Greg Parker headteacher LIPA Primary School

LIPA Primary School in Liverpool city centre opened its doors in September 2014, and this year marks the school’s first year anniversary. The school immerses children in the creative and performing arts but also has a strong focus on English, mathematics and science. We caught up with headteacher Greg Parker to find out what goes on during a typical week at this creative primary school.

Monday
Monday starts with welcoming our children and parents into school. At 9.15, we have an appointment with a prospective parent. Given that we are a new school, we try and accommodate when prospective parents want to be shown around the school. I think that first impressions of a school are really important and parents need to feel that the school is a place where they feel that their child can flourish.

Each lunchtime is spent with the children and we have worked hard with all the children to ensure that they try new dishes. Chilli-Con-Carne is on the menu for the first time and goes down well! A staff meeting at the end of the day finishes things off for Monday.

Tuesday
Tuesday starts off with a planned observation of teaching in the reception class. The children have a French session as part of the curriculum on a Tuesday afternoon which has really enhanced our curriculum and something which the children enjoy. Children also have ukulele sessions on a weekly basis and our aim is that all children can play the instrument at a basic level by the end of the year.

Wednesday
Wednesday sees the first of two school performances with Class 1 taking their turn today to showcase their talents to their parents. A combination of drumming, dancing, singing and an alternative take on the children’s book ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’ make for a successful afternoon!

Wednesday is our ‘After-School Night’ with five different clubs on offer for the reception children. I run the ‘Funkie Football Club’ and already I’ve spotted several players who will form the spine of a successful side in years to come! It’s really good to see a good mix of boys and girls involved in sport.

Thursday
Thursday and Friday mornings are spent in the classroom. We are a small team of staff with only two reception classes at present and this allows me to keep up to date in the classroom, and also gives the teachers their planning, preparation and assessment time.

We also have Joe, our music teacher who comes in on a Thursday to teach groups of children. The afternoon brings the second of our school shows with Class 2 leading the way this time. A busy Thursday ends with a full governors’ meeting.

Friday
Friday morning is again spent in the classroom. Our project-based learning is currently focused on dinosaurs and Class 1 provided some interesting theories on how they became extinct! The afternoon involved meeting with Dominic, one of our governors, to look in detail at all things financial.

One of the best parts of our week is the award assembly. This week we combined it with a visit from our local police officer who talked to the children about the importance of keeping safe and also allowed the children to try on some uniform. This was another busy and successful week at LIPA Primary School!