Sound of music can be heard at Llanmartin Primary

Not only do they have a 30- piece orchestra, all reception class pupils have the opportunity to learn violin or cello.

Mrs Barbara Rich, the music teacher, is full of pride for the way music is supported and encouraged throughout the school.

The last two school inspections are quoted as being ‘outstanding in music’ both in the infants section and the juniors.

The music suite is located in a separate demountable classroom with its own percussion area so that children are allowed to make as much noise as is necessary without disturbing the rest of the school.

“Every child in the school has the opportunity to learn an instrument,” said Mrs Rich who has been at the school for 18 years. “I firmly believe that skills children learn through music will reflect in other aspects of the curriculum. It can help to build leadership and confidence.”

As well as the school orchestra there are classes in recorder, guitar, choir and music therapy. Peripatetic music teachers come into school to teach brass, woodwind, strings and percussion.

Mrs Julie Baxter, the head teacher, explained the use of puppets which some of the children were using in the school hall.

“These are used to help the children to take control of their own learning through the ‘Building Learning Power’ initiative,” she said.

“From research done by Professor Guy Claxton this initiative we have adopted supports children in how to learn.

“Within the initiative are four ‘Rs’- reflective, resilient, resourceful and reciprocal.

When children go on to the high school they will be able to be independent.

“It prepares them for a life of learning.”

The thought is that you are never to old to learn and it is something all of us continue to do throughout our lives.

Outside in the ‘grow-more garden’ is a superb display of fruit and vegetables which is thriving. Mrs Anne Burgum is the eco school co-ordinator and the club meets every Wednesday.

“Our produce is doing really well this year.

We have strawberries, raspberries, radishes, lettuce and beans,” said Mrs Burgum.

The children who belong to the eco club are called ‘eco dragons’ and consist of a selection of pupils across the school.

After the produce is grown it is distributed among the children so they really do see the fruits of their labour.

“The school has already been awarded two green flags and we have just applied for our third,”

Mrs Burgum said.

During the spring there was a blackbird nest in one of the trees which the children found extremely educational.

There is a helpful pair of ‘green fingers’ on ‘hand‘ (sorry!) who comes into the garden to help as much as possible – this is Mr John Hall who is a granddad to one of the pupils.

Also within the grounds is a carved log which was formerly a complete tree.

“Unfortunately it had to be cut down,” said Mrs Baxter “and the children and staff were quite upset about that.

However, an owl with a mouse in its talons has been sculpted in the tree stump, by sculptor John Hobbs, and it now makes a lovely feature.

“We have beautiful grounds and like to utilise them as much as possible.

We have a wild meadow, a story circle and of course our sports events are held there.”

Every Friday the foundation year have a ’Muddy Day’ where pupils come in their old clothes and go outside to enjoy the environment come rain or shine.

The school council is active in Llanmartin and annual events are held throughout the year to raise money to purchase items for the school.

“Every term we have a fundraiser” said Miss Angela Hill who is the school council co-ordinator.

“We are currently planning our school fair and in the past have celebrated Red Nose Day and Children in Need etc.”

The council is made up of representatives from every class and meet up once a month to discuss issues that are raised.

“We are discussing the issue of wet playtimes at the moment” she said. “An issue brought up by the children.

We are deciding how best to spend our wet playtimes by doing a pupil survey within the school.”

Miss Hill said “We see the role of the school council as helping children have a voice in the school. Our anti-bullying campaign is ongoing with posters and talks which encourage children to report and stamp out any bullying they see.”

The school has been successful in raising £15,000 for new bike sheds which it hopes will encourage children to ride their bikes to school in the future and promote fitness and safety on the roads.

Llanmartin has its own Learning Centre with pupils aged from four to 11 years.

The latest inspection found the centre to be outstanding and it is a central part of the school.

Mrs Baxter said: “We always try to ensure pupils from the centre are included in all events and activities along with main school so they have mainstream access and help.

“Currently we have 12 pupils and they definitely add an extra dimension. I truly believe our Learning Centre is a valuable addition to the school.”

Mrs Baxter has been head teacher at Llanmartin for five years and firmly believes in developing children as citizens ready for the future.

“We are here to prepare them for their future life and role in society. It is important children understand they have a voice. They are taught to have an understanding of good values such as caring, kindness and consideration for others. This links very well with the Social Emotional Aspects of Learning project.”

Mrs Baxter said: “We spend a great deal of our budget on music and supporting children to be able to have lessons or an instrument if they so wish. It’s all about educating the whole child and catering for all their needs.”

‘Small steps for a big future’ is the school mission statement but it seems more like ‘leaps and bounds’!

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