Page 13 - Ad Astra Trust Newsletter 2025

West Park Primary

Building a Stronger West Park: A Year of Togetherness, Success and Inclusion
This academic year has marked a new chapter for West Park Primary School, with the arrival of a new Headteacher and
leadership team. From the outset, our shared ambition has been to strengthen the sense of unity within the school and
its wider community - creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
At the heart of this vision has been a commitment to togetherness. Across the school, children have been brought
together through daily play, collaborative activities and whole-school assemblies. These moments have become key

opportunities for reflecting on our new shared values and celebrating individual and collective achievements. They have
played a central role in reinforcing a sense of belonging and pride across all year groups.
Empowering children to lead and have a voice in shaping their school has also been a key priority. This year, pupils have
taken on a range of new leadership roles - from assembly leaders who present current affairs, to the West Park News

team. The school choir has flourished, and the relaunch of the school council has given children a platform to share ideas
and drive positive change. These young leaders have made a tangible impact on school life, including the introduction of
new lunchtime activities such as a duke box style music station, dance club and the creation of a new outdoor lunch space
- designed to give pupils more choice and enjoyment in their week.
Sport has also played an increasingly important role in school life. This year has seen an improved sporting offer, with
more children having an opportunity to take part in either participation or competitive events across the town - including
a headline-grabbing victory for our Year 5/6 cricket team in the town tournament. These opportunities have not only
promoted physical health, but also helped pupils develop confi dence, resilience and teamwork. This is just the beginning
- next year will see the introduction of new sports into the PE curriculum and even greater opportunities for pupils to
participate in competitions, as the school continues to nurture a love for sport and active lifestyles.
Another key focus has been rebuilding the connection between home and school. The response to this year’s initiatives
has been overwhelmingly positive - especially the introduction of our Reading Cafés. It has been a pleasure to see parents,
pupils, and staff learning together in such a joyful and purposeful way. The high levels of engagement and enthusiasm
shown by families have reaffi rmed the importance of shared learning experiences. Parents and carers have also been
warmly welcomed into school through learning showcases, helping to foster greater understanding of the school’s
inclusive ethos. Watch this space for even more opportunities next year, as we continue to grow together.

Inclusion has been at the core of West Park’s values throughout the year, with Inclusion Week standing out as a true
highlight. The school came together to celebrate individuality, neurodiversity, and the importance of belonging. From a
vibrant and fun-fi lled Crazy Hair Day to a stunning whole-school art gallery showcasing self-portraits under the theme

“What Makes Me Unique,” pupils reflected deeply on identity and inclusion. The artwork was even sold to families,
giving children the opportunity to share their creative skills with pride and purpose.
The leadership team remains committed to creating a culture of support, success, and inclusion. With strong foundations
now in place, the future is exciting for the children and families of West Park Primary School.
West Park School is proud to become the lead school for Ad Astra SCITT from September 2025, playing a central role in
shaping the teachers of the future. As a well-established institution with a strong commitment to excellence in education,
West Park will provide aspiring teachers with high-quality training, expert mentorship, and a supportive learning
environment. Through its leadership, the school ensures that trainees receive real-world classroom experience and develop
the skills, confi dence, and passion needed to thrive in modern teaching. By guiding and inspiring the next generation of
educators, West Park School will help to raise standards and make a lasting impact on the future of education.

Mrs Sheffi eld

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