PROSPECTUS 2024-25
We are delighted to welcome you to our school community. St. John Lloyd is a voluntary-aided, mixed, 11-16 school serving the communities of Llanelli, Carmarthen, Ammanford and surrounding areas. As well as Catholic families, the Governors welcome applications from all families who would like their children to be educated in a safe, supportive and vibrant faithbased learning environment.
We aim for excellence in all that we do, inspired by the Gospel values of love, truth, forgiveness and service Being a school of around 500 pupils enables us to know and care for our pupils as individuals. We aim to develop the full potential of every child through the provision of high-quality educational experiences which develop their skills and understanding. The school is undergoing exciting development epitomised by the launch of the new Curriculum for Wales which is giving a new excitement to the learning opportunities our pupils experience.
As a fully inclusive school, we are proud of our excellent academic results and the achievements of pupils of all abilities and backgrounds. We place pupils academically and spiritually at the heart of everything we do in order to ensure no child is left behind Our purpose is to enable them to develop into the best version of themselves: ethical and informed; healthy and confident; enterprising and creative; ambitious and capable. To truly appreciate what the school has to offer, feel free to make an appointment to visit us during the day when we can assure you of a warm welcome.
We look forward to welcoming you to our school and developing a bond that will last long after your child leaves us at the end of their school career.
Our Mission Statement
As a Catholic School, we aim to develop a Christian Community which believes in and affirms the dignity and value of the individual and encourages its members to develop their potential in terms of knowledge, understanding, spiritual, moral, cultural and physical awareness.
Our Mission Statement encapsulates the principal aims of our school by building a positive and supportive learning community that develops the "whole person." This ensures each individual pupil can flourish, develop their talents and achieve their full potential.
Our School Patron
The school's patron is St John Lloyd, a man who had many close connections with South Wales. He was born in Brecon, although his family had originally lived in Carmarthen. John Lloyd studied for the priesthood at Valladolid in Spain, where he was ordained in 1653. He was later indicted for being a priest and was subsequently martyred at Cardiff on 22nd July, 1679
Our School Motto
Our motto, which is inscribed on our school badge, reads 'In Hoc Signo Vinces', which means 'In this sign thou shalt conquer'.
The "sign" is the Cross which is the central feature of the school logo. It is the symbol of the Christian values which lie at the heart of all that we try to do at the school.
As expressed in our Mission statement, our school is committed to fostering the faith growth and spiritual development of members of the school community whether Catholics, other Christians or those of a different faith or no faith at all. Religious Education is central to the life of the school.
Some of the aims of R.E. are:
to help pupils recognise and appreciate the religious and spiritual dimensions of life, to lead to a deeper knowledge and understanding of other religions and the ways in which they seek to express the significance of human life,
to allow space for searching and questioning, to challenge pupils to examine their own faith stance, to deepen their personal faith commitment and to respect that of others.
Each school day begins with a collective Act of Worship and once per week a whole school assembly takes place in the main hall. On other days there are year-group assemblies with Heads of Learning, or class prayer with Form Tutors.
Throughout the year, classes or small groups have opportunities during R.E. lesson time for seasonal prayer and meditation led by R.E. teachers or members of the school Chaplaincy team.
The school is launching Acutis / Frassati Awards which will allow pupils to develop their faith and·values through a range of activities and challenges, including through community-based experiences.
Curriculum
All pupils are entitled to participate fully in the whole school curriculum. The school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum to meet the needs of all pupils. In Year 7, pupils are initially placed in mixed-ability teaching groups. Setting according to ability is introduced in other subjects later in Years 8 and 9 according to ability in each curriculum area
Years 7 - 9 (Key Stage 3)
Our curriculum design centres around our mission statement "Learning and Growing Together in Christ".
Learning
The curriculum is designed to develop curiosity through the range of opportunities and experiences to value and develop each individual's potential in terms of knowledge and understanding. It is aimed to build on their primary learning and build to their next steps, post-16. The curriculum is designed to promote positive attitudes to learning, to ourselves, to each other and to the wider communities in which we live
Growing
The curriculum is designed to enable pupils to develop in each of the four purposes. It affirms the dignity and value of the pupil and encourages them to develop their individuality, their morality and spirituality and also their God given gifts.
Together
The curriculum is designed to enable pupils to feel part of and actively engage with each of their communities. It is designed to develop our cultural contexts: local, Welsh, multi-cultural, Catholic, multi-faith, national and international.
