Elmhurst School is proud to be part of the Great Learners Trust. The Great Learners Trust (GLT) was established in 2014 in Buckinghamshire with the aim of promoting exceptional learning. We are now a dynamic group of 11 primary schools, working generously in collaboration to provide the best possible education for our children. Trust schools are diverse and unique; this individuality is underpinned by common principles, a shared ambition and a commitment to working closely together. Belonging to the Trust enables schools to focus on the essential work of delivering excellent teaching and learning. The Trust provides high quality school improvement expertise and frameworks for school leaders and governors, including strategic planning, financial and estates management, operations, recruitment and policy development. 

What is Special About Our School?

We are proud to serve a community of approximately 480 pupils in the heart of Aylesbury as an inclusive, diverse, two-form entry primary school, which includes funded spaces for both two-year-olds and Nursery children.  Our children enjoy well-maintained, spacious grounds with lots for outdoor learning in addition to well-equipped classrooms, which are regularly invested in.  

Our three core values of Aspire, Create and Think thread through all aspects of school life.  Our school culture is rooted in high expectations and centred around positive relationships with children as we strongly believe that this is fundamental in ensuring they feel safe, valued as individuals and confident to use their voice.  Our pastoral offer for our pupils and their families is extensive; we know that positive partnerships are vitally important to ensure the success of all of our pupils and therefore we work closely with parents as the first educator to achieve this.  

Our curriculum is exciting, innovative, broad and balanced and is well-sequenced to ensure the progression of knowledge and skills.  It is rich in experiences and promotes oracy, communication and language throughout.  

We firmly believe in the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the importance that these foundations give children starting their school journey.  As a result, we heavily invest in our learning environments, the development of our curriculum and the training our staff receive to ensure all children benefit from the best start to their education.  We adopt a hygge-inspired, wanderlust approach to our curriculum so that children's curiosity is ignited, the natural world is explored and provocations create meaningful interactions.  

As educators we recognise how important it is for our pupils in KS1 to continue to build upon the foundations laid in EYFS and be physically active and involved in their learning.  Therefore, we have adopted a continuous and enhanced provision approach to our KS1 curriculum, which provides children with opportunities to explore and lead their own learning.  Children regularly take part in Forest School sessions and have daily opportunities to learn outdoors.  Indoor classrooms reflect a child-centred, hygge-inspired environment aimed to ensure children continue to learn in a way that best suits their age and needs whilst also enabling teachers and support staff to work with children in small groups.

In KS2 our approach to teaching evolves.  Whilst maintaining our hygge-inspired environments, practical hands-on learning and focus on oracy, we also promote the innovative use of technology within the classroom environment to ensure pupils are prepared or life at secondary school and beyond.  

As a school we actively promote a love of reading.  Phonics and reading play a vitally important role in our curricuum; children 'learn to read' so that they can 'read to learn'.

Life at Elmhurst reflects our determination to secure the best possible learning outcomes for all.  We take every opportunity to celebrate success whilst also ensuring that our children are happy and learn the skills and values to become successful citizens of the future. 

 Vision

Our three-year vision for Elmhurst School is:

'To be a forward thinking and continuously improving school enabling our children to achieve their full potential, be successful citizens of the world we live in and be prepared for the next stage of their education'.

Values

Our Values at Elmhurst School are:

·        Aspire - Limitless potential is possible for all learners; aim high and commit to your dreams.

·        Create - Creativity is key in the ever-changing world; adapt and be creative in all areas of your life.

Think - Being thoughtful; solve problems, compete with the best and be the leaders of the future.