2017 - 2018 School Prospectus
Mae Pawb hefo’i Gilydd yn Cyflawni Mwy Together Everyone Achieves More
www.ysgolgellifor.com
Winner of Best Primary School Ysgol Gellifor Contents
School Details Welcome Letter Our School Ethos Staff Structure Being a Federated School The Governing Body Term Dates and Opening Times After School Clubs Providing for your Child Throughout the day The School Curriculum Extra Curricular Activities Welsh & Bilingualism Physical Education & Sport Key Stage 2 Assessment Additional Learning Needs, Equal Opportunities & Looked After Children Pastoral Care, Discipline & Complaints Procedure Health, Safety & Security Attendance Data Admissions School Uniform School Meals Community Links Collective Worship & Church Links Friends of Gellifor Charity Work Closing Remarks
Page 1 Ysgol Gellifor Ysgol Gellifor School Lane Our Vision Gellifor “At Ysgol Gellifor we bring excellence and enjoyment together to instil a life Ruthin long love of learning, inspiring your child to learn without limits in a friendly and Denbighshire happy environment.
Ll15 1SG We encourage and challenge our children to attain their potential, build friendships and engage with life and community with a growth mindset. Above all we create aspiration to achieve in an environment where children are still allowed to be children.”
Ysgol Gellifor is a County Primary School Classification: Comprehensive, Coeducational Day Language: English, Welsh Category 5 Headteacher: Mr. Richard Monteiro
Chair of the Governing Body: Mrs. Sandy Mayall
Tel: 01824 790 387
E-Mail: [email protected]
Page 2 Ysgol Gellifor A Message From The Head Teacher
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is with pride that I present our school prospectus to you. I hope that this document will give you a rounded picture of what I, along with the staff, children, parents and Governors of the school are trying to achieve here at Ysgol Gellifor. It is every parent’s right to expect a good education for their children, but we also want them to be happy, to feel valued and safe. At Ysgol Gellifor we believe that we can offer your child the experiences which will provide these things; a good quality learning experience and a happy, safe environment.
We pride ourselves in the broad, balanced and full education program that we provide in the Foundation Phase (Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3 – 6). The high standards of teaching and learning at Ysgol Gellifor are a credit to the hard work of both staff and pupils. We are equally proud of the ethos and atmosphere, which pervade every aspect of school; friendliness, respect and co- operation are of great importance to us all. The ethic of teamwork is, I feel, also extremely important and is woven through all aspects of the school, not only between staff, but also on the classroom floor and in the strong links with parents, Governors and the local community.
Visitors often comment on the warm welcome they receive and the politeness of our children. We strive to give the children the opportunity to reach out into the community and gain as wide a palate of experiences as is possible. We certainly believe that extra curricular visits enhance the formal aspects of our children’s education. The staff enjoy taking the children on out-of-school activities because they are proud of them and they are indeed a credit to the school.
I very much look forward to meeting you. If you wish to visit the school or have any queries, then please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Richard Monteiro
Page 3 Ysgol Gellifor
Annwyl Rieni,
Gyda balchder yr wyf yn cyflwyno ein prospectws i chi. Gobeithio ei fod yn rhoi darlun cyflawn o beth ydw i, law yn llaw a’r staff, plant, rhieni a Llywodraethwyr yr ysgol yn ceisio ei gyflawni yma yn Ysgol Gellifor. Mae gan bob rhiant hawl disgwyl addysg dda i’w plant ond hefyd rydym eisiau iddynt deimlo yn saff, yn werthfawr a hapus. Yma, yn Ysgol Gellifor, credaf ein bod yn cynnig y profiadau i’ch plentyn a fydd yn sicrhau hyn, sef addysg o safon uchel mewn awyrgylch diogel a hwyliog.
Mae rhaglen addysg eang, cytbwys a llawn yn cael ei ddarparu yng Cyfnod Sylfaen (Meithrin, Derbyn, Blwyddyn 1 a 2) ac hefyd yng Nghyfnod Allweddol 2 Blwyddyn 3-6). Mae’r safonau uchel o ddysgu ac addysgu yn Ysgol Gellifor yn glod i’r staff a’r plant am eu gwaith caled. Mae gennym falchder hefyd tuag at yr ethos a’r awyrgylch sy’n treiddio pob agwedd o’r ysgol, nid yn unig rhwng y staff, ond hefyd ar lawr y dosbarth ac yn y cysylltiadau agos rhwng y rhieni, Llywodraethwyr a’r gymuned leol.
Mae ymwelwyr yn sylwi ar y croeso cynnes maent yn ei dderbyn ac hefyd am gwrteisi y plant. Rydym yn ymdrechu i roi cyfleoedd i’r plant ymestyn allan i’r gymuned i geisio derbyn ystod eang o brofiadau gwahanol. Credaf bod ymweliadau all gyrsiol yn datblygu agweddau mwy ffurfiol addysg ein plant. Mae’r staff yn mwynhau cymryd y plant allan o’r ysgol oherwydd eu bod mor falch ohonynt a maent yn glod i’r ysgol.
Edrychaf ymlaen at eich cyfarfod. Os ydych eisiau ymweld a’r ysgol neu os oes ganddoch unrhyw gwestiwn, cysylltwch a mi heb oedi.
Yr eiddoch yn gywir,
Mr Richard Monteiro
Page 4 Ysgol Gellifor
Welcome from the Chair of Governors
Dear Parents, Grandparents and Carers
On behalf of the governing Body, it is my privilege to be able to write this and I hope this prospectus gives you a flavour of the vibrant and suppor ve environment that Ysgol Gellifor offers pupils.
Choosing the right school for your child should be an exci ng process, from an ini al look at the website to that all cri cal first visit.
We offer a whole developmental experience for our children to help them reach their full poten al.
