DUNMURRY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Primary Four and Five Pupils enjoyed the willow domein the ‘Environmental Garden’. Summer 2013

ANNUAL REPORT 2012/2013

1

Our Mission is for Dunmurry Primary School to be

– a doorway to the experiences and opportunities of education.

Core ValuesWe believe in: The provision of a secure and positive environment for all who enter the

school The development of a ‘learning school’ in which change, innovation and

improvement are supported A learner-centred approach, in which the needs of all learners are

recognised, assessed and provided for A mutually supportive community in which high social, moral and spiritual

values are promoted.

GovernorsGovernors make a significant contribution to the work and life of the school and give generously of their time.

MEMBERSHIP OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2012/2013

Transferor’s Representatives: Rev D Acheson, Mrs A TannahillMrs M Graham, Mrs V Harkness

Board Appointees: Mr G Wood (Vice-Chair) Mr D Sloan

Parents’ Representatives: Mr M Batchelor (Chairman) Mr M Tinneny

Teachers’ Representative: Mrs R Miller Hon. Secretary: Mrs L J Karney

The Term of Office ends in 2013.

School website: www.dunmurryprimary.ik.org

2

This report covers the period September 2012 to August 2013.

Governors Governors approved the adoption of several staff policies and a number of curriculum policies including a Whistle Blowing Policy, Outdoor Education Policy and updated Assessment, Recording and Reporting policy. Governors approved a new school prospectus which was professionally produced under the direction of the Principal.

New computer-based assessments were introduced by the Department of Education in the

Autumn term but Governors supported the Principal in withdrawing from the process. Along with many other schools we were forced to abandon these assessments because of technical difficulties in the system which were very frustrating for staff and pupils and because results that could be extracted from the process were assessed by staff as being unreliable and not reflective of the children’s abilities.Following a more generous budget for the 2013/14 financial year, Governors

approved the reorganisation in May to seven classes. They are most grateful to Mrs Somerville who agreed to become full- time in order to give continuity to our Primary Six pupils. She is to be congratulated on her excellent work during this year and her pastoral and educational care of the children.Governors wish to thank all parents who responded to the Development Plan

Consultation. Your views and ideas were helpful.

Extended Schools Provision ‘Breakfast Club’ continued again this year with increased numbers. We introduced a new ‘Two To Three Club’ and numbers for this rose during the year. Many thanks to Mrs Sloan, Miss Keery and Mrs Welshman who provided a warm welcome to children each morning and afternoon.

PTAGovernors approved the reconstitution of the Parents Support Group and its transformation to Parent Teacher Association affiliation and status.

School WebsiteThe Governors wish to thank Mr Lewis on his management of the school website which provides lively and informative updates on the school and its activities. It may be accessed at: www.dunmurryprimary.ik.org

3

Teaching StaffNursery: Mrs Hanna, P1: Mrs Elliott, P2: Mrs Decodts, P3 : Mrs Shaw, Mrs Miller, P4 (temporary): Miss Orr (Mrs Orr-Stewart),P5 : Miss Edgar, P6: Mrs Somerville (Mrs Karney - Wednesday), P7: Mr Lewis(Note: P5, 6 and 7 were taught in the afternoons as two composite classes by Mr Lewis and Miss Edgar but in May the school returned to a seven class structure.)

The Governors and the Principal wish to commend the teaching staff for managing so effectively composite class arrangements during recent years. Non-Teaching Staff The caretaker, cleaning staff and classroom assistants are to be congratulated on the support they gave the children and staff during a very busy year. We were sorry to lose the services of Mrs Sharon Martin after more than seven years. She was an excellent secretary and we all enjoyed her positive and very courteous manner. Thanks too, to Mrs Barbara Weir, who worked part-time for a number of months and gave us fantastic support. We welcomed Mrs Holmes as our new permanent part-time secretary in February. We wished farewell and good luck to Mrs Liz Russell and Ms Sacha McConkey, who left to take up interesting child care posts. We thank them for the excellent job that they undertook in keeping the school clean and safe for the children and are happy that they have found these very good posts which they deserve and will carry out well. We were very happy to find Mrs Catherine Mac who took up one of the cleaning posts. We welcomed Kelly Brown as an additional Special Needs Assistant. She joins an excellent team.

