An outstanding curriculum has been identified by inspectors as being at the heart of the success of Brockholes CE School. HAZEL ETTIENNE reports

YOUNG minds think learning is fun and exciting at Brockholes CE Junior and Infant School.

This thriving school community has undergone a massive overhaul of its curriculum over the past two years and this re-structuring is now starting to bear fruit.

Education inspectors from Ofsted, who visited the school in May, described the curriculum as outstanding.

One parent describes it as “fun and exciting” and inspectors noted it was designed extremely well to suit the needs of each and every pupil.

According to the report: “The curriculum is enriched exceptionally well with sports, drama, brass music, choir, trips, visitors to school and the use of outdoor environment. Many activities focus on the development of fitness, confidence, teamwork and an appreciation of the environment and cultural diversity. Students also thoroughly enjoy learning new languages, computing and musical skills.”

Headteacher Gill Roberts, who has been head at the school for the past two years, said: “We wanted to improve the whole curriculum and really give the children something to get their teeth into. We developed a thematic curriculum which is enriched with a wide range of adventure, music and drama activities.”

Themes studied so far have included Vikings and the Second World War.

The school is keen on green issues and was recently delighted to receive free solar panels from the Co-op’s national Green Energy for Schools scheme.

These will generate renewable energy and reduce the school’s reliance on fossil fuels as well as highlighting the issue of climate change. It is also working towards Eco school status.

Trips to activity centres and outdoor pursuit camps are used often by the school to promote confidence and self-esteem.

Further afield, the school has strong links with the Sungkunda Lower Basic School in Gambia and pupils write regular letters to their African counterparts.

They also fundraise for computers and equipment and are currently helping to provide a water pump for the school.

The children at Brockholes school are articulate and self-assured and give a whole-hearted welcome to visitors.

Music and the arts are developed through workshops and links with local secondary schools.

Geographically Brockholes is in the middle of the catchment for both Honley and Holmfirth High Schools and it enjoys good relationships with both.

Wider opportunities are being created, with additional government funding for music. A whole class is learning brass instruments each week and an active drama group is led by the headteacher.

A quote from the inspectors report seems to sum up the whole school ethos.

“Brockholes is a good school. At the heart of its success is an outstanding curriculum. Staff at all levels are fully involved in ensuring the curriculum promotes children’s good achievement and outstanding enjoyment of school.

“The curriculum is enriched by an impressive range of activities which takes excellent advantage of opportunities within the community and outdoors.”

And they even have their own school cat!