Dame Allan’s Junior School A GSG School

Other features

All-through school (for example 3-18 years). - An all-through school covers junior and senior education. It may start at 3 or 4, or later, and continue through to 16 or 18. Some all-through schools set exams at 11 or 13 that pupils must pass to move on.

What The Good Schools Guide says

Head of junior school

Since September 2018, Geoff Laidler. Music degree from Durham; PGCE from Northumbria. Had spells at local state primaries including Rowlands Gill Primary and Gateshead – as well as headships at St John Boste, Washington and St Agnes’ Catholic Primary, Crawcrook - before taking up the reins here. He, like his wife, attended the school. Both their children are in senior school.

On the academic front, he emphasises the importance of cross-curricular; when it comes to extracurricular, he is most proud of building the capacity for sport - ‘Sport for all’ is his mantra. Prioritises building confidence in children and says he likes to ‘connect’ with them, listening to their opinions - changes to toilets and provision of water fountains have resulted recently. Pupils say he is ‘really nice and friendly’. Parents say he is ‘excellent,’ ‘approachable’ and ‘professional’ and ‘has the ethos of the school at heart.’

He is an engaging and calm presence, keen keyboard player and member of a rock and roll cover band. Images of his family and a range of pipe organs adorn the walls of his small, functional office which overlooks reception, allowing him a bird’s eye view of the school’s comings and goings. Reading tends to educational tomes, also music and transport lit. A keen railway enthusiast, he’s had a layout since childhood which he still tends.

Entrance

Into nursery at 3+ via short visit with play-based assessment. Two-form entry with a maximum of 15 per class at this point, rising to 20 in year 3 when 10 additional places become available. Others join in year 5, when an extra class is added, making it three-form entry. Tests in reading, writing, maths and reasoning skills from year 3, plus informal classroom assessment. Some waiting lists.

Exit

Vast majority progress to boys’ or girls’ senior school, as the diamond structure comes into play, without any assessment. Option to take the test if interested in an academic scholarship. Year 6 pupils have two visits a week to the senior site, including lessons in art, science, DT, music and MFL to familiarise themselves with the facilities. They also have games lessons and play some fixtures there. Small number (one in current cohort) leave for other independent options.

Our view

Nursery and juniors moved to a purpose-built site in 2012. All pupils under one roof, with nursery and reception on the ground floor and older children upstairs. School says this has led to greater consistency and advances in teaching and learning. The site overlooks rural Town Moor, with country views from most windows of the modern, bright and spacious building. From the front, what appears to be a Comic Relief style red nose bulging out of the first floor is actually the library – gives reading for fun a new slant. The entrance hall holds a tile display where every child has a handprint – a sense of community and belonging. Ground floor also comprises two large spaces for assemblies, lunch, gym and dance. Good sized classrooms and wide corridors. Good amount of space outside for drop off and pick up too.

Specialist teachers for French, music, library, PE, dance and yoga, some from senior school. Parents say, ‘Teaching is very supportive with good communications’ and that children are ‘stretched and supported’. Pupils felt ‘work can be difficult but once you get into it can be relaxing’. Staff ‘won’t give you the answers, they help you.’ Setting only year 6 in maths. SATs used for internal records only, so no pressure. Reports every term, with a full written version in the summer and two parent evenings. Definitely ‘not a hothouse’, insist parents. Outcomes remain impressive, without the stress.

School can meet SEND needs across a broad range, from ADHD to cerebral palsy. A parent of an autistic child told us that ‘his teacher checks in with him regularly to ensure he is ok and that his needs are being met.’ Attendance of groups of pupils with SEND at all co-curricular activities is monitored and reflects participation across the board.

In nursery, lots of child-initiated learning with supervision. Impressive, colourful displays of sunset pictures, tapestry and phonics work match the variety of activities. Learning journey books go home weekly so parents are able to support. As with all the classrooms on the ground floor, the light and airy inside space leads straight onto an outdoor play area, complete with stage and trike trail. This means children can move freely between the two – and do so in all weathers. Each group has their own section to play in, with buddies from years 5 and 6 joining to help the youngest during breaks.

