Autumn 2016
S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - AU T U M N 2016
School and Leisure Centre at Parc Ynysderw
Ffordd Parc Ynysderw, Pontardawe, Swansea, SA8 4EG Tel: (01792) 863200 Fax: (01792) 864773 Email: cwmtaweschool@npted.org Web: www.cwmtawe.org
No. on roll: 1270 Age range: 11-16
Headteacher: Mr. L. Hitchings, B.A., P.G.C.E., N.P.Q.H. Deputy Headteachers: Miss M.C. Edwards, B.A., P.G.C.E., N.P.Q.H. Mr. P. Rogers, B.Sc(Econ), P.G.C.E., N.P.Q.H. Assistant Headteachers: Mr. B. Jenkins, B.Sc., P.G.C.E. Mrs. G. Morgan, B.A., P.G.C.E. Mr. M. Skuse, B.Eng., P.G.C.E. Chairman of Governors: Mr. C. Osborne, M.Inst.S.M. (Community Governor) Vice-Chairman: Councillor R.L. Williams (LA Governor) L.A. Representatives: Mrs. J. Mallinson Councillor Mrs. L. Purcell Councillor D. Lewis, B.Sc., Dip.Ed. Ms. B. Tate, B.Sc., M.Sc. Teacher Representatives: Mr. J. Hicks, B.Sc., P.G.C.E. Miss C. Roberts, B.A., P.G.C.E. Support Staff Representative: Mrs. C. Blevin
The School’s Mission Statement:
“We can and we will succeed by working together and giving of our best”
Parent Governors: Ms. S. Lewis Dr. R. Phillips Mrs. M. Reynolds Mrs. M. Rowe Vacancy Vacancy Community Governors: Mr. D. Baker, M.I.T.A., A.S.C.I.T. Mrs. B. Davies Dr. J. Sharp, B.Sc., Ph.D. Mrs. J. John, S.R.N., S.R.C.N. Clerk to Governors: Mrs. D. Jenkins, H.N.C.
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S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - AU T U M N 2016
Introduction Cwmtawe is now a well established 11-16 co-educational community school having undergone a phased re-organisation from an 11-18 school over the three years up to 1998. The school was created as a comprehensive in 1969, to serve the upper part of the Swansea Valley, by combining all the secondary schools in the area. Until 1996 it occupied the buildings of three of the schools from which it was formed on a widely dispersed site at the edge of Pontardawe. During July 1996, however, the school moved to new purpose-built premises at Parc Ynysderw, Pontardawe, and now enjoys accommodation and facilities the standard of which is outstanding. After consideration by the Governing Body and consultation with the LA it was decided to change the name of the school as from September 2008 to Cwmtawe Community School as it more accurately reflects the ethos of the school. There were 1270 pupils on roll in September. Our pupils are drawn from a widely dispersed catchment area including the urban areas of the valley, hill farms and small villages - some of which are strongholds of Welsh. A significant demand for places by parents of pupils living outside the designated catchment area confirms the popularity of the school. As a result of this, over half of the school are preferred placement pupils. There are well established courses to GCSE level, together with a number of vocational courses leading to qualifications at 16+. All pupils are encouraged to make good use of our range of modern facilities and in so doing are helped to develop their skills and achieve qualifications in Information
Year 11 pupils celebrating their achievements on GCSE Results Day August 2016 Technology. In Year 10 and 11 pupils are offered a range of work related activities linked to vocational post16 education and training through work placements and in-house programmes. Arrangements have been made to
on motivating pupils to work hard, dress smartly and behave sensibly and considerately. A great deal of importance is also attached to encouraging pupils to become involved in the community life of the school, including the wide
The school’s expectations of pupils are very high, as is the quality of the teaching ensure that good quality provision is being maintained for post 16 students in the Swansea Valley by the establishment of strong links with Neath Port Talbot College, Gower College and local schools with 6th forms. There they have access to a wide range of ‘A’ level and vocational courses available in full time education. When pupils leave Cwmtawe at 16 it is usual for around 90% to transfer to full-time study in further education. We receive feedback each year from the colleges on the performance of our former students and we are pleased to note that most have done exceptionally well. The school’s expectations of pupils are very high, as is the quality of the teaching. Considerable emphasis is placed
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variety of sporting and cultural activities available. As a result, the school has over the years built up strong traditions of community links and of achievements in academic, cultural and sporting fields, of which it is justly proud. To achieve all this, the establishment of close working relationships with parents is seen to be vital. The ways in which parents and teachers can work closely together for the benefit of pupils are outlined in a HomeSchool Agreement drawn up by the Governing Body, details of which are contained in the supplement to this prospectus. The school is also fortunate in having an active and supportive PTA, ably led by a small but hardworking and enthusiastic committee.
