Aldborough Primary school achieves 100% in reading tests
A governm
ent minister of state has written to a North Norfolk primary school to praise its high standards in reading.
Aldborough Primary School, which lies between Aylsham and Holt, achieved 100% in its key stage 2 reading tests. The Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP, minister of state for school standards, noted that the result put Aldborough in the top 1% of schools nationally.
“Thank you for your hard work and professionalism in producing such high standards,” he said in his letter to head teacher Tina Casburn, “and congratulations to you and your staff for all you have achieved.”
It’s not the first time the school’s reading has been noted. The UEA regularly sends groups of education students to see how the school teaches reading, and schools from other parts of Norfolk have come to learn about its unusual approach.
“Reading should be a pleasure – we focus on that and it brings results,” says Mrs Casburn. “At the heart of our teaching is group reading – where pupils in small groups, led by an adult, read and discuss a book. We don’t use reading schemes, we don’t focus too much on phonics. It flies against most conventional thinking but, believe it or not, if you give a child decent books, and nurture their ability to really understand them, they actually enjoy reading.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the school should call the office on 01263 761264 or email office@aldborough.norfolk.sch.uk.
Press contact: Tina Casburn, Head Teacher or
Tim Morgan, school governor, 07947 280137