LOCATED in a quiet corner of Liskeard, St Martin's Church of England Primary is a school with a difference. It is situated on a beautiful and scenic site, with open views of the countryside and of the moorland.

Celebrating its 22nd birthday this year, St Martin's is not only a church school but also the school of the West Wivelshire Deanery. Each Dean in the Diocese (Cornwall belongs to the Diocese of Truro) has it's own school, with St Martin's connected with the Rural Dean, the Rev Brian McQuillen of Looe.

The headteacher is Sue Green who arrived three years ago.

Having previously been in Worcestershire for three years, this was the first job she applied for outside of the county.

Sue said: 'Once I had applied for the position, I had a real feeling that this school was something special. The diocese and the deanery are very supportive towards the school and they take a real interest in what we do here.'

Children can go to the school's popular nursery from the age of three and stay until 11 when they move on to secondary school. Including the nursery, St Martin's has a role of pupils numbering 300. There are nine classes with 14 part and full time staff and 21 support staff. Due to the size of the school and the fact that it is still growing, alterations and improvements are being made.

Recently the school has had an extension opened by Lady Mary Holborrow which included two new classrooms, an administration area and a cloakroom. Later on in the year, the school plans to open a new playground area and a footpath between the school site and Pengover Estate.

The plan will help to stop muddy feet coming into the school ground said Sue.

The school has also a new ICT suite and has at least two computers per classroom.

Coming to school is something that is quite innovative at St Martin's, with the presence of a 'Walking Bus' to the school which was created by parents and staff. Teachers and parents lead a group of pupils to the school in crocodile fashion which means that the amount of cars coming to the school is cut down, making it safer for both children and adults.

Doubled

One of the biggest changes Sue has seen since her arrival has been the significant rise in school dinners, a fact she puts down to the school's chef Phil Carberry. Numbers have doubled since he has started at St Martin's.

Pupils also have their own school council. Children from year two and upwards can be a member of the council, but there is still work to do before they get their chance.

The school holds its own 'elections' with pupils making speeches and each class has two representatives. When elected, pupils become 'Listening Friends' who help and support pupils around the school.

According to Sue, the school has good support from parents and governors. This has included activities such as line dancing, a quiz and a disco. For all activities there is good support from those connected to the school.

The school also creates a family atmosphere with its fundraising and social events. For children who want to be at an event, but not necessarily take part, there is usually a room set aside for quiet activities, allowing pupils to attend events and not feel left out.

Sport is encouraged with a mixture of the school teams doing doing well in competitions.

One of the school's cricket teams last year reached a county final while the school's netball team lies second in its league. The school also has a cross country club which takes part in many events throughout the year.