Professional and Curriculum DevelopmentA comprehensive programme of in-service training was provided to all teaching staff during the year. Five Curriculum days in August, five Exceptional Closure Days and a planned Wednesday afternoon programme provided opportunities for staff to take time to develop new skills and strategies in order to deliver first-class and up-to-date educational and pastoral provision for our pupils. Mrs Karney attended training in proposed ICT network changes, in the Assessment of children with Special Educational Needs and in Promoting Effective Practice in the Nursery sector. Mr Lewis attended Numeracy Co-ordinator training, ‘Clicker 6’ software training, ICT Systems manager training and a Primary Modern Languages Conference. Mrs Miller attended leadership training courses at the Regional Training Unit and has now successfully completed the advanced course – congratulations! She also attended training in Outdoor Learning. Mrs Hanna attended the following courses: Early Years SEN and Inclusion, Speech and Language Therapy, the Engagement of Boys, Outdoor Play and

4

Children’s Engagement in Planning, the Promotion of Effective Practice in the Nursery sector. Miss Edgar attended First Aid Training, ‘Fronter Training’ (ICT) Mrs Orr-Stewart attended training in Maths and the Outdoor Classroom and Primary Dance. Mrs Baird attended training on Speech and Language Therapy and the Engagement of Boys. Mrs Sloan attended training in the Canadian ‘Roots of Empathy”’programme. Miss Brown received support training in speech therapy. Mrs Ruth Holmes received training in the C2K computer systems, financial and administrative ICT systems and Alpha Communications, telephone systems.

We continue to have a comprehensive internal programme of staff development. During this year: Mrs Miller led staff in a major focus on Outdoor Learning. She supported staff in understanding and promoting the development of Orienteering skills. All staff contributed to a progressive cross-curricular outdoor learning scheme and Mrs Miller produced a policy document. Mr Lewis provided support to staff in the assessment of Cross-curricular Skills. He disseminated information about a new ICT platform to be introduced.Miss Edgar provided support to staff in developing a ‘skills approach’ to development of Physical Education. There was some focus on children learning and using the language of P.E. and she co-ordinated the production of a progressive scheme. Miss Edgar also supported staff in developing ICT tasks for accreditation and embedded a Five -E’s skills approach to learning in ICT and raised staff awareness of the levels of progression. Mrs Karney provided training on Thinking Skills, with a focus on Creativity. She also led staff in developing our Special Needs support, especially Dyspraxia, and Handwriting Support. We provided training for students from Stranmillis College, SERC, and Forthill College, and work experience was provided for pupils from local schools.

Additional Educational NeedsThe Principal undertook professional liaison with teaching staff and classroom assistants in order to provide for the well-being and educational development of all pupils. Isobel Russell from the ‘Inclusion and Diversity’ Service provided training and advice to teaching staff in relation to provision for Newcomer families. Staff were supported in the completion of assessment profiles. Mrs Russell generated resources and stored them within our ICT system for use by staff and pupils. Mrs Karney accessed story and information books in different languages for children to take home to share where relevant. Mrs Karney continued to monitor Special Educational Needs processes and procedures with staff. She conducted training to support the identification,

5

understanding and support of children with Dyspraxia. New strategies were developed to support the teaching of handwriting and special competitions with prizes during the year helped to sustain interest. The Special Needs allocation provided resources for assessment and teaching materials and substitute cover for teaching staff to make educational assessments and plans. Mrs Welshman, classroom assistant continues to undertake the Reading

Partnership programme and this year worked with Primary Three and Primary Four children.

