Plymtree Church of England Primary School is a small rural school situated in the pretty, active village of Plymtree. We feel that Plymtree School is a very special place where everybody is valued and where we strive for excellence in all aspects of school life.

We aim to provide a supportive, happy and caring environment, where every child can gain in confidence and independence, and develop academically, artistically, physically and socially. The school is an important part of the local community.

We make use of many facilities, both locally and further afield to enhance the children’s education. We place importance on music and sport and provide a wide range of visits and visitors in a variety of curriculum areas.

At Plymtree Primary School we encourage children to develop their potential in a structured, secure and happy setting, so laying the foundations for later maturation into responsive and enquiring scholars, and responsible, caring adults.

The active involvement of the whole school community: pupils, parents, staff and governors, is of paramount importance if each child is to fulfil their potential.

The school aims to:

• Provide a balanced, well-conceived curriculum, mindful of the National Curriculum;
• Evaluate and monitor pupil’s progress so that the needs of all children are met;
• Stimulate the children’s interest in learning;
• Provide enriching and stimulating experiences through physical activities, the creative arts and first-hand experiences, within and outside the school;
• Develop lively and enquiring minds;
• Provide for the children’s social, spiritual, physical, cognitive and emotional needs;
• Help each child to develop sound moral standards;
• Promote Christian values through the experiences it offers to all its pupils.

Plymtree School is proud to offer a caring and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to help, support and encourage each other to develop their individual skills in four mixed year group classes.

As a small school we are able to be flexible and to consider children’s individual needs when organising classes. At present, in the Foundation Stage, Reception and Year 1 are taught together; in Key Stage 1, Year 1 and 2 are taught together; in Key Stage 2, Years 3 and 4, and Years 5 and 6 are taught together.

We believe our policy as a small rural school is to enable and encourage children of differing abilities to be able to work together, whilst still being able to work at their own ability level.

We have a number of extremely successful job-shares within the school, where two teachers share the responsibility for the class. We find that job-sharing enables the teachers to complement each other very effectively and to focus on their personal strengths.

Not all children are the same and the different learning needs of individuals are central to the planning and implementation of our school curriculum. Within and across each curriculum area, children are given the opportunity to explore and discover; to question and solve problems; and to develop increasing independence. To achieve this, the teachers employ a variety of teaching methods, groupings and forms of organisation.