New era at Canberra Primary School
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
25/09/2008
Canberra Primary School is ushering in a brand new era of teaching after developing an action plan aimed at providing the very best of education for pupils.
This new ethos comes as the school is beginning to make progress in tackling issues identified in its last Ofsted report which said it required 'special measures.'
And with new Headteacher David McNaught now in post, these really are exciting times for the school, on Australia Road, Shepherds Bush.
The new development plan for the school aims at raising achievement, standards and attendance, improving pupil behaviour, boosting self esteem and aspiration and raising standards of teaching. All these aspects were singled out as needing development when inspectors from Ofsted visited on 10 and 11 July 2008.
David McNaught joined Canberra Primary School in late June and together with the staff and governors will be spearheading the changes.
He said: "Now is the time to look forward. We have exciting plans for the future of Canberra Primary School and we will be addressing all of the issues raised by Ofsted. There is a real determination on the part of myself, staff and governors to improve learning and teaching here and we have already started to put our plans into action."
As part of the school development plans, staff, governors, parents and most importantly children will be consulted to improve its performance.
A thorough review of the curriculum is now underway, with a new thematic and skills-based curriculum being developed. In addition, the school will be broadening its sports and arts provision, including, basketball, football, netball, drama and music clubs.
The school will also be building stronger links with local community projects such as the breakfast club at St Michael and St George Church. The school buildings are being redecorated and the playground areas improved.
Mark Chapman, chair of governors at Canberra Primary School, said: "The governing body is confident that David McNaught, the strengthened senior management team and staff at Canberra will deliver huge positive change over the next few months. We look forward to working closely with David and his staff to ensure that the school fulfils its enormous potential. The transformation of Canberra is our main intention and we will pull out all the stops to make that happen."
Cllr Antony Lillis, cabinet member for community and children’s services, said: ”With an outstanding headteacher now in place and the support of staff, governors, parents, pupils and the local authority, we look forward to seeing improvements at Canberra Primary School over the coming years.”
The school already has a strong relationship with the neighbouring BBC and is developing a new project this term with BBC volunteers providing support for a range of extra-curricular activities.