Numeracy SupportMany thanks to Miss Bridgett who has voluntarily provided numeracy support

for a number of years and greatly benefited children through her skilful guidance.Literacy EnhancementOur thanks to Mrs Tannahill, who has acted as a voluntary support assistant for a number of years now and who explores the world of literature with groups of children, increasing their appreciation of books and writing.

The Governors and the Principal would like to record their gratitude to all staff, both teaching and non-teaching, and to our volunteersfor their efforts throughout the year.

Dunmurry Nursery UnitOnce again we had a full Nursery of 26 children and a waiting list. The focus of development this year was on Outdoor Learning and children enjoyed a further range of activities in the wildlife garden and other areas. We also did some work on the engagement of boys and we made some adjustments to activities. We also had a very good response from our ‘Dads’ this year and they came in to talk to the children and to read stories to them. Assessments of the children’s physical development were undertaken and this allowed us to pinpoint any areas for development with the whole group or with individuals. A new format for our end-of-year report to parents was designed and the response from parents was very positive. Special events in the year included:

A visit from a pilotVisit from PSNI

Story-reading sessions with Dads and with Primary Sevens A programme of visits from a ‘Toddlers’ Soccer’ coach A Fancy Dress Party at the end of October

Trip to the Ark Farm in December - the children enjoyed the animals and of course meeting a very important celebrity dressed in red!

A celebration of Divali in November

6

A drama company provided a wonderful interactive Christmas experience for children and parents just before Christmas. It was enchanting and enjoyed by everyone

Visits to the Nursery from “Jo Jingles” Visit from Tact Wildlife.

In the summer term, the children visited W5 and enjoyed the interactive science experiences. We had a great sports day in June and the Sponsored Trike Ride raised £415.00 for additional funds for Nursery Equipment – a fantastic amount. We are very grateful to parents for all their support of the Nursery.

Sharing Good PracticeFollowing our recent ‘Outstanding’ Inspection report the school was asked to share our practice with other primary schools across Northern Ireland. Several schools from across Northern Ireland came to visit the school and talk to the Principal and Staff and many were especially interested in our Early Years Provision in Nursery and Primary One and Two.

ESaGs Television, the Department of Education’s online video channel, highlighted the school’s innovative development in Spanish, co-ordinated by Miss Edgar and supported by Liliana Zanker, peripatetic teacher, and all of our staff. An additional video looked at Dunmurry Primary’s effective development of middle management. Miss Edgar’s promotion of a multi-skills approach in Physical Education was featured and the support of

her professional leadership given by Mrs Karney. Both were subsequently asked by the Education and Training Inspectorate to deliver a presentation at professional conferences in Belfast and Cookstown. Mrs Karney and Mr Lewis were asked by the South Eastern Education and Library Board to give a presentation to schools to explain our long, medium and short term planning structure. Mrs Karney was asked by SEELB to give a presentation about our policy, practice and management of Special Needs.

Governors invite the whole school community to take pride in the excellent work of the Principal, teachers and non-teaching staff and this very public endorsement and recognition of their hard work and dedication to the education of our children.

7

Dunmurry Primary School has achieved an excellent reputation – congratulations to all.

School Events and ActivitiesAs always, the school was a focus for a range of interesting activities for parents and children during the year.

