Hornbill SchoolHornbill School

BruneiBrunei

Parents’ HandbookParents’ Handbook

20162016--20172017

www.hornbillschool.com

2 Welcome to Hornbill School

Dear Parent/Guardian

I am delighted to welcome you to Hornbill School and look forward to many

years of working together in partnership to secure the best possible future for

your child.

This handbook is written to provide practical information for parents of

children joining our school. It will enable parents to have a deeper

understanding of the school organisation, the staff and the everyday running of

our school. Our staff want all new children to settle into school happily and

confidently.

We place great value on the role parents play in their child’s education and want

all parents to feel part of our school community. We hope this practical guide

will be of particular help to you in the early days when there is much to find

out, but we would encourage you to keep it safe and refer back to it from time

to time when a new question arises. Equally, we would be grateful if you could

let us know if there is something you feel should be added to the guide.

Suggestions are always welcome and everyone’s experience is different.

Our dedicated and caring staff members are always pleased to answer queries,

and we have open evenings as well as an annual written report which tells of

individual progress and invites comments from parents. I am usually able to see

parents when required but it is helpful if parents can make an

appointment through the school office. We feel that if you have concerns

about your child it is important to let us know before they become problems.

We want all children to come to school happy and feeling secure and safe.

Working together we will help your child to do his or her very best.

I look forward to getting to know your children and to seeing them grow and

learn during their time here at Hornbill School.

Kathy Wood MBE M.Ed

Headteacher

3 School Governance Committee (SGC)

Hornbill School Staff

GOVERNOR Main Role

Maj Alan Pibworth Chairperson

Dr Huw Morgan-Davies Vice Chairperson

Mrs Kathy Wood MBE Headteacher

Mr Craig Gill Deputy Headteacher

Mr Rajesh Thapa Deputy Headteacher

Maj Chandra Bahadur Pun Gurkha Major

Maj Bir Bahadur Gurung SO2 G1 Welfare/SSO

Sgt Matthew Carse Parent representative (FS2)

Sgt Bikash Gurung Parent representativie (Y1)

Cpt Phil Wilkinson Parent representative (Y5)

Mr Kenny Lawrie School Business Leader

Mrs Asa Ale Magar LSA representative

CSgt Naresh Gurung Unit Welfare Officer

Mrs Liz Measom Assistant Headteacher

WO2 Kul Bahadur Ghale Parent representative (Y2)

Headteacher Kathy Wood MBE

DHT

Deputy Headteacher(B) Craig Gill

Deputy Headteacher(N) Rajesh Thapa

AHT

AHT - Phase 3 TBC

AHT - Phase 2 Liz Measom

AHT - Phase 1 Terri Turton

FS1

FS1 Monkey CFBT Janine Maxwell

FS1 Caterpillar Nia Russo

FS1 NST Aparna Chhetri Pokharel

FS2

FS2 Leopard Julie Bonner

FS2 Crab Juliett Veljic

FS2 NST Meera Rijal

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Year 1

Y1 Bear Sffia Robinson

Y1 Turtle Yasmin Russel

Y1 NST Mr. Niwesh Limbu

Year 2

Y2 Seahorse Lo-Ami Nel

Y2 Octopus Amanda Donald

Y2 NST Mr. Susheel Shahi

Year 3

Y3 Seaurchin Mike Crichton

Y3 Flamingo Julian Millward

Y3 NST Tikaram Thapa

Year 4

Y4 Woodpecker Niresh Shivarajah

Y4 Gibbon Andrew Smith

Y4 NST Gyanendra Banks

Year 5

Y5 Scorpion Peter Stringer

Y5 Mantis Kieran Leaby

Y5 NST Sarvagya Mani Pradhan

Year 6

Y6 Gecko Jo Brown

Y6 Otter Jon Robinson

Y6 NST Sujata Dewan

Specialist Teachers

Music/Science Specialist Matthew Kenworthy

NST ICT Specialist Mr. Govinda Gurung

Inclusion/SENCo Liz Measom

PE & Swimming Specialist Laura Hunter

Specialist Arts and Music Simon Brown

Modern Foreign Languages Amy Grieve

Keyworkers

FS1 Monkey Shusma Gurung

FS1 Monkey Rachel McGinley

FS1 Monkey Faranisese Kasami

FS1 Caterpillar Alison Taylor

FS1 Caterpillar Rachana Poudel Niraula

FS1 Caterpillar Mamta Gurung

FS1 Caterpillar Sushma Tangnami

Classroom based LSAs

FS2 Leopard Deepa Paija/Laxmi Rana

FS2 Crab Suja Ale Pun.

