – 7.It is really important that our Newcomer children are welcomed into our whole school community. Children with English as an additional language also are supported with their learning in both Literacy and Numeracy. We also have a Reading Partnership Programme in which parents gain training at the school to be able to support children’s reading in school for a 10 week block.

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BREAKFAST CLUBBreakfast Club is available every school morning from 7.30 am – 8.50 am. Parents have the flexibility to drop their children off at any time within this window. A healthy breakfast is provided consisting of unsweetened breakfast cereals and/or toast.

HEALTHY EATING We use many initiatives to promote the health of our children and to encourage them to respect their health. We promote healthy eating throughout the school. A professional catering firm supplies the children with a nutritionally balanced menu of hot meals which is based on Department of Education nutritional standards and which is varied each day. We encourage them to drink water and we provide chilled, purified water throughout the day. Milk is provided at break-times and lunch-times.

Our Healthy Snack Policy is part of a broader healthy eating approach within the whole school. The children do not take snacks or drinks containing sugar between meals during the school week. Children who need to follow a special diet are exempt from the scheme.

‘The staff give very good attention to healthy eating and physical activity.’ETI Inspection report February 2015

DAILY CLUB SCHEDULEBreakfast Club 7.30am - 8.50am

Fun Club, Musical Theatre, French, Art, Drama, Irish, Eco-schools, Cookery, Tennis, Yoga, Computers, Reading 2pm - 3pmClub, Fundamental Movement 3pm - 4pmskills, Football, Netball, Irish Dancing, Athletics

Snack, Homework, Computers, Reading, Art and Craft,Games 4pm - 5.30pm

CLUB GROUPSWe believe that it is important to extend the opportunities for learning for all our children beyond the classroom and the more formal parts of the curriculum. Extra-curricular activities are very important in the overall development of the child and they also provide opportunities to contribute to the life and work of the school. They allow for the building of relationships, self-esteem and skills. One of the ways in which we seek to achieve this at Rowandale is by offering a range of activities before and after school. This has the added benefit of offering more flexible drop off and collection arrangements for parents trying to achieve a balance of work and family life at a reasonable cost. Parents are able to use their Childcare Vouchers to pay for Breakfast Club and Afterschool Clubs.The children really benefit from being familiar with the staff, they have access to the school facilities and equipment with no additional pick-up arrangements.

SCHOOL UNIFORMAll school uniforms can be purchased through the school.All children are encouraged to wear the school uniform, which is:

• White shirt/blouse• *Striped tie (the tie must be purchased

from McCall’s Lisburn)• Burgundy jumper/cardigan with school

emblem• Grey trousers/pinafore/skirt • Burgundy jacket with school emblem and• Black school shoes.

Children wear plimsolls when indoors. As well as being comfortable these help to create a quiet atmosphere within the classroom.

Summer OptionGrey shorts or gingham dress

P.E. KitThe children are taught gradually how to change for Physical Education from Year 1.They must wear:• A white t-shirt• Burgundy shorts or a navy skort and• Black plimsolls

THE SCHOOL DAYBreakfast Club 7.30am – 8.50amChildren arrive 8.50am (playground supervision)

School begins 9.00amBreak 10.30am – Key Stage 2 10.45am - Key Stage 1Lunchtime 12.15pm – 1.00pm (Foundation & KS1) 12.30pm – 1.15pm (KS2)

Finishing TimesYears 1 and 2 2pmYear 3 3pm (Monday - Wednesday) 2pm (Thursday and Friday)Year 4, 5, 6 and 7 3pm

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PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Rowandale is the result of parental initiative and parents continue to play a vital role in the education of their children and in the life of the school. Parents are encouraged to talk to staff about any aspect of their child’s education or well-being. Interviews with class teachers are held twice each year and parents receive a written report on their child in June. Parents participate in information evenings, ‘open’ assemblies, the Saturday Art Club, school outings, productions and musical events. We welcome help from parents during school time for educational visits, extra-curricular activities and transport to sporting events.

PARENTS’ COUNCILThe role of the Parents’ Council, which is open to all parents and staff, is to advise the Board of Governors on matters of concern to parents. Parents’ Council is consulted on all relevant school polices before their adoption by the Board of Governors. The Council welcomes new parents to the school, encourages parental involvement in the life of the school and organises social and fundraising activities to enhance the learning opportunities of the children. There are 2 Parent Representatives for each Year group within the school who organise social events for the parents and act as a link to the class teacher. The Council also provides an educational forum where parents are able to develop skills such as baking and ICT, and where educational issues such as autism, dyslexia and integration are explored. During the last 8 years the Parents’ Council have fundraised for a number of items including: trim trail and outside classroom, poly – tunnel, Nexus tablets, i-pads, Apple TV, staging and training courses.

In a recent school questionnaire 91% of parents agreed that they feel involved in the education of their child.

Residential TripsResidential day trips are organized to Ardnabannon Education Centre in Year 6 and Corrymeela Community in Year 7 Educational day trips are organized on a termly basis for all year groups to support topic work.

School CouncilThe children have the opportunity to be a class representative in the school council. The children are able to discuss and propose changes to benefit the development of the school. The school council currently has the responsibility of developing the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools project within the school.

