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Bathampton Primary School |
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Bathampton Primary School is a village school in an idyllic
setting next to the Avon Canal. It has
been described as a ‘hidden gem’. The school is actually quite close to the
centre of Bath, but this can be hard to believe. The school is a friendly school with high standards and with a
strong parent teacher organisation.
The school building is a mixture of Victorian and modern having
benefited from a well designed extension opened in 1990. It is well resourced
and has excellent facilities. There
are currently 106 pupils, aged between 4 and 11. There
are four classes. Class 4 has pupils in Reception and Year 1, Class 3 has
Year 1 and Year 2 pupils, Class 2 mainly Years 3 and 4, and Class 1 pupils in
Years 5 and 6. Having mixed classes
means that teachers have to plan in great detail to meet the needs of all
pupils in their class. The school tries to ensure that all pupils, regardless
of their ability, are both supported and challenged. The school’s S.A.Ts
results show that most pupils achieve above the national average for their
age. The school believes in providing a broad curriculum, with plenty of
opportunities for pupils to have practical and interesting learning
experiences. The school has a purpose built sports field, and a fitness track.
Changing rooms are available for older pupils. There is a large covered
play-area that is popular for quieter games, and imaginative play. There is a
wild area and a pond in the school grounds for environmental study. There are
opportunities for pupils to join extra curricular clubs. These change from
time to time but include Football, Netball, Lace-making, Dance and recorders.
The school football team recently won the local Small Schools 5 a side
Championship, and is doing very well in the local League. There is a wide range of opportunities for
pupils to learn musical instruments, and the school has an excellent
reputation for music. The school takes part in the Bath Stages Dance
Festival, and pupils engage in the performing arts. Pupils have swimming
lessons at the Bath Leisure Centre. The school is soon to have a purpose built Craft Room with a
Kiln. This will be known as the Anna Grayson Craft Room, thanks to her
generosity. Delicious smells drift
from our Cookery Room, which is used by small groups. Mrs Mayes is the teacher in charge of Special Needs. Pupils who
require extra help with their learning have the support of Learning Support
Assistants. The school now has a
specialist computer based programme to support pupils in literacy and
numeracy called Successmaker. The
school computers are soon to be networked, and connected to the internet.
This will mean that all pupils will be able to have email pals in other
schools and use the web for research. The Friends’ of Bathampton’ have raised money for computers, play
equipment and other benefits for the children. They also put on enjoyable
fund-raising events. There are many other ways in which parents support the
school, such as helping with cooking, art, listening to children read and
coaching football. Parents also provide practical support in many different
ways. These links help build the sense of community that makes the school
seem so friendly. Although not a church school we have close links with the local
church. Paul Burden, the vicar makes regular visits and gives assemblies. We
also have regular assemblies from Peter Atwill the Canal Chaplain. The school
holds special services in St Nicholas’ Church. If you are thinking of sending your child to this school why not
visit and see for yourself. The Headteacher, Paul Falkus, will be pleased to
meet you and show you around. School
Website www.bathampton.bathnes.sch.uk
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