Wonder how St Luke’s Primary School came to be? Let’s step back in time. St Luke’s Primary School has a unique history. It reflects community spirit. The school’s story is intertwined with the area.
Following the reorganisation of many Church of England schools in the 1950s St Luke’s became a controlled school. This means that some of the governing body is drawn from the foundation representing the Church of England. The rest is made up of County nominated and other lay people. This gives a total of 14 governors.
The school occupies the site immediately adjacent to St Luke’s Church. This reinforces the feeling of community. We share this feeling together.
The school building has undergone three main developments and improvements. In 1979 an extension for three early years classes was completed. In 1995 after many long years of pressure protests and persuasion the second phase was added. This gave us three new class bases. It also provided a new hall a kitchen a library and a new reception and administrative area. Also added outside were a new infant playground a car park and an imaginative landscaped area. The junior playground was extended and the generous field was re-seeded and generally revitalised.
During 2002-2003 the landscaping project got underway. With huge amounts of assistance from some very willing parents grandparents and friends a story circle was built. Three themed gardens were designed and planted.
2009 saw the start of the long-awaited final phase to build three new class bases to replace the rotting demountables. With extra funding obtained with the help of the local TASCC team we were also able to add a community room to the project. These new spacious classrooms were finally completed days before the start of the new school year. The whole school were delighted to all be part of the same building.
Now at last we have a quality in our physical environment. This supports and enhances the quality of educational provision for which St Luke’s Primary School has long been noted. The school is part of the Tiptree and Stanway consortium. This group of 16 primary schools share a number of activities. These activities strengthen their quality and enhance the educational provision for their pupils.
At St Luke’s Primary School the teaching of History equips pupils to ask perceptive questions. It helps them to think critically and develop perspective and judgment. Throughout their time at St Luke’s pupils build a clear chronological framework of the development of societies from ancient to modern times. This is done by making links across the different units.
History helps pupils to understand the process of change within their local area country and the wider world. It provides an opportunity to marvel at the richness and diversity of human culture. History teaches children empathy. It teaches how to ask questions weigh evidence and consider validity.
Our History curriculum inspires fascination and curiosity. It encourages pupils to feel connected to the past. Through the use of artefacts and exciting experiential trips pupils gain an in-depth understanding of significant events in both British and International History. They appreciate how things change over time. Different topics are covered in each year group on a 2 year cycle. This ensures that all children receive a broad and exciting education. It follows a spiral pattern from Nursery to Year 6.
This encourages the children to build upon prior knowledge. They use their key historical skills. They build cross curricular links. We believe that it is essential to equip pupils with the requirements of the History National Curriculum. We also want to prepare them for the opportunities responsibilities and experiences of later life.
Our curriculum links to National Curriculum expectations. It is built upon a bespoke spiralised approach. This approach encourages a deep understanding of key concepts and inquiry based learning. We do not follow a set scheme.
Without History there would be no future. St Luke’s Primary School’s commitment to history shows its dedication to shaping well-rounded individuals.