MAKING learning fun is the byword of life at Shaw Ridge Primary School as well as developing pupils into rounded individuals.

Educating up to 420 children, youngsters have ample opportunity to stretch their horizons beyond their classroom on their journey to reaching their full potential.

Headteacher Sally Cowell said: “At Shaw Ridge Primary we are committed to providing a happy, secure and stimulating environment in which children can enjoy their learning. We strive to make learning fun and provide an education that develops the whole child academically, socially and emotionally.

“It is my belief that children are more likely to fulfil their full potential when there is a strong partnership between the school and home environment.

“I joined the Shaw Ridge team in 1995 as deputy head and took over as head teacher in 2001. During that time I have been privileged to work alongside an enthusiastic and committed team of staff and governors.

“The school stands in a very pleasant location and we have plans to further develop the site with help from the Friends of Shaw Ridge School. We benefit from various specially developed play areas as well as our own field. Each classroom also benefits from its very own outdoor area accessible directly from the classroom. Being at the top of Shaw Ridge we also have direct access to the wooded area/green belt to the north west of the school.”

As well as access to a vibrant and diverse curriculum, youngsters also have a wide range of extra-curricular activities to choose from. With oportunities to develop thier musical talents in two recorder clubs and a choir, take part in sewing, dance and art, practice their culinary skills, develop their logic through chess and even learn Japanese.

There are also a number of sports clubs available, including running, netball and football.

Beyond school, there are a number of other services run at the provision, including Family SEAL workshops, which enable parents to spend quality time with their youngsters playing informal games and activities. There’s also special provision for children with special educational needs and able, gifted and talented students.

The school also invests heavily in community projects, such as developing a vegetable garden.

Mrs Cowell said: “Our overall plan is to plant the garden so that it is growing all year round giving us seasonal vegetables for our cooking within the school and helping us in this area in science.”

NAME: Shaw Ridge Primary School
ADDRESS: Ridge Green, Swindon, SN5 5PU
TELEPHONE: 01793 871601
HEADTEACHER: Mrs Sally Cowell
CHAIRMAN OF GOVERNORS: Philip Harland
UNIFORM: Navy jumper of cardigan, white shirt or polo shirt, grey trousers or skirt.