At William Barnes Primary School the staff and governors believe that the sharing of good practice and collaboration with other schools and educational organisations is essential if we are to offer the best opportunities we can for the children in our care. Some examples of how William Barnes welcomes collaboration are listed below.
- William Barnes is a member of the Dorset Music hub – staff have regular training from specialist music teachers from the hub including workshops and training linked to the school’s Charanga music scheme.
- William Barnes is a member of the Cornerstone English hub – staff have worked with the hub to complete a full phonics audit and secured a £3000 grant to develop phonics and reading throughout the school.
- William Barnes has long standing links with local charities such as Sturminster based William Williams Trust and the Dorset Lions.
- William Barnes has a link with the Jurassic Maths hub with one of our reception teachers joining a Primary Teaching for Mastery working group.
- The school’s English lead is part of the TADDSIT Initial Teacher Training Programme, leading training of Assessment, Assessment for Learning, Planning and Teaching and Learning.
- The school has a link with the South Central Teaching Hub and University College of London through our participation in the Early Career Teaching Programme.
- A member of staff is working with the South Central Teaching Hub and the University College of London to complete a National Professional Qualification in Senior leadership with a specialism in phonics. As part of this project the member of staff has formed a working group with schools all over Dorset and is collaborating to develop phonics with a primary school in the local cluster.
- A member of staff is working the South Central Teaching Hub and the University College of London to complete a National Professional Qualification in Middle Leadership with a specialism in behaviour management.
- William Barnes has historical links with St Mary’s church in the town, with regular visits and assemblies taking place at harvest, Christmas and throughout the year.
- WIlliam Barnes has a weekly Forest School – staff collaborate with specialist teachers from the Forest School to help develop learning in the outdoors and the Forest School area within the school grounds.
- The school takes part in a full calendar of sporting events with schools in the Sturminster Newton cluster which is currently organised and led by our PE leader.
- The has very close links with Sturminster Newton High School with annual Step Up, Arts and Sporting Challenge days for children in year 4,5 and 6.
- Moderation of work occurs collaboratively with other schools in the pyramid.
- There is an annual Singing day where children from all the schools in the cluster visit for a day of music and other activities.
- Our English lead organises a program of visits to the local library in the town.
- The school offers residential visits in years 4,5 and 6 to Carey Camp Outdoor Education Centre, Leeson House Field Studies Centre and Osmington PGL Adventurous Activities Centre.
- The headteacher meeting regularly with the other headteachers in the Sturminster Newton pyramid.
- An education challenge lead from the Local Authority visits the school to give advice and guidance.
- Each Christmas a Pyramid Carol concert takes place at the High School where the choirs from each school perform together.
- Year 7 children visit the school to read with Reception children.