PARKFIELDS MIDDLE SCHOOL in Bedfordshire, Dunstable

Education Centre Information: Parkfields Middle School:

Establishment Type:Foundation School
Phase of Education: Middle Deemed Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Central Bedfordshire
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Town and Fringe - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 466
Number of boys: 256
Number of girls: 210
Age Range: 9-13
Gender: Mixed
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Special Educational Needs:

SEN Priority 1:HI - Hearing Impairment

Background:

Originally founded in 1854 as two Day Schools and having undergone many changes Parkfields School officially opened in October 1963. The main building now houses specific subject areas including art and music rooms, a hall/gymnasium, two science laboratories, an information technology room, two technology rooms and a resources/library area. A new drama/music studio was built in 1996, while a classroom was added in 1998. In addition a Hearing Impaired Unit was completed in 1974. The school recognises the benefit of sport: 'the children can beefit enormously from the experience of competing against other schools, and such an experience can have a most positive effict on a child's attitude to school as a whole'. Consequently a 'variety' of sports clubs are available to the pupils including soccer, hockey, basketball and tennis. The school has enjoyed success, at county level, jin athletics, netball and rugby in 1998-99. Other activities and clubs are also available including a range of musical groups, drama, art, maths and chess. The aim of the school is to 'extend the best of Lower School education in order to provide each child with the opportunity to fulfil his/her potential, and to make sure that the 'middle years' should not be isolated from the child's development as a whole'.