'We strive to achieve': Welcome to the Dudley primary school where students learn with care, hard work, and love for their community

The school's 'No Outsiders' approach means that no one is an outsider to this community, everyone is welcome, and differences are celebrated.

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The Thorns family live by the term 'our school', where each student is expected to make positive contributions, and every staff member endeavours to ensure that every child is safe, happy, and learning.

Led by Headteacher Ms Rebecca Jordan, students enjoy a happy learning life, surrounded by love, academic achievement, and acceptance. 

'A.C.H.I.E.V.E'

Pupils and staff at Throns live and learn by the A.C.H.I.E.V.E code: Aspiration, Care, Hard Work, Independence, Excellence, Virtue, and Emotion.

These simple words ensure that the children's personal, social and emotional development is supported equally alongside their academic progress.

Ms Jordan said: "Children at Thorns ACHIEVE. A focus on Aspiration, Care, Hard Work, Independence, Excellence, Virtue and Emotional Intelligence ensures that children’s personal, social and emotional development is supported alongside their academic progress.

"This is so that they leave us equipped to be independent and successful when they move on to secondary school. 

“I believe we have a social and moral responsibility to develop children as whole people. Of course, we want them to attain well across the curriculum, but we want them to develop in other ways, too. We try to give them the experiences to make this happen.”

'Outdoor space'

Among the highlights of Thorns Primary School is its fabulous outdoor space.

Thorns follows the Outdoor Play and Learning provision (OPAL), meaning that pupils can make use of the school's field, sand pit, digging area, and den-building resources come rain or shine.

Ms Jordan said: "We have a fabulous outdoor space and a proper forest school and qualified forest school teacher to lead the sessions. 

"From reception to Y6, all classes spend a fullday in FS every half term, where they learn and develop a range of skills, includingteam building, risk-taking, resilience and problem-solving. 

"The children love it and really look forward to their forest school days.

"Our outdoor space is also used for our lunchtime Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)provision, where all children can play outside every day, come rain or shine. 

"We have a giant sand pit, digging area, den building resources, wheeled toys, and so much more on offer. 

"This was only introduced in spring 2025, but already, it hasmade such a difference to the children."

'The ACHIEVE commitment'

As part of the school's commitment to the ACHIEVE values, pupils are able to take up a range of experiences that look to enhance the curriculum and their individual learning. 

Later this year, pupils of Year 1 to Year 6 will be learning CPR, with some pupils from Year 4 also becoming Junior PCSO's.

Ms Jordan said: "As part of our commitment to help children to ACHIEVE, we provide experiences that enhance our curriculum. 

"Later this month, children from Y1 to Y6 will all be learning CPR when we have a visit from, and some of our Y4 children will be embarking on the ‘Junior PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) training. 

"Last academic year, the children took part in African drumming workshops and did some forensic science, looking at clues and solving a mystery.

"During their time with us, we aim to give themmemorable one-off experiences to make their years at Thorns special."

'Community relationships'

As well as having a strong family feel inside the school grounds, Thorns also maintains strong links to its community.

Relationships with parents and the wider community are cherished, and new parents are welcomed to the school's 'Little Learners' sessions.

Mr Jordan added: "We value the relationships we have with parents and the wider community. 

"Our Little Learners stay, and play sessions provide weekly opportunities for the youngest members of our Thorns family to come into school and enjoy carefully planned, engaging learning experiences to help them get ready for school." 

In all, students are Thorns enjoy and active and caring learning life where everyone is accepted, needs are met, and curiosities and passions not only embraced, but also encouraged.