We are immensely proud of our school. It is a model community a place guided by the Gospel and its values, where we celebrate achievements, where mutual respect is practiced, and where parents and carers are seen as valued partners in building the foundation of life-long learning. All that we achieve, we achieve with your support.
Our expectations are high and our children always aspire to achieve their very best and enjoy the many opportunities and challenges offered to them. They are polite and well-mannered and are a credit to the school.
Our caring and dedicated team of staff understand the importance of valuing each child and ensuring they progress effectively, both academically and socially. We believe English Martyrs Catholic School offers a rich and varied environment within which all children will believe they can achieve and succeed in all their endeavors.
We follow the National Curriculum in Key Stages 1 and 2, and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum in Nursery and Reception. In RE we are guided by the Religious Education Curriculum Directory for Catholic schools.
Our curriculum includes the experiences and activities we provide to educate the whole child. It is designed to develop an enjoyment of and commitment to learning as a means of encouraging the best possible progress and the highest attainment for all pupils. It aims to develop pupils’ sense of identity through knowledge and understanding of the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural heritage of our diverse society to enable them to think creatively and critically, to solve problems, and to grow into responsible citizens.
The time allocated to the teaching of Religious Education is 10 percent of the total curriculum time. Staff is encouraged to avail of the training opportunities provided by the Diocese of Westminster to enhance their knowledge and understanding of Religious Education. Religious Education also happens through prayer, collective worship, a celebration of Mass, and hymn singing. We gather together for Liturgical prayer and Liturgical Dance. Parents are invited to attend all celebrations and services and share in the various religious experiences provided for children and families by the school.
Every child has the right to access the same curriculum. The school is committed to the provision of specialist support for children with special needs and employs a dedicated Special Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCO). Meetings are held each term to check and review the needs of pupils in all classes. We receive specialist support from the Local Authority’s ‘Support for Learning Services’ who provide support teachers for pupils with specific learning needs.
Children who do not speak English as their first language receive extra help from our English Additional Language co-ordinator and part-time specialist teacher. This EAL team provides language and other curriculum support for parents and pupils so that pupils have full access to the curriculum throughout KS1 and KS2.
The School’s Learning Mentor is allocated to work with pupils so that they may achieve their full potential. Parents are always consulted if their child is to be referred to the School Psychologist or Learning Mentor. Parents are consulted to help identify children’s individual educational needs in line with the Disability Discrimination Act.
The school ensures that any child who may have special needs is identified and provided with the correct program of work and support. Children who require special help are provided with Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) and may be referred to the School Psychologist or Support Teachers for further assessment.
In English Martyrs School children are provided with an environment that allows them to participate in a range of activities that will benefit their physical wellbeing. Specialist teachers provide a variety of P.E. lessons and a range of after-school coaching sessions including gymnastics, games, dance, and football.
Children develop an appreciation of the benefits of cooperation and teamwork and come to understand the advantages of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Children are encouraged to participate in a range of sports activities during playtimes to further develop PE skills.
