St Martin's gets a gold star

THE island's largest primary school received a glowing commendation in its first independent validation since 1999. The report concluded that St Martin's Primary provided a caring and inclusive environment for its pupils.

It said children at the school were happy and worked diligently.

'Behaviour in the school is of a high standard,' it said.

'Relationships are excellent and pupils have positive attitudes towards their work.'

Head teacher Cate Mason said the school had excellent facilities, spacious classrooms and state-of-the-art IT facilities throughout.

'But we also owe a great deal to the very active PTA, which over the past decades has contributed significantly to both the school's resources and its social life,' she said.

A team of experts from both on and off the island carried out the validation in September.

Education minister Martin Ozanne said the findings were similar to those from recent inspections at Castel, Vauvert and St Anne, Alderney.

Links with the community and businesses in St Martin's are welcome because they enhance pupils' understanding of how the concepts they learn in the classroom could be applied in the real world, said Mrs Mason.

A total of 95% of lessons were judged to be of a satisfactory standard or better. They featured high expectations for work and behaviour with activities that challenged all levels of ability and provided suitable opportunities for discussion and independent working.

The report praised the involvement of assistants who support teaching and learning in all age groups.

It commended the level of support given to children who needed extra individual attention as well as those who were more gifted.

Having been at St Martin's for 12 years, the last two as head teacher, Mrs Mason said she had seen standards of teaching and learning improve steadily and the high level of pupil attainment made her proud.

'The success of St Martin's is a result of excellent teamwork from all parts of the school community, from senior management to caretakers,' she said.

'We are very lucky to have such positive and committed staff who are always ready to take on initiatives and new challenges.'

The school currently has more than 50 voluntary helpers, including parents, grandparents and other parishioners.