4th September 2008.
Dear Parents
A new academic year is beginning after one of the greyest Augusts on record. What a terrible month for the children to be on holiday! Fortunately, the new curriculum means that we can ensure the children get lots of fresh air as they learn through play in the outdoors. Children in KS 1 have already had lots of fun learning with Mrs.Williams in their Forest School lessons. Now children in Nursery and Reception will begin the new Foundation Phase curriculum. Parents of these children will be invited to the school to find out more about this within the next couple of weeks. The Forest School programme has proved so beneficial that we intend extending this throughout the school this year.
The New Curriculum 2008 has a focus on skills and because of this the Junior department will operate in two phases. All of the children will, therefore, be taught in mixed age classes. This will mean combined Year 3 and Year 4 classes in lower Key Stage 2 and in upper Key Stage 2, there will be combined classes for Years 5 and 6.
We are really pleased and very proud that we have achieved the BECTA Quality Mark, a National award which recognises the excellent standards we achieve in I.C.T. St. Gwladys Bargoed is only the third school in Caerphilly County to gain this prestigious award, the other two being part of a pilot scheme.
We are very pleased to welcome three new members of staff this year. Miss Andrea Smith and Mrs. Reena Patel will be teaching in the Junior department. Miss Sian Davies will be taking Reception Class.
Mrs. Cushion has been appointed as Acting Deputy Headteacher.
Every year we work to a School Improvement Plan. This means that throughout this school year we will focus on:
- Continuing to use TASC to help the children learn in the most effective way
- Reading
- Using drama to encourage the children's writing
- In maths we'll be continuing our focus on number and we'll be keeping the high standards we have achieved in Information Technology – Computer Club for parents and grandparents will be continuing in the Spring Term once again this year
- We also want to achieve Fairtrade Status.
- We'll be concentrating on the ways in which we teach Design Technology, Music composition and P.E. this year and we will be continuing to improve standards in speaking through our Teaching Talking agenda.
We're always in need of adult support, so if you feel you could spare us a couple of hours a week to lend a helping hand, please contact Mrs. Murphy. Those parents/grandparents interested in becoming involved in the Forest School programme should speak to Mrs. Williams.
The diary for the term will be sent out in the next couple of weeks but it might be useful for you to know that the school will be closed for staff training on Friday, 24th October and Friday, 12th December.
There will be an opportunity for you to meet with your child's class teacher on Wednesday, 8th October. Term dates for the new school year are attached.
Yours sincerely
Kathryn Evans.
