Glyncoed Primary School Prospectus 2018

Glyncoed Primary School

June 2018

Dear Parents,

We are delighted to welcome you and your child to our school. In the following pages you will find information about the day to day running of the school, along with some of the aims and expectations we have for each child. We hope your child will enjoy being with us and will gain confidence through his/her own achievements.

We aim to work alongside parents in an atmosphere of cooperation and goodwill, laying sound educational foundations and fostering growth in personal development.

Please feel free to consult me or any member of staff if you need to discuss any aspect of your child’s life at school.

Yours sincerely,

Mr G Walters Acting Headteacher

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Glyncoed Primary School TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter to Parents

1

Health and Safety

12

Table of Contents

2

Health and Accidents

12

About the School

3

Medicines

12

Contact Details

4

School Meal Arrangements

12

Session Times

4

Car Parking

13

Mission Statement

5

Additional Services

13

Our Aims and Policy for learning

5

Educational Visits and Activities

13

Welcoming arrangements for New Parents

6

Incentives

13

The Governing Body

6

School Council

13

Admissions

8

Complaints Procedure

13

Liaison with Parents

8

Breakfast Club

13

Transfer of Pupils

8

Staff

14

Classroom organisation

8

The Curriculum and Related matters

15

School Uniform

9

Additional Needs (ALN) policy

16

Kit for PE and Games

9

Able children

16

Jewellery

9

Foundation Phase Education

16

Lost Property

9

Key Stage 2 Education

17

Entering the school

10

Swimming

19

Late Arrivals

10

Religious Education

19

Absence from school

10

ESD/GC

19

Appointments during school hours

10

Sex and Relationships Education

19

Home Details

10

Sport

20

Holidays in term time

10

Homework

20

Parents in school

11

Statutory Assessment

20

Newsletters

11

Term Dates

20

Bullying

11

Attendance Information

20

11

Statutory Assessment Data

21

Safeguarding Looked After Children

11

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

12

Equal Opportunities

12

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Glyncoed Primary School About the School Glyncoed Primary School is a community primary school situated in the Glyncoed area of Ebbw Vale. It was established as a new school in 2001 after the amalgamation of the infants and junior schools.

The school has 370 pupils aged 3 to 11 years old, which includes children who attend the nursery on a part-time basis. Nearly 60% of pupils come from outside the catchment area.

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Glyncoed Primary School

GLYNCOED PRIMARY SCHOOL BADMINTON GROVE, EBBW VALE, BLAENAU GWENT NP23 5UL Telephone No: 01495 302402 E-mail: glyncoed.primary@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk Website: www.glyncoedp.com Twitter: @GlyncoedP Acting Headteacher: Mr G Walters

SCHOOL SESSION TIMES Nursery Morning: 9.00am – 11.30am Afternoon: 12.30pm – 3.00pm Foundation Phase Morning: 9.00 –12.00 p.m.

Afternoon: 1.00 - 3.00 p.m.

Key Stage 2 Morning: 9.00 - 12.00 a.m.

Afternoon: 1.00 - 3.15 p.m.

There will be a morning break for pupils.

Children should not arrive at school too early, as there is no one to assume responsibility before 8.55 a.m. (except for those pupils attending breakfast club). A free breakfast club runs every day from 8.10-9.00 a.m. Children may arrive for breakfast club between 8.10 and 8.40 a.m.

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Glyncoed Primary School

Our Mission Statement: Creating firm foundations.

Our Aims and Policy for Learning At Glyncoed Primary School we believe that in order to learn effectively children need to feel happy and secure. Our first aim, therefore, is to create the conditions conducive to learning. We seek to create a warm, welcoming, friendly atmosphere and to instil in each child a clear sense of belonging. The sense of security we wish to promote is reinforced by our practice.