Y1 Turtle Amrita Gurung

Y1 Bear Durga Rai

Y2 Aniela Collishaw/Katie Louw

Y3 Asha Gurung

Y4 Toni Beacock

5

Classroom based LSAs

Y5 Asa Ale Magar

Y6 Joe Parker

Specialist LSAs

ICT Technician Freddie Chan

LSA ICT and UfC Shanti Gurung

Library & School Assets Matthew Cook

Library & FS Millan Shahi

Intervention LSA Traude Morgan-Davies

Sports Hall

UfC Asa Ale Magar, Shanti Gurung

SEN Support LSA Premlata Gurung

Arts LSA Reena Gurung

Intervention/Admin LSA Sarah Stout

Intervention/Admin LSA Kalpana Ghale

LSA Admin support

Supply

Key Worker Sina Shrestha

LSA Alison Pibworth

Office Staff

School Secretary Sujit Lama

School Secretary Diya Gurung

Cohort Tracking Julie Gill

Purchasing Officer Jess Soo

Facilitiies Officer Saiful Husain

HR Officer William Li

Caretakers

Caretaker Mrs Norzaleha bte Abdullah

Caretaker Mrs Kerinah Ak Tuwat

Caretaker Mrs Martini Bte Suwat

Caretaker Liew Nyet Ngoh

Caretaker Madam Kong Seet Fen (Jo)

Caretaker Nur Amma Ara Binti Khalim Clement

Caretaker Ubong Ngau Jok

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STORY OF THE SCHOOL

Hornbill School is an exciting and fast developing new school that caters for

both Nepali children of Gurkha soldiers and children of serving British military

and civilian MOD personnel. Hornbill School is a primary school with a capacity

to accommodate 500-550 children at present from 3 - 11 years of age. The

school was previously situated on a split site with the Foundation Stage housed

8km away from the Main Site. Over the past year a great deal of developments

took place with regards to the new build and since April 2011 the school is now

all on one location. The school is pleasantly located in the centre of the main

housing area, close to the swimming pool, medical centre and NAAFI. Children

who are unable to walk to school travel on organised buses.

The school follows the National Curriculum for England for all children. The

principal teaching is English, with variations for Nepali children to meet their

own national requirements and preserve familiarity with their first language and

culture. The school is administered and controlled by HQ Service Children’s

Education (HQ SCE) in Wegberg, Germany, and maintains a higher than average

academic performance. British teachers at the school are UK trained and

employed as “UK-based civilians” within the Ministry of Defence. They are

recruited from both SCE schools in other Commands and from civilian UK

schools. The Nepali Specialist Teachers are degree qualified and are recruited

directly from Nepal for employment in Brunei and enhance the curriculum with

their British colleagues. Like all SCE schools, Hornbill School is subject to

inspections from OFSTED. Our school was graded outstanding in our last

OFSTED Inspection and the report can be located on the Ofsted web site as

well as our own.

Prior to the opening of the new school in September 2003, there were two

schools serving the British British Forces Brunei in Seria. Seria Service

Children’s School provided mainly for children of British military and civilian

personnel. The Gurkha Children's English School provided education for

children of Gurkhas serving in Seria with the British Army. The amalgamation of

the two schools with distinct cultural needs has been a tremendous success.

We improved the outdoor learning provision, landscaped the environment to

encourage reflective and first hand learning and improved the administrative

and staff areas of the school. Our staff members are talented and committed

to school improvement and keen to drive forward change and improvements with

energy and enthusiasm. Parents, the British Forces Brunei and the SGC

committee members are highly supportive and again committed to the success

of the school at all levels.

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We are also very proud of our specialist sports facilities with extensive grounds.

The Garrison Swimming Pool has been refurbished and this is a wonderful resource

for us to draw upon. Our Extended Learning Programme is a strength of the school

as we organise and lead over 50 after-school activities for our children.

In addition to the activities offered by Hornbill School, there is a wide range of

opportunities for physical activity for both adults and children in the wider

community. These include swimming, Taekwando, football, dance, hashing, cycling,

golf, sailing, tennis, squash. For further details please contact the Garrison Gym,

the Panaga Club, BSR Club.

ORGANISATION

The children are organised, where possible, into single age groups throughout the

school with favourable pupil teacher ratios to allow for the special circumstances

of combining two distinct curricula. Children who have passed their third birthday

are admitted in the next academic term (part time) to our large FS1 setting, if

they passed their fourth birthday by 1st September are admitted full time into

Foundation Stage 2 at the beginning of the school year.

All classes have a UK-trained teacher and each year team has a Nepali Specialist

Teacher. Year groups are split into Phases (Phase 1 = Foundation Stage for children

aged 3 to 5 and Year 1; Phase 2 = Year 2 to 4; Phase 3 = Year 5 and Year 6) and

each Phase is led by an Assistant Headteacher who oversees the daily management

and organisation of his/her particular group of children.

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Values and Aims of Hornbill School Our unique multi-cultural school provides a happy, safe and

friendly environment in which to learn and work and reach high

standards. Pupils, parents, and staff work in partnership to

create and maintain an atmosphere where the following values

and principles are encouraged and promoted at all times:

CARE and CONCERN for the safety and well being for each other and our

school;

COURTESY and respect towards all people in school;

CONSIDERATION and valuing of others;

CO-OPERATION, accepting the contribution and collaboration of everyone

builds success for all.

CREATIVITY, innovation and CHALLENGE, having the COURAGE,

COMMITMENT and CONFIDENCE to make a difference.

CELEBRATION, to value our own achievements as well as sharing the success of

others;

CITIZENSHIP, to appreciate the different values and cultural differences

that make up our world, and make children aware of their place within a

‘Flying High’ Working Together to Build a

Successful Future for All

Safeguarding Children

At Hornbill School, the health, safety and well-being of every child is our paramount

concern. We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. Our aim is that

children will enjoy their time as pupils in this school.

