At Appleby Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that all children benefit from the highest standard of education across the full breadth of the curriculum. At the heart of all aspects of our programme for continued improvement in our curriculum offer is a commitment to ensuring that our teachers continue to develop professionally. Teachers are continually challenged and supported to develop their knowledge of the latest developments in the teaching of the full range of curriculum subjects. A key part of our work has been through our partnership with the Princes Teaching Institute.

“The PTI is an educational charity for all teachers. It believes that all children, irrespective of background or ability, deserve a rich subject-based experience at school - both within and beyond the examination curriculum.

We believe that young people's opportunities in life are maximised by having inspiring teachers, who are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. We allow teachers to rediscover their love of their subject through our various activities and, by bringing passionate teachers together, we encourage school departments to make rigorous curriculum choices, promote teaching beyond the test, and enable schools to forge links with other like-minded schools and academic institutions.”

In 2021 our headteacher worked with colleagues in two other Eden schools to establish the PTI Penrith Primary Hub. The aim of the hub is to facilitate collaboration between schools across the Eden Valley and provide high quality professional development opportunities for teachers to develop their subject knowledge across a wide range of curriculum subjects. In 2023 there are currently 29 active schools in the PTI Penrith Primary Hub. This year our professional development focusses on:

• History
• Art
• Music
• Science
• Geography
• Design and Technology

In 2023, Appleby Primary School was awarded the PTI Primary Mark for our commitment to developing teaching and learning.

In 2024, Appleby Primary School have been shortlisted for the PTI Primary Impact Award for our work in developing teaching and learning in Geography.

"We believe that passionate, motivated teachers are the key to making education excellent."