Elmwood is a diverse and multi-cultural school where pupils’ personal development and well-being are central to our ethos. Every pupil is valued and their unique qualities are recognised, nurtured and celebrated. Lessons are creative and inspiring and encourage a love of learning in pupils. At Elmwood we work together to ensure each pupil reaches their full potential. Pupil voice is highly valued and we work in partnership with parents and carers to develop personal, social, moral, spiritual and cultural well-being. High expectations for all our pupils enable them to become resilient, independent, confident and successful life-long learners.
Teaching and Learning
At Elmwood Junior School we believe in the concept of lifelong learning and the notion that learning should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone; it should be fun! Through our teaching we equip pupils with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to be able to make informed choices. We believe that inspirational teaching and learning experiences help pupils lead happy and rewarding lives. We aim to meet the needs of all pupils through a broad, balanced and exciting curriculum that encourages academic success. We also provide opportunities for pupils to experience a sense of achievement through sport, the creative arts and the use of technology which is central to the school’s successful philosophy of developing self-esteem.
Pupil Voice
Pupil voice is central to our ethos. As a Rights Respecting School (Unicef GOLD 2019), the UN convention ‘rights of the child’ are at the centre of our curriculum. Teaching and learning about rights for the whole community is a central part of the journey to becoming a rights respecting citizen. Our pupils develop a strong sense of social justice and knowledge of local and global issues from a rights perspective. The School Council at Elmwood Junior School is made up of representatives from each class and aims to encourage pupils to have responsibility for the way things work and develop at school.
Well-being
Well-being is at the forefront of everything that we do at Elmwood Junior School. Our school values and ethos are embedded in the statement: ‘Learning together, achieving together, bringing out the best in everyone’. Our curriculum enables children to build self-esteem, explore their values and attitudes and make informed decisions that affect their lives. It gives them an opportunity to develop their social skills, including assertiveness and negotiation, which is used in other areas of their everyday lives.
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development
Our aims, for all pupils, are to provide opportunities for them to achieve and to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Thus preparing all pupils for the opportunities and responsibilities of life. We deliver high quality PSHE lessons which allow pupils to engage with relevant and imperative subjects/issues.
Enrichment
At Elmwood we are able to offer a diverse range of extra-curricular activities. Clubs are important in order to extend pupil’s learning, as well as developing new skills. We believe it is essential that there are opportunities to discover different interests and improve individual talents and all our pupils are encouraged to participate. Our clubs are run by teachers and learning support assistants using their expertise to create interactive and engaging experiences. The clubs enable the pupils to take part in competitions, performances, concerts and much more. This provides an opportunity to interact with peers across the school which strengthens the school community. Clubs are accessible to all our pupils as they run before school, at lunch time as well as after school.
