Headteacher’s Welcome
To our wonderful pupils, supportive parents, and community visitors, it is a privilege to lead Gentleshaw Primary Academy. As your Headteacher, my commitment is to ensure that our school is a place where every child is seen, supported and inspired to achieve beyond their imagination. My educational philosophy—the foundation of everything we do—is built upon the belief in the Whole Child Approach and the power of a strong, connected community.
Our Three Pillars of Success
1. Investing in the Whole Child
At Gentleshaw, we believe our duty extends far beyond academic success. We are dedicated to ensuring every pupil is a healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged individual.
Holistic Development: We focus on developing your child's creativity, imagination, compassion, self-knowledge, social skills, and emotional health, laying the foundation for them to become well-rounded, responsible citizens.
A Nurturing Environment: We actively cultivate a powerful sense of community and belonging, where qualities of safety, respect, and caring define our daily interactions. We promote a 'can do' culture that nurtures self-confidence and self-esteem.
2. A Personalised Learning Journey
We recognise that every child comes to us with different strengths, talents, and experiences. Our teaching is designed to be as unique as your child.
Bespoke Provision: We work relentlessly to ensure that every child is developed according to their individual needs, whether they are cognitive, social, emotional, or physical. We believe our responsibility is to teach the way they learn.
Meaningful Curriculum: We make learning relevant and purposeful by using discussion, questioning, experimentation, and active engagement. Our goal is to cultivate critical thinkers who are self-directed and goal-orientated.
Building on Experiences: We value the unique backgrounds and diverse life experiences your child brings to the classroom, using their cultural capital as the foundation for teaching.
3. Partnership is Paramount
Educating the whole child requires families, teachers, and the wider community to come together. This strong partnership is essential for your child's success.
Two-Way Communication: Partnerships with each pupil’s home/family are ongoing and sound. We rely on this two-way communication to ensure that each individual pupil has the best possible provision in school.
Community Engagement: We strongly promote and value close partnerships with other schools and the wider community, as these relationships provide life-changing opportunities and enrich your child’s learning experiences.
I look forward to meeting you all and working together to ensure that every child at Gentleshaw feels challenged, supported, and prepared to live happy, fulfilling, and rewarding lives.
Ms J Ashan
Headteacher, Gentleshaw Primary Academy