DEVONSHIRE JUNIOR SCHOOL in Lancashire, Blackpool

Education Centre Information: Devonshire Junior School:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Blackpool
Reason Establishment Closed: Result of Amalgamation
Establishment Close Date: 31/08/2005
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 355
Number of boys: 172
Number of girls: 183
Age Range: 7-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

The school is situated on a main arterial road near the centre of Blackpool, and was built in 1902. The original two storey building is still used, and the site is shared with the infant school. It has had some 'remodelling and adaptation' over the years, including a purpose built dining hall which opened in 1991. The school has 17 classrooms. There are two halls and a 'large' playground, which includes a climbing apparatus area with a safety surface. There are no playing fields at the school but a local park is used by the school for sporting events. The area served by the school includes a wide variety of accommodation consisting of private and council houses, flats, DHSS hostels and guest houses, and a women's refuge. The school believes that 'all pupils have the right to access the whole curriculum in a full and meaningful way'. It offers the 'full range of national curriculum subjects as well as teaching cross-curricular topics on a regular basis'. The school also offers a 'full range' of extra-curricular activities. Sporting activities include football, netball, kwik cricket, cross-country, athletics, table tennis and gymnastics. The school gives pupils the opportunity to represent the school in swimming and athletics as well as the traditional team games. Other activities include French, drama, music, gardening, library, origami, recorders, school choir, crafts club, chess and board games. The school also organises a number of visits to places of local interest and further afield, which are related to curriculum subjects. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the life of the school, and there is an informal parents teachers and friends association which organises fundraising activities for the school and charitable organisations. The school has 'close links' with the local community, church and business, and 'works well' with the local high school.