Frequently Asked Questions
How much homework do the children have?
Younger children are encouraged to share their reading books at home with their parents. Children in Year 1 and Year 2 (6 – 7 year olds) also have simple spellings to learn each week. From Year 3 onwards (7+ years old) children have homework each evening. In Year 3 and Year 4 this will be for 20 minutes per evening with an additional 10 minutes of daily reading encouraged. Children in year 5 (9-10 year olds) have 30 minutes homework each evening, with an expected additional 10 minutes of reading.
Children in year 6 (10-11 year olds) have 40-50 minutes of homework each evening, with an expected additional 10 minutes of reading.
What sort of extracurricular opportunities are there?
There are a wide range of extracurricular activities on offer for the children. These take place during lunchtime breaks and after school. They include Choir and Creative Arts, Songbirds, Gym, I.C.T., Netball, Brownies, Craft Club, Running Club and Environment and French club.
What sort of trips do the children go on?
All children take part in an extensive range of trips, which support the children learning in all areas of the curriculum. As we are situated within the city boundary the children are fortunate to be able to walk to many place of interest, such as The Commandery, Worcester Cathedral, Worcester City Library, The Swan Theatre, etc. Trips further afield are also regularly undertaken, for example – the theatre in Birmingham, Thinktank at Millennium Point, Goodrich castle, Bishops Wood Environmental Centre and so on. Children in Year 5 also enjoy a residential field trip to Osmington Bay in Dorset. They participate in activities supporting their Geography work and also take part in Outdoor Educational pursuits, such as rock climbing, quad biking, rock pooling, etc. Children in Year 6 enjoy a residential trip to France, during which they experience French language and culture.
Is there a computer in every classroom?
We have an I.C.T. suite in School which has 20 computers networked together. This enables each individual child to work at their own computer in their weekly I.C.T. lesson. There are also Interactive Whiteboards in every class, which all children have access to. This facility supports work in all areas of the curriculum. There are also computers in the classrooms.
What is the level of support staff?
We have the equivalent of two full time Teaching Assistants who support the younger children in School. We also have an I.C.T. teaching assistant who supports all children throughout the School in the I.C.T. suite.
Do the children learn any foreign languages?
Children from Year 3 onwards are taught French by specialist teachers from the Senior School. We also have a French club for children in Foundation and Key Stage One.
Do children sit an entrance examination for the Senior School?
Springfield pupils do not sit a formal entrance examination for the Senior School. There are frequent meetings between staff from both Springfield and Senior School, ensuring that teacher assessment information is passed on and that transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is smooth.
What geographical area do the majority of the children travel from/live?
Children travel from a wide geographical area, from the surrounding counties of Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. All Springfield children who travel on public transport are accompanied by a student ie Senior School student, unless they have an older brother or sister to meet and travel with. Springfield pupils are escorted to the Senior School at the end of the school day by two members of staff who wait with them until they have been met by their escort.
What sorts of lunches are available?
All children have a hot lunch in School. The menus rotate on a 5 weekly cycle and are varied and delicious! There is always a vegetarian option and allergies are also catered for. The children have a choice of pudding, either hot or cold fruit, cheese and biscuits, or cold dessert. The weekly menu is displayed on our parents’ noticeboard. During lunch the children sit in family groups – older children mixing with younger ones and with a member of staff at the table. Lunch times are a very social and friendly time of day.
What do the children do at break times?
The children play outside whenever possible at break times. There is an adventure trail situated in the school grounds, which the children thoroughly enjoy playing on. Older children can play netball on our all weather pitch and younger children develop their gross motor skills through play on a wide range of outdoor equipment. During the summer months the children can play tennis on our grass courts and rounders is often a popular pursuit.
Do the children go swimming?
All children in school have a weekly swimming lesson.
Are the classes set for particular subjects?
Children are taught in their class groups with teachers ensuring a range of differentiated activities to suit the needs of each individual. In Year 6 children are set for maths and spelling.
Are there links with other schools?
We regularly join children from other schools to participate in a wide range of activities.
How do teachers communicate with parents?
Teachers are always available to chat to parents about any concerns they may have. At the beginning of each academic year a ‘Meet the Teacher Evening’ is held. This gives all parents the opportunity to meet their child's new teacher and to spend time in their classroom. These evenings also provide parents with an opportunity to meet other parents, and are particularly helpful for our new parents. A Parent Consultation evening is also held each term. Parents have individual appointments with their child’s teacher and are able to discuss the progress being made. A comprehensive written report is sent to parents towards the end of the Summer Term.
Is there any provision for specific learning difficulties within school?
The school has a very strong Learning Support department. Teaching staff support children individually in a range of areas. Learning Support staff regularly liaise with class teachers and parents in order to ensure that each child is achieving their full potential. The School is also very supportive of our Gifted and Talented pupils. Again these children receive individual support to challenge and extend their learning.
What music provision is there?
All children have class music lessons which are taught by a specialist music teacher. Children from Year 3 onwards (7 years old) learn to play the recorder in School. There are also a wide range of instruments which the children can learn.
Is there a Parents Association?
The Springfield Parents Association organises many social and fund raising events. Not only does the Association raise funds to purchase additional items for School, it also provides an excellent opportunity for parents to socialise. The Springfield Parents Association also organises quality second hand uniform sales.
