Latest News

Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• The National Holocaust Centre and Museum

  Tue 07 Jul 2015 Ms Rawson

  As part of our WWII work, we had the privilege of visiting The National Holocaust Centre and Museum. We had the opportunity to experience what life was like for Leo Stein, who was a Jewish boy during this period of History. We embarked on a journey of his life, showing where he lived with his family and also the impact the German’s had on his life, his family, their business and how he eventually became an evacuee.

  During the visit the pupils met a survivor of the war. Joan Salter is a child survivor of the Holocaust. Born Fanny Zimetbaum in Brussels on 15 February 1940 to Polish Jewish parents, she was three months old when Belgium was invaded by the Nazis.

   

  She shared with us her account and experience during the war and how she came to have 2 families. An American mother and father, who fostered her after she was moved to an orphanage in the USA. As well as the pressures of being reunited with her birth parents.

   

  Pupils also had the opportunity to ask questions.

   

  The upper school teaching team were incredibly impressed with the way the Year 5 and 6 pupils conducted themselves throughout the day. Their super behaviour, respect for their learning environment and thoughtful question was noted. It was a pleasure to have taken them.

   

  The team who worked with us on the day were equally impressed and I’m delighted to show below the email they sent to Mr Robertson. Well done Year 5 & 6, you have really done us proud!

   

   

  Dear Mr Robertson,

  I am writing to thank you for enabling the visit of your year five and six pupils to the National Holocaust Centre and Museum to take place on the 24^th June. Their learning in the Journey exhibition was conducted by myself and my colleague Linda, and we were both highly impressed with their superb approach to the day. The fantastic ideas of the students, their level of knowledge and their excellent questions all contributed to a highly thought-provoking and reflective session. The willingness of the pupils to engage with questions of identity, respect and care for others- and their maturity in addressing these difficult issues, was also excellent. There were outstanding individual ideas and questions raised and the willingness of all the pupils to contribute clearly and confidently to ensure that they learned as much as they possibly could from the day, was absolutely fantastic.

  Please accept my thanks again for enabling such a wonderful visit to take place.

  With very best wishes,

  Louise Stafford

  The National Holocaust Centre and Museum. 

  

• Ofsted letter May 2015

  Sun 24 May 2015 Mr C Robertson

  Dear Parents and Carers

   

  The report from our recent Ofsted inspection, which took place on 30th April and 1^st May, is now on our website. It will appear on the Ofsted website from Tuesday 2^nd June.  

   

  Schools can be given one of four grades from Ofsted. Our school has been given grade three. This is a change from the good grading which we received in February 2012 which used to be known as ‘satisfactory’ but is now called ‘requires improvement’. I am writing to explain the messages in the report and the context in which the judgements were made.

   

  The inspectors noted a number of strengths of the School in terms of pupil’s behaviour and attitude and also the leadership of the School.  However, most of the judgements were made based on historical pupil progress data from 2013 and 2014. They do not necessarily reflect the position of the school now.  Further details are given below.

   

  The data in 2013 and 2014 showed that most children made progress which we would expect them to make. However, one of the issues for inspectors was that the gaps in results and progress for children who receive free school meals, and those who do not, had been wider at Albany Juniors than in other schools nationally. Another concern, was the number of children reaching level 5 in Reading, Writing and Maths. This was significantly below national averages in 2014. Not enough of our children had made more progress than we would have expected them to. This is a target for us moving forward which we had already identified.

   

  As a result, our achievement and teaching grades could be no higher than ‘requires improvement’. Inspectors were concerned particularly with the progress since year 3 of our current year 6 children. This was a target from the last inspection. However, the inspectors have been keen to show the success we have introduced this year to tackle this underachievement.

   

  This current year, all year groups, particularly years 3 and 4, have made excellent progress. We are very happy that the inspectors have acknowledged the improvements in teaching, progress and attainment across the school since September 2014. They have also acknowledged that we have been successful in raising the attainment of our children who receive free school meals across the school and this has meant that gaps between different groups of children have closed rapidly.

   

  We are really pleased that the inspectors have made it very clear that we have made a lot of progress since September 2014 in other areas. When we asked what grading we would be if we were only judged on this year we were told it was highly likely it would be good. We also asked if there was anything we could have done to change the overall judgement in this inspection. We were told this again was also highly unlikely. We have to accept the judgement and have already started working on all of the targets. We are currently taking actions towards each one. At some point later this term, we will be visited by an Inspector from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate to check on the progress we have made. I will keep you informed of their feedback.

   

  As indicated earlier, the inspectors noted a number of strengths, notably:

  • Behaviour is good. This is because staff help pupils to get on with everyone, whatever their background or ability.
  • Pupils are polite and courteous young people. Parents, staff and governors all say behaviour is good. This is because staff behave considerately towards pupils and praise them when they make sensible decisions.
  • The school’s work to keep pupils safe and secure is good. Pupils learn to keep themselves safe in and outside of school. Assemblies and class sessions develop their awareness of the dangers around them.
  • Pupils have positive attitudes to their work and are keen to show visitors the contents of their books. They are well prepared for lessons and readily respond to their teachers, whom they clearly like. This is because staff plan exciting projects which interest them.

   

  It was also good that the inspector reported that the leadership of the school know what they are doing and that the school is continuing to improve. The inspector recognised the work which has been done to improve teaching and that this has had a very positive impact on progress of all groups of children, their comments are reproduced below:

   

  • The Headteacher leads the school well. Although new in post, he has already identified where improvements are needed and has eliminated the weak teaching which existed in the past.
  • All leaders and staff are committed to improving the school. The leadership team and staff work diligently to create a happy atmosphere, where pupils behave well, attend regularly and care for each other.
  • The curriculum is broad and balanced and enhanced by a range of educational visits and topics which bring learning to life and enrich pupils’ experience of school.
  • Inspection evidence shows that this year progress made by children who receive free school meals has improved. The gap for year 6 children, who receive free school meals, has been reduced significantly. This is because leaders now monitor achievement more rigorously and provide good support if they slip behind.
  • The school has identified where pupils have gaps in their understanding and is taking appropriate measures to address them. As a result, pupils in Years 3 and 4 are making faster progress in reading, writing and maths.

   

  We hope you share in our confidence that we know our school, we know exactly where we are and what we need to focus on to continue aiming for excellence at all levels. Albany Junior School is a wonderful school and provides a great all round education. Continuing to work together and supporting each other will ensure a very positive future for the school and, most importantly, that every single child attending our school is given the opportunity to shine! A sincere thank you on behalf of all the staff and the governing body; your support is very much appreciated.

   

  The full report can be found on the school’s website, but of course, you are welcome to pick up a paper copy from the office if you would prefer. If you would like to discuss the report I am happy to do so. Please make an appointment through the school office.

   

   

  Yours truly

   

   

   

   

  Craig Robertson

• Its good to be back!!

  Sat 25 Apr 2015 Mr. Robertson

  The Easter holidays went so quickly but I just thought now we are back I would add a few pieces of information which you would like to know about which are coming up this term. It is great to see all of the children back safely plus a few more as well!

   

  We have just ordered a new trim trail to be built on the grass verge of the large playground. If all goes to plan this should be ready for use just after half term. School Council designed what they wanted and this is reflected in what we ordered. If anyone would like to see the plan, feel free to pop in and see me.

   

  We are also looking to make small improvements around the site. We will be replacing the wooden edging around the pathways at the front of the school. I would also like to get your suggestions about how we could smarten and tidy up the smaller playground at the back of the school. If you have any ideas, which are not too expensive please email me or pop into the school.

   

   

   

   

• Good to be Green

  Fri 24 Apr 2015 Ms Rawson

  Good to be green

  We recognise that we have lots of children in school who display excellent behaviour and behave in a way that we would expect. This week saw the start of new reward scheme, which we have developed to show our well behaved children that we appreciate their hard work and effort.

  The reward scheme is shown below:

  Good to be green for 1 day = 2 smiley sides

  Good to be green for 1 whole week = 12 smiley sides

                                                           + 1 raffle ticket

  Good to be green for ½ term = Park visit

  Good to be green for 1 term = ten pin bowling experience

   

  Behaviour lottery prize draw ½ term & end of term. 