S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016
The School’s Achievements By the school’s achievements we mean of course our pupils’ achievements. The following is a brief outline of notable achievements by pupils over the past few years. Results at GCSE have maintained their upward trend and continue to be significantly above county and national levels. Full details of last year’s results are included in the supplementary information provided with this prospectus. Many of our pupils have also won recognition at County level through their involvement in one or more of the Youth Theatre, County Dance Group, County Orchestra or Choir, and in Urdd competitions. There have been some notable contributions to community service and charity appeals. More than ten thousand pounds was raised last academic year for charities. Our major musical productions, including ‘Bugsy’, ‘Grease’, ‘Oliver’, ‘Red Hot and Cole’, ‘High School Musical’, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, ‘The Wiz’ , ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and ‘Annie’ have been very highly acclaimed.
In the sporting field over 300 pupils have been selected for various County teams in netball, gymnastics, hockey, cricket, golf, athletics, swimming and rugby. Of these, several have gone on to win national honours. Our reputation in rugby in particular is excellent. In earlier years our under 13s won the prestigious Solihull Invitation Sevens Tournament and our Year 11 team won the Welsh Schools U16 Cup Competition. Our U16s also reached the Welsh Cup final in 2005 and the semi finals at Rosslyn Park 2014. Seven former pupils have played for the Wales under 19 Youth Team during the past nine seasons. Six pupils have also played rugby for the Boys Club of Wales. Year 7 boys won the Welsh under 12 football cup in 2012 and our girls’ under 15 football team won the Welsh Schools Cup in 2016. A large number of our former students have, over the years, progressed to play senior rugby for first class clubs. Several have played for Wales at senior level and are now household names - Gareth Edwards, Elgan Rees, Bleddyn Bowen, Robert Jones, Arwel Thomas, James Griffiths, Aled Brew, Justin Tipuric and most recently Dan Baker. Two former students, Ian Lundie and Joanna Melen, represented
Wales in the Commonwealth Games in swimming and judo respectively in 1994. Joanna won a silver medal in the Games in 2002. David Anthony was in the Paralympics in 2012. Justin Tipuric toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions in 2013. Most recently, Elena Jones represented Wales in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in swimming.
School Inspection The Estyn Inspection in October 2012 stated that the school’s current performance and prospects for improvement were both excellent. It stated: Cwmtawe Community School is an excellent school because: • Pupils make very good progress and achieve high standards; • There is a very strong ethos that places the needs of pupils at the centre of all aspects of school life; • The quality of teaching is very high and has a considerable impact on sustaining standards that are well above expectations; • The leadership of the Headteacher and senior managers is outstanding; and • There are very good procedures to promote pupils’ wellbeing.
