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A Gazette Publication Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Primary School League Tables 2008. . . . . . . . . . . .
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
FYLDE
Results delight, but head questions need for tests
LEVELS of achievement are being driven up all over the Fylde coast as schools work to raise the outcomes for pupils. League tables aim to show not only how well the children achieved in their Key Stage Two Sats, but also how much the schools are actually contributing to pupils’ progress through the contextual value added score.
Shakespeare Primary school in Fleetwood has shot further up the CVA table which shows the top 10 schools with the highest scores. The primary has scored an impressive 102.6, up from 101.3 in 2007. The improved score puts the school in the top slot as making the most progress with students from when they start in reception to when they sit their Sats at 11. Blackpool’s St John’s Church of England Primary school has risen to second place from third by raising its score from 101.6 in 2007 to 101.7. Kincraig Primary in Bispham has grabbed the third place, leaping three places from sixth in 2007. Boundary Primary school on Grange Park has retained its place in this year’s Top 10, as has Revoe Community Primary. Thames Primary in South Shore has
made seventh place on the table. Headteacher Jean Martin said: “I think our success has been down to believing in the children and the continued hard work of our staff team here at Thames. “We have an inclusive policy here at Thames, but really the hard work is down to the children who come into school wanting to learn. This helps our achievement along.” Despite the CVA table trying to show the school’s input into progress, the league table and Sats system is still viewed with suspicion by many teachers who believe the tables can have a demoralising effect on schools.
Undermines
Lesley Bennett, deputy headteacher at Layton Primary School, said: “Our view is that there should be no Sats at all as it seems an unnecessary bureaucratic process which undermines the ethos of Every Child Matters and the creative curriculum. “Measures of pupil progress and achievement should be in place and information readily available for parents, carers and local authorities so that standards are maintained and can be monitored, but not used in a punitive manner as league tables seem to be. “League tables can be demoralising for pupils, parents and school staff.
HUGELY PROUD: Nathan Kirk, Bethanie Drake, Tielah Ashford and Billy Hindle Picture: MARTIN BOSTOCK Layton’s Sats results were above the national average in all subjects. “We are hugely proud of our pupils and the effort they put in throughout
all of their primary school career. “We would also like to thank parents and carers for the support they give their children.
Artistic approach boosts Ribby-with-Wrea IT is smiles all round at Ribby-with-Wrea Primary School as creative curriculum drives them on in their learning. As all Fylde school’s CVA scores show all are achieving at least 98.4 or higher – they are continually on the look out for new ways to help children enjoy learning and get the best possible start in life. Staff are rising to the challenge of creating a fun and colourful curriculum.
CREATIVE LESSONS: Ribby with Wrea head Amanda Gregory with Nathan Smith, Liam Wainwright, Hermione Bailey and Amy Croasdale
Broad
Acting headteacher Amanda Gregory said: “I’ve only been here a few months, but I’m impressed with the commitment shown by all those involved with the school towards new methods of learning and the drive to improve standards. “The pupils at this school enjoy active learning and a broad and balanced curriculum which takes into account differ-
weeks are a special favourite, particularly as the usually involve dressing up at some point! “This is a happy and high achieving school where children work together in harmony and enjoy their lessons.
“Our strong, caring and hard working ethos is noticed by all who visit. “I’m sure the school will continue to thrive under the leadership of the new headteacher who will be taking up post in September.”
Contextual Value Added Score where 100 is average LEA
CVA
Shakespeare Primary
Wyre
102.6
St John’s CE Primary
Blackpool
101.7
St Annes’ Our Lady Star Of The Sea School posted the highest Fylde score with 100.9, way above the national average.
Kincraig Primary
Blackpool
101.7
Freckleton Strike Lane Primary also scored well with an impressive 100.8 to show how far children progress in their learning between Key Stage One and Key Stage Two when they reach 11.
Picture: MIKE FOSTER ent learning styles and needs. “The children here benefit from a creative curriculum which includes learning through topics such as The Romans or Australia. “Our regular theme
“Learning and achievement is successful when there is a true partnership between school and home.”
Warton’s Holy Family also scored well 100.3 making them third followed by St Peter’s RC Primary in Lytham scoring 100.1 and Ansdell Primary fifth with 100.
School
St Mary and Michael RC Wyre
101.6
Christ The King RC
Blackpool
101.5
Boundary Primary
Blackpool
101.2
Thames Primary
Blackpool
101.2
Assumption
Fylde
101.1
Revoe Primary
Blackpool
101.1
Charles Saer Primary
Wyre
101.1
Our Lady of The