SCHOOL REPORT: St Francis CE Primary School

St Francis CE Primary School was opened in 1991 by The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Lt Col Sir James Walter Scott 2 nd Baronet.

It was then expanded in 1995 as demand for places grew along with the development of the area.

Lead by headteacher Esther Jones main aims are to encourage its 435 children to develop a lifelong love of learning and become confident and responsible citizens.

They are proud of both their links with their community and nearby churches including neighbouring St Francis Church.

The school, which was rated outstanding in its latest Ofsted report, is part of an Ecumenical Partnership involving The Church of England, The Methodist Church and The United Reformed Church and have a strong Christian foundation which enforces their values – to care, trust and respect.

St Francis CE Primary School is set within large grounds which they make use of with their regular clubs and activities.

And the grounds have recently become home to six chickens which were adopted from Blackwater Traditional Rare Breed Poultry in Ower.

The clutch of chickens joined the school and children and their parents take it in turns to look after them.

The six hens, named Dandelion, Smokey, Poppy, Roxy, Marigold and Frances, arrived at the school in September. Their eggs are used in cookery classes.

The school has also just launched a gardening club at their new allotment so that children can learn where food comes from.

Both the allotment and chicken runs were built by parents.

Their runs and a recently opened allotment used by the school gardening club was made by parents.

They also regularly raise money for charity and are about to begin a fundraising initiative for Asante, which have coffee shops in across Hampshire where they raise cash to provide food and education for needy children in Africa.

Schoolchildren will be challenged to make and sell breakfast bars for the cause.

The school has also recently adopted trainee Guide Dog Rio, who will go on to help someone supported by charity Guide Dogs for the Blind.

YEAR R has been busy making special elf shoes after learning about traditional stories including The Elves And The Shoemaker.

They have also been learning about jobs people do to help us including firefighters, doctors and paramedics.

As part of their classes staff and parents spoke to youngsters about their jobs.

THESE three special bears visit youngsters that demonstrate the school’s values.

The school is very proud of their values – to care, trust and respect, and they work hard to remember them in the way they work and play and how adults and children interact with each other.

THE school is keen to support local charities – planning fundraisers both as a group and as individuals.

Lucy Charlton, Eloise Spink and Sophie Knowlton from year six and Freya Bolger from year four this month baked more than 500 cakes which were sold at St Francis School raising £312 for Cancer Research UK.

The school has also recently adopted a trainee guide dog called Rio who will help someone supported by charity Guide Dogs for the Blind and they are currently planning a fundraiser for Hampshire charity Asante.

Children will make and sell healthy breakfast bars to raise cash to help the charity continue their work feeding and educating children in Africa.

The charity work is backed by the school council – made up of 10 hardworking youngsters that represent each class from year two to year six.

The school council meets regularly with staff to discuss school life and fundraising ideas.

THESE budding musicians are practicing for the school’s upcoming concert.

More than 250 youngsters will show off their musical talents during two performances for parents at the end of the month.

Every week 160 children take lessons to learn to play an instrument by guest and resident teachers.

These lessons have led to St Francis’s regularly students winning the guitar competitions at Southampton music Festival under the watch of guitar teacher Mr Kellett.

There is also a school choir made up of 40 youngsters.

YOUNGSTERS take part in a range of clubs and activities and the school often takes part in sports competitions.

Sporty children can join a long list of sports clubs including football, rugby, tennis, cricket, basketball, netball and hockey.

Year four has also been learning fencing and some of the pupils are part of a Gymbuds gymnastics club which runs every Friday.

There is also a chess club, a badminton club and a street dance club.

The school has also installed table tennis tables for children to use during playtime.

Head teacher Esther Jones:

"St Francis CE Primary School is a happy, vibrant learning community that puts our pupils and their needs first.

"We are enormously proud of our school and its place within the local community of Valley Park.

"Within a strong Christian foundation we work to support out pupils to develop a lifelong love of learning. We help our pupils to grow and develop in confidence as individuals, celebrating their success and guiding them as they grow and develop.

"We want all our pupils to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.

"St Francis has a fantastic team of staff who work together to support the children. The children are highly motivated and willing to learn and enjoy sharing their experiences with visitors.

"They are highly successful learners and achieve very well. Parents are active supporters and helpers within the school.

"We all have the highest aspirations for our children and they show enormous pride in their own successes.

"Our core values of care, trust and respect are lived out daily at St Francis."