Primary
The Primary department consists of 7 classes/year groups with a maximum of ten children in each class. Each year group has a class teacher and one or two child care staff, depending on need. The children follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum with classwork differentiated at levels to suit their abilities and requirements. Key Stage 2 pupils are given the opportunity to join the Primary choir and all Primary pupils are involved in our Christmas play. We hold both an annual Swimming Gala for those pupils for whom swimming is suitable and an annual Sports' Day for all pupils. Recently, we have been fortunate to establish a Reading Recovery programme for pupils throughout the school. Much successful work has been undertaken in the area of reading and literacy.
Most pupils come directly to the Primary department from the Nursery department. A child with a Statement of Special Educational Needs can join us at a later stage in her/his education, providing we have a suitable vacancy. All parents of prospective pupils are encouraged to arrange a visit and to meet with staff prior to a final decision being taken on placement.
As with the rest of the school, Primary pupils receive on-going therapy treatments throughout their school day, with their needs being regularly monitored through review procedures. All children are encouraged to become as independent as possible in all areas of their schooling to enable them to reach their full potential.
Extra-curricular visits to such places as theatres, museums, open-farms and shopping centres are organised regularly to fit in with both the curriculum and seasonal events. We occasionally hold book-fairs, host drama productions from reputable touring companies and take part in competitions and workshops. We are also involved with arange of other mainstream and special schools through a variety of cooperative ventures. We are often involved with charities, including the "Wheels for the World" project which supplies renovated equipment for disabled children in developing countries. Outside agencies often play a role in our Personal and Social Education programme.
We liaise closely with parents and all relevant personnel. At the end of their Primary education, we aim to make the pupils' transition to the Secondary department as smooth as possible through consultations, profiling, introductions and informal meetings with the Secondary teachers. The parents of Primary 7 pupils are also given the opportunity to visit, tour and meet with teachers in the Secondary department prior to their children's move to Year 8.
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