Pupils from Priorswood Primary School thoroughly enjoyed an exciting and educational trip to We The Curious in Bristol.
We The Curious is a leading interactive science centre and educational charity located on Bristol’s harbourside. Formerly known as At-Bristol, it features more than 200 hands-on exhibits, a 3D planetarium, and a range of engaging live science shows designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
During their visit, pupils had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of activities and experiments. Highlights included running on a wheel to power a waterfall, making mint tea, experiencing space in the planetarium, creating giant bubbles, producing their own animations, and even meeting a robot.
Throughout the day, all pupils demonstrated the school’s values brilliantly. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and excellent behaviour were a credit to the school.
A spokesperson said: “We are incredibly proud of how our pupils represented Priorswood School during this visit.
“They showed fantastic curiosity, teamwork, and respect while engaging with the many interactive experiences on offer.
“Trips like this are invaluable in bringing learning to life and inspiring a love of science and discovery.”
Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from Priorswood Primary School recently took part in an exciting Dodgeball tournament organised by the Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP).
The team, formed through the school’s thriving after-school dodgeball club, represented Priorswood with exceptional enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Staff from SASP and teachers from other schools praised Priorswood’s pupils not only for their impressive play, but also for the outstanding support they offered to others. In true Priorswood spirit, team members even stepped in to join other schools when needed, showcasing kindness, confidence, and community values.
The success of the tournament highlights the positive impact of commitment to extracurricular clubs, giving pupils both the skills and motivation to achieve beyond the classroom while working towards exciting goals.
Teacher and club leader Mr Ripley said: “The children played absolutely fantastically tonight, and I could not be prouder of them.
“Their skills, teamwork and respect were outstanding from start to finish. This evening also wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our amazing parents helping with lifts, so thank you again for giving up your time.”
A huge thank you to Miss Hickey, who came along to support the team and who helps to lead our incredibly successful dodgeball club each week. She has made sure the children never miss a session and has stepped in to lead Mr Ripley hasn’t been available.
Priorswood Primary School is incredibly proud of all the pupils who took part and looks forward to many more sporting achievements ahead.
Four Year 6 students from Priorswood Primary School attended a Mini Model United Nations event held at Queen’s College, Taunton.
Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation where groups of students represent different countries and debate global issues.
Priorswood’s four students represented Brazil and Spain, focusing on how the world should respond to climate change and natural disasters.
After conducting research on their chosen countries in the morning, the students took part in afternoon debates, presenting Brazil and Spain’s perspectives with enthusiasm and insight.
They joined around 50 students from Taunton and the surrounding area, showcasing excellent teamwork and communication skills throughout the event. Priorswood Primary School performed brilliantly, and students Dolly and Nalah won the Best Delegation Award for their outstanding representation of Brazil.
They spoke with confidence, demonstrated respect for others’ opinions, and engaged thoughtfully in the discussions.
Lucy Davis, Assistant Principal at Priorswood Primary School, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for the way they represented both Priorswood and their assigned countries.
“They showed maturity, curiosity, and real passion when discussing complex global issues.
“Winning the Best Delegation Award is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their hard work and enthusiasm for learning.”
Pupils and staff at Priorswood Primary School were treated to an unforgettable experience when a tethered hot air balloon was brought to the school grounds as part of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta’s Schools Tether Roadshow.
The roadshow aims to inspire young minds by showcasing the science, engineering, and teamwork involved in hot air ballooning. The balloon remained securely tethered, offering pupils the rare opportunity to get up close, explore its vibrant design, and learn about the different parts of a hot air balloon.
Carly Ellis, Principal of Priorswood Primary School, said: “Seeing a tethered hot air balloon is a lovely experience for children.
“It’s captivating size and vibrant colours create a sense of wonder and excitement.
“The balloon’s presence as a centrepiece at events, along with the educational opportunity to learn about the science of flight, makes it a memorable and engaging experience.
“Our school community would like to thank everyone involved.”
The school extended special thanks to Albert Goodman and the Bristol Balloon Fiesta team for their incredible support in making this event possible.
Priorswood Primary School was selected in the Lawn Tennis Association’s schools ballot, with outdoor education lead Jake Ripley and staff member Emily Griffin accompanying the students to the world-famous tournament.
To read the full story on the Somerset Gazette website click here.
Priorswood Primary School celebrated a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after winning tickets to the world-famous Wimbledon Championships through the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) schools ballot.
Outdoor Education Lead Jake Ripley entered the school into the LTA ballot earlier this year, joining thousands of other schools across the country. The school was thrilled to discover they had been selected, granting them a chance to witness tennis history in the making.
Jake Ripley and fellow staff member Emily Griffin accompanied eight lucky pupils on an unforgettable trip to Wimbledon, where the group enjoyed fantastic seats on Court Number 1.
