EAGLESFIELD PADDLE COFE PRIMARY ACADEMY in Cumbria, Cockermouth

Education Centre Information: Eaglesfield Paddle CofE Primary Academy:

Establishment Type:Academy Converter
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Cumbria
Reason Establishment Opened: Academy Converter
Establishment Open Date: 01/06/2011
Boarders: No Boarders
Urban/Rural Description: Hamlet and Isolated Dwelling - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Church of England
Diocese: Diocese of Carlisle
Nursery Provider: Has Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 229
Number of boys: 114
Number of girls: 115
Age Range: 3-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Founded in 1814, this rural primary is situated in the south of Cockermouth; with the Lake District National Park as its boundary, it enjoys magnificent views across the Lorton Valley to Skiddaw and the north western falls. In addition to a large playing field and playground, the school has an adventure playground, pond and wildflife area. A further 20 acres of adjacent fields is held in trust for the school; recently, £800,000 has been invested to refurbish the school. The school's latest development includes new reception classroom allowing establishment of Foundation Stage Unit and single-age classes throughout school. Academic standards are 'very high' and the staffs are 'strongly committed'. Creative arts are highly valued with regular school productions, theatre visits and arts weeks. Eaglesfield Paddle encourages competitive sports and offers 'impressive' range of extra-curricular activities, the latest addition being a scaled-dwon version of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Well-structured residential education programme for pupils from Year 2 upwards. Previously, a member of staff has won the North East and Cumbria Young Teacher of the Year; also winners of County Maths Challenge. Parents and community members regularly help in the school, which values strong links with community and takes part in events such as carnival and litter picks, encouraging children to involve themselves in community work and activities. The school is also proud of its charity work, which has recently included the Shoe Box Appeal, Sport Aid, Cancer Relief, Blue Peter Appeal, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Famine in Ethiopia. The school's recent achievements include winning the Cumbrian Village School of the Year in 2003. The school is one of 40 schools in pilot use of interactive whiteboards. Local football and netball competition winners, Beacon status, Investor in People status, Sportsmark and DfES achievement award (2001, 2002 and 2003). At Eaglesfield Paddle the school believes through their 'open door ethos', they create a warm, welcoming environment where parents and children are able to express their positive views and share their concerns. Parental involvement in the classroom is welcome. The staffs on a daily basis strive to ensure that all feel valued as members of their school community.