Bohemia Village Voice

Mayor Maureen Charlesworth at St Paul’s open morning with some of the senior choir. We can’t say who they are because of the school’s ‘new safeguarding procedures’ (!)

St Paul’s CE Primary School in Horntye Road held an open morning in December last year. The mayor, Maureen Charlesworth and about 50 people attended. Visitors were given a guided tour and had the opportunity to listen to the school choir and watch a class of children performing dances.
The staff are very proud of the new ITC suite with its up-to-the-minute computers, and of the Performing Arts and Pastoral Centre which will be named after the late former head Derek Norcross. Included in it is a “nurture space”, the Rainbow Room, for children who need a bit of space on their own, plus a “one-to-one” teacher. Throughout the school the walls are covered with bright and interesting displays of many kinds, and there is a well-used school library. Outside there is an extensive sports field. Currently there are about 570 children at the school which holds nationally recognised awards for art, sport and for being a healthy school. There is a breakfast club from 8 am, and a variety of after-school clubs including sports, dance, choir, drama, sewing, gardening, Latin and cookery.
“The children love the adventure trails in the playground. They’re fairly new. There’s one for the older children and one for the little ones.” said Jan Constable, assistant head. Acting head Karen Bye said, “There have been some very high achievers at St Paul’s. That’s always been the way. There’s a really good positive atmosphere here.” Local resident Doreen Clarke, whose son attended the school 17 years ago, said, “It feels completely different now. It’s pleasant and more progressive. There’s a lot of work been done since my son was here.”
o Head Teacher Pat Lock has been off sick since last April. Our grateful thanks to Alison Day of St Paul’s for providing material for the article and the picture.