School Prospectus - Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth

School
Prospectus
2015-2016
Maes Y Gwendraeth School
It gives me great pleasure to present our school’s prospectus.
This is a historic and exciting time for us as we develop our
new school.
The school will have wonderful facilities and as a school we shall
ensure that all students are important and will be encouraged
and supported to achieve their full potential in a caring,
Welsh environment.
Pennaeth / Headteacher:
Iwan M. Rees, B.Sc. (Econ.), M.Ed.
74 Heol Y Parc, Cefneithin,
Llanelli, Sir Gaerfyrddin,
SA14 7DT.
This comprehensive school has a strong presence in the area and
forms a close relationship with our community in every aspect
of the school’s work.
Ffôn / Phone:
Cross Hands (01269) 833900
Extensive opportunities are provided by the school to ensure
academic, personal and social development of the highest order.
We have high expectations for everyone and we intend to work
tirelessly as staff, students, parents, governors and the wider
community to achieve excellence and success in everything
we do.
Ffacs / Fax:
Cross Hands (01269) 833906
Cadeirydd y Corff Llywodraethol/
Chair of the Governing Body:
Mr. Keith Lewis
The school is a
Category 2A school
I would like to extend a warm invitation to you to come and
visit us.
Yours sincerely,
Iwan M. Rees
Headteacher
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
1
10 Main reasons why you should
1)High academic standards
compared to other schools
in Carmarthenshire and
Wales.
2)An excellent and varied
curriculum which includes
GCSE, AS, A level and
vocational courses.
3)A friendly and welcoming
atmosphere.
4)
An excellent site which
includes wonderful facilities
and resources, with
exciting developments for
the future.
Marged Rhys
Year 7 Non
I was shaking like a leaf on my first tester day but I
needn’t have worried because the teachers were very
kind and helpful. One of the many experiences you
will have is to enjoy subjects such as Science, Music
and much more.
You will get a lot of chances to make new friends from
different areas. Another thing that will change is you
will get to choose what you want for dinner. There will
be opportunities for you to join a lot of clubs such as
the Junior Choir, Drama Club and many more.
Perhaps you will be scared at first but I can assure you
that you will grow to love Maes Y Gwendraeth.
5)A high standard of teaching
and learning that challenges
and inspires
Ava Walters
Year 7 Darog 1
My first half term at Maes Y Gwendraeth has flown
by. There are many activities to take part in like
gymnastics, drama, singing and netball. I have made
many friends and everybody is friendly. I am more
than certain that I have made the right decision to
come to Maes Y Gwendraeth School.
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Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
choose Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth:
6)Practical learning, where pupils are given
opportunities to improve
and apply their academic
studies.
7)An outstanding quality of
care, support and instruction.
8)A vast amount of extracurricular opportunities in
sport, drama, music and
technology which include
local, national and international excursions.
9)High expectations regarding
Sophie Rees
Year 7 Darog 2
Stepping off the bus dressed smartly in my new
uniform, I felt both nervous and excited. I looked at
the buildings in front of me. These buildings were
now familiar to me as I had spent taster days in the
school. Relief came to me as I realsied I had a good
idea of my way around the school. I have to say, it
was also comforting to see the familiar faces of staff
and pupils I’d met on the taster days.
My nerves soon disappeared, but the excitement
remains. In addition to the lessons, there are many
opportunities to be had and I’m going to grab them
with both hands.
If anyone was to ask me to describe my new
school the answer would be a happy friendly and
welcoming school.
behaviour and school
uniform.
10)A Welsh ethos, which is both
welcoming and inclusive. Steffan Harri Thomas
Year 7 Cyndeyrn
Even though I felt a little nervous, I was also looking
forward to my first day at school after hearing
so many good things about Maes y Gwendraeth
from my older brother and his friends. The school
has a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Also, the
teachers are caring and always willing to help. I had
experienced a variety of lessons whilst visiting the
school in year 6, so I already felt at home by the
time I got here. I enjoy lessons and socialising with
my friends. The school has a lot of extra-curricular
activities to offer including trips, school shows,
sports teams and many more. I can’t wait to join!