We are one of only a handful of primary schools in the area to have our own mini busses for regular excursions which allows us to enhance our lessons. We are involved in compe ons like the Urdd (Welsh Na onal Compe ons), county swimming and have gym club and various other clubs and ac vi es. Our website provides a full list of all our ac vi es and informa on.
The size of the school allows us to provide all important wrap around care for parents that require it and the open and warm atmosphere supports the good spiritual, moral and social development.
We value our partnership with parents and carers who are very suppor ve and work really hard to raise funds for the school and promote the sense of belonging that we hope all families feel.
As governors we set strategic direc on for the school and are an effec ve governing body. We regularly visit the school between mee ngs and are commi ed to ensuring that all children receive an excellent educa onal experience from our happy staff, in a safe and caring environment.
We were privileged to be chosen to be the first school in Denbighshire to be federated. This has given us greater flexibility with staffing which has helped to raise standards and with our energe c and passionate team of staff, led by Mr Richard Monteiro who is dedicated in leading the school with a clear vision of pupil a ainment and wellbeing.
Make an appointment to see for yourself the posi ve atmosphere the school promotes.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sandy Mayall
Chair of Governors
Page 5 Ysgol Gellifor Our School Ethos Background and History Ysgol Gellifor is a Community Primary School, which opened in 1868. The school caters for boys and girls aged between 4 and 11 years. A nursery unit is also established at the school, which receives children who are 3 years of age for 5 sessions per week.
The medium of instruction is English, but all pupils study Welsh and with Gellifor situated in such a bilingual area, it is a priority of ours to see the Welsh ethos pervade all aspects of school life. In 2017 we were shortlisted and awarded the Daily Post North Wales Schools Award for Best Primary School. Aims This vision ‘Everyone Achieves More’ reflects our joint values:
To provide a broad, balanced curriculum which ensures the healthy spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of each child and to provide a happy, secure and friendly environment in which this can be implemented. To ensure that our pupils strive to achieve their potential and are provided with the necessary skills to accept the opportunities and responsibilities which will be presented to them in their future lives. To help children contribute fully and effectively to the Community in which they live: local, regional, national and global. That learning is neither restricted by age, location, gender, ethnicity nor ability.
Home- School Agreement: A copy of this will be given to you when you enrol your child at Ysgol Gellifor. However, in summary: Parents have the responsibility to ensure that children arrive at school well prepared and in good time. They have the responsibility to ensure that homework is completed and that their child reads aloud as often as possible at home. Teachers have the responsibility to communicate with the parents on a regular basis and provide information concerning achievement and progress.
Written reports will be issued every July and Open Evenings are arranged each term: Autumn – to discuss how a child has settled-in to their new class and the Expectations of the teacher Spring - to discuss the ongoing progress of each child Summer – to discuss any issues arising from the end of year report
Concerns may be raised with class teachers at any time, but please respect the preparation time needed in the mornings and if possible an appointment should be made.
Page 6 Ysgol Gellifor Staff Structure 2017 - 2018
Head Teacher Assistant Head Teacher Year 5 & 6 Teacher Mr R Monteiro Year 3 & 4 Teacher Miss J. Lodge Mrs A Brookes Jones
HLTA & Nursery Infants Teacher Infants Teacher Supervisor Mrs V. Robson Mrs K Crooks Mrs A Griffin
Teaching Assistant HLTA Teaching Assistant Lunchtime Supervisor Mrs J Jones Mrs S Thomas Mrs T Roberts
Page 7 Ysgol Gellifor Staff Structure 2017 - 2018
Secretary Caretaker Mrs C Boardman Mr R Hughes
Auntie Selina & Carol Cooks Cylch Leader Miss K Lewis
Teaching Assistant Teaching Assistant Lunchtime Supervisor Lunchtime Supervisor Mrs S McCabe Mrs F Mills
Page 8 Ysgol Gellifor Being a Federated School
In line with Denbighshire’s Modernising Education agenda an opportunity arose to facilitate collaborative working between Ysgol Gellifor and Ysgol Bryn Clwyd, Llandyrnog.
What does a federated school mean?
A single Headteacher across both schools;
A joint ‘Federated Governing Body’; Both schools retain their separate identities and legal status;
Both schools continue to receive an individual school budget, however the Federated Governing Body can decide to pool resources where appropriate; Both schools have an ‘Assistant Head’ with responsibility for the school in the absence of the Headteacher;
What are the benefits of being a federated school?
Wider opportunities for enhancing the education of the pupils, e.g. joint school projects, shared teaching and learning resources;
Pupils able to meet and work as a part of a larger group on occasions; Further opportunities to share resources e.g. service providers, joint staff training, themed days, and transport to different venues and events.
Enhanced staff expertise in specialist areas, raising standards e.g. Teachers working together to plan, prepare and assess for Foundation Phase and New Wales Curriculum; Enhanced opportunities for monitoring teaching across the two schools and for teachers to moderate and level pupil work;
Enhanced community links with the two communities working more closely together;
More flexible use of finances with individual budgets of each school used more effectively and creatively to support children’s progress; Opportunities for financial savings when purchasing resources for both schools;
Shared opportunities for the future, working towards extended services across the federation; Continuity of class structure and staffing levels both teaching and non teaching.
Page 9 Ysgol Gellifor The Governing Body
The Governing Body comprises 17 members, made up from representatives of the Gellifor and Llandyrnog community, and all working to achieve the very best for the schools, pupils, staff and community. Each Governor serves a four year term of office. They are extremely supportive, accessible and many are actively involved in school activities.
The Annual Parents’ Meeting is held during the Autumn Term when all parents are invited to attend and discuss the Governors’ Report to Parents relating to the preceding year.
The Body is made up of:- 4 members selected by the Local Education Authority, 6 members are representatives voted for by the parents, 2 members represent the Community Council 2 teacher representative: 2 staff representative and the Headteacher.
