Families are welcome to make enquiries about enrolments at St James at any time of the year, they are welcome to visit, have a conversation or visit classrooms.
Families from any background, religious or non religious are welcome at St James.
It may be worthwhile coming for more than one visit, perhaps at different times of the day to experience different lessons or play times. We do have community events such as sports day, mothers/fathers/grandparents day and school production when parents wanting to know more about St James can visit.
St James runs a playgroup called Little Jimmies each Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 for children from birth to 5 years old. Bringing your child along to Little Jimmies is a great way to meet other families with young children, to meet our staff and to have a look at our wonderful facilities.
In Reception the children are involved in Investigative Play Based Learning. “Play” in learning is a highly effective way for children to learn as they direct their learning and are encouraged to solve problems independently, take risks with their learning, develop their oral language skills and to work in teams.
St James also has a focus on Phonics (sounds that letters make) in Reception, Year 1 and 2. We use the program called Little Learners Love Literacy, which systematically teaches children the foundation skills to learn to read and write – to set them up for future success in their schooling.
St James has a special focus on the Performing Arts. We offer a music program and the school puts on a major production play every two years. It is often the highlight of the students time at primary school.
Upon enquiring, parents can pick up or we can send, an information pack. This includes an application for enrolment form and information about: fees, uniform, more general school information. Once we have received your application for enrolment, the parents and the child are invited to come into the school for an “Enrolment Meeting”. It is the child’s special time; a meeting about them and starting school at St James. After spending some time getting to know each other we go for a walk around the school, visiting classrooms and other areas of the school. This can vary depending on familiarity already with the school. After the meeting and tour the family will receive an “Enrolment Acceptance Letter”.
Catholic Schools have an option to offer two enrolment dates for children entering Reception.
St James School will have a mid-year intake for Reception in 2022.
Student enrolment in Years 1-6 can take place at any time during the school year, following the procedure outlined above.