We aim to create a learning environment in which each child can thrive. Every teacher is committed to ensuring that his/her classroom contains the necessary designated areas of learning, is visually stimulating in terms of display and resources, arouses and maintains the curiosity of the children and offers experiences which are varied and challenging and designed to develop enquiring minds and a creative approach to problem solving. It is also our collective responsibility to ensure that the whole school environment is aesthetically pleasing. Where children are identified as having additional needs, we aim to be sensitive to their needs.

The curriculum we offer is broad, balanced and differentiated. We provide a carefully planned syllabus via a topic based approach. As a staff we plan carefully to ensure that the key skills of Literacy and Numeracy will be developed through the National Curriculum.

Emphasis is therefore placed on the acquisition of these skills and also on their application across the curriculum areas.

Children will experience a variety of teaching styles - whole class, differentiated or mixed ability groups and individual approaches. Provision is made for our children to develop creativity, agility and physical co-ordination by encouraging them to express their ideas, needs and emotions in a variety of media.

The school is mainly Christian in character and aspects of world religions are taught. A child’s understanding of the community and the world in which he/she lives is developed through personal, social, moral and spiritual areas of learning in our school. The interdependence of individuals, groups, societies and nations and of the cultural and religious diversity of society is reflected in the life of our school. We seek to develop in each child a respect for the religious and moral values of others and acceptance of other races, religions and ways of life.

We aim to make each child as independent as possible. To achieve this, we adopt a number of strategies to enhance self-esteem. Every child needs to be successful in some way and to have something of value to offer. We believe, as teachers, we must endeavour to identify every child’s particular talents through praise.

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Glyncoed Primary School

Glyncoed is part of an established community and co-operation between school and parents is something we wish to encourage. It is our belief that parents are an integral part of their child’s education and we are here to guide that process. Good relationships between home and school create a common purpose in the children’s learning.

Welcoming Arrangements for New Parents Prospective parents are invited to visit the school, meet the Headteacher and be shown around. All questions will be answered honestly and openly.

Parents of the new reception and nursery intake are invited to a meeting where they will learn what to expect when their child starts school. These meetings are a chance for us to work in partnership to promote a smooth start to school for your child.

Parents of Y3 pupils are invited to attend an intake meeting prior to the child starting in Key Stage 2 in order to prepare for a smooth transition.

The Governing Body The Governing body is responsible for the strategic direction of the school. There are representatives from the parents, the staff (teaching and non-teaching), the local authority and the community. Parent Governors are elected by the parents of the school. The day to day running of the school is delegated to the Headteacher.

Glyncoed Primary School has an excellent Governing body with whom we enjoy a rewarding working relationship based on informed partnership. A list of current governors is included on the following page.

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Glyncoed Primary School

Our Governing Body Governor

Name

Parent Representatives

Mr J. Whitcher (chair) Mr S. Sheen Mr M. Blatchford Mrs B. McPherson

Community Governors

Mr N. Zeraschi (vice-chair) Mr C. Blatchford Mr D. Yandle

LA Representatives

Mrs A. Roberts Mr M. Smith Cllr. C. Meredith

Teacher Representatives

Mrs L Thomas

Staff Representative

Mrs N Atkinson

Headteacher

Mrs R. Sims

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Glyncoed Primary School Admissions The school operates within the agreed admissions policy as laid down by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. If there is space in the necessary year group a child will be admitted. The LEA is responsible for all admissions and making decisions that will reflect considerations related to school numbers and the effective education within any class or year group. A copy of the full admissions policy is available on request from the school office.

Liaison with Parents It is very important that a good relationship is maintained between the school and parents.

A ‘Parents and Children Together (PACT)’ session will take place in the Autumn Term, specifically so that parents can visit the school and look at their child’s work. This is followed in October with a formal consultation (parents’ evening) with the class teacher when your child’s progress and attainments are discussed. Additional parents’’ evenings will be offered in the Spring term to discuss your child’s development and targets. Reports will be issued in July.

In addition to this you may make an appointment to see a teacher or the Headteacher at any time. A copy of our Parents’ Consultation Procedure is available on the website or from the school office.