The present Governing body members are as follows;
Mrs S. Mayall (Chair) L.E.A. Governor Mr Gwilym C. Evans L.E.A. Governor Mr M. Parry L.E.A. Governor Dr B. Atkinson L.E.A. Governor Mr P. Wood Parent Governor Mr N. Hailes Parent Governor Mr O. Conry Parent Governor Mrs T. Hewett (Vice Chair) Parent Governor Dr E. Kneale Parent Governor Mr J. Hiley Parent Governor Mr W. Roberts Community Council Governor Mr A. Thomas Community Council Governor Mrs A. Brookes Jones Te ac h e r Governor Mrs V. Ly o n Te ac h e r Governor Miss T. Leuty Staff Governor Mr R Monteiro Headteacher Mrs K. Davies Clerk
Page 10 Ysgol Gellifor Term Dates and Opening Times
Dyddiadau Gwyliau Ysgol a School Holiday Dates and Diwrnodau Hyfforddiant Mewn Swydd Staff Training Days 2014 - 2021 2014 - 2021
* SYLWER: 2016-2021 * NOTE: 2016-2021 Mae’r dyddiadau hyn yn amodol i newid gan y Gweinidog The dates are subject to Ministerial change each year. bob blwyddyn.
HYDREF 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 * 2017-18 * 2018-19 * 2019-20 * 2020-21 AUTUMN Dechrau’r Tymor 01/09/14 01/09/15 01/09/16 01/09/17 03/09/18 02/09/19 01/09/20 Term Start ** Hyfforddiant Mewn Swydd 01/09/14 01/09/15 ** Staff Training Day 02/09/14 02/09/15 Cau Hanner Tymor 24/10/14 23/10/15 21/10/16 27/10/17 26/10/18 25/10/19 23/10/20 Half Term Close ** Hyfforddiant Mewn Swydd 02/11/15 ** Staff Training Day Agor Hanner Tymor 03/11/14 02/11/15 31/10/16 06/11/17 05/11/18 04/11/19 02/11/20 Half Term Open Diwedd Tymor 19/12/14 18/12/15 19/12/16 22/12/17 21/12/18 20/12/19 18/12/20 End of Term GWANWYN SPRING Dechrau’r Tymor 05/01/15 04/01/16 02/01/17 08/01/18 07/01/19 06/01/20 04/01/21 Term Start ** Hyfforddiant Mewn Swydd 05/01/15 04/01/16 ** Staff Training Day Cau Hanner Tymor 13/02/15 12/02/16 20/02/17 09/02/18 22/02/19 14/02/20 12/02/21 Half Term Close Agor Hanner Tymor 23/02/15 22/02/16 27/02/17 19/02/18 04/03/19 24/02/20 22/02/21 Half Term Open Diwedd Tymor 27/03/15 24/03/16 07/04/17 23/03/18 12/04/19 03/04/20 26/03/21 End of Term HAF SUMMER Dechrau’r Tymor 13/04/15 11/04/16 24/04/17 09/04/18 29/04/19 20/04/20 12/04/21 Term Start ** Hyfforddiant Mewn Swydd 13/04/15 11/04/16 ** Staff Training Day Dydd Gwyl Fai 04/05/15 02/05/16 01/05/17 07/05/18 06/05/19 04/05/20 03/05/21 May Day Cau Hanner Tymor 22/05/15 27/05/16 26/05/17 25/05/18 24/05/19 22/05/20 28/05/21 Half Term Close Agor Hanner Tymor 01/06/15 06/06/16 05/06/17 04/06/18 03/06/19 01/06/20 07/06/21 Half Term Open ** Hyfforddiant Mewn Swydd 20/07/15 ** Staff Training Day Diwedd Tymor 20/07/15 20/07/16 21/07/17 20/07/18 22/07/19 20/07/20 20/07/21 End of Term
** SYLWER: Dyddiadau Hyfforddiant Mewn Swydd ** NOTE: Staff Training Days Argymhellion yw’r dyddiadau hyn a gallant amrywio o fewn ysgolion Sir These are recommended dates and may vary within Ddinbych - cysylltwch ag ysgol eich plentyn am gadarnhad. Denbighshire schools – please confirm with your child’s school.
** Mae dyddiadau hyfforddiant 15/16 yn berthnasol i holl ysgolion ar wahan i Ysgol Brynhyfryd** **The staff training days 15/16 apply to all schools apart from Ysgol Brynhyfryd**
Diweddarwyd/Updated 26/06/15
School starts 8.55am Morning Break 10.30 – 10.45
Staff cannot supervise children before 8.45am or after 3.25pm. During break time the children are encouraged to eat only fruit as part of our drive to maintain Ysgol Gellifor as a healthy school. Parking As with many schools, the parking situation outside when the school day begins and ends, can be problematic due to the number of cars. Parents are asked to be considerate towards the local residents and not park their cars on the grass verges or across driveways.
Page 11 Ysgol Gellifor After School Clubs The school holds a number of flourishing after school clubs which run at different times during the school years. Dance
Netball
Art
F1 in Schools
Football
Chess
Coding
Page 12 Ysgol Gellifor Providing for your child throughout the day
The facilities are in place on school premises to care for your child from 8am to 5.30pm. A number of organisations work together closely so that this can be the case. Provided with this handbook are some leaflets from organisations; however, here are some brief details about what these services can provide for your child.
Early Birds Breakfast Club – “The Healthy way to Start the Day”
Parent Jane Searle in 2005 opened Ysgol Gellifor’s breakfast club where working parents are able to send their children to school knowing that their child will be safely supervised and also be given a healthy breakfast. Breakfast is free from 8.20am but care is offered from 8am for a voluntary donation of 50p. The club is now run by Tracy Roberts, with support from Sara and Petra.
