“Outstanding” School Praised by Ofsted for Teaching and Curriculum

At Charles Darwin Primary, based in Norwich, we are celebrating the recent news of our Ofsted inspection. This is the second inspection that the school has had since opening in 2016. 

Our academy thrives with a diverse school community and pupils from a range of cultures. Bringing pupils together to form a cohesive community has strengthened individual support networks and created a culture of looking out for one another in the school. 

Ofsted praised the environment at our academy and said: 

“Pupils give a warm welcome to their friends each day, and to new pupils joining the school. Compassionate words and caring actions are in abundance. They love to celebrate the differences between themselves and others.” 

“Pupils know it’s ok to be themselves here and embrace who they are.” 

“A culture of respect runs through the school. Difference is celebrated, and the school’s values are enacted by adults and pupils alike” 

Our school values of being independent, valued, resilient, confident and engaged underpin every interaction and form the basis of the school’s success.  

Principal of Charles Darwin Primary, Maxine Sebire said:

“This result is a reflection of the hard work of everyone involved in our school – our amazing children, the brilliant staff, Inspiration Trust, and you, our families. We are proud of what we have accomplished, and we remain committed to continuing our journey of excellence. 

 

I would also like to thank the wonderful CDP staff for their hard work, team spirit and dedication in preparing for the inspection and for continuing to create a supportive and engaging learning environment.” 

Our staff at Charles Darwin Primary foster an environment that celebrates the success of every pupil and provides inspirational teaching that motivates learning and sharing knowledge. 

Ofsted recognised our high expectations for pupils and said: 

“Pupils live up to the high standards adults set each day; pupils ‘SHINE’ throughout the school, behaving in an exemplary manner. They have strikingly positive attitudes to their learning. Pupils consistently try their best and achieve extremely well.” 

While reading, writing and maths are a major part of our curriculum, we also teach a range of subject disciplines, including computing, history, and religious studies. 

Ofsted recognised the focus our academy places on reading, something of which is of high priority across all Inspiration Trust schools, saying: 

“Pupils learn to read extremely well. They learn and apply phonics with confidence, becoming fluent and accurate readers. Those pupils who find reading tricky, or who are perhaps in the early stages of learning English, receive high-quality support.” 

The high standards of reading at our school support teaching in every subject. A high level of literacy greatly improves comprehension in all subjects and allows all pupils to access a wide variety of texts. 

Our school was also praised for the wide range of opportunities we offer students, whether it be electives, extra-curricular trips or visits. Students are supported to embrace new experiences and offered all they need to succeed. 

As a school that strongly believes in the value of experiences to enhance cultural capital, we were thrilled to see that this was noted within the inspection. 

Ofsted identified the “plentiful” opportunities at our school: 

“Wider opportunities for pupils are rich and plentiful. Pupils play an active role in the community. They do good deeds in the community, invent and sell products and improve the school as members of the pupil parliament.” 

“The provision for pupils’ personal development is of very high quality. Pupils benefit enormously from the well-considered programme. They learn to try new things, persevere and develop curiosity.” 

CEO of Inspiration Trust, Gareth Stevens said: 

“At Inspiration Trust we are thrilled that Charles Darwin Primary has been highly praised for being a wonderful school. We’re delighted that Ofsted has seen the dedication the leadership, governance, staff, pupils and wider community put into making the school an inspiring and joy filled environment. I was particularly pleased to see that Ofsted noted that the pupils at Charles Darwin Primary are offered many opportunities that allow them to grow both academically and as individuals.”