School of the month: Albert Primary School in Penarth

The school has approximately 460 children – including the 72-place nursery unit.

The building is build from grey stonework sourced from a local quarry that is now Belle Vue Park. Much of its original character has been preserved and it now holds Grade II listed status.

The school has some Victorian artwork by Norton Nante and parts of the school were designed by highly respected Victorian architect J. Coates Carter.

Albert Primary School’s fundamental aim is for their children to develop lively, enquiring minds, reaching their full potential within a happy and secure school.

It offers an all-round curriculum – including literacy, numeracy, and ICT – which stretches children of all abilities within a stimulating environment.

Staff aim to develop children to be happy, motivated, and independent with a love of learning.

There is a focus on ensuring pupils are sure of their own place within the school and the local and global community, helping them to be flexible and adaptable in an ever-changing world.

Albert Primary School’s mission is to get children ready for their lives ahead, to help them to be confident, respectful thoughtful people who always do their best, and help them make friends that they keep.

Headteacher, Andrew Gilbert, said:

“This is a happy vibrant school where all children are given the opportunity of learning in a caring, stimulating environment.

“We believe it is important that all families feel welcome in the school.

“Education is a partnership between home and school with a shared responsibility based on trust and mutual understanding and the co-operation and participation of parents with our school in the education of their child is positively encouraged.

“A good relationship between school and home builds a child’s confidence, aids their learning, and helps them to fulfil their potential in all areas.”

Staff at the school are experienced and enthusiastic, rising to the challenge of teaching in the 21st century. The school strives to build a culture which values intellectual growth, with staff sharing the belief that that intelligence can be cultivated.

Every adult in Albert must work toward adopting a mindset where he or she believes that with effort, motivation, perseverance, and the right menu of teaching and learning strategies all pupils can achieve great things.

Albert Primary School also provides opportunities for pupils to influence their own curriculum and learning opportunities – with this methodology helping design the new curriculum for Wales.

Immersion days allow pupils to have a multi-sensory experience of the topic, giving them a basis from which to draw questions and interests. The staff ask for pupils’ ideas about how to learn those skills and gives the children a clear understanding of their own learning.

The school harnesses the imagination of staff and pupils through engaging, relevant, hands-on, and creative activities.

Mr Gilbert said:

"The school recognises and celebrates the contributions that all pupils make to its life and work.

“We believe that all children should be encouraged to achieve their potential through the provision of a nurturing, supportive and caring environment.

“I believe that we are extremely fortunate in Albert Primary to have created such a positive and vibrant environment in which our children can learn.

“It is the dedication and commitment of its staff and everyone associated with the school that makes Albert Primary the school that it is today - successful, happy and continually improving.”