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Morley Primary School
We are very lucky to have a traditional village school here in Morley. Originally a Victorian Board School, the school house was built over a hundred and twenty years ago. It has been substantially extended and modernised, including the latest technology, to meet modern educational standards. All classes have interactive whiteboards and wireless network laptops. Currently, the school is undergoing building work to maximise the working environment for the oldest pupils.
At our most recent inspection (May 2009) the school was judged to be "outstanding" in every one of the inspection criteria. Class sizes are small, typically around 20. Pupils join the school at age 4 and leave us age 11 to move to a range of secondary schools. Pupils are taught using a variety of exciting cross-curricular themes. They also benefit from many visits and visitors to enhance the curriculum, such as National Film Week, the ballet, Cadbury’s World, the Holocaust Memorial Centre, the Workhouse, and Egyptian Theatre. Pupils use the local environment and surrounding attractions such as Broomfield College and Morley Hayes to support their work. Currently pupils are writing a cookery book featuring recipes from families, friends and notable figures such as the Prime Minister to give purpose to their learning, as well as to raise funds for school improvement projects such as the new school garden. All classes benefit from support staff in order to facilitate small group work where appropriate. We also train student teachers in-house as part of the Initial Teacher Training in Outstanding Primary Schools scheme.
The school holds the Basic Skills Quality Mark, Healthy Schools Award, Health Promoting Schools and Derbyshire Anti-bullying Commitment Awards, ActiveMark, Eco-schools Bronze Award, and School of Excellence Award. We received a Special Merit in the 2006 Rolls-Royce Science awards, and we are also a Partner School with Derby County Football Club. We are currently working towards BECTA ICT Mark, as well as developing the school environment both internally and externally. We are also a member of the Curriculum Foundation.
The school sponsors a pony named Oliver Twist at Redwings Horse Sanctuary – this was a request made by the pupils, who also organised the sponsorship.
There is a thriving PTA which holds many social events, including the annual Village Show, Barn Dances, a cookery demonstration, Ladies Night, Easter and Summer fairs, quizzes and games nights. Several of these events are supported by our friends at Morley Hayes.
We have excellent relationships with the local and wider community. For example, the school joins forces with the Youth Club to host the local Christmas Lights switch on and the whole school took part in a visit to the Derbyshire Ploughing Competition which was held at Smithy Farm next to school. Our annual Summer Production is held at Heanor Gate Science and Technology College. Morley Village Youth Club, the Parish Council and Morley Women's Institute also meet at the school.
After school clubs can include drama, art and craft, choir, modern languages, a whole range of sports, philosophy, and hobbies club.
For further information about the school, please see our website on www.morleyprimaryschool.ik.org or telephone the Headteacher, Miss. Kate Marsland, on 01332 831295.
MORLEY SCHOOL IS "OUTSTANDING"
Morley Primary School is celebrating big time after its recent OfSTED inspection. The day long inspection (it felt like a very long day) was conducted by two OfSTED inspectors as part of the cycle of inspection of all schools in England. The school has not yet come back down to earth after it was judged to be ‘outstanding’ in all 32 areas.
Inspectors said: “Morley Primary is an outstanding school. It provides an excellent quality of education which results in pupils making exceptionally good progress and achieving very high standards year on year. Pupils achieve as well as they do because of the outstanding quality of teaching and their exceptionally positive attitudes toward school and learning. Curriculum enrichment is outstanding. Pupils’ personal development is outstanding. Pupils develop mature attitudes, high levels of consideration for others and levels of respect that are impressive. Pupils care very much for each other, reflecting the high level of care and concern adults show for all pupils. Community cohesion is excellent. The school works exceptionally well to reach out and involve all families and the local community, and community relationships are excellent.”
As Headteacher of Morley School, I am passionate about ensuring that all pupils, whatever their needs, are given the chance to fulfil their potential. This is what I asked the inspectors to judge. The inspectors said, “From the very moment they join the school, pupils’ attainment and potential is carefully assessed so that teachers have a very clear picture of what each child needs to make progress. Targets are highly challenging and contribute effectively to achievement and high standards. Equality of opportunity is one of the foundation stones on which the school’s provision is built.”
I am very proud of all the staff, pupils, parents and Governors for their hard work and support. We look forward to the new school year with enthusiasm.
For more information call Headteacher Kate Marsland on 01332 831295.
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