ST WALBURGA’S

CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

FOR CHILDREN AGED 4 - 11

‘St Walburga’s is deeply rooted in its Gospel values. Pupils feel cared
for and happily come to school. They achieve well academically’
OFSTED 2020
OUR VISION
Our school is a learning community, rooted in Gospel Values. We want our children to
be supported to become well-rounded, confident and respectful individuals, who are
instilled with a life-long love of learning, a sense of social justice, and who are constantly
striving to be the best they can be.

Our Mission Statement is at the heart of our school, and reflected in every aspect of our
school lives.

In 2019, the staff and children worked

together to identify the values that should
be the focus for every member of our
school community, in their learning and
interactions with one another and the
wider community. Each of these values is
strengthened and supported with scripture.

‘Compassionate, independent, respectful, brave, honest & collaborative’

St Walburga’s Learning Values
WELCOMING ALL
As Headteacher of St Walburga’s School, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome
you. I hope that this prospectus gives you a brief insight into the life of our school – and I
encourage you to visit us to find out more. Originally founded in the town centre in the 1870s,
St Walburga’s School is the longest established Catholic primary school in Bournemouth.
The school moved to its current site in 1929 and we continue to welcome children and
families from all over Bournemouth to join our ‘School Family’. Our vision is clear – we want
our children to achieve well academically, to become well-rounded, caring individuals who
can make purposeful contributions to society. Respect, friendship and support are at the
heart of all we do, and can be witnessed in the interactions and relationships within the
whole school community. We see every member of our school family as a unique individual
– created in the image and likeness of God. We work with parents to ensure that every child
is given the chance to achieve their best, academically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.

Please do not hesitate to contact us to find out more about our school.

Veronica Woodward
Headteacher

‘The over riding feeling is that all children are loved and cared for as in a family’
Parent questionnaire
LEARNING TO BE THE BEST WE CAN BE....
Highlights from our 2019 data from OFSTED Primary Inspection Data Summary Report:

• Key Stage 2 attainment of the expected standard in reading (90%) was significantly

above national and in the highest 20% of all schools.

• Key Stage 2 attainment of the expected standard in writing (98%) and of greater

depth in writing (41%) was significantly above national and in the highest 20% of all

schools.

• Key Stage 2 attainment of the expected standard in mathematics (95%) was

significantly above national and in the highest 20% of all schools.

• Key Stage 2 attainment of the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics

combined (86%) was significantly above average and in the highest 20% of all schools.

• Key Stage 2 attainment of the expected standard in science (95%) was significantly

above national and in the highest 20% of schools.

• The proportion of all children meeting the phonics expected standard in Year 1 (97%)

was significantly above national and in the highest 20% of all schools.

• The percentage achieving a good level of development at the end of the early years

foundation stage (85%) was significantly above national and in the highest 20% of all

schools in 2019.
RESULTS FOR 2019...

We were not able to make data comparisons with local and national attainment
in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have continued to assess,
support and challenge our children to achieve the best outcomes they can.
OUR CURRICULUM
As a Catholic school we provide a Catholic The curriculum is delivered using a wide range
Christian education, based on the life and of approaches and resources. Teachers have
teaching of Jesus Christ, in which the values of the responsibility for planning and delivering
the Gospel underpin all aspects of school life. lessons in their classes. Curriculum coverage
Our children experience a broad and balanced is mapped against long term plans, and the
curriculum, which is enriching and challenging, teachers regularly review and revise their
and develops spiritual, academic, social and approach and the content of their lessons to
emotional growth. reflect the interests and needs of their pupils.

