FROM rummaging around the forest area to racing with eggs and spoons, pupils at Botley Primary School enjoy dynamic days of learning.

‘Creating excellence and embracing all’ is the motto engrained in the ethos of the 450-pupil school, which mainly serves Botley, Dean Court and part of West Oxford.

As rejuvenating break from SATS exams last week, pupils tested their very own model boats for weight and speed on the water’s surface.

Headteacher Alison Marsh, who has led the Elms Road school for more than nine years, said: “It’s that enrichment and creative curriculum we think we are best at.

“We are really lucky on site to have huge grounds and three forest school sites, including a woodland area.

“That’s an amazing resource and it’s reflective of our broad curriculum.

“English and maths are absolutely vital and they are a focus for us, but our whole philosophy is developing the whole child with a range of experiences so they can find out their talents.

“They are skills for lifelong learning.”

The school has specialist teachers in subjects including PE and music, and teaches pupils aged between two and 11.

It has just been awarded the silver Primary Science Quality Mark, a national programme that recognises high standards in science teaching.

Ms Marsh said: “Our science coordinator Jason Pearce has worked really hard and getting that award is just reflective of the broad and extended curriculum we offer.”

Botley School was described by Ms Marsh as a school ‘in the heart of the community’.

She hailed Botley itself as a ‘very diverse’ area and highlighted the school’s involvement, such as visits to the day centre at Field House and campaigns for safer road crossings.

One of the school’s favourite calendar events is International Day, during which parents are invited to bring and share food from a vibrant array of different cuisines.

Ms Marsh promoted the inclusive nature of the school, added: “We have amazing children and very supportive parents.

“Our motto is ‘creating excellence, embracing all’ - whoever you are, you are welcome in our school.”

Pupils are also taught a simple phrase to stick by during their time at Botley School and beyond: ‘be brilliant, be safe’.