Transfer of Pupils We are a feeder school for the Ebbw Fawr Learning Community. At eleven years old the majority of children will transfer here. Liaison arrangements include visits by children and parents during the summer term prior to entry and lessons at our school delivered by our colleagues from EFLC. The emphasis is on a pleasant transition that promotes independence and confidence in our pupils.

Classroom Organisation Children may work as individuals, in groups or as a class. It is usual for different groups of children to be following different activities within the classroom at the same time. A high priority is placed on helping children to become self-reliant and self-disciplined and to develop skills as independent learners. The progression of much of the National Curriculum is geared towards independent learning.

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Glyncoed Primary School School Uniform The school and Governing Body strongly recommend the wearing of school uniform.

Girls

Grey skirt / pinafore dress/grey trousers White blouse Red school sweater or cardigan School tie Black shorts and house colour T-shirt (for P.E. days) Black shoes

Summer Uniform

Red and white check gingham dresses

Boys

Grey trousers White shirt Red school sweater Black shorts and house colour T-shirt (for P.E. days) School tie Black shoes

Summer Uniform

Grey or black shorts White polo shirts Many items are available from the school office. Please ask for details.

Nursery children are encouraged to wear the school jogging suit For health and safety reasons we discourage open-toed sandals or backless shoes.

Kit for PE and Games PE (indoor): black shorts and house colour T-shirt Games (outdoor): as above with trainers. In the winter months tracksuit trousers and a sweatshirt are recommended.

Shirts and shorts with the school logo on them are available from the school office.

It would be helpful if a PE bag is provided clearly marked with the child’s name.

For swimming, a suitable swimming costume and towel must be provided. A waterproof, named bag to carry kit is recommended. Two piece costumes or Bermuda style shorts are not permitted by the LEA swimming teacher.

Jewellery Jewellery should be limited to one stud earring in each ear and a watch. All jewellery must be removed for all PE lessons Lost Property Any mislaid items will be left in our lost property box. Small or valuable items are handed into the office. Please make sure all uniform is clearly labelled with your child’s name.

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Glyncoed Primary School Entering the school All pupils may enter school at 9.00 a.m. either through the pupil entrance (KS2), the Nursery entrance or the class entrances from the patio (FP).

Late arrivals If your child arrives after the school session has begun please take them to the school office to register. Other school entrances will be closed at 9.00 a.m. promptly.

Good Attendance This is the secret to your child’s success. Good attendance is anything above 95%. Parents are legally responsible for ensuring their child attends school and your child will thank you one day for encouraging them to attend and achieve good results. Celebrate your child’s attendance achievements when they are rewarded for good attendance at school.

Remember…  Term Time Holidays Blaenau Gwent Council has introduced a policy in all school across the borough which states that Headteachers may authorise absence for up to 10 days of holidays during term time if your child’s attendance is over 95%.  Unauthorised Absence This means that the school won’t endorse the time your child has been away from school.

For example significant lateness, holidays taken during term time or absences with no explanation.  Attendance Panels Families with a pattern of significant absence – authorised or unauthorised – may be invited to meet with the headteacher and Education Welfare Officer, Mrs Cath Mapps.  Missed Minutes As little as 15 minutes late every day is equal to two weeks of lost learning per year!

Absence from School Please telephone the school if your child is absent for any reason. If the school is not told of the reason for a child’s absence an unauthorised absence will be recorded for your child and will appear on their report at the end of the year.

Appointments during school hours It is often the case that dental and medical appointments for children can be arranged outside school hours. Please give prior notice by letter of the appointment if it is within school hours and collect your child from the office. Similarly, on return to school please call at the office to register arrival.

Home details Please ensure that we have home address and daytime contact numbers for your child. It is vital that we have this information and that it is kept up to date. Please notify the office with any changes to the information. If a change of address also involves a change of school please let us have the details so that we can forward important information.

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Glyncoed Primary School Parents in School Parents are welcome at Glyncoed Primary. We value your co-operation and assistance. You may have time and skills that will be useful to the development of the children. Please contact the Deputy Head or a class teacher if you would like to help.

