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East Lothian / Independent preparatory and junior

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The Compass School, Haddington

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The Compass School details

Address:
The Compass School
West Road, Haddington, East Lothian EH41 3RD
Telephone:
01620 822642
Fax:
01620 822144
Email:
office@thecompassschool.co.uk
Website:
www.compassschool.co.uk
Authority:
East Lothian
Admissions:
Comprehensive
Gender of entry:
Mixed
Age range:
4-12
Number of students:
122
Last inspection:
June 2001. Read the full inspection report.

Find a school:

General information

Headteacher: Mark Becher, appointed in September 1997.

Staff: 13 (men 3, women 10).

Background: East Lothian's only independent primary school; offers a wide-ranging curriculum, with French, judo and swimming taught from age of four and Latin from age eight; other subjects include drama, art, music, ICT and games. There is an outdoor education programme with Outward Bound courses from age of seven and trips also to London. Activities offered across a broad range - art and craft, Scottish country dancing etc. The Compass School has recently undergone a £1 million extension and refurbishment which has been a new assembly hall, classrooms, ICT suite, a library and new art, science and technology facilities enhancing the attractive school environment. The school offers small class sizes allowing each child to enjoy a very high level of individual attention. After-school care until 6pm. 'A warm, caring environment in which children feel secure and happy in which they are encouraged to succeed, developing confidence, skills and ability.' .

Approach to discipline: 'The school encourages strong personal values such as care and respect for others, polite and responsible behaviour, high standards of appearance and personal organisation and children take pride in achieving these.'

Uniform: Red-and-white checked shirt, navy skirt/pinafore/cords, red socks, navy jersey/cardigan, and blazer. 'Children are encouraged to smart of appearance at all times.'

Special needs: Learning support teacher assists children with moderate learning difficulties either on one-to-one basis or in class.

Inspection: June 2001: 'The school had purchased novels for the school library and class sets of novels for pupils in the middle and upper forms. The school had plans to continue to extend its resources for reading. New resources had been purchased to support mathematical investigation and problem-solving. In addition, teachers were making use of materials from the Internet. Equipment for outdoor play was now very good. Staff had successfully reviewed their policy for writing. Across all classes pupils had opportunities to write for a wide range of purposes. Displays of pupils? work throughout the school effectively demonstrated ways in which writing could be used. Pupils had regular opportunities to acquire skills in mental calculation and problem-solving. Their opportunities for developing technology and ICT skills were still limited by available resources. However, technology and ICT were included as priorities in the school?s development plan for 2001-02. A computer suite and further school computer equipment would be installed in August 2001. Staff had agreed on the use of a common approach to planning. Learning and attainment outcomes were clearly specified. The headteacher had introduced an effective system to record teachers? assessments of pupils? progress. Initial attempts to identify pupil targets had been found to be too time-consuming. The headteacher was now working with the learning support teacher and class teachers to develop a more manageable way to set targets for pupils. The headteacher made use of assessment records and visited classes on a weekly basis. He used this information to talk to pupils and comment on their written work. He monitored teachers? forward plans and gave them feedback. The headteacher recognised the need to continue to develop this area further.'

Secondary schools: Belhaven Hill; Loretto School; The Edinburgh Academy.

Boys' age range: 4 to 12.

Girls' age range: 4 to 12.

Over-subscribed: 1.8:1.

After-school care: 1500-1800.

Factors taken into account other than academic ability: Admission to The Compass School is by application to the Headteacher. The school encourages parents who are interested in the school to come and visit during a normal school day when they can experience the unique atmosphere which makes coming to The Compass School so special.

Selection procedures: Places are offered strictly by the order in which application forms have been received, with siblings of children already at the school being given priority in this process.

Day pupils: 122.

Average class size (Year 5): 14.

Subjects taught at seven: 14.

Subjects taught at 11: 18.

All teachers hold teaching qualifications?: Y.

Teachers with degrees: 100%.

Specialist teachers used: French, judo, music, swimming from age four. Latin, history, geography and science from age of nine.

Subjects taught in addition to national curriculum: English, mathematics, environmental studies, French, art, PE, judo, swimming, games, drama, music, ICT and religious studies.

Sports offered: Rugby, hockey, swimming, judo, soccer, rounders, cricket, cross-country and skiing.

On-site sports facilities: Large hall.

Off-site sports facilities: Local swimming pool, all-weather and grass pitches, Midlothian dry ski slope.

Percentage receiving instrumental tuition (Year 5): 80%.

Daily act of collective worship?: Y.

Pupils sit SATs?: N.

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