Our Community

As a Voluntary Aided school we have a fundamental link with St. Mary’s Parish Church. The majority of members of our Governing Body are foundation governors nominated by the Parochial Church Council.  In addition, Rev Ken Medhurst is an ex-officio diocesan representative on the Governing Body, being the Honorary Curate of St. Mary’s Parish.

Rev June Medhurst is a frequent visitor to our school, leading collective worship. The school holds services for major Christian festivals at Christmas and Easter at St. Mary’s Church, to which the local community are always invited.  Invariably, the church is packed for such services.  In addition, the school Harvest Festival is held in church, as is the annual Year 6 Leaver’s Service. The church itself is used as a resource to support R.E. work, as appropriate, across differing age ranges.

The long-standing links between church and school within the village are valued by all and we are pleased that, over a period of many years, various members of staff have been regular and active members of the congregation at St. Mary’s.  The church runs a number of events geared to school pupils that reflect the changing liturgical year e.g. Christmas Holiday Club, Pancake Party, Harvest Festival Picnic.

 

OXENHOPE PARISH COUNCIL

Oxenhope village has a Parish Council.  In cooperation with the Local Authority they have appointed Mr David Ashcroft, who is a parish councillor, as our LA Governor so we have a representative linking the two bodies together.

Visit www.oxenhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk for more info on Oxenhope Parish Council.

 

OXENHOPE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE
& ECO-SCHOOLS

We are supported by the members of the Oxenhope Conservation Initiative (OCI). They have linked with our pupils and held working parties to lay hedges, tidy and clear parts of our Environmental Area as well as planting trees and wild flowers. We are most grateful for their support and assistance, enabling us to make greater use of this resource.

All classes this year worked on conservation and environmental themes. Building on their success and to progress the school towards Eco-Schools status, which is an official award, an Action Team has been set up. This includes a combination of pupils, staff, parents, governors and members of the local community. The OCI is represented on this group so furthering this important community link.

Visit www.oci-web.org for more info on OCI.

 

EXTENDED SCHOOLS

Our links with the Worth Valley Extended Schools cluster provides an extensive programme of holiday activities that all our children have the opportunity to take part in. The cluster has also provided Adult Learning Opportunities such as British Sign Language.

 

TRANSITION TO SECONDARY SCHOOL

The majority of our pupils move on to the local Oakbank or Parkside secondary schools as they leave our Year 6. We work closely with their Year 7 staff and Special Needs Co-ordinators, if appropriate, to aid transition, and we have set up transition meetings where ex-pupils, who now attend those schools, come back to us to share their experiences with parents and pupils. When necessary we have set up a series of transition visits for our pupils with specific needs.