Our objective is to develop the highest standards of self-discipline and behaviour within a supportive and caring environment. Pointers ensures that the education of each child develops in personal, social, academic and spiritual dimensions.

One of the notable features of this school is its comparatively small size – around 200+ children, split fairly equally between girls and boys. Our pupils thus enjoy a high degree of teacher attention both in and out of the classroom. The social dynamics of the school are closely monitored by the staff and all children are encouraged to work in a spirit of friendly co-operation.

On joining the school each child is assigned to one of our houses, Windsor, Caernarvon, Dover and Stirling. This, we believe, encourages team spirit, co-operation and the necessary competitive skills they will inevitably need in later life.

It is also our belief that every child has special talents and abilities. Taking too narrow a view of education may cause a few children to remain seriously underdeveloped. Therefore all the staff of this school take the holistic view that education is much more than pure academics: it is the education and development of the child in every area in which his or her talents may lie. All children are motivated to expand their horizons, which we seek to identify, raise their expectations and develop their own sense of self-worth. The development of a strong, positive and realistic sense of self-worth is a key component in the education of every child at The Pointer School. Jesus himself reminds us in the Bible that the worth of a child is very great and never to be underestimated.

A form teacher is responsible for each child and, in co-operation with each pupil, keeps clear records of progress and attainments through his or her time at the school. Children are also assessed at Key Stage 1 (7 years) and Key Stage 2 (11 years) and parents are subsequently informed of the result of these tests in line with current government policy.

Furthermore, all children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 are annually tested using the Cognitive Abilities Test. This gives the class teacher very useful information. A variety of Reading Tests are also used on an annual basis. Parents receive three written reports annually and also have the opportunity to meet the form teacher twice a year at Parents’ Evening to discuss their child’s progress. This may include test results if applicable.

A Positive Attitude

A school’s pastoral policy and approach to discipline are crucial factors in its effectiveness as an educator of children for life. Our objective at Pointers is to develop the highest standards of motivation and behaviour in a supportive environment.

To these ends, we endeavour to ensure that each child develops a strong sense of responsibility, self-discipline, care and tolerance for the views of other people.

We are committed to ensuring there is an ethos of enthusiasm in the school, with emphasis being placed on positive rather than negative aspects of behaviour.

We believe that if children are praised and rewarded for the positive things they do (e.g. showing sensible behaviour, courtesy, self-control, a caring attitude, hard work, etc.), this will serve not only to encourage these desirable aspects of behaviour at school and in the home but also to foster these traits in all aspects of the child's life.