We want to work in partnership with you to help your child to achieve their full potential

and make a positive contribution.

On rare occasions our concern about a child may mean that we have to consult other

agencies even before we contact you. The procedures, which we follow, have been laid

down by the Service Children's Education, and the school has adopted a Child Protection

Policy in line with this for the safety of all. If you want to know more about our

procedures or the policy, please speak to the Headteacher or your child’s class teacher

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AIMS OF HORNBILL SCHOOL At Hornbill School we aim to:

Engage the hearts and minds of our children by offering every child access to a

dynamic, enriched and inclusive curriculum which is inspiring and relevant to the

needs of our diverse community. Such a curriculum would include all the

requirements of the English National Curriculum and the essential elements of

the Nepali National Curriculum for the Nepali children.

Ensure learning and teaching is of a high quality and is planned and managed so

that every child is supported and challenged. In this way all children are

prepared with the essential tools for learning, giving them the appropriate

foundations for future success in life.

Work creatively with both local and global communities to ensure our school

continues to be a learning place where children and staff develop, the

curriculum continues to change and improve over time, and resources are

available flexibly and imaginatively.

Provide equality of opportunity for all so that learning can be accessed by all

children, whatever their background or abilities, and within and beyond the

classroom and school day.

We have eight ‘Can Do’ aims which are shared with the children.

I can learn to play a

musical instrument. I can learn to swim.

I can learn a modern foreign

language.

I can have a voice and be heard.

I can learn in a stimulating and exciting environment.

I can look after the world for

future generations.

I can use ICT imaginatively to extend my world and share knowledge & experiences with others

I can assess my own

work, set my own

target and take my

next steps

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Partnership with parents and our children underpins all that we do. We believe that

the partnership between home and school plays a vital role in ensuring that we

provide the very best education, environment and example for all our children.

We believe that all members of our community should be equally valued and at the

same time have an equal responsibility and part to play in helping our children to

develop into independent, responsible and caring individuals. We are committed to

the further development of vibrant links with the community. We believe that

children learn best when they are excited and engaged in their learning. A whole

school approach to the celebration of individual and collective success and to

maintaining good discipline and high expectations is promoted at all levels.

We are committed to the continual development of all the staff members as we

share together the responsibility for the further success of our school.

The Headteacher and staff, with Service Children’s Education and the School

Governance Committee work strategically and with accountability and

responsibility for the promotion of high standards of educational achievement

in the school.

Parents working with their children in school.

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We welcome parents and members of the community into our classes at many

times throughout the year. Once such time is at the beginning and ending of our

themed learning.

Each time the children embark on a new theme we hold a Launch Pad activity.

This is carried out along side our Participating Parents Programme.

Themes are ‘launched’ in each year group at the start of

every term. The launch is designed to be as hands-on as

possible with a focus on discovering and finding out

about the theme. In most cases themes are launched

with a field trip or visitor coming into school. Being so

far away from museums and education centres the

staff members at Hornbill have to be very creative

here!

As with all things that ‘launch’, our themes also ‘land’! At the

end of each theme, pupils prepare a Landing Pad to share

their learning from the theme. Parents and friends are in-

vited into the classroom to look at pupils’ work, watch a

presentation or short play etc. Landing Pads give pupils the

opportunity to participate in an event or activity that has

been prepared or discussed during the theme.

During the Landing Pad, teachers assess children’s knowledge of the theme

through quizzes and formative assessment. Pupils also have the opportunity to self

assess by looking at the ‘can do’ statements, which were covered during the

theme, and decide if they have achieved the statement or if they think they need

more input on it.

Parents receive details of routines and curriculum coverage for the year ahead in

a separate handbook.

Launch Pads usually take the whole day and prompt discussion from pupils as they

begin to understand what they will be learning over the coming weeks. It is at this

point that pupils are asked to write questions about the theme, based on what

they want to find out or how they want their learning to take shape.

Parents are invited to participate in all Launch Pad activities and to offer any

previous knowledge that they may have relating to the theme. This also gives

parents a chance to work closely with their children in a school environment.

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Partnership between home and school At Hornbill School we believe that the school, parents and children play

important roles in the welfare and progress children make. We all share equal

responsibilities. This belief underpins our discipline and behaviour policy.

The responsibilities of the school

To teach effectively, and to set the highest standards in work and

behaviour

To give opportunities for children to develop their individual strengths

To care for each child as a good parent of a large family

To help children to make a contribution to the community and the

environment

To encourage regular communication between home and school.

The responsibilities of parents

To make sure that children come to school regularly, on time, and in

school uniform, refreshed, alert and ready to work. The school MUST

be informed of any absences immediately at Military extension 3214.

To support the children’s learning by taking an interest in their work

To support the authority of the school particularly in matters of

discipline

To support actively their children’s use of leisure time, activities and

entertainment.

The responsibilities of the children

To come to school on time, prepared for the day, and ready to work

To behave with courtesy and consideration towards others in the

school

To seek help from the teachers or other adults if problems arise

To take an active part in their own education – sharing in planning,

setting of tasks, and review of achievement.

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VISITS TO THE SCHOOL

Prospective parents are welcome to come and talk with the Headteacher about

the school and visit the classrooms and the Foundation Site. Please ask for an

appointment. Parents of children starting in the Foundation Site will have an

opportunity to meet the Assistant Headteacher on an individual basis.

