Welcome to Miller Academy Primary School

This booklet has been compiled to acquaint you with Miller Academy Primary School . It contains information regarding the curriculum and organisation of the school. Should you have any questions about topics covered in the brochure or any other aspect of school life and your child's education please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Head Teacher or Depute Head teacher are available to see visitors at almost any time – please call in or phone to book an appointment. If you wish to speak with your child’s teacher always phone first to arrange an appointment as it is difficult for a teacher to see a parent during teaching time.

Close liaison between home and school is desirable at all times and indeed it is necessary that we work together to ensure that your child reaches their full potential.

Ann Warren

Head Teacher

Miller Academy Primary School

Princes Street

Thurso

KW14 7DH

Telephone 01847 89281

miller.academy@highland.gov.uk

CONTENTS

School Aims

We aim to:

1.        create a safe, happy, working environment, which promotes healthy living and is satisfying and productive for all pupils and staff.  (National Priority - Framework for learning / Inclusion and Equality)

2.       provide learning activities and experiences that develop pupil’s individual talents and abilities to the full and equip them with the knowledge and skills to meet future challenges. (National Priority - Learning for life / Inclusion and Equality)

3.     encourage children to take an active interest in their own learning. (National Priority - Learning for life)

4.       monitor pupils’ progress and maximise levels of achievement and attainment by ensuring that tasks are relevant and appropriate to each pupil, enabling smooth progression through levels detailed in 5-14 guidelines.  (National Priority - Achievement and Attainment)

5.     encourage pupils to treat others with tolerance, respect and thoughtfulness and become active and enterprising citizens. (National Priority - Values and Citizenship)

6.       continue to build up resources to enable the delivery of a broad-based curriculum. (National Priority - Framework for Learning)

7.       continue excellent links with local playgroups to ensure smooth transfer into Nursery and on into P1; increase links with other primary schools and the local community; promote primary/secondary liaison to ensure smooth transfer from primary school.  (National Priority - Values and Citizenship / Achievement and Attainment)

8.       keep parents informed of children’s progress and to recognise parents as active partners who have a valuable contribution to make to their children’s education.  (National Priority - Values and Citizenship, Achievement and Attainment)

9.       encourage all staff to engage in regular self evaluation and provide appropriate opportunities for continuing their professional development.  (National Priority - Framework for Learning)

Date of last review of school aims: August 2005

The original Miller Institution (now the Public Library) was opened in 1862.  It was named after its founder, Alexander Miller, a native of Thurso, who had inherited a considerable fortune from his uncle and who used the money for various charitable purposes including the building of a school.

The laying of the foundation stone on 1st June 1860 was a memorable occasion with bands playing, flags flying, a public holiday in the town and an estimated crowd of 4000 present to see Sir George Sinclair perform the stone-laying ceremony. A report in a local paper of that time states that, ‘inserted in a cavity of the foundation stone was a bottle containing copies of the ‘John O’Groat Journal’ and the ‘Northern Ensign’ of 31st May 1860, one of all the coins of Her Majesty’s reign, a guinea of the year of Miller’s birth and a parchment with the name of the donor.  The stone was blessed with a libation of corn, wine and oil.’

The original building was extended in 1892 and in 1900 a second building, which is still part of the school, was erected.  In 1937 the present main block was opened as a secondary department and in 1958, due to the rapid increase in population because of Dounreay, the demountable huts were built.  In the same year Thurso High School was built and Miller Academy became solely a primary school.

In session 1996-97, Miller Academy received major renovation work.  The building which houses the art room was completely renovated creating art, music and hall areas.  An old-time classroom was also developed to reflect Miller Academy ’s long historical past.

We aim to ensure that the present school is a happy and secure environment in which pupils and teachers can work in an atmosphere of mutual respect.  Within this caring and enjoyable environment we aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum meeting the needs of all children.  Children are encouraged to have a positive attitude to their education attaining high standards in all areas of the curriculum and school life.

School Contact Details

Miller Academy Primary School ,      Telephone: -               01847 892815

Princes Street,                                  Fax: -                          01847 894427

THURSO,                                           E-Mail;-  miller.academy@highland.gov.uk

Caithness ,                                           Head Teacher  -  Miss Ann Warren

KW14 7DH

Other Useful Addresses and Telephone Numbers

Thurso High School , (Rector Dr F Grant)

Ormlie Road ,

Thurso

Telephone: - Thurso 893822

Area Education Office, (Area Education, Culture & Sport Manager, Mr G Nichols)

Rhind House,

Wick.

Telephone: - Wick 602362

School Medical Officer,

Caithness General Hospital ,

Wick

Telephone: - Wick 605050

Area Psychologist, (Mrs A Sangster)

Rhind House,

Wick.

Telephone: - Wick 602362 

School Dentist                      Pennyland Primary                          894018                       

School Nurse                        Mrs Y MacIntosh                           893442

Management of the School 

The school is led by a Management Team consisting of:-

           Head Teacher                                                                   Ms Ann Warren                        

            Depute Head Teacher                                                    Mrs Edith Mitchell    

3 Principal Teachers                                                       Mrs U Fraser,                           Mrs J Phares,                          Mrs V Morrison        

Staff List 2006-2007