Ofsted conducted a subject inspection of Oulton Broad Primary School on January 17, 2020, to evaluate the quality of education in specific subjects. The inspection confirmed that the school maintains its outstanding overall effectiveness from the previous inspection. The approach taken by the school leaders over the past 18 months has been comprehensive, focusing on reviewing and restructuring all foundation subjects, including geography, to create a coherent curriculum. This process was unique as it involved collaboration among all teachers without designated subject leaders, allowing for a collective understanding of the educational goals for students at various ages.
The curriculum for geography is well-structured, with each phase of teaching supported by carefully considered concepts, experiences, and key vocabulary. Teachers are empowered to plan lessons flexibly within an agreed framework, ensuring that students progress in breadth, depth, and complexity as they advance through the years. This ambitious curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils, enabling teachers to connect current learning with prior knowledge and future learning requirements. Regular assessments help teachers identify gaps in knowledge and address misconceptions effectively.
The teaching of geography ignites students' curiosity from an early age, fostering a fascination with the world around them. Young children explore polar regions and engage in hands-on activities, such as investigating melting icebergs. As students progress through key stages, they encounter topics that promote curiosity and expand their understanding, such as comparing the film industries of Hollywood and Bollywood in Year 6. The use of maps is integral to geography education, with students learning to interpret and construct maps from a young age. This skill is developed systematically, allowing pupils to build a solid understanding of significant geographical features and locations.
Teachers utilize the local environment for fieldwork, enhancing students' observational skills and data collection abilities. However, school leaders recognize the need for more systematic planning of fieldwork to ensure it is ambitious and purposeful. The school has a total of 321 pupils, slightly above the average size for primary schools. Leaders have effectively addressed local challenges related to teacher recruitment and retention, ensuring high-quality staff development. The student body is predominantly of White British heritage, with most pupils speaking English as their first language. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium and those with education, health, and care plans aligns with national averages.
During the inspection, discussions were held with the headteacher, deputy headteacher, and several class teachers across different phases. The inspector reviewed the school's curriculum planning and specific documentation for geography, visited lessons, and examined students' work. The findings indicate that Oulton Broad Primary School continues to provide an excellent education, characterized by a well-structured and dynamic geography curriculum that engages students and fosters a love for learning. The school's commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to students' needs positions it as a leading institution in the area. The inspection results will be shared with the governing body and the director of children's services for Suffolk, and the letter detailing the findings will be published on the Ofsted website.