ADMISSIONS TO SCHOOL Children enter Hornbill School the term after their third birthday and remain

with us until they transfer to secondary school at 11 years old. The school

admissions policy is in accordance with the Service Children’s Education Policy.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARENTS TO SEE THE HEADTEACHER OR STAFF

Normally both the Headteacher and Staff are available on an informal basis to

consult with parents after school. Special times can be organised through the

individual teacher or with the Headteacher via the office by prior arrangement.

During Term 1 and Term 2 every parent receives a formal invitation to meet

with the class teacher in order to discuss their child’s progress. In the third

term all parents are given a separate annual report which provides a summary

of their child’s attainment and progress throughout the year.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE If parents are unhappy with respect to any aspect of their child’s progress

they should discuss their anxiety with the class teacher, and only then, if still

concerned, with the Headteacher. More general concerns about the school

should be directed to the Headteacher.

SCE complaints procedures and SCE Parents’ Leaflets can be accessed at

www.sceschools.com and on the school website.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education lessons.

The school follows the SCE agreed Religious Education syllabus which takes a

multi-faith approach. Should you wish to discuss this further, please contact

Mr Rajesh Thapa, Deputy Headteacher (Nepal) or Mr Craig Gill, Deputy

Headteacher (UK).

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WORKING TOGETHER- HOME SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP We encourage a close relationship between parents and the school. Children’s

progress is always much better when we work together. We keep parents

informed through our regular newsletters or radio news every Friday. Each class

teacher for the children in his/her class holds a meeting during the first term.

Class teachers also write a letter to parents with information about the

curriculum to be covered that term and routines for that particular class.

The part parents play in their child’s education is vital. Encouragement and

interest in your child’s education and school life are essential and will help your

child to fulfil his or her potential. We work to achieve a situation where

parents and teachers can approach each other with ease and talk about issues

concerning them. Honesty and understanding in our relationship enable the

children in our care to feel secure in the knowledge that home and school are

working together as partners. We have a legal responsibility to provide a home

school agreement statement that we ask parents and children to sign and return

to school for inclusion with your child’s personal record.

There are many ways in which you can prepare and support your child in school.

We need parents to:

Be positive about school - we feel that if you have concerns about your

child it is important to let us know before they become problems. We want

all children to come to school happy and feeling secure and safe.

Help your child by showing an active interest in books and other activities

that your child brings home from school.

Support the behaviour policy of the school - our school rules are kept to a

minimum and are based on principles which encourage positive and sociable

behaviour. We reward good behaviour and have a whole school STAR

reward system that is enthusiastically supported by the children. Please

read through the parent’s guide to our behaviour policy with your child

before they start school and regularly ask them about how well they are

doing. If you have any queries please talk to the class teacher. The full

behaviour policy, which encompasses these aims and principles and states

how they are put into practice, is available on request at the school office.

Encourage your child to be independent both physically and emotionally.

The separate ‘Starting School’ welcome pack offers practical advice on

how this can be achieved.

Offer help on visits.

Support and co-operate with school policies and routines.

Help out in classrooms.

Support Hornbill Helping Hands.

Last but not least:

We need parents to be ambassadors for Hornbill School.

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Timing of the School Day and Registration Activities

Foundation Stage 1 (Phase 1)

First session commences : 0815 hours

School day finishes : 1115 hours

Foundation Stage 2 (Phase 1)

First session commences at : 0815 hours

School day finishes : 1330 hours

Phase 2 & 3 (Year 1 to Year 6)

Teachers supervising from : 0730 hours

First session commences : 0745 hours

1st break : 0930 – 0950 hours

2nd break : 1140 – 1200 hours

School day finishes for Phase 2 & 3 : 1330 hours

Phase 2 and 3 children should arrive in school only after 0730 hours

as playground areas are supervised by teachers only from 0730 hours.

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Illness in school

Although we do the best we can to manage minor illnesses in terms of providing

a quiet place, when we suspect illness, parents are contacted by telephone.

Please ensure that you keep us up to date with appropriate work and emergency

contact phone numbers. Sick children are cared for until their parent arrives.

Accidents

Minor cuts/grazes and so on are dealt with in school. Many of our staff have a

first aid qualification and can administer basic first aid.

More serious accidents are reported to parents as soon as possible. If parents

are not immediately available, the school will make the arrangements that are

deemed necessary at the time. The child is then seen by staff at the MRS.

Personal Hygiene

At school we can only encourage children to develop good habits of personal

cleanliness. Establishing good regular habits of hygiene is of course, a parental

responsibility. If your child however has difficulty in changing clothes or

visiting the toilet then please let his or her teacher know, who will then be able

to deal with this matter sensitively. Every child should bring a clean

handkerchief or tissues to school each day. If your child needs spectacles,

please ensure they are worn every day.

Looking after your child: Child Protection

Our first priority is your child’s welfare. In most cases good communication

ensures both home and school are fully aware of any difficulties or concerns.

However, in rare instances there may be an occasion when our concern about

your child means that we have to consult other agencies even before we contact

you. There are very clear procedures set down by SCE and British Forces

Brunei, which we follow should circumstances dictate.

