Shirley Junior School is an energetic community of learners who enjoy learning. The school aims to provide an inclusive, integrated curriculum, immersing them into many real life learning experiences.

It was the school’s sixth year taking part in J Rock challenge- a school production that everyone got involved in.

The Parent Teacher association played a big part in raising the money for costumes, make up and set costs.

The school won 14 certificates as well as coming second out of a very strong field.

To see pictures from this year's J Rock challenge, including pupils from Shirley Junior School, click here.

Pupil voice is key and children have a say in how the school is developed; from deciding on class names to encouraging each other to be more eco friendly.

Following a recent inspection from Southampton SACRE, where they looked at how the school teaches pupils Religious Education, British Values and the curriculum, Shirley Junior School has been nominated for a national award, The Accord Award.

Pupils take part in celebrations and themes such as cultural diversity day, active and healthy week and Christingle. They also take part in nationwide events such as Bernardo's hat day, anti bullying week and Remembrance day.

Developing the whole child is part of the school’s vision and this is encouraged through the day to day running of the school.

Parents share in many celebrations throughout the year including Whole Christmas Enterprise week, The Year 5 Shirley Show premier at the University and fashion show held at Tauntons College.

Head teacher Annett Hixon said: "In our school we are very proud of how the pupils, staff and parents work together as a community.

"The school has worked hard to develop a ‘Restorative Practice approach’ when resolving conflict. By working restoratively with people we solve problems better, and empower them to work towards solutions and resolve issues.

"Parents have been actively involved in many aspects of school of, including Rock challenge, parent/child art workshops and running book swaps for the children.

We run a huge amount of sporting clubs and enter many city competitions. As a school we celebrate all sporting achievements both in school, at our clubs and out of school.

"Our curriculum topics are regularly reviewed and adapted to make sure that they engage and motivate children with their learning and provide continuous opportunities for pupil development. The curriculum is delivered mostly through an integrated topic approach with cross curricular themes. Each topic begins with a ‘hook’, an activity which engages pupil interest such as an educational visit, a play, a mystery, etc. Each topic ends with a celebratory event when parents are often invited to share in the outcomes of the pupils’ work.

"Year 5 have based their topic around a graphic novel called ‘The Savage’ by David Almond. The book centres on a boy called Blue who is managing the grief of losing his father by creating the character of ‘The Savage’.

"In Year 3 their project is called ‘Let it Shine’ where they have explored electricity in science, the inventor of the torch, Dt to design and make their torch as well as writing a persuasive leaflet about their torch. To finish the celebration they will be having a light party and sleepover to try them out at the end of this term."