WITH a passion for energetic learning plus a pair of adorable pets, it seems there is rarely a dull moment at Clifton Hampden CE Primary School.

Headteacher Lisa Horton, who joined the school near Abingdon in September, said: "We are committed to making sure children have a broad and balanced curriculum.

"We promote active learning and children moving around, for example drama is a big focus for English lessons.

"We try to offer experiences of high-quality learning, not just table-based learning."

She said outdoor areas are important and pupils get to use nearby beauty spot Wittenham Clumps as a forest school.

Pupils also look after guinea pigs Bob and Wilbur, who arrived at the school one year ago and were named by pupils.

In 2016 the 72-pupil school partnered with Culham Parochial CE School under the banner of the Thames Bridge Federation, allowing the schools to share a headteacher, resources and become more sustainable.

The school is a key part of the village community but many pupils come from further afield, and Mrs Horton said prospective parents are always welcome to arrange a visit to have a look around.

She added: "We have strong links with the community and strong links with the church.

"We are extremely lucky to have a lot of volunteers who come in and help in lots of different ways, particularly listening to children read."

The school follows Christian values and Mrs Horton said it is important to make those relevant for youngsters of all faiths.

She added: "We encourage them to think about what those values mean in their lives.

"The values are really just of being a good human being.

"It's about encouraging them to have skills of being a good learner, as those are life-long skills that will stay with you.

"We have got children here who feel safe and happy, and have really high standards of behaviour."

The school leader said primary school age is the most important time in a child's life.

She added: "If they leave with a passion for learning, confidence and independence, that really helps them to take off to a really strong start in secondary school.

"It's about learning to try new things and not be frightened of making mistakes, because they are an opportunity to learn."