Telford primary school receives the ultimate accolade
A Telford and Wrekin primary school has been given the ultimate accolade after being awarded Outstanding Primary School of the Year by the Times Educational Supplement.
Old Park Primary School in Malinslee beat off competition from hundreds of rivals to reach a final shortlist of six schools that were invited to a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane.
The event was hosted by impressionist Rory Bremner and ended in joy for the school when the award was presented to head teacher Mandie Haywood.
The judges said: “Against a backdrop of difficult circumstances, Old Park Primary has proven the power of creative activities to engage children and parents.”
They also added that the school had “created magical learning experiences that its pupils will remember for the rest of their lives.”
Old Park Primary was created four years ago as a result of an amalgamation of three existing primaries but Mrs Haywood was quick to point out that its success is nothing to do with new buildings.
“We work in challenging circumstances as we are in an area of high deprivation and low aspirations,” said Mrs Haywood.
“But we have amazing staff and fantastic children and parents. What this means to us is that we realise that what we do every single day is important to our children and their future, we are thrilled and delighted that everyone’s hard work has been recognised at such a high level.
“Yes we have a new building but it is more about what we have done with the curriculum and the inventive way in which we ensure that pupils are inspired and taught.”
An example of the way pupils learn is a recent project which saw two Native Americans – Stone Bear and Snow Bird – pitching a tepee in the school grounds for three days.
This sparked a term long project for the pupils on Native Americans including being divided into their own tribes such Sioux, Apache and Cheyenne – effectively living and experiencing the culture first hand in the classroom.
Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Old Park is a fantastic school and the way children learn is really imaginative and exciting and it is wonderful news for both the borough and everyone connected with the school that they have won this fantastic award.
“Success like this really boosts the profile of Telford and Wrekin and I would like to say a big well done to the pupils, staff, parents and governors.”
