Prosbectws Prospectus

 Headteacher’s foreword

It is a great pleasure to introduce this prospectus to you so that it will help you to know more about the life and work of Llangadog C.P. School.

In our school the aim is to create a safe and happy environment for your child in order to stimulate his/her spiritual, moral, cultural and physical development. A positive relationship between the school and home is instrumental in the relationship between teacher and parent, to provide the best possible learning environment.

Most visitors to the school comment on the warm welcome they receive and the courtesy and maturity of our pupils. The relationship between staff, adults and pupils is good and is based on respect. The pupils’ behaviour in lessons, during break times and on school visits is expected to show that they care for each other.

Llangadog is a happy school and this springs from the increasing number of different and successful activities that take place here. Such an effort makes the pupils, parents, staff, the L.E.A. and the public in general, proud of their connection with the school. We like to take an interest in our pupils after they have left and are proud of their educational achievements. It is a pleasure to welcome them back to speak to the present pupils or to perform.

If after reading this prospectus you wish to have more information then please contact the school to speak to myself or the Deputy Head teacher, Miss Marie Langabeer.

Sian E. Evans,

Headteacher.

The School’s mission statement:

Preparing together today for tomorrow’s future.

Welcome to our School

Every child is different. They look different, behave differently, develop at different times and learn at different times and in different ways. For their sake don’t compare them with other children.

We are delighted to have your children with us. We hope they will be happy in our school.

STAFF

Mrs. Sian Evans     Headteacher

Miss Marie Langabeer     Deputy Headteacher

Teachers: Mrs Janet Bowen, Mrs. Meryl Bowen, Mrs Eleri Jones

Special Needs Teacher:

Mrs Catherine Boyd

Classroom Assistants:

Mrs Sian Jones, Mrs Elin Roberts and Mrs Sharon Page

Athrawes Fro / Peripatetic Welsh Teacher:

Mrs. Helen Davies.
 

PERIPATETIC MUSIC TEACHERS:

Recorder: Miss Melody    Violin: Mrs. Gillian Thomas

Woodwind: Mrs. Janet Rowberry Guitar: Mrs Lynwen Anderson

Brass: Mr. Robert Owen   Cello: Mr Watts

Drums: Mr John Honour

NON-TEACHING STAFF

Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Betsan Williams.

Caretaker and Cleaner: Mrs Vera Williams

Cook: Mrs. Eiry Griffiths

Assistant Cook: Mrs Heulwen Evans,

Clerk: Mrs Rhiannon Griffiths

Mid Day Supervisors: Mrs. Ann Davies,

Mrs. Angela George,

Mrs. Elaine Blofield.

School Crossing Patrol: Mrs. Elaine Hughes

Chairperson of Governors: Mrs Marilyn Haines-Evans

Starting School.

Children will be accepted at the beginning of the term in which they celebrate their fourth birthday. Half day visits are arranged for new pupils towards the end of the previous term. Parents are welcomed on an arranged evening so that they can acquaint themselves with the staff and discuss any matters, which arise. A pack of useful information on the school is distributed to all new parents. The school operates an “open door” policy and parents are welcome to contact the school at any time to discuss any problems.

All parents are expected to sign a school-home partnership agreement, which outlines the expectations for the education development of the child. A copy of this agreement is available in the school office.

Pupils will be accepted:

• if they live in the school catchment area.
• if they have older brothers or sisters who are on the school register.
• if they are induced for other reasons (LSA).
• priority if given to pupils who live closest to the school, as measured on the public highway.

No priority is given to the date of birth on acceptance date of application.

Holiday Dates 2004/5

Estyn

Llangadog School was inspected in the Autumn term of 2003. The report was very pleasing and is available from the school office.

School Structure and Organization.

Llangadog is a rural school for pupils (boys and girls) from 3½ to eleven years old. The school opened in 1874, with a new extension consisting of two classrooms and a cloakroom built in 1961. In 1982 internal toilets were added. The school consists of four classrooms, one teaching area and a hall. The hall is a multi-purpose area, used for morning assembly, as a dining area at lunchtimes, for physical education and dance and for many other activities.

