CASTLE HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL in West Yorkshire, Todmorden

Education Centre Information: Castle Hill Primary School:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Calderdale
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: Has Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 271
Number of boys: 143
Number of girls: 128
Age Range: 3-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Castle Hill Junior is situated on the eastern edge of Todmorden and takes children from a 'wide and varied' catchment area. Most pupils are from small terraced houses built in the last century and a post war council estate adjacent to the school. Others come from neighbouring farms and private detached houses. The school was built in 1912 and consists of nine classrooms, and there is also a nursery class which has access to its own fenced play area. Adjacent to the Key Stage 1 and 2 classrooms are resource areas for both Key Stages. On a lower level is a hall which is used for PE, assemblies and as a dining hall. The 'large' playground has recently been resurfaced, and adjacent to this is an area of land which is currently being developed as a nature area. The school aims to create a 'caring environment', providing a 'broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, and to promote the idea of the inter-relatedness of the school community which it serves'. The school does this especially by maintaining close links witht the elderly living near by. The school offers 'a range' of extra curricular activities including the opportunity to join a recorder group, as well as netball, football, rounders and cricket clubs. The school also encourages pupils to take part in programmes held at Calderdale School of Physical Education which range from ballet to swimming. Castle Hill has an 'excellent tradition as a footballing school', and is proud to have won 'many' competitions. The school is also proud to have been 'ahead of the government reading targets for the last two years'. It has an 'active' parents and friends association, which helps to organise social and fund-raising events throughout the year.