HOW can you prepare young children for what is to come as they progress through life?

That is a tough question – but Weeke Primary School seems to have all the answers. Headteacher Jonathan Kirkham believes in giving “the most varied education possible”.

Pupils are given dozens of opportunities outside the basic curriculum, including professionally-led music lessons and crime prevention workshops.

They also have access to a ‘Forest School’ where they can learn survival skills such as building a fire.

Mr Kirkham, who has been in the headteacher post since February 2019, said: “I know it’s cliche, but this really is a unique school. I’ve taught at six others and Weeke really does have its own feel.

“What attracted me is the time and energy that staff put into education, but also how they nurture Each pupil and make sure everyone feels like they are valued by both staff and their peers.”

When the Hampshire Chronicle visited it was ‘Wellbeing Week’ at the school.

Pupils were taught how to look after themselves, with workshops looking at relaxation and yoga.

Mr Kirkham added: “Going into different schools is very interesting, you get to see how learning changes over time. Here, it’s a real privilege because of the huge range of options the children have.

“What we do helps prepare them to enter what is a complicated world. Where we are is fantastic – all children in Winchester have access to fantastic schools.”

The school, which currently has 412 pupils, was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in May 2019, keeping its same rating from an inspection in 2015.

HEAR FROM THE HEAD

Children lie at the heart of what we do at Weeke. We are a very happy, friendly, inclusive school with a strong community feel.

At Weeke, we aim to make learning irresistible, ensuring children develop a genuine (life-long) love of learning and that every child flourishes. We do this by providing the best possible education for all of our pupils. As a large primary school we benefit from a wealth and depth of talent across our pupils, staff, parents/carers and governors. As a result we believe that we can provide the very best opportunities for every single child in the school through our vision of Achievement for All.

We pride ourselves on providing a vibrant learning environment which nurtures and supports children. We encourage our pupils to be responsible for their learning, to grow in confidence and become independent. The Philosophy for Children programme is a key feature of our school and the work that we do to prepare our children for their rights and responsibilities as global citizens. We offer an exciting and engaging creative curriculum where teachers and pupils work together to ensure high quality learning experiences that enable every pupil to achieve their very best. A wide range of curriculum enrichment activities, the recent introduction of an enquiry led approach to learning alongside the performing arts and a thriving sport fixture list, all enhance the children’s experiences at Weeke.

We are privileged to have a team of professional, talented and committed staff.