School Aims
Under 15 Girls’ Football Welsh School Cup winners 2016
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Our attitude and approach to our work as a school are embodied in our ‘mission statement’ and our aims have been expressed in general terms in the introduction. The following is a more formal statement. The overall aim is to contribute as much as possible to the
S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016 development of young people equipped to live life to the full, in a responsible way, when they leave school. This means giving due regard to their social, moral, cultural, spiritual and physical development as well as their intellectual and vocational needs. The school, therefore, aims: 1. To provide courses appropriate to the aptitudes and interests of pupils at all levels in order to develop the knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes needed to fulfil their Further and Higher Education and career aspirations. 2. To develop in pupils a respect for others; an understanding and appreciation of their personal responsibilities to the family, the school and the wider community. 3. To develop personal qualities such as endeavour, perseverance, initiative, pride in achievement, loyalty, honesty and polite and considerate behaviour. 4. To encourage the active involvement of pupils in the community life of the school.
Eco Schools Platinum Award 2015
School Organisation The number of pupils on roll is 1270 for the 2016/2017 academic year. The school as a whole is administered on a year basis. Each Year Group has a Head of Year who oversees the pupils’ academic progress, welfare and discipline. The school has been designed to accommodate a Year Group in the suite of rooms making up each Faculty area.
Cwmtawe School All concerned - pupils, parents, staff and Governors are delighted with the quality of accommodation and facilities in the school. The school has a unique design and is genuinely purpose-built. Most of the accommodation is arranged on two levels around a central Study Support Centre, which is equipped with a wide range of modern technological aids to support pupils’ learning. Cwmtawe maintains an educational setting which provides the Swansea Valley with a fit for purpose school. Our ongoing challenge is to ensure that what has been provided is used as effectively as possible for the benefit of our pupils.
Academic and Sports Facilities All teaching rooms are ‘networked’ for the use of computers. There are also 12 well resourced information technology rooms supplemented by laptop trolleys and iPads. The large modern Library/Study The School Annual Fun Run - September 2016
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Support Room is readily accessible
S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016
General School Curriculum
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award - Silver Expedition 2015 to pupils and contains a wide range of resources. Many of our
adjacent Leisure Centre together with floodlit tennis courts, large
The organisation of the curriculum at each level, together with its content and the approach to teaching, complies with the requirements of the National Curriculum as currently applicable. In Years 7 and 8 all pupils study the same range of subjects, namely, English, Maths, Science, Welsh, French, History, Geography, R.E., Music, Art, Design and Technology, Drama, Information Technology and PE/Games. German is also taught as a second foreign language to most pupils from Year 7 to Year 9. The curriculum as a whole for all pupils aged 11-16 embodies the
classrooms have interactive white boards and data projectors which have enhanced teaching and learning opportunities. Other specialist accommodation includes 7 Laboratories, 6 Technology Rooms, 3 Art Rooms, 2 Music Rooms, a Recording Studio, 2 Drama Areas, the Main Hall and Gymnasium. Outside there is an extensive range of first class sporting facilities. The school has shared use of the
All teaching rooms are ‘networked’ for the use of computers hard surface floodlit areas for netball, soccer and hockey, an all weather pitch, and sports fields to cater for the latter sports, plus rugby, athletics and cricket. There is also access to the local swimming pool.
Art workshop celebrating Dylan Thomas
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breadth and balance provided by the core and foundation subjects of the National Curriculum. Provision is made across the curriculum for the teaching of thinking, numeracy, ICT and literacy, together with aspects such as Cwricwlwm Cymreig, Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship and Work Related Education. Development of ICT skills is made easier in the school because of the availability of a large number of modern computers and a high priority is given to this area of the curriculum. On entry at Year 7, pupils are taught in groups within two broad ability bands, apart from one much smaller group made up of pupils who need additional support. This Additional Learning group is retained through Years 8 and 9,
S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016 (though some pupils may transfer to other groups during this time). The band into which pupils are placed is dependent on their attainment during the last year at Primary School, particularly their Teacher Assessments and National Test Scores. Within each band the groups are similar. By reducing the range of ability in teaching groups in this way the teaching approach and the pace at which the work is covered may be adapted more readily to the needs of pupils. Current policy is to retain these bands through Years 8 and 9, but pupils are moved between bands in light of their progress. The curriculum for all pupils in Year 9 is the same as Year 8 and 7. Year 10 pupils have a wider choice of subjects. There is a common core of English, Maths, Double Science, Information Technology, Work Related Education, RE, PE/ Games, Welsh Baccalaureate and Personal and Social Education. Welsh is also a compulsory part of the core for all pupils up to Year 11. In addition to the core, pupils are required to choose 3 other
The ‘Little Lap of Wales Cycle Event’ July 2016 raised funds for the Pastoral Welfare Fund and Macmillan Cancer Support. Business, Construction and Sport. By the time pupils reach Year 10
and outside normal lessons, in which they are faced with different kinds
the nature of the teaching groups is
of challenges and are encouraged to
to some extent influenced by subject
improve upon their own individual
choices but they are in the main set
performances. During Years 7, 8 and
according to ability.
