Holy Trinity Church of England VC Primary School and Community Nursery in Weymouth, Dorset, has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is characterized by a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils feel safe and happy. They express enthusiasm and pride in their school, and staff are well-acquainted with the pupils and their families, providing high-quality pastoral support. Parents and pupils appreciate the school's commitment to listening to their concerns, fostering a culture of openness.
The school's values of faith, respect, harmony, and lifelong learning are integral to the positive behaviour and attitudes exhibited by the pupils. They demonstrate respect and politeness towards each other, staff, and visitors, and they behave well during lessons and social times. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils are confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by adults. The school promotes personal development through various leadership opportunities, such as roles in the school council and as attendance ambassadors, which help pupils develop confidence and prepare for life beyond school.
The curriculum is designed to draw on the local area's rich geography and history while also exposing pupils to the wider world. High-quality texts are used throughout the curriculum, enabling pupils to make connections in their learning. Engaging experiences, such as fossil hunting and museum visits, enhance pupils' enthusiasm for learning. The school has identified essential knowledge for all subjects, starting from the early years, ensuring that children are well-prepared for future learning. The curriculum is structured in small steps, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge, although some pupils struggle to recall what they have learned in certain subjects.
Teachers possess a good understanding of their subjects and are skilled in addressing knowledge gaps. However, there are occasions when teaching does not effectively assess what pupils know or select the most suitable activities for learning. This can lead to some pupils not achieving their full potential. The school is proactive in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, working collaboratively with families to provide tailored support. Learning is adapted to ensure all pupils can engage and succeed.
In the early years, children are nurtured and quickly settle into their learning environment. They develop essential reading skills through a systematic approach to phonics, with support provided for those who fall behind. The school fosters a love of reading through carefully selected books and encourages older pupils to explore the school library.
Pupils demonstrate regular attendance and a keen interest in their learning, striving to do their best and taking pride in their achievements. The school excels in supporting pupils' character, social, and emotional development, helping them build resilience and confidence through community engagement and exposure to various guest speakers. A wide range of clubs and activities allows pupils to explore their interests and talents, contributing to their appreciation of the arts and culture.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need to improve the implementation of the curriculum and its assessment to better support long-term retention of knowledge. This will enable pupils to build on their learning more effectively and achieve greater success. Overall, Holy Trinity Church of England VC Primary School and Community Nursery provides a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
