Benthal aims to provide an outstanding education for all our pupils in a stimulating and creative environment. At Benthal, we aspire to become confident lifelong learners who have the skills to reach our goals. In creating a positive environment where everybody matters, we celebrate differences and respect ourselves and others.
Benthal Primary School is a multi-racial community school where every child has the right to equal opportunities. We intend to create a happy working environment where every person feels valued and feels that they have a real contribution to make. We believe that in a stimulating and challenging environment children will achieve their full potential and learn to appreciate the diverse world in which they live. We encourage the interest and support of parents/carers and aim to create an atmosphere where they are always welcome. We ensure that the books and materials we use are unbiased and present positive images that are representative of our multi-cultural, multi-racial society. Within this background, we will promote the highest standards of achievement in all areas for all children. We aim to support the whole child in all areas of his/her development during the time they are with us.
It is a legal requirement that all children receive full-time education from the beginning of the school term following their fifth birthday. However, the policy in Hackney is that children who are about to reach their fifth birthday receive full-time education. Children can start in September if their birthday falls between the beginning of September and the end of August.
Parents are welcome to visit the school by arrangement with the Assistant Headteacher or attend one of the school tours which can be booked via the school office. Application for admission to Hackney Schools should be made directly to the Learning Trust during the year before the child is due to start school. Further information on admission procedures can be found in the “Starting Schools in Hackney” booklet which can be obtained from the school or Hackney Learning Trust. Children from reception class to Year 6 sometimes transfer to Benthal school from other schools a mid-year. For your child to be admitted to Benthal primary school mid-year, you can contact Hackney Learning Trust for an admission form and put your child’s name on our waiting list.
The school teaches a wide and varied curriculum. The curriculum consists of the core subjects of Reading, Writing, Phonics, and Maths which are taught in the morning sessions. In the afternoon sessions, a more creative curriculum is taught. This is taught through the Benthal Creative Curriculum (BCC) where subjects such as Science, Art, Design and Technology, History, and Geography are delivered. To help our children make links in their learning to the wider life we have linked our curriculum to Enabling Enterprise.ICT, Music, Spanish and Physical Education are also taught. Visits, trips, and residential trips also play an important part in giving our children wider opportunities and experiences.
The school has sixty laptops and fifteen Ipads along with each classroom and both halls have an interactive whiteboard. At the start of each term, the class teachers send out a curriculum newsletter explaining the work and topics to be covered and ways parents and carers can support their children’s learning. At the end of Key Stage 1, year 2 children take their SATs test in Reading, Writing, and Maths. In Key Stage 2 children are regularly tested in Maths and Science, and also have weekly spelling tests. In Year 6 the children take their SATs tests. These take place for one week in May. Each child is given a level in Language, Maths, and Science.
Our school is responsible for the safeguarding and welfare of every child. Benthal school is committed to safeguarding our children. If you have a safeguarding concern, please speak to the Headteacher, Miss Louise Drew, or our Safeguarding Lead, Jill Joseph. In their absence, you can speak to a member of the senior leadership team-, Miss Tracy Williams, Deputy Headteacher.
The school nurse pays us regular visits. Before medicals, the school will contact you. The school dentist visits each year and recommends any treatment necessary. The Education Attendance Advisor visits the school to oversee attendance and lateness. The Advisor also discusses ways in which families can be helped to improve attendance. The EAA is a valuable link between home and school and can be contacted through the school or The Learning Trust. The Education Psychologist visits regularly to discuss and advise on problems giving concern as do our Occupational and Speech and Language Therapists. The Children’s Mental Health Nurse works with children and families two days a week.
Benthal Primary School has had a long and colorful history dating back to 1878. Benthal Primary School is currently situated in an area which is 1868 used to be a brickfield. This is where the majority of bricks were made for building houses within the area. Benthal School was called Rendalsham Road School when it first opened in 1876 and was built from the original clay from the brickfield. The school’s name was changed to Benthal Road School in 1903.
During World War II the school was hit by a High Explosive bomb on the night of 19th September 1940. The school closed due to extensive damage and was rebuilt in 1949 to be given the name it had until 2006, Benthal Junior School. The new school was designed six weeks before the budget year closed. Each class was lit by a large central roof light.
In 1966 a new infant school was built which later became a junior school the two buildings are separate but are linked by an inter-connecting corridor. Benthal was the first school to be designed by the architect Paul Maas who used the inspiration of caves and tents to design the cozy buildings and archways. In 1967 they added more buildings and completed the school. The separate Junior and Infants Schools were amalgamated into one primary school on September 1st, 2006.