Autumn TermP6 enjoyed their residential field trip to the Mournes accompanied by Mrs Karney and Mrs Somerville At the beginning of October Primary 5, 6 and 7 enjoyed an action-packed day at the Ulster Museum as part of their topic investigation into ‘Ancient Egypt’. Our Harvest gifts of fruit, vegetables and provisions went to the Salvation Army. In October Mr Lewis organised a special ‘Autumn Fest Apple Day’ with a special assembly and a range of activities including sampling apples! At the end of October the West Midland Theatre Company came to entertain children and staff. Their production this year was ‘The King of Copenhagen’. This event was followed by a pumpkin competition and fancy dress parade. A Friendship and anti-bullying week in November helped to raise awareness and highlight issues. Children benefit from opportunities to talk about bullying and to learn what to do to help themselves and others. In November, as part of the PSNI Road Safety Competition, Patrick Adair, Lauren Chambers and Chloe Dodds met with prize-winners from Scotland and went to visit Helicopter Command at Aldergrove, followed by lunch at Lisburn Leisure Centre, hosted by the mayor. The Christmas outing for P4–7 was to ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at the Waterfront Hall. It was very much enjoyed by all. Infants enjoyed a trip to Lisburn Leisureplex. As always however the children’s own productions were the highlight of Christmas.P1, 2 and 3 presented the nativity play ‘The Innkeeper’s Breakfast’ on two afternoons. This was a charming and light-hearted production. Parents and relatives enjoyed the children’s acting and singing and the costumes were excellent. P4 and 5 presented the charming story of ‘Babushka’ and P 6 and 7 presented a very lively performance of ‘Ali Wadi and the Pyramid Thieves’. These productions were very much enjoyed by the audience and all the children. P6 and 7 visited Park Manor Home and provided carol singing for the residents. Our Key Stage Two pupils had great fun at a senior school table quiz organised by the staff. The competition was stiff! Congratulations to all who took part and made it such a success.

Spring Term

8

At the end of January Mrs Karney opened a new nursery unit – in our P6 Classroom! In an innovative project ‘Salmon in the Classroom’, a special aquarium was stocked with approximately 100 salmon eggs. The Children looked after the salmon most diligently and most hatched into small fry. Children from Good Shepherd Primary School joined us with fry they had raised and we then released these together into the Glen River. Both schools enjoyed the project and felt that we had done something quite special for the ecology of our local river.

In March our children took part in a Youth and Family church service at Dunmurry Presbyterian Church. The Choir’s singing was outstanding and Chloe Finlay and Callum Batchelor gave excellent Bible readings Mrs Elliott created a real buzz around Science Week this year, which had the theme ‘Imagination and Creativity’. She and Mrs Sloan, along with the Primary Ones reminded us all in a special assembly of the importance of asking questions. She then launched a very competitive challenge to children and their parents to produce model inventions. The inventions were magnificent and truly creative and the competition fierce! Everyone enjoyed a most inspiring exhibition in the main hall. All staff planned interesting activities for the children in this annual celebration of Science. This year the theme was ‘Invention and Discovery’. Planting of vegetables was also encouraged at this time and supported by ‘Harty-culture’. Mrs Miller organised our Book Club Week as usual and some really fun activities for World Book Day and children and staff came dressed up as their favourite book character – costumes were amazing! Thanks to mums and dads for this support. The PTA organised and provided prizes for an Easter Egg Art Competition. The standard of entry was egg-stremely good!

Summer Term In April, P6 continued their river studies and Lagan River Trust supervised river-sampling exercises to observe living plants and animals in the Glen River at Glenburn. Our P1 experienced a series of visits from ‘Debutots’, who provided specialist drama sessions. An anti-bullying week in May helped to raise awareness and highlight issues. Children were encouraged to discuss situations which upset them and explored ideas of how they might react in bullying situations. Our P7s enjoyed a great week at the Share Centre, Lisnaskea, accompanied by Mr Lewis and Miss Edgar. In May, Primary 7 had the opportunity to meet Polish publisher Halina Cieplinska. Her parents were members of the Resistance Movement during World War 2. The class learned a lot about this period of history and about the importance of learning about different races and cultures and valuing and respecting differences. Many thanks to Mrs Anne Tannahill, Governor, who arranged this very special visit.