Pupils were captivated by the world-class tennis and soaked up the electric atmosphere of the iconic sporting event.
Jake said: “We couldn’t be prouder – not just because of the opportunity, but because of how our children represented Priorswood.
“Members of the public approached our staff to praise their manners and behaviour, showing real Priorswood citizenship throughout the day.
“The experience was a remarkable milestone for pupils, many of whom had never seen live tennis before. It’s a day they’ll remember for years to come. What an unforgettable experience and one we know they’ll treasure forever.”
Pupils at Priorswood Primary School received a hands-on experience in bike safety and maintenance, thanks to a visit from local company On Your Bike.
As part of their commitment to promoting safe and sustainable travel, On Your Bike offered all pupils a free 40-point bike check and minor repairs, ensuring their bikes were road-ready.
Additionally, the team ran engaging workshops for Year 5 and 6 pupils, covering essential topics such as road safety, basic bike maintenance, and how to repair a puncture.
Carly Ellis, Head of School at Priorswood Primary, said: “We are thrilled to partner with On Your Bike for such an impactful event.
“These workshops have not only taught our pupils practical skills but also instilled a sense of confidence and independence when it comes to cycling.
“It’s been wonderful to see them so enthusiastic and engaged.”
The day highlighted the importance of cycling as a healthy and eco-friendly mode of transportation, equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe on the roads.
A glowing Ofsted report which praised Priorswood Primary School for its ‘strong team’ and ‘significant improvement’ has seen the school presented with an important community award.
Taunton’s Priorswood – which joined the CLF in January – was rated as ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted inspectors, who highlighted staff as ‘effective role models’ who make the school ‘a calm and purposeful place to learn’.
In assessing the school, inspectors spent two days meeting with leaders, teachers and pupils, scrutinising practice and policy, and monitoring pupil behaviour and teaching in key subject areas.
The report from lead inspector Leanne Thirlby offered positive feedback on Priorswood’s ‘ambitious’ curriculum, ‘clear and structured’ SEND provision, and ‘effective’ safeguarding.
The report said: “Pupils at Priorswood Primary are proud to be members of their school. They enjoy coming to school, feel safe and attend well.
“Pupils show positive attitudes to their learning. Pupils conduct themselves well around the school. Pupils show a high level of respect for their peers and staff.
“The school has improved significantly in recent years. Staffing is now stable. As a result, there is greater consistency across the curriculum, including expectations of the pupils. Staff feel they are part of a strong team.”
And it is the team at Priorswood which was celebrated this week, with the presentation of a Civic Award by Taunton Town Council.
The award – which aims to recognise and celebrate Taunton organisations which ‘go above and beyond in their daily work for, and with, their community’ – was presented to Headteacher Carly Ellis and Priorswood staff in recognition of ‘the efforts made over the last year in achieving a significantly improved OFSTED report’.
At the presentation, councillor Nick O’Donnell heralded the Priorswood team and other award recipients for ‘their commitment to making Taunton a great place to live and work’.
He said: “It was a privilege to present certificates of thanks to so many of our inspiring residents, people who go the extra mile, with no expectation of recognition, but whom we should nevertheless acknowledge and applaud.”
Priorswood Head of School Carly Ellis said: “I am incredibly proud of the team at Priorswood, and it was a privilege to be asked to attend the Town Council meeting where the team’s dedication was recognised for its positive contribution to the community.
“We have been on quite a journey over the past five years, and I am looking forward to continuing the improvements to ensure that the children attending our school get the very best.
“As a team, we have moved the school forward and transformed Priorswood into a calm, safe and happy place to learn. I am very excited about the future.”
March already? It always surprises me how quickly the school year passes! We have spent much time since our inspection in November, reflecting on the comments made in the report and discussions that took place during the two days. We have made lots of positive changes in children’s wider development and have an established School Council Team as well as a Well-being Team – both of which were in their infancy when Ofsted visited. Mrs Fitzsimmons and Mrs Tanner are doing a great job at leading these teams. We are also looking at our curriculum and how we can enhance this further.
In reflection to our recent Parent Survey, we have made many decisions which will improve our school further. Thank you to all the parents who completed the survey and left comments. The comments left, allow us to understand some of the outcomes more clearly, so thank you. We will send a comment out on Dojo shortly with all the survey findings and our actions to improve. However, seeing as I am writing in the newsletter, I would like to share the responses to the question, ‘Which of the following do you find the most useful methods of communication from school?’ 90% of parents said that they find Dojo the most useful method. Only 5% of parents have said that the monthly newsletter is a useful method of communication. We have had similar feedback for some time now and have persevered. However, in future, you will receive the monthly newsletter with all the information you would normally receive except the class information which will continue to be uploaded to Dojo and then placed on the class pages on the website.
I am looking forward to all the Easter festivities which you will share with you are soon as they are confirmed.