There is a playing area , with a netball court and various games marked out on it. No private vehicles are allowed on to the schoolyard for the safety of the pupils. There is a large school playing field with the village playing field situated next door. The school pupils are developing a garden near the school building.

The pupils are separated by age into mixed ability classes. They are taught collaboratively as a whole class, in smaller groups and individually. This of course depends on the activity introduced, and the needs of the children. Groups of age, ability, friendship, sex etc. are formed. It has been the usual practice to have age groups spanning two years in each class.

The School’s Language Policy

Welsh is the main teaching language during the Early Years and Key Stage 1 (3+ to 7 years old). English is introduced at the end of Year 2 and throughout Key Stage 2 (7+ to 11+) the children are educated through the medium of English and Welsh.

For children who start school and have no understanding of the Welsh language the following steps are taken:

Years 0, 1 and 2 – The children are made to feel settled and secure in the school by speaking to them in English, that is, commands and instructions are given to the individual child in English.

After the initial settling in period, the Welsh language is introduced gradually through practical activities, which include structured oral work.

The child is then taught to read, write and to speak in Welsh. The class teacher is aware of the child’s use of the English language during this period.

Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 – For the children who start school without any knowledge of the Welsh Language at this age there is an initial settling in period. The child is taught through the medium of English and Welsh is introduced as soon as possible, through practical activities. The pupils are offered the opportunity of attending a Welsh course for one day a week, at Pantycelyn Secondary School in Llandovery. This usually takes place over a term or two.

Music

We believe that this helps to develop self-respect and confidence, that it widens their experiences and enables them to celebrate success.

Six peripatetic Music Teachers visit the school. The Recorder teacher teaches all pupils of Years 4, 5 and 6 (while Mrs. Bowen and Mrs. M. Bowen introduce the recorder to pupils of Year 3). The other Peripatetic Teachers (violin, guitar, brass, and woodwind teach the pupils who have the interest and ability to play such instruments. Recorder lessons are free to all pupils, but unfortunately, a small fee has to be paid for any other instrumental tuition.

The pupils are expected to purchase their own woodwind instruments, but there are some violins available for children who are starting to learn. When pupils are more proficient they are encouraged to invest in their own instruments.

The school has its own orchestra that performs in various concerts, and a Primary Orchestra is held once a week in Llandeilo and Carmarthen for pupils who have reached a high standard. Also the County and Three Counties Orchestras are open to all pupils.

GENERAL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHOOL.

• Each pupil should feel happy and safe in a homely environment.
• To present opportunities for each pupil to develop to the best of his/her ability in every aspect of the curriculum.
• To introduce an education which is relevant to the pupil’s experiences in the community.
• To encourage and develop bilingualism and an appreciation of Wales and Welshness.
• To introduce equal opportunities to every pupil and to respect the variety of beliefs and religions.
• To encourage communication and co-operation with parents.
• To encourage respect towards others and their property.
• To form a partnership with the community.
• To emphasise positive behaviour, courteousness and appearance.

10. To support committed and enthusiastic teachers.

• Encourage the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of the pupils in school and society.
• To prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and life experiences of adulthood. (1988 Education Reform Act)

It is intended that the educational aims of developing a pupil to his/her full ability are reflected in the whole school curriculum.

• Pupils should be fostered to develop enquiring and lively minds, with the ability to enquire and discuss reasonably and to respond to tasks.
• To create a consciousness and appreciation of society, language, culture and the pupil’s environment and to develop an awareness of other periods and places.
• To fully develop language skills, so that it can be used purposefully and meaningfully to communicate, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, appreciating literature in their first and second language.
• To develop mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding.
• To develop scientific and technological skills, knowledge and understanding in a changing technological age.
• To develop self-expression through music, mime, drama, art, design and technology and physical education.
• To exert self control when using resource and objects e.g. Mathematics, Science, Music, Physical Education, Art, Design and Technology.
• To develop self discipline.
• To develop an awareness of the need for personal hygiene, morality and courteousness.
• To develop an awareness of safety in the school, the home and society.

THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM

The National Curriculum is divided into 4 Key Stages:

Key Stage 1 – 5 – 7 years old and

Key Stage 2 – 7 – 11 years old are the two Key Stages that are introduced in this school.

The National Curriculum is mainly introduced by studying a theme or in a cross curricular way.

Themes are chosen for the whole school and are planned for each term noting the relevant elements of the subjects of the National Curriculum. The concepts that are introduced as well as the levels attained are noted. Each theme is a general guideline, and teachers do not always have to teach elements that are only related to the theme.

The elements of the National Curriculum are not always suited to each term’s theme, but the requirements of the National Curriculum have to be met.

The themes have been planned over a three year period, as follows:

2002 – 2003   Communications, Sound and Light, Food and Farming.

2003 – 2004   Changes, Our community, Water

2004 – 2005   Travel, Entertainment, Ourselves.

2005 – 2006 Celebrations, Our Country, Living Things.

Early Years   

A firm foundation is laid during this stage, with play featuring significantly during the day. The aim is to learn how to take turns, to share, to work together, to extend vocabulary, to get on with others and to appreciate the wider world around us. The importance of providing the experience of playing on large toys is also appreaciated in order to help the children develop physical and motor skills. Therefore a signigicant part of each day is set aside for this.

Key Stage 1 Teaching time per week – 22.30 hrs.

During this stage the main foundations of teaching experiences are laid. The main emphasis is on developing the basic skills, communication, numeracy and literacy. By preparing a broad curriculum using an integrated approach, we aim to develop pupils' interest, taking the level of their maturity into consideration.These early years are very important. Pupils learn to observe, listen, respond and develop, not only like individuals but as responsible and caring members of our community.

There are changes afoot, with the Early Years (pre age 5) being extended up to age 7, therefore the school is beginning to adapt the curriculum for this age group.

Key Stage 2 – Teaching time per week= 23.45 hrs.

The National Curriculum contains the following 10 educational areas:

Religious Education, Information Technology and Physical and Social Education must also be taught.

When transferring from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 skills such as Communication, Literacy and Numeracy remain the nucleus of the curriculum. However as the pupils' understanding increases more time is spent on Science and the other foundation subjects. Where it is possible and to do so the curriculum will be taught using an integrated theme.

Pupils are urged to develop self-confidence and independence by learning and improving higher skills in a number of different situations.  

Complaints regarding the Curriculum

How to lodge a complaint

• Speak to the Headteacher
• Speak to the Headteacher again – If you remain unhappy..
• Speak to one of the Governors or the Chairperson of Governors
• They will speak to the Headteacher and you will receive a report or they will call a full meeting of the Governing Body. Still unhappy….
• Telephone the Education Office on 01267 234567.

It will be appreciated if possible that appointments are made with the Headteacher to discuss serious problems, as she has teaching responsibilities.

Monitoring Pupil Progress and Reporting to Parents.

held once a term – informally in the Autumn and Spring term and formally during the Summer Term in order to discuss pupil progress. Parents will be informed of the relevant dates by newsletter. However, parents are welcome to visit the school at any other time to discuss their child’s progress.

The Assessment of the National Curriculum

At Key Stage 1 as Welsh is the language of tuition, the pupils’ assessment will take place through the medium of Welsh. However, if required, explanations are given in English, so that the pupil understands what is expected of him/her. At the end of Key Stage 2 English and Welsh are used in the SATs.

These levels were attained by pupils of this school at the end of each Key Stage:

School Results 2003

– KS1 Number of Children: 13

School Results 2003– KS2 Number of Children: 13

Homework

Homework is an integral part of the teaching. It is seen as a tool which can enhance the development of the activities which are taught in the classroom. Pupils are expected to read regularly in their own time in order to develop their reading skills. However this is not stressed as homework in order to develop a sense of freedom and enjoyment to the activity rather than an obligation.