Our curriculum reflects the local context of

our school, the knowledge and skills which AIMS OF OUR CURRICULUM
the pupils need to be effective members of the
GENERAL ETHOS: Creating happy memories,
community, and the high ambitions we have for enjoyment, fun and developing a love of learning
all pupils. The content of our curriculum is based with a sense of friendship and community.
on the requirements of the National Curriculum RELATING TO SELF: Developing self-esteem,
2014 for Key Stage 1 and 2, and the Early Years confidence, health and striving to be the
Foundation Stage Statutory Framework 2012 best you can be. Developing spirituality and a
(revised 2021). relationship with God.
RELATING TO OTHERS: Developing friendships,
As part of our Personal, Heath and Relationships relationships, teamwork and a sense of
Education (PHRE) programme, we plan responsibility. Catholic Social Teaching.
opportunities for the children to learn about MANAGING LEARNING: Improving your own
staying safe, and promoting their mental learning, communication skills and computing.
and physical well-being. We also plan for and THINKING SKILLS: Developing creativity,
promote the British values of Democracy, Rule problem solving and resilience.
of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and MANAGING SITUATION: Managing conflicts,
Tolerance. disappointments, time, resources and risks.

‘Pupils talk confidently about what they have learned and can make
links between different subjects’
OFSTED 2020
 SERVING GOD AND ONE ANOTHER
Catholic Social Teaching is at the heart of our curriculum, and as well as providing the children
with a wealth of opportunities to serve others within the school, local and worldwide communities,
we ensure that the children have an understanding of the 7 principles of Catholic Social Teaching
through the Caritas in Action scheme of work.
We encourage our children to develop an understanding of their roles and responsibilities in our
community, and to identify and take opportunities to have an impact on the lives of those around
them.

‘Staff help pupils to make an active contribution, both to their local

community and further afield’
OFSTED 2020
OUR RECEPTION CLASS
GETTING OFF TO A GREAT START!
Each September, we admit 60 children to our Their teacher and to begin to form friendships
two Reception classes. You need to complete with their classmates. Parents are also invited
the application process for your child by January to attend these sessions – practical information
15th of the year your child is due to start – will be shared, and you will have the opportunity
there are two parts to this process: an online to order uniform, find out more about our school
application to BCP Admissions and an additional lunch provision, and meet other parents. These
set of paperwork specific to our school. If you sessions usually take place in June and July.
are unsure about the process, please contact
the School Office. In the week before your child starts school in
September, the Reception staff will come to
Starting school is a big step – both for your child visit your child at home – this gives your child
and for you as parents. Our aim is to support you another chance to meet their class teacher and
and your child at every step of the transition teaching assistant, this time in their own home
process, and to make starting school a happy environment.
and memorable experience.
Prior to your child joining us, our staff will meet
Once your child has been offered a place with us, with staff from your child’s pre-school setting.
we will be in touch with details of our transition This is to gain information about your child and
arrangements. Children are invited to attend help us to have a greater understanding of their
two ‘stay and play’ sessions, which gives them needs. We also encourage you to tell us about
the opportunity to see their classroom, meet your child’s particular needs.
 The Early Years
Foundation Stage is
the phase of learning from
a child’s birth to the end of
their Reception Year in school.
Your child’s first year in school will
be a continuation of the learning
they have been doing in nursery
or playgroup. The main aim of
this phase is to underpin
all future learning.

