Stratford school and pupils feel very proud after inspection top rating
THRILLED and proud is how everyone feels at St Gregory's Catholic Primary School in Stratford after it was rated outstanding following a Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection in October.
It means the school moves up from its previous rating of good to outstanding when the Inspectorate’s report was published on 6th November.
Headteacher, Katie Wilkes said: “We are absolutely thrilled. The inspection report commends our children and we are very proud of our community and the children are proud to be part of it. We have a really dedicated team at work here and the school is very supportive of the whole family and of course all people are welcomed to the school.”
The report said: “Pupils at St Gregory’s have exemplary learning behaviour which allows them to make good progress in religious education. The religious education curriculum is taught creatively by staff throughout the school. Senior leadership at St Gregory’s is strong, which is supported by effective governance from the local governing body and multi academy company. The school is rigorous in its monitoring and analysis which enables effective planning and evaluation of progress to take place. Catholic life and mission permeate throughout the school environment, demonstrating that this is central to all that happens at St Gregory’s.”
The inspection reported that pupils understand they are valued and cared for as unique creations of God. For example, one child said, “It doesn’t matter whether you are Catholic or not, you are still loved by God.”
Pupils understand the importance of following the teachings and example of Jesus and the Church’s social teachings and are keen to live these out in the acts of charity undertaken, which is led by the Mini Vinnies group.
“They feel happy and confident are respectful of others demonstrate a personal responsibility to care for the earth as our common home through initiatives such as becoming Planet Protectors in school. Their proactiveness reaches beyond their school community, into the local area, for example by participating in litter picking activities, undertaken as an act of service.,” the report added.
St Gregory’s is also an inclusive school meaning staff and pupils of all cultures and beliefs are warmly welcomed. The school extends its culture of welcome to all by marking events from other faith traditions. This means that all feel welcomed, valued, and respected. Parents overwhelmingly agree that they are welcomed into the school’s heart. One parent told inspectors, “the school is supportive of all children and the whole family. This makes me feel part of a community and not alone.”
The report added: “Pupils demonstrate excellent knowledge, understanding and skills in religious education. This is shown in the way that they articulately answer questions, their reflective thoughts, and in the written work produced. Furthermore, this demonstrates the positive impact religious education has on their spiritual and moral development.
Pupils’ engagement and behaviour in lessons is exemplary, meaning it is easy for pupils to concentrate in lessons and they learn very well. The type of work produced by pupils is varied and often creative in content because of the range of teaching strategies used by teachers. Pupils really value the opportunity to learn and record their understanding in a variety of ways. The use of music and art to enhance the curriculum offer is seen in lessons throughout the school; for example, at the start of each lesson teachers use a piece of art to capture pupils’ interest.
This creative way in which religious education is taught is a real strength of the school. The highly effective teaching of religious education contributes significantly to pupils’ enjoyment of the subject.”
