The headteacher of Chirton Primary School has just received an invitation from Buckingham Palace to attend one of the Queen’s garden parties, in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee.
Amy Bekker-Wrench has been recognised by the Palace for her ‘outstanding contribution to Chirton School and fundraising efforts, and first heard the news after receiving an email.
Ms Wrench said she was surprised by the Royal invite.
“I feel extremely overwhelmed and humbled to be going, but very much wish I could take my staff and pupils with me," she said.
The children at the school created their headteacher a book in honour of her Majesty’s love of the outdoors, entitled ‘The Trees of Change,’ which she is planning on hand delivering.
She first joined the school in 2013 when it had been under consultation for closure with only 19 children on roll.
Ms Wrench said: “We quickly decided that, in order to turn things around, we needed to expose the beautiful grounds and use them effectively in developing Forest School provision where children could bring the indoors out and vice-versa.
“Through the development of our carefully crafted and inclusive curriculum, children began to develop a sense of awe and wonder, posing much deeper questions to extend their learning.”
The school now has three classes and is heading towards having 70 pupils which Ms Wrench noted was “very fitting” for this year’s Platinum Jubilee.
When asked about what makes her leadership a success, she added: “As a leader I aim to be compassionate and fair, treating everyone as an equal where all voices are heard.
“I want people to walk in and out of the school gates with a smile on their face and the enviable ‘special Chirton feeling’ that beams over you.”
“It is genuinely the most wonderful place to come to work each day, and I couldn’t be prouder of our ‘Little School with a Big Heart.’ To celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, the school is running their annual Race for Life in support of Cancer Research UK at the end of term and will be having a Tea Party to launch a Royal-themed ‘Story Trail’ around the village of Chirton.
The children have also written their own stories which will be dotted around the village and can be accessed via QR codes, with maps available to buy from the school office.
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