Also we encourage families to enjoy learning together by working on jigsaws, playing games to encourage communication skills.  

Parental encouragement can make an enormous difference in the first few months of learning to play a new instrument. It is important to encourage your child to practise (by agreeing a set practice period daily, and reminding your child of this) and to be positive in your praise, as it can be a difficult time to persevere.

For this reason, homework is not set throughout the whole school. In Years 1-5 simple tasks are set which increase in difficulty and length as the pupil matures. In Year 6 the norm is up to 3 homework tasks a week to prepare the pupils for their responsibilities in the Secondary School.

Religious Education

Praising Together

The whole school meets four times a week to hold assembly, with the Infant and junior department meeting separately once a week. The pupils are encouraged to participate in these assemblies. The Vicar of Llangadog Church, Rev. Michael Cottam visits the school weekly and contributes to assembly. The local Minister, Rev. Gwynne Parry also visits occasionally to contribute to our assembly. If parents request that their child should abstain from assembly then alternate arrangements will be made if required.

Sex Education

Sex Education is not taught as an individual subject. Different aspects are introduced in various subject areas i.e. Science, P.S.E., R.E as well as Language. Attitudes such as the importance of looking after oneself, respecting others and family life are emphasised when teaching the subject. An outline of what is taught and the resources used are noted in the policy and Scheme of Work, which is available in the school office.

Special Educational Needs

We believe in encouraging all pupils to fulfil their potential by developing all talents in school. Sometimes for different reasons, additional support is required for a pupil. The school has adopted the L.E.A.’s plan for recognising and assessing pupils who have special educational needs.

A teacher with responsibility for Special Educational Needs visits the school for 4 hours a week to help pupils who have learning difficulties. Parental request is needed before a pupil can be taught by the Special Needs teacher.

As well as a visiting teacher, the school has two support staff that shares the role. As part of their role they teach groups of pupils in order to develop basic literacy and numeracy skills and helping them to overcome difficulties.

When it is observed that a child has learning difficulties, the parents are informed and are asked to meet with the headteacher and class teacher to discuss their child’s needs. Support can be offered by the teacher responsible for special needs or the child could be referred to the Educational Psychologist in order for the school and parents to have more detailed guidance.

We hope that parents will co-operate with the school and support the child at home, as any added effort can be more effective.

Pupils with Disabilities

Every effort is made to welcome pupils with disabilities (mental or physical) to the school. Every child is unique, and our aim is to introduce a suitable education to every child. All school members are encouraged to help and support each other what ever their needs. All school classrooms are on floor level except for the head teacher’s office. When the school was extended in the sixties, the staff toilet was designed for use by disabled pupils as well, in order to ease entry to school.

Equal Opportunities

The school promotes equal opportunities for all pupils and details are in the policy, which is available from the school office. The school participated two years ago in a study to decrease the number of boys who underachieve. Some of the activities are still used to improve boy’s attainments.

We welcome any new and relevant information to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Behaviour

Pupils are encouraged to be part of the process of creating school rules at the beginning of each school year

If a child continues to misbehave the parents will be informed and invited to school to discuss the pupil’s misbehaviour. If a pupil is misbehaving in such a way as to endanger him and/or others the headteacher has the right in exceptional circumstances to exclude the child from school.

The parents, Chairperson of Governors and the L.E.A. will be informed of such a decision. No pupil has been expelled from Llangadog School in the last 25 years.

A more detailed explanation of our policy on behaviour is available in the school office. It was reviewed by the parents in March 2002.

Pastoral Care

There is no quiet, comfortable room in school in which to rest, therefore if a child becomes ill the parents are informed, so that arrangements can be made to collect the child and take him/her home to a relative’s or neighbour’s home. No pupil will be sent home from school unless there is a responsible adult to look after him/her. If for any reason the school has to be closed i.e. bad weather, no heating etc. every effort is made to inform parents of the decision.

