St Philomena’s Primary School, located in Orpington, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 14 and 15, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and confident. From their early days in Reception, students are integrated into a supportive community, guided by older peers and staff. The behavior of the pupils is commendable, reflecting the high expectations set by the school leaders. The curriculum is of high quality, designed to ensure that pupils achieve well. In lessons, students quickly adapt to routines, maximizing their learning time. They take pride in their accomplishments, and parents appreciate the school’s commitment to helping every child become a fluent and confident reader. The school also encourages talents in various areas, including sports, music, and art, culminating in an end-of-year show for students before they transition to secondary school.
Pupils are aware of what bullying is but find it difficult to recall any instances within the school. They express confidence in the staff's ability to address any issues that may arise. The leadership prioritizes understanding the needs of pupils and their families, ensuring a safe and caring environment. The school has developed a broad and balanced curriculum that is carefully sequenced, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge effectively. A notable strength is the phonics program, which provides a solid foundation for reading. By the end of Year 1, students are proficient readers, and those requiring additional support receive targeted assistance. The curriculum also emphasizes vocabulary development through reading and class discussions.
In mathematics, pupils learn essential skills, such as different methods of addition, which they build upon in subsequent years. Older students benefit from regular discussions with teachers about their work, enhancing their problem-solving abilities. The curriculum is designed to allow pupils to apply knowledge from one subject to another, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with individual needs identified promptly and addressed with appropriate interventions.
The early years program lays a strong foundation for learning, with children developing physical skills through engaging activities. However, there are instances where the curriculum delivery in subjects like physical education, geography, and history does not fully support the development of more complex skills and understanding. Leaders are aware of these areas and are working to refine the curriculum to enhance depth of understanding.
The school emphasizes the importance of pupils' wider development, encouraging active listening and collaborative thinking. Classrooms are conducive to focused learning, and pupils have opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as becoming subject ambassadors or participating in the school council. Enriching experiences, such as field trips, further enhance their education.
Effective governance supports the strong leadership of the school, with staff feeling valued and proud to work there. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to identify and assist pupils in need of support. The school promotes online safety and teaches older pupils about safe travel on public transport.
While the curriculum has many strengths, there are areas that require improvement. Leaders need to continue refining the curriculum structure and sequence in certain subjects to ensure that pupils develop the foundational knowledge necessary for more complex learning. Overall, St Philomena’s Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils.
