Home_files/24.1.2015 Annual General Report

Annual General Report: 2013/14
Learning for Life
Together
2013-14
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF
GOVERNORS
Carnmoney Primary School,
275 Carnmoney Road, Carnmoney,
Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT36 6JS
Tel: 028 90 833619
Principal : Mr B Duff
Email: bduff282@c2kni.net
Website: www.carnmoneyps.com
1
Annual General Report: 2013/14
Learning for Life
Together
ANNUAL REPORT: 2013-2014
INTRODUCTION
This report summarises the steps taken by the Board of Governors of Carnmoney Primary School in
discharging its functions during the period 1 September 2013 to 31 August 2014.
The Annual Report of the Board of Governors is made available to the parents/carers of the school’s
pupils, and the Principal would be pleased to offer clarification on any relevant matter, whether
included in the report or not.
The continued development of the school is in no small measure a result of the dedication and hard
work of all associated with the school as they continue to provide the best possible all-round
education for the pupils in their care.
We are rightly proud of the recognition of the quality of teaching in our school and will continue to
strive to improve, even further, the quality of education for our young people.
We believe that the contents of this report indicate another successful year for the school and that this
is based, as always on the effective partnership between children, their parents/carers and all the staff
who are employed in the school.
It gives me pleasure to deliver this report in the knowledge that Carnmoney Primary is a school facing
the challenges in education. Staff are continuing to develop their own skills to ensure the children in
st
their care have the skills to become employable, motivated and well rounded adults of the 21
century.
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
While the day to day running of the school is the duty of the Principal, the overall responsibility for
school management rests with the Board of Governors where the Principal plays a central role.
The Board of Governors meets regularly to consider all matters pertaining to the management of the
school, including staffing and finance. It is constituted every four years and consists of nine voting
members and the Principal. The Board of Governors was constituted in October 2014, will continue
until 2018 and is as follows:
North-Eastern Education and Library Board Representatives (NEELB)
NEELB is the local Education Authority and has the right to nominate two representatives. These
presently are:
 Mrs E Snoddy
 Mr A Mutch
Transferors’ Representatives
Transferor representatives are those who ‘transferred’ to the state system from the old church school
system. Transferor representatives are nominated from particular church bodies. These presently
are:
 Mr W Bonar
 Mrs L Ferguson (Chairperson)
2
Annual General Report: 2013/14


Mr G Lynn (Vice-Chairperson)
Miss A Knox
Parents’/Carers’ Representatives
Each Governing Body of a Primary School is entitled to have two parent/carer representatives. They
are elected by the parents/carers of pupils attending the school and serve the four year term of each
Board. The only qualification to be a parents’/carers’ representative is that on the date of the election
the proposed parent/carer has a child attending the school. The parent/carer representatives
currently are:


Mrs N Campbell
Mr D Taylor
Sincere appreciation is extended to Mr P Connolly (Parent/Carer representative) who completed two
terms as a governor before the Board of Governors was reconstituted in October 2014. Mr Connolly’s
position was taken by Mrs N Campbell.
Teachers’ Representative
A teacher representative is elected by the teaching staff once every four years. The present
representative is:

Mr D Spratt
Principal and Secretary to the Board of Governors

Mr B Duff
The Principal of the school is a non-voting member of the Board of Governors.
The Board of Governors met on seven occasions during 2013/2014 to consider all matters pertaining
to the management of the school.
Governor Responsibilities
The Board of Governors has been empowered through the Education Order (NI) 1989, with the
responsibility for curriculum policy, Special Educational Needs, assessment, admissions, child
protection, appointment of staff, discipline, school finance, management of staff and maintenance,
Annual Governors’ Report and the prospectus.
Sub-Committees
Sub-committees have been formed to consider reports and to make proposals for consideration by
the whole Board of Governors in the following areas:




Finance
Grievance and Discipline
Teachers’ Salaries and General Finance
Appeals’ Committee
Final decisions are reached by the full Board of Governors.
VISION STATEMENT
It is our vision that Carnmoney Primary School is a place where children are nurtured in a caring
environment conducive to effective learning.
Our school promotes the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child. Articles 3 and 29 underline our
school vision:
Article 3
‘The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all our actions.’
Article 29
‘Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage
the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own cultures, and the
environment.’
3
Annual General Report: 2013/14
This vision statement was updated after review in the Autumn Term 2014.
MISSION STATEMENT
‘It is our mission to promote, ‘Learning for Life, working in partnership with the children, parents/carers
and the wider school community. We endeavour to assist our pupils in developing skills to become
independent and self-sufficient adults with the ability to succeed and contribute responsibly in a global
community.’
TEACHING STAFF (2013/14)
Carnmoney Primary School is very fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced teaching staff
who carry out their duties in an extremely professional and competent manner. The Board of
Governors would like to place on record their thanks to the Principal and teaching staff for their
excellent work and commitment throughout the 2013/14 academic year and the professional way in
which they have worked to implement effectively the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
The Board of Governors extends its gratitude and appreciation to Miss M Wilson and Ms R Waugh
who taught P4 and P5 classes respectively during the academic year 2013/14. Both teachers were
employed to cover staff on maternity leave. The governors wish both of them well for the future
PRINCIPAL
Mr B. Duff , B.A.(Hons)., P.G.C.E., Pg.Dip.Ed., M.Ed.
VICE-PRINCIPAL &
HEAD OF KEY STAGE 2
Mr D. Spratt, B.Ed. (Hons) PQH
HEAD OF FOUNDATION STAGE &
KEY STAGE 1
Miss L. Bannon, B.A. (Hons) in Education
Mrs J. Blain B.A. (Hons), P.G.C.E.
Year 1
Miss J. McFadden, B.Sc.(Hons), P.G.C.E.
Year 1
Mrs A. McCammon, Cert.Ed.
Year 2
Mrs J. McAleese, B.A.(Hons) in Education & English (Four days per week)
Year 2
Miss R. McFadden B.Ed. (Hons) (One day per week)
Year 2
Mrs S. Lynn, B.Mus.(Hons), P.G.C.E.
Year 3
Mrs A. Cooper, B.Sc.(Hons), P.G.C.E. Ad.Cert. Ed. (Two days per week)
Year 3
Miss R. McFadden B.Ed. (Hons) (Three days per week)
Year 3
Miss L. Bannon B.A. (Hons) in Education
Year 4
Mr P. Davies B.Sc., P.G.C.E.
Year 4
Mr G. Baird, B.Ed. (Hons)
Year 5
Miss A. Johnston B.Ed. Hons)
Year 5
Mr A. Hayward, B.Sc.(Eng.), P.G.C.E.
Year 6
Mrs C Phelan B.Ed.
Year 7
Mr D. Spratt, B.Ed. (Hons) PQH
Year 7
Mrs T Morrissey, B.A. (Hons) P/G.C.E. M.Ed
Learning Support
NON-TEACHING STAFF (2013/14)
Carnmoney Primary School relies heavily on the excellent services of the non-teaching support staff
for its effective day-to-day running. The vital duties undertaken cannot be underestimated.
Governors are appreciative of all the work each member of the non-teaching staff carries out for the
benefit of the school.
Senior Clerical Officer
Mrs H Lusty
Building Supervisor
Mr R Allen
Classroom Assistants
Mrs A Jamison
Mrs A Playfair
Mrs L McIlwaine
Miss G Boyle
Mrs K Kennedy
Miss L Amies
Miss C Malin
4
Annual General Report: 2013/14
Mrs H Young
Miss D McCullagh
Peripatetic Music Teachers
Mr A Hunter
Mr K Mawdsley
Ms A Robinson
Literacy Teaching Support Service
Mrs J Monteith
Senior Supervisory Assistant
Mrs I Gilmore
Supervisory Assistants
Mrs A Duddy
Mrs J Montgomery
Mrs M Carrick
Miss C Malin
Mrs L McIlwaine
Miss D McCullagh
Mrs H Young
Mrs A Jamison
Mrs A Playfair
Ms H Torrens
Cook
Miss H Kennedy
Catering Assistants
Mrs I Boal
Mrs Y Jefferson
Mrs L McCullagh
Cleaning Staff
Mrs L Graham
Mrs J Montgomery
Miss S Torrens
Mrs L McCullagh
School Crossing Patrol
Mr N Copeland
Mr I Gibson
Mr R Macauley
The Board of Governors extends its sincere thanks to all the members of the school’s support staff.
for their hard work and commitment during the school year 2013/14.
The school has continued to benefit from the experience and dedication of all teaching and
non-teaching staff. The governors wish to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment shown
by all the adults in the school community that make Carnmoney Primary School a happy and safe
learning environment.
ENROLMENT AND ATTENDANCE
Year
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
Number Applying
58
70
80
Number Admitted
58
61
60
Attendance
95.3%
95.0%
95.0%
Enrolment
360
371
388
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
The percentage of children on the Free Schools’ Meals at the time of the Department of Education’s
October 2013 census was 21.6%
TRANSFER TO POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS
In June 2014 fifty-four Primary 7 pupils transferred to twelve post-primary schools. The schools were
as follows:


Antrim Grammar School
Ballyclare High School
5
Annual General Report: 2013/14










Belfast Boys’ Model
Belfast High School
Belfast Royal Academy
Ballyclare Secondary School
Carrickfergus Grammar School
Glengormley High School
Hazelwood Integrated College
Monkstown Community School
Ulidia College
Wellington College
STAFF and CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
It is the policy of Carnmoney Primary School to ensure that ongoing teacher development is a
planned and regular component of annual practice and an integral part of the school’s development
plan (SDP). The programme of whole staff development depends on the following:







the School Development Plan and the training needs required to see the plan through;
requirements as indicated by legislation or statute;
provision made on an ongoing basis from departments within the North-Eastern Education
and Library Board;
the provision of school based INSET (In-Service Training);
an agreed dissemination process as contained within the overall arrangement for staff
development;
the availability of support staff in relation to the particular area of development; and
feedback on the value of the training or dissemination and subsequent evaluation.
Staff participation in in-service training (INSET) helps with their professional development and
therefore further enhancing the high quality of effective teaching and learning that takes place within
the classrooms of Carnmoney Primary School.
The school’s development plan (SDP) 2013/14 prioritised the following targets for development.
Review of Staff Development 2013-14
In the academic year 2013/14 staff development and appropriate INSET addressed the following
areas:
 SEN Provision inc:
o Autism/Aspergers:
o Sensory Processing: and
o Speech & Language
 Cross-Curricular Skills: Levels of Progression
 EPI-PEN training – all staff
 Philosophy for Children (P4C)
 iPad management including the use of ‘Pages’, ‘Numbers’ and ‘iBooks’.
 FS/KS1 staff – Numicon
 Introduction to Accelerated Reading and Star Assessment - (Literacy Focus Team)
During the school year 2013/14 the following pastoral policies were reviewed, updated and distributed
to parents/carers.
Learning and Teaching Policy
 Child Protection

Pastoral Care Policy

Positive Behaviour Policy

Anti-Bullying Policy

Pick-Up / Safeguarding Policy

Golden Time Policy

Circle Time

Homework
6
Annual General Report: 2013/14

Marking Policy

Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers

Asbestos Management Plan and Policy

Complaints’ Procedure

Uniform Policy

eSafety

Acceptable Use of Mobile Phones and Related Technologies

ICT

RSE

CRED Policy
To support curriculum development teachers met in year groups, Key Stages and as a whole school.
These meetings took place in directed time, during Baker Days and on school development day
closures.
The governors wish to place on record their appreciation of the work carried out by all the staff to
improve the teaching and learning in the school.
CHILD PROTECTION & PASTORAL CARE
Designated for Child Protection:
Miss L Bannon
Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection:
Mr D Spratt
Designated Teacher for Pastoral Care:
Mr B Duff
Deputy Designated Teacher for Pastoral Care:
Miss L Bannon
First Aid:
Miss L Bannon
Mrs C Phelan
Miss A Johnston
Mrs J Blain
Mrs C Phelan is trained to deliver the ‘Heartstart’ programme which is presently provided for our P7
pupils.
The school has a Safeguarding Team in place to deal with Child Protection and this consists of:

Mr B Duff (Principal);

Mrs L Ferguson (Chair of the Board of Governors);

Miss L Bannon (Designated Teacher for Child Protection);

Mr D Spratt and Mrs J Blain (Deputy Designated teachers for Child Protection): and

Mr A Mutch (Governor with delegated responsibility for Child Protection).
An annual report about Child Protection was presented to the governors in May 2014 by the Principal.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Carnmoney Primary School prides itself in the provision of high quality education for all the children
attending the school. Some children at various stages of their development require a little additional
help when they experience difficulties with a particular aspect of their work. In order to help these
children a number of strategies have been employed during the year.
Classroom intervention - The needs of the vast majority of children are met within the classroom, and
where it is felt necessary individual education plans are drawn up to target specific areas of
weakness.
7
Annual General Report: 2013/14
Withdrawal groups – Should children need additional help they can be withdrawn from class to enable
more one to one contact with Mrs T Morrissey our Learning Support teacher. Mrs J Monteith also
provided lessons to pupils as part of the NEELB’s Literacy Teaching Support Service outreach.
In the Department of Education’s October 2013 annual census, 13.1% of the children enrolled at the
school were on the Special Education Needs’ Code of Practice.


Stages 1-4:
Stage 5:
47 children
4 children
PUPILS on the SEN Code of Practice – October 2013
Stage on SEN Code
Practice
Number of Pupils
1-4
47
5
Percentage of
total Enrolment
Enrolment
13.1%
388
4
Free School Meals: 84 out of 388 pupils = 21.6%
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
The school is very proud of the achievements of its pupils. The school sets targets annually in order
to increase standards and all the teaching staff will be striving to improve on these excellent results
during the next school year.
End of Key Stage assessment results are detailed below.
All pupils and teachers (P1-P7) are to be congratulated for their high level of commitment and hard
work.
END OF KEY STAGE RESULTS
The children in P4 and P7 were formally assessed in both Communication and Using Mathematics
(Statutory 2013/14) and the results reported to the parents/carers in the children’s end of year reports.
The results are based on the new Levels of Progression which were introduced this year and
therefore are not directly comparable with the previous years’ results.
The results for Carnmoney P.S. and the overall Northern Ireland results are as follows:
Key Stage 1 Assessment Results
Communication
Percentage of pupils at
each level in
Carnmoney Primary
School.
%
Working towards Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
0
11.54
59.62
28.85
8
Percentage of pupils
at each level in
Northern Ireland.
%
1.33
8.73
69.03
20.91
Annual General Report: 2013/14
Using Mathematics
Working towards Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Percentage of pupils
at each level in
Carnmoney Primary
School.
%
Percentage of pupils
at each level in
Northern Ireland.
%
0
15.38
59.62
25.0
1.33
7.77
70.24
20.65
End of Key Stage 2 Assessment Results
Communication
Percentage of pupils
at each level in
Carnmoney Primary
School.
%
Working towards Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Using Mathematics
Working towards Level 1
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Percentage of pupils
at each level in
Northern Ireland.
%
0
0
1.85
14.81
64.81
18.52
0.26
0.99
3.57
16.75
61.70
16.62
Percentage of pupils
at each level in
Carnmoney Primary
School.
%
Percentage of pupils
at each level in
Northern Ireland.
%
0
0
1.85
18.52
61.11
18.52
0.23
0.98
3.05
16.82
56.16
22.75
Data from 2012/13 onwards are based on the new Levels of Progression; these results are not
directly comparable with Key Stage Assessment outcomes from previous years. The Department of
Education recognises that these new arrangements will need time to embed and has recommended
caution in analysing data and benchmarking performance at this time.
2013/14 data have been produced based on submitted returns from approximately 29% of primary
schools. The remaining schools did not submit returns due to industrial action.
HOME SCHOOL LIAISON
The following meetings were held for parents/carers to provide an opportunity to discuss their child’s
progress and how to assist with their child’s education.
Parent/Carer – Teacher interviews
September
Primary 7
October
Primary 1-Primary 6
February
Primary 1- Primary 7
School Website
The school website is a very useful means to keep parents/carers informed about school life. The
‘HOME’ page is used as a news sheet and has proved very popular with the parents/carers and
pupils. The ability to view school holidays and the dinner menu appears to have reduced the number
of phone calls received by the school office.
In May 2009, ETI identified the school’s website as a strength of the school.
9
Annual General Report: 2013/14
The school in 2013/14 continued to communicate with parents/carers using ParentMail (email & text
communication service). This service continues to be popular with parents/carers and staff and
reduces printing costs and the amount of time required to distribute letters, newsletters etc. via the
schoolbag post.
The Board of Governors believe this type of initiative puts Carnmoney Primary at the forefront of
school e-communication and is an area they believe is a particular strength of the school.
RESIDENTIAL TRIPS
The P6 pupils stayed in Woodhall House in Kilrea for 2½ days and the P7 pupils visited Boreatton
Park, near Shrewsbury for 5 days. Both trips were very successful and provided every pupil with a
wide variety of learning experiences.
A feature of both trips was the use of the school’s website to keep parents/carers informed about the
children’s experiences when on site. Each night photographs of the day’s events were uploaded onto
the school’s website. The photographs could be viewed that evening.
The governors would like to thank the staff for volunteering to accompany the children on these trips.
DAY TRIPS
Throughout the year pupils visited a number of locations for day trips. The venues included:












Greenmount Agricultural College;
Planetarium – Armagh;
Crawfordsburn Scout Centre – Teddy Bears’ Picnic;
Crawfordsburn Country Park – Pirate Day;
Police Safety Conference at Ballyearl Theatre;
Glengormley High School – use of mathematics rooms/facilities, computer and technology
facilities;
Sentry Hill;
Streamvale Open Farm;
Carnmoney Village Business Walk;
Glengormley Library;
Mossley Park; and
Carnmoney Church – Remembrance Day.
INTERESTING EVENTS
Many events take place during the school year and the school endeavours to keep parents/carers
informed through monthly newsletters and the school website, which is managed by Mr Baird. The
school’s website address is: www.carnmoneyps.com
Some of these events for 2013-14 included:
















ECO School Council elections;
ECO Council visit to Mossley Mill Council Chamber;
School Grounds ‘Clean-up Day’;
Attendance at School Council meetings by Wesley Bonar (School Governor) during School
Council meetings;
Family community gardening day - (during the summer break);
Open Night for parents/carers of prospective P1 pupils;
Concert: ‘A Night at the Movies’;
th
th
50 Anniversary Party Fancy Dress day: 10 February 2014.
Christmas pantomime (Professional theatre company) – ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ ;
Christmas Carol Service held in Carnmoney Church;
School Council meeting (first meeting) held in Mossley Mill (Newtownabbey Borough Council
Chamber);
Scholastic Book Fair;
‘Citizenship and Safety Education Programme’ held at Ballyearl for P7 pupils;
Variety of speakers at Assembly;
Viking Workshop (P6)
P7 Victorian Day;
10
Annual General Report: 2013/14















Medics in the Primary School project (P7);
PTA Discos;
Department of Education N.I. – Spanish Programme – P2, P3 & P4 classes;
P5 – P7 classes – swimming lessons;
P4 Community day held in school;
Sports Day;
Parent information session for P6 pupils in preparation for transfer to post primary school at
end of year 7;
Parent/carer information session for P1 parents/carers re: Reading;
Parent/carer information session for P7 parents/carers re: residential trip;
Parent/carer Year Group Information meetings;
Visits to the school by speakers from various organisations to support the teaching and
learning;
Healthy living presentation – Dairy Council;
Action Cancer talk;
Young Enterprise Scheme (P2 – P7 classes);
Leavers’ Assembly; and
P6 & P7 Residential visits.
NEW RESOURCES PURCHASED






