St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School, located in Walbottle Village, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following its inspection in June 2022. The school provides a nurturing and supportive environment where pupils feel safe and well cared for. The staff and leadership team maintain high expectations for pupil behavior and actively promote the Catholic values that underpin the school's ethos. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, leaders respond promptly and effectively.
Pupils at St Cuthbert's are encouraged to take on various responsibilities, such as serving as house captains or school councillors, which fosters a sense of pride and belonging. The school emphasizes charity work, and pupils have engaged in fundraising for local causes and international projects, reinforcing the school's commitment to community and social responsibility. The school motto, Love to learn, learn to love, is evident in the pupils' attitudes and actions.
The quality of education at St Cuthbert's is strong, particularly in subjects like reading, mathematics, science, and modern foreign languages. Leaders have ensured that the curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. Teachers have received high-quality training, which they utilize to enhance pupil learning. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects where staff development has not been as robust, leading to inconsistencies in the support provided to pupils.
Reading is a priority at the school, with pupils enjoying a diverse range of texts and benefiting from a phonics scheme that matches their learning needs. While many pupils make rapid progress in reading, some inconsistencies in phonics instruction remain, indicating a need for more precise curriculum adaptation by all teachers. Mathematics and science instruction is effective, with well-planned lessons that prioritize key vocabulary and retrieval practice, positively impacting pupil retention of knowledge.
The modern foreign languages curriculum is engaging and well-implemented, resulting in pupils developing strong skills in French. However, in subjects like history and music, the curriculum design and sequencing require further development to ensure that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge for more complex tasks. Leaders are currently reviewing these subjects to enhance their effectiveness.
In the early years, the school has thoughtfully planned activities that promote learning through play. However, the quality of outdoor learning opportunities is inconsistent, and leaders recognize the need to improve these aspects to better engage children in the curriculum. The role of adults in outdoor settings also requires more precision to maximize learning outcomes.
Pupils' personal development is prioritized, with a curriculum that includes personal, social, and health education. The school provides opportunities for pupils to learn about different cultures and the challenges faced by others, fostering empathy and understanding. Staff training on mental well-being supports the development of positive habits among pupils, and counseling services are available for those in need.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Cuthbert's are effective, with leaders ensuring that pupils are taught how to stay safe, particularly in online environments. The school maintains strong communication with families and external agencies to support pupil welfare.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the sequencing and planning of certain curriculum subjects and ensure that outdoor learning opportunities in the early years are consistently high-quality. By addressing these areas, St Cuthbert's can continue to provide an excellent educational experience for its pupils.