9, all pupils are taught and assessed in gymnastics, badminton, soccer/
subjects within an option system.
School’s Sporting Aims
netball, rugby/hockey, basketball/
pupils may choose to take separate
Broadly speaking, the aims of
cricket, trampolining and fitness
GCSE courses in Biology, Chemistry
teaching PE and games are to
training are also offered as choices.
and Physics instead of a ‘Balanced
encourage and help pupils lead
Science’ course.
active and healthy lifestyles and
extracurricular activities is organised
to promote the development of
by way of lunchtime clubs, which
Studies, Information Technology, Food
positive attitudes such as endeavour,
are open to all pupils, and team
Technology and Child Development
fair play, teamwork, and a sense of
practices and inter-schools’
are available as examination courses.
achievement and self esteem.
matches after school. There are
At present these include one each from predominantly Humanities, Languages and Technological subject groups respectively. Some
Within the option system, Business
rounders, swimming, tennis and athletics. At Key Stage 4, in addition to the latter sports, volleyball, squash,
A full programme of
The PE department sets out to
also many opportunities for pupils
Music and Drama. There are also
fulfil these aims by offering pupils
to participate in competitive sport
opportunities for some pupils to follow
of all ages a wide range of activities,
through inter-House competitions.
vocational courses including Retail
both in the timetabled curriculum
GCSE courses are also offered in PE,
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S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016
Curricular Arrangements for Additional Learning Needs and Able Pupils On entry into Year 7 pupils with additional needs are placed in a small separate group. This arrangement is maintained in Years 8 and 9. Their timetables include the full range of National Curriculum subjects. The staff of the Additional Learning Needs Department
integration into other mainstream groups. This is generally achieved with all but a very small number by Year 10. Other pupils with additional needs - those who are not statemented but who nevertheless need extra help - are generally taught in relatively small groups within the banding system described earlier. The work is suitably adapted to their needs and some individual attention is possible during lessons. A Dyslexia Unit was established in September 1999 to provide specialist teaching and additional learning support for a small number of pupils with more specific learning
All pupils have equal access to a curriculum that meets their needs and aspirations provide a great deal of extra help to cater for their needs, particularly in the development of basic skills in subjects such as English and Maths, to assist them to realise their full potential. This is provided mainly by way of additional support in classrooms alongside subject specialists, though small numbers may be withdrawn for a few lessons per week for individual tuition. As additional learning needs pupils move up through the school, the aim is to increase their degree of
difficulties. This is a LA resourced unit and is intended to cater for pupils from across the Authority. These pupils are integrated into mainstream classes where appropriate and are withdrawn for individual tuition at other times. On request of the LA we have introduced a further Learning Support Centre to the school to support children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The unit opened in September 2008 and from September 2014 has 13 pupils from
Year 6 pupils work on a project during Skills Day - March 2016
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across Neath Port Talbot LA. The unit is organised so that staff expertise can be utilised to support other pupils across the school. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are drawn up for all pupils with additional learning needs, both with and without statements, to provide guidance to their teachers on how best to adapt work to match their needs. From the time of entry in Year 7, all pupils, regardless of ability, are prompted to aim high by the setting of ambitious target grades for them in all the subjects they study. School policies and procedures are geared to encourage and help them achieve these grades and hence to fulfil their potential. The able pupils are also challenged in other ways by the provision of extension work to enrich their curriculum, or early entry for some GCSE examinations in a number of subjects. The enhanced IT facilities in the school provide additional opportunities both for helping additional needs pupils and for extending able pupils. A copy of the Governing Body’s ALN policy statement may be obtained by writing to the headteacher.