17

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Parents are responsible for ensuring that children attend school regularly and

that they arrive on time, properly attired, and in a condition to learn. Children

are expected to remain on the school premises during school hours. They will

not be allowed to leave under any circumstances unless accompanied by a known

adult. Whilst on school premises it is necessary to walk at all times and in

classrooms to ensure maximum safety for all.

Schools are required to account for all absences and lateness on school

registers. Unless these are explained or are accounted for they must be

treated as unauthorised absences. Please let us know the reason for an absence

as soon as possible. We require a short letter, (or in emergencies a telephone

conversation) to explain a child’s absence from school, or to request that he/she

be excused from games, swimming etc. A request form for holidays during

school times is available from the office. Please do try to avoid planned

absences during term time as this will have an effect on a child’s academic

achievements and may be highly significant during the year that children are

taking national tests.

Parents are given information about their own child’s absence record in the

annual school report. The computer programme and procedures within school

provide us with detailed information about the sort of absences that occur. The

Unit Education Officer (UEO) monitors attendance records termly. Where the

school has concerns about a child’s continuing unauthorised absence, the

relevant Unit Welfare Officer will be asked to pursue the matter.

SECURITY The school security arrangements are reviewed and monitored on a termly basis

at staff and School Governing Committee level. To minimise risk to children and

adults the following arrangements are in place:

If you wish to take your child out of school during the school day for any

appointments or see your child to pass on a message, you must report to

reception and inform the office before proceeding to the classroom. This

ensures we are all aware of who is on site and in contact with children.

All visitors are asked to sign in and out, and to carry an identification tag.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Hornbill School is a non – smoking establishment and supports those wishing to

give up smoking. Information about giving up smoking, is available from the MRS

and www.ash.org.uk. To help promote good health within the school all SCE

premises now have a non-smoking policy. We therefore ask all adults coming

onto school to refrain from smoking.

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Only working dogs are allowed on school grounds. We ask that any bicycles

ridden to school should be road worthy and that safety helmets are worn.

Where practicable, children are encouraged to walk to school. Road Safety

workshops help to ensure that children and adults adhere to basic safety

precautions. Parents, whose children walk to school unaccompanied, should

ensure that their children are safe to do so. Road Safety advice can be sought

from the RMP and/ or QOGLR.

At the end of the school day

At the end of the school day children in Phase 1 (Foundation Stage One and

Two) should be collected from their class. Staff will take all children who

travel on the bus directly to the bus and hand them over to the relevant bus

escorts. Children in Phase 2 and 3 (Year 1 — Year 6) will need to be met by

parents or bus escorts directly outside the school’s main front gate near the

Reception.

Children who are Year 1 to Year 3 and walking home need to be collected

parents at the side gate near the hard-surfaced playground. If your child is

in Year 4 to Year 6 and is walking home by himself/herself then you will need to

fill in the Walking Home Alone form available from the school office.

Children who were expecting to be met and are not, should report first to their

class teacher. Contact numbers provided by parents will then be used to follow

up the problem. Any child who is going to a friend’s house after school, who is

being collected by another child’s parent or requires different travel

arrangements needs to provide a consent letter from the consenting parent and

also liaise with the Bus Supervisor.

Medication in school

If a child needs medicine in the middle of the day they should return home or

parents should come to school to administer the medicine. If this course of

action is impossible and a doctor has advised that the medication is needed

during the day it will be administered by a member of the office staff or

Headteacher but only if the parent has visited the office and filled in the

appropriate forms. Prescribed medicines will be given at the discretion of the

Headteacher. Class teachers cannot accept or administer medicine brought into

school by children. This however, does not apply to children who need to use

inhalers for asthma. A copy of the ‘Policy for Managing Medication in School’ can

be requested from the school office.

Medical

If a child has a serious or recurring medical condition it is essential to let the

school know the details on admission, or later if a medical problem arises.

The school can offer parents and children advice on a range of professional

specialist services available in Brunei and beyond. These include, but are not

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SCHOOL UNIFORM

Hornbill School children have a school uniform, which they are proud to wear.

The uniform shows that they belong to our school and that they are

ambassadors who represent us and our standards, when they wear it during

visits and outside events.

Aertex top or white shirt/blouse (white polo shirt or white shirt/blouse

with Hornbill logo $15.00 each)

Grey shorts for boys (with elasticated back and buckle front $19.00)

Grey skirt for girls (with elasticated back and front pleat $19.00)

Orange gingham dress (light cotton dress $22.00)

PE T-shirt (Trifit orange/white polo shirt with Hornbill logo $18.00)

PE shorts (white shorts with elasticated waist and printed logo $17.00)

School Badge (with Hornbill logo on $2.00)

School Reading Bag (Orange Bag with School Logo on $8.50)

School Cap (orange with school logo on $9.00 and additional $5.00 if you

would like your child’s name printed)

All items are available from the school office. Children in FS1 do not wear

school uniform.

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Uniform for girls

21

Uniform for boys

22

PE uniform

Swimming kit

Please note that boys will

not be permitted to swim

in leisure style long

shorts as they cause

drag in the water and

do not enable correct

swimming

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Footwear

Children need to have suitable footwear for school, well fitting shoes, fastened

with laces, buckles or velcro, without pointed toes or high heels (no higher than

3cm). The modern heavily built type of trainers are not suitable for PE

activities for children whose feet are still growing. Children need to have a pair

of indoor shoes into which they can change but no flip flops will be allowed.

