Lady Elizabeth Hastings School, Thorp Arch, is a Voluntary Aided Church of England Primary School for pupils aged between five and eleven years. It is situated in a rural village, which serves as a dormitory settlement for commuters close to the boundary of Leeds City Council and North Yorkshire County Council. The school receives funding from Education Leeds and through its devolved budget benefits from Education Leeds Services. The school takes its name from its founder, Lady Elizabeth Hastings (1682 - 1739). It is one of three schools founded by Lady Hastings and continues to provide a sound Christian Education for all children as was her wish.
There are currently (Autumn 2005) 132 children on role at the school and it is anticipated that it will be maintained at the same level during the current year. The catchment area for the school is the parishes of Thorp Arch and Walton and this represents approximately one third of the children in the school. The school does however also have children from adjacent areas such as Boston Spa, Clifford, Bramham, Newton Kyme, Tadcaster, Wetherby, Bickerton, Tockwith, and Long Marston.
The school is set in very pleasant grounds and is surrounded by open fields. The building is of a traditional style which looks bright and attractive. The school has five permanent teaching classrooms, a library room, a purpose built ICT suite and a multi-purpose hall. The external teaching areas are planned to allow for environmental studies, games and recreation. Class One has their own outdoor play area. There is a wildlife area, which includes a pond where children work in groups on specific projects. At lunchtimes the Play Co-ordinator works with the children providing a variety of traditional play activities. All classes have a Teaching Assistant to support with the teaching and learning.
The school places strong emphasis on good community links, particularly with the Church of England whose teaching provides the foundation for its ethos. The school seeks to become a secure and welcoming community of children and adults rooted in Christianity. Its Christian perspective shapes the school ethos in its relationships and through its curriculum. The school places great value on and enjoys regular co-operation and liaison with other tiers of education, welcoming students from High Schools to do research for projects and work experience. The school has actively supported undergraduates and postgraduates coming to do their block teaching practices providing guidance and opportunity for their development and progress. Educational visits take place regularly for all pupils in support of the curriculum. All Year Six children take part in a residential visit for a week at the beginning of the academic year. Peripatetic music tuition and concerts given by the Leeds music specialist groups provide additional expertise and enrichment to the curriculum for all pupils.
Parental involvement with practical support throughout the school gives invaluable and resourceful help. Whole school initiatives involving pupils, parents, church and community are a vital part of the school’s life.
We believe our school should be a place where children enjoy learning. It has always been important to develop children’s knowledge, but it is increasingly important that children are able to apply this knowledge. “Knowing that” should lead to “Knowing why”. Teaching a variety of skills in an atmosphere which offers the children happiness and security, where they feel relaxed and confident with people, ideas and materials, will enable them to develop in this way.
As children go through school, they become confident ‘thinkers’. Each year Lady Hastings School elects a new school Council. These children (ranging from Year 1 to Year 6) help to manage developments within the school, raise money for charities and occasionally run assemblies.
Working together as a team, the staff at the school are dedicated to the education of your child, providing a stimulating environment where the child can develop socially, emotionally physically, and intellectually.
Our basic objectives will be to help every child to realise his or her maximum potential. We expect each one of our children to give their best at all times and only to be satisfied with their very best.
Staff will help teach and help your child progress academically in accordance with ability and encourage development.