In Christ
The curriculum is designed to develop the virtues in the pupil profile and to give opportunity for spiritual experiences and growth for those of Catholic faith, other faiths or of no faith.
Curriculum
Years 10 -11 (Key Stage 4)
All pupils follow a 'core' curriculum of RE, English, Mathematics, Welsh, Science, Physical Education and Health and Wellbeing. Pupils choose a further three subjects from the options available. The school has excellent links with other providers such as Coleg Sir Gar and this ensures that a wide range of vocational and academic subjects are available to pupils every year.
Relationships and Sexuality Education
Sex Education in the school is meant to supplement and support the good work already commenced by parents. Our programme is designed to prepare pupils to reach a healthy level of maturity as young men and women with an emphasis on developing self-esteem, self-respect and respect for others.
Our role as a school is to help young people understand Catholic moral values and teachings in order to help them form happy, wholesome respectful relationships and to learn how to make good moral decisions in the light of the Gospel and Christian faith. The resources used are approved by Catholic Education Services
Welsh Language
The school is committed to supporting and developing the use of the Welsh language. Welsh is the normal language of communication among a number of staff at the school. In addition, where it is known that a pupil's first language is Welsh, then the language is also used as the medium of communication between these staff and the pupil concerned.
All pupils at the school follow the National Curriculum requirements for Welsh in KS3 and all pupils follow a GCSE course in Welsh at KS4. The school actively promotes the use of the Welsh language in lessons and outside of the classroom.
u r C u r r i c u l u m E i n C w r i c w l w m
Chromebook Initiative
The school has introduced a one-device-per-pupil Chromebook initiative. This enables all pupils to purchase a Chromebook at the beginning of Year 7 for their use in every lesson and at home. When they leave the school, the pupils keep the device. The cost is spread over the 5 years of their time with us and support is available where required. This gives pupils greater independence to research and to develop their digital skills
Home Learning
All pupils are expected to complete an element of work at home. The length and nature of the work set may vary according to the age, aptitude and ability of the pupil. Parents and pupils will be able to monitor their tasks via their respective ClassCharts apps. Parents are encouraged to check the work done, and your interest is the greatest encouragement that pupils can receive.
Curriculum
Sports and Music
The school is well provided with sports facilities - including a full size MUGA pitch and Sports Hall. The school aims to instil a positive attitude towards physical activity and to encourage the participation and enjoyment of sport by all. The school recognises the importance of physical activity and its contribution to promoting the wellbeing and health of pupils.
Pupils will be taught good sporting behaviour and awareness of safety issues. A wide range of sporting activities are offered through time tabled Physical Education and Games and through extra-curricular activities. Wherever possible, pupils are encouraged to compete at school, local, regional or national levels. The school runs teams for each of the major team sports and has a strong tradition in athletics.
A range of opportunities and activities are provided by our Music department for our pupils. A number of specialist peripatetic music teachers visit weekly in order to instruct pupils in strings, brass, woodwind and singing and we now have a formidable representation at the Llanelli Schools Orchestra and the Three Counties Schools Choir.
The school is well provided with specialist practice rooms and a large music room with a bank of ICT resources to support composition. Pupils also take part in school-based events, such as our Eisteddfod, Christmas Services and Celebration Evenings. There are even opportunities to share our stage with our house band - The Phantom Pupils!
Extra-Curricular Activities
The introduction of the new curriculum provides an exciting opportunity to recognise the importance of our young people having a rich range of learning experiences both within the subjects they study, but also beyond. The school organises a variety of sporting and cultural activities in which all pupils are invited to participate.
The school has a rich tradition of annual school trips abroad such as Italy, Holland, France, USA, Austria, Andorra and Iceland. At present, we have trips organised to Iceland and New York, as well as opportunities to visit local and UK-wide places of interest - the National Botanical Gardens, Kidwelly Castle, London's historical and musical experiences, the Hay Festival and Stratford-Upon-Avon to name a few Reward trips take place twice a year for all those pupils who achieve the expected standards of behaviour and attendance.
The school offers a wide range of after-school Study and Learning Clubs. Activities include Aromatherapy, Cooking, Art/Textiles Club and an Eco Club. We also provide a fully supervised free Breakfast Club for all parents wishing to drop their children off from 8.00am Monday to Friday.
We are proud that the school are the first in Wales to have a Young Archaeologists Club in conjunction with the British Council of Archaeology
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is about to be re-introduced within the school and will be available to pupils from Year 9. This Award is a voluntary, non- competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities Pupils learn new skills, take part in a form of community service, participate in and demonstrate improvement in a physical activity and plan, prepare for and participate in an expedition as they work towards their Bronze and Silver Awards.