Cylch Chwarae Gellifor
Cylch Chwarae Gellifor is a school run sessional wrap around care provision for children aged from two years up to reception age. Children take part in planned activities both indoors and outdoors that encourage creativity and independence as well as giving opportunities for children to get to know the staff and pupils at Ysgol Gellifor. The service runs Monday to Friday from 8.50am till 1pm at a cost of £15 per session (afternoon sessions at request). Parents can contact school directly with enquires or speak to Katie by calling in at the community hall any day during the week.
After School Club
Once again, busy parents are able to book their children into the After School club which is run in the Community Hall from 3.15pm to 5.30pm. Children are supervised, given various activities and also are given a tea time snack. After school club costs £7 per child with siblings costing £5.
Page 13 Ysgol Gellifor The School Curriculum Required teaching time per week, excluding the statutory act of daily collective worship, class registration, lunch and other breaks is outlined here:
Age Hours per Week
5 - 7 21
8 - 11 23.5
School Day 8:55 - 15:15 Nationally two phases of education are recognised. Foundation Phase from age 3 to 7
Key Stage 2 from age 7 to 11 (Levels 3 – 5)
Foundation Phase It is important that the value of play in young children’s learning is acknowledged and explained. It is vital that there are clear aims for young children’s learning within play as it is all too easy for ‘play’ to be misconstrued as trivial and purposeless. For play to be effective in the Foundation Phase, it is essential that careful planning is undertaken. When we talk about play we are referring to children’s active involvement in their learning. This guidance focuses primarily on structured educational play. Play is an essential ingredient in the curriculum which should be fun and stimulating. Well planned play helps children to think and make sense of the world around them. It develops and extends their linguistic skills, enables them to be creative, to investigate and explore different materials and provides them with opportunities to experiment and predict outcomes. There should be opportunities for children to follow their own interests and ideas through free play. Children’s learning is most effective when it arises from first hand experiences, whether spontaneous or structured and when they are given time to play without interruptions and to a satisfactory conclusion.
The building blocks of learning begun in the Foundation Phase are built upon. Emphasis is put on the Key Skills and a broad curriculum is devised which integrates all subject areas whilst developing a child’s interests and recognising their level of maturity. During these years children also learn many of the skills which will ensure they develop as caring members of our school community. The photos on this page show our infant children enjoying forest schools activities.
Page 14 Ysgol Gellifor Key Stage 2 At Key Stage 2, the curriculum is taught as discrete subjects, however, the key skills of Literacy, Numeracy and Information and Communication technology are expected to pervade all lessons.
Core subjects English Mathematics Science Welsh Foundation subjects Design & Technology History Geography Music Physical Education Art Religious Education Information & Communication Technology
Additionally, the common requirements are also expected to be taken into consideration when planning and delivering lessons in order to ensure that the children are developing a multitude of skills to prepare them for the future.
Skills across the curriculum Developing Thinking (Including the Literacy and Numeracy Framework) Developing Literacy Developing ICT Developing Number
Learning across the curriculum Cwricwlwm Cymreig Personal and social education Careers and the world of work
Classroom Management Classes are organised according to the activity being presented to the children. They will undertake activities individually, in pairs, groups and sometimes as a whole class. This gives them a wide range of experiences of working which will benefit their development and prepare them for their future life.
Homework Children are given homework at the school which follows the programme of study taught in class. The homework should not take more than 15-20 minutes and should not need any parental help! Its purpose is to reinforce class work and also to discipline them in readiness for moving on to secondary school. It is appreciated that pupils do lead busy lives out of school and it is accepted there will be some occasions where there will be a need for flexibility.
Page 15 Ysgol Gellifor
There is a School Policy Document for each curriculum area available for you to read in school and also: a) Details of how parents may consult or obtain a copy of the L.E.A.’s statement setting out its policy on the curriculum. b) Any statutory instruments and circulars sent to schools by the National Assembly about the powers and duties of Governing Bodies. c) Any published O.H.M.C.I. Estyn reports on the school. d) Any schemes of work and syllabuses in use.
Pupils are taught about the beliefs and practises across the five major world religions. It is within a parents right to choose for their child not to participate in religious education and in this instance alternative provision can be arranged for such pupils to complete literacy and numeracy work in a separate classroom alongside other pupils.
Personal and Social Education become statutory from Autumn 2004, we incorporate the elements identified in the Framework for P.S.E. into our curriculum - either as a discrete subject or across the curriculum. The relationship and sex education is covered in the formal curriculum as well as through a series of stand alone lessons which start from Year 1 and are built on throughout the school. Details of what will be covered in these lessons are shared with parents and parents have the option of withdrawing their child from these lessons.
Likewise, Information and Communication Technology is a subject which is taught as a stand alone subject, however, lessons are planned in a cross-curricular fashion to ensure that all opportunities for using ICT are School Council The children are given the opportunity to directly influence the running of the school through the School Council. Representatives from each class are elected by the pupils and meet once every half term to discuss matters that are important to the children. One major decision instigated by pupils was to allow girls to wear trousers as part of their school uniform, when they were expected to wear skirts. Before each meeting, the classes discuss issues which are of concern and then the class representatives take those issues to the next meeting. There are eight pupils on the council and they sit with the Headteacher Mr Richard Monteiro and the Chair of the Governing body Mrs Sandy Mayall.
Page 16 Ysgol Gellifor
Off Site Activities It is felt strongly at Ysgol Gellifor that many aspects of the National Curriculum can be reinforced and enhanced by getting out into the community to learn about the world at first-hand. Any opportunities or activities that allow this to be done are taken advantage of and links with the community are fostered and built upon.
Charging Policy The Governors do not require charges to be raised for any school activity. However, should any charges be considered, no pupil will be omitted from participating in any activity on the grounds of non- contribution.
