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Children at the Heart of Everything

Posted on: Tuesday, 28 March 2006, 12:00 CST

THE children are very much at the heart of school life at Firs Primary.

Recent changes at the school have resulted in pupils being given a bigger say in day-to-day running.

That, coupled with investment in new technology, is leading to further improvements in and out of the classroom.

Changes have seen the introduction of a School Council as well as the use of peer mentors in the last year.

Head teacher Alison Walsh says: "We are trying to give the children a voice. It's their school, and they are at the centre of it all.

"We also want them to think about values and ethos as well as education standards.

"It's all about the children working things out together."

That working out will be boosted by the recent introduction of interactive white boards in every classroom at Firs Primary, which has obtained a government Basic Skills Mark for the second time.

"The white boards have transformed education and learning in the school," adds the head.

"The children really enjoy using the interactive programmes and being able to access the world wide web."

The Firs also believes in extending the school day.

After-school clubs include extra "lessons" in subjects such as French and art, while also introducing pupils to the likes of sport, gardening and music. The school is now involved in an urban sounds project.

NEXT WEEK: Wyndcliffe Primary, Bordesley Green

Source: Evening Mail; Birmingham (UK)

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