MP hears about values at heart of learning at Great Massingham Primary School
James Wild MP visited Great Massingham Primary School learning more about the school’s key values and how they integrate these into daily school life, led by joint Headteacher, Mrs Stibbon. Whilst visiting the school, James received a tour of the integrated year structure classrooms, school hall, library, and outdoor playing areas where children take part in the daily mile.
When meeting Year Two, James was intrigued to find out what they thought would improve their local area with answers varying from new playground equipment, additional shops, a café, to a resident Unicorn. James also learnt about the school’s key focus on the environment and what they are doing to promote the importance of protecting the environment locally through lessons on food chains and local field trips.
Literary is essential to children’s ability to learn and during the visit Mrs Stibbon spoke to James about the importance the school places on reading. With a strong focus on phonics and use of the buddy reading where older children read to the younger years, children are giving support to improve their reading with a collection of core books - reading spine - for all pupils to read which is fed into the curriculum.
After the tour and meeting other pupils, James spoke to the ‘Value Leaders’ about the school’s emphasis on living, learning, and flourishing. A key value the school is focused on is kindness and when asked about this, James commented that ‘everyone should be kind’ to one another to make learning more enjoyable. The ’Value Leaders’ also asked James a series of questions including what James does in Parliament to help increase recycling rates and protect biodiversity and how to tackle racism. Given the school’s Christian ethos, James was asked what spirituality means to him. Other questions included what James’ favourite animal is which brought on led to a friendly debate around cats or dogs.
Speaking about the visit, James commented:
“Great Massingham is a friendly village school and its strong focus on values the staff have created a supportive environment in which children can learn and enjoy school. I was particularly pleased to see the varied books on offer to children in the library and how the school takes an active and engaging approach to reading and helping children realise their potential.”
Commenting on James’ visit, Headteacher Mrs Stibbon commented:
“The children loved welcoming Mr Wild to our school. They were fascinated to hear about his work as an MP and asked him questions about his views on spirituality, environmental factors and anti-racism. Mr Wild enjoyed a tour of the school, a chat with staff and a question and answer session with the children.”