Communication In addition to letters from your child’s teacher regarding trips, visits etc., we aim to keep in touch with all parents on a regular basis via newsletter, text service, our website and twitter feed.

Bullying Bullying is the wilful conscious desire to hurt, threaten or frighten someone else over a period of time. We will not tolerate bullying at Glyncoed because this type of aggression (either physical, verbal or psychological) is very damaging to children. We endeavour to foster an honest and positive relationship between children and staff. Children should be unafraid to share problems with teachers. There may well be occasions when the mechanism outlined above fails to be effective. In such circumstances parents are asked to contact the school.

Safeguarding All staff and governors at Glyncoed Primary have received appropriate training in identifying causes for concern and following safeguarding protocols laid down in the All Wales Child Protection Procedures document. In some circumstances it may be necessary for school to share concerns about a child’s safety with other agencies without informing parents first.

We are obliged to ensure that the safety of the child is paramount in any decision making process, including the decision to refer a child potentially at risk from abuse to Social Services. Please contact the headteacher if you would like further information. The link Governor for safeguarding is Mrs Andrea Roberts.

The school works in partnership with many agencies, including the School Health Nurse, Social Services and the police Community Liaison Team. Where appropriate, members of these partnership agencies will be invited into school to speak with pupils in classes, groups or occasionally individually.

Looked After Children Mr G Walters (Acting Headteacher) is the member of staff with responsibility for the achievement of looked after children.

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Glyncoed Primary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) The school has a PTA and has benefited enormously from its fund raising activities. The association has raised considerable sums towards various school projects. The many events organised by them include quiz nights, bingo and discos. There are many activities in school which cannot run without the support of parents. Please come along and help, everyone is welcome.

Equal Opportunities The school has a Strategic Equality policy, which encourages full access to school life and the curriculum. The school’s policy states that we want all our pupils to achieve their full potential.

Staff and Governors at the school are committed to this aim. This policy is available upon request from the school office.

Health and Safety The school aims to maintain a safe and secure school environment for all staff and pupils. The entrances are locked for security during the school day. Parents are welcome to visit the school by appointment, signing in at the school office first.

Health and Accidents Please inform us of any special medical conditions, allergies or disabilities that your child may have as well as any special circumstances we should be aware of.

The school has a qualified, designated First Aider. If your child becomes ill at school or has an accident we shall make every possible attempt to contact you so that they can be taken home or to the relevant medical centre. If your child receives a bump to the head you will always be informed, however minor. If the accident is unfortunately serious we may take the child directly to Hospital or call an ambulance.

Medicines It is normally unnecessary for children to continue with medication during school time with the exception of asthma inhalers. Please ensure that a spare inhaler is kept in school and labelled with your child’s name. The school policy for asthma is available for inspection by parents. If, however, it is absolutely essential for your child to have prescription medicine during the school day the medication must be delivered to the Headteacher/office by the parent not the child, with precise instructions for use. At such time the parent will be asked to sign an administration of prescribed medicine indemnification form.

School Meals Arrangements The school offers a traditional school menu based on flexibility and quality, offering a variety of healthy food. Children, apart from those entitled to free meals, should bring their money daily in a sealed named envelope. Envelopes are available at a small cost from the school office.

Copies of the school menus are posted in every classroom. You may send in a packed lunch if you so wish but no glass containers, cans or fizzy drinks are permitted. We now operate on a cashless system.

At break time junior children may purchase a snack from the fruit tuck shop. They may, of course, bring their own healthy snack from home. Sweets are not permitted. Pupils in the Foundation Phase pay a contribution each week for a daily healthy snack supplied by the school.

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Glyncoed Primary School

Car Parking The school car park is for staff or school transport. We ask you to park your car well away from the school entrance. Some cars are allowed to enter the school grounds if children have medical or mobility problems at the discretion of the Headteacher. Please do not park illegally outside our school.

Additional Services If you are in receipt of income support, you could be eligible for free meals and a uniform grant.

