WELCOMEThank you for enquiring about Our Lady of Ransom School. We hope that this prospectus gives you a ‘taste’ of the school. If, after reading it, you would like to find out more about the school, please call the office (on 01268 785741) to make an appointment. We would be delighted to meet you and show you around.

OUR SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

As a school family we love and follow Jesus, the Light of our World.

Together we learn and grow.We welcome and respect everyone.

Our Lady of Ransom, pray for us.We want each child to learn, grow and flourish as an individual within the school family.

Children are encouraged to make real their love for God through the kindness andrespect they show to those around them. We place our school community under the guidance

and protection of Mary, Our Lady of Ransom, who will draw us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

SCHOOL AIMSThe primary purpose of Our Lady of Ransom School is to support parents in bringing their children up in theCatholic faith and provide an excellent primary education, giving each child a sound foundation on which to build the next phase of their education.

• Since every child is created in the image and likeness of God, our school is concerned with the education of the whole child. We commit ourselves to working with all our children, whatever their ability, and to developing their full potential.

• The school aims to provide a secure, orderly and caring environment in which the children can express their individuality whilst also learning that courtesy and consideration for others are important qualities to possess.

• The school acknowledges parents to be the first teachers of their children. We wish to make parents feel welcome in school, to listen to their concerns and to promote a positive home-school relationship.

• The school aims to be a stimulating and supportive environment for all who work here - pupils and staff; a place where encouragement is given and confidence is gained.

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SCHOOL TRADITIONAND HERITAGEOur Lady of Ransom School, situated in Little WheatleyChase, Rayleigh, was established in 1966 through thegenerosity of Our Lady of Ransom Parish, Rayleigh, andthe Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters of Mercy ran the schoolfor many years before recently passing trustee-ship to theBrentwood Diocese.

SCHOOL ADMISSIONSOur Lady of Ransom is a Catholic, Voluntary Aided primary school for 420 girls and boys, aged from 4 – 11years. The majority of children attending the school belong to Our Lady of Ransom Parish, Rayleigh, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Wickford, and theHockley and Hawkwell areas of St Teresa’s Parish, Rochford.Children also attend the school from neighbouring parishes.Whilst intrinsically Catholic in nature, we welcome childrenfrom other Christian denominations, and indeed otherfaiths, whose parents can support the ethos and aims ofthe school. A copy of the most recent ‘Admissions Policy’is enclosed with this prospectus.

LOCATION AND PROVISIONOur Lady of Ransom School is situated on the borders ofRayleigh, where a pleasant residential area meets field andfarmland. Though having grown from a ‘one’ to ‘two formentry school’, the grounds remain spacious. The attractivebuilding provides a light, airy, well-equipped learning environment for the children. The school’s main entranceleads to a spacious hall which is used for physical education,assemblies, school lunches and other school functions.There are fourteen well-equipped, self-contained classrooms,a continuously updated computer suite as well as other areasproviding space for learning support and curriculum resources.

Adjacent to the school is the original convent building, theground floor of which has been redeveloped, providingease of access from the school; rooms are utilised for ourschool library, further learning support, and as meetingrooms for parents and educational agencies. The conventgarden has been transformed into a growing space withvegetable beds and planters. The addition of a grotto hasenhanced the school, giving us a beautiful focal point, especially during our May Procession. Most importantly,the convent chapel is close to us and is used for Class Massesand weekly prayer groups. Externally, our Reception childrenhave an ‘outside learning and play area’, whilst Infant andJunior children have their separate playgrounds; additionally,there is an ‘adventure playground’ for the Infants as well asa ‘playground garden’ for anyone seeking a quieter moment!An extensive sports field runs parallel to the school buildings.Swimming lessons for all in the Summer Term forman important part of the curriculum and we are fortunate to have our own open-air pool and changing facilities.

