WHEATFIELDS INFANTS' AND NURSERY SCHOOL in Hertfordshire, St Albans

Education Centre Information: Wheatfields Infants' and Nursery School:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Hertfordshire
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: Has Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 341
Number of boys: 183
Number of girls: 158
Age Range: 3-7
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Wheatfields Junior School was opened in 1963. It stands in 'attractive grounds overlooking the open countryside', yet is only one and a half miles from the centre of St Albans. Facilities include a hall, dining room, sports hall, French room, library and 12 classrooms. The library is 'well stocked' and many parents help ensure that it can be staffed for most of the school day. In the summer of 2000, the library will undergo 'extensive enlargement and modification' in order to incorporate a computer base with internet access. The school has published its own poetry book, 'Over the Rainbow', and holds an annual art exhibition in the city centre. There are 'many varied' opportunities to learn a musical instrument and around 25 per cent of pupils take up this option, also playing in one of the two string groups, the recorder group or the wind band. French has been taught in the school for over 20 years, and an annual link up with a school in Belgium gives pupils the opportunity to 'experience a differnt culture and country as well as practice their French'. A wide range of clubs and activities are on offer after school. These include chess, dance, choir, art and craft, netball, athletics, football, country dancing, basketball, gymnastics, short tennis and a wildlife club. The school has introduced a school bus service called the 'Walking Bus' in a drive to cut down the number of pupils arriving by car. There are now three buses bringing pupils from different directions to the school, and two more are being brought in. It has cut the number of children arriving by car by 30 per cent.