Contact the office if you would like more information; all enquiries will be treated in confidence.

Educational Visits and Activities To enhance the curriculum children may be taken on day visits, locally or further afield. You will always be notified in advance. The school may ask for a voluntary contribution to help cover some of the costs. The school also undertakes a residential trip for Year 6 children. This is an outdoor pursuit’s venture that links with the National Curriculum.

Incentives We endeavour to celebrate children’s achievements each week, whether academic, behavioural or positive in any way. Children can earn golden certificates, raffle tickets, stickers, house points, behaviour stars, special notes home etc.

School Council The council consists of representatives from years 2 to 6 who meet regularly to discuss issues relating to the school. They report to the school management and their views are taken into account.

Complaints Procedure If you have any concerns about any aspect of school life first contact the class teacher. If you feel the concern needs to be taken further please make an appointment to see the Headteacher or another senior member of staff. You may take your concerns further, if necessary, by writing to the Headteacher and – if your concern is not resolved – to the chairman of the Governing body.

Finally, you may wish to contact the LEA who would consult with the Headteacher and Governing body. A full copy of the school’s complaints policy is available on request from the school office.

Breakfast Club We offer a free breakfast club to all age groups each day from 8.10 a.m. Children go straight to class from breakfast club for the start of school. A range of nutritious breakfast foods is on offer together with social games and activities. A form to join breakfast club is available from the school office.

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Glyncoed Primary School STAFF Mr G Walters – Acting Headteacher

Teaching:

Support Staff:

Office:

Mrs N. Bartlett – Acting Deputy Head Teacher Miss C. Walters – Leader for FP Mr I. Drake – Leader for Additional Needs Mrs A. Atkins Mrs L. Cook Mrs F. Cronin Mrs K. Cross Mrs L Caniff (Acting Leader for FP) Ms. C. Probert Mrs L Chislett Mrs L. Thomas

Mrs N. Atkinson Mrs R. Brace Mrs Y. Bruten Mrs D. Davies Mrs S. George Mrs R. Bromley Mrs F. Lewis Mrs S. Pritchard Mrs A. Thomas Mrs S. Williams Miss C. Woods Mrs. J. Whyatt Miss L. Edwards

Mrs P Blackmore Ms C. Cadwallader Site Manager: Mr L. Griffiths Midday Supervisors: Mrs M. Morgan Mrs N. Yandle Mrs C. Evans Ms H. Matthews Mrs N. Yandle Mrs M Robins Mrs L Clancy Miss A Phillips Mr R John

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Glyncoed Primary School

THE CURRICULUM AND RELATED MATTERS The National Curriculum provides Teachers with clear objectives Children with identifiable learning targets Parents with accurate assessment There are seven discrete age groups and the curriculum is divided into:Foundation Phase Ages 3-7 years

Key Stage 2 Ages 7-11 years

Core subjects

Literacy, Language and Communication Mathematical Development Personal and Social Development, Well Being and Cultural Diversity

Maths English Science

Other subjects

Welsh Language Development Knowledge and Understanding of the World Physical Development Creative Development

Information Technology Welsh Technology History Geography Music Physical Education Religious Education Art

Opportunities will be given to teaching the foundation subjects on a regular basis throughout the school. Many of the skills your children will require will be covered during their school career, e.g. skills taught in year 2 in certain areas would be revisited and extended in year 4. This will ensure that important skills are learnt and built upon over time.

The organisation will be by single age class groups where possible, but current numbers necessitate some mixed age classes. Children will be taught in a variety of ways appropriate to the subject matter or skill and their ability.

Topic Teaching In order to make our curriculum more relevant to our pupils we teach through topics. We have ensured that we are covering all of the National Curriculum in a rolling programme so pupils will revisit core areas at a higher level as they move through the school. So far evidence has shown a renewed interest by the pupils. They like the topics and have enjoyed learning in depth, about each topic, through all curriculum areas.

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Glyncoed Primary School Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Policy ALN is co-ordinated throughout the mainstream school by Mr I. Drake.