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CLASSESThe school’s Admissions Policy limits class sizes (Infant andJunior) to 30 so as to enable as much personal attention tobe given to each child. From Reception through to Year 6,there are two mixed ability parallel classes for each year group.

STAFFAll classes have their own Class Teacher with whom thechildren spend most of their day. The Reception and Year1 classes also have full-time Learning Support Assistantsto support the children’s learning. Specialist teachers andcoaches are employed to teach French, Music, Swimmingand Games. Experienced Learning Support Assistantsgive additional support to individuals and small groupsof children.

Our Midday Assistants supervise the children at lunchtime,in the dining hall and on the playgrounds.

The administration team ensure that all financial, administrative and welfare matters are handled efficientlyto ensure the smooth running of the school.

THE CURRICULUMThe curriculum offered is broad and balanced. It is differentiated to be appropriate to the stage of developmentand level of understanding the child has reached. The curriculum is presented within a Catholic philosophyand understanding of life; it seeks to educate the ‘whole child’,

taking account of the intellectual, physical, creative, socialand spiritual dimensions of our humanity. The NationalCurriculum is seen as a minimum requirement and thereare opportunities for study outside its boundaries.

The Governing Body looks to provide a safe, secure, well-resourced, and stimulating environment for the children inwhich to learn. It seeks to promote a collaborative approachamongst staff and opportunities for ongoing professionaldevelopment which will enhance the teaching, learningand overall curriculum provision.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONThe "Come and See" Religious Education programme,approved by the Diocese of Brentwood, is the basis forour religious education. We also follow the approveddiocesan Sex Education programme ‘A Journey in Love’.

Through this programme and alongside liturgical celebrations, school and Class Masses, as well as assemblies,we seek to lead the children to an ever deeper awarenessand understanding of our Catholic faith, values and traditions.

Parents are warmly invited to assemblies and Class Massesin which their children are participating. Children areprepared within their own parishes for the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation / Confession.(Parents have the right to withdraw their child from religious education lessons).

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ENGLISHHigh priority is given to the children mastering the basic literacy skills. Children are encouraged to expresstheir ideas with clarity. They are encouraged to listen to the views and opinions of others and to respond appropriately.

The school has a structured approach to the teaching of phonics and reading. The children, as they progressthrough the school, are taught to read accurately, fluently and with understanding and have the opportunity to read a wide range of literature. Children are taught to be creative, effective writers, communicating their thoughts and ideas using a wide-ranging vocabulary. Grammar, punctuation,spelling and a consistent hand-writing style all have a very high profile in our school.

MATHEMATICSInfant pupils develop much of their mathematical knowledge and understanding through practical activity,exploration and discussion. They develop a range of calculation skills and use these in different settings. They learn about shape and space through activities related to their own immediate environment. They begin to grasp mathematical language, using it to explain their methods and reasoning when problem solving.

Junior pupils move from counting reliably to calculatingconfidently using all four number operations. They areencouraged to tackle problems using mental methods initially. Pupils explore features of shape and space anddevelop their measuring skills in a range of contexts.They discuss and present their methods and reasoningusing a wider range of mathematical language, diagramsand data.

SCIENCEOur aim in science is to give children the opportunityto find out how and why things happen. We seek to develop in the children a questioning and problem-solving approach to what they observe in the worldaround them, as well as extending their scientific knowledge. Children learn by direct observation and practical investigation.

They are taught to observe, measure, order, sequence and classify; to interpret their findings; to form hypotheses and have the ability to construct a “fair test”.

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FRENCHJunior children are taught French for one hour per week.The emphasis is on the pupils’ listening and speakingskills, in addition to learning about the country of Franceand its culture. Children learn to communicate in real situations appropriate to their age; they understand andrespond verbally to commands and simple questions. For many years our Year 6 children have enjoyed a five-dayresidential school visit to Le Touquet, France, where theyhave had the opportunity to put their language skills intopractice in real-life situations and to experience aspects ofFrench culture and cuisine.