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
3
Vision Statement
Our vision is to open doors to the future by providing a happy, caring community where all have equal worth
and are inspired to achieve the best for themselves and others.
Aims of Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
• Communicate through the medium of Welsh
• Educate each child to the limit of his ability/her ability
• Develop skills and knowledge
• Respect values
• Develop responsibilities
• Create a happy atmosphere
• Become citizens of the wider world
Choosing a School / Admission to the School
When selecting a school parents have the opportunity to consult with the Headteacher and the Year 7 Progress
Mentor. At Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth pupils can discuss any anxieties with the Progress Mentor when a visit
is paid to the primary schools. Parents with queries about any aspect of school life are welcomed to contact
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendaeth. The majority of the pupils are expected to come from the following schools:
Bancffosfelen
Betws
Bro Banw
Carway
Cefneithin
Cross Hands
Drefach
Gwynfryn
Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman
Llanedi
Llannon
Llechyfedach
Parcyrhun
Ponthenri
Pontiets
Pontyberem
Saron
Tumble
Tycroes
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Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
Ysgol y Bedol
Blaenau
Cilycwm
Cwrt Henri
Ffairfach
Gorslas
Llanddarog
Llandeilo
Llandybie
Llanfynydd
Llansadwrn
Llangadog
Llansawel
Llanwrda
Maesybont
Penygroes
Rhys Prichard
Talley
Teilo Sant
Primary to Secondary Transfer Arrangements
In order to facilitate the transfer of pupils from primary to secondary school a careful programme of activities
has been prepared.
September/October
Visit to the school by parents of Year 6 pupils
October/December
A further opportunity for parents to consult with the school
Visit by Year 6 pupils to many departments in order to sample the teaching and learning opportunities at Maes Y Gwendraeth
January
Prospectus is distributed to the primary schools
May/June
Visit to primary schools by KS2/KS3 Co-ordinator
July
Visits by pupils in Year 6 in order to give them an opportunity to
familiarise themselves with the school as well as meet their future fellow pupils
A meeting for new parents
September
A morning is spent in the company of the Form Tutor
Activities to give support to Year 7 pupils led by the
Year 7 Progress Mentor
Home School Agreement
Every pupil will receive a Home-School Agreement at the beginning of the school year. (Details available
within the school)
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
5
s for the
School Terms and Holiday
6
Academic Year 2015-201
Autumn Term 2015
Friday, December 18th
Tuesday, September 1st –
Half Term Holiday:
ay, October 30th
Monday, October 26th – Frid
Spring Term 2016
ursday, March 24th
Monday, January 4th – Th
Half Term Holiday:
Friday, February 19th
Monday, February 15th –
Summer Term 2016
esday, July 20th
Monday, April 11th – Wedn
Half Term Holiday:
June 3rd
Monday, May 30th – Friday,
N.B.
2016
Good Friday – March 25th
May Day – May 2nd 2016
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Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
School Curriculum
A variety of teaching methods are used and adapted according to the requirements of the various subjects.
Speaking and listening, reading and writing are important in every subject. Pupils are taught as individuals,
in groups, pairs and as whole classes. Practical assignments and tasks involving research are required in
all subjects.
Welsh is the official language of the school on a daily basis. Maths is taught bilingually with key terms being
introduced in English and Welsh, leading to examinations in Welsh. Access to English papers are available
for the external examinations. The Baccalaureate is taught through the medium of Welsh. Opportunities are
provided for pupils to choose to study Science through the medium of Welsh or English. Courses which form
part of the partnership within Dinefwr (ages 14-16) are in Welsh or bilingually, depending on provisions by
the College. Every other subject is taught through the medium of Welsh.
