School Prospectus - Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth

School
Prospectus
2016-2017
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 with all pupils now on one site in Cefneithin.
Within the year the building work will be complete, 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.
Having recently taken up my post as Headteacher I feel it’s
important to share my first impressions with you;
‘Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth is a happy school, it has a special
atmosphere. The staff’s commitment and professionalism is clear
to see, their aim quite simply is to do their best for the pupils. The
pupils are a pleasure to work with; they are friendly, courteous
and respectful to each other. As parents, carers and the wider
community you should be proud of the pupils, your children.’
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. Extensive opportunities are provided by the
school to ensure academic, personal and social development
of the highest order.
Pennaeth / Headteacher:
Mr. Wyn Evans B.Sc.
74 Heol Y Parc, Cefneithin,
Llanelli, Sir Gaerfyrddin,
SA14 7DT.
Ffôn / Phone:
Cross Hands (01269) 833900
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
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.
I would like to extend a warm invitation to you to come and
visit us.
Yours Faithfully,
Wyn Evans
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.
Garan Hallam
Year 7 Non 1
I walked through the school gates on my first day of
secondary school feeling very excited but also a little
nervous. But standing there waiting for me were my
friends and I felt happier. Once the school bell rang
my friends and I went to our registration room. I
feared that I would not be able to find my way in the
new big school - one ant amongst the multitudes –
but the teachers helped my friends and I to find our
registration room on time. Our class tutor was very
kind and he explained everything we needed to know
about our new school. After the first two fun-filled
lessons there was ample opportunity for my friends
and I to chat and have something to eat in the new
hall during break time.
5)A high standard of teaching
and learning that challenges
and inspires
Tanwen Moon
Year 7Arthne 2
This year I moved from Llannon Primary School to
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth. When I started in Year
7 I realised there were many differences, especially
in the number of pupils at Maes Y Gwendraeth
compared to Llannon. There are approximately
850 pupils here. I was excited yet slightly nervous
because I didn’t know how hard it was going to be.
The great thing was I visited the school often over
my two years whilst I was still at Llannon and it’s
helped me a lot to settle in.
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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.
Clara James
Year 7 Cyndeyrn
I left my primary school with sadness but excitement
at the thought of my future at Maes Y Gwendraeth.
I had been visiting Maes y Gwendraeth since year
5 and had already spent two taster days with my
classmates, enjoying a trip to Llyn Llech Owain and
Kidwelly Castle, so I felt comfortable with the school.
As my first day approached i became nervously
excited. I soon became relaxed as everyone made
us feel so welcome and helped us look forward to a
new start. By the end of my first week i felt like i had
been a part of the school for years!
9)High expectations regarding
behaviour and school
uniform.
10)A Welsh ethos, which is both
welcoming and inclusive. Iestyn Gwilliam
Year 7A2
I was both nervous and excited when I started at
Maes y Gwendraeth. I was looking forward to all
the new experiences that were ahead of me. Even
though I had several friends from Tumble School,
I couldn’t wait to make new friends here at Maes Y
Gwendraeth. I’m settling in well because I’ve had
many positive experiences already. The teacher are
always happy and ready to help.
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 and challenge each child to the best 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 welcome 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
October
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
7
Academic Year 2016-201
Autumn Term 2016
th
nd
ay, December 16
Friday, September 2 – Frid
Half Term Holiday:
th
th
ay, October 28
Monday, October 24 – Frid
Spring Term 2017
th
th
Friday, April 7
Wednesday, January 4 –
Half Term Holiday:
th
th
ay, February 24
Monday, February 20 – Frid
Summer Term
th
July 21st
Monday, April 24 – Friday,
Half Term Holiday:
th
June 2nd
Monday, May 29 – Friday,
N.B.
th
7
Good Friday – April 14 201
st
May Day – May 1 2017
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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 taught 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. Personal and
Social 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
and 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
7
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. Where students have selectively withdrawn from morning assembly alternative
provision is provided.
Canolfan yr Eithin
Canolfan yr Eithin is a Local Authority resourced provision for pupils with SLD/PMLD including pupils on the
ASD spectrum. The enthusiastic members of staff in the Unit use a wide variety of teaching methods e.g.
TEACCH, Elklan. Pupils are included in all aspects of school life and are integrated into lessons which suit
the individual pupil. Life skills are an important part of the curriculum.
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, Personal and Social Education, Careers,
Social Education, Study Skills and Physical Education.
Information and Communication Technology
We intend to develop pupils’ digital literacy, thereby learning the basic skills of a word processor, data base,
spread sheets and various other programmes. Technocamp workshops also provide opportunities to develop
aspects of computer science e.g. programming. 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.
Language Policy/Use of the Welsh Language
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.
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
9
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. Wyn Evans
Deputy Headteacher:Mr. Arwyn Thomas
Assistant Headteachers:Mrs. Rhian Adams
Mrs. Eurgain Bonell
Miss Eleri Jones
Mr. Andrew Payne
Staff
Heads of Faculties:
WelshDr. Non Evans
EnglishMr. Phillip Pugh
MathematicsMr. Ben Hubbard
Science Miss Siân Williams
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,
Mrs. Rhian Adams.
Parents with queries about their child’s personal development in school should contact Mrs. Rhian Adams
(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
13
At Maes Y Gwendraeth we 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 2014-2015 (SSSP)
Number of pupils aged 15 who were on roll in January 2015: 146. 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 2014/15
97
92
79
61
60
332
547
LA Area 2014/15
Wales 2014/15
School 13/14/15
School 12/13/14
99
96
87
61
58
353
577
99
94
83
58
54
342
525
99
95
75
59
56
338
546
100
95
71
56
53
335
533
Number of boys aged 15 who were on roll in January 2015: 84. 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 2014/15
95
89
71
58
56
316
506
LA Area 2014/15
Wales 2014/15
School 13/14/15
School 12/13/14
99
95
84
58
55
343
554
99
93
80
54
51
331
500
97
92
67
57
54
319
504
98
92
63
53
49
315
491
Number of girls aged 15 who were on roll in January 2015: 62. 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 2014/15
98
95
89
65
65
355
604
LA Area 2014/15
Wales 2014/15
School 13/14/15
99
97
90
64
61
363
600
99
96
87
61
58
354
551
100
97
84
62
58
358
590
School 12/13/14
100
98
80
60
56
356
577
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth
17
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Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth