www.lhpa.co.uk - Slough - Langley Hall Primary Academy

Preparing
Life
www.lhpa.co.uk
Contents
Welcome
Welcome
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Thank you for taking the time to enquire about Langley Hall Primary Academy.
A Sense of Place and Time
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Our school is based on two sites: our lower school site in St Mary’s Road was the
What Parents Say
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location for Langley’s original village school. Our upper school is situated in the
What Children Say
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Our Inspiring Curriculum
5 to 8
A Day at Langley Hall
9 to 10
heart of Langley Village in a building dating back to the 1600s. The school was
opened under the government’s Free School initiative. The school is independent
of the local authority and free to deliver an innovative and exciting curriculum
wirtten by the Education Director, the Head of School and the Langley Hall Primary
Beyond the Basics
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Meeding Individual Needs
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How are we doing?
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At our school we focus on preparing children for life. We do this by delivering an
Extended Day and Year Programme
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imaginative, creative and inspiring curriculum which motivates children to want
The Next Step
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Academy teaching team.
to learn, while developing their transferable skills.
We lay down firm foundations by giving Numeracy and Literacy a high priority.
Art, Drama, Music, Dance and Sport also feature prominently, providing every
child with challenges and opportunities to find and develop their talents and to
shine.
We want every child to be a good citizen, a confident communicator, discerning
and kind hearted. We want them to challenge themselves and be highly
motivated to achieve their best while working towards being independent.
Please arrange a visit on one of our Open Mornings to discover the ways in which
Langley Hall Primary Academy can meet the needs, aspirations and desires you
have for your child’s education.
James Petrie
Head of Lower School
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Catriona Eadie
B.A. (Hons) PGCE
Head of Children’s
Services
Sally Eaton
B.Ed F.R.S.A
Education Director
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Jan Fallows
BEd (Hons) M.A. NPQH
Head of Upper School
Marta Mazik
Head of SENCO and
Inclusion
A Sense of Place and Time
What Parents Say...
We feel very fortunate to have two wonderful buildings as the home for our school.
“Langley Hall has exceeded all
expectations in preparing my child for
the future”
We take seriously our responsibility to restore and enhance their features and wish
to become a significant part of their history.
Our Lower Phase site, based in St Mary’s Road, was the location for Langley’s original
village school. Our Upper Phase site has an even longer history. The earliest records
of the building report that it belonged to Sir
Richard Hubert who was a courtier in service
- Mrs Orsel, Mother of Scarlett
“We are over the moon with our first year
at LHPA and both girls have flourished
under the school’s guidance”
- Mrs Jenkins, Mother of Alice and Georgia
to King Charles I. Other families followed and
in 1890 a boys’ boarding school opened at
Langley Hall. In 1915 it became an actors’
orphanage and the patron Noël Coward
Noel Coward walks with children on
one of his visits to Langley Hall at the
time when it was an orphanage.
“100% of LHPA parents who
responded to our survey said
their children enjoyed school.”
was a frequent visitor. During the war it was
home to Bomber Command and shortly
after that the building became offices and
sadly fell into disrepair. A major fire in 1972 destroyed the main roof.
What Children Say...
Opening the school in Langley Hall has brought the building back to life and
created within it a lively, warm atmosphere for children and adults. Now the whole
community can enjoy and appreciate one of the oldest buildings in Langley as it
takes on yet another role for the future.
“I love my school! I have so many opportunities to develop my
talents and skills. I especially love acting in our school plays!”
- Lauren Foster
“My teachers are very kind
and help me to learn lots of
new things. School is fun!”
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- Amy Glanville
4
“100% of LHPA parents who
responded to our survey said that the
teaching at the school is good.”
Our Inspiring Curriculum
Firm Foundations
Lifeskills
Mathematics
For children to achieve they need to have a secure understanding of basic skills and a
healthy sense of self worth. We place great emphasis on these areas of learning and see
them as the foundational building blocks for all other learning.
Literacy, Communication and Language
All children are born with a basic
understanding of number and yet they
often ‘learn’ to be afraid of numeracy
at school. This is often a fear born from
the belief that they have to ‘know’
the right answer rather than learn how
to find and discover the right answer.
Lower Phase numeracy lessons are very
practical with lots of opportunities to
investigate numbers through play and
enjoy number puzzles. This is built upon in
the Upper Phase where children use their
developing skills to solve problems without
losing their enthusiasm or confidence to
tackle difficult concepts.
As a school that believes in the
importance of preparing children for life
this aspect of learning is integral to our
philosophy. Helping a child to understand
the importance of tolerance and
meeting the needs of others is as crucial
as teaching them how to look after and
manage their finances. The programme
is varied and builds year on year as the
children mature and develop.
The school does all that it can to instill children with a love for reading. We acknowledge
that boys and girls learn differently and use methods of teaching that engage both. When
children read and write well, a whole world of opportunities opens up to them; they are
able to use their communication skills to express their thoughts and feelings, and also to
play an active part in discussions about their community. Understanding the importance
of literacy to all other areas of the
curriculum ensures that the school
will identify any problems in this
area early and work with children
and parents to put them right. Daily
reading time helps children to enjoy
reading; literacy lessons are exciting
and full participation is encouraged.
Using our film studio, children have
the opportunity to talk to camera
and put their films onto the school
intranet for other children and
parents to share.
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Our Inspiring Curriculum
(continued)
Building Blocks
Languages
From firm foundatons in literacy, lifeskills and mathematics we can build in other important
areas of learning, arousing a child’s curiosity about the world around them.
Humanities
All children learn French from the age
of 5, through practical activities, songs,
drama and scenarios.
Geography and History may be taught
as separate subjects but most commonly
they feature as part of a topic or learning
project. Themes such as wars, industry,
climate change and vehicles all provide
opportunities for the humanities to be
taught in depth.
Science and Technology
Our science curriculum is based upon investigation and exploration, and challenges
children to question their world and how it works. Children in all year groups will be able
to research their answers. They will be able to test their predictions and examine their
conclusions until they reach an understanding. The Upper Phase has a fully equipped
science laboratory where lessons are conducted.
Preparing for Life
Sport
R.E and Philosophy
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. Imagination is
everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions. It encircles the world.”
- Albert Einstein
The Arts
As the school is based on Christian
principles, R.E. lessons use themes such
as kindness, truthfulness and helpfulness
to encourage all members of the school
community to work and live together
harmoniously. Stories from all religions
may be used to illustrate the themes.
Children are taught to respect all faiths
and beliefs and to value the opinions
and views of others, even if they differ
from their own. We encourage children
to think and question using philosophical
enquiry as a platform for discussion.
We want children to enjoy sports and
games, and we provide specialist
teachers to develop children’s skills. We
believe that swimming is a particularly
important sport and so children are
encouraged to join in our swimming
galas as well as football and netball
matches. Children swim on a weekly
basis, developing good water safety and
competition skills.
Creative Arts are a particular focus within the school and specialist Dance, Drama, Art
and Music teachers ensure that children develop skills to a high standard. The school has
a specialist music and dance/drama studio and a film studio. All children learn to play
the violin from Year 1 as part of their music workshop sessions. They also learn to play the
recorder and in Year 4 children may select a wood, string or brass instrument to play. In
Years 5 and 6 children may join the orchestra and there are lots of opportunities for them
to perform in music concerts and plays. The Upper Phase production rivals any West End
show and brings together skills from across the whole curriculum!
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A Day at Langley Hall
7:30am
8:30am
9:00am
10:00am
School opens for Early Bird Club.
Children can purchase breakfast if
they wish.
The school day begins with registration
and assembly.
Lesson one is nearly always numeracy
or literacy.
Lesson two will be numeracy or literacy
taught by a specialist teacher.
11:00am
11:15am
12:15pm
12:45pm
Break-time, a chance to unwind and
have a snack.
Lesson three will be science, geography or
history using the integrated International
Primary Curriculum as the basis for learning.
One of the most important parts of the
day! A reading half-hour where children
can develop a love of literature.
Lunchtime arrives and children are
served a delicious, healthy, hot meal
which is followed by play time.
1:45pm
3:45pm
4:00pm
6:00pm
Afternoon lessons will be mostly practical:
music, swimming, dance, drama, sports, P.E.
and languages. All practical lessons will be
taught by teachers who are specialists in
their fields and who have a passion for the
subject.
Class teacher time, collecting
homework and notices for the week
ahead.
Home time or after school clubs.
Between 4 and 5 pm specialist clubs and
a care club run. From 5 to 6 pm the care
club caters for those who stay on and
homework can be supported.
Above is a sample timetable for a year 5 child. Other year groups may finish school
at different times.
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Beyond the Basics
Meeting Individual Needs
Langley Hall Primary Academy provides children with a rich and varied curriculum.
The benefits of this will stay with them forever.
Special Needs
Good systems are in place to monitor a child’s progress and to provide early
intervention where there is cause for concern. Our learning support team and
SENCO work with children, parents and teachers to provide support for learners
who are struggling. Progress will be recognised and rewarded, as it is through
achievements that children will reach their goals.
Annual Residential Trip
An important way in which we prepare children for life is to take them on an
educational residential visit each year. It is a wonderful opportunity for children to
build dens, swim, eat together and take part in outward bound and environmental
activities. Children learn independence and develop their social skills, all of which
can be taken back into the classroom, helping them to accept new challenges
with confidence.
Children who are particularly able may be put onto our gifted register and there
will be opportunities for them to experience extra learning activities appropriate
to their abilities that will stretch and challenge them.