Our Transition Arrangements Transition from Primary School
We are fortunate to enjoy excellent links with our partner primary schools St. Mary's Catholic Primary, Llanelli, St. Mary's Catholic Primary, Carmarthen and Pentip Church in Wales Primary, Llanelli. In addition to these schools, we also welcome pupils from primary schools across Carmarthenshire. Parents wishing to send their children to St. John Lloyd will also need to complete the Carmarthenshire online application form as well as the school application form, available on our website. When applying via the Carmarthenshire website, parents need to ensure they choose St. John Lloyd as their first-choice secondary school.
Excellent links have been established with primary colleagues in order to ensure that there is continuity between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3. In addition to this, Year 5 and 6 pupils join us for a range of activities ranging from the use of technology, IT, sports facilities, and laboratories throughout the school year. There is an extensive transition programme organised by the Head of Year 7 who makes personal visits to all the schools to meet Year 6 pupils and their teachers. Year 6 pupils have the opportunity to visit our school and meet their new teachers in July prior to their entry in September.
All transition activities are supported by a team of 'Buddies'.
Parents and carers of Year 6 pupils are also invited in to meet the Year 7 Pastoral team and the Head of Year to ensure a smooth transition and good c f h b nning of your child's time with us.
Transition after St John Lloyd Careers Wales & Coleg Sir Gar
The school works in close partnership with Careers Wales to ensure that all pupils are given a wide range of experiences and opportunities related to the world of work. Pupils are given guidance to the many possibilities for further education and the varied vocational provision available as they prepare to leave St. John Lloyd.
During Year 11, pupils meet with members of the Careers Service for advice and guidance in order to support their future career paths. The school enjoys excellent links with Coleg Sir Gar and this is where most pupils attend after leaving St John Lloyd in Year 11
We organise visits to the college as well as having a range of speakers visit the school to enable pupils prepare for their next steps.
Our Pastoral Provision Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
The school provides a socially inclusive environment for all its pupils Where a child has additional needs this will be recognised by the school and appropriate support will be provided. As pupils get older, it is crucial that they get the correct balance between support and independence and pupils are encouraged to work in groups and individually.
Pupils who experience a learning difficulty benefit from the school's support programme and help with literacy and numeracy is available as appropriate. The school's ALN department is the responsibility of the Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCO) who is supported by a team of support staff. St. John Lloyd works in close collaboration with ALN staff from the local authority and excellent links exist with our primary partners to ensure we are able to provide support when your child starts with us
Pastoral Team
As a school, we aim to provide high quality pastoral support for all of the pupils in our care. The first point of contact for your child will be through the Form Tutor who meets with the pupils during registration and is best placed to offer support in any way possible. There are three Heads of Learning - one for Year 7, one for Years 8 & 9 and one for Years 10 & 11 They liaise between home and school and are responsible for the pastoral care of pupils in their year group. They monitor pupil progress carefully to ensure that each child achieves their full potential. In addition, we have a Behaviour and Wellbeing Officer, Attendance Officer, Wellbeing Assistant and Pastoral assistant who form a team who work with the children to maintain their wellbeing.
Looked After Children
The school does everything it can to support the needs of Looked After Children. They are given priority in the Admissions Policy and the ALNCO co-ordinates all aspects of any support needed.
Restorative Approach
Restorative approaches to support positive relationships St John Lloyd Catholic School has practised restorative approaches for several years. We are a restorative school with a range of practices which promote mutually respectful relationships which addresses bullying and absences and builds community cohesion. As a restorative school we provide a framework of values, thinking and language that is helpful when ‘something’ needs to be restored. In different contexts this could be:
effective communication relationships or friendships empathy and understanding for another person’s perspective respect (this could mean a sense of security, self-confidence, selfrespect, or dignity) understanding the impact of our own behaviour on others
Year 8 Peer Mediators
The school recognises the importance of involving pupils in supporting wellbeing. This often makes it easier for younger children to open up, as well as developing leadership skills in our youngsters Each year we offer the opportunity for our Year 8 pupils to receive training on and to take the role of peer mediators.
Developing High Standards
The school looks to set high standards to develop the pupils to ensure that they thrive in all aspects of their development while at St John Lloyd.