9

The annual May Fair was a popular event, as always. The children enjoyed the games and toys and the whole school community supported us very well. Congratulations to all the staff for their efforts in making this week a success and especially to Mr. Lewis and Primary Seven who organised challenging games for all the children. The new PTA committee and a band of helpers supported the event very well and their Blackwell Farm experience for children was very popular and added an extra dimension to the event. Road Safety Poster CompetitionAt the end of May we held the prize-giving for our competition. Constables from our local PSNI acted as judges. Unfortunately, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary were no longer able to sustain the partnership and so the usual trip to Scotland was not possible. Many thanks to our own local officers who organised a most enjoyable and interesting trip to Donaghadee Lifeboat station and the Coastguard station in Bangor. We appreciate their special support of our safety education. Congratulations to Tamzin Curry, Sophie Magill and Jessica Thorton. In June the Active8 team came to school and involved children P4-P7 in exciting sports activities. Children were able to experience a range of sports. All classes enjoyed trips to places of interest. Sports Days provide an opportunity for parents, teachers and pupils to come together in sporting endeavour. There is obviously competition and this provides an opportunity for children with physical abilities to succeed but we hope we provide the opportunity for all children to enjoy the activities without feeling pressure. Two dry days – amazing! At the end of June, Mrs Karney, on behalf of the Governors, presented cups, shields and awards at our annual prize-giving ceremony.

Some Other Special Events and Activities over the YearSchool Book FairFriendship / Anti-bullying Weeks – November and MayRoad Safety Poster CompetitionRoad Safety Visit from PSNI P1 Tesco VisitP2 – Visit from PSNIP1 and P2 Visit to Belfast ZooP3 – Visit from Dental HygienistP3 – Dads reading storiesP3 and P4 Visits from the Librarian P3 and P4 Visit to Castle EspieP5 Visit from the Fire ServiceP5 Visit to Lisburn Linen MuseumP6 ‘Experiencing Our Seas’ – Wildlife Trust visit.P6 Visit to the Bush River HatcheriesP6 Girls’ visit to Hunterhouse College.P7 Visits from local secondary level schoolsP7 Cinema TripResidentials: P7 Share Centre, Enniskillen; P6 Ardnabannon Centre, Mournes.

10

School CouncilIn November our Council invited Elizabeth McCallin from the School Meals Service to speak to everyone in a special assembly about Healthy Eating. She spent more time talking to all the classes and engaging them in interactive activities. The Council also organised a healthy eating survey and a ‘rap’ competition. In the Spring term as part of their promotion of ‘Water Conservation’ the Council invited Jane Jackson from N.I. Water to help us to conserve water in school and at home. Mr Doole, our caretaker, helped the children to take readings from our mains supply metre. They organised a system of energy monitors for each class and energy- saving posters around the school. In response to the dog-fouling problem in the area the council asked Primary Sevens to design posters which were then displayed at the front of the school.

The School Council is to be congratulated on its work to promote a healthy and ecologically friendly school!

ParentsThe school values the contribution that parents make to the education of their children in a variety of ways. We are grateful for this support and aim to encourage partnership with the school.Parents Information NightIn October the teaching staff, led by Mr Lewis, our Mathematics C0-0rdinator, organised a Parents Workshop to support parents’ understanding of maths as taught in school and indicating ways in which parents could help their children. The evening was very well supported and enjoyed by those present. We appreciate all the useful information and advice which our teaching staff delivered. Parents were invited to apply for First Aid classes run by the British Red Cross and financed under Seymour Hill’s Extended school’s project. Ten parents responded. In February the school supported by the PTA invited the PSNI to come to the school to talk to parents about internet safety for their children. The evening ‘Child Safety and Well-Being’gave parents a chance to share concerns around social media issues such as: internet safety, cyber bullying, games, ‘Twitter’ and ‘Facebook’.

During the year the following contacts with parents were organised: End-of-year Reports – written reports Parent/Teacher Consultations – organised twice yearly Induction Meetings for Nursery and Primary One parents and children Transfer Report Consultations – P7 parents Transfer Information Meeting – P6 parents School Trip Meetings – P6 parents, the Mournes; P7 parents, Share Centre Special Educational Needs meetings and reviews Circulars/Letters – all parents

11

Invitations to Special Events and Functions – all parents Individual Interviews between the Principal, staff and parents at the request of the home or the school.