Eco Schools ProgrammeAt Rowandale we seek to be aware of environmental and sustainability issues and to integrate these into our learning. We involve parents, staff and outside agencies as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint. To increase awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, we have become involved in the Eco Schools programme and have achieved Green Flag status for the second time. The children have the opportunity to be a class representative on the eco schools council.

Our eco – tunnel allows the children to have practical hands on experience of growing plants and vegetables. We seek to be less harmful to the environment by:

• Looking at the way our school buildings and outside areas are managed

• Using recycled products as much as possible

• Being energy efficient and

• Disposing of waste ecologically.

International Schools AwardThe school has achieved its international school award for curriculum based international work for the second time. The accreditation recognises the school’s ability to integrate a global dimension into the learning experience of all children. The school recently participated in a 2 year Comenius project involving the Czech Republic, Finland and Italy.

BOARD OF GOVERNORSThe school is managed by a Board of Governors. They have a wealth of experience and expertise and are dedicated to ensuring that Rowandale nurtures a love of learning, shares inclusive values, and achieves the highest possible levels of educational attainment. Within the integrated sector there is a high level of parental representation in management with at least 6 parent representatives on the Board of Governors.

The Board of Governors is made up of 16 members:6 - Foundation Governors (2 of which will be parents).

4 - Representatives appointed by the Department of Education.

2 - Assistant teachers elected from the assistant teachers.

4 - Parent Governors elected by parents of children at the school. The Principal is a non–voting member of the Board of Governors.

ROWANDALE COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP Situated on site is the Rowandale Community Playgroup which facilitates children from 2 Years 10 months until they start school.

The six areas of learning are as follows:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Language Development• Physical Development• The Arts• Early Mathematical

Development• The World Around UsThere are 2 Sessions per day x 24 children

Morning session 9am - 12pmAfternoon session 1pm - 3.30pm

The Playgroup building has been purpose built with spacious outdoor areas for the children to explore. The Playgroup staff are fully trained to above national requirements (NVQ 3) and have an exceptional understanding of and dedication to their profession. The leader in charge is Ms Jayne Magowan and she can be directly contacted on 02892619325.

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Admissions CriteriaThe Board of Governors will seek to reflect in the total number admitted in the current academic year an overall balance amongst all traditions and backgrounds. In order to achieve this aim the school will:

• Reserve a maximum of 20% of places for pupils other than Protestant and Catholic

• Ensure the criteria as set out below will first be applied to members of ‘Others’ in the order set down and a maximum of 20% of the available places will be awarded to this group

• Ensure the remaining places will be divided equally between Protestant and Catholic applicants

• In the event of less than 20% of places being awarded to ‘others’ the balance will be divided equally between Protestant and Catholic applicants

• In the event of there being an odd number of places in the excess of places remaining from the allocation to ‘other’ the additional place will be allocated to the category having the greater number of applicants.

1. Children with a child in the family currently enrolled in Rowandale Integrated Primary School.

2. Children whose parent/guardian is an employee of the school.

3. Children who are the eldest “child of the family” for whom integrated education is a viable option (for example, where older children have gone to the local school before there was the option of Integrated Education).

Children will be selected for admission on the basis of initial letter of surname in the order set out below (this is just an example):

G F N O I U R V Q B C E Mac S M Mc J A H P Y T Z X L D K W

The order was determined by a randomised selection of letters of the alphabet.

In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter the subsequent letters of the surnames will be used in alphabetical order. In the event of two identical surnames the alphabetical order of the forenames will be used. In the event of identical forenames the eldest child will be selected.

Year 1 Admissions – after the beginning of the school year.Children who apply to enter the school during the academic year will be considered using criteria 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Admissions Criteria – Years 2 – 7Children will be considered using criteria 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The right to seek confirmation of any information supplied will be reserved by Rowandale Integrated Primary School Board of Governors.

Waiting List PolicyThis Policy is available from the school.

Year 7 leavers have moved on to 18 different post primary schools:

Ballynahinch High School Lurgan Junior High School

Banbridge Academy Methodist College Belfast

Banbridge High School Newbridge Integrated

Beechlawn School Our Lady’s Grammar

Brownlow Integrated College Rathmore Grammar

Forkhill Integrated Royal Belfast Academical Instiution

Friends School Lisburn St Patrick’s College

Hunter House College Victoria College

Lagan College Wallace High School

STARTING SCHOOLEach year we hold an Open Morning for prospective parents and children. Both parents and children are always welcome at these events. Prior to starting school in September, Year 1 children and their parents spend an Induction Afternoon in May at the school meeting their new friends, teachers and classroom assistants.

In addition to reading our prospectus, we would like to invite you and your child to visit us. We will be delighted to meet you and to be able to tell you about our school and about integrated education. To arrange a visit to the school, please contact the Principal.

ROWANDALE INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL18 Clarehill RoadMoiraCo ArmaghBT67 0PB

Principal: Mrs Frances HughesTelephone: 028 92 613946Email: fhughes982@c2kni.netWebsite: www.rowandaleips.co.uk

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

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ROWANDALE INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL‘Love to learn and learn to love’Prospectus

INTEGRATEDEDUCATION FUND