Private School News

REGIONAL FIRST FOR LANCASHIRE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

A top Fylde Coast school has become the first independent school in the North of England to gain authorization to teach the prestigious International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme to infant and junior school pupils, following an inspection and evaluation carried out by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

The authorization of co-educational, Rossall Junior, Infant and Nursery School in Fleetwood follows a two-year introductory period for the Primary Years’ Programme, during which the progress of both the school and its pupils have been carefully monitored by the IBO. A visit by inspectors and a rigorous inspection procedure have determined that Rossall should join the elite group of UK schools with official IB PYP status.

Rossall received several commendations from the IBO inspectors for its provision of the International Baccalaureate curriculum, for the quality and continuous development of its staff and for its work in promoting awareness of the Primary Years’ Programme in the wider community. The pupils also came in for praise from inspectors for their understanding of the programme and its aims, and for the marked progress they had made in two years.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme provides an international curriculum to meet the needs of young learners between the ages of three and eleven. Its aim is to encourage children to be inquirers and communicators and also to be reflective and open-minded. In return, the programme helps even the youngest children to develop skills of research and self-management and also helps them to gain in confidence.

Following the first two year period of teaching the PYP, Rossall parents have come out solidly in favour of the curriculum. Many have commented about their children’s improved abilities and learning skills and have praised the school for its introduction.

Commenting on the findings of the inspection report, Rossall’s Head of Junior School, Simon James said: “The IBO was delighted with our progress and I’m proud that we are the only independent school in the Region and one of only a handful across the UK authorized to teach the Programme. It is truly a curriculum for tomorrow’s child and our children here are developing remarkably well within its framework. The school inspectors recognized that and have praised Rossall for the way in which the PYP has been introduced and for the levels of pastoral care received by pupils during their formative years, which has provided the vital support to enable the children to get the most from their learning experience.

“Our children here are thriving on many levels as a result of the programme and they’re acquiring life-long learning skills, whilst also displaying confidence and maturity beyond their years, and these qualities are directly attributable to the PYP.”