School of the month: fun and learning at Pencombe Primary

All the pupils at Pencombe C.E Primary School celebrate after being announced Hereford Times School of the Month.

The school has just four classes – Cherry, Birch, Willow and Oak – enabling the school to offer unique experiences for every child.

Olivia crawls through the forest school tunnel.

As well as a creative, inspiring and motivating curriculum which excites and enthuses the children, the school has superb outdoor learning environments, including a sports field, outdoor areas that are used to extend and enhance the high quality learning that goes on inside the school.

Pupils from Willow class show their printing techniques and scratch artwork.

In its own words, the school says: "At Pencombe CE Primary we believe in entitlement and the right for everyone to be valued and respected for who they are.

Pupils share friendship with one another during a receipe for a good friend activitie. (L-R) Amy, Lois, Alfie and William.

"We believe our pupils are entitled to the best education possible, irrespective of race, colour, gender, ability and/or geographical location. This we aim to achieve through well planned schemes of work, with a creative and motivating delivery in a suitably stimulating and well resourced Christian environment.

Reception Class enjoy water activities in the sun. (L-R) Arthur, Matilda, Laycee, Joseph and Arthur.

"At Pencombe we believe education should be seen by the pupil as life enhancing and life lasting.

Year one pupils enjoying their time in the schools playground. (L-R) Adahna, Riley and Harvey.

"As a school with a Christian ethos, Pencombe welcomes children from any faith as well as those of no faith. All pupils and staff attend weekly Wednesday worship in the church, led by our rector.

Tabatha, Poppy and Mollie (L-R) enjoy whittling in the sun at the forest school.

"Parents and other family members also take part in these services along with members of the village community. We also attend church to celebrate various Christian festivals including Easter and Christmas.

Lois and Bobby draw pictures of fresh flowers in their art class.

"Pupils at Pencombe CE Primary are helped to develop lively enquiring minds, the ability to question and argue rationally, and to apply themselves to tasks and expand their physical skills.

George and Gabriela prepare to water plants in the schools garden.

"We aim to provide children in our school with an understanding of religious and moral values, and an understanding of the physical world and it’s people; combined with a sense of value of its resources, in order that the children can relate to themselves and their immediate environment to the wider world.

Gabriela (centre) and Leia (right) enjoy some outdoor reading.

"It is our intention to develop and maintain friendly and positive links between school, home and community, thus enabling parents and others to understand the aims and methods of our school and the importance of their role within it.

Isaac with his binoculars watches from the schools nature hut.

"Our vision at Pencombe CE Primary is 'In God’s hands, we love, learn, grow and inspire.'

ACTIVITIES

There is always something stimulating, interesting or exciting happening at Pencombe. Recently, Birch and Cherry class had a visit from Hidden Herefordshire. Tim is an expert in all things bugs and insects. The children went on a big hunt in our forest school area to help find the hidden creatures of Herefordshire. We are very fortunate not only to have our own forest school, but also the use of a local coppice which enables children to be involved in Forest School activities on a weekly basis.

Earlier in the year, the Year 6 children attended a residential at Oaker Wood where leadership and team building skills were encouraged. The children also showcased their dance moves as part of the Moving Targets Project at The Courtyard in Hereford.

The school was involved in all the fun of the Bromyard Scarecrow Festival and had the best time, parading the school's entry – Goldilocks and the Three Bears, around the streets of Bromyard!

Great fun is also had competing in inter school sports!

Why not take a look at our website or Face Book page for more information? Visitors are welcome!