Parent /Teacher AssociationDuring this year the Parents Support Group formally constituted itself as a PTA affiliated with PTA . UK and became officially registered as a charity with HMRC.

Committee 2012/13: Mrs V Colby(Chair), Mr M Johnston (Treasurer), Mrs C Adair, Mr Brown, Mrs M Montgomery, Ms A Cherry, Mrs J Karney, Mr A Lewis (secretary). Christmas Ballot and Tuck Shop raised £305.77. School thanks the committee for their excellent support! ‘Bags for School’ Clothing Collections raised £252. Thanks to all contributors!

Hearts Disco raised £199.76. A really excellent event! May Fair raised £424.80. A real buzz around all stalls this year! Lisburn Fun Run raised £610. Congratulations to all those who took part! Expenditure was mainly on consumables for children’s activities. We are grateful to the Parent/Teacher Association, especially the committee, for their hard work in planning and organising special events and to Mr Lewis, who gave much time and energy into the establishment and supporting of this new group.

The PupilsThe enrolment for School and Nursery for the 2012/2013 school year was:Nursery – 26 Primary – 150Average attendance: Nursery – 91.4%. Primary – 94.4% Full-attendance awards were presented by Mr G Wood, our vice-chairman, to twelve children

Transfer 2013Children transferred to the following schools:

Forthill College 11 Hunterhouse College 3 Malone College 1 Methodist College 1 Wallace High 1

Record of AchievementAt a special assembly, P7 were presented with their ‘Record of Achievement’ by Mr Mark Batchelor, to celebrate not only their academic work but also their achievements as regards sport, music, drama, art, membership of clubs and organisations, and their contribution to the life of the school.

12

The CurriculumAll classes are involved in the implementation of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. At the Foundation stage, teaching and learning enriches children’s experience and their development of early literacy and mathematic skills. It provides for their creative and personal development, encourages learning through social interaction and play and promotes independent learning and problem-solving. In Key Stage One (P3 and P4) and in Key Stage Two (P5, 6 and 7), children continue to develop their thinking skills and personal capabilities and they develop important cross-curricular skills in Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT. Children are engaged with their teachers and each other in understanding and assessing their learning and they are encouraged to develop good life skills, attitudes and dispositions. The main Areas of Learning are: The Arts (Music, Drama, Art), Language and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU), Physical Development, The World Around Us (History, Geography, Science) and Religious Education. Children’s progress in these subjects is continuously assessed and parents receive an annual report. Our staff welcomes the breadth of education these subjects imply and they are dedicated to providing up-to-date and interesting learning experiences.

End of Key Stage Assessment 2012/13When children are at the end of year 4 and year 7 in Northern Ireland, teachers are required to make formal assessments of their work in English and Mathematics. Children at primary school are usually working between Levels 1 to 5. The majority of children at the end of Key Stage 1 (year 4) will be working at Level 2. Most children at the end of Key Stage 2 (year 7) will be at Level 4. The government requires schools to publish the results relating to average and above average performance. We are pleased to record our results for the school year ending June 2013.

Results of End of Key Stage Assessment for the school year 2012/13

Key Stage One

Level W Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 2+ENGLISHDPS Target set - 28.57 42.86 28.57 71.43%DPS Achieved - 19.05 61.91 19.04 80.95%N. Ireland 0.85 9.64 70.91 18.59 89%MATHSDPS Target set - 4.76 71.43 23.81 95.24%DPS Achieved 14.29 61.90 23.81 85.71%N. Ireland 0.75 9.03 71.00 19.22 90.22%

