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Schooling in Chale
History
Schooling has been provided for the children of Chale
for possible 400 years. The present school was built in 1843, the
land (Glebe Land) having been given by Rev. Gother, Rector of Chale,
to provide a school “for ever and hereafter”. From these
roots its status as a Church of England Controlled School originates.
In the 1920’s further land was donated to
provide a playground and a shelter. In World War 2 an underground
schoolroom was built, for classes in the event of an enemy attack.
Until 1947 the school taught all ages, but was then
changed to take children up to age 11. A new hall and additional
teaching areas were built around 1970, and the upper age limit was
reduced to 9 years on the introduction of Middle Schools, as it
is today. The school, however, is designed to cater for children
up to the age of 11.
Closure was threatened around 1975, but the
school was saved by the imminent building of homes for your families
at Spanners Close. Nursery education is now also provided within
the school.
Standards
Chale School
is Unique, in the words of the OFSTED Lead Inspector "Priceless".
There is a clear place for a small school providing an education
environment where children who founder in a large school, can thrive.
Ofsted December
2004 found that Chale CE Primary was:- "A very good school providing
a very good quality of education for its pupils. Standards are above
average, the curriculum is very good and there is good provision
for SEN.
Pupils achieve
well in relation to prior attainment as a result from good teaching.
Development of pupils' personal qualities in SMSC is very good."
The
Diocesan Report 2009
Chale School is an outstanding Church of England School with many
special qualities especially the depth of understanding of children,
how they grow and how they develop. The school is a place of calm
and reflective thought, where children are openly encouraged to
learn about Christianity through prayer and attitudes towards others.
Their 4 key
values are SPIRITUALITY, INDEPENDENCE, RESPECT and CREATIVITY.
Through these, an exciting and dynamic curriculum enables the children
to grow, develop and mature into well rounded individuals who have
an understanding for the Christian faith, what it means to them
and its impact on their lives.
Established
strengths
- Children
are encouraged to be individuals
- The special
atmosphere of love, kindness, respect and care for all. The prayer,
peace and calm which permeates throughout the school and its impact
upon the children.
- The excellent
behaviour. Children are calm, enjoy school and understand about
special things such as prayer and the fundamental Christian doctrine.
Implications
of school closure
For the children
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Independent research clearly shows that children educated at
small primary schools go on to achieve better academic results
than children educated at large primary schools.
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The proposed minimum size for primary schools (one form entry)
is too large to achieve these results.
- The
children benefit from a Christian environment but this will
be lost at the proposed schools.
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Children as young as 4 years old will have to travel on a school
bus without a parent/guardian.
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School buses will have to travel at least 8 miles and possibly
as far as 14 miles a day from Chale. The cost of this is being
kept secret.
Chale children will not be able to attend after school activities
because there will only be one bus home.
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