Our Lady's catchment area has traditionally been relatively settled – the overwhelming majority of pupils (91%) are white British. The staff are committed, talented and professional; providing a caring, safe and supportive learning environment. Children enjoy coming to school and parents support the ethos, which is reflected in high attendance figures.
The school’s involvement with the PTI has had a significant impact on the school’s subject leaders, teaching staff and pupils. The English and Geography subject leaders have become real advocates for their subject; working with staff and supporting other colleagues to increase their pedagogy and confidence. The impact of their work has been recognised in our recent Ofsted inspection where in particular our curriculum was identified as a real strength.
Working with the PTI on areas such as Sense of Place, Shakespeare, Early Reading and Oracy had a major impact on standards and pupil engagement for these subjects.
Our Geography Leader created a successful collaborative project with a cluster all about Fieldwork Fortnight and Sustainability, as a result of attending the PTI Hub day with Sharon Witt and Helen Clarke. These themes formed part of an inter schools Creativity Day. Staff from different schools came together to plan and deliver the event. Prior to this academic year, our Geography Leader was new to leading this area so the impact for her has been remarkable and her subject knowledge has increased dramatically.
Results of national inspections, staff audits and pupils’ data highlight the impact of our work with the PTI. Pupils’ data in Reading and Geography has increased this year despite challenging KS2 SATS and pupils have gone on to excel in many areas beyond the academic curriculum. For example, pupils won both first and second prize in this year’s inter-school public-speaking competition with The Rotary Club, Wigan. Additionally, a previously timid child then went on to enter and be shortlisted for the BBC’s Presenter of the Year Award.