No child will be allowed to leave the school until notification is given that there is a responsible adult at home to meet them. If both parents work, arrangements should be made with a neighbour/relative/friend to meet the child if the need arises. The school should be informed of any relevant information.  

All staff has a “First Aid Certificate” and it is school policy to renew it every two years. The school contacts other agencies when required or when children are taken ill.

Sometimes children attending school have to take a course of medicine. If possible medicine should be administered before coming to school. However, the staff do realise that this is not always possible and that circumstances do vary. If parents discuss problems with the class teacher than every effort will be made to be of assistance. However this is an individual arrangement and it is not a pre-requisite for teachers to administer medicines.

Sometimes, on the advice of the County’s Educational Psychologist, a child with Special Educational Needs is deferred from Welsh in the National Curriculum. When this happens the class teacher prepares work through the medium of English for the child.

Absences without permission 2002 – 2003 = 0.07%

Absences with permission 2002- 2003 = 4.04%

Safety in School

The school has two main entrances which are locked after 9 a.m. At these entrances there are two bells for visitors to use.

We kindly request that parents do not park on the yellow lines near the main entrance when bringing and collecting their children from school. Also parents are encouraged to wait inside the school gates, and are welcome to wait in the corridor when the weather is bad while collecting their children. Also if a relative or friend is collecting your child from school we would appreciate knowing about this to avoid embarrassing confrontations.

School Uniform

The school has a recognised uniform, which was chosen by the parents. It includes a green sweatshirt, polo shirt and fleece on which appears the school logo. These items can be ordered through the school office if required. It is not a formal uniform and there is no obligation on parents to purchase it, as we do believe it is important for children to learn to choose and develop their own personalities. However we do ask that everybody dress sensibly, practically (for school activities) , cleanly and neatly.

School Lunches

School lunches are prepared in the school kitchen daily. There is a menu, which is displayed in school. Money can be paid to the school clerk Mrs. Rhiannon Griffiths who is present every Tuesday morning. It would be of great help if everybody could pay their weekly dinner money on Tuesdays. All cheques should be made payable to Carmarthenshire County Council. If an application form for free school meals are required they are available from the school office or the Education Department at Pibwrlwyd, Carmarthen.

An application should be made at least 6 weeks before the expiry date for free school meals. Pupils who do not require school meals can bring their own packed lunches or return home for lunch. All school meals and packed lunches are eaten in the school hall. The pupils are supervised during the lunch hour by two mid day supervisors.

School Transport

 School Visits

Pupils enjoy visiting areas and places of interest and learn from personal experiences. Many school visits are arranged to support areas/subjects that are taught, for example in History when studying the Celts a visit to Castell Henllys is arranged so that children can prove the Celtic way of life. A great effort is made to ensure children have experiences, which are not usually encountered in their every day life. A visit to the Royal Opera House in London is arranged to experience a ballet or opera when it is possible. An effort is made to keep the cost as low as possible.

At such times parents are informed well in advance of details and cost of the visits. Parental consent is required and a voluntary contribution is appreciated to meet the cost of transport, admission fees etc. Usually the visits do not take place if there is not sufficient funding to meet all costs.

Also some pupils will be invited to participate in welsh courses held at Pendine with the “Athrawon Bro”, as well as musical weekend courses with peripatetic staff that are organised by the County Music Advisory Service.

The children participate in a number of activities during the year, where the pupils represent the school in such events as the Urdd, gymnastics and P.E., rugby, football and netball games, cross country running, school and inter school athletics as well as in swimming galas. Indeed, we have found that one of the strengths of a school of this size is that everybody gets the opportunity to participate in everything.

It is an honour to represent the school and this is regarded as high as any academic and artistic fulfilment. It also encourages co-operation and develops skills. We aim to ensure that children of all abilities compete in various competitions.