Homework Policy
(Extended Learning Policy) Homework is regarded as a most important extension of school work. It is set at least once over the fortnightly timetable in most subjects at all levels. It may be writing, reading, revision, research or other types of assignments. All Faculties organise support sessions at lunchtimes and additional classes after school. Parents are asked to play their part by providing suitable facilities, ensuring that tasks are completed, showing an interest in what has been done and by maintaining close contact through the personal planner. These are issued to all
S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016 pupils and ensure good channels of communication are maintained. In addition to many other benefits, homework can be useful for cultivating good learning habits, particularly self-discipline, initiative, perseverance and the ability to study independently.
Pastoral Care Arrangements The Head of Year, with the help of an Assistant Head of Year and a team of Form Tutors, is responsible for the overall welfare, discipline and progress of all the children in the year group. Parents should not hesitate to inform the Head of Year of problems or personal difficulties and arrange a meeting to discuss them. Each Year Group is supported by an Assistant Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher. At Key Stage 3, a structured programme to promote the personal and social development of pupils is taught during a one hour pastoral lesson each fortnight. The aims of this are to promote a greater sense of belonging, good interpersonal relationships, sound values, study skills, and a positive attitude to school, work and life in general.
academic year is also given over to introducing our new intake to the school. Primary School pupils are also invited to attend a number of Skills Days in September, School Production, Christmas Fayre, Musical Concerts and PTA Functions. Parents of pupils wishing to join the school at other levels and/or at different times in the year may make arrangements to visit the school by simply telephoning or writing to the Headteacher. All year groups are currently organised with either 9 or 10 teaching groups depending on the pupil numbers for the year.
Peer Mentoring Year 7 pupils are further supported in their transition to Cwmtawe by means of a ‘buddying’ system known as ‘Peer Mentoring’. Year 10 students apply for this position and, if selected, experience a comprehensive training programme. Their role is to support new Year 7 pupils as they settle into secondary school life, helping them with difficulties they may encounter such as organisation, homework and making new friends. The peer mentoring initiative is facilitated by an Assistant Headteacher and the relevant Heads of Year.
Induction of New Pupils/ Admission Arrangements
Monitoring and Recording Progress
New Year 7 pupils are introduced to the school by way of a phased programme. The issue of the prospectus in the autumn term is followed in the summer term by a visit to our Partner Primaries by the Head of Year 7, a parents’ meeting, and an induction day at Cwmtawe in July. The first day of the
Class tests are set regularly to encourage pupils to revise and to check their progress and all pupils sit formal examinations in the summer term. Formal reports are issued to parents twice during the year: the first to provide feedback following the autumn assessments and a second in the summer term to comment on performance in
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Peer Mentor Team the internal summer examinations, summarise progress during the year, and point out what needs to be done to improve further. In addition, the academic progress of all pupils is reviewed at several other times during the year as part of the school’s monitoring scheme. Within this scheme, which is closely linked with the XL@Cwmtawe policy described under the next heading, subject teachers check the progress of pupils at prescribed intervals against the target grades set for them. Their findings are then ‘pooled’ and parents are informed by letter of the results of the reviews. Pupils who are doing well are praised whilst it is made clear to underachieving pupils what they need to do to improve. Subject Teachers, Heads of Department, Form Tutors and Heads of Year then work closely together in follow-up actions to prompt improvements. The latter staff are supported in this work by Learning Coaches allocated to underachieving pupils to oversee and supervise their ongoing progress. Parents of pupils whose progress gives rise to serious concern are invited in to meet the Head of Year or XL Learning Coach.
XL@Cwmtawe Policy All pupils are expected to attend school regularly. The full support of parents in this respect is vitally important. Absence must be
S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016 covered by a note from a parent stating the duration and reason for the absence. An important whole school policy is being operated to support pupils’ work and behaviour entitled XL@Cwmtawe. The purpose of the policy is to make clear to pupils our high expectations of them, both in their behaviour and in their approach to their work, and to introduce new procedures for increasing their motivation to encourage them to aim for the highest possible academic standards. The XL policy is made up of three parts - ‘Classroom and general school rules’, ‘Rewards’ for consistently following the rules, and ‘Consequences’ for pupils who choose to break the rules. More details are provided in the supplement to the prospectus. We look to parents to work closely with the school in maintaining the high standards we expect of pupils by providing full cooperation and strong support in all matters of work and discipline.
School Uniform All pupils must conform to the school’s guidelines on uniform. Full details are forwarded to parents of all new pupils. (Additional copies may be obtained from Heads of Year or the School Office).
Parents are expected to fully support the school in its uniform requirements. Pride in a neat and tidy appearance is consistent with high standards of work and behaviour. Pupils who come to school inappropriately dressed may be sent home to correct it.
Arrangements for Religious Education Pupils are involved in Collective Worship by way of Year Group assemblies twice a week and Form Group assemblies three times a week. These are predominantly Christian in nature. RE is taught as a core subject to all pupils in line with the ‘Agreed Syllabus’ provided by the Authority. At Key Stage 4 all pupils are expected to sit a GCSE (Full Course) examination in RE.
Use of the Welsh Language At present up to 10% of our pupils are fluent in Welsh, though a significantly higher proportion have some knowledge of the language. Over 80% of our pupils gained
Year 11 Senior Prefects 2016/2017
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qualifications in Welsh at GCSE level in 2016. Under National Curriculum guidelines, Welsh is a compulsory subject for pupils all of whom study the subject to full course GCSE level. In the teaching of the subject, considerable emphasis is placed on oral work, particularly during the first three years. Year Assemblies are on occasions bilingual, so too are the Eisteddfod held on St. David’s Day and parts of concerts at Christmas time. Participation of pupils in Urdd activities is strongly encouraged and many pupils attend weekend residential camps in Llangrannog and Glan Llyn. Increased emphasis has also been given in recent years to further developing the Welsh ethos in the daily life of the school.
Careers Education/ Work Experience Careers Wales West operates a comprehensive programme for Secondary Schools and has developed the use of computers both to store careers information and to match individuals to suitable occupations. All pupils receive individual advice and guidance from a Careers Officer during Year 11. The latter is attached to the school and is available for consultation by parents at the school three days per week, during lunch times, and until 4.30p.m. The school works closely with Careers Wales, but has a more detailed knowledge of the pupils and can provide a closer check that the subject combination of each is relevant to the intended career. Guidance begins in school in Year 9 with talks and discussions to, for example, help pupils make a valid
S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016 choice of subjects for the following two years. During Years 10 and 11 careers guidance continues as an integral part of the Welsh Baccalaureate and Personal and Social Education Programmes and includes the use of a computer analysis system by the Careers staff.
Healthy Schools Cwmtawe is proud of its involvement in the Local Authority’s Healthy Schools Initiative and has already been successful at Phase 5 of the scheme. We continue to be committed to the future of our students, in particular their mental health and emotional well-being. Subjects such as PSHE, Food Technology, Science and PE are particularly relevant when achieving this goal and the canteen staff work tirelessly to meet the needs of the WAG ‘Appetite for Life’ guidance.
School Nutrition Action Group