Attendance
There is a very strong link between good attendance, punctuality and success at school. When it is known in advance that a pupil will be absent (e.g. a hospital appointment), the appointment card should be sent to school. All other absences should be explained by a letter which will be kept on file. A good attendance record is essential in supporting your child's progress in school and parents are kindly requested to refrain for asking to take children out of school during term-time. Where possible, routine medical appointments and dental treatment should be arranged during the school holidays or after school. Pupils who achieve excellent attendance will benefit from rewards, regular prize draws and certificates
Attitude to Learning
In a Catholic school, good discipline cannot be separated from the Christian values of justice and love It is within this context that we expect the highest standards from the pupils. The school operates a system called "Attitude to Learning". It is intended to encourage and foster respect, self-discipline and tolerance and is based on a system of praise, rewards and structured sanctions. The system is designed to create an atmosphere in which effective learning can flourish. Bullying will not be tolerated. Although such incidents are rare, the intention is to immediately deal with the problem. If you suspect that your son or daughter is being subjected to physical or emotional bullying, please let the school know immediately so that action can be taken. Persistent bullying will result in a serious sanction, including potential exclusion. Our anti-bullying policy is available on the school website.
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School Uniform
At St. John Lloyd we place an emphasis on pride in our school community. A visible indication of this is in the standard of our school uniform. Many visitors frequently comment on the impressive standard of uniform at the school. We are also delighted at the number of comments we receive about how well-presented our pupils look whilst on school visits where uniform is worn.
We strongly believe that if our pupils are properly dressed in a uniform consistent with school policy, they will be prepared for work in the classroom.
Girls
Boys
Navy or black skirt – pleated or A-line length Navy or black trousers; White blouse; School tie; Navy V-neck jumper with school badge; White, black or navy socks; or navy or black tights; Black shoes.
Black or dark grey trousers; White shirt; School tie; Navy V-neck jumper with school badge; Black/grey socks; Black shoes.
• Please note that the school will be consulting on adding black tailored shorts as an option for pupils during the coming year.
Our Partnership with Parents Parents Evenings and Pupil Progress
Parents' evenings for all year groups take place once per year. Years 10 and 11 pupils have an additional 'Focus' evening in the Autumn terms, to support our partnership with parents ahead of pupils sitting their external examinations.
Pupil progress is closely tracked and monitored from Year 7 onwards to identify underachievement and to allow the implementation of strategies to support pupils. Parents will receive a full report annually on their child's progress. In addition to this all pupils receive two interim reports during the year.
Home School Partnerships
Once your child enrols at St John Lloyd, we ask all parents and pupils to sign our homeschool agreement. This ensures there is a clear understanding of the high expectations we expect at a school
Pupils are also expected to adhere to our robust 'Acceptable Use of ICT' policy
School Meals and Lunch Arrangements
The school canteen serves food before school, at break time and at lunchtime. The school operates a 'cashless' catering facility. Pupils have the option of using biometric (index finger) information or using a card to pay for meals. Accounts are topped up using the parentpay system online
Pupils who receive free school meals have funds allocated to their accounts automatically and discretely. For further information about free school meals, please visit Carmarthenshire County Council website
Insurance
Parents are reminded that neither the school nor the LEA takes out insurance for items such as musical instruments, clothing, calculators, etc. Parents are advised that such items should be insured separately, probably under a home contents policy
Personal Property
The school cannot be held liable for the loss of personal property. Items of uniform should be marked clearly with the pupils' name. If a pupil brings a large sum of money to school, then this must be handed in for safe keeping. In such cases, the amount must be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope containing the money. The contents will be checked against the amount indicated prior to the sum being accepted
Charging Policy
The school follows the policy of the Local Education Authority. Where visits or activities are organised that are not a compulsory component of a syllabus, voluntary contributions will be requested to cover the full cost. The school will pay for the initial entry fees for all examinations and for one re-sit if required. (A copy of the School's Charging Policy is available on the school website).
School Security and Pupil Safety
CCTV cameras are in operation inside and outside the school building and all visitors must sign in at the main entrance. Pupils are not allowed off site during the school day.
Toilet Facilities
There are sufficient toilet facilities for the number of pupils in the school. Pupils also have access to a disability toilet. The toilet are checked and maintained by the site manager on a regular basis during each day.
Complaints
We try to resolve all complaints as quickly as possible on an informal basis. Initial concerns should be raised with the Subject Teacher, Head of Department or Form Tutor who will be best placed to help you. If the situation is not resolved the Head of Learning will help you to resolve the situation. For more serious matters, a copy of the school complaints policy is available on request from the school or from the school website.