Parent Partnership
Partnership with parents is strong. The Head of School and other professionals
take every opportunity to explain the school’s principles and methods, and we
encourage parents to support and take part in activities. There is a school intranet
which enables parents to log in and check homework set, receive information on
events, send emails to staff and see short daily videos of their child’s activities.
The Wider Curriculum
Opportunities are taken to make learning fun. Part of this is to take the children
on trips so that they can use their experiences in their learning. They get to know
people in the local community, who are welcomed into the school at regular
intervals. Special assemblies are held for grandparents and to celebrate events
such as Red Nose Day or Children in Need. In this way, children will gain a sense of
perspective and learn how to look after and consider others less fortunate than
themselves.
In fulfilling the school’s motto, “we are preparing for life”, great importance is
placed on developing good relationships between everyone within the school
community. Teachers model good manners for children to follow, and children
learn to understand how their actions affect others. The school’s positive behaviour
policy is available to parents and is the basis for helping children to develop the
skills necessary for being a valuable member of society.
Each year Key Stage 1 children will practise and perform a Christmas Play.
Parents, relatives and members of our local community are invited to attend
performances. Our Key Stage 2 children work on a full “West End Theatre” style
production, taking full responsibility for all aspects of the performance. In the
spring term children of all ages take part in a music concert which is a showcase
for the work achieved during their music workshop sessions.
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How are we doing?
“100% of the parents
who responded to our
survey said that their
child gets on well with
children from other
backgrounds.”
Parents tell us that their children are
doing well at school. When asked, 99% of
our parents said that their child was safe
in school. 97% felt their child was being
taught well. 97% said that their child was
encouraged to positively contribute to
the wider community and 100% said
that their child gets on well with children
from other backgrounds.
We value the feedback and comments
parents share with us and wherever we can, we act upon it. Parents suggested
that we set up a fruit and milk bar at break times and this facility is now hugely
popular. Parents asked for more videos to be uploaded to the school intranet of
their children’s daily activities and we have accommodated this.
Extended Day and Year Programme
Langley Hall Primary Academy believes that
children benefit from having the opportunity to
experience a wide variety of activities and learn
and develop new skills. It would be impossible
to provide all of these experiences within the
school day and therefore our After School
Specialist Club Programme allows children to
select activities that interest them most and
develop skills further under the guidance of our
specialist teaching team.
In addition to our specialist clubs we offer a before - and after - school care club
facility and holiday clubs for 10 weeks of the school holiday period. This enables
us to provide continuity of care and education for our children from 7:30 am to
6:00 pm for 46 weeks of the year. This greatly enhances the children’s sense of
well being.
Our holiday club runs for 10 weeks of the school holidays and it is led by Langley
Hall staff.
If you would like your child to take advantage
of our extended day and year facilities, please
complete the appropriate forms that are
contained within the Extended Day and Year
Programme pack and return them to the school.
All parents claiming free school meals for their
child may select one after school club free of
charge.
Charging and Remissions Policy
There are no charges for children’s education, which includes sport, music,
dance and drama teachers, violin lessons for children in years 1 to 4 and weekly
swimming lessons. Children in years 1 to 3 will need to have their own violin
(for those entitled to free school meals they will be provided). All children are
encouraged to experience our trip to Carroty Wood and parents can spread
payments over 7 months if they wish to do so. All children enjoy a hot cooked
lunch, and this is free for children in Key Stage 1. For children in Key Stage 2 there
is a small charge payable weekly, monthly or termly. Our children enjoy wearing
their smart uniform. Logo items can be purchased from our chosen uniform
supplier but all other items can be purchased anywhere. Parents with children
claiming free school meals can be assisted with costs of uniform or activities. Our
charging and remissions policy is available on our website.
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The Next Step
Admissions
Langley Hall Primary Academy is part of the Slough Admissions Process. This
means that if you want to apply for a reception class place at our school for your
child you should do so by completing the Common Admissions Form available
from the Slough Borough Council website between the dates specified on their
website.
If you wish to apply for a place in years 1 to 6 you should download the application
form from the admissions page on our website and send it directly to us at the
school. You will be placed on our waiting list and we will contact you should a
place become available.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We want all children and their families to feel that they are valued, accepted
and welcomed fully into the life of the school. We celebrate cultural differences
and encourage acceptance and respect between all members of the school
community.
We want children to feel that they can fully participate in school activities and
ensure that parents, children and staff are made aware of our inclusion policy
and are encouraged to put it into practice.
Contact Us
Langley Hall Primary Academy
Station Road
Langley
Berkshire
SL3 8BY
01753 580516
www.langleyhallprimaryacademy.co.uk
[email protected]
Upper School
Lower School
To Middle Green
Station Road
To Iver, Uxbridge
We Are Here!
We Are Here!
Harrow Market Shopping
St Mary’s Road
Canal Bridge
Langley Road
Grand Union Canal
To Slough
Park
Langley High Street
To M4, London, Windsor
To Langley (centre)
Railway Bridge
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