"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst…a spark that creates extraordinary results."
Antoni Hadi

I went on to New Bewerley Community Primary School to talk to Patrick Wilkins, the headteacher, about the challenges he and his team were facing and how we could help. We talked about the really significant challenge Patrick and his team had faced and managed in setting up the new school in its brilliant new building with the SILC partnership, the Children's Centre and the Extended Services agenda in this very disadvantaged bit of Leeds. We also talked about the low standards, the monitoring of teaching and learning, target setting and the intervention strategies they are using.

The school faces a number of real challenges with high levels of mobility, high levels of free schools meals, a significant white working class population and low standards on entry and at the end of Key Stage 2. However, the thing that strikes you as you walk around the incredible building is that this is a healthy and happy school with a calm, purposeful learning environment and a team who are very focused on meeting the needs of their children.

The school also recently won the Royal Institution of Charterered Surveyors Judges Special Award for its Inclusive Environment having been shortlisted for three other categories.

Chris