Is important to all of us in Cornagague Primary School that each person is happy, secure and has a positive attitude to learning. We therefore desire to integrate the academic, social and religious dimensions of the school’s energy so that an atmosphere of care and respect prevails within the positive learning environment in this Catholic School.

Under the umbrella we are committed to the well being of each person, pupil, teacher, ancillary and auxiliary staff, the realisation of the sacredness of the person and the gifts within each person. We accept that the child is the heart of the school. In each of the school policies we have implied or underpirmed this commitment. However, we feel that the pastoral dimension is particularly relevant to the following areas of school life.

Cornagague primary school aims to create a safe well-ordered and happy environment at the core of which is the learning process.  All children irrespective of ability receive a well-balanced broad based curriculum centred around the subjects of the national curriculum and religious education with a strong emphasis on numeracy and literacy.  The school strives to offer the best possible education for all students so that they may achieve their full potential.

Emphasis is placed on the successful development of the whole individual in all areas of achievement including creative, musical, sporting and practical activities.   However we also believe that there are other important aspects of learning that are constantly reinforced through various activities and applauded, ie independence, collaboration, the ability to relate to others in a social context, kindness, self-confidence and good behaviour.  The development of these skills and personal qualities is fundamental.  To this end, moral, social, spiritual and cultural development has a high profile in school both in developing the school ethos and in promoting self-esteem that we believe underpins all successful learning.

We consciously plan to develop and enhance children's self-esteem, to give them responsibility and to encourage a respect for other people, their beliefs and ideas by the following means:

1. Explaining to children the need for class and school rules.
2. Reward good work, behaviour, kindness etc, with praise, stars and stickers.
3. Applaud pupils' good work/behaviour, etc, by allowing them to share their success with their own class, other teachers and classes, whether it is a piece of written work or achievement certificate etc.
4. Through discussion in religion and English, especially, encourage children to express their own ideas and show that you value their ideas.  In doing so we aim by example to enable pupils to respect each-others opinions and ideas.
5. Build confidence skills, through PE activities and group work.  Ensure involvement and integration of less able pupils while still encouraging and applauding excellence.

It is important that children are aware of all issues concerning their health and safety.  Sometimes the same issues are programmes followed by each teacher, revisited from class to class but at a different level, eg drugs in Key stage 1 involves importance of medicine and safety of medicine, while Key stage 2 involves smoking and drinking.