Please note that as of 26th August 2013 Crocs will no longer be accepted

as suitable foot-wear, as they do not provide enough grip when children use

the play equipment or while running. Uniform order form can be downloaded

from this link : www.hornbillschool.com/html/forms.html

Hair and school caps

If your child has long hair, please see that it is tied up so that it does not

impede their vision. Hair should look be of natural colour and bright dyes should

not be used unless authorised by the Headteacher as part of a fund-raising

event. For health and safety reasons, we encourage all children to wear school

caps while outside during break-times and other outdoor activities.

Art and Technology Activities

Where possible, we provide the younger children with a cover up apron but older

children need to cover up also. Old shirts make excellent art overalls and keep

our uniforms paint free.

Jewellery

No jewellery, other than a watch, is permitted in the interests of safety

and because a great deal of time is wasted looking for lost items. If

parents wish their child to have pierced ears, only studs are permitted but must

be removed by the parents/child on days of PE, Games and swimming. School

cannot be held responsible for injuries incurred from the wearing of earrings.

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PHOTOGRAPHS

Children may be photographed during their school activities. Sometimes these

photographs may appear in school publications. If you do not wish your child

to be photographed please let the Headteacher know. All parents are

asked to sign a consent form.

INTERNET We ask parents to sign the consent form included with the welcome pack and

return to school for inclusion with your child’s personal records.

BRINGING THINGS TO SCHOOL

MONEY It is important that if a child brings money to school for any reason that the

money is in a sealed envelope which has the child’s name and class teacher‘s

name and the amount written on it. This should be handed in to a member of

staff at the earliest opportunity.

TOYS AND VALUABLE POSSESSIONS Unless we have specifically requested that the children bring in artefacts,

toys, cards or card games from home to support class work these items are

not allowed in school. They lead to upset, argument and tears especially if

they are broken or go missing.

MORNING BREAK SNACK At morning break drinking water is available for the children, and they are

allowed a healthy snack of fruit or peeled vegetables. This should be kept in

the classroom and then eaten in one of the quiet areas of the playground.

Bins have been provided for this purpose. Cakes, sweets and chewing gum are

not allowed.

Children in Foundation Stage One and Two are offered a mid-session snack.

There is no need for them to bring food or drinks into school.

Through its Food Policy, Hornbill school encourages healthy eating. The

MRS/Garrison Chef/Snack Inspectors run regular workshops and

programmes to promote healthy eating. These support and enhance the

ongoing work carried out as part of the School’s PSED curriculum. Staff

monitor the food that children bring into school.

The School’s Food Policy, which is regularly audited and updated by the SGC,

parents, staff and children, is available in the front office, and is also on the

school website.

Each classroom has a water cooler, to which the children have free access.

Children are encouraged to drink regularly. They should bring a clean water

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PARENTS IN SCHOOL Hornbill School is your school and the staff and the School Governance

Committee (SGC) members are committed to working with you to ensure we

offer the best for your children.

All of the staff welcome parents, and are committed to the real value that

working with parents can have. Equally we hope that, parents will feel totally

committed and involved in our school. We rely on help and support of parents in

everything that we do. We are fortunate to have considerable parental

involvement in the day to day life of the school. Parents help in many different

ways, helping in the Foundation Stage, or the classroom with reading, cooking,

special talks, art and activities, out of school visits, offering artefacts for

displays, swimming and clubs. If you would like to help in any way please do

contact us, either via the class teacher or more generally through the school

office.

HORNBILL HELPING HANDS (HHH)

Hornbill Helping Hands is the name of our parent organisation. All staff and

parents are automatically members of the association. HHH plays an active part

in school life and holds regular meetings that anyone can attend, to plan the

programme of annual events. The group aims to foster relationships between

home and school and through a variety of enjoyable activities provide additional

funds for the school. Members of the committee are elected annually at the

AGM in the spring term. Our HHH association ensures that we have a real

sense of belonging to a lively and friendly community. To date HHH has been

instrumental in raising additional funds for the school to pay for some of the

extras we feel our children deserve. If you are interested in becoming a part of

our HHH and be involved in organising fund-raising events then please contact

the school secretary at military extension 3214.

FAMILY LEARNING PROGRAMME

This highly successful programme is organised for all parents once a month. The

aim is to share with parents some of strategies we use in teaching and learning

and help parents develop more confidence in supporting their child in their

learning at home. Sessions cover areas like Values-led curriculum, phonics,

reading, mathematics, Nepali reading and writing, ICT, E-Safety and using the

environment to enhance learning at home.

26 OUR FOUNDATION STAGE (LEARNING PHASE 1)

The Foundation Stage education contributes to a child’s learning in the very

important first years. It builds on the achievements every child has already

made at home and helps the child to take the next step in becoming a valued

member of the wider school community. As an integral part of Hornbill School,

Foundation Stage children and staff benefit from all the resources of the

school, both the facilities and the development of relationships with children

and staff in the school. Our Foundation Stage aims to provide a secure and

supportive environment where all children can develop independence, self-

confidence and a positive attitude to learning.