Key Stage 4
In Key Stage 4 all pupils study the core subjects – Welsh, English, Mathematics and Science. Sex Education,
Physical Education, Religious Education, Careers and the Welsh Baccalaureate are statutory for all. All aspects
of the Welsh Baccalaureate are delivered through the medium of Welsh. The aim is to provide a balanced
curriculum for every pupil by including the core subjects as well as non-core subjects e.g. vocational subjects
in each of the three option columns. The exact content of these blocks can vary from year to year according
to circumstances.
Key Stage 5
The school operates an open access policy to the Sixth Form and pupils are given the opportunity of choosing
certain educational pathways. The school provides a booklet for Year 12 explaining the wide choice of
subjects available. Students can follow an academic course, a vocational course or a combination of both.
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
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Religious Education
Religious Education is offered as a subject from Year 7 to Year 11 in accordance with the statutory requirements
of the National Curriculum. Year 10 and 11 have the opportunity of following a short course GCSE in Religious
Studies. In years 12 and 13 the subject is offered within the framework of personal and social education,
with special attention being given to the religious and moral aspects of the subjects discussed. A substantial
number of students now study Religious Studies at Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level.
Morning Assembly
All pupils are expected to take part in daily collective worship which involves some whole school assemblies,
tutor group assemblies and year group assemblies which are based on religious themes or themes with a
moral or spiritual emphasis. When pupils are not attending Assembly a charity collection is made. This is
in addition to other activities which aim to cultivate in the pupils the importance of a sensitive response
to charitable causes. Where students are excluded for morning assembly, alternative provision is provided.
Additional Learning Needs
At Canolfan yr Eithin and Canolfan y Garreg Lwyd additional help is given for pupils included on the Special
Education register according to the need of each child individually. The school ensures continuity in the
service for statemented children. The enthusiastic members of staff in the Department and Unit introduce a
wide variety of learning methods. The school follows the county’s Code of Practice. The provision is enhanced
by the use of a new Resource Base. The school site has been adapted to be accessible to pupils and adults
with a range of disabilities, including wheelchair users.
Personal and Social Education
At Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth we intend to follow a full programme throughout the school to develop
each child’s skill in various fields e.g. Health Education, Religious Education, Sex Education , Careers, Social
Education, Study Skills and Physical Education.
Information and Communication Technology
We intend to teach each child to use the computer, thereby learning the basic skills of a word processor, data
base, spread sheets and various other programmes. These new skills can be practised within every subject.
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Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
Class Organisation
There is a diversity in the arrangement for the different years.
Library
The library is a learning centre and its purpose is to encourage the pupils’ interest in wider reading, as well
as developing their research skills. The school librarian’s role is to support children working in the library
and to help the departments.
Lunchtime Arrangements
The school operates a highly successful cafeteria system during lunch time. The children choose from a wide
range of meals and we operate a cashless catering service. If your child is entitled to free school meals, it is
your responsibility to ensure that the school receives the relevant documentation to allow a free meal to be
given. To apply for Free School Meals please contact: Free School Meals Section, Carmarthenshire County
Council Building 2, St. David’s Park, Jobs Well Road, Carmarthen, SA31 3HB.
Arrangements for making Complaints
Arrangements can be made to view documents relating to the curriculum or to discuss any complaint by
consulting with the office staff whom will make arrangements for an interview with the relevant person.
Use of the Welsh Language
Welsh is the administrative and social medium of communication and pupils are expected to converse in
Welsh. Nevertheless, fair entitlement is given to the English Language.
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
9
Language Policy
Welsh is the administrative and social medium of communication and pupils are encouraged to converse
in Welsh. Nevertheless we maintain a high standard of English. Pupils receive a specific vocabulary for each
subject in their lessons.
Health and Safety
A Health and Safety Policy has been drawn up in accordance with the guidelines issued by Carmarthenshire
Authority. A Health and Safety Committee has been formed in the school and regularly monitors the situation.
It is important to be aware of Health & Safety requirements at all times. Particular attention should be paid
to the following:1)
Fire regulations/Location of First Aid equipment.
2)
Buses and all on site traffic.