The Governors wish to retain the present situation in which activities funded by voluntary contributions from parents will continue. However, it must be appreciated that unless significant contributions are made, some activities may not take place.
The school has a minibus of its own and seeks to use this to get the children out into the community to supplement their learning experiences. We ask for an annual donation towards the upkeep and running of this minibus. I’m sure you can appreciate; it is a valuable resource to the school in being able to transport the children on visits, trips and also to sporting fixtures not to mention swimming lessons (which we do charge £1 for).
Recent visits have included:
Venue Cymru Rhyl Pavilion Ruthin Library to meet authors Denbighshire County Council Ruthin Gaol Cardiff Pentre Nant Bwlch yr Haearn Glan Llyn Summer Camp Hill Fort Visit
Page 17 Ysgol Gellifor Welsh Ethos in a Bilingual County Ysgol Gellifor is an English medium primary school. However, we are extremely mindful and aware of the fact that the school rests in arguably, the most bilingual area of Wales and wish to take full advantage of the variety of opportunities that this offers to the children. The teaching of Welsh as a second language is a statutory requirement and has dedicated time in the school’s timetable. Also, extensive involvement is encouraged in activities that not only build on language skills but also develop the Welsh ethos. The use of Welsh as an incidental language in class through various activities, helps the children to become more aware and develop their understanding of the language and build confidence in their use of it. As a result, the school is developing a strong Welsh ethos that fosters pride among the staff and pupils in their locality, community, nation and culture as well as our dual languages. The school aims to take
St. David’s Day On St. David’s day, the children all come to school dressed in National Costume and the parents are invited in to school for a concert where each class makes a presentation through the medium of Welsh, be it through song, recitation, reading or acting to demonstrate their developing proficiency in the language.
Urdd During the spring term, the local and county Eisteddfod is held and many children enthusiastically put their names forward to compete in a variety of competitions from reciting to singing, acting, disco dancing and folk dancing. Additionally, they take part in an art and craft competition and also submit written work. This valuable experience gives them the opportunity to perform and compete in front of an audience through the medium of Welsh and also make friends with children from other schools in the local community. The 2008 Eisteddfod proved to be a highly successful event for the school with ten entries winning through to the National Eisteddfod in Conwy and three performing on national television.
Llandyrnog Eisteddfod The Llandyrnog Eisteddfod is much like the Urdd Eisteddfod, but is more of a local event held during the Autumn term. Ysgol Gellifor’s competitors won many friends as a result of their successful participation over the last few years.
Jamboree The Jamboree is held every year, where children of all ages from all the local schools are given the opportunity to share the enjoyment of singing and acting out some fun Welsh songs. Gellifor’s children enjoyed their participation and are often seen singing the songs on the playground!
Urdd Club An after school club run in the Spring is the Urdd Club which tries to promote enthusiasm for all things Welsh through a series of fun activities. Page 18 Ysgol Gellifor Physical Education & Sport
Physical Education is always one of the more popular subjects in the curriculum for the children and we hope to channel this enthusiasm in a positive way at Ysgol Gellifor. Sport can play a vital part in a child’s development through the teaching and fostering of skills, confidence, self-esteem, team spirit and physical health. All children take part in physical education lessons and parents provide black or white plimsolls, black shorts and white T-shirts in a suitable bag. For outdoor lessons on the field and school yard, football boots or outdoor trainers will be required along with a black tracksuit for colder weather. Our large playing field is shared with the Gellifor village community out of school hours and has permanent football posts installed.
Under no circumstances will shoes be permitted to be worn during P.E. activities. If children are unable to take part, parents are required to inform the Headteacher in writing. All items of clothing must be clearly labelled. Members of staff will direct you towards the suppliers of the necessary kit items.
The PE curriculum offers a wide range of experiences that develop the physical aspects of the whole child. Through gymnastics, games, athletics, swimming and outdoor activities, a number of skills are worked upon that will hopefully lead to pupils being fully aware of the benefits of health related exercise and also being able to express themselves fully through sport. The school feels strongly that children should be given the opportunity to participate in all types of sporting events and to aspire to represent the school. The pupils gain great enjoyment from this competitive aspect and the links fostered between other schools and pupils. Events in which the school actively participate are the various Urdd competitions held; football, netball, rugby, rounders, swimming and gymnastics. Also, Denbighshire itself is very active in arranging competitive sports events in which we are eager to take part. These include the above sports as well as cross country and orienteering.
During an academic year, children are transported in our school mini buses to Ruthin swimming pool to receive instruction and when visiting the swimming pool the Infants come to school in their black track suits.. To make full use of the pool time available, competent swimmers will work towards gaining the various awards, whilst the non-swimmers will be encouraged to gain early confidence and taught to swim as soon as possible. The main playground is painted to encourage games and to assist the teaching of cycling skills to Year 6 during the Summer term. Page 18 Ysgol Gellifor
Our gymnasts represented the school in the National Urdd Championships. Get-Up-And-Go is our 5 minute afternoon exercise session for the whole school to get ready for afternoon lessons.
The football club trains hard and the Gellifor team competes in several tournaments throughout the year.
We do a lot of athletics in the summer term to get ready for our Sports Day.
Tag Rugby on our school field.
We perform gymnastics regularly in front of the school.
Page 19 Ysgol Gellifor
End of Foundation Phase Assessment Results
Foundation Phase (10 in cohort)
%LO5+
2015 2016 2017 Family 2017 Wales 2017
Literacy 83.3 92 100 93 88.1
Maths 83.3 92 100 94 90.3
Personal & 100 100 100 98 94.7 Social Development Foundation 75 92 100 93 87.3 Phase Indicator
KS2 Core Subject Indicator (9 in Cohort)
Level English % Maths % Science% 3 11.1% 0% 0% 4 55.6% 55.6% 55.6%
5 33.3% 44.4% 44.4% Core Subject Indicator 88.9%
Page 20 Ysgol Gellifor End of Key Stage 2 Assessment Results Key Stage 2 English (2016-17)
Key Stage 2 Maths (2016-17)
Key Stage 2 Science (2016-17)
Page 21 Ysgol Gellifor Additional Learning Needs, Equal Opportunities & Looked After Children
ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS Children who require resources or support, additional to those which are usually provided within a school, will be catered for, adhering to the aims and objectives suggested in the Code of Practice on Additional Educational Needs and also the guidelines issued by the L.E.A. These formulate the school’s Additional Needs Policy. Copies of these documents may be inspected at school. The procedures for identification, assessment, monitoring and review are available and parental involvement is encouraged at all stages of discussion. Individual work programmes (IEPs) for the pupils are compiled by class teachers and overseen by ALNCo Mrs. Amanda Brookes Jones. These are regularly updated and amended to suit the needs of each individual. The children generally work alongside their peers and join in all possible activities. Members of the county’s Learning Development Team also work side by side with class teachers and children in order to support the learning of those pupils with additional learning needs. It is also important to recognise that pupils of high ability also need to be recognised and it is important to ensure that they are identified and sufficiently stretched so that they may reach their potential. Classroom activities are differentiated according to ability to ensure that the challenges set match the ability of each individual child. PUPILS WITH DISABILITIES The school will admit all pupils whose educational needs can be met from the resources provided to it and whose admissions will not significantly detract from the needs of other pupils. Where children have a statement of SEN maintained on them, their admission must be negotiated via the LEA’s Statementing Officer. The School operates an Equal opportunities policy and has good access and facilities for disabled pupils including toilets and changing facilities. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The School Policy fully supports the Local Education Authorities Policy on Equal opportunity and is intended to overcome discrimination, raise awareness and provide guidelines for staff, pupils and Governors. All pupils and staff have the right to equal opportunities. The inclusive nature of Ysgol Gellifor promotes equality for all regardless of race, gender or religion. LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN Children and young people become “Looked After” either if they have been taken into care by the local authority, or have been accommodated by the local authority (a voluntary care arrangement). Most Looked After Children live with foster parents but a smaller number may be in children’s residential units, living with a relative or even be placed at home with their birth parents. In the event of a “looked after” child attending the school, we would ensure that: • The child takes as full a part as possible in all school activities • Carers and social workers of these pupils are kept fully informed of their child’s progress and attainment • The child is involved, where practicable, in decisions affecting their future provision. The member of staff who would be most directly responsible for promoting the educational achievement of looked after children would be Mrs Amanda Brookes Jones.
Page 22 Ysgol Gellifor Pastoral Care, Discipline & Complaints Procedure
PASTORAL CARE AND DISCIPLINE All members of staff see to the usual cuts and bruises which occur during the day. If a pupil becomes ill in school the parents are contacted for the pupil to go home. When we are unable to contact anyone the pupil is made as comfortable as possible in school, but this is not the ideal situation, so parents should complete the form provided to indicate alternative contacts during an emergency. A pupil who uses an inhaler should have this marked with his or her name. Our pupils are encouraged to be kind, courteous and respectful to one another. We do everything we can to reinforce positive behaviours, however there are times when pupils need to be reminded of the code of conduct. Rules are few but relevant, and pupils are reminded of these by all staff at appropriate times. Courtesy, good manners and co-operation are practised by all members of staff and there is an expectation that this be mirrored by pupils in school and also when pursuing off-site activities. Everyday misdemeanours are dealt with by the staff; more anti-social behaviour is reported to the Headteacher and parents contacted if necessary. At all times the pupils are reminded of the need to exercise self-discipline. However, when this does not prove possible for a child the following sanctions may be applied: a child may lose a privilege – part of a break, use of equipment at play-time; a child may be removed from a classroom but given work to do; parents will be contacted if the problem persists. A home school agreement is signed at the beginning of each academic year. This establishes the schools main expectations that all pupils will try their best and be considerate to others. The school has a Discipline and Behaviour Policy which is available through the Head Teacher or website for examination.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
The Education Reform Act 1988 requires schools to establish a complaints procedure in relation to a broad and balanced curriculum, religious education and collective worship; implementation of the National Curriculum, exceptions or withdrawals from the National Curriculum, the operation of a charging policy and the provision of information.
The Headteacher would wish to deal with informal complaints as they occur, in order to avoid relatively minor matters getting out of proportion (stage1). The Headteacher is very open and approachable. If there are any queries and concerns he is happy to make an appointment to discuss any issues. Subsequent routes to follow would be via the Governors (stage2) and the L.E.A. (stage3).
Page 23 Ysgol Gellifor Health, Safety & Security
HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY The school has the following policies in place: a) Health and safety as laid down by the requirements of the Child protection and Risk Assessment Codes. Both these policies and related b) Anti Bullying The Headteacher is the co-ordinator for child protection and she retains a “concern” file for detailing observations on such matters as abuse, drugs, bullying and unacceptable
Security measures in force include:
A regular fire drill and evacuation of the premises Pupils arriving before 8.45am must go to Breakfast Club Responsibility for pupils after 3.25pm passes to parents unless arrangement has been agreed e.g. to attend the After School Club The school, including the mobile classroom are protected by an intruder alarm.
All external doors in the main school building have one-way security locks – very easy to exit. All classrooms, including the on-site mobile classroom and the After School Club (in the hall), are linked by telephone. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL The school cannot be held responsible for any child that arrives before 8.45am and responsibility for pupils after 3.25pm passes to parents. It is expected that all Infant children will be accompanied to and from school by a responsible adult with whom staff are familiar. Late pupils disrupt the work of the school and consequently they begin the day with an inappropriate attitude to work.
Should your child be absent from school a note should be sent to the teacher as soon as possible or a telephone call made indicating the reason for the absence.
Page 24 Ysgol Gellifor
% Pupil Attendance
2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017 LA 2017 Wales
95.8 95.1 96.7
% Unauthorised Pupil Absences
2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017 LA 2017 Wales
0.0 0.0 0.0
Ysgol Gellifor Website The Ysgol Gellifor Website is an excellent resource for the school and all connected to it. On it, news and information about forthcoming events can be found as well as extensive galleries on trips and activities having taken place. Additionally, a number of downloads are available including Newsletters, Governor reports, as well as essential forms. This Prospectus can also be accessed from its pages.
Security and privacy is considered paramount and on the Website’s pages no images are accompanied by children’s names.
The Website can be found at www.ysgolgellifor.com
Page 25 Ysgol Gellifor Admissions ADMISSIONS
The School Denbighshire County Council, as the LEA, is responsible for determining the criteria and procedure for admissions. The LEA will consult school governing bodies annually in relation to any changes in admission criteria. The LEA will comply with statutory requirements and will give full recognition to the expression of parental preference in the context of its duty to ensure the provision of efficient education and the efficient use of educational resources. The LEA will not refuse applicants for a particular school unless that school has reached its standard number for admissions, that being the number a school can admit in any one year.
Nursery Education The Authority will admit a child to a maintained nursery school in the September following their 3rd birthday. Nursery school is provided on the basis of 5 afternoon sessions per week.
Admissions to Reception The Authority will admit a child to a maintained school in the September following their 4th birthday. All application forms are processed through the LEA.
Transfer outside normal admission times The Authority is prepared to consider requests for transfer between schools when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the child. More detailed information regarding the LEA’s Admission Policy is given in “Denbighshire Schools - Information for Parents” booklet.
SECONDARY SCHOOL DETAILS Most children transfer from Ysgol Gellifor to Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin, with whom we maintain an effective an d positive relationship. Transition arrangements are made in May when children have the chance to meet their Head of Year and then 2 one day visits take place during the Summer Term. Other joint ventures such as concerts, English book studies and sports events, aid a smooth passage from Junior school to High School for our Year 6 pupils. Details of attainment and areas which require support are also passed to the receiving school as seen appropriate by the Headteacher.
Page 26 Ysgol Gellifor School Uniform
The wearing of school uniform is actively encouraged and our uniform comprises:
WINTER
Boys Grey trousers, white shirt, school tie, Ysgol Gellifor V neck jumper, grey socks and black shoes (not trainers) Girls Grey skirt, pinafore or black trousers, white blouse, school Ysgol Gellifor V neck jumper, white or grey socks and black shoes (not trainers)
SUMMER
Boys Grey trousers or shorts, white shirt, school tie, Ysgol Gellifor V neck jumper, grey socks and black shoes (not trainers) Girls Red/white check gingham dresses may be worn, red Ysgol Gellifor cardigan, white or grey socks and black shoes (not trainers)
Orders for school uniform can be made at R&R embroidery on the industrial site in Ruthin, Threads in Denbigh or Ruthin and also online at www.schooltrends.co.uk
It is to be expected that all items of clothing will be marked with your child’s name. This is extremely important as it avoids loss and eliminates time wasting by staff who will write names on clothes if the need arises.
Page 27 Ysgol Gellifor
The school meals are prepared on site and are served daily at a cost of £2.10. The school requires payment in advance on a Monday. Payments are placed in the ‘Black Box’ by the front door in named envelopes; cheques made out to Denbighshire County Council.
Application forms for the provision of free school meals are available from school.
To help busy families, children may take meals on an infrequent basis provided they are paid for in advance and those wishing to bring sandwiches are also catered for.
Although lunch time is seen as a social time, children are expected to sit and converse quietly in the hall while eating. They are supervised and assisted in the hall by staff but the children are expected to put away their crockery and cutlery tidily and, of course, demonstrate good table manners.
Page 28 Ysgol Gellifor Community Links Ysgol Gellifor takes pride in its effort to pervade the heart of the local community in every way it can. The school is the centre for all sorts of community meetings as it shares the hall with the local Community Centre where a number of activities take place weekly that actively involve the local community.
Parental and community involvement in the process of education is actively encouraged. Liaison exists with other local primary schools to extend and enhance the curriculum with benefit to all; the pupils meet for sporting and cultural events.
Invitations are extended to the community when celebratory events are held, such as St. David’s Day, the Christmas Concert, and Harvest Festival etc.
Juniors’ Christmas Concert St David’s Day Concert
Infants’ Christmas Concert PC Chris
The school holds termly ‘Come Dine With Us’ events for parents and community members to come into the school hall to have lunch with their child / children.
Police Community Support Officers regularly visits the school to discuss a number of social issues.
Page 29 Ysgol Gellifor The Community Centre A number of groups also use the Community Centre to meet, making the school grounds the focal point in a thriving local community.
Brownies and Guides Not forgetting of course: Youth Club Breakfast Club Indoor Bowls
Welsh Lessons Cylch Chwarae Gellifor
Ti a Fi After School Club
Ladies Circle
Pony Club Chapel meetings It is also possible to make bookings for functions and events. Details regarding how to book can be found in the hall itself. The Community Centre is run by a separate body on which the Headteacher sits as the school’s representative.
Page 30 Ysgol Gellifor Collective Worship & Church Links The school regularly meets through service to give pupils opportunities for reflection. Services are broadly of a Christian nature – parents have the right to remove their child from services following a special case exemption on religious grounds is made to the Headteacher. Such requests must be made in writing stating the reasons.
As part of our attempt to foster close community links we also have strong ties with the local Church St. Cynhafal and take advantage of the many opportunities this brings.
We take part in special services at times of celebration such as Harvest, Christmas, Easter and at the end of the school year, when our Year 6 pupils move on to pastures new.