The introduction of the Foundation Stage (previously known as nursery and

reception classes) recognised this very special stage of children’s development

and identified it as a distinct stage within curriculum development. It clearly

set out and firmly established the ‘Early Learning Goals’ in six areas of learning

as a common framework for early years provision.

The Foundation Stage staff work extremely closely with parents who are seen

as partners. We all value what parents have achieved and we want to share in

your child’s continued development and progress during the Foundation Stage.

Parents are involved in Foundation Stage activities in many ways. We recognise

that all children are different and their experiences will have been varied. This

is what makes every child special. We aim to provide a learning environment

that offers equal opportunities for all children.

In our Foundation Stage learning through play happens everywhere and all of

the time. We carefully plan play activities and the use of resources in order to

provide opportunities for the teaching of skills and for the child to experiment,

practise and consolidate their learning. Children are given time to succeed,

encouragement to persevere and praise for achievement.

The role of adults is carefully and purposefully planned. They are involved in

teaching, observing and intervening to assist learning, assessing and recording

progress throughout every session. This ensures children’s individual needs for

support and progression are met.

When children have reached the age of five they may have achieved many of

the ‘Early Learning Goals’ and be working towards others. They will have

developed confidence and independence and know that they are valued members

of the group. The children are proud of their achievements and know that their

own success is important. Most importantly, our children move on from their

Foundation Stage experience excited by the new challenges ahead of them and

they are keen and eager to learn.

Early

Learning

Goals

27 THE CURRICULUM At Hornbill School we aim to provide for all children a life long education which equips

them well for their future. Our curriculum is designed to provide the best possible

learning opportunities, experiences and outcomes for all our children. By that, we would

want every child to be able to play a full, active and confident role in our society and to

develop the personal and social skills alongside an understanding of a range of subject

areas. The school bases its curriculum on the school aims, the requirements of the

National Curriculum, SCE Curriculum statement, and our understanding of how children

learn. It includes, therefore, not only the lesson content, but also aspects and values

not defined in national legislation such as independence, perseverance, self-discipline,

co-operation, and respect for others. We offer a curriculum that is both broad and

balanced within which each child can build steadily and systemically on previous work and

experiences.

All pupils aged 5 to 16 are required to study the National Curriculum. For primary aged

children, the National Curriculum consists of core subjects, English, Mathematics, and

Information Communication Technology (ICT), together with foundation subjects:

Science, History, Geography, Art, Music, Design Technology, Physical Education (PE),

Physical Development Health & Wellbeing (PDHW) and the statutory subject of

Religious Education. All children learn these subjects as they pass through Key Stage 1

(ages 5 to 7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7 to 11). Although the curriculum is divided into

subjects for the purposes of explanation, here at Hornbill School we have divided the

children’s learning into 6 areas of learning with an emphasis on the teaching and learning

of values and key skills:

Understanding English, Communication & Language

Mathematical & Logical Understanding

Historical, Geographical and Social Understanding

Understanding the Arts

Scientific & Technological Understanding

Understanding Physical Developments, Health & Wellbeing

A lot of the children’s work incorporates more than one subject area and falls under the

heading of Themed Learning. Children in our Foundation Stage follow the Early Years

Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum Guidance. Information regarding this highly

specific early year’s curriculum can be found in our ‘Starting School’ information guide.

Further details on the content of individual subjects and the whole curriculum offered

at Hornbill School can be found in our Prospectus.

We ensure the move from FS2 to Year 1 is a smooth and positive experience for all

concerned. Continuity of learning for our children is a priority. Opportunities are

timetabled for children to visit, meet and work with their new teachers. Meetings are

scheduled for teachers to comprehensively transfer all relevant information and

records concerning every child. Parents are invited to meet the new teachers, look at

the classroom and ask questions. We celebrate the children’s achievements in the

Foundation Stage and believe that by laying strong foundations and preparing them for

the move they continue to feel confident and enthusiastic about their abilities.

Classes are organised by age and within each class the children may learn as the whole

class, in groups at an appropriate level to them, or individually. Teachers use a variety of

teaching styles and methods in order to meet the curriculum needs of pupils. During a

school day groups may be organised by ability within or across classes, to enable the

children to be challenged in depth on a specific area of the curriculum.

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Our school maintains a policy of whole school planning to fulfil the national

requirements for the curriculum and to ensure continuity throughout the school.

The long and medium term plans, curriculum and assessment policies, DfCSF

related curriculum documents, and our most recent SGC’s Annual Report to

Parents are available on request through the school office.

Our teachers and support staff create classroom environments which promote

high standards and stimulate children’s interests. Displays play an important

role in helping children to learn as well as informing parents as to the nature of

the work undertaken. SCE and HQ Brunei British Forces Brunei have ensured

that there is a wealth of new and updated resources to support teaching and

learning in all classes across the school, and parents have an opportunity to view

these at curriculum meetings held throughout the year.

HOMEWORK During the children’s time at Hornbill School we encourage parental involvement

in their child’s education. This can range from informal work at home e.g.

enriching work in the classroom by visiting museums, to the more formal work in

homework books. We see homework linking home and school as an important

element in leading children to become self-disciplined learners at home. All

homework is related to the child’s age and need.