The school has a clear policy (drawn up in the light of the Code of Practice introduced in 1994) that defines Special Needs as children who: • are gifted; • have specific learning difficulties; • have social and emotional problems; • have physical difficulties; • have behavioural problems.

Each class teacher identifies, assesses and provides appropriate strategies, including differentiation, to meet the child’s additional needs. When necessary, Special Needs Assistance will be given and advice sought from outside agencies, if appropriate. All children with additional needs will be given access to the National Curriculum. Parents who are interested can ask for a copy of the full ALN policy from the school office and we are happy to discuss any aspect.

Able Children Many children have abilities above average and we now clearly identify their needs and provide appropriate challenges and experiences in many subject areas.

Foundation Phase Education In Wales this will cover the time that your child starts nursery until the time they move to year three. Children are given space and time to play and discover things for themselves via carefully planned activities. Below is a list of the areas of learning they will cover: Personal, Social Development, Well Being and Cultural Diversity Your child will learn to be self-confident, take an interest in things, know what their own needs are, tell the difference between right and wrong, and be able to dress and undress.

Language, Literacy and Communication Skills Children are immersed in language experiences and activities. Their skills develop through talking, signing/communicating and listening. They are encouraged to communicate their needs, feelings and thoughts, retell experiences and discuss individual and group play and are encouraged to listen and respond to others, to the variety of life experiences that their peers bring to the learning environment, and to a range of stimuli, including audio-visual material and ICT interactive software. Children have opportunities to choose and use reading materials, understand the conventions of print and books and be given a wide range of opportunities to enjoy mark-making and writing experiences.

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Glyncoed Primary School Mathematical Development During the Foundation Phase, children develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of mathematics through oral, practical and play activities. They will enjoy using and applying mathematics in practical tasks, in real-life problems, and within mathematics itself. They use a variety of ICT resources as tools for exploring number, for obtaining real-life data and for presenting their findings.

Welsh Language Development Your child will learn to use and communicate in Welsh to the best of their ability through different types of play, practical activities and a range of stimuli.

Knowledge & Understanding of the World Your child will explore and find out about the world around them, asking questions about it.

They will build with different materials, know about everyday technology and learn what it is used for. They will find out about past events in their lives and their families’ lives. They will find out about different cultures and beliefs.

Physical Development Your child will learn to move confidently, controlling their body and handling equipment.

Creative Development Your child will explore colours and shapes, trying out dance, making things, telling stories and making music.

Key Stage 2 English Our principle aim is to enable children to communicate clearly and effectively, in written and spoken word. Children are encouraged to read a wide variety of reading material daily.

We teach phonics through the ‘Read, Write Inc’ approach. This is a structured synthetic phonics approach involving children accessing work at their own ability through carefully organised groups. Children receive weekly reading homework.

Maths There is a daily maths lesson. The Numeracy Framework emphasises the need for a child to be able to use a range of approaches in their mathematics. This leads to better mental ability and confidence in maths. We encourage the children to learn the multiplication tables as soon as they are able, as this aids them considerably.

Science Science themes are taught in a rolling programme, which means that each child will revisit a topic many times in their education at Glyncoed Primary School. Each time they revisit a theme, it should be at a higher level of understanding than before. We aim to enable children to appreciate and understand their world in a scientific manner. Children learn the skills of observing and measuring accurately, predicting, experimenting, classifying, recording and communicating their experiences.

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Glyncoed Primary School

Information and Communication Technology- ICT Our vision for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is to embed the subject throughout the whole school community. Innovative technologies, where they add value, will be embraced. Existing skills, knowledge and understanding will be built upon, enabling all staff and learners to use ICT resources effectively.

ICT is a vital component of today’s life. Considerable advances have been made within the school and every child has access to technology to enhance many areas of the curriculum.

For example, every pupils has access to technologies including laptops and iPads.

History and Geography Each year group has different historical and geographical themes to learn about. Detailed planning has ensured that vital skills are taught in preparation for future work.

