Ponteland Community Primary School (PCPS) has a rich history and a clear vision for providing an exceptional learning environment and opportunities in abundance. In September 2017, PCMS converted to an Academy, and in September 2020, it became Ponteland Community Primary School. From September 2014 to August 2021, Ponteland Middle School operated as a National Teaching School.

Our school is housed in a modern building, which is approximately 40 years old, set on a spacious 15-acre campus. The classrooms, equipped with interactive whiteboards, are arranged around two internal courtyards. We take pride in maintaining well-maintained specialist facilities, including music practice rooms, ICT rooms, design and technology workshops, art studios, food and textiles labs, drama spaces, a science lab, and separate dining and sports halls. Our outdoor facilities feature a well-maintained 9v9 3G pitch, extensive playing fields, a hard play area, and tennis courts. The addition of a 9v9 all-weather artificial turf pitch in Summer 2014 further enhances our sports facilities. As a testament to our commitment to physical education, we have achieved the prestigious platinum sports Gamesmark school award. We firmly uphold our middle school ethos and teaching model, which includes specialist teaching, setting, and a strong focus on learning and well-being.

Our dedicated staff members are passionate about nurturing every child’s intellectual, physical, aesthetic, spiritual, emotional, moral, and social development. They aim to instill a love for learning, foster a sense of satisfaction and achievement, and help each child reach their full potential by developing essential skills, concepts, and knowledge. Our teachers also focus on cultivating reasoning abilities, encouraging questioning and investigative thinking, and promoting critical interpretation of results.

At PCPS, we have clear aims regarding the assessment of pupils’ learning. We strive to record their achievements, diagnose any challenges they may face, and provide effective solutions. Our assessment practices align with best practices in education, incorporating the following key features:

Embracing a 21st-century curriculum that is innovative and enriched

Ensuring assessment methods align with the nature of the learning process

Involving learners themselves in the assessment process to enhance their learning

Facilitating continuity of learning

Effectively communicating progress information to pupils, parents, and the wider educational community

Our teachers and teaching assistants are assigned classes for specific subjects and curriculum areas. Each specialist teacher leads their subject across the school, creating a comprehensive curriculum map that covers all year groups. The quality of teaching at PCPS is rated as excellent, with staff members maintaining high expectations and providing challenging and engaging work. Teachers possess exceptional subject knowledge and utilize their enthusiasm and love for learning to design captivating lessons that inspire pupils to excel. Our curriculum is outstanding, with noteworthy achievements in English, Mathematics, Science, Music, Modern Foreign Languages, Humanities, and Physical Education. Furthermore, a significant number of our pupils actively participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, making a significant contribution to their achievements, particularly in music and sport.

We believe that parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s education. We foster a strong partnership with parents, emphasising open communication, support, and collaboration. We greatly value parental contributions through involvement as Friends, active participation in the Parents Forum, and both social and financial support. Our commitment to working with parents and families ensures that every child feels safe, happy, and supported in their learning journey.

Under the leadership of our Headteacher, PCPS boasts a dedicated team of teachers who share a dynamic vision and a strong commitment to enriched teaching and learning. Our leaders, including Trustees, hold themselves to the highest standards and inspire the staff they lead. Their enthusiasm and drive are reflected in the efforts of all

Values

At our school, we uphold a set of values that shape our vision and guide our educational approach. These are understood by our children and form an active part of the Right Respecting Schools Award. These values include:

Democracy: We believe in the importance of democracy and providing opportunities for our pupils to have their voices heard. Through our Pupil Council and House System, students have a platform to express their opinions and engage in meaningful discussions. Events such as the star of the week gathering foster dialogue between students and teachers.

Rule of Law: We recognise the significance of laws and rules in maintaining order and promoting a safe environment. Throughout regular school days, we consistently reinforce the understanding and adherence to rules, whether they pertain to the classroom, the school, or society at large.

Individual Liberty: Our school actively encourages students to exercise their freedom to make choices, within the understanding that they are supported within a safe and nurturing environment. We empower students to take responsibility for their decisions, fostering independence and personal growth.

Mutual Respect: Our school ethos and behaviour policy revolve around core values such as respect and responsibility. We promote a culture of mutual respect, emphasising the importance of treating one another with kindness, empathy, and consideration. Students learn to appreciate and value the diverse perspectives and experiences of their peers.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs: We strive to enhance students’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society. By actively embracing all faiths and beliefs, we create an inclusive environment that fosters tolerance and respect. Through education and exposure to different cultures, we encourage empathy, open-mindedness, and appreciation for diversity.

By upholding these values, we aim to provide our students with a well-rounded education that prepares them to become responsible, respectful, and engaged members of society, equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.