St.Philomena’s Catholic School “A Catholic foundation and ethos, welcoming all traditions, faiths and denominations.”

Traditional education for all children

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St. Philomena’s is a good Catholic school with some outstanding features. The Headteacher is effective in promoting the Catholic dimension of this school and the well-being and pastoral care of pupils is at the heart of the school’s vision. Staff are excellent role models for the pupils. Behaviour is very good and pupils work hard and thrive within a strong Christian community where they feel valued, well-supported and safe. Diocese of Brentwood RE Inspection Report Dec 2015 Pupils of all abilities achieve well overall and their attainment is above the national average. Pupils knowledge, skills and understanding are excellent in music, art and the communication skills of speaking, listening and reading. ISI Inspection Report Oct 2016

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Welcome

St. Philomena’s is a vibrant community where Christian values inspire all aspects of learning and where the potential of each individual is recognised, valued and affirmed. Our mission is to educate the whole child and for life. The teaching and support staff form a dedicated team fully committed to meeting the needs of our pupils. At St. Philomena’s, we are proud of the school’s reputation for high standards achieved academically as well as the outstanding success in music, sport and the creative arts. This prospectus is an introduction to the school and an invitation to come and see us in action. We sincerely hope that you will be able to find the time to come and experience for yourselves the atmosphere that pervades the whole school community. If you would like an appointment we should be delighted to answer your questions and show you around.

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History

St. Philomena's School was established in 1926 by the Order of the Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters believed in the education of the whole child against a disciplined, yet caring, background. The school moved to its present site in 1936 and, following evacuation during the war years, continued to flourish. Early in 1987 the St. Philomena's Educational Trust was formed to maintain the efficient running of the school and to continue the high ideals set out by the Sisters. In 1996 the school established Clover House in a neighbouring property. This was followed in 2002 by the addition of Jubilee House.

Catholic Tradition

The Catholic tradition established by the Sisters of Mercy remains and there are strong links with the parish in Frinton-on-Sea. Catholic children attend the parish for Mass on a regular basis. Religious Education in the classroom is inclusive and plays an important part in the life of the school. The ‘Come and See’ programme is followed throughout the school. There are two whole school assemblies each week when everyone meets in worship and praise. Parents are invited to attend on the occasions when each class presents their own assembly on a termly basis. Pupils are encouraged to take part in a range of fund raising and charitable activities which give them an insight into, and an understanding of global, national and local community issues.

Admissions

Admissions are mainly from 4 years of age into our Reception Class and parents are advised to apply in good time. We also admit pupils into any year group that has available space. It is the policy of the school that applications for Catholic children will be given precedence over others. Preference will also be shown to siblings already in the school. There is, however, no testing or academic selection process on entry.

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The First Steps

From the earliest days we understand the importance of enthusing the children and instilling self confidence within an atmosphere that is warm and secure. The children work in small teaching groups and are each treated as individuals. They work at their own pace within a clearly defined framework towards the next stage of learning. The days are planned to include time for more formal teaching in the mornings and a relaxed integrated approach to the afternoon session. The little ones are full members of the school community and have opportunities to interact happily with pupils in the upper school.

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The Curriculum

St. Philomena's has a strong academic tradition and a purposeful atmosphere permeates each class. Emphasis is placed on thorough grounding in basic learning skills, with literacy and numeracy seen as key elements upon which future learning will be built. The traditional teaching approach develops confidence and understanding. With senior pupils, ‘whole class’ teaching methods are used to achieve high standards and the curriculum is organised by subject. Rigorous assessment takes place on a regular basis throughout the school. The reading programme is clearly structured and individually based. Children are taught phonics and are supported in developing their reading strategies. The school has maintained a high standard in mathematics. Practical and investigational mathematics are integrated with formal work and all children learn their tables.

Specialists

The majority of lessons are taught by class teachers. There are, however, a number of specialist teachers engaged throughout the school. These include those for French, Musicianship, Singing, Art, Swimming and Special Needs.

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Creative Arts

Art and Design Technology are taught throughout the school. Pupils develop confidence in their designs and are given every encouragement to express themselves using a variety of methods and materials. There are numerous opportunities throughout the school for performance in plays and presentations. The school has earned an outstanding reputation for the development of the Performing Arts. From the age of 7 years all pupils prepare for an annual Communication Assessment for reading aloud, reciting poetry and public speaking. This is adjudicated externally and reported to parents.

