HEAD’S PLAN FOR ALDER GROVE PRIMARY SCHOOL

EXCLUSIVE

IN JUST 34 days time, students will be welcomed into their new school in Shinfield.

Alder Grove CofE Primary Schoolwill open its doors this September to reception and nursery children, and will become a 420-place school for children aged between 4 and 11.

Head of school Philip Theobald (top right) said his main priority is to help establish a sense of community in the recently-developed area.

He told Wokingham. Today: “We’re in a really privileged position where we have big grounds and a modern building. It’s really important that we become the heart of the community in this ShinfieldWest.

“We started hiring our teachers in January, and we employed all staff before lockdown began — everyone has been really keen to get involved.”

And Mr Theobald said the Government restrictions have provided an opportunity to meet each new student individually.

“We’ve been inviting families to come in and meet their class teacher one at a time,” explained Mr Theobald. “I meet them first, and introduce them to their teacher. I’ve met all the students joining in September now. As a head it’s important to me that I’m not stuck in my office. I want to be involved.”

And Mr Theobald’s plan for the school curriculum is centered around inclusivity and representation.

He said: “It’s important for our students to find their own identity in the curriculum. We want children from all backgrounds to recognise themselves in their learning material, whether that be their ethnicity or family background.

“The more we educate, the greater tolerance and understanding grows. In 20 years time, these peoplewill be leading the way. We want them to start learning about these things from a young age.

“That sits in line with the idea of being a school in the heart of the community. We want to be a place for families to be comfortable.”

Mr Theobald said that although Alder Grove is a CofE school, they will be celebrating all faiths and festivals, not just Christian ones.

He is also keen to instil values in the students as the school develops.

“As we grow as a school, the children will be able to take on positions of responsibility, such as the school council and eco council,” he said.

“It’s a change to take on ownership of the school, have their say and get involved.”

And the parents are ready to get involved too.

“We’re already in the process of setting up a PTA, and there’s been plenty of interest from parents,” he added. “We’re building links with the local area.”

Alder Grove is managed by The Keys Academy Trust, which already manages Earley St Peters and The Coombes in Arborfield.

The school facilities include: a nursery, six classrooms, with a further eight classrooms opening in three years time, a large hall, studio hall, playing field, tarmac sports area, a specialist design, art and cooking room, a library, and additional breakout rooms and staff areas.

For more information, visit: aldergroveprimary.org