It always pleases me to see our schools get recognition for their efforts to teach and inspire the children in their care and it is clear that Stockton is getting this right
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families
Stockton Primary School is one of three schools to be recognised nationally for its work with rural communities at a special event next week.
The National College of School Leadership is holding the Rural Schools Event on Friday March 19 at their headquarters in Nottingham.
The event is all about successful leadership in rural settings and Stockton Primary along with two schools from Gloucester and Cumbria - all chosen for their inspiring leaders - will be showcased for their good practice.
The National College visited each of the schools to interview the headteachers and pupils about life in a rural school and to film aspects of the school day. The final cut will be shown to delegates at the conference.
Headteacher Lucie Buran said: “I’m honoured that our school has been chosen as a model for other rural schools in the country.
“We have really enjoyed our involvement with the National College of School Leadership, it was very exciting to have the film crew at the school and I’m looking forward to representing Warwickshire at the important event next week.”
Stockton also has another reason to celebrate having just received the DCSF International Award for their work with a school in Izmir, Turkey where Mrs Buran previously spent time teaching.
The two schools have worked together on several projects including making a DVD about their towns, exchanging presentations for World Children’s Day and a group of thirty pupils from Turkey are due to visit and learn alongside pupils from Stockton in June.
Cultural learning will be furthered with more projects in the pipeline such as filming a Turkish cookery lesson and sending it to Izmir with English instructions, and exchanging problem solving activities in Turkish. Stockton is the only primary school outside the London area to teach Turkish language at KS2.
Mrs Buran added: “I think it is important that children experience faiths and cultures different from their own in order that they value and respect diversity whilst at the same time learning about, and feeling proud of, their local heritage.”
Warwickshire County Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families said: “These are fantastic achievements and my congratulations go to Mrs Buran and everyone at Stockton Primary School. It always pleases me to see our schools get recognition for their efforts to teach and inspire the children in their care and it is clear that Stockton is getting this right.”