PROUD of their school’s caring ethos staff and students at Hamworthy Park Juniors describe themselves as one big family.

Having bid farewell to its final year seven classes last summer, the school has been adjusting to its new structure after welcoming both year 3 and 4 students in September.

Headteacher Karen Davies said: “On the first day it was organised chaos. We had 180 children arriving through the gates not wanting to leave their parents but they have all settled in really well.

“We obviously haven’t got the year 7s to act as role models but the year 6s have taken on that role which is really lovely to see.”

As you walk through the gates you immediately hear the buzz of excitement from children playing games in the school field. As one of the only schools in the county to still have its own pool, swimming, as well as other sporting activities, feature prominently in its busy curriculum, alongside cooking and languages.

It currently has around 350 students and is hoping to expand next year.

“We are a growing school,” Mrs Davies explained.

“We have applied to have four forms of entry. That would mean instead of having 90 children in each year group we would have 120.”

The school is also consulting with others in the area about forming an academy chain in the near future.

Keen to support working parents the school offers a range of after school clubs including sewing, cooking, football and maths games.

“We have clubs on every night – there’s often a choice between two or three,” Mrs Davies said.

“It allows the children to say here while their parents are at work so they’re not going home to an empty house.”

Following its last inspection by the education watchdog in 2009 the school was deemed to be good and inspectors praised the positive attitude and enthusiasm from students.

Mrs Davies said: “The children really do behave like it’s their school and their community. They take responsibility for it and they are very caring towards one another.”

FACTFILE

Hamworthy Park Junior School
Telephone: 01202 677870
Email: hamworthyparkjuniors@poole.gov.uk
Headteacher: Karen Davies
Number of pupils: 350
Mixed Age range: 7-11

LATEST OFSTED INSPECTION: Overall rating: Good
The inspectors said: “The curriculum is enriched by a good range of clubs and inks with other schools. All pupils learn French, and literacy, scientific enquiry and sports are strongly promoted. In particular, the pupils’ speaking and listening skills are developed successfully throughout the range of subjects.

“The headteacher provides a strong lead in promoting an inclusive ethos, which ensures freedom from discrimination and provides equal opportunity, as evidenced for example, by all pupils achieving so well.”

“The pupils’ behaviour, attitudes and contributions to learning and the community are outstanding. Pupils greatly enjoy school as seen in their enthusiastic singing in the choir and their eager use of computers.”