IT’S common sense really – how can you be enthusiastic about something if you haven’t experienced it?

Cherry Hawker is determined that pupils at Manorside Primary School will experience as much as possible during their time there.

And to that end staff go the extra mile to ensure learning is brought to life for all pupils.

A visit to the Evering Avenue school in Parkstone at the beginning of term revealed two year groups were on a residential trip to the Brecon Beacons in Wales.

An adventure-based week involving team building and outdoor sports was the perfect start to the term, said head teacher Mrs Hawker.

“When they come back they will have experienced adventure, excitement and teamwork and will find it easier to put those emotions into their work,” she said.

Another group were enjoying a lesson in the school’s beautiful outdoor classroom while others were looking forward to a session in the school’s sensory room.

The sensory room is an unusual addition in a mainstream school and includes soothing music and images and a mirror room.

In the playground, the MUGA (multi-use games area) was also in great demand.

The school is on a huge site yet has just 273 pupils, giving it a spacious and airy feel.

Due to last year’s change in age of transfer in Poole, the school changed from a combined school to a primary, meaning it lost its Year 7 group.

A former science lab used by Year 7 has been put to good use and is now a family room.

Courses are held there for parents, such as parenting and e-safety lessons, and the space is also available after school.

There are computers, writing and art materials as well as kitchen facilities and even play equipment for younger siblings.

Children move on to a variety of secondary schools from Manorside including St Aldhelm’s Academy, Magna Academy, Poole High and the Poole grammar schools.