For Parents

Summer term dates 2013

Saturdays

• April: 20, 27
• May: 4, 11, 18, 25
• June: 8, 15, 22, 29
• July: 6, 13
• Half term break: 1st June

Tuesdays

• April: 16, 23, 30
• May: 7, 14, 21
• June: 4, 11, 18, 25
• July: 2, 9
• Half term break: 28th May

Wednesdays

• April: 17, 24
• May: 1, 8, 15, 22
• June: 5, 12, 19, 26
• July: 6, 13
• Half term break: 29th May

Thursdays

• April: 18, 25
• May: 2, 9, 16, 23
• June: 6, 13, 20, 27
• July: 4, 11
• Half term break: 30th May

Allocating places

Thank you for your interest in Civitas Schools.

Please contact the project assistant to register your child for a place at Civitas Schools. Alternatively, please download a registration form and return it to the project assistant.

Places are offered by a letter. Siblings of children already attending our classes are given priority when spaces become available. Children on the waiting lists are divided into age-group. Places are allocated on a first-come first-served basis by the relevant age-group.

What we expect from our pupils

Places at Civitas Schools are in high demand and we have long waiting lists of children eager to join. Our pupils are expected to work hard, complete their homework, attend every week and on time, and be polite.

Your child’s first lesson

Your child’s first session with us will be a trial lesson. Our teachers will informally assess whether our lessons are suitable for your child’s academic level and attitude to learning. Occasionally, we will place a child back on the waiting list if we feel they aren’t ready to join the classes.

Our teaching methods

Your child will spend half the session in an English lesson and half the session in a maths lesson, with a short break in the middle. Our experienced teachers focus on academic work using traditional teaching methods. We help children reach their full academic potential by concentrating on reading fluently, spelling accurately, practising times-tables and basic maths.

How we group our pupils

Children are grouped by ability rather than age, ensuring every child receives support suitable for the level they’re working at. We provide at least one teacher for every ten children and dedicated support teachers for those who require more intense support.

Resources and what to bring

Please make sure your child brings a pencil, an eraser, a drink and snack to each lesson. We provide all other resources including exercise books, excellent textbooks and reading books.

Homework

Your child will be given a small amount of homework at the end of every lesson. Please ask them about it and ensure that they complete it each week.

Assessment

Alongside informal class tests, once a year we use the Interactive Computerised Assessment System (InCAS) programme. The InCAS test provides high quality, independent verification of the progress made by your child. The results allow us to accurately identify areas our pupils require further work in. We will send you a copy of your child’s InCAS scores and will be happy to discuss the results with you.

Reports

We expect that you will get to know your child’s teachers over the course of your time with us. At the end of each term we will send you a constructive and honest report. This will keep you informed of your child’s progress and highlight any specific comments or concerns the teachers may have.

Attendance and punctuality

If your child is going to miss a session, please inform us as soon as possible by calling the project assistant. If a child misses three classes in a term, their place will be offered to another child from the waiting list. It is also very important that children arrive on time for lessons so they do not disturb other pupils and miss out on precious class time.

Behaviour

We insist upon outstanding behaviour, courtesy and a calm learning environment.

Fees

Fees range between £2 and £4 per week. They are collected at the beginning of each half-term by the lead teacher at your classes.