3)
All accidents to be reported to staff or school office.
4)
All deficiencies and faults to be reported immediately.
Pupil Handbook
The pupil handbook is an important link between the home and school. The blue pages include the school
rules, concentrating on appearance, behaviour, attendance and punctuality. Also included is the school’s
code of conduct. The next section includes the pupils’ homework diary and we ask parents to sign it at the
end of each week. We are also eager that parents sign the ICT agreement so that pupils may use the school
computers.
Equal Opportunities
The school operates an Equal Opportunities Policy. (Details within the school). The school conforms to the
requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and operates a current Disability Accessibility Plan and
Equality Scheme.
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Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
Careers Education
Mock Interviews
Year 11
Year 13
Formal Talks
and Presentations by
Outside Agencies
Careers Service
Interviews
Careers lessons and activities
relating to the World of Work
Work Experience
1 week Year 10
I week Year 12
Conferences
Year 12
Visits to FE Colleges
Higher Education
Conferences
Local Colleges and
Universities
Extra Curricular
Extra curricular work is seen as vital to the development of the whole child. We offer a wider range of activities
which raise self esteem, broaden experience and build confidence. The activities include:
Duke of Edinburgh Awards Yr Urdd
Netball Choirs Manga Cricket
We l s h C l u b ‘Puffin Book Club’ Public Speaking Christian Union
Own Zone Cross country running
Rugby Siop Siarad Film Club
Buddy Reading Art Library
C h e s s C y f a i l l D a r l l e n 5x60
Hockey Athletics Gymnastics
Textiles Club Drama Grym Rhif
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
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School Staff
Management Team
Headteacher:Mr. Iwan M. Rees
Deputy Headteacher:Mr. Arwyn Thomas
Acting Deputy Headteacher:Mr. Andrew Payne
Assistant Headteachers:Mrs. Rhian Adams
Mrs. Eurgain Bonell
Miss Sharon Cooke
Miss Eleri Jones
Staff
Heads of Faculties:
WelshDr. Non Evans
EnglishMr. Phillip Pugh
MathematicsMr. Ben Hubbard
ScienceMiss Siân Williams
Mr. Jonathan Williams
Dr. Selwyn Page
Design and Technology Mr. Dyfed Llywelyn
HumanitiesMiss Eleri Jones
CreativeMrs. Carys Edwards
Pastoral Care
A pupil upon admission to Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth is normally moving from a comparatively small unit
into a much larger organisation both in terms of number on roll and extent of building. Thus, this sense of
belonging has to be adequately catered for and must be given prime consideration, especially as the school
continues to increase in size.
A Form Tutor has responsibility for his or her Form Group. He or she is responsible for morning and afternoon
registration and for monitoring the progress and welfare of all the boys and girls in the group. The Progress
Mentors are responsible for co-ordinating the work of the Form Tutor.
All aspects regarding the care and safeguarding of all pupils are provided by the school safeguarding officer,
Miss Sharon Cooke.
Parents with queries about their child’s personal development in school should contact Miss Sharon Cooke
(Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for pupil care and well being).
Attendance
Good attendance is essential. All absences must be explained either by telephone or through an
absence note to the Progress Mentor. If a child is absent for a long period, or during an examination,
a Medical Certificate should be sent to the school.
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Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
The Physical Education Department
Girls
Boys
Skort
Purple/Grey
Hockey Socks
Purple/Grey
Rugby jersey
Grey/Purple
Rugby Socks
Grey/Purple
Polo Shirt
Purple/Grey
Rain Jacket
School grey
Polo Shirt
Grey/Purple
Rain Jacket
School grey
Rugby Shorts
Grey/Purple
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
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At Maes Y Gwendraeth pursue the ideal of sporting
excellence, opportunity, participation and the
development of each individual’s talent. We aim
to inspire our students by providing a structured
and caring environment, in which all can strive and
reach their potential. At the heart of our teaching
are the values of trust, fair-play, friendship,
determination, encouragement, respect and
equality.
