Links

Links with the Local Community

At West Hill Primary School, we attach great importance to developing strong links between the school and local, regional and national communities. Within our curriculum, within our School Council, through assemblies, concerts and special events, we involve our pupils in the local community, so that they learn how to participate in a practical way in the life and concerns of their neighbourhood and communities. Working with parents, local residents, the business community, public services, global charities and voluntary services teaches the children to become active citizens.

Our Headteacher is a trustee of the Village Hall Committee. She attends meetings to discuss the smooth running of the Village Hall, which is used regularly by the school, as well as by other local clubs such as Badminton and Short Mat Bowls.

Mac Dick, the Pastoral Co-ordinator of St. Michael’s Church in West Hill,  leads assembly in our school along with Graham Harry (O6 Youth Worker.) Every Christmas, children in Years 3 and 4 celebrate a Christingle Service at the Church.

We believe that the role of the children as global citizens is greatly enhanced by involving them directly in helping others. This is done, not just by raising money, but through whole school assemblies and through class lessons in Personal, Social and Health Education, as well as through teaching and learning in curriculum areas such as Geography and Religious Education. The children designed our school ‘mural’ to show four important words are ‘Care’, ‘Tolerance’, ‘Trust’ and ‘Respect’. Generosity is discussed in terms of giving time, help and friendship, as well as raising funds.

We have excellent links with many local schools through sporting activities. We participate in football and tag rugby tournaments and friendly games arranged through local schools or through our Local Learning Community, all of which the children really enjoy.

We have very good links with the local press and value highly the part played by our local media in supporting school events and celebrating the children’s achievements.

We are always keen to develop strong links with the local and wider community.

The Governing Board are extremely grateful for the number of people from the village community who come to help in school in a whole variety of ways including running club, listening to reading, Forest School, residential trips, educational visits and giving talks to the children.