  

• Busy Times at Albany

  Wed 25 Mar 2015 Mr. Robertson

  We are rapidly heading towards Easter and the school is more busy than ever.

   

  Last Friday, all children, staff and a selection of governors celebrated the eclipse. They stood with their backs to the sun watching the shape of the sun change through their pinholes on bits of card. It is something they will remember for many years to come.

   

  This Wednesday, year 4 had a day with Mad Science learning about how their bodies work and how they can keep them healthy. They loved the hands on activities and went home really buzzing with excitement.

   

  We also had the latest of our Parent Workshops this week. Miss Wing and Jason Wade, an English Consultant, took parents through the Rainbow Grammar training which Jason has worked on in school this year. The purpose was to enable parents to help their children with homework. We will be running a session again in the Summer term.

  

• Anti-Racist Education Project

  Mon 23 Feb 2015 Ms Rawson

  Over the next 5 weeks, pupils in Years 4 & 5 will take part in the Anti-Racist Education Project (AREP). The lessons will explore a number of sensitive issues such as differences, bullying, racism and prejudice. We will be supported in delivering this work by Nottinghamshire County Council's Achievement and Equality team. Staff from the team will be coming into school every week to deliver these sessions. 

   

  Year 5 will take part in the AREP sessions on a Monday afternoon, whilst Year 4's lessons will be carried out on a Wednesday afternoon. 

   

  In order to make the most of the work undertaken in class, your child(ren) may occasionally bring home a piece of homework and ask you to help them complete it. They may also have a number of questions for you, as children are naturally inquisitive. 

   

  We feel that is it very important that our children should be given the opportunity to consider these issues and this topic contributes to our SEAL and community cohesion work. We believe that the children will get a great deal out of this work, but are also aware that some of you may have concerns given some of the subjects we will be looking at. If your child is worried or anxious or they are unsure about any of the aspects covered, please come and talk to us. 

   

  If you would like to know more about what work we will be doing, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

   

  Ms Rawson

• Grammar Parents' Meeting

  Fri 13 Feb 2015 Mr. Robertson
  We have booked a Parents' Meeting to help you to help your children with their homework. Jason Wade (English Consultant at Nottingham City Council) and Miss Wing will talk you through some of the terminology and content you will need. The meeting starts at 6pm and will be an hour long. There is a crèche and there will also be refreshments. A letter will come out after half term with more details.

• Maths and English Parent Meetings

  Thu 05 Feb 2015 Mr. Robertson

  I often get asked about how parents can help their children with homework. Miss Stones has organised two maths meetings at the start of March alongside Jane Gill, a Maths Consultant. One is at 2.30pm and the other is at 6pm. Further details are due out in the coming days. Please attend if you can.

   

  Miss Wing is organising Grammar meetings for the start of the Summer term. We will keep you posted.

• New Homework Policy

  Thu 22 Jan 2015 Mr. Robertson

  You will have noticed that requirements for homework are currently changing. The reasons behind this are so that we have a consistent amount of homework in each year group. Parent Forum looked at the document in November and were generally happy that we were looking to make our expectations clearer.

   

  The policy has not been finalised yet so it is still in draft form. It will go to governors for final approval in the next few weeks. I will share it with you next week once the staff and I have discussed it in more detail.

   

  One of the questions asked was about the different levels of expectation within a class. Different pupils have different abilities so teachers will reflect this by varying the level of challenge.

   

  This update also reflects the level of challenge reflected in the new curriculum for each child. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. More information will follow soon.

• Maths Coffee Afternoon

  Tue 20 Jan 2015 Mr. Robertson

  On Wednesday 4th March, Miss Stones is providing the opportunity to meet in an informal way, with a biscuit and a drink, so that you can learn some of the methods and new ideas your child is learning in their lessons. 

   

  The meeting starts at 2.30pm and will finish in time for you to collect your children. We will send out a letter nearer the time to confirm details. It will be great for as many of you as possible to attend.