We have excellent facilities at Galley Hill Primary School and Nursery. The school has been renovated, so that classrooms are clean and fresh, and many classrooms are double-glazed.
The Foundation Stage children learn in large, bright class- rooms which are joined by connecting doors. These doors are usually open so that children can choose from a variety of different learning activities. The Foundation Stage has a large covered outdoor area, so that children can participate in activities outside regardless of the weather. There is also a separate playground for the Foundation children.
There are four classrooms available for Key Stage 1. The children have their own playground, with a grassed area. Key Stage 2 children have classrooms in a two-storey block. They also have their own large playground and an adventure play area.
Galley Hill is fortunate to have extensive grounds. The field beside the Key Stage 2 playground provides space for foot- ball pitches and other games, and is marked for athletics in the summer. One section of the field has been designated as a "wildlife area," and it is used for environmental studies, woodland school and outdoor lessons. There are also raised beds where our gardening club grows vegetables and flowers.
We have two halls which can be used for indoor P.E., assemblies, Christmas and summer plays, and other special activities.
The Computer suite is well resourced, and is used for lessons and clubs. We also have a large number of ipads for use in the classrooms, and each classroom is fitted with an Interactive Whiteboard. Most classrooms also have class computers available for the children to use.
Our library, too, is well-resourced, with a large selection of fiction and nonfiction books for all ages. Children are able to regularly borrow books from the library.
Our Food Technology area is fitted with a sink, cup- boards, and a cooker. Children use the area during Technol- ogy lessons and for the Cooking Club.
Music lessons centre around listening to music and making music. This may include singing, playing instruments, composing and responding to what they have heard.
The children enjoy taking part in the weekly singing assemblies. These include the chance to learn songs from around the world, traditional songs, popular songs and seasonal songs.
Children in Year 4 also have a very special opportunity to learn the violin for a whole year free of charge. This is really something which can deepen their musical understanding and build a love of playing music. Other children can also choose to take violin lessons at a cost.
During their time at Galley Hill, we aim to give the children access to a wide variety of music from all cultures and backgrounds and encourage them to investigate and develop their own tastes as they grow.