A Middlesbrough school has been praised for living out its faith in the local community as it was handed a perfect report after a recent Catholic Schools Inspection.
St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School in Nunthorpe achieved the best possible score in all 16 categories and was judged to be outstanding for overall effectiveness, Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship.
Headteacher Sarah Brady said she was so proud of everyone who plays a part in making the school such a wonderful place. She said:
“A special thank you to the staff, who are always so committed to our school. The whole team attended our recent First Holy Communions, which is just one example of their passion and dedication.
“We are also blessed to have many people from the parish supporting us in so many ways – our parish priest, Canon John Lumley, our catechists, the SVP and so many more.
“Thank you also to Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) for their invaluable support and to the diocesan team for their ongoing continuous professional development.”
The report highlighted weekly visits to a care home, fundraising initiatives, litter-picking, writing to prisoners and contacting their MP about injustices as just a few examples of how the school enriches the community.
Pupils are also taught from an early age to pray a wide variety of ways, including Lectio Divina, examen, guided meditation, breath prayers, Rosary and litany, as well going on as retreats to Osmotherley and Ampleforth
“Pupils know they are loved and they feel a deep sense of belonging,” the report says. “Adults know they are highly valued. Leaders are inspirational in their dedication to the pupils in their care. They are highly ambitious for all and are persistent in their pursuit of excellence. Christ is at the centre of decisions they make.
“Standards in religious education are exceptionally high. The subject knowledge pupils display in lessons is outstanding as a result of highly effective teaching. Work is presented well and with a deep sense of pride.
“Links to the parish are exceptionally strong and this is highly valued by the community.
Pupils enjoy school greatly. They display joyful dispositions during prayer and liturgy and create a culture of mutual respect. They are inspired to grow spiritually.”
One parent told inspectors: “Love and kindness is always shown. Our children know this is a safe place to take risks.”
Pupils said lessons are “very active because they make learning fun” and “teachers give us challenges which push our thinking on”.
Prayer is central, with one pupil commenting: “It makes me feel like the Holy Spirit is with me. It is very special.”
Miss Brady added: “We live our school vision of making positive impacts in the world through many acts of service. “We visit a local care home weekly, we care for our environment with our allotment and chickens, we fundraise for many charities and we also like to raise awareness of social issues that are close to our hearts.
“One pupil reported, ‘I know I can brighten someone’s day by my actions.’
“Our children have exceptional behaviour and this has been noted in both our Ofsted and Section 48 reports. They really shine everyday being the best they can be.”