13

Key Stage Two

LevelW Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Total Level 4+

ENGLISHDPS Target set - 17.7 82.3 0 82.3%DPS Achieved 35 47 18 65%N. Ireland 0.10 0.52 3.93 18.91 60.12 16.43 76.55%MATHSDPS Target set - 35.3 64.7 0 64.7%DPS Achieved 41 35 24 59%N. Ireland 0.10 0.52 3.55 17.91 55.03 22.90 77.93%

The Department of Education has asked schools to include the following statement with their results this year:‘Please note that from the 2012/13 school year, all schools assess pupils using the more challenging Levels of Progression. Due to the more demanding nature of the Levels of Progression, the outcomes for some pupils are likely to seem lower than might have been the case if assessment has been carried out using the previous system of assessment. 2012/13 outcomes are therefore not directly comparable with results in previous years’

SportThe whole school developed a multi-skills approach to teaching physical education through a programme led by Miss Edgar and supported by John Devlin from Sport N.I. P5, P6 and P7 received professional coaching in Tag Rugby and Football. ‘Galaxy’ provided coaching in dodge ball, football and dance . Children demonstrated their new ‘dance’ skills to parents and friends. P6 and P7 joined with St. Colmans Primary, Lambeg, in ootball coaching sessions at Kilmakee Centre. We held Key Stage Two sporting tournaments for dodge ball, football and tag rugby. The Activ 8 adventure team reminded P4, P5 and P6 children of the importance of keeping fit and healthy and they participated in fencing, soft archery and tug of war. The school secured coaching in swimming at Olympia Leisure Centre for P5, 6 and 7. Seymour Hill’s Extended Schools Project was able to fund some additional sports coaching for children from Seymour Hill, St Colmans and Dunmurry Primary. The PTA organised pupils and parents to enter Lisburn Fun Run. We aim to interest and involve all children who are physically able in some form of active participation in sport, through the provisions we make during curriculum time, in after-school activities, and for P7 during their activity week at the Share Centre.

14

Sports made available this year were: Archery*, Athletics, Canoeing*, Football, Mountain Biking, Orienteering*, Swimming, Wall Climbing*, Tag Rugby(*Activities at the Share Centre)

MusicCongratulations to children who passed examinations of the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music. Violin: Grade 1 – Annabel Philips, Finn Laverty,

Amber John (with merit), Josue Stone (with merit). Clarinet: Grade 1 – Joshua Chandrakumar (with merit).

Thanks to our music tutors, Mrs Doherty (strings) and Mrs Briggs (woodwind) Congratulations also to the Orchestra and School Choir who performed so well throughout this year, particularly at the Christmas Concert. Congratulations to the choir, inspired and directed by Mr Lewis and Mrs Shaw, who competed at the Lisburn Primary School Choir competition and sang really beautifully. Sincere thanks to Miss Bridget for her assistance in preparing the children and to Mrs H Lewis for expertise in sign language which the children used to great effect. In June our choir were asked to sing for the annual ‘War on Want Volunteers’ Day’ and received much praise for the quality of their singing. We enjoyed our annual ‘Musical Morning’ in June and once again proved that Dunmurry Primary’s ‘Got Talent’. Even the teachers were able to put on a good act but the children really stole the show! Modern LanguagesMrs Liliana Zanker provided weekly lessons for all classes P1 to P7, supported by the class teachers. Miss Edgar organised three special language weeks in order to support learning in Spanish and to allow the exploration of other languages. At the end of the year Mrs Zanker provided a party with Spanish food. We are very grateful for the commitment and energy that Mrs Zanka gives to her teaching of the children. Our Modern Language development in Spanish has been professionally acknowledged and the video of our work produced this year was transmitted to a large conference of language tutors.

