Languages, Literacy and Communication
The Languages, Literacy and Communication Area of Learning and Experience (Area) addresses fundamental aspects of human communication. It aims to support learning across the whole curriculum and to enable learners to gain knowledge and skills in Welsh, English and international languages as well as in literature.
The four statements that express what matters in this Area should be addressed holistically. This means that different languages should be explored in relation to one another, so too the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. It also means that learning about and through literature should be seen as contributing to all aspects of learning about languages. The statements support and complement one another and together they contribute to realising the four purposes of the curriculum.
Learning and experience in this Area aims to enable learners to communicate effectively using Welsh, English and international languages. It aims to encourage learners to transfer what they have learned about how languages work in one language to the learning and using of other languages. This multilingual and plurilingual approach is intended to ignite learners’ curiosity and enthusiasm and provide them with a firm foundation for a lifelong interest in the languages of Wales and the languages of the world; and thus to make them ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives.
Science and Technology
Scientific skills are developed through investigations and experiments, fostering enthusiasm and a positive attitude towards science, encouraging children to explore the world around them. Students are challenged to identify problems and devise solutions through technology design projects, using various tools to build and evaluate their creations. IT skills are integrated across the curriculum, with students having internet access and utilizing educational programs for research and learning. The school boasts excellent IT facilities.
***The importance of science and technology in our modern world cannot be overstated. Developments in these areas have always been drivers of change in society, underpinning innovation and impacting on everyone’s lives economically, culturally and environmentally. As such, the Science and Technology Area of Learning and Experience (Area) will be increasingly relevant in the opportunities young people encounter and the life choices that they make.
Ready access to vast amounts of data requires all learners to be able to assess inputs critically, understand the basis of information presented as fact, and make informed judgements that impact their own behaviours and values. They need to develop the ability to meaningfully ask the question, ‘Just because we can, does that mean we should?’
Mathematics and Numeracy
A bespoke maths scheme, developed with specialist advisors, ensures compliance with the National Curriculum. An investigative approach enhances understanding and confidence, offering numerous opportunities to apply numeracy skills across the curriculum.
***The development of mathematics has always gone hand in hand with the development of civilisation itself. A truly international discipline, it surrounds us and underpins so many aspects of our daily lives, such as architecture, art, music, money and engineering. And while it is creative and beautiful, both in its own right and in its applications, it is also essential for progress in other areas of learning and experience.
What is more, numeracy – the application of mathematics to solve problems in real-world contexts – plays a critical part in our everyday lives, and in the economic health of the nation. It is imperative, therefore, that mathematics and numeracy experiences are as engaging, exciting and accessible as possible for learners, and that these experiences are geared towards ensuring that learners develop mathematical resilience.
In the early years, play forms an important part in the development of mathematics and numeracy, enabling learners to solve problems, explore ideas, establish connections and collaborate with others. In later years, learners need to have opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively to build on the foundations established in the early years.
Progression in the Mathematics and Numeracy Area of Learning and Experience (Area) involves the development of five connected and interdependent proficiencies which have no hierarchy. These are crucial considerations for schools when designing their curriculum to ensure the progression of learners.
- Conceptual understanding
- Communication using symbols
- Fluency
- Logical reasoning
- Strategic competence
Health and Wellbeing
The Health and Well-being Area of Learning and Experience (Area) provides a holistic structure for understanding health and well-being. It is concerned with developing the capacity of learners to navigate life’s opportunities and challenges. The fundamental components of this Area are physical health and development, mental health, and emotional and social well-being. It will support learners to understand and appreciate how the different components of health and well-being are interconnected, and it recognises that good health and well-being are important to enable successful learning.
Engagement with this Area will help to foster a whole-school approach that enables health and well-being to permeate all aspects of school life.
Humanities
The curriculum aims to enhance understanding of the relationship between people, places, and spaces, teaching about physical geography and map skills, and encouraging environmental awareness and responsibility.
Students develop an understanding of the past, the concept of time, and the ability to differentiate between fact and fiction using historical sources.
Expressive Arts
Students have opportunities to compose music, appreciate music from various cultures and periods, and perform for audiences. The school supports learning a variety of musical instruments, facilitated by visiting peripatetic music teachers, with a payment scheme available.
We aim to foster an appreciation for the work of artists, designers, and the arts from both historical and contemporary cultures. Children are encouraged to explore their creativity using a variety of materials, including paint, clay, and fabric, to express themselves and develop their artistic skills.
Dance is an integral part of the curriculum, exposing students to dance elements from various cultures and countries, in addition to traditional Welsh folk dancing. This approach enriches students’ understanding and appreciation of dance as a form of cultural expression.
Homework
In years 3-6, homework is assigned regularly and often presented as Learning Logs. These tasks are designed to be open-ended, offering challenges that cater to different abilities and interests. They may also focus on specific themes or projects, encouraging collaborative support from home to motivate and assist the child in their learning journey.
Occasionally, activities may require gathering information from parents, relatives, and neighbours, or entail research and interviews conducted by the student. We recognize that children are under the guardianship of their families outside school hours, and we appreciate parental cooperation, understanding the responsibility lies with the home.
There may be times when additional work is assigned by a teacher to address a particular area of difficulty or to focus on a specific topic. During these instances, we hope for the full cooperation and encouragement from families to support the child’s efforts and progress.
Assessment
Formal reports are compiled during the summer and shared during an ‘Open Evening’. Daily assessments help students and teachers gauge progress, recorded using the ‘Taith 360’ platform.