SPECIALIST facilities combined with imaginative and dedicated teachers creates the perfect environment for youngsters to thrive at Emmanuel CofE Middle School.

It’s clear to see why staff and students are so proud of the Verwood school, which boasts a four court sports hall, modern science labs and impressive music and drama facilities.

Headteacher Jill Watson, who has been at the school for the last five years, said: “We have all the facilities you would expect in a secondary school and all the children benefit from that.

“Last September we opened the new sports hall. It has a music room and drama space upstairs, which is fantastic. The children love it.”

The school has a very caring ethos and staff strive to ensure the children feel safe as soon as they walk through the school gates.

“It’s a very caring school,” Mrs Watson said.

“We all look out for each other and it’s important for the children to feel like they belong here and it’s their school. When children are happy, that’s when they learn.”

The school, which has just shy of 400 students, was rated good by Ofsted following its last inspection two years ago.

Mrs Watson said: “We were pleased with that. We have had some improvements at key stage two. By the time the children get to year eight we continue to exceed expectations.”

She added: “We continue to strive to raise standards and improve teaching within the school. We have great members of staff who tailor their learning to make it exciting.”

“All the teachers are here for the right reasons – they are all here because they care about the children and they want the children to learn. They go above and beyond what is required of them.”

And the quality of teaching is reflected in the behaviour and achievements of the children.

Mrs Watson said: “I’m always so proud of the children. I think they excel themselves. I take visitors around the school and they never fail me.

“They are always so polite and well behaved.”

 

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

ELAINE Robertson, head of wellbeing, has worked at the school for the past 14 years.  
“The school council is very involved with the school and organises a lot of fundraising activities,” she said.
“It’s a very caring school. The children are so enthusiastic and so are the parents and our PTFA is fantastic.”

HEAD of year five Steve Hall said: “A soon as they step into the school they feel at ease, both the pupils and the parents.
“We provide a safe atmosphere for them to learn in. It’s especially important for the year five children who can be quite nervous when they come up.”

KERRY McFarlane said: “It’s a very friendly school. The teachers are very approachable. My daughter is very happy here. If you have got a happy child in a happy school it makes such a difference.”
She added: “My three children have all gone here and they have all loved it.”

JANE Brunning said: “If you’ve got any problems you can come in straight away and talk to the staff.
“We have a big PTFA, which does really great things for the school. They have just provided a minibus for the school, which is brilliant.”

YEAR eight students and lead ambassadors Jack Musselwhite and Beth Stevens, said they loved their school.
Jack said: “When you go into class you can talk to the teachers. They are interested in what we do and always asking how we are.”

Beth, who helps produce the school’s online newspaper, said: “There are lots of opportunities to do things and lots of different clubs. I really like working on the website.
“We get to write about what we have done and what the school has done.”

Emmanuel Middle CofE Voluntary Aided School
Address: Howe Lane, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 6JF
Telephone: 01202 828 100
Email: office@emmanuel.dorset.sch.uk
Headteacher: Jill Watson
Number of pupils : 397
Age range: 9-13

Emmanuel CofE Middle School was rated good following its Oftsed inspection in September 2012.
The inspectors said: “Pupils are excited about learning. They make good progress in most subjects and enjoy the wide range of experiences available to them.
“Teaching is good overall, with some that is outstanding. Generally, teachers plan and deliver lessons that motivate pupils and meet their needs.”
Their report continued: “Pupils are extremely well cared for.
“They feel secure and appreciated as individuals.
“The values of mutual respect and consideration are ingrained in a supportive learning environment where most flourish.
“Pupils’ behaviour is typically good and sometimes
outstanding.”