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Musicians from as young as 6 up to 11 from St Michael’s Primary School, performed in the Northumberland Hall on Saturday evening as part of a special concert celebrating traditional Northumbrian folk music.
The musicians in the newly formed St Michael’s Ceilidh Band played a set of tunes to open the concert and also played alongside other more advanced players from the Duchess’s Community High School and The Northumbrian Ranters. We had performers on the accordion, clarinet and violin.
They were supported by our amazing music tutor Annelise Nicklen and one of our parents Victoria Molnar. The evening was a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to hear and perform live music again.
The players from St Michael’s did a fantastic job – we are very proud of them all.
After our recent inspection by Ofsted in November 2022 we are proud and delighted to announce that the inspectors have concluded that St Michael’s is a GOOD school. This is a huge achievement. The school wants to thank everyone who had a part to play in this grading. The report is attached below and I include here some of my favourite quotes from the full report. Please read and enjoy it:
St Michaelās Church of England Primary is a caring, welcoming school.
The values of respect and compassion are reflected in everything the school does.
They are highly respectful of one another and the adults working with them.
The oldest pupils in school are exceptional role models to others.
They talk with pride about recognising the achievements of others when giving speeches in the celebration assembly.
Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the support they receive from all staff
Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum for all pupils
Learning to read is central to the schoolās work. Early reading is taught well.
Phonics sessions are delivered effectively by highly skilled staff.
Children in the early years, including those in the provision for two-year-olds, get off to a good start with their learning.
Pupilsā personal development is very important in this school. They are effusive when they talk about the rights of individuals.
Teachers prepare pupils to be good citizens.
Leaders ensure that school is inclusive.
Adults know pupils and their families incredibly well.
Dear parents / carers,
After a busy month of inspections, we can now share with you the first report to be published. This is our SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report from our inspection on 22nd November.
The report confirms that we are a GOOD school. It highlights our many strengths and a few areas which continue to develop. The full report is attached here and it on our website.
I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a few of my favourite comments which I hope you will agree really capture the essence of our school:
The myriad of visits and visitors offered are educational and accessible to all. These effectively broaden horizons and raise aspirations.
Pastoral care is a strength. It ensures that all are nurtured and valued equally.
Pupils’ character and moral development are impressive.
They behave well, are welcoming to all and are polite. They speak of the importance of empathy and acceptance.
Pupils are actively involved in making positive changes for themselves and the world.
Relationships are a palpable strength of this school community.
Older pupils show daily interest in the wellbeing of younger pupils. They play together and care for one another at break times.
Pupils know how to be safe and happy because adults act as strong role models.
Pupilsā enjoyment of RE fully reflects the schoolās vision for pupils to achieve together.
St Michaelās is a school where there is a tangible sense of hope for the future.
There is a relentless focus on aspiration and achievement, underpinned by Christian care for every individual within the community.
I am very proud of this achievement for the whole school community and want to thank everyone who helped to make this inspection such a success.
We have a lot to celebrate here at St Michael’s – please pass this onto friends, family members and neighbours to share the positive story about our school. If you know of anyone who would like to make contact with us about a possible place please encourage them to get in touch to arrange a visit.
We will have information about our Ofsted report to share very soon!
Best wishes,
Gavin Johnston – ‘proud’ Head Teacher!
Today we have had great fun raising the priority of times tables in school with a ‘Rock festival’ in assembly. Children demonstrated their speed in using times tables rockstars, they took part in competitions against each other and we ran a whole day competition of girls against boys. The children have really enjoyed themselves.
This week, Year 5 and 6 have been fortunate to visit York for their History topic Vikings.Ā
Travelling by train, children visited Dig where they had the chance to become young archaeologists and discover artefacts from the past – including items from a Viking blacksmith’s yard.Ā Children also enjoyed visiting Jorvik, here they ‘travelled back in time’ to explore a Viking settlement as well as lots of artefacts including: horse bone used for ice skates, silver coins and actual skeletons!Ā Before heading back to the train station, children walked the famous city walls.
