A GOLDEN anniversary has proved the perfect chance for a school to celebrate its strong links with the community.

Pupils and staff at Rush Common School in Abingdon welcomed parents, volunteers and local groups last week to mark its 50th anniversary with a picnic and fun day.

Students were serenaded as they arrived in the morning on Friday by the school's recorder group and a mural created to mark the milestone was also unveiled.

In its most recent Ofsted report the school is rated ‘good’ with well-rounded and happy pupils praised by inspectors.

Headteacher Jacquie Stevenson said part of this was down to the strong bonds within the school and beyond, explaining: “We are a very big school, with 408 pupils, but it’s a real friendly family atmosphere.

“It’s a wonderful school and very supportive. Everyone, not just parents but the whole community and we have great links with our local secondary schools Fitzharry’s, John Mason and Larkmead, as well as Radley College.”

She added the Hendred Way school, which teaches ages four-11, had a strong academic focus too, explaining: “We work hard and we play hard too.

"One of the unique things we have done is introduce Chinese Mandarin lessons for our Year 3 children, which will be rolled out more widely from September."

The primary school also prides itself on a 'values-based' education with Ms Stevenson saying: "We want our children to be responsible and caring citizens of the world, people who contribute to society and have the will and determination to work hard and who are not afraid to speak out if they see injustice."

Ms Stevenson said all of these aspects of school life can be seen in a three-panel mosaic pupils have created with the help of Oxford artist Clare Goodall, which has been installed outside the school.

She said: “One panel looks at the common on which the school was founded, another the 50th anniversary and the third what the children love about school."

As well as after more than a dozen after school clubs, a sensory garden and adventure playground, in development for the future is a 'secret garden' where the children will be able to go for a moment of quiet.