Curriculum
Life at Springmead Independent School : a unique experience
Springmead School provides a safe and happy learning environment where respect, patience, self-discipline, tolerance and a joy for learning are given high priority; at our school we have lots of fun without jeopardising academic success.
It is our job to help to shape our youngsters’ characters so that they become fulfilled learners with positive self-esteem and a passion for life and learning. At Springmead School we educate the whole child.
Class Structure
Small classes with a maximum of seventeen children and specialist teachers ensures all of our children’s educational needs are met.
Assessment
Academic progress through the years is monitored through teacher assessments and through recognised external assessment tests. The school has adopted PIPS (Performance Indicators in Primary Schools) as its formal external assessment tool.
Children from nursery to Year 6 sit formal tests each year; these are correlated to SATS statistics so we can get a bench mark on our performance against nationally recognised grades. Whilst we do not believe in the practice of ‘teaching to tests’ we do believe that children should have test expereince each year.
Tests are conducted in a non-threatening way with no notice to children or parents. In this way we can get a true benchmark of our performance. The school consistently achieves above the national average in all subjects. Assessment information is shared with parents at parent consultation evenings and on school reports.
Talented Children
Our scholarship programme enables us to develop gifted and talented children across different areas of school life; in turn these children contribute positively to the school. Scholarships are available for children in the prep department (7-11 years old) .
Special Needs
As a balance to encouraging gifted and talented children we are proud of our work in helping children who require additional learning support.
Their needs are met both in our small classes with a maximum of seventeen children, through one-to-one time with specialist teachers and in small groups. Some children, from time to time, may experience particular difficulties and need additional support in their work.
These children’s needs are met through the individual learning programmes designed and implemented by the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators. We have four members of staff who have particular responsibility for children with additional learning needs.
Parents and the School
The importance of the role played by parents as educators of their children is recognised. Every endeavour is made to work closely with parents, informing and involving them in every aspect of their child’s education. Parents are fully informed of the academic and social progress of their child.
Parents are encouraged to contact the school at any time should they wish to do so, and appointments can always be made to see the Principal or a member of staff. Parents will find us to be professional, friendly and unpretentious with a very real ‘open door’ policy.
Library & Reading
Reading at Springmead School is regarded not just as an essential route to knowledge but as a delightful pastime which enriches children’s lives.
The beautiful library has been designed very much with this in mind; here the children will be only too pleased to tarry awhile, lost in fiction and non-fiction books in this wonderful space.
To support the acquisition of reading skills the school uses the Oxford Reading Tree reading scheme supported by many other schemes. Whilst ‘learning to read’ we aim to hear each child four times a week.
ICT
Confident computer skills are essential in today’s world. The child-orientated purposely-designed computer suites are well equipped with up-to-date hardware and software to fully support the children in their studies.
Religion
Whilst each religious affiliation is recognised and respected, Springmead School is closely involved with the Church of England and has inherent Christian values. Children of other denominations and faiths are warmly welcomed and are very much part of our school community.
Behaviour Management
Positive behaviour management ensures good discipline throughout the school. Praise, clear feedback, rewards and rules rather than punishment help create a positive environment where children are encouraged to become increasingly responsible for their own conduct.
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