MUSICPupils’ musical appreciation and knowledge are developedusing instruments and songs from a variety of cultures,styles and traditions. Music has a very high profile in our school and this has been officially recognised with a recentGold ‘Sing Up’Award. Our singing talent is encouragedthrough assemblies, liturgies, Christmas Nativities and awide range of concerts.

The School choirs perform at many local events includingthe Cliffs Pavilion and the Brentwood Centre. From Year3 to Year 6, within the music lessons, all children have theopportunity to learn the recorder, flute, keyboard and abrass instrument. Further tuition in a range of instruments,for which parents are required to pay termly fees, is available at the school.

INFORMATION &COMMUNICATIONTECHNOLOGYThe school has a multi-media suite equipped with thirtycomputers available to children and staff, as well as twobanks of laptops utilising the wireless network. In addition,each classroom has its own multi-media computer linkedto the school network and interactive whiteboard. With the help of our very supportive Parents’ Associationwe regularly update our ICT equipment and aim to give children access to the most up to date technology.

The emphasis is on pupils using ICT to enhance all curriculum areas. The school has a policy relating to thepupils’ use of the internet and e-mailing, a copy of which is available to parents. The school requires all parents to endorse its ‘Home-School Internet Agreement’.

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHYHistory and Geography form an important part of thehumanities curriculum and classwork is enhanced by field studies and educational visits.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:GAMES: SWIMMINGThe school seeks to promote the physical development ofthe children through physical activities and the adoption ofhealthy lifestyles. Through physical education we seek alsoto develop the Olympic and Paralympic values of respect,excellence, friendship, courage, determination, inspirationand equality.

Classes enjoy gymnastics, dance and games sessions. The school has a large playing field as well as two netballcourts. PE is an important part of school life and we participate enthusiastically in inter-school competitionsand local leagues – football, netball, athletics, cricket,rounders and swimming. We very much enjoy having our own pool and recently refurbished changing rooms.Qualified instructors teach swimming to all classes duringthe Summer Term. Parents are asked to make a contributiontowards the cost of swimming. These contributions meettuition, heating and chemical costs. The school has a longtradition of ensuring that each child is a competentswimmer before leaving in Year 6.

ART AND DESIGN & TECHNOLOGYPupils are given the opportunity to express their ideas and responses in drawing, paintwork and collage. They learn and practise ‘design-and-making’ skills and gain an understanding of how these skills can be combined to achieve an ‘end product’. They are helped to consider thehealth and safety aspects of their pursuits, to use appropriate terminologyand to understand the properties of different materials, structures and simple mechanisms. Art and Design & Technology are often linked to other aspects of the curriculum (e.g. Science, History) which the class is studying.

SPECIALEDUCATIONAL NEEDSMost children experience some difficultiesin learning from time to time. However, some children need extra assistance in order to make good progress. The school has Special Educational Needs Learning Support Assistants who work at the direction of the Class Teacher withchildren needing additional support. Parents are encouraged to discuss with the classteacher the difficulties their child is having and to contribute to the personalised plans devised to taketheir child’s learning forward. Special Educational Needs assistance, planning and record keeping is co-ordinated by the school’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) who is assisted by colleagues in each of the Keystages.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESThese are held at various times during the week by members of the school staff and include football, netball, athletics,cross-country, recorders, art club, Mandarin, computer club, Junior Legion of Mary, school orchestra, choir and instrumental tuition. Parents are informed of arrangements for after-school activities via the weekly school newsletter.

HOMEWORKHomework is set according to age and ability with the aims of supporting and reinforcing classroom work; givingextra time to the practice of essential skills; enabling parents to have an insight into, and an opportunity to support,their child's learning. It is a parental responsibility to make sure that homework set by the classteacher is completedproperly by the child and returned on time. A note should be sent into the classteacher if, for some good reason, thechild is unable to complete the task. Parents can also help their children by discussing the work they are doing in class,sharing and reading books together, and by taking their children to the local library. A copy of the school’s HomeworkPolicy is available on request from the school office.

