SCHOOL REPORT
The Rosary Catholic Primary School, Saltley, Birmingham
A Catholic primary school where 80 per cent of the pupils are Muslim, the Rosary, in Saltley, Birmingham, reflects the rich ethnic and religious diversity of the inner-city neighbourhood it serves
Composition: The Rosary is a voluntary- aided primary school with around 400 pupils aged between three and 11. Just 50 pupils (around 12 per cent) are Catholic, with 80 per cent coming from Asian or Asian British Muslim backgrounds. A high proportion of pupils begin school with English as a second language, are eligible for free school meals or have learning difficulties or disabilities.
Position in class:An Ofsted inspection in March 2008 found the school “satisfactory” and improving, with some good features, notably the leadership of head teacher John Gubbins. Standards on entry to its nursery were judged to be “exceptionally low” with many children possessing limited English, personal, social and emotional skills. Inspectors nevertheless noted a sharp improvement in the English skills of pupils throughout the school compared to the previous year.
Best subjects:Achievement at foundation stage (aged three to five years) was judged to be good, due to good provision and teaching. Ofsted found that staff had been
successful in improving pupils’ writing skills across the school. Similar focus has been given to improving standards in mathematics, science and reading.
Interfaith relations: The school has a Catholic ethos but strives to be inclusive of the different faiths of its pupils. This includes holding multi-faith prayers and celebrating the feasts of the different religions. Religious education is deemed to be a “high priority”. Parish priest Fr Bernard Kelly of Our Lady of the Rosary and St Thérèse of Lisieux has established a community centre called Maryam House which is used for activities by people of different faiths. Its youth group includes Rosary pupils.
Could do better:Ofsted said more needed to be done to ensure teaching is consistently good and provides a challenge for pupils, and to check that pupils understand the next steps in their progression. Inspectors said the school should also do more to “accelerate the level of achievement” of pupils in English,
maths and science – particularly those of higher levels of ability.
Diocesan comments: The Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley, said: “The school has a high proportion of Muslim pupils and it was fascinating to meet with these children in a Catholic school setting where they were at school with the blessing of their parents who were happy for them to be at the school. The parish priest, Fr Bernard Kelly, has really developed his mission in this part of Birmingham.”
Head teacher’s comments: “We face obvious challenges due to the composition of the school, but we are doing very well, and are continuing to improve. This is reflected by how positive the children and parents are about the school. The school is mainly
Muslim, but retains its strong Catholic ethos. This is appreciated by Muslim parents who want to send their children to a faith school. We will continue as a Catholic primary school into the future.” Compiled by Sam Adams
S8 | TABLET Education | 5 February 2011
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