St Giles Church of England Primary School in Willenhall, West Midlands, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 16 and 17, 2024. The school fosters a positive learning environment where pupils are enthusiastic about attending school and eager to engage in various subjects. The curriculum is broad and well-structured, providing students with a rich array of lunchtime and after-school activities, including sports and music, which enhance their educational experience.
The school prides itself on creating a welcoming atmosphere that values diversity. Leaders and staff are committed to ensuring that every pupil can participate fully in school life, including extracurricular activities. This thoughtful approach helps to engage a wide range of students. Pupils demonstrate diligence in their studies, collaborating effectively from early years through to Year 6. Their discussions during lessons are focused and constructive, contributing to a productive learning environment.
Safety is a priority at St Giles, with pupils expressing confidence in the support they receive from trusted adults. They know whom to approach with concerns and feel secure in their surroundings. The expectations for learning and behavior are high, and pupils rise to these challenges, reflecting the school’s core values. Staff actively listen to pupils' views, fostering a sense of community and respect.
The curriculum at St Giles is well-designed, ensuring that pupils acquire essential knowledge and skills across subjects. The planning is meticulous, allowing students to build on prior learning effectively. For instance, in history, pupils engage with artifacts, sparking curiosity and deeper understanding. Disadvantaged pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive tailored support that enables them to progress alongside their peers. Staff are adept at identifying the needs of these students, providing additional time and resources to enhance their learning.
Communication skills are a focus throughout the curriculum, with pupils frequently engaging in discussions with both adults and peers. This emphasis on language development prepares them for more complex learning tasks. In mathematics, for example, pupils articulate their reasoning clearly, demonstrating their understanding. The foundation for these skills is laid in the early years, where staff emphasize correct sentence construction.
Reading is prioritized, with a strong phonics program that helps pupils develop decoding skills. Staff ensure that each child progresses through the phonics stages, providing extra support when necessary. The school offers a diverse range of reading materials that reflect various cultures and backgrounds, encouraging pupils to appreciate the world around them. Early years children enjoy engaging with rhymes and stories, laying the groundwork for their reading journey.
Professional development for staff is robust, enabling teachers to deliver the curriculum effectively. They are becoming increasingly confident in their subject knowledge, ensuring consistency in teaching practices. However, the school recognizes the need for more rigorous checks on the effectiveness of teaching and learning. This includes assessing how well pupils recall previous learning, which is crucial for addressing any gaps in knowledge.
Pupils exhibit exemplary conduct and positive attitudes towards learning. From the early years, they learn to interact respectfully with one another, minimizing disruptions and maximizing learning time. High attendance rates are attributed to effective engagement with families.
The school’s Christian ethos is embraced by pupils, who thrive in a harmonious environment. The principle of treating others as one would like to be treated is central to their character development. Pupils experience moments of awe and wonder through various activities, enriching their educational journey.
Overall, St Giles Church of England Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong emphasis on safety, inclusivity, and academic achievement. The school is committed to ongoing improvement, particularly in enhancing the effectiveness of its curriculum delivery and ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential.