We also like to include the local church in our Religious Education studies and children have visited the church and taken their teddies and dollies to be baptised.
Likewise we invite the Rector, Reverend Philip Chew to come to class and give talks about the Christian faith. The Reverend also leads our whole school assembly once every half-term.
Page 31 Ysgol Gellifor Friends of Gellifor Ysgol Gellifor has a thriving and very active organisation of parents and friends of the school. They are committed and hard-working and have arranged a number of fund-raising activities that have been extremely successful both financially and in bringing the school community together in a positive way.
Events and activities that have taken place recently are as follows:
Bonfire Evening A spectacular firework display is held at the Kinmel Arms in Llandyrnog, where a large number of the community gathered to have a social drink or buy a variety of foods prepared on a number of stalls.
Quiz Night Again, an event at the Golden Lion was held where parents could pit their intellectual wits against one another.
Summer Fayre A fantastic turn out attended the annual Summer Fayre with a wide variety of stalls.
Christmas Parties FOTS members organised an afternoon of events for the children on the last day of term.
Halloween Disco Children enthusiastically attended a ghoulish Halloween Disco, which included fancy dress and pumpkin making.
The Easter Fun Run Children and adults from the school and the community are invited to take part in the easter fun run. A circuit that takes you around Gellifor and it’s surrounding areas. Every entrant wins a well deserved easter egg at the finishing line!
Page 32 Ysgol Gellifor Charity Work The school likes to support a number of charities during the school year. The type of charity varies from activity to activity but the nature of all charities tends to be one that the children will share an empathy. There is also a wish to support different charities on a local, national and international level.
In the last academic year the school has raised money to help others in the following ways:
Harvest Pupils collected money towards Christian Aid, while also baking fair trade biscuits to be distributed amongst the local community. Last year, money was raised towards ‘Save the Family.’
Children in Need The school marked Children in Need in a number of ways. Children dressed in ‘mellow yellow’, had their faces painted like ‘Pudsey’ and also some took part in a Music Marathon held in Ruthin. This year children dressed up in spots!
Comic Relief Children got to dress up and also take part in a special karaoke event to raise money for this good cause.
Nepal Ysgol Gellifor has been partnered with another school in Jalashwary, Nepal and we continuously make the effort to raise money for their needs. These efforts introduced the children towards global responsibilities.
Page 33 Ysgol Gellifor Closing Remarks
Hopefully reading this prospectus has given you an idea of what being a part of the Ysgol Gellifor Community is like and that it has answered some of the questions in your mind about the educational provision we can offer your child.
Education is constantly evolving, hopefully for the better, so new initiatives, ideas and activities are constantly being introduced in schools that may not have been described in this book.
Rest assured that Ysgol Gellifor will always strive to be ‘ahead of the game’ when changes are afoot in the educational world and also when opportunities arise to widen the experience of children.
If there are any questions in your mind that remain unanswered, then please feel free to contact me and I will try to set your mind at rest.
Ysgol Gellifor is a proud school. Its pupils, parents, Governors and staff are proud of its achievements and I, as Headteacher am equally proud to lead it and steer my hardworking team into a future which will always strive to do the best for its children.
Thank you for reading our prospectus and I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Monteiro Headteacher.
Page 34 Ysgol Gellifor
Gobeithio bod darllen y llawlyfr yma wedi rhoi syniad da i chi o beth yw bod yn ran o gymuned Ysgol Gellifor yn debyg i, a’i fod wedi ateb rhai o’r cwestiynau yn eich meddwl ynglyn a’r ddarpariaeth addysgol y gallem gynnig eich plentyn.
Mae addysg yn newid drwy’r adeg, gobeithio i wella pethau, felly mae syniadaeth newydd a gweithgareddau yn cael eu cyflwyno drwy’r adeg mewn ysgolion sydd efallai heb eu trafod yn y llyfr yma.
Un peth sydd yn sicr, yw bod Ysgol Gellifor wastad yn ceisio achub y blaen pan mae newidiadau ar y gweill ym myd addysg ac hefyd pan mae cyfleoedd newydd ar gael i ehangu profiadau’r plant.
Os oes unrhyw gwestiynau gennych sydd heb eu hateb, cysylltwch a mi fel fy mod yn medru emu delio a hwy.
Mae Ysgol Gellifor yn ysgol llawn balchder. Mae’r plant, rhieni, Llywodraethwyr a staff yn falch o’i llwyddiannau ac rydw i fel pennaeth hefyd yn falch iawn i’w arwain a gyrru y tim gweithgar sydd yma i wneud y gorau dros ein plant.
Diolch am ddarllen y llawlyfr yma ac edrychaf ymlaen at glywed ganddoch.
Yr eiddoch yn gywir,
Richard Monteiro Pennaeth.
Page 35 Ysgol Gellifor Children’s Comments
T h e t i m e fl i e s because you are having fun. We h a v e l o t s o f computers that the children can use. Ysgol Gellifor is a great place. Matthew Dowell
The teachers get you thinking. They make it lots of fun and the pupils try their hardest. The children have lots of opportunities to take part in sport and clubs. Nia Vaughan
Ysgol Gellifor is a friendly school, . which welcomes everybody. The At Ysgol Gellifor, you make teachers are also friendly and friends quickly. There is a funny. The children are sporty and kind and you’re given the chance to School Council and Eco do lots of activities, which Committee for children to is g reat! The le sso ns are give their opinions. interesting and all types of popular Everything at Ysgol Gellifor is after school clubs are run. I would excellent. recommend this school to anybody. Fallon Armstrong Owen Eddie Evans
We have a nice community, funny teachers and well organised events. We also have creative children, tidy classrooms and delicious school lunches. We are a very sporty school; we have a football team with brains and brawn and a netball team with sense and speed. The children are always on their best behaviour and make the most of every minute in school. Geraint Lawrence
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