We are always delighted to welcome visitors to our school and share knowledge of it's past and plans for it's future.  Here we share some key points of interest both about our history and our current provision.

Aided Status

The School is a Church School set up voluntarily by the Church of England. It is financially aided by the state; hence its full title, ‘Finchampstead Church of England (Aided) Primary School’.

Parents over a wide area choose for their children to attend the school for religious reasons. School families are encouraged to support the Church aspect of the School by including themselves in the fellowship and community of the Parish Church, St. James’.

History of the School

Until 1857 the School was maintained by the Rector of the Parish in one of the small cottages which used to stand in the Churchyard, but which have long-since been demolished.  In 1858 the present school buildings were provided by Mr. John Walter, then proprietor of The Times newspaper and patron of the benefice of Finchampstead. Each year the school celebrates Founder’s Day on 8th October which is John Walter’s birthday.

The Rector and Churchwardens were responsible for the School until 1925 when the Parochial Church Council purchased the buildings from John Walter's successors for the Diocese.  The School has been extended over recent years and has now acquired the use of the School House on attached land. This has provided us with an extra classroom, a spacious staffroom and a resources room. In 2004 a new school hall was built which is used for a variety of purposes.

Education

Our goal is to provide an integrated, creative curriculum that enhances learning through the provision of progressive, enriching learning experiences.

Children enjoy learning through memorable learning experiences. All children at Finchampstead Primary School follow a diverse and differentiated curriculum which meets the statutory requirements of the government as set out in the National Curriculum. Throughout the school teachers focus strongly on the essential skills of English and Maths so that children are provided with a firm foundation for their future learning.

Our curriculum ensures that these essential skills are applied to all subjects in a variety of ways so that learning is effective and enjoyable both in and out of the classroom.

Learning is enhanced through the provision of enriching learning experiences. Trips and visitors play an important part in our curriculum as do our school grounds.

We are passionate about bringing learning to life within our community and the wider world.

Personal Development

When new pupils join Finchampstead C of E (Aided) Primary School we welcome the whole family to our school, not just the child.  Strong relationships between families and school staff are vital to ensure a child meets their full potential.

We pride ourselves on our knowledge of each child and on the individual and collective support given to each and every pupil.  We have a wellbeing team led by our Wellbeing and Aspiration Leader, Mrs Dodds.  Support plans are in place when needed and interventions are seen to have high impact. Interventions include ECO club ( Educating Children Outdoors), sports groups, nurture time.  We also have strong connections with external agencies who support children as and when needed.

Leadership opportunities for the children are broad including being a member of our School council, being a Sports leader, Playground pal, Librarian, a Buddy for a younger child and also a Subject leader. The children all have opportunities to lead Worship within their classrooms and collectively.  Our Year 6 pupils can apply to be a Prefect, a role which creates extra leadership opportunities across the whole school.

Preparing for the future

We are so proud to be told of so many of our pupils moving onto be a Head/Deputy head boy/girl as well as their successes at school, university and within the workplace.  These range from a Reading FC goal keeper to playing Jane in Mary Poppins in the West End.

We provide opportunities to challenge themselves both academically and personally and also provide important life knowledge and skills relating to jobs, money, health and relationships.  Our vision is for our pupils to leave us with high self esteem and high aspirations and an awareness and gratitude for both.