St. Mark's Catholic Primary School is a large school at the heart of its community. We currently have 210 pupils on our roll. We are a one form entry school with up to 30 pupils in each year group. We have a very large site that offers our pupils an exceptional environment in which to learn. We have a large playing field, two play 'jungle' areas, two large playgrounds, and an outdoor classroom for learning.
When a child begins their education with us they will most likely begin in our Reception Class. Our Early Years teachers offer a very wide variety of experiences and opportunities for pupils to express themselves and learn. Our pupils' personal, social and emotional development is key and our dedicated team of staff ensures pupils' needs are met every day. Child Initiated learning is a fundamental part of our EYFS practice and our pupils very quickly develop into confident, independent learners that are well prepared to move into Year 1.
At St. Mark's we offer a broad and balanced curriculum that is based on the aim of developing confident, independent pupils, high in self-esteem, with meaningful skills and a clear understanding of their place in the world. Our curriculum is creative, fun, and full of interesting and vibrant learning experiences for all our pupils. Our lunchtimes are packed full of fun activities for pupils to take part in and we have a high number of lunchtime and after-school clubs on offer to enrich the learning experiences of our pupils.
Our Aims:
- To create a happy, caring environment where each child can develop confidence, independence, and self-esteem.
- To establish good, sound academic standards through high expectations and a broad and balanced curriculum, enabling each child to attain his/her full potential.
- To promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, physical, and creative development of each child and prepare each to take his/her place as a valuable member of a multicultural society.
- To foster a love of learning, a respect for each other, and pride in the school as a caring and supportive community.
- To develop all staff and provide ongoing training which will benefit teacher and child alike in our commitment to raising standards in all areas of school life.
- To assist each child to feel confident in a fast-changing technological society.
- To develop a working partnership between home and school.
- To develop a sense of responsibility towards each other, the school, and the community.
- To create an attractive, stimulating, and comfortable environment where staff, children, and parents enjoy working.
- To strive to improve and be the best in everything we do.
St. Mark's Catholic Primary School is inclusive. We believe in inclusion in mainstream school wherever possible, to enable all pupils, whatever their educational needs to achieve their full potential. Children with special needs are primarily supported within the classroom by the year group team. Year group staff are aware of the needs of the pupils and, with input from the SENCO, they maintain a provision management map, which details how individual needs will be met through the use of a SEND Support Plan. Progress is closely monitored and appropriate interventions and additional support are available to pupils who need it.
Everyone at St. Mark's is dedicated to providing the best possible education and care to every single young person we serve. We aim to give all our children an exciting and challenging faith-based curriculum so that they discover and develop their God-given skills and talents during their time at St. Mark's. Our school has a strong 'family feel' and this is reflected in the good relationships that exist between governors, parents, staff, and pupils.
St. Mark's is a vibrant learning community and uses every means possible to motivate and challenge its pupils. We encourage learning in the outdoor environment and the experiences of our pupils are enriched through all aspects of the curriculum. Educational visits to places connected to the class topic also play a vital part in our curriculum.
At St. Mark's we are dedicated to improving children's knowledge of Gospel values based on the Beatitudes - children to be able to use and apply these values in their everyday lives. We aim to Improve pupils' knowledge and understanding of the values of love, faith, hope, gentleness, compassion, temperance, forgiveness, mercy, wisdom, purity, holiness, integrity, truth, peace, fortitude, service, sacrifice, justice, and tolerance.
