Haven’t you ever wondered how Alma Primary School came to be? This is a school with a unique story. It’s a story of vision and community. Let’s explore how this special place began.
Alma Primary School’s journey started with a group of dedicated parents. Educators in Barnet joined them. In November 2011, they first met. The following spring, they applied to the DFE. Permission and start-up money came in July 2012.
A project team formed. A Headteacher was appointed in October 2012. This person started in April 2013. The team and Headteacher recruited pupils in spring 2013. Staff were also appointed.
During the summer of 2013, more staff were recruited. Services were procured. Lunches and uniforms were organized. A curriculum was created. The temporary site was prepared. The school’s infrastructure was being built.
Members of the project team became the Governing Body. Others were recruited. Alma Primary School opened in September 2013. The first Reception class had 30 children. Each year a new class was added. The curriculum and facilities were prepared. In September 2019, the first Year 6 class started. This marked a key moment in the school’s development.
Initially, Alma Primary School was on a temporary site. This was in West Finchley. The first two classes were based here. They stayed from September 2013 to July 2015. In March 2014, the DfE bought a former police station. This was in Whetstone, Barnet. It would be the school’s permanent home.
From September 2014 to August 2016, the Headteacher and governors worked hard. They collaborated with developers. They created a permanent home for Alma Primary School. The school moved to the Whetstone site in late August 2016. Development continued. Phase 1 of a playground project was completed in the summer of 2018.
Alma Primary is more than just a school. It is a learning community. It equips children to be creative. They become caring and committed learners. The school welcomes families from across the Jewish community. Others are welcome too. Jewish tradition is central. The school blends this with twenty-first-century understanding. Children find creative solutions. They tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
The goal at Alma Primary School is simple. Each person should become the best they can be. It is a small school. It has big goals. It aims to improve the school and community. It also wants to make the world a better place.
The curriculum supports essential skills. These include science, language, and literacy. Humanities, maths, and technology are covered too. Sport and the arts are included. Children become successful learners. They are an asset to the community.
The school develops creativity. It stimulates knowledge and imagination. Enthusiasm and skills are encouraged. Alma Primary offers inspiring opportunities. These broaden children’s learning. High-quality Jewish education is provided. A thematic approach is used for general subjects. The curriculum stretches every child. Alma Primary strives to be among the highest-performing primary schools.
Alma Primary School values its families. It welcomes those of all faiths and none. There are many ways of being Jewish. Learning reflects the mix of children. The school community learns from each other. They learn about beliefs and practices.
The school creates a caring community. Children, parents, and teachers are included. Positive Jewish experiences are provided. Daily prayer is one example. This facilitates moral and spiritual development. Children learn ethical and moral values. These values include good citizenship. Volunteerism is also taught. Mutual responsibility is key. The school fosters care for the natural world. It promotes positive relationships with other faiths. It builds ties with the wider community. Alma Primary School fosters a love of Judaism. Pride in Jewish identity is important. Commitment to the Jewish people and Israel is encouraged.
Alma Primary School ensures each child gets support. Challenge is also provided. Learning is targeted. Children are stretched. They achieve their potential. Teachers and staff work together. Parents are involved. Concerns are addressed early. Solutions are found together.
Alma Primary School has created an environment. Children become imaginative and caring. They are engaged learners. They are ready for a changing world.