A TROWBRIDGE primary school has promoted its assistant principal to

principal.

Helen Adams joined the Oasis Academy

Longmeadow in 2017 as

assistant principal leading teaching and learning.

She has 20 years’ teaching experience and a

proven track record of improving schools’ Ofsted ratings.

Ms Adams said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve the children and families of Oasis Academy Longmeadow as principal.

“Over the last year it has been a pleasure to get to know this community and to work alongside the academy’s teachers and staff; we are looking forward to the school year ahead.

“I am passionate about developing bespoke curricula which meet the particular needs of each school’s community, that they are relevant, empowering and engaging.

“I work closely to build partnerships with parents and the community to develop the curriculum.

“Parents know their children better than anyone, what they will enjoy, what experiences and interests they have.

“We can learn so much from each other.”

John Murphy, chief executive officer of Oasis Community Learning, said: “We are so pleased to have Helen as Oasis Academy Longmeadow’s new principal.

“Last year as a leader she made significant changes that made an impact and enabled our students to thrive in their learning.”

“Under Helen’s leadership, together with a committed team of teachers and staff, the academy is now well placed to continue on its journey to becoming a centre of excellence that the community so richly deserves. We wish Helen the best of luck in her new role as principal.”

In the school’s latest Ofsted visit, inspectors noted that Ms Adams had “provided teachers with effective training and resources to help them improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, and to meet the demands of the new curriculum.

“All classrooms and corridors are colourfully vibrant, celebrating and modelling pupils’ best work. Working walls provide helpful subject information to assist pupils in their learning.”

Last year, in her role as Assistant Principal, Ms Adams prioritised meeting with parents to discuss what opportunities and experiences they think the school should be providing for their children.

She has also been working with local organisations to enrich students’ learning experience and is working hard to put the school at the heart of its local community.

With support from the Trowbridge Museum, Year 5 children took part in a series of activities to help them learn about the town’s history in the woollen industry.

The school has also worked with local police officers and the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service to teach the children how to stay safe.

Ms Adams added: “Working with others in the local area and getting children out and about to explore where they live will enhance our provision.

“It will also help to give children a strong sense that they belong and that they are part of this great community.”

The academy has introduced a new house system to encourage teamwork.The new house names reflect and celebrate part of Trowbridge’s heritage.

The new houses are Carders, Spinners, Weavers and Dyers which represent the woollen industry which was key to the town’s development.

Pupils have also been set a challenge to investigate this history for a competition to design the emblems for each house.

Oasis Academy Longmeadow is hosting open events on Tuesday, November 6 at 5pm and Thursday, November 15 at 9.30am.

Any parents unable to make those dates should call the school on 01225 355511 to book an appointment.

Mike Eatwell, Head of Bristol Teaching Schools Partnership, said: “Helen Adams was determined to make sure all our children loved learning. The exciting curriculum she helped to shape allowed every child to find their talent, and to shine.”