PDMUThis year we introduced a new programme called ‘Roots Of Empathy’, which has received interest throughout the world and which we were keen to explore. Mrs Sloan, our Primary One Classroom Assistant, attended comprehensive training in the programme and was supported by experts in Canada as she implemented the programme with our Primary Five. The scheme follows the progress of a mother and child during the first year and we are very grateful to Julie Addis and baby Brooke who gave the children a special insight into child development and at the same time an opportunity to explore their own

15

emotional responses and their personal relationships. One of the Canadian directors of the programme visited our school and was very impressed with Mrs Sloan, who is to be congratulated on her excellent leadership of the project. P5 presented a special assembly at the end of the year to tell everyone about the project and to thank baby Brooke and her Mum.

After-school ActivitiesThis year we offered: Athletics Club, Computer Club, Dance Club, Drama Club, Football Club, Scripture Union, Spanish Club and Environmental Club. Galaxy Coaching offered : dodgeball, gymnastics, dance

Premises and GroundsNew cabling was installed to allow faster and more effective internet access for our ICT system. Major work in re-roofing of the library and cloakrooms was undertaken and has provided a much upgraded exterior. A new Art room was established by Mrs Shaw and work was supported by all the teaching and non-teaching staff. The Wildlife Garden is developing well and much use was made during this year of Its textured pathway, sensory plants, wild flowers, willow dome and wildlife habitat. The pond area and planting area also saw increased use as we made concerted efforts to expand the opportunities for outdoor education. Work was carried out in the pond area to clear brambles and the pool was re-lined. Re-marking of the staff car park was carried out. External painting of the school was carried out. The annual testing of all electrical equipment was carried out. General maintenance, plumbing and electrical repairs were carried out and Governors wish to commend the work of Mr Doole who is reliable and vigilant in his monitoring of all areas and systems. The grounds were well maintained by the SEELB maintenance team.

SecurityThe Governors continue to monitor security requirements. Timetabled openings and closures ensure a reduction in the number of entrance/exit points. We have special safety locks on exit doors. CCTV and security door systems monitor visitors’ access to the front and the back entrance and to the Nursery. The school is alarmed and there is intruder monitoring in all areas. Property is security marked. Parents co-operate fully with the school in affording the children a secure environment.

16

Financial statement 2012/2013The school’s budget is calculated by the South Eastern Education and Library Board, using a formula that applies to all schools in its area. The main element in the formula is the number of pupils in the school.

The budget delegated to the school for the 2012/2013 financial year was: £538,454 The expenditure amounted to: £492,582 At the end of the 2012/13 financial year the Carry Forward was: £45,872

School fund 2012/2013This fund includes income from parents and friends gained through fund-raising efforts, sale of photographs, uniform, etc. The money is used for a variety of purposes in support of the work of the school, including the purchase of additional books and equipment, sports entry fees, trophies, prizes, etc. Examples of expenditure this year: the development of the wildlife garden, transport for educational visits for all classes, entrance fees to places of interest, Spanish lessons, equipment and books, visitors to the school sharing activities or topics of interest with children, art workshops, trophies and awards, nursery equipment, playground equipment, supplementary educational books and equipment.

C/F 2011/12 £7,198.95Income £23,376.74Expenditure £22,766.01Current Account Balance Aug. 2013: £7809.68

Business Reserve Account Balance August 2013: £5,414.38

Donations We are very grateful to Professor Alan Woodside, who donated the Barnabas Award, a charming award for friendship.

Fund Raising The May Fair raised £1,310.49 The Christmas Concert raised £895.10Sainsbury’s vouchers provided playground equipment for P1, P2 and P3 and new bats, balls and footballs.

CharitiesThe following contributions were made:British Legion Poppy Appeal Harvest – Harvest Gifts of food to the Salvation Army Dean’s Appeal: £212.42Cancer Fund for Children: £127.91Book Aid International: £119.00

17

The Church Army: £20.00

IN CONCLUSION, WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK PARENTS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOL. WE THANK ALL THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN TIME, MONEY OR EFFORT TO HELPING US PROVIDE FOR THE CHILDREN OF DUNMURRY PRIMARY SCHOOL AND DUNMURRY NURSERY UNIT.

18