King William Street CE Primary School
On August 17th, 1871, a new free school was born in Swindon. Built of local stone, rising above the surrounding houses, King William Street CE Primary School presented an impressive spectacle that was clearly visible across the fields below. Our strapline clearly connects to our school's historical context and the shared values that have been handed down from the past.
King William Street CE Primary School is a Church of England School with a strong Christian ethos which underpins the caring, nurturing family atmosphere in our school. The strong focus on care and respect for one another and our commitment to Christian values is reflected in its inclusive ethos and good relationships between children, parents and staff.
The ‘special feel’ at King William Street CE Primary School is related to the caring atmosphere that pervades the school, the responsibility that all members of our school community take to be the best we can be and the way we inspire each other through a curriculum that excites and stimulates children's imagination and creative thinking.
We provide a happy, nurturing and supportive environment founded on the principles of the Christian faith; helping to develop children’s spiritual growth and moral understanding. All members of our school community are valued and respected so that everyone can have a positive attitude to themselves, others and life.
Our school’s Christian character contributes significantly to the academic achievement, personal development and wellbeing of all learners. Although we are a church school, we are inclusive to all members of the community we serve. Our aim is that pupils from all faiths and those without a faith feel safe and happy, secure in the knowledge that their beliefs are respected and valued.
At King William Street CE Primary School, we are “Listening to the past, guiding towards the future.” As a Church of England school, we have rooted our new vision in a Biblical verse: 'I have good plans for you. I will give you hope and a good future.' Jeremiah 29:11
Our Logo
Our logo represents our school‘s past as well as our Christian distinctiveness.
The design uses the bell to remind us of our school’s history. The cross symbolises the school’s Christian foundation and provides a candle to light the way forward. A trefoil, an architectural detail from our school building, encloses our symbols and is also used to represent the Trinity.
History
Christian foundation
Our Aims
All members of our school family and community aim to:
- develop an understanding of the Christian values of respect, compassion, truth, friendship, courage and trust
- educate the whole child. This means valuing each individual by supporting and nurturing academic, personal and social development
- create successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens who are able to adapt and grow as society and technologies change
- be a community where all are appreciated and respected and where children are given a firm foundation for life
- understand and express their own thoughts and feelings and to be sensitive to others
- be aware of the importance of a safe environment, foster and maintain a healthy lifestyle through emotional self-awareness and physical well-being enabling them to deal with challenging situations
- develop integrity, value and respect others, as part of the local community and within our diverse society
- gain optimum learning experiences equipping children with the skills and knowledge needed for their future with a sense of self-responsibility
- build a strong partnership between home and school, where we are able to work together to prepare the children to meet the challenges and opportunities that the future holds
Our Values
Our value this term is:
Respect
How do we “Listen to the past, guide towards the future” in our curriculum?
Approach
In mathematics we use pupil voice, books, metacognition and formal assessment to listen to the children's past performance and adapt and guide them to future learning through a mastery approach. build on prior learning as we asses and plan the small steps for future learning. We retrieve the past to secure it for the future.
In reading as structured approach is used where phonic knowledge is built upon to enable the children to use learnt skills in whole class reading. Through this, children develop a love of learning and reading whilst being exposed to a range of texts.
In science children look at scientific learning of the past to inform their innovations towards the future. Children use reflection sheets to guide their future learning. The science curriculum focuses on knowledge and skills which are progressively taught based upon the National Curriculum. In Blue Whale, the children are provided with many opportunities to observe and predict.
In art inspiration from artists past to present and from around the world provoke individual creativity and emotions through a variety of media. Children are given time to reflect and appreciate their own and others creative expressions.
In RE children critically take ideas from world religions and choose to apply them to their lives, We use a range of mediums to explore faith: objects, artefacts, stories, text and discussion.
Core Values
In mathematics, children demonstrate perseverance, curiosity and courage.
In reading, children demonstrate perseverance, friendship and curiosity.
In science, children demonstrate perseverance and creativity.
In art children demonstrate creativity and expression of ideas and emotions.
In RE children demonstrate respect, trust and friendship as well as thinking and learning about the beliefs of people around the world.
Enjoyment for Learning
In mathematics we use Sum Dog for homework engagement which recaps past learning and prepares us for future topics. We use practical resources across the mathematics curriculum.
In reading engaging topics are chosen with high quality texts. A range of topics are explored covering events from the past and present enabling children to have a wide range of knowledge that inspired them.
In science children enjoy learning through science trips, science days and hands on practical science activities.
In art children enjoy visiting galleries and artists. We use visual stimulus and explore senses through media.
In RE children enjoy visits to a range of places of worship, food tasting, handling artefacts and objects and visitors. Children enjoy presenting their learning using art and poetry.
Pupil Groups
In mathematics we scaffold the levels of challenge using Do It, Use It and Own It for all children and provide opportunities for focussed time with the teacher.
In reading formative and summative assessments are used to inform future learning. Based upon previous learning, learning is scaffolded, where needed, alongside high quality first teaching.
In science we provide appropriate challenges for all children and support them to develop the skills outlined in our science curriculum.
In art we offer opportunities for all children to be creative and imaginative.
In RE we scaffold learning for individuals offering challenge and support through a variety of teaching approaches, questioning and experiences.
Pupil Leadership
In mathematics using metacognition cards the children reflect on the learning, how they are progressing. Learning partners help children to experience leadership and being led in a respectful and collaborative manner.
In reading children use metacognition to reflect on their own learning and decide on how they want to move their learning in reading forward. The children have ownership of high quality texts they can choose to read as a class or individually.
In science, children make choices about their learning journey and lead their discovery of scientific knowledge and skill development.
In art children participate in school wide/led projects. They use reflection sheets to consider how to move forward in their art development.
In RE children are given opportunities to lead in Class Worship, whole school worship, school projects and being a representative on our Church Council.
Skills for Life
In mathematics we develop numeracy. Mathematics is for life.
Reading is the key to unlock the rest of the curriculum as well as future learning.
In science the children develop questioning, problem solving, observation, understanding, prediction and presenting.
In art we develop appreciation and evaluation of their work and others, observation of the world around them and experimentation of different resources and media. Children challenge themselves artistically.
In RE children make links between beliefs and actions. They analyse and discuss ideas respectfully. They recognise diversity.