Throughout the school, parents support their children by sharing books brought

home in the child’s book bag. Younger children may take home key words, a

game, or maths activity. As children progress they are given regular spellings,

learning of times tables or topic related tasks. All children are expected to

read at home on a regular basis. In our ‘Starting School’ Welcome Pack you will

receive an informative guide ‘Reading Together at School and at Home’ and a

guide for parents in helping children with their handwriting. If you have any

queries regarding homework please talk to your child’s class teacher.

SWIMMING Every child from Foundation Stage Two to Year 6 participates in swimming as a

large part of our PE curriculum. These lessons are held at the Garrison

Swimming Pool. We are always grateful for any offers of help particularly

willingness to help non-swimmers in the water. Please contact the school should

you so wish.

We ask parents to help in the following way:

By always encouraging their child to take a full part in our swimming

programme.

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By providing trunks or costume, a pair of swimming goggles and a towel

every week.

Ensuring all jewellery is removed at home on swimming days.

By sending a written note if your child is medically unfit to participate in

swimming.

To consult us in case of any difficulty.

DAY VISITS Hornbill School prides itself on offering a range of first hand experiences that

enable children to successfully gain a wealth of knowledge and understanding in

an exciting and memorable way. Many activities that require the children to go

off site are planned into our everyday curriculum. Parents are asked to sign a

consent form at the beginning of the year to enable the school to take children

on local visits. Visits outside the immediate locality, and those involving

transport will involve a more detailed letter home.

ASSESSMENT We aim to offer all children the opportunity to show what they know,

understand and can do. Assessment of children is an important part of school

life. We believe children should be supported through the process of

assessment, and should not be fearful of it, since the purpose of it is to provide

information, which will aid the progress of the individual and should be viewed

positively.

Teacher assessment is a continuous practice that informs everyday planning and

helps to ensure continuity and progression in learning. More formal assessments

are undertaken termly in Mathematics and English and baseline assessments

are made on entry to school. Towards the end of each academic year children in

Year 2 and Year 6 undertake National Tests/Tasks and Years 3, 4 and 5

undertake a range of tests to inform our own system of target setting. This

information is used to plan pupil support and identify potential attainment for

the coming year.

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Targets relate to children’s social development as well as the core subjects.

They are shared with children and parents so that we can all work together to

raise standards of pupil attainment. Information about progress and support is

given through regular contact with the class teacher, review meetings, at termly

parents evening or by letter depending on the level of need.

We also place a high emphasis on children’s Self Assessment. Children regularly

review their progress against set targets and are fully involved in this process,

both at school and at home.

We keep an ongoing record of each child’s progress and attainment in all

National Curriculum subjects in an Individual Pupil Profile. At the end of each

academic year the report to parents provides details about the teacher

assessment levels of attainment of your child in each core subject. For further

information on our assessment procedures a copy of our assessment policy is

available on request from the school office.

ACHIEVEMENT Children’s achievements are celebrated in a variety of ways. The purpose of

celebration is to develop each child’s recognition of self-worth and self-esteem.

Success can be physical, academic, or social and is recognised spontaneously, in

class, around school, playtime and lunchtimes and publicly through assemblies.

Every child is able to achieve and feel success at his or her own level. Our

unique whole school STAR reward system is based upon these principles and is

enthusiastically supported by the children. Individual classes also have their

own targets to aim for and our whole school reward system caters for these

occasions. Our Parents’ Guide to our Behaviour Policy provides further

information on how achievement is recorded and awarded. Children also have an

individual special Record of Achievement books which record key achievements

in work during a child’s time at Hornbill School.

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BEHAVIOUR CODE We have a consistent discipline and behaviour policy to provide security for the

children and to increase their opportunities for development and learning. We

encourage all our children to value the following behaviours :

Care for each other and their school.

Courtesy and respect towards all people in our school.

Consideration of others in everything that they do.

Co-operation; the success of our school is based on us all learning to work

together.

Celebration: to value their own achievements and the success of others.

Citizenship: to appreciate the different values and cultural differences

that make up our world.

The above behaviours are most likely to occur where the children are

encouraged and praised, have interesting, appropriate tasks, have all the

materials they need and are quite sure what is expected of them. If there are

any difficulties, the child’s parents and teachers need to make each other

mutually aware at an early stage.

Our behaviour expectations, school rules, reward system, and the clear strat-

egies and action taken as a result of unacceptable behaviour are clearly set out

in our ‘Parent’s Guide to our Behaviour Policy’ included in the welcome pack. We

ask you to read this through with your child and returned the signed school/

parent contract for inclusion with your child’s personal records.

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Hornbill School

HQ British Forces Brunei

BFPO 11

Tel (00673) 3224111 ext. 3214/3893

Fax (00673) 3221060

E-mail: office.hornbill@sceschools.com

Website: www.hornbillschool.com

Headteacher: Mrs K. M. Wood MBE

Deputy Headteacher: Mr Craig Gill

Deputy Headteacher: Mr Rajesh Thapa

Assistant Headteacher Phase 1 : Terri Turton

Assistant Headteacher Phase 2 : Liz Measom

Assistant Headteacher Phase 3 : TBC

School Business Leader : Mr Kenny Lawrie

School Secretary : Mr Sujit Lama

Parents are most welcome to read our latest Ofsted

report which can be accessed by logging onto

www.ofsted.gov.uk or www.hornbillschool.com