PIRTON SCHOOL in Hertfordshire, Hitchin

Education Centre Information: Pirton 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: Town and Fringe - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 140
Number of boys: 59
Number of girls: 81
Age Range: 4-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

The original school building was opened in 1877. However, formal education in Pirton began before this, growing out of the early straw plaiting schools which were started locally to meet the demands of the hat making industry centred in Luton and Dunstable. In 1875 the Pirton School Board was established to enable local children to receive a more academic education. While maintaining the charm of the original building, the present school has been extended and constantly modernised and refurbished. The more recent block, built in 1975, consists of a very spacious hall/gymnasium, a large classroom and the kitchen where school meals are prepared. In 2001 two smaller rooms were joined and the resulting space refurbished to make a dedicated for youngest children. The old school house is joined to the school and is used for teaching small groups. It contains a kitchen which is used by small groups for food technology. In 2003-04 we refurbished the upstairs of the building to facilitate the staff room, a teacher resource room and a small group room.The school'stands in extensive grounds, with a full-size football pitch, a hard-surfaced court for tennis/netball and a small orchard. There is an attractive hard-surfaced playground surrounded by garden areas between the two buildings. The whole site is securely fenced.In January 2006 the school had a 'Green Room' living willow structure planted on the school field. This provides an outdoor learning space and will provide a shady area for quiet reflection during playtime in the summer months. To provide a broad and balanced curriculum appropriate to the children's needs which reflects the Foundation Stage 'Early Learning Goals' and the National Curriculum. To allow all children to experience success and develop their full potential and enable children to develop a sense of self worth, a respect for others, confidence, social skills and an awareness of their rights and responsibilities within the school and the wider community.