Over the last two years and more, schools have shown huge amounts of resilience – and this was recognised in presenting Sidmouth Primary School with a Champions Award last October:
The Champions Awards 2021: “and the winners are…” – Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards
Here is Claire Fegan, headtacher of the school, receiving her award:
The Champions Awards 2021: Congratulations! – Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards
Which she and her staff clearly deserved:
How judges chose winners of Sidmouth community awards | Sidmouth Herald
Home | Sidmouth Church of England (VA)
The 2021 award was for ‘resilience’ – which is basically about being prepared to handle things now – and getting prepared for times to come.
It so happens that next week (as of Monday 23rd May 2022), the children will be encouraged to look to their own futures:
Hopes and Dreams Week, thinking about who they would like to be in the future, jobs they may be interested in and places they might like to travel to.
newsletter-week-4-20th-may-2022.pdf
As for ‘sustainability’, plans to expand the school include the planting of lots of new trees, several electric vehicle charging points and new pedestrian access routes:
Sidmouth Primary School planning decision | Sidmouth Herald
And here they are from earlier in the year planting trees with the Sidmouth Arboretum:
More Queen’s Green Canopy – Sidmouth Arboretum
Queen’s Green Canopy reaches Sidford – thanks to the Herald! | Sidmouth Herald
When it comes to ‘community’, the school is very much part of the local community:
Gilbert Stephens Solicitors help Sidmouth Primary School | Sidmouth Herald
Connaught@Christmas donates to Sidmouth schools | Sidmouth Herald
But more than that: staff and pupils have themselves created a thriving community.
Looking at Ofsted’s report:
Claire Fegan, head of teaching and learning, said: “I am so proud of the whole school community at Sidmouth Primary because everyone’s hard work and commitment – pupils, staff and parents – is reflected in this report. I am thrilled that the inspectors noted the strong team ethos at our school and recognised that our children are happy, safe and achieving well.”