Classroom furniture for Room 9.
Classroom chairs for Room 14.
Bookcases for classroom libraries.
Storage units for subject co-ordinators.
Furniture upgraded in the ICT suite.
Furniture upgraded in the school library.
‘A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES’
In May 2014, the choirs (P4/5 and P6/7), orchestra, dancers and guests performed in a concert called,
‘A Night at the Movies’ in Carnmoney Church. The children entertained a large audience with their
own versions of songs from the movies during the last fifty years. This was a hugely enjoyable event
and parents/carers are already looking forward to the next concert.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB & SCHOOL BOOK FAIR
The school operates a book club in association with Scholastic Publications. Parents/carers and their
children are afforded the opportunity to select and purchase books covering a range of ages and
interests on a regular basis.
The Board of Governors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Mrs Phelan for taking
overall responsibility for the book club. During the year the number of books in the school library was
supplemented with books purchased using the commission generated from book club sales.
The commission for 2013/14 was £850. The commission was used to purchase additional factual and
fictional reading materials.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS, EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
Charity Work
As part of the school ethos of caring for others,the school supported the following charities in the
2013/14 academic year.





British Legion (Poppy Appeal)
Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children
Stand By Me
Moldova Charity – Carnmoney Church Mission
Drop Inn Ministries – Shoe Box Appeal
£466.85
£375.67
£267.29
£671.89
120 boxes
The support given to fundraising by all associated with the school is greatly appreciated by the Board
of Governors.
11
Annual General Report: 2013/14
The school grounds were once again used during July 2014 and August 2014 by the children in
Carnmoney Day Nursery. This arrangement has been in operation for a number of years and is a link
the school is keen to continue.
Clubs and Organisations
The school was used by the following outside clubs/organisations:
CLUB
Le Club Francais
Judo
Vocal Lessons
Guitar Club
Dance
CLASSES
P1/P2
P3 & P4
P1-P7
P3-P7
P5-P7
P6 & P7
COACH
Mr S Briand
Mr J Marshall
Miss M Johnston
Mr S Johnston
Miss J Milligan
DAY
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
TIME
1.55p.m. – 2.55p.m.
2.55p.m. – 3.55p.m.
7.00p.m. – 8.00p.m.
6.30p.m. – 8.00p.m.
11.30a.m. – 3.00p.m.
2.55p.m. – 3.55p.m.
SCHOOL ECO COUNCIL
The children on the School ECO Council provided the staff with important information about how the
school could be made better from the pupils’ perspective. The council met regularly throughout the
year to discuss a range of issues including the school’s continued promotion of how the pupils can be
encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle and how they can look after their environment.
A competition was organised for the creation of a new mural to highlight the importance of being
healthy. The children provided Miss Bannon with ideas for the mural and Miss R McFadden painted
the mural during the first Autumn Term (location: outside Room 3).
In July 2014, Miss Bannon organised our third Community Gardening Day’. The event was attended
by almost forty willing helpers and proved to be a resounding success.
DRUGS EDUCATION
The school had no instances of drug abuse during the school year. The Primary 7 pupils participated
in a series of drug awareness sessions provided by Constable B Herron as part of his CASE
programme.
BREAKFAST CLUB
A breakfast club was available for all pupils and operated from 8.15a.m. until 8.55a.m. This is a very
successful and valuable service and was attended by an average of 25 pupils on a daily basis. After
expenses were deducted a profit of £582.16 was added to the school’s current account. This money
was used to purchase additional resources for the school.
SCHOOL FUND
Each year the parents/carers are asked to make a voluntary contribution to school fund of £5.00 per
term. In the 2013/14 academic year, £1207 was given by parents/carers. The school is very
appreciative of the parents’/carers’ generosity.
This money was used to purchase additional resources for the school.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE and DEVELOPMENT
The excellent maintenance of the school is in no small measure due to the dedication of Mr Allen, the
building supervisor. As a result of the school’s early identification and response to maintenance
issues, the general state of the building is in good repair.
General Building Improvements 2013/14
 New ceilings and lights in Rooms 15 and 16;
 A new water tank in the void above Room 16;
 Staff Room repainted;
 Pupil toilet doors - Locks fitted to all entrance doors;
 Portable Electric Appliance Test carried out;
 Cleaners’ store installed – male toilet (reception area);
 Sink removed from ICT room;
 New blinds fitted Rooms 12 – 16;
 Additional sockets fitted in the ICT room; and
12
Annual General Report: 2013/14

