Beacon Primary School in Willenhall has scooped a silver award at the Pearson National Teaching Awards 2024.
The award for “Marking a Difference – Primary School of the Year” was presented to staff following the development of numerous iniativies, including themed corridors, reading corners and a fully functioning bank to help children with life skills.
Mr. Drew, Executive Head Teacher stated that the building has been designed to ensure children receive ‘awe and wonder’ moments at every turn. They continue to make changes so that the children can access the best possible education.
Beacon Primary ensure that reading is prioritised in every corner of the building so that children are absorbed in books and stories.
Mrs. Chandler, Headteacher at Beacon Primary School said, “At Beacon we have many initiatives to support our children, but to help raise aspirations so that children see the value of working and saving. We introduced our own fully functioning bank, complete with trained bank clerks. We have our own currency with minted coins called ‘Beacons’.”
Mrs. Chandler added that the bank promotes financial responsibility and encourages children look after their coins (they earn coins each day) and when it is their weekly visit to the bank, they pay the coins in and can get a statement or balance enquiry.
Not only does the school have its own bank and have corridors that have been described as being in a film studio, but they also have a fully functioning radio station that broadcasts three times a week for the ‘Lunchtime Show.’ The show is written by the children for the children and then presented by the school’s very own radio presenters.
Earlier this year, the school, which is part of The Lighthouse Federation, the largest federation in England was rated by Ofsted as ‘outstanding’ following an inspection in February.
Pupils and staff at Beacon Primary School celebrating their silver award for ‘Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year’ 2024
“I would like to congratulate everyone at Beacon Primary School on this remarkable achievement. This award follows the school’s Ofsted inspection earlier this year and being rated as ‘outstanding’, this is a testament to the work that Beacon Primary is undertaking to make a difference throughout the school community,” said Colleen Male, Executive Director for Children’s Services at Walsall Council.
“The school has been on a transformational journey over the last few years and the learning environment is like no other, helping to raise aspirations of children and inspire them to explore new opportunities, developing life skills along the way.
“Everyone at Beacon should be proud of this award and I look forward to seeing more from them in the months and years ahead.”