Private School News

SIBFORD ACHIEVES TOP RESULTS … BUT SAYS ‘NO’ TO MORE SATS

Sibford School near Banbury is to scrap SATs for its junior pupils and instead will be offering children the chance to spend more time outdoors using the local environment to enhance their learning.

Said Sibford Head Michael Goodwin: “Our SATs results for this year have been some of the best we have ever seen, however we have become increasingly concerned that national tests at ages seven and 11 can, and do, cause unnecessary anxiety for children. This is against our whole ethos as a Quaker school and we have therefore decided that in future we will not be putting our junior pupils through this trial.”

Results for 2008 show that at Key Stage Two, 64% of Sibford pupils achieved a level 4 in English (compared to the national average of 47%), 91% achieved level 4 in Maths (compared to 45% nationally) and 55% achieved level 4 in Science (compared to 47% nationally).

“We are exceptionally proud of our pupils for achieving such high results,” said Michael Goodwin. “However, we believe that young children should be free to develop a passion for learning, rather than being given an educational diet focused on getting through tests.

“We recognise the value of taking time to enjoy discovering new skills and talents and for introducing freedom into the curriculum, which is why we plan to spend more time out doors, making the most of the excellent location we have here.

“This is a very exciting time for Sibford School and I believe that our new junior curriculum will result in pupils who have a real passion for learning, a healthy self esteem and a greater respect for the world around them.”