New socket/data point column installed in the ICT room.
PARENTAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The school has an excellent Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) which makes a valuable
contribution to the life of the school. The PTA organises a variety of both fund raising events and
social events for the school community and wider school community.
Carnmoney Primary School is fortunate to have such an active Parent-Teacher Association. The
Association under the chairmanship of Mr David Gawley provided much practical support to the
school – a contribution that cannot be underestimated.
During the school year the PTA organised events such as:





Class calendars;
Discos;
Christmas Fair
Spot the Santa competition; and a
Summer Fair.
Many parents/carers voluntarily give of their time to help out with a variety of events. They are all to
be commended for the contribution they make to the success of Carnmoney Primary School.
The Board of Governors would like to thank the PTA for their continued support and the positive
impact their involvement in the school has had on every aspect of the school’s development.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The school provides a wide range of extra curricular activities in which pupils are encouraged to
participate. These extra curricular activities help to develop interest and involvement in cultural,
academic and sporting pursuits.
In 2013/14 these activities included:
Art Club
Drama
ICT Club
Junior Choir
Senior Choir
Hockey
Rugby
Netball
Good News Club
Football
ECO Club
The school choirs led the school in worship at the Christmas Carol service in Carnmoney Church. A
particular highlight was the involvement of a staff choir.
All teachers give freely of their time to arrange and prepare for these events and the Board of
Governors appreciate their efforts. It is through the quality of the curriculum and the variety of extra
curricular activities that children are encouraged to develop intellectually and socially and to foster a
sense of belonging to the school community.
The governors would also like to thank Mr Christopher McCune and Mrs Helen McCune from the
Child Evangelism Fellowship who provided the Good News Club which took place in school on
Tuesdays at lunch time.
MUSIC TUITITON
Music tuition was provided during school hours for pupils wishing to learn how to play the following
instruments:




INSTRUMENT
Guitar
Strings
Brass
Piano
TUTORS
Mr S Johnston
Ms A Robinson / Mr K Mawdsley
Mr A Hunter
Mrs J McCartney
13
Annual General Report: 2013/14
LOCAL MANAGEMENT OF SCHOOLS
The Education Reform (NI) Order introduced the Local Management of Schools’ Scheme (L.M.S.)
which gives financial control to the Board of Governors. During the financial year ending 31 March
2014, this school had fully delegated status, i.e., it had the responsibility for staffing and other costs.
The total for our Formula Budget Share is determined by a variety of criteria. The main factor is what
is referred to as the Age Weighted Pupil Unit (AWPU). This means the school receives a specified
amount per pupil enrolled at the school.
A summary of the school’s finances 2013-14 is listed in the statement below:
£
Total Resources Available
£1 125 441
Net Expenditure
£1 122 324
Balance Carried Forward to 2012/13
£3 117
See Appendix 1.
THE FUTURE
The Board of Governors will continue to promote the curriculum policy of the school through the
implementation of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and the relevant assessment arrangements. We in
Carnmoney Primary School will continue to strive to provide the best all-round education for all the
children in our care, building upon the excellent work of the past.
The active involvement of parents/carers will be sought through information evenings, parent/carer
interviews, parents/carers helping with photocopying, accompanying children on trips and active
participation in Parent Teacher Association meetings.
The school will continue to promote good discipline through the review and consistent implementation
of the Positive Behaviour Policy and to promote self-discipline by encouraging children’s involvement
in team games and extra-curricular activities.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion the Board of Governors thank the Principal and all the staff for their excellent teaching,
dedication and co-operation during the 2013/14 school year.
The Board of Governors also sincerely thank the parents/carers and children for making the 2012/13
school year so successful because a school can only develop and improve by maintaining a
partnership with children, parents/carers and teachers.
The Board of Governors are confident that high levels of learning and teaching are being maintained
even if there are concerns over funding. The good name of the school is being upheld in the
community by the dedicated staff working in the school.
This report is a true record of the discharge of the functions of the Board of Governors and Principal of
Carnmoney Primary School and is signed on behalf of all members by the Chairperson.
Signed: ___________________
Date: ______________
Chairperson: Mrs L Ferguson
14
Annual General Report: 2013/14
Appendix 1
Learning for Life
Together
15