We work closely with you to support your child during this important first year. We encourage
communication with parents, primarily through the ‘Tapestry’ app, so that we can share the
milestones in your child’s Learning Journey with you. Our Reception classrooms and outside area
are set up to promote learning, build positive relationships and enable your child to learn and
develop. We are constantly reviewing and revising our provision and curriculum to ensure that we
are giving our children the strongest start possible in their early years.
OUR SCHOOL DAY
Our school day is from 8.40am to 2.50pm, with Developing resilience, making connections and,
a morning break, lunch break and break for the above all, embedding a life long love of learning.
younger children during the afternoon.
Our system of marking and feedback ensures
The school gates open at 8.25am, children that children receive the support and challenge
should not come to school prior to this time they need to make progress in their learning.
unless they are attending a club. School staff For those children who need extra support
are there to meet children on the gate after this on a regular basis, we offer a wide range of
time, and to take any messages which you wish interventions. We have teaching assistants in
to pass on to their class teacher. every class, many of whom have been trained to
provide specialist support. Our SENCo monitors
Our SWOOSH (St Walburga’s Out Of School the progress of every child throughout the
Hours) breakfast club opens at 7.30am – year, and works closely with parents to support
children have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy children at every stage of their learning, seeking
breakfast and activities prior to starting the advice from external agencies when necessary.
school day. If you wish to use this facility, you
can book it via WisePay (subject to availability). At morning play, children are encouraged to
enjoy a fruit snack – for children in Reception
Children must be at school by 8.40am – arriving and KS1, this is provided. Older children are
at school promptly really helps children to welcome to bring their own fruit – but we are a
maximise their learning experience as they nut free school!
have an opportunity to see their friends, and
settle into class before their learning begins for At lunchtime, your child can bring their own
the day. packed lunch from home, or you can order a
packed lunch or hot meal from our school meals
As described previously, our curriculum is broad provider – Forerunner. This must be booked
and balanced, and children have opportunities in advance, and is available to order through
to learn in a variety of ways. We often teach WisePay. The service is nutritious and tasty,
through a topic or text-based curriculum, but and the children enjoy eating hot lunches in
will always adapt our planning to ensure that the school hall. The menu offers a choice of
children have the opportunities to acquire the vegetarian or meat main, plus a jacket potato
skills they need at every stage of their learning. option for each day. For Reception and Key
In addition to the subject content of our Stage 1 children, a meal can be booked free of
lessons, we ensure that the children have the charge. Key Stage 2 children need to pay a small
opportunity to develop the learning behaviours cost, unless eligible for free school meals.
and values at the heart of our curriculum –

If you think your child may be eligible for free school lunches, please
contact the school office or the BCP student support team on 01202 456201.
School ends at 2.50pm for all children apart
from those who are taking part in organised
activities after school hours. Parents will need
to arrange for their child to leave the premises
promptly. Parents of children in Year 4 and
above can apply for a ‘Walkers Pass’ for their
child – this enables their child to leave the
premises unaccompanied to walk home or meet
their parent away from the school. All other
children will not be allowed to leave the school
premises without an adult.

We offer a range of after-school clubs and

activities for children, some run by school
staff and some by external providers. These
may vary from term to term. You can see the
current provision on our website. For example,
clubs offered have included dance, multi sports,
football, cricket, rugby, Latin, Art club and STEM
club. These clubs generally run from 2.50pm to
4.00pm.

Our SWOOSH club also operates after school

until 5.45pm, subject to availability. Children
have the opportunity to access a range of
activities and enjoy a healthy snack in a safe
and friendly environment. This is available to
book via WisePay.

We ask all parents to work with us to ensure the

safety and well being of the children throughout
the day. Please contact the school office as
soon as possible if there is any change to the
usual arrangements for drop off or collection
of your child, or if you would like to make an
appointment to discuss your child’s learning
with the class teacher.
CARING FOR OUR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Promoting positive mental health and well being for all our children, families and staff is a priority
in our school. We operate an open-door policy, and encourage parents to share any concerns they
have about their children, however trivial it may seem – we really believe that a problem shared
is a problem halved! You can phone or email the office at any time, and your child’s class teacher,
a member of the Senior Leadership team, or a member of our Pastoral Care team will get back to
you as soon as possible.

Our Pastoral Support Worker, Mrs Symes, has a wealth of experience and can provide lots of help
and support with any concerns that you may have about your child.

Our PHRE curriculum is based on the Coram-SCARF materials which help children explore emotions
and make healthy choices in their lifestyle and relationships. We also use the 10-10 resources,
recommended by the Diocese of Portsmouth, to support our children in learning about healthy
relationships.

We have two specially trained Emotional

Literacy Support Assistants, who can
provide specific support programmes for
those children who are experiencing
more complex emotional difficulties.
Our Rainbows programme offers
fantastic support for children
experiencing bereavement or loss
through separation or divorce.

Whenever possible, we invite

parents in to school to
find out more about their
children’s learning and to
join us in Masses, liturgies,
and celebrations. One high
spot is our Bring and Share
Supper in November when
we celebrate the culture and
diversity of our school family
– and share a lovely meal
together!
JOINING TOGETHER IN PRAYER
The prayer life of our school is central to developing the spirituality of the children, their relationship
with Jesus and with each other, and is the golden thread which underpins our Mission and Vision.

We pray, informally and formally, throughout our school day. In addition to daily class worship,
children take part in Masses and assemblies. Our ‘Prayer Buddies’ enable our children to share
their spiritual journey with their friends in other year groups – older children are able to model
and share their experiences with younger children, but are also open to learning from them. They
form a special bond, which often endures beyond their time at our school.

Our Mission Statement heroes – shared in whole school assemblies – provide children with
role models who embody our school values. We also celebrate our House Saints – St Francis, St
Bernadette, St Anne and St Joseph; and share the achievements of those children who have been
trying hard to follow our Mission Statement by learning to be the best they can be, and by serving
God and one another.

Father Bern, Parish Priest at the Annunciation and St Edmund Campion, is a regular visitor to
school, celebrating Mass with us. Deacon Barry also joins us on a regular basis, enabling us to share
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We also invite priests from other parishes in our pastoral
area to support us with the Sacrament of Reconciliation for Key Stage 2. Sister Maria from the
Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Convent in Boscombe has worked with our Year 2 children
to support them in preparation of class liturgies.

We have a very active Worship Council – representatives from each class in Key Stage 2 who help
in the organisation of special prayer days and liturgies in school, and who help to look after our
Prayer Garden.

‘Great Catholic teaching, values and morals which shine in the children
and ethos of the school’
Parent questionnaire
HEALTHY LIVING
Through our PHRE – SCARF curriculum, we
encourage children to learn about making
healthy choices in their diet and lifestyle.
The food element of our Design & technology
curriculum encourages children to research
and prepare healthy food, and to consider the
environmental impact of their food choices.

We offer children a wide variety of sporting

activities, both through the taught curriculum
and through a range of extra-curricular activities
available throughout the school. We encourage
children to take part in competitive sport,
and attend local competitions and leagues for
netball, football, swimming and rugby among
other sports. Our teams have been extremely
successful in a variety of competitions over
recent years – but have also been commended
for their sense of fair play. We want our children
to understand the positive impact that sport
and exercise can have on their physical and
mental wellbeing, both now and in the future.
ENRICHMENT
As part of our commitment to engage children in their learning, our aim is to provide the children
with an enriching curriculum, both through taught experiences and through extra-curricular
activities. Whenever possible, we offer the children opportunities to experience live music –
both as audience and as participators. Every year group has the chance to take part in a drama
performance in front of parents and friends during the school year. We try to bring the curriculum
alive for children through relevant learning outside the classroom and through welcoming inspiring
visitors into school.
NEXT STEPS FOR OUR CHILDREN
When our children leave us at the end of Year 6, many continue their Catholic education at St
Peter’s secondary school in Southbourne. We also have a large number of children who move on
to the local Grammar Schools – Bournemouth School for Girls and Bournemouth School. In recent
years, an increasing number of children have chosen to take the next steps of their educational
journey at other local schools, including Winton, Glenmoor, Avonbourne, Bishop of Winchester and
the Bourne Academy. Whichever school you choose for your child, we will do our best to help your
child make a smooth and successful transition to their new school. We are always pleased to hear
news of our former students, who always remain a part of our school family. It is a testament to
the bonds formed in those early years that many of our current school staff are former pupils who
have returned to St Walburga’s to help share our vision and mission with younger generations.

St Walburga’s Catholic Primary School,

Malvern Rd, Bournemouth, BH9 3BY
01202 528811
office@stwalburgasprimary.co.uk
www.stwalburgas.bournemouth.sch.uk

‘I love the genuine feeling of caring, love and support displayed to the children
by the staff – Thank you’
Parent questionnaire