Music

There is a strong musical tradition in the school where pupils develop their musical talents and experience the joy of music. Children in Forms III and IV are taught recorder as a class lesson. The pupils are offered the following tuition on an individual/small group basis:- Singing (individual), flute, cello, guitar, recorder, clarinet, drums, trumpet, saxophone, violin, piano and viola. There is a modest scale of fees for these which are charged as extras. There are regular workshops and concerts for budding musicians to perform for both pupils and invited parents and guests.

Games and Physical Education

Health and physical fitness are strongly promoted. From about 5 years children have regular swimming lessons. Netball, football, hockey, cricket, rounders, golf, squash and tennis are taught in the upper school. Pupils take part in inter school matches, cross country championships and tournaments with other schools. They are encouraged to develop a healthy attitude in these competitions. A traditional ‘Sports Day’ takes place annually.

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Choral Singing

Children develop a real enthusiasm for singing at St. Philomena's. All pupils build a repertoire of favourite songs and hymns. The school choir has achieved outstanding success in competitions in recent years not only at regional festivals but notably in national competitions.

Extra Curricular Activities

All pupils are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extra curricular activities in addition to music, including science, art, chess, scrabble, netball, tennis, football, hockey, golf, running, athletics and 11+ tutorials. These take place both at lunch times and after school.

Visits and School Journeys

Staff frequently invite poets, writers, artists and musicians to visit the school and to enrich the curriculum. During the course of the year classes are taken regularly to places of interest that are relevant to their learning, such as museums, wildlife areas or the theatre. The school has a minibus which can be used for small groups. Forms V and VI travel to Northern France for a week's adventure activities which promote personal confidence and self reliance.

Lunches

All parents provide pupils with packed lunches whereby they can ensure a balanced daily intake of nutrients. Any items not consumed are sent home.

Uniform

All pupils are expected to wear full school uniform in school and on the journey to and from school. Jewellery is not permitted for reasons of health and safety.

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Preparation for Secondary Education

All pupils are prepared for the challenge of Secondary Education, academically and socially for both independent and maintained schools. Boys and girls are prepared for entrance and scholarships for independent schools at 11. Girls are prepared for Common Entrance as required. The success rate in these examinations and the number of scholarships in recent years is extremely high in this mixed ability school. The development of personal initiative and individual self confidence is given in readiness for the challenges of the Secondary stage

Special Needs

The teacher responsible for children with Special Educational Needs (SENCO) oversees children with specific learning difficulties or gifted pupils. Diagnostic testing takes place to identify need and there is close liaison with parents and the Class Teacher who are fully involved. The children are worked with on a regular basis in small groups or in one to one sessions to meet each child’s specific needs.

Homework Policy

The children develop very positive attitudes towards homework assignments which are designed to consolidate the work in the classroom. The very youngest children begin with simple activities to be carried out with parents. The full homework programme begins at about 6 years of age. The tasks are set each night and whilst it is intended that the children can undertake these independently, they can form the basis of valuable parent/child interaction.

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Parents

The Headmistress and members of the teaching staff look forward to establishing a relationship with parents and carers that fosters trust and mutual support between home and school. There are a number of social and fundraising events during the year when these can be developed as opportunities for parents to offer their services. There are at least two parent/teacher evening interviews and parents are sent a full written report once a year giving a clear picture of their child's progress. By appointment, the Headmistress and members of staff are always available for individual meetings with parents, who are encouraged to discuss any problems relating to their child.

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Directions to the school Directions from A12 (London, Home Counties)

You will need to leave the A12 North of Colchester and take the A120 towards Harwich. At the first exit you take the slip road which is signposted ‘Frinton, Walton and Elmstead Market’.

At the next roundabout take the first exit (A133) and follow this road for 2 miles, past a Little Chef Restaurant and Shell Filling Station. At the next roundabout take the first exit following signs to Frinton and Walton. At the next roundabout take the second exit (B1033) and follow this road, passing through the villages of Weeley and Thorpe-Le-Soken.

Staying on the B1033, the next village is Kirby Cross. At the mini-roundabout take the first exit (Frinton Road) and follow this road for a mile and a half. Move into the right-hand lane as you pass the Esso Filling Station and then turn right through the railway crossing gates into Connaught Avenue.

Follow this road until you pass Harwoods Furniture Store on your left. Take the next left after Harwoods, and immediately bear left into Hadleigh Road. Carry on straight down Hadleigh Road and St. Philomena’School is on the left, opposite Raglan Road.

Total journey time:

Central London 2 hours M25 1 hour

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For further information, please contact the School.

Hadleigh Road Frinton on Sea Essex CO13 9HQ Tel 01255674492 Fax 01255674459

www.stphilomenas.com email generalenquiries@stphilomenas.com Accredited by ISC Member of ISA