Ever wonder why a school in Perivale bears the name of a Hampshire village? Selborne Primary School is not just a place of learning. It is a link to history and nature.
Selborne Primary School derives its name from the village of Selborne. This village is in Hampshire. It is also home to Gilbert White. He was a pioneer in British natural history.
Who was Gilbert White? He lived from 1720 to 1793. He served as the Curate of Selborne. White meticulously observed the natural world. He documented his findings in “The Natural History of Selborne”. This book became a classic. It is still in print today.
The Selborne Society formed in 1885. It commemorated White’s life and work. The Brent Valley branch created a bird sanctuary in Perivale Wood in 1902. The Society bought the wood in 1920. This marked the bicentenary of Gilbert White’s birth. Perivale Wood became a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Perivale’s connection to Selborne inspired the school’s name. Pupils visit Selborne and Gilbert White’s house. Selborne Primary School also uses Perivale Wood. The wood offers opportunities to study nature. Children can observe birds, mammals, and insects. They can explore pond life.
Selborne Primary School opened as a secondary school for boys in 1936. It has evolved into a primary school. The Gilbert White building opened in 2007. It houses the Year 4 classes. Additional classrooms and offices were added in 2013. An annexe for Year 5 followed in 2014.
Selborne Primary School aims to inspire pupils to achieve. It helps them overcome barriers. The school sets high expectations. It focuses on personalized learning. Selborne was rated as Outstanding by Ofsted in 2017. This was confirmed again in November 2023. Inspectors noted that pupils excel in every aspect of their education.
The school’s motto is “Inspire and Achieve”. Selborne Primary School promotes school values through six keys. These keys complement the curriculum. The curriculum emphasizes independence and thinking skills.
Selborne Primary School has a diverse student body. Pupils come from many cultures. They respect each other’s views and beliefs. The school reinforces shared British values. Pupils feel safe and happy. Selborne Primary School prepares children for their future.