Christ The King RC Primary School, located in Worsley, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 28-29, 2020. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils express enjoyment in their learning experiences. Many students describe the school as a warm and supportive community, emphasizing their feelings of safety and happiness. Reports from pupils indicate that bullying is infrequent and effectively managed by teachers, contributing to a generally good behavior in lessons that allows for a focused learning atmosphere.
The school offers a variety of engaging activities that stimulate pupils' interest and creativity. Role play is frequently utilized by teachers to inspire students, who also appreciate the opportunity to become experts in various subjects through hands-on investigations. The school’s ‘vow to wow’ initiative ensures that every pupil has access to outdoor learning experiences, including building dens, attending cultural events, and participating in sports. The leadership team, governors, and staff are committed to the belief that every student deserves a quality education, and this is reflected in the inclusive approach towards pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, who learn alongside their peers.
Christ The King RC Primary School has made significant strides in enhancing the quality of education. The curriculum has been reorganized to facilitate better retention and application of knowledge among pupils. Most students achieve or exceed expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school places a strong emphasis on early reading skills, with leaders ensuring that children begin phonics lessons promptly. Although there has been a gradual increase in the number of pupils meeting the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics screening check, a notable percentage still require additional support in Year 2.
The focus on reading extends throughout the school, with pupils developing a rich vocabulary and enjoying a diverse range of literature. Younger students read books that align with their phonics knowledge, while older pupils are encouraged to explore various texts that pique their interest. This approach not only fosters a love for reading but also enhances their confidence in public speaking, particularly during assemblies and church presentations.
The science curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge through investigations and problem-solving activities. Similarly, the history curriculum is designed to revisit previous learning, enabling students to connect new information with what they have already studied. This method helps pupils develop a comprehensive understanding of significant historical events and concepts.
Teachers and teaching assistants demonstrate a strong understanding of their pupils' needs, particularly those with special educational needs. The early years program is characterized by a vibrant atmosphere where children feel secure and are well-prepared for the transition to key stage 1. Safeguarding measures are robust, with effective policies and training in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
While the school has many strengths, there is a need for continued focus on improving phonics outcomes to ensure that all pupils enter Year 2 as confident readers. Leaders are encouraged to embed successful initiatives to support this goal. Overall, Christ The King RC Primary School remains a good educational institution, dedicated to providing a nurturing and effective learning environment for its students.
