Business Details
Your Trusted Primary School in Magherafelt
Castledawson Primary School is a nurturing educational institution dedicated to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. Established to serve children aged 4-11, we prioritise holistic development through a balanced curriculum that integrates academic rigor with character-building values. Our experienced team collaborates closely with parents, governors, and the local community to create a supportive environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. With modern facilities including interactive classrooms, a sports hall, and extensive outdoor learning spaces, we provide diverse opportunities for intellectual curiosity, creativity, and physical well-being. Recognised for our 'high level of capacity for sustained improvement' in the 2016 ETI inspection, we continually strive to enhance teaching standards while maintaining a strong focus on pupil well-being and safety.Our commitment to innovation ensures students develop essential life skills, including resilience and adaptability, preparing them for future challenges. Through partnerships like our Shared Education initiative with New Row St Patricks Primary School, we promote inclusivity and cultural understanding. The schools eco-friendly ethos and participation in programmes like Rights Respecting Schools reflect our dedication to global citizenship. With a staff of five teachers and experienced classroom assistants, we maintain small class sizes to ensure individualised attention. Our vision combines tradition with forward-thinking approaches, ensuring every childs educational journey at Castledawson is both enriching and memorable.
Services
Primary Education
Nursery Provision
After-School Clubs
Outdoor Learning
Special Educational Needs Support
Highlights and features
- We have dedicated teachers with extensive experience in primary education.
- Our curriculum integrates outdoor learning and technology-enhanced teaching methods.
- We maintain strong partnerships with parents and local community organisations.
- Recognised for sustained improvement in the 2016 ETI inspection report.
- We provide specialist support for pupils through our Nurture Room provision.
Associations and certifications
- Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI)
Services
Primary Education
Our primary education programme delivers the Northern Ireland Curriculum through engaging, child-centred approaches. With five mixed-age classrooms, we provide structured learning in core subjects alongside creative arts, physical education, and digital literacy. Our experienced teachers employ differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs while fostering independence and critical thinking skills.
Nursery Provision
The nursery class offers foundation stage education for 3-4 year olds, focusing on play-based learning and social development. Our qualified staff create stimulating environments that promote language acquisition, motor skills, and early numeracy through structured activities and free exploration.
After-School Clubs
We provide a variety of after-school clubs covering sports, arts, STEM activities, and cultural experiences. These clubs extend learning beyond the classroom while supporting working families through supervised, enriching activities until 17:30 on school days.
Outdoor Learning
Our outdoor learning programme utilises extensive playgrounds and local natural resources to deliver curriculum-linked experiences. Children engage in environmental studies, team-building challenges, and physical activities that develop resilience and appreciation for nature.
Special Educational Needs Support
The Nurture Room provides targeted support for pupils with additional learning needs through individualised education plans. Our specialist teacher and classroom assistants work collaboratively with mainstream classes to ensure inclusive learning opportunities and gradual reintegration.
People
Mrs Marina McCusker
Principal
Mrs McCusker leads Castledawson Primary with over 20 years' experience in primary education. She champions inclusive learning environments and community partnerships, driving continuous improvement since her appointment.
Questions
What age groups does Castledawson Primary School cater for?
We educate children aged 4-11 years across five mixed-age primary classes, including a dedicated nursery provision for 3-4 year olds.
How does the school support pupil well-being?
We prioritise mental health through our Nurture Room provision, pastoral care programmes, and partnerships with local support services to address individual needs.
Are there extracurricular activities available?
We offer diverse after-school clubs covering sports, arts, STEM, and cultural activities, operating until 17:30 on school days.
What facilities does the school have?
Our facilities include five interactive classrooms, a sports/dining hall, two playgrounds with equipment, and outdoor learning spaces adjacent to Boyne Row pitch.
How does the school engage with the community?
We maintain strong partnerships with local organisations, governors, and parents while participating in Shared Education initiatives with New Row St Patrick’s Primary School.
What inspection results has the school achieved?
Our 2016 ETI inspection rated us as having a 'high level of capacity for sustained improvement', reflecting our commitment to educational excellence.
