Case Study: Character Sought
Penryn Primary Academy
At Penryn Primary Academy, we strive to develop confident, self-assured, positive young people who love to learn, to contribute and to achieve.
We make sure pupils have the relevant experiences to enable them to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. These skills and attributes help pupils to stay healthy, safe and prepare them for life and work in modern Britain. We have fostered close links to the University of Falmouth, which is within walking distance of the school.
Our FSA recognised Forest School helps young people to understand the importance of nature and the environment. The ethos of Forest School allows learners the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences. Giving children this freedom and independence of their learning, allows them to choose achievable tasks, which can help build self-esteem and self-confidence and to learn to make choices in every area of their lives.
Working with fire and tool allows young people to manage risk and take responsibility for their learning, themselves and the people around them in a controlled environment. This responsibility in turn leads to young people gaining a greater sense of self -worth, self-confidence, self-esteem, leadership and communication skills.
Educational visits are used as an opportunity to extend the learning of all pupils, including an enrichment of their understanding of themselves, others and the world around them. Established community partnership links include The Falmouth Art Gallery, Penryn College Careers Fair, Nexus and the University of Falmouth. We also welcome external visitors into school throughout the year, including the Screech Owl Sanctuary, Cornwall & Devon Constabulary, Mark's Ark and Space Odyssey. Other popular seasonal trips include meeting Santa on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway and of course summertime on the beach!
Tregolls Academy
At Tregolls Academy, we strive to develop respectful young people who are global citizens and lifelong learners.
We aim to equip all of our children with the knowledge and understanding needed to keep themselves healthy and safe – now, in the next steps of their education and in years to come. Our children develop key skills in building healthy, positive relationships with themselves and those around them.
We weave carefully chosen experiences into the fabric of our school offer, outside of the formal curriculum, to enrich our provision and broaden our children’s interests, passions and their understanding of their place in the world around them. We regularly hold whole-school events to celebrate our children’s individuality and character – the 2023 ‘Dress to Express’ day to celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week was a real highlight.
We are extremely proud of our opportunities for pupil leadership across the school:
- Our proactive Anti-bullying Ambassadors work closely with the PSHE Lead to design and lead campaigns to develop and promote RESPECT, ONLINE SAFETY, WELLBEING and COMMUNITY ACTION in every year group
- Our Art Ambassadors support the Art Lead in promoting creativity and offer art enrichment opportunities and activities, both in school and as part of our extra-curricular provision
- Our Sports Leaders have been instrumental in developing active lunchtime provision for the children and now successfully run our exciting ‘Activity Hub’ on our all-weather pitch every day