About Us – Operations

60 children are admitted to the school every year and are split into two classes of 30.

Although the schools are organised in class groups our arrangements are flexible. Curriculum experiences are planned for all classes in each year group (see curriculum overviews) and topics and trips are planned for together.  We sometimes teach children in small groups in order to focus the learning.

At Brightstone Academy the programmes of study for all the compulsory subjects of the National Curriculum are followed.

The National Curriculum, which was introduced by the 1988 Education Reform Act requires schools to teach four core subjects – English, Mathematics, Science and ICT and six “foundation” subjects – History, Geography, Art, Music, DT and Physical Education, Religious Education, and Modern Foreign Languages (in Key stage 2). These subjects are taught in every year group from Year 3 to Year 6

In our curriculum planning we always endeavour to ensure that activities are matched to the individual needs, development and ability of the children.

As far as possible a cross-curricular, thematic approach, consistent with recognised good practice, will continue to be used in all year groups. Please see the overviews that are published on this website for each term in each year group. We operate a creative curriculum. Please note a comprehensive review of the wider curriculum will be undertaken in the summer of 2023.

Please also note the following:

Parents are entitled to withdraw their child from Sex Education but not the part of this that is covered by the Science Curriculum. Parents should again put this request in writing to the Headteacher.

The swimming programmes of study are covered in this school at Year 5, as the children visit the local swimming pool to do this.

All children have a daily Numeracy and Literacy lesson. Maths and English are also taught through other subjects as part of our cross curricular topics.

Our approach to the teaching of reading is through group guided reading in class but there are also individual programmes for children who have not yet achieved at least an average standard in reading. Phonics is formally taught in small groups (see section on teaching of reading and phonics). All children are taught spelling as a weekly activity. The school has an agreed approach to the teaching of writing known as ‘guided writing.’

The school has a computer suite with at least one computer per child for class lessons. There are also computers around the school and at least one computer in each classroom. Computers are used to teach computer skills but also to enhance learning across the curriculum. Children have class lessons to be taught computer skills but also apply those skills in other subject areas.

Information technology also facilitates children using many other items of equipment such as cameras, visualisers, recording equipment and sound equipment.  In the summer the school intends to introduce a new scheme of work called “Rising Stars”.

Children’s progress is assessed against attainment targets and will be formally reported to parents in Parent Consultation meetings during the year and one detailed written report. Informal consultations may take place at other times.

In addition to the compulsory National Curriculum Programmes of Study, the school has a comprehensive programme of enrichment activities. These include:

• Residential trips to Thriftwood
• A programme of day trips, visits and visitors in every year group
• A large selection of clubs both before and after school
• Small group musical instrument lessons
• Cycle training and first aid training in Year 6
• Themed days such as world book day
• Competitive sporting events
• Inclusive inter school sports days

All children who attend Brightstone Academy are expected to wear school uniform.

Our school uniform can be ordered online via Mapac (link below) – Orders will be delivered to school weekly free of charge and you will be contacted when they are ready for collection. Alternatively you can have your order delivered to your home address but there will be a postage and packing charge.

http://www.mapac.com/education/parents/uniform/marionrichardsonprimaryschoole10qf

Our school pages will then be displayed with all items available for purchase.

If there is a problem with your order , or you wish to exchange items then please contact Mapac direct on 01923 255525.

PE and Dance

All children must now have a change of clothes for PE and Dance.

For indoor PE/Dance, each child should wear dark coloured shorts/leggings and a white T-shirt which can be purchased very cheaply from any local supermarket.

Children need to wear trainers or pumps for PE in the playground. Tracksuit bottoms can also be worn.

Swimming

Children attending Swimming lessons at Mile End Baths need to have a swimming costume or trunks, a large towel and a swimming hat. Swimming Hats are available from the school office priced £2.50.

Pupil Premium Strategy Statement

Please click HERE to read our Pupil Premium Strategy Statement for 2020-2025.

What is the pupil premium?

The pupil premium is additional funding for publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and close the gap between them and their peers.

Pupil premium was introduced in April 2011. The funding is provided in addition to the school’s main funding and is intended to help disadvantaged pupils to ‘close the gap’ and raise attainment and improve progress.

Children who are eligible include:

• Pupils who have been registered for Free School Meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years;
• Pupils who have been looked after continuously for more than six months;
• Children of armed services personnel.

In the 2021-22 financial year, schools will receive the following funding:

• Disadvantaged pupils

Applying for Free School Meals

Brightstone Academy has all pupils at the heart of all we do and the centre of the school vision and seeks to ensure all pupils have: experienced an engaging, creative, relevant and challenging curriculum which has enabled then to develop the skills needed to be lifelong learners; and have had opportunities to explore, discover and develop interests, skills and talents they didn’t know they had. This is achieved through various funding sources, including the pupil premium. It is therefore very important that parents apply/renew their applications for FSM.

For further information on applying for Free School Meals in Tower Hamlets please click HERE

If you are unsure if you are eligible or would like any support please come in to the school. We are able to check your eligibility and support you in completing the necessary application forms.

An online application form for Free School Meals in Tower Hamlets is available HERE

How will the impact of the spending of pupil premium be measured?

To monitor the progress and attainment, measures are included in the performance tables that will capture the achievement of pupils covered by the pupil premium. DfE performance tables can be accessed by clicking HERE.

At Brightstone Academy we will continue to use our cycle of data collection, tracking and monitoring of pupil’s attainment and progress to inform pupil progress and enable early identification of need, support and appropriate intervention.

The named Pupil Premium Governors is: Nurjahan Choudhury.

The Governors’ pupil premium policy can be accessed by clicking Pupil Premium Policy