Reception class were enjoying a pirate themed project on our visit. Under the sea models proudly displayed around the room, with relevant drama, map drawing and independent writing tasks engaging the children. Others outdoors in the mud play area and using the play structures for building.

Years 1 and 2 were re-enacting the Battle of Hastings against a backdrop of impressive pointillist painting - our money was on the Normans. A visit to Newcastle Castle followed and construction of shields for the all-important shield walls.

Upstairs the library makes for an open plan, welcoming space used during breaks and lunchtimes. Coats and bags were neatly stowed in cubby holes on a corridor smothered in displays on neurodiversity, mindfulness, ski trips and reminders to be ‘respectful, cooperative, resilient and kind’. There’s a music room and drama space, along with trolleys of Chromebooks - enough for all the KS2 pupils.

Rehearsals for end of term production of Aladdin in the John Hind Hall were in full flow for year 6. One of our guides leapt onto the stage and seamlessly sang her heart out as the genie and then jumped back down to continue the tour. Didn’t miss a beat - one to watch. Drama is integral to the extracurricular offering, according to the school. All pupils get a part in productions such as the nativity, Nutcracker and The Ugly Duckling for younger ones, and Annie, Mary Poppins and Aladdin recently for the rest. Music ensembles include a ceilidh band, brass, strings, campanologists (bell ringers) and a rock band, presumably with the head heavily involved. Several choirs also available. One parent gushed with pride at his son’s place as a chorister at Newcastle Cathedral through a scholarship scheme at the school. Year 6 join senior school for the annual dance show, drawing on experience of both Irish and contemporary moves. Art taken seriously, with examples of creative and colourful art leaping out from all areas.

The head prioritises sport, and the bulging trophy cabinet reflects a record of sporting successes. National finals reached in swimming and hockey recently. There are three full-time sports staff on site and an assistant. Impressive facilities include Astro and grass pitches. Use of external facilities such as Newcastle Eagles pitches. Swimming off site for all years at Elswick pool. Reception and KS1 weekly and then twice a term for older pupils. Older pupils have access to senior school fitness suite.

The food is wholesome and varied, apart from Fridays – always fish and chips, a lucky day to visit. Indoor play is rare, monsoon proportions required. This is the northeast so pupils are made of stern stuff and heavy rain on our visit did not deter classes in the woodland area, building shelters, nor in the yurt, singing about tadpoles. Being aquatic would have come in handy. The Scandinavian Skogsmulle scheme is followed – this Swedish scheme is based on a fictional forest creature to inspire experiences and respect for nature.

Around 70 clubs – ‘something for everyone,’ pupils told us. Includes Goblin Cart Club for year 6, racing at Gateshead Stadium, scrap modelling club and plenty of sporting clubs, providing opportunities for all to participate and represent the school. Wraparound care from 7.45am to 5.45pm, charged extra. There is a competitive house system, with opportunities for house captains and school council. The Adventure Protect Environment group, started by a community minded year 5 pupil, sees numerous pupils collects litter every lunchtime.

Parents feel the pastoral care is ‘excellent,’ with three form sessions a day, a phase leader and deputy head in charge of wellbeing. There’s also a wellbeing space where Poppy the border terrier waits to be made a fuss of by pupils (and staff) needing some peace and quiet. There’s a counsellor, if required. Behaviour reflects the school’s community feel - it is good but when issues arise, ‘teachers sort it out very quickly,’ according to pupils and parents. Bullying is dealt with ‘very seriously’.

Parents are sociable, with an active PA – you can get as involved (or not) as you like. Mostly dual income families, with a bias towards medical professions. Broad range of ethnic and social backgrounds – one parent commented that their children know that ‘it can be a struggle financially for their parents and appreciate their chances more as a consequence.’

So who does the school best suit? Parents say it’s those ‘who relish freedom and liberty.’

The last word

School seamlessly prepares both genders to progress to the diamond model senior schools and success beyond. Great facilities in a purpose built environment. Perfect place for polishing little gems, ready for the next step in their development.

Special Education Needs