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SCHOOL CONDUCTThe school seeks to live as a Christian community,guided by the values of the Gospel. The importanceof consideration for others and good behaviour cannot be over-emphasised. Our school is concernedwith the education of the whole child, within a caringand supportive environment. Discipline is essentialfor the safety of the children as well as for each child’spersonal and social development; it is important sincethe staff and children have teaching and learningtasks to achieve.

The Governing Body has agreed school rules and a Positive Behaviour Policy which is made known to parents and is available from the school office.The policy seeks to encourage courtesy and goodstandards of behaviour through positive rewards.

The Governing Body expects teachers to maintainhigh standards of pupil behaviour and courtesywithin the school and is fully supportive of the staff in their efforts to this end.

The Governing Body seeks parental support for the teachers in maintaining high standards of pupilconduct. The school, in turn, will be willing to listen to concerns raised by parents. A mutuallysupportive partnership will enhance the well-being ofthe children who attend Our Lady of Ransom School.

REPORTING PROGRESSParent/Teacher consultation meetings are held in each of the three terms. These are opportunities for parents andteachers to discuss the academic and social needs of the child and to set targets for further progress. Individual YearGroup pages on the school website outline to parents the programme of work for the year ahead, the expectations that will be made of the children and ways in which the parents can support the children’s learning. At the end of the Summer Term parents will receive a written report regarding their child’s overall progress made in the course of the year.Outside of these times, should parents have a concern about their child's progress, an appointment can be madethrough the school office to see the Class Teacher or Head Teacher.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENTThe school is fortunate in having a tremendously hardworking, enthusiastic and successful Parents’ Association. Parents automatically become members of the Association once their child starts at the school and will be made mostwelcome at all events. The Parents’ Association Committee is keen to welcome new recruits and your active involvementwill be most appreciated.

Parents are invited to attend Open Evenings, a Family Day, class assemblies, Class Masses, concerts and performances,Sports’ Day and swimming galas; they may be invited to help in the classroom or to accompany school trips. A weeklynewsletter is sent home each Friday. This newsletter can also be found on the school website at: www.olorcps.net.

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SCHOOL RULES1. Be kind and polite from morning till night.2. Do as you are asked to do by the adults in charge of you.3. If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.4. Use your hands to help, not hurt.5. Take care of your School and the belongings of others.6. Work hard, be organised and always do your best.

SCHOOL ANTI-BULLYING POLICYAt Our Lady of Ransom School we believe that every child has a right to a safe and secure school environment in whichto learn and to achieve success. However, we do recognise that bullying may occur. The school has an ‘Anti-BullyingPolicy’ drawn up following the children’s Class Council and School Council discussions. Parents are encouraged to reinforce the main message of the policy i.e. that we are a ‘telling school’ where anyone who feels they are being bullied,or who sees bullying happening to someone else, will tell an adult. Concerns may also be placed in the ‘Worry boxes’ thatare available in classes and the school hall. In this way we can all work together to make the school a happy place for all.

UNIFORMThe school is proud of its uniform. The Governing Body requires all children to wear the school uniform and looks toparents for their full co-operation in this matter. Additional items of clothing (e.g. hats, gloves, tracksuit bottoms wornin cold weather) must be in the school colours. A list of school uniform and suppliers is available from the school office.All uniform should be clearly marked with the child's name. ‘Nearly new’ school uniform items are available throughsales arranged by the Parents’ Association.

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“Together We Learn and Grow”

Our Lady of RansomCatholic Primary School

Little Wheatley Chase • Rayleigh • Essex • SS6 9EH

Telephone: 01268 785741 • Fax: 01268 785167

Email: admin@ourladyofransom.essex.sch.uk

Website: www.olorcps.net

Head Teacher: Mr. P. Parascandolo

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