AS the students have just gone back to school to begin their term, reporter Grace Walton paid a visit to a brand-new school in Worcester - North Worcester Primary Academy, in John Comyn Drive, which was the former park and ride site in Perdiswell.

It was a delightful visit and I was taken on a guided tour around the building by the assistant head, Emily Calvert.

Ms Calvert said: “I’m really excited by a creative and broad experience for children and giving them the opportunity to learn in their own way. I passionately believe in the environment and about being ecologically sound.

“We try and give them a stimulating environment. We’ve already started teaching phonics and sounds. The children are beginning to blend words and start to read.

“What we are trying to achieve is happy, rounded, healthy, forward thinking children.”

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It’s clear Ms Calvert is passionate about her job, adding: “I think it’s important that children have the opportunity to learn and grow in the areas that excite them – to find that one magical thing. Our job as teachers is to give children a love of learning and a curiosity.”

There are 26 children in pre-school and 53 in reception, with places still available for students in reception.

During my visit, I met with the reception class who were reading Please Mr Panda. The aim of the story is to teach students about manners and memorizing a story. The children were enthusiastically contributing throughout the session as pictures were displayed on a story map for them to demonstrate the actions.

The children will take home one reading and a story book each week to boost their imagination.

There are two forest schools which were built by help of the parents who came in to clear the area.

Ms Calvert added: “There were literally parents and grandparents on their hands and knees sawing off tree stumps.”

The idea of the forest school is to promote learning in a different way. The students will be able to do their art, writing and maths outside one afternoon a week.

Sian Williams, executive headteacher said: “The children have settled in brilliantly and the parents have been very supportive. They’ve totally appreciated it’s a brand-new school. Despite that, children have been coming in skipping into school.

“We have already had parents emailing asking if we have got places for next year. So, word is that people are keen to join. We offer something here because of the fantastic resources.”

A school open day will take place on November 30 from 9.30am to 12.30pm for potential students.

Would your school like to be featured on our In the Classroom page? Email grace.walton@newsquest.co.uk