Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School, located in Watlington, Oxfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 24, 2022. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community where every child is known and valued. The headteacher promotes an ambitious vision for all students, encouraging them to achieve their best without limitations. This ethos is supported by a dedicated staff who are increasingly taking on responsibilities to enhance the educational experience.
Pupils at Aston Rowant demonstrate a supportive and caring attitude towards one another, with a clear stance against bullying. They express confidence that any issues will be promptly addressed by the adults in the school. In the classroom, students are generally engaged and focused, and they communicate effectively with visitors, showcasing their confidence and eloquence.
The school has implemented popular initiatives such as Forest Fridays, which allow students to learn outdoors, a practice that has gained traction since the COVID-19 pandemic. Students actively participate in maintaining the school’s allotment, cooking over a campfire, and exploring nature. The school emphasizes safety during these outdoor activities, ensuring that pupils are aware of how to navigate their natural surroundings responsibly.
Aston Rowant pupils are also involved in environmental advocacy, taking on the role of eco-warriors and contributing to discussions on climate change, even presenting their work at the United Nations COP26 summit. The curriculum is enriched with diverse activities, including opera, chess, and charity work, and students enjoy participating in the daily morning mile, which promotes physical fitness. Many students express satisfaction with their school, describing it as a pleasant and not overly crowded village school.
The headteacher has worked diligently to address previous declines in the school’s performance, particularly in the context of challenges posed by the pandemic. With support from the local authority and diocese, the staff has shown resilience and commitment to improvement. Parents have noted positive changes and appreciate the efforts being made to enhance the school environment.
Governance has also seen improvements, with new members bringing fresh perspectives and a clearer focus on accountability. The governing body has streamlined its committees, allowing for more effective oversight and challenge of school leadership. This has led to a more productive dialogue regarding the school’s direction and performance.
The introduction of a new phonics program has resulted in greater consistency in teaching reading. Staff are well-trained to implement this program, ensuring that pupils are assessed appropriately and receive additional support when needed. The school fosters a love of reading, with students actively recommending books to one another.
The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, with a clear progression of knowledge across subjects. However, there is a need to strengthen the connection between early years content and what is taught in key stage one. While teachers generally possess strong subject knowledge, there are instances where lesson activities do not effectively reinforce pupils' understanding, indicating a need for clearer guidance on implementing the curriculum.
Assessment practices currently lack precision, with leaders and governors relying on broad judgments that do not accurately reflect pupils' learning. This approach can contribute to unnecessary workload for teachers and does not provide useful insights for future instruction. The school recognizes the need to refine assessment methods to better align with the curriculum and to ensure that key knowledge is being retained by students.
The impact of the pandemic has been noted in some pupils' behavior, particularly in the early years and key stage one. Leaders are working to ensure that all staff maintain high expectations for student behavior, although there are occasions when staff do not promptly redirect distracted students.
Communication with families regarding special educational needs and disabilities is strong, with effective systems in place to identify and support students' learning needs. Teachers adapt lessons to ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, have access to the same content as their peers.
Overall, Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School is a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and socially. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on enhancing teaching practices, refining assessment methods, and maintaining high standards of behavior and learning for all students.
