‘Inspirational’ school flourishing as it lives out its vision that ‘all things are possible’

An ‘inspiring’ primary school in the BWMAT Trust Family is living up to its vision that ‘all things are possible for one who believes’.

This was the conclusion of a SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspector who said St Georges Church school and Nursery has a ‘rich and creative’ curriculum, offers opportunities to advance pupils’ talents and is a ‘warm and caring community’ where all are treated well.

The school, led by headteacher Jo Thorn, was also praised for its role in welcoming members of the local community for worship, in an area of the town which has no church building.

Inspector Daphne Spitzer judged the school to be living up to its foundation as a church school and praised, in equal measure, the curriculum, the religious education, the leadership and the school’s sense of community and care.

She also remarked upon the partnership the school has with the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust and the school’s governors, who have both contributed to the success of the school and enabled staff to ‘flourish’, with the pupils benefitting as a result.

She said: “The substantial partnership with the multi-academy trust (MAT) and with the Methodist Academies and Schools Trust (MAST) has a powerful impact. Relevant professional development through the diocese and the MAT enables staff to flourish and has beneficial outcomes on pupils’ learning.

“The school’s curriculum is shaped by its vision and provides rich and creative experiences. A set of well-chosen Christian values weaves through the curriculum and daily life at school. There is a clear focus on providing a stimulating, relevant and engaging curriculum which together meets the needs of pupils.

“Opportunities are constantly being adapted to best develop pupils’ wide range of talents and interests. These activities include the arts, sports and design technology. Bold decisions are made with the curriculum to maximise learning and to help ensure that barriers can be overcome.

“Inspirational leadership has embedded the Christian vision so that it strongly affects pupils’ learning, behaviour and wellbeing.”

She also said:

• Worship is the heartbeat of daily life at St Georges because it provides meaningful moments in which all can flourish spiritually. This is due to the powerful influence of the vision.
• The school’s partnership with the local Anglican, Methodist and Baptist churches is very effective. It is evident through their valuable contributions to collective worship, RE and to the life of the school community.
• A strong culture of support and encouragement is inspired by the vision and its associated values. This ensures that adults and pupils are treated well.

There was also praise for the way the school community, which sees themselves as ‘stewards of the earth’ care for not only the living environment around them but also the wider local area.

Ms Spitzer said: “All understand that at St Georges 'we are all crew: there are no passengers' as everyone has a part to play. This is particularly true of their care for the earth shown by cleaning a local beach and their school grounds. Partnerships with the local care home, food bank and Weston Hospice are widening pupils’ understanding about the needs of the community beyond school. A new link with a charitable trust in Malawi is also beginning to enhance their attitudes to global communities and social injustice.”

She also noted the ‘calm and respectful atmosphere and said that pupils are encouraged to help each other, especially the way the older pupils support the younger children.

Ms Thorn said: “We are thrilled by this inspection which confirms that our vision is not just words but is lived and breathed by every child as well as our fantastic staff team.

“We try to be a caring community and offer opportunities for every child, whatever their interests or talents. Of course, we are never complacent and will strive to be even better but it is gratifying for the staff to read such fulsome praise for the work being done at our school.”

BWMAT chief executive Nikki Edwards said: “I am delighted for Jo, her team and, of course the wider community of pupils and families at St Georges. The children are benefiting from not just a rich, varied and inspiring curriculum but they also gaining the skills and knowledge to be caring, responsible citizens as they move through their nursery and primary education and onwards in life.