We celebrate the children’s efforts and achievements in and out of school in assembly. Many children play for local football and rugby teams, for example, and we share their success.

Extra-curricular activities are important to us as a school for many reasons. Even though Llangadog is a rural area, we enrich and widen the children’s minds by visiting the theatre, cinema, places of interest, games, Urdd activities and concerts on particular dates. We do, however, ask parents to contribute to the costs of these visits.

Fun Club

The area has been successful in obtaining a grant to finance a `Fun Club’, which is held every evening after school from 3.30 – 5.30. The club’s organiser works closely with the school staff so that activities are based on issues and interests that are raised during the term’s theme. A small charge is made to help cover costs. Administration of the club is dealt with by Menter Bro Dinefwr.

A Healthy School

This school was one of six in Wales to trial the concept that was in the European Union for initiating Healthy Schools in 1996. Every effort is made to develop healthily, physically, socially and morally. For example the school has a no smoking policy and we ask all parents and visitors to respect our campaign. Pupils are encouraged to bring fresh or dried fruit to school as healthy snacks, no biscuits or crisps are allowed in between meals. We emphasise that caring for our health, especially our teeth (since this is a crucial timei in their development), is very important during the primary years.

Every school in Wales has now embarked on the Promote Healthy Schools' scheme; our Headteacher has addressed many of the launch meetings and now is a member of Carmathenshire Healthy Schools Steering Group.

Eco Schools

Education/Industry/Business Links

The school undertook the above project as it reinforced a link with a local company (Vermeco) and gave the pupils an insight into the world of industry and economy. The school maintains links with various businesses by visiting the milk factory, local shops through historical studies (cobblers shop) and inviting representatives from local businesses to the school (Coed Cadog) benefit to the educational development and welfare of the pupils of this school. The school was successful in its bid for a grant from BT to add to our I.C.T. resources. We now have more computers, a network laser printer, a digital camera, all to enhance our pupils’ learning experiences.

The Parent Teachers’ Association

The school has a supportive and hard working P.T.A. Meetings are held regularly to discuss school matters, to arrange social events so that everybody gets to know each other, and to raise funds to enhance the school’s educational facilities. Funds from such events are used to keep costs for various activities as low as possible. The P.T.A. warmly welcomes all new parents.

   Examples of activities held recently are a folk dance on St. David’s Day, an evening of Easter competitions to decorate eggs and bonnets, Summer Fete etc. From time to time we need to consult with parents and this is often done during P.T.A. meetings, e.g. encouraging reading, Mathematics, Behavioural policy and healthy teeth.

The following are the Secretaries for the P.T.A.:

Mrs. Siân Hamer :   telephone 777340

Mrs Rhiannon Griffiths :   telephone 777740

The Transition to Secondary School

The pupils of Llangadog are fortunate in that they have a choice of two secondary schools to attend – Pantycelyn Comprehensive School at Llandovery and Tregyb Comprehensive School in Llandeilo. It is also possible to choose Maesyryrfa School, if you wish your child to receive a totally Welsh education. Traditionally most pupils choose to go to Pantycelyn Comprehensive School and therefore there tends to be a stronger partnership between the two schools.

The Headteacher and the Year 5 and 6 teacher attend meetings in order to enhance the `contact’ between the two schools, where a range of matters are discussed, and also participate in research projects.

We also greatly benefit from the resources at Pantycelyn School, e.g. the swimming pool for lessons; we also use the Information Technology Suite to improve skills. Also Pantycelyn staff visits our school to prepare lessons e.g. Science and Design Technology.

School Documents

All school documents are kept as stated by County requirements in the office. All parents are welcome to see any relevant documents and an effort is made to include parents on the discussions when re-drafting these documents.

A copy of this prospectus is displayed at the school’s entrance and copies are available at the school office. The information in it is for the year 2003-2004. However some changes may be made during the year.

Cover design by Class 4 pupils.

* We welcome your comments regarding the prospectus.