Loanends Prospectus 23/24

The Arts (Art and Design, Drama and Music) Pupils are given a variety of opportunities within the classroom to develop their creative and expressive talents. Furthermore, pupils have the opportunity to receive Instrumental Tuition in a variety of brass, wind and string instruments. Tuition is provided by the Peripatetic Music Service from The Education Authority, and also through a private arrangement with one of our former parents. This tuition is supported by the Teachers whose expertise in music allows them to consolidate and develop the pupils’ abilities. We are proud of the fact that we have an orchestra with a variety of instruments and a choir that regularly performs at local events and local festivals and have enjoyed success in recent years with both groups. The school has traditionally put on a major production at some point in the year, either at Christmas or in January/February. Pupils perform to a high standard both in senior productions and junior Nativity plays. A Harvest Thanksgiving Assembly is again planned for this year. The school choir meets regularly for rehearsals and takes part in assemblies, and in community events.

Loanends Primary School Prospectus 2023-24

Physical Education We believe that PE helps pupils gain confidence, promotes self-esteem and enables pupils to make the link between physical activity and good health. Pupils at Loanends are offered many opportunities to develop their physical skills through play and a range of physical activities. As well as Outdoor Play, Primary Movement and PE lessons, the children have the opportunity to become involved in skill-based games such as hockey, football, basketball, cricket, badminton and gymnastics within curriculum time or at extra-curricular level. The hockey and football teams play neighbouring schools throughout the year. Every pupil from P5 upwards is given the opportunity to learn to swim and a number of pupils take part in the Gala in June of each year. Swimming is a compulsory part of the curriculum.

The World Around Us This includes the areas of History, Geography, Science and Technology and encourages children to explore and investigate the world around them and so develop their powers of observation and extend their natural curiosity. We provide opportunities for pupils to contribute to their learning, through involvement in planning of lessons and make good use of trips out to reinforce and extend what has been discovered in class lessons. Each year, pupils participate in a special Science Day, investigating and experimenting. Religious Education Our school has a strong Christian ethos which is central to all that we do. To this end, throughout their years in the school, pupils follow a core syllabus for Religious Education that focuses on the study of Christianity. However, any parent who wishes to withdraw their child from this area of the curriculum should contact the Principal to discuss the necessary arrangements. Pupils are also permitted, on request, to leave school to prepare for and attend sacraments. Religious Education is taught in a variety of ways, helping our pupils to develop their Biblical knowledge, spiritual awareness and personal faith. Class lessons, and whole school weekly assemblies provide plenty of opportunities for this to be achieved. Local Ministers and other staff from neighbouring churches, organisations and charities regularly lead in assemblies.

Personal Development and Mutual Understanding This area of the curriculum gives pupils the opportunity to learn about themselves and how they interact with others and the society or world in which they live. It develops self-esteem and builds confidence and encourages pupils to develop their interpersonal skills, thereby encouraging them to reflect on moral values and become responsible citizens.

Loanends Primary School Prospectus 2023-24

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