Setting

Alexandra House 33 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 08456 404040 F 020 7421 6855 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Mrs C Baldwin Headteacher The Bawburgh School Hockering Lane Bawburgh Norwich Norfolk NR9 3LR

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Education (PSHE)

Thank you for your hospitality and co-operation, and that of your staff, during my visit on 29 January to look at work in PSHE.

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Education (PSHE)

As outlined in my initial letter, as well as looking at key areas of the subject, the visit had a particular focus on:

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Education (PSHE)

 how the PSHE curriculum meets the specific needs of pupils in your local area, and how progress is tracked and assessed; and  the contribution made by PSHE to the future economic well-being of your pupils.

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Education (PSHE)

The visit provided valuable information which will contribute to our national evaluation and reporting. Published reports are likely to list the names of the contributing institutions but individual institutions will not be identified in the main text. All feedback letters will be published on the Ofsted website at the end of each half-term.

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Education (PSHE)

The evidence used to inform the judgements made included interviews with you, the chair of governors, Year 6 pupils and representatives from the school council, scrutiny of relevant documentation, analysis of pupils’ work and observation of five lessons and an assembly.

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Education (PSHE)

The overall effectiveness of PSHE was judged to be good.

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Achievement

 Pupils have a good understanding of what is meant by a healthy diet and the importance of exercise. They know how to keep themselves safe and about the dangers of substance misuse, including nicotine. Their understanding of the dangers of alcohol is less secure.  Older pupils have an excellent understanding of the changes that occur at puberty.  Younger pupils can use the correct vocabulary to describe emotions and they know how to behave towards each other.  Children in the Foundation Stage are becoming aware of their own physical and emotional needs and are able to listen well and follow instructions.  Personal development is good. Pupils have positive attitudes to their work in PSHE and are confident to express their own opinions. Pupils show care and concern for each other and older pupils look after the younger children. Excellent examples of teamwork were observed, but pupils do not always listen to each other well.

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Quality of teaching and learning in PSHE

The quality of teaching and learning is good overall, and two outstanding lessons were observed.

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Quality of teaching and learning in PSHE

 Teachers have good subject knowledge and excellent classroom control and management.  Teachers and teaching assistants know the pupils well, show a high level of care and act as outstanding role models.  Effective use is made of information and communication technology.  Teachers use creative and practical methods to involve pupils, as in the lesson where pupils matched their emotions to a piece of music and acted this out with movement.  The individual needs of pupils are usually met because teachers know the pupils so well but this is not always the case, and some pupils struggle with more difficult concepts.  Lesson objectives and learning outcomes for PSHE are not always clear because of the way the subject is taught across the curriculum.  Assessment is good and effectively tracks what pupils have achieved. However, this is not reported to parents.

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Quality of the curriculum

The quality of the PSHE curriculum is good.

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Quality of the curriculum

 PSHE is central to the curriculum and there are clear schemes of work to show how it is taught through all year groups. However there is a lack of coverage and rigour in a few aspects such as resisting peer group pressure and, with regard to citizenship elements, the British political system.  Gaining Healthy School status has had a positive impact in focussing attention on healthy lifestyles, and is continuing with the development of an organic garden, run by pupils to supply the school kitchen.  The PSHE curriculum is enriched by a range of activities including visits, residentials, a work experience week and external speakers.  The work of the successful school council gives pupils an experience of active citizenship.

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Leadership and management of PSHE

Leadership and management of PSHE are outstanding.

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Leadership and management of PSHE

 PSHE has high status in the school because you see it as a top priority and co-ordinate it yourself.  The senior team has created a family ethos in the school which fosters self-esteem. Although there is very good behaviour throughout the school the atmosphere is relaxed so that pupils feel able to express themselves.  The excellent display work around the school helps to provide a stimulating learning environment.  The evaluation of PSHE is accurate and lessons are regularly observed.  The chair of governors provides invaluable practical support for PSHE.

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Subject issue: preparation for future economic well being

Pupils are well prepared for adult life.

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Subject issue: preparation for future economic well being

 Pupils contribute well around the school and take on many responsibilities, including mentoring younger children.  Annually, Year 6 pupils are involved in a work experience week where they visit different places of work and find out about various jobs. This gives them a good insight into the world of work.  Pupils study how to look after their money, but their wider understanding of economics could be developed further.

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Inclusion

Inclusion is good and all pupils are taught tolerance and care for those who have difficulties.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, included:

 ensuring that all areas of the PSHE curriculum are covered with equal rigour and have clear learning objectives and identified outcomes  reporting to parents on progress in PSHE and citizenship. I hope these observations are useful as you continue to develop PSHE in the school.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, included:

As I explained in my previous letter, a copy of this letter will be sent to your local authority and will be published on the Ofsted website. It will also be available to the team for your next institutional inspection.

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