School focus: Moat Primary School, Great Wyrley

The headteacher of a Great Wyrley school says there have been lots of exciting changes recently which the children have fully embraced.

Tricia McSorley said that over the last 18 months a tyre park and trim trail have been constructed in the grounds of Moat Hall Primary School.

On top of this, the early years playground has been completely transformed.

She said: "It now boasts a fantastic canopy, a wooden playhouse, a sand pit with benches and a stage area. The outdoor equipment has been funded through grants, sponsorship and the fundraising efforts of the PTFA.

"We haven't finished yet — we have lots more super ideas and bids to write." Mrs McSorley said staff and children are very enthusiastic about a new international project called Euro News.

She said: "We are working with schools in Italy, Germany, Mallorca, Romania, Latvia, Norway and England to create an international newspaper.

"A journalist came into school to talk about the project and the children have already produced some super class newspapers. They interviewed children and staff and there were even fashion pages and film reviews."

The John's Lane school's INSPIRE maths workshops have been a great success, according to Mrs McSorley.

She said: "Children from Years 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 invited a parent or relative to join them for an afternoon. They played a range of multiplication and division games together and were given a pack of activities to play at home as a reward.

"Year 3 parents have received their invites so they have got a nice treat to look forward to. Reception parents were invited to a 'fly on the wall' morning where they joined in lessons and learnt more about the school curriculum.

"It has been a very busy term with lots of visits and visitors. We enjoyed watching the 'Calculating Mr One' show, a storyteller held nursery and reception pupils spellbound.

"Year 1 dressed up as toys during a visit from the Museum of Cannock Chase and the Romans will be invading soon. There is always something exciting happening at Moat Hall."

The school is holding an open morning on Tuesday, March 22 between 9.30am and 11.30am.

Mrs McSorley added: "This is an opportunity for parents, relatives and prospective parents to walk around the school and join in lessons."