About Us
We are a large school with two classes in our infant year groups and three classes in our junior year groups. We provide education from your child’s early years (in our reception classes) until they are eleven years old (in our year 6 classes). As a result of being a large school, we benefit from a larger budget collectively enabling children to gain from a wider variety of resources such as our developed woodland area, vegetable plots and pond, large sports field, well equipped playgrounds and classrooms, two libraries, a music room and a rich array of ICT equipment.
Our large staff bring a variety of specialisms such as sport, music, languages and the arts. By planning collaboratively, staff are able to share their areas of expertise across the school. We offer a wide range of extra-curricular music, sport, languages, creative clubs and a popular Breakfast & After School Club which is an affordable way to ensure your child is well looked after by our own well trained staff before school and after school.
Whilst we value our size, we also treasure every child and know the importance of delivering a personalised approach. Children learn in groups with the teacher and teaching assistant focusing on each group over the course of a day and over a week. Staff continually assess each child’s progress so that their teaching is appropriately differentiated with each child being challenged in a safe and supportive learning environment. Each class team (both teacher and teaching assistant) formally track each child’s progress half termly and where necessary plan and deliver additional intervention support to accelerate progress for identified children.
Creative Curriculum
We deliver a creative curriculum underpinned by basic skills …
The 21st Century brings exciting and challenging opportunities for our children as they grow into young people. To ensure our children are the most effective learners they can be and are well equipped for their future, we have designed a vibrant curriculum which stimulates children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm, making learning relevant and purposeful through a broad and balanced curriculum. We have underpinned our curriculum by four key drivers: building resilience; instilling collaboration; living values; and promoting a love for learning. Our teachers skilfully and confidently blend discreet teaching with a highly creative topic approach which incorporates our drivers to inspire, enrich and challenge each child. We place a strong emphasis on active learning through first-hand experience, discovery and problem-solving. An enriching programme of creative and specialist activities, day and residential visits immerse children in their learning whilst complementing each topic.
We have high aspirations for every child and we constantly strive to achieve consistently high academic standards. Focused teaching in the basic skills of English, Maths and Science ensures that children acquire essential skills for life. Each child is encouraged to play an active part in their own learning with children involved in identifying their own goals and the steps they need to take to achieve their dreams. By giving children ownership for their own learning, they are motivated to achieve and are able to develop crucial skills which they can apply across the curriculum and throughout life.
Hidden Talents
We find hidden talents whilst developing the whole child…
With a creative and personalised approach, we pride ourselves in finding each child’s hidden talents. For some children, these talents will be discovered in our day to day teaching such as a love for reading; a creative approach to writing; wonderful detail in their drawings; a natural leader and much more. For others, their brilliance will shine in areas such as sport, languages and the arts. Sport is an important part of school life and our children achieve many successes in competitive sports. We have achieved the Activemark for Sports Award and children have opportunities to experience a wide range of sporting activities in lessons, extracurricular clubs, inter-house and inter-schools events.
French is taught during the school day from year 3 to year 6 by a specialist teacher and this is supplemented by a French after school club. The arts have a central place in school life, with specialist teaching and events, highly popular clubs and memorable productions. Many children sing in the choir, learn an instrument or play in the orchestra, performing for a variety of audiences.
Whilst celebrating and developing children’s hidden talents, we also emphasise the importance of developing the whole child. It is our responsibility to identify each child’s area for growth and to develop this in a safe and secure environment where they are confident to make mistakes and learn from them.
Inclusive School
Inclusive school which celebrates diversity…
We are committed to the successful inclusion of pupils with Special Educational Needs and benefit from a partnership with Freemantles School which is a centre of excellence for children with complex social communication needs and/or Autism. This partnership has enabled our teaching team to receive regular support from the Freemantles Outreach Team enabling our inclusive ethos to flourish which we are extremely proud of.
We offer an inclusive curriculum and programmes to ensure the best possible progress for all children. All teaching is planned to meet the same national requirements as the mainstream schools (i.e. Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum). However, the pace of work and strategies may be different. Each child has a bespoke plan to meet their specific needs (known as SEND arrangements) and will be working on key skills and targets. We believe that diversity is a strength which should be celebrated by all those who are associated with the school.
Partnerships Within School
Partnerships within school and beyond play a vital role.
Staff and governors at Worplesdon Primary School share the vision and want the best possible education for each and every child at our school. The Head Teacher is an energetic and collaborative leader who leads from the front. Our teachers are modern in their thinking and aim to be at the cutting edge of educational thinking to bring the very best practice to the classroom. Our committed and highly skilled support team is an integral and invaluable part of our school.
Whilst we are the experts in education, parents are the experts in the hopes, dreams and needs of their own children. Every possible effort is made to run an open and caring school where parents feel able to play a full part in their child’s education. Parents’ help and advice concerning their child’s needs are as vital as the school’s professional expertise. The Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher and class teachers are always available to discuss progress, celebrate achievements, and share any anxiety or problem which may arise. Parents are always welcome in the school and we appreciate the time given to help both children and teachers.
Our well-organised Class Rep system helps to keep parents informed and involved, including through regular social events. Our fantastic PTA also work tirelessly to keep the school community thriving by organising an exciting and varied programme of social and fund-raising events.
Finally our partnership with each child is fundamental to our success. Before starting at Worplesdon the Reception team visit each child at home to find out as much as possible about each child before they start. We build upon this relationship throughout the year, valuing the opinions and feelings of each child in our care so that we are constantly reviewing and adapting our provision to better meet the needs of each child.
Our lasting legacy is that children leave Worplesdon Primary School with happy memories. They will be confident and independent individuals who understand the importance of learning from their mistakes. They will have a love of life and learning, and will be ready to move into their next phase of education.