Template:Courier-OCT-25-24

PUPILS LOOKING OUTWARD BRINGS LEARNING TO LIFE

Learning and experience at Claygate Primary School extends well beyond the classroom, with pupils recently having won prizes at the Flower Show, asked questions on BBC Radio 4's "Gardeners' Question Time" programme, and the school having won an international award.

Pupils enjoy the outdoor life, thanks to a partnership with Claygate Gardening Society, which enables them to look after the school allotments, learning how to plant, and tend flowers and vegetables, as well as harvesting a variety of crops. The school believes gardening brings learning to life, teaching them patience, responsibility, teamwork and the importance of healthy living and sustainability.

The youngsters also have access to the Forest School, which allows them to explore nature, solve problems and build resilience. They enjoy their annual enrichment block, led by an experienced Forest School teacher: building shelters, learning about plants and working together, they gain confidence, curiosity and life skills.

These experiences meant that every pupil contributed to this summer's Claygate Flower Show exhibitions and produce from the school's allotments won first prize. The school also enjoyed a proud national moment when pupils asked a question on "Gardeners' Question Time".

Also looking outwards, the school choir was selected to perform on stage as part of the Massed Choir at Wembley Arena, a big musical event for schools an unforgettable experience

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Claygate Primary School has been awarded the British Council International School Award-Intermediate Level, which recognises its commitment to global learning and meaningful international partnerships. This work includes collaborations with schools in China, Taiwan and Uganda, as well as projects with the ACS international school in Cobham. These have involved pen pals, shared art initiatives, charity fundraising and cultural exchanges, spanning subjects such as languages, geography and citizenship. Sandra Cunningham, head teacher, said: "We are thrilled to receive the International School Award. Our children learn that we grow best when we grow together in our local community, our wider society and across the world."

Shannon West, head of UK Schools at the British Council, praised Claygate Primary for "bringing the world into pupils' classrooms, enriching education and fostering global citizenship".

LOCAL COMMUNITY

The pupils also focus closer to home and play an active role in village life, with school ambassadors and prefects taking part in the Claygate Remembrance Parade, showing their respect for local history and tradition, and the choir performing at the switching on of the Christmas lights in The Parade. These events, alongside strong partnerships with the Claygate Gardening Society, Holy Trinity Church and The Hub, highlight the value of being a village school with deep community ties.