The School was opened in 1971 on the southern edge of Colchester. We are close to the Colchester barracks and have both army and civilian pupils. The school is single storey and has seven classrooms and a nursery built around an assembly hall. All the classrooms are bright and airy and have their own cloakrooms and brand new toilets. The school is surrounded by grass and trees and has a large field for sports. We are currently developing the school grounds and have already added an adventure playground (provided by parents) and a quiet seating area with table top games. We have just begun a wild life garden by sowing wild flower seeds and building a log pile for minibeasts.
Our nursery and reception class are linked together to form a Foundation Stage Unit which makes the transition from nursery to main school much easier for small children. As well as large classroom areas, they have their own fenced, outside garden where much of their learning takes place. We have also recently opened a Mother & Toddler Group which runs twice a week and is well supported by parents.
We have an ICT suite which has 15 computers all linked to the internet. In addition, every classroom has two computers and an interactive whiteboard for teaching exciting lessons. There are two well-stocked libraries where children can read and research information, one for infants and one for juniors.
Our school prides itself on having a happy and friendly atmosphere, which we believe comes from the caring attitude of the staff, working in close co-operation with parents and governors. The school also has strong links with the local community, including Colchester United, the police, health professionals and other local schools.
We are committed to raising academic standards by providing a broadly balanced education within a stimulating environment. In 2003 we received a Schools Award for Achievement and this year we achieved the Healthy Schools Intermediate Award.
At St Michael’s, we encourage children to value their own efforts and to take pride in achieving a high standard in both behaviour and work. New children are welcomed into the school and readily make friends, develop in confidence and learn new skills.
Headteacher Mrs J Carter (BSc PGCE DIPSE NPQH)
|