Inside the Cannock school where students are encouraged to 'grow together'

The school's vision of 'growth' represents a strong bond between the school and its community, where teachers and the community aim to 'grow together' to develop the best possible atmosphere for their children.

To the school, the key word of 'growth' is broken down into six values - Nurturing, Resilient, Collaborative, Welcoming, Respectful, Happy - all crucial aspects that help to provide pupils with an enriching learning environment for their developing years.

'Growing Together'

The six values are so ingrained in the school that they make up part of the facility's motto of 'Growing together, hand in hand'.

Talking to the Express & Star, co-headteachers, Emilie Lees and Nicki Costello, detailed the importance of 'growth'; they said: "The 'growth' school vision represents a strong bond between our school and its community.

"We aim to inspire everyone to grow together to create an atmosphere that will give our children the best possible education. Our vision is that by growing together, hand in hand, we ensure that there is no limit we can reach."

'School of Character'

As a 'School of Character', Gorsemoor not only places emphasis on teaching high-quality lessons, but also on helping to shape their pupils' character through the six core virtues.

Through 'growth', staff members help to provide their pupils with a number of enriching activities that extend beyond their classrooms, including the 'Staffordshire Children's University' initiative.

The initiative looks to recognise and celebrate children's commitments to learning outside of school and also encourages young people to explore new interests and take ownership of their own learning.

'Centre of Excellence'

In January, Gorsemoor was awarded the highest 'Centre of Excellence' status from the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) group, an award that recognises an ongoing commitment to provide the best education for its students. 

Talking about the importance of the award, the headteachers said: "Quality marks such as this are so important for our school improvement journey as they entail frequent external assessment of our daily practice.

The headteachers went on to say that the school is undertaking the 'Excellence in Pupil Development Award', a two-year award that recognises a school's high level of expectation for pupil behaviour and conduct.

'Outdoor learning'

Gorsemoor also pride themselves on outdoor learning and 'forest school sessions'.

The outdoor learning curriculum helps to connect pupils with nature, with the headteachers saying the sessions help to 'foster creativity, teamwork and a life-long respect for the planet'.

Outdoorsmanship is a theme for the pupils of Gorsemoor, with the headteachers saying that since starting their joint co-headship of the school, they have invested heavily in 'meaningful' outdoor play areas and resources.

Ms Lees said: "Since commencing our co-headship five years ago, we have heavily invested in high-quality play equipment, which includes the installation of a forest circuit play frame and freestanding play equipment as well as bespoke resources for every class.

"We firmly believe that every child should have access to outstanding play opportunities each school day to promote physical and mental wellbeing."

As well as the main primary school, Gorsemoor also offers an integrated nursery for children from the age of three, with plans to welcome children of two years old from September 2025.

More information on the school can be found on the Gorsemoor website.