Children at the heart of our fabulous school; St Aidan's fostering a love of lifelong learning.

CREATIVITY and curiosity are key words on the curriculum at St Aidan's CE First School in Skelmanthorpe.

This family-based school aims to nurture strong values, creative thinking and a love of learning by all of its pupils.

And headteacher Evelyne Barrow and her committed team of staff aim to foster enthusiasm and curiosity in each of the 135 children who attend there.

"Children are at the very heart of our school. We want them to learn as people and as individuals. We want them to be creative thinkers and have good values at the very heart of everything they do.

"We aim to support and develop their interests and look at a love of learning rather than just academic achievement. An amazing team of staff is the key to the school's success.

"We all pull together and are focussed and driven towards our common aim. We aim to fire enthusiasm and curiosity and give the children confidence in today's society to deal with whatever they face," she added.

As well as encouraging children to try new skills and take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour, St Aidan's is keen for children to support and help one another.

Befrienders and playleaders provide help to younger children in the playground and the 10-strong School Council helps with decision-making and problem solving.

Most recently members have been involved with re-organising the school dining room and are currently involved in assessing the impact of music during lunchtimes.

Teamwork ensures that academic achievement is high but music, the arts and sport also have a strong focus. This year's creative week will have a Knights and Castles theme and a French day next month will celebrate the school's modern foreign language skills.

After-school clubs including cross country, art, computers and guitar all help children develop new skills.

And a wildlife area and well-used raised beds help budding growers extend their 'green fingers' outside the classroom. Potatoes, tomatoes and rhubarb will be on the school menu this summer with children designing and creating their own menus and recipes to use the produce they have grown.

Children have also enjoyed sessions on den building, worm hunting and bug spotting.

An outdoor wooden fort, bought by the school's busy Parent School Association, is a popular addition to the school's outdoor learning environment and there are also extensive grounds where children can play and let off steam.

Year five pupils are busily preparing for this summer's top secret production, an extravaganza of music, costume and performance.

And gifted and talented children from this year group are also developing their love of the written word at a Reading Group where around 20 children are enjoying books together, discussing storylines, characters and fostering a general love of books.

Like any successful school, St Aidan's is constantly reflecting on and refreshing ideas to ensure children are offered the best possible opportunities.

Future plans include developing the ecological side of the school and the curriculum and discussing the subject of sustainability.

It already composts and recycles but is keen to expand on this and look at alternative ways of fuelling the site..

CAPTION(S):

DIGGING IN: Headteacher Evelyne Barrow with pupils planting seeds for the summer and, right, School Council members in the outdoor fort BROUGHT TO BOOK: Members of the school's reading group show off their latest 'good read.' (tmc200409skelmanthorpe-1)