St Bonaventure’s Catholic Primary School, located in Bishopston, Bristol, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 13 and 14, 2023. The school is guided by a strong vision and values that foster an ambitious educational environment for all pupils. The leadership team has successfully cultivated a culture where pupils are encouraged to be confident, curious, and open in expressing their thoughts and feelings. This environment promotes kindness and a sense of community, as evidenced by the pupils' involvement in charitable activities, such as the ‘run for H2O’ initiative that raised funds for clean water in Ethiopia.
During break times, pupils engage in play together harmoniously, and peer mediators are available to assist those facing challenges, which helps to create a supportive atmosphere. Most pupils report feeling safe and have trusted adults to turn to when they have concerns. The relationships within the school community are characterized by warmth and support, with parents feeling valued and included in their children's education.
The curriculum at St Bonaventure’s is broad and aspirational, built around three key themes: love thy neighbour, seek the truth, and caring for our common home. These themes are effectively integrated into the learning experience, allowing pupils to connect their knowledge across various subjects. The school has identified essential concepts for pupils to learn, breaking down knowledge into manageable chunks to facilitate understanding over time. However, there are areas where the organization of learning could be improved, as some pupils struggle to recall previously taught information, which can hinder their grasp of new concepts.
In the early years, staff support children in becoming competent readers, writers, and mathematicians, maintaining high expectations for vocabulary use. Activities in early mathematics encourage children to apply their knowledge practically, fostering their ability to articulate their thinking. While assessment processes are well-established in core subjects, they are less developed in foundation subjects, making it challenging for teachers to identify pupils' strengths and weaknesses accurately.
Reading is prioritized as a fundamental skill for learning, with pupils in Reception and Year 1 acquiring essential phonics knowledge to become fluent readers. The school provides effective support for those at the early stages of reading, enabling them to catch up quickly. Pupils enjoy reading a variety of high-quality books that often relate to the curriculum themes, enhancing their understanding of the wider world.
The school is committed to removing barriers to learning for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, with most pupils demonstrating diligence and focus in their learning. Support is available for those struggling with social, emotional, and mental health issues, helping them manage their emotions effectively.
The personal development curriculum prepares pupils for adulthood, covering essential topics such as puberty and financial management. Spirituality is woven into the school's ethos, encouraging pupils to reflect on their faith and that of others. Leaders and governors are attentive to the impact of new initiatives on staff workload, fostering a positive work environment where staff feel proud to be part of the school community.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Bonaventure’s are effective, with staff trained to identify pupils at risk and maintain clear records. The school engages with external agencies, such as the police, to educate pupils about safety, including online risks. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there is a need for improved organization of substantive knowledge across the curriculum and a consistent approach to assessment in foundation subjects to enhance pupil learning outcomes.
