Report on our experience at Sutton-in-Craven C.E. Primary School

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to analyse the context and practices of a primary school in the U.K. in order to compare and contrast the current British educational situation with that in Malta. Sutton-in-Craven is a primary Church school in Yorkshire with a population of ninety-seven pupils, whose age ranges between seven and ten. The school prepares students for the National Exams at the end of Key Stage 2. From a historical perspective, the school aims to equip its pupils with Christian values, and cater for their moral, social, cultural and physical development. During our two-week stay, we perceived a healthy ethos characterised by an attractive environment, well-behaved pupils and a united and happy staff. The Senior Management Team, together with a remarkable professional teaching staff, team up as an effective organisational structure. Their focus is on Total Quality Management and high standards of teaching and learning. Different factors, including a welcoming physical environment, collegiality among staff and effective teamwork, the setting of high standards, the inclusion of an induction programme for new staff, a regular appraisal of staff, staff development and in-service training, involvement of parents, availability of a wide range of resources, good budget management and financial control contribute towards making Sutton-in-Craven an ideal primary school. These experiences enabled us to evaluate to what extent it could be applicable to our educational system. We recommend primary schools in Malta to consider the application of good practices, innovative and progressive approaches observed at Sutton-in-Craven.