HIGH Street Primary School in St Paul’s Avenue, Barry, is a Victorian building with its original features dating back to 1889.

The school aims to provide a happy, safe and caring environment for both children and staff, where respect and consideration for others is paramount.

All children are encouraged to achieve their potential through a challenging, exciting and inclusive curriculum, enabling them to acquire skills for lifelong learning.

The school offers a free breakfast club and works closely with Les Tous Grande who use the school facilities for a wraparound and after school club.

Head teacher Ceri-Ann Clark said: “In the last year, we have worked hard to refurbish the school and create a 21st century learning environment.

“The staff are enthusiastic and dedicated to achieving the very best for the children at High Street.

“The school runs a number of after school clubs, most prominently our running club.

“The High Street Harriers undertake a park run every month.

“The school is also very proud of the work we do with families.

“Tracey Scott is our learning support assistant (LSA) who works with our families weekly and organises courses for them to complete under the Putting Families First project.

“The school works closely with our School Improvement Group on developing the Digital Competence Framework (DCF) across our schools.

“High Street is also a loyal supporter for Children In Need.

“Last year the school raised a whopping £2,225.66, doubling the total from 2016.”

The school also celebrated World Philosophy Day on November 16, 2017.

Philosophy for Children (enquiry based learning) offered a way to open up their learning through enquiry and exploration of ideas.

High Street also took part in the Arts Active Scheme ‘Tidy!’.

This was a multi-arts project for Key Stage 2 (KS2).

The project was an exciting opportunity for pupils and teachers to work alongside professional artists and eminent art companies, including Arts Active, Welsh National Opera, Music Theatre Wales and Literature Wales to create a unique staged performance at St David’s Hall.

Glee Club also performed in St David’s Hall with the African Children’s Choir.

STEM week was celebrated last year which aims to promote the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths.

Mrs Clark said: “We worked with other schools in Barry to organise a Science-tastic STEM week. The children learnt inside and out of the classroom.

“They used scientific thinking to explore, investigate and problem-solve.”

In July last year, High Street participated in the Big Barry Dance.

The whole school danced in Alexandra Gardens with the mayor of Barry in attendance.

Also in July, the school took its first ever trip abroad.

Year 5 and 6 pupils travelled to Amsterdam to soak up the culture of a different country.

Mrs Clark said: “We visited Anne Frank’s House, the Van Gogh museum and took a relaxing canal boat trip, taking in the breathtaking sight of the seven bridges.”

Other school trips to support topics have also been undertaken. Reception visited Castell Coch as part of their topic Dragon Tales.

While Year 4 visited Big Pit as part of their topic, the Victorians.

High Street children have also been working with the artist Kate Derbyshire to create a mosaic for the entrance to the school.

The head teacher said the artwork exemplifies the values of High Street.

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is a big part of High Street School.

They organise and run events every half term, such as discos, school fairs, and cake sales.

Within the last year the PTA has donated £4,600 to purchase additional resources and support trips at Christmas time.

The PTA also lends its equipment to the High Street traders for the switch-on of the High Street lights.

And the school provides children with the opportunity to take part in the Learn To Swim Scheme – a three-week programme of daily swimming lessons.

Mrs Clark added: “At High Street Primary School, children are continually busy, always active in learning and developing the skills necessary to create independence.”

Fact File

Chairman of governors: Mr Stuart Egan

Head teacher Mrs Ceri-Ann Clark

Number of pupils: 218

Age of pupils: three to 11 years

School motto: Reach for the Stars, by Learning and Growing together

Last inspection: February 2012 – Good and Good