Technology This is a very practical subject, including designing and making in a variety of ways. Children are taught to look carefully around them and see designs and why those designs have become popular.

Welsh Our teachers, with the support of the Welsh Advisory Teacher who visits regularly, teach Welsh to all pupils. Incidental Welsh is used in all classes throughout the school.

Cwricwlwmm Cymreig In all subjects we try to make links to Wales and the Welsh people. For example we study Welsh artists and musicians.

Music Music has great standing in our school and we are fortunate to have the services of a number of music specialists who work with the children on a variety of instruments. If you wish your child to learn an instrument, contact the school for further details.

Art As well as having hands-on experience with various mediums, the children study the work of great artists. The children’s work is highly valued and displays of their work enhance their working environment.

Physical Education

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Glyncoed Primary School Children are encouraged to develop their practical skills in gymnastics, games, dance, swimming, athletics and outdoor and adventurous pursuits. We have excellent facilities for physical education, which include a large school field, playground and two large halls.

Swimming Children are transported to the Leisure Centre for swimming lessons. In Year 2 and Key Stage 2, pupils swim on a weekly basis for a half term at a time and take the appropriate swimming tests at the end of the course. We request a small contribution during the term that your child is swimming. Details will be published in the school newsletter.

Religious Education Blaenau Gwent has an agreed syllabus and curriculum guidelines for Religious Education.

Our assemblies follow a varying pattern daily and members of staff other than the Head ensure a wide-ranging experience with appropriate religious input. Parents are entitled to withdraw their child from Religious Education and from Acts of Collective Worship; requests should be made in writing to the Headteacher.

ESD/GC – Education for Sustainable Development/Global Citizenship Wherever possible the objectives for these are linked into our topics. Issues are discussed during circle time. We aim to ensure all pupils are aware of their part in the world’s future and how we live affects others. An Eco council has been formed and have worked hard to make the school more ecologically friendly. We have been awarded the Bronze Award.

Sex and Relationships Education Sex and Relationships Education will not be taught as a separate subject but will form part of a programme of personal, social and health education. It aims to develop in the children a respect for themselves and others; a sense of responsibility and an awareness of the physical and emotional challenges of growing up.

Personal, social and health education will form part of topic work as an integral part of the curriculum and children will be encouraged at various stages to consider the physical, emotional, philosophical and social aspects of themselves. It has been a mandatory part of the curriculum since September 2001.

Pupils in year 6 have the opportunity to attend a session on ‘growing up’ delivered by our school health nurse, Mrs E. Waters. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from sex education if they so wish.

Extra Curricular Activities These will vary depending on the interests of current members of staff, but have included cricket, football, athletics, rugby, netball, recorders, Welsh, choir, board games and art.

Currently these are mainly for Key Stage 2 pupils and some Year 2 pupils in Foundation Phase.

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Glyncoed Primary School The spirit of a school is very often embodied in what it’s prepared to offer children outside of school hours. A perspective should be maintained and a school should principally be judged on the effectiveness of its teaching. However, we believe it shows a healthy school when it can offer children a variety of extracurricular activities.

We are able to run Cycling Proficiency Courses. The school considers this a vital part of school life and potentially lifesaving. Interested children in Year 6 will be given the opportunity to take part in the course and test.

Sport As has already been established in earlier sections of this booklet, the school has a high regard for physical and sporting activities and makes generous provision for training and competition both during and outside the school day. We believe that sport not only allows children to develop their practical skills but also a sense of team spirit and the notion of fair play.

Our athletics and swimming teams compete with other local schools in leagues or one-off tournaments and have enjoyed success in recent years.

We hold a Sports Day every summer, which involves the whole school in a series of activities and events.

Homework Children are expected to read daily, and learn tables. Each year group will inform parents more specifically at the start of the academic year of other homework that the children will receive.

Statutory Assessment In accordance with the regulations for reporting progress at the end of a key stage, we have included data (at the end of this booklet) on the attainment levels gained by our year 2 and year 6 pupils in 2012.

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