Ofsted conducted a subject inspection of St Clement Danes CofE Primary School on 5 March 2020, following which the findings were communicated to the headteacher, Miss Patricia Coxhead. The inspection aimed to assess the quality of education in specific subjects at this outstanding primary school, and the overall effectiveness judgement remained unchanged. The school is situated in central London, which allows it to provide pupils with rich historical learning experiences. Pupils have the opportunity to visit significant historical sites, including the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, which are integrated into the curriculum to enhance their understanding of history.
In key stage 1, pupils develop a strong knowledge of historical periods, building on their learning from the Reception class. They engage in comparative studies, such as examining Victorian toys against their own, and learn about the lives of children in the past, including those who worked in factories. The pupils demonstrate impressive knowledge of medieval life through their studies of castles, using specific vocabulary and writing accurately about historical features. Their learning is further enriched by visits to historical sites, such as the Tower of London, where they engage with animateurs to deepen their understanding.
However, the key stage 2 curriculum does not fully meet the national curriculum requirements for history. Pupils lack exposure to a non-European society, which is necessary for providing a broader historical context. Although they have previously studied Benin during Black History Month, the subject leader for history recognized that the curriculum did not adequately reflect the national curriculum's intentions. Plans are in place to include the Mayan civilization to address this gap.
The work produced by pupils in key stage 2 indicates high expectations in many units of work. For instance, Year 4 pupils demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain, while Year 5 pupils engage deeply with the Shang dynasty, learning about social hierarchies and evaluating archaeological claims. However, there are inconsistencies in the rigor of expectations across different units, with some not challenging pupils to deploy their knowledge effectively or answer historical questions with the same depth.
The subject leader acknowledges the need for improved curriculum planning to ensure that all classes benefit from the increased precision in expectations. The school has one class per year, with a diverse pupil population, including a significant number who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is average, and the number of pupils with special educational needs is also in line with national averages, although more have education, health, and care plans than is typical.
The headteacher has been in position since September 2016, having previously served as deputy headteacher and head of school. The inspection findings were shared with various stakeholders, including the chair of the governing body and the regional schools commissioner, and the letter detailing the findings will be published on the Ofsted website. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to providing high-quality education, particularly in history, while recognizing areas for improvement in the curriculum to ensure comprehensive coverage of historical topics.