Through PE and sport at Maes Y Gwendraeth we
offer our students the opportunity to experience
a broad range of activities.
Students have timetabled lessons from Year 7
through to Year 11, with two lessons per week
through Key Stage 3 and 1 lesson per week
through Key Stage 4.
We currently offer GCSE PE, A level PE and BTEC
Sports through the school’s option system. Our
curriculum is enhanced by staff, occasionally
supported by senior sports leaders, who offer a
range of extra-curricular clubs and activities and
we also run a variety of school teams.
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Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
The PE Department has launched a new
social media platform, its official Twitter
(@addgorffmaes)
The @addgorffmaesTwitter page will
reach the school’s pupils among the 200
million active Twitter users worldwide.
These new services will be
complemented by the Twitter account
that will supply updates on Maes Y
Gwendraeth’s Physical Education and
sport developments.
The various fields:
•Hockey
•Rugby
•Netball
•Football
•Gymnastics
•Cricket
•Tennis
•Athletics
• Cross Country
•Badminton
•Dance
School Uniform
Girls
Boys
Official skirt
Harrow Grey
Trousers
Black
Trousers
Harrow Grey
Jumper
Purple with a grey neck border
Jumper
Purple with a grey neck border
Blouse
Light Blue
Tie
Stripes in school colours
Socks
Light blue
Tights
Grey
Shirt
Light Blue
Tie
Stripes in school colours
Socks
Grey
Shoes
Black
Coat
Grey/Black/Navy
Shoes
Black
Suppliers
Eirllin, Cross Hands and Ammanford
Dyfed Menswear, Cefneithin
Coat
Grey/Black/Navy
Pupils are expected to conform by wearing
the official school uniform at all times.
No exceptions are allowed.
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
15
Summary Report of Achievements
of Pupils aged 15 and 17 2013/14 (SSSP)
Number of pupils aged 15 who were on roll in January 2014: 164. Percentage of pupils aged 15 who:
entered at
least one
qualification
achieved
the Level 1
threshold
achieved
the Level 2
threshold
achieved the Level 2 threshold
including a GCSE pass in English
or Welsh first language and
Mathematics
Core subject
indicator (2)
Average capped (3) wider
points score per pupil
Average wider
points score
per pupil
School 2013/14
98
93
74
63
57
336
542
LA Area 2013/14
Wales 2013/14
School 12/13/14
School 11/12/13
100
96
85
59
56
352
577
99
94
82
55
52
340
520
100
95
71
56
53
335
533
100
93
69
53
51
326
509
Number of boys aged 15 who were on roll in January 2014: 76. Percentage of boys aged 15 who:
entered at
least one
qualification
achieved
the Level 1
threshold
achieved
the Level 2
threshold
achieved the Level 2 threshold
including a GCSE pass in English
or Welsh first language and
Mathematics
Core subject
indicator (2)
Average capped (3) wider
points score per pupil
Average wider
points score
per pupil
School 2013/14
96
71
66
58
55
319
498
LA Area 2013/14
Wales 2013/14
School 12/13/14
School 11/12/13
100
94
81
56
53
341
554
99
92
78
51
48
327
493
98
92
63
53
47
315
491
99
90
62
48
47
307
471
Number of girls aged 15 who were on roll in January 2014: 88. Percentage of girls aged 15 who:
16
entered at
least one
qualification
achieved
the Level 1
threshold
achieved
the Level 2
threshold
achieved the Level 2 threshold
including a GCSE pass in English
or Welsh first language and
Mathematics
Core subject
indicator (2)
Average capped (3) wider
points score per pupil
Average wider
points score
per pupil
School 2013/14
100
95
82
66
58
354
581
LA Area 2013/14
Wales 2013/14
School 12/13/14
100
97
89
62
58
364
602
99
95
86
59
56
354
549
100
98
80
60
56
356
577
School 11/12/13
100
97
78
58
55
347
554
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
17
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Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth