On Friday James Wild MP for North West Norfolk visited Greyfriars Academy to talk to the school leadership about improving education, to see Coronation art work, and to speak to the school council.
Sitting down with the Headteacher, Mr McGovern, and Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Moyle, James learnt more about the school’s improvements to safeguarding, culture, and curriculum. Following an OFSTED report last year, Mr McGovern has taken on the role of Headteacher and he is determined to improve the school and has put in place reforms to help pupils realise their potential. James learnt about these plans including a focus on phonics and specific staff training to improve pupils’ reading levels.
During the visit, James received a tour of the school and visited the various years’ classrooms whilst they took part in Coronation celebrations. These varied from making flower adorned paper crowns in reception, to biscuit decorating and quizzes in the older years. During the visit, James spoke to children throughout the school on how they were preparing for the Coronation and what it meant to them. Also whilst touring the school, James learnt about preparations for upcoming SATS tests.
Outside, James saw the various equipment the school has and links to the Walks and the School Council quizzed James about issues relating to the local area. Questions included what the Government is doing to combat waste and plastic in seas, improving and adding equipment to local play parks, and ensuring there is a range of play equipment which is suitable for older years as well as younger years. James enjoyed listening to the various questions the pupils had and offered advice on funding options for their ideas.
Commenting on the visit, James said:
“Giving children in North West Norfolk the best opportunities through a quality education is one of my top priorities. As such I wanted to hear more about the school’s plan to improve performance and I was encouraged by the reforms the headteacher is putting in place. It is clear that school leadership and staff are striving for all round success and I look forward to supporting them to improve the school for current and future pupils.”
Speaking about the visit, Aidan McGovern, Headteacher said:
“The staff and children of Greyfriars School were delighted to welcome James Wild MP to our school. The school council were keen to find out what the government are doing about local and national environmental issues, such as water pollution. They were also concerned that schools receive appropriate financial support to ensure children get the best resources they can. The school discussed the current challenges it faces, and James was very supportive of the journey it is on.”
