Welcome to St. Andrew’s Church of England Primary School.

Our school is built on a foundation of partnership between home and school. We are proud that it is a happy, outgoing place where children can learn and flourish in a successful and rewarding atmosphere, surrounded by enthusiastic and encouraging adults. This prospectus, prepared by the School Governors, provides information on the school, its aims, curriculum and activities for parents seeking a school for their child to attend; together with guidance for parents of children already attending our school.

The school dates back to 1860 when it was situated near the centre of the village. Our present buildings, with their light and spacious classrooms, have been on this site since the late sixties and are named The Geoffrey Manser and Norman Benton buildings. Manser is where Years 4, 5 and 6 are located along with the Head and Secretary. Benton houses years Reception, 1, 2 and 3 and is located at the other end of the drive. Together, these buildings accommodate children from Chinnor, Henton, Sydenham and Emmington. At the age of eleven they have the choice of transferring to Lord Williams’ School in Thame or The Icknield School in Watlington. We maintain regular links with staff from both these schools throughout the year.

We hope this prospectus gives you a glimpse into our school. It is impossible to set out fully the breadth of activity in which our children are involved, in a few pages. We are sure that you and your children will find St. Andrew’s a happy and hard working school.

Please come and see for yourself the work we are doing. A phone call will ensure that someone is available to show you around.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family.

Gill Copsey (Headteacher) and Michael Thompson (Chairman of Governors)

The total number of pupils we can admit into each year group is 60. Children are admitted at the beginning of the term in which they become five [so there is a three term entry] and attend for mornings only during their first term. If there are more applicants than places, admission decisions are made by Oxfordshire Education Department following criteria in their Admissions policy, with children living in the school's catchment area having priority. A booklet giving more information is available from the school secretary. School transport is provided to collect children from Henton and Sydenham.

• express their creative ideas

• evaluate their experiences

• listen and observe

• communicate effectively both in speech and writing

• read competently for both information and pleasure

• be systematic when solving a problem and use evidence to make judgements

• use and apply their mathematical knowledge

• understand the power of science and technology to bring about change

• use their physical skills

• realise their own self worth and place in the community

• begin to develop their own beliefs and values whilst respecting those of others

We have 11 full time and 1 part-time class teachers, in addition to the Head, and are able to offer a wide range of specialist knowledge along with the broad skills required for all good primary teachers.

At present our teachers are:

Mrs Julie Thompson       Class 5 Year R

Mrs Shirley Thompson   Class 5 Year 1

Mrs Jenny Craig               Class 6 Year 1

Miss Rachel Wright         Class 4 Year 2

Mr Steve Dunn                 Class 3 Year 3

All these classes are in the Norman Benton Building

Mrs Many Rowley            Class C Year 4

Mr Julie Carmichael         Class D Year 4

Ms Heather Hughson      Class E Year 5

Mr Tim Nixon                   Class F Year 5

Mrs Hilary Clement         Class A Year 6

Mrs Wendy Heritage       Class B Year 6

All these classes are in the Geoffrey Manser Building.

In addition, Mrs Tanya D’Onofrio is employed on a part time basis to support those children with special educational needs. We also employ a number of Learning Support Assistants who are invaluable members of our staff . They provide a wide range of expertise to back up the work of the class teachers. Our teaching assistants are Frances Harvey, Isobel Shields, Lyn Watts, Jean Hill, Pat Ray, Shelley Bennett, Lesley Zakaszewski, Diane Osborne, Sandra Minton and  Moyra Hollick.

Please remember that your child will be taught by staff other than the class teacher from time to time. This is a normal practice in today’s primary schools.