GOVERNMENT MINISTER AND MP VISIT PIONEERING LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

The Schools Minister Georgia Gould and Vikki Slade MP visited Rushcombe First School last week.

Invited by local MP Vikki Slade, the Governments’ Schools Minister travelled to Dorset on Friday 3rd July to experience Rushcombe’s innovative approach to education.

The visit explored how Rushcombe First School is teaching the national curriculum through drama and role-play, helping pupils learn through immersive and interactive experiences.

Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole said -

“I was keen to show the minister how the work of this school could influence the upcoming Education for All Bill which will introduce a more creative and holistic curriculum and include more inclusive approaches to learning.

“I said in my maiden speech that the curriculum crushes creativity and that many teachers do not have the space to truly share the joy of learning and my experiences at Rushcombe show that this can be done.”

Rushcombe First School delivers education using bespoke ‘Learning Adventures’. This half term’s Learning Adventure is ‘The Call of the Wild’, where each year group are developing their own perspective on how they can give a voice to the natural environment.

The children work collaboratively to shape each inquiry and to plan how they will express their ideas in a range of creative ways, applying the knowledge and understanding they have developed as part of the learning journey.

Vikki Slade MP said -

“The approach to education at Rushcombe is absolutely unique and inspirational. Their innovative approach delivers the curriculum through themed, immersive projects called ‘Learning Adventures’ that truly engage pupils.

“The result is children who are excited to learn and teachers who clearly love teaching.

“Too often, our school system feels factory-like. Rushcombe shows there is another, child-focused, creative and joyful way."

The school also runs regular Philosophy sessions for children as young as 4, stating that “we seek to foster the child’s natural propensity for learning and expression, whilst also challenging them to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding.

Rushcombe First School is a first school in Corfe Mullen that has been rated outstanding by Ofsted in all aspects since 2003.