There Is Much Hope In Our Primary Schools

Had a wonderful day with Reception/Infants and Years 1/2 at Hope C of E Primary School, near Minsterley in Shropshire. This small rural school is run by Headteacher Kirsty Foulkes and a dedicated team of teachers. It’s a busy place with a real buzz when you walk through the door. For a modest cost, relatives were invited to my Polar talks and some lunch, so we had a few grandparents sitting with the young children. The boys and girls were so polite, but very excited to see my images of polar bears, walruses, seals and penguins. They were all so knowledgeable about the polar regions which they have been studying this term. When asked by the teacher if they had any questions for me, one 6 year old boy said in a serious tone, ‘actually, I have 5 questions to ask, Mr Anderson’.

Schools and teachers often get bad press, so it was uplifting to see a small school that inspires the pupils so much and also includes family and the local community in its activities. Kirsty informed me that two Stone Age ‘experts’ were in yesterday to talk to Years 3/4, both donning appropriate costumes. What an exciting place!!

The image is of the Headteacher wearing my antarctic gear, with a few of the Year 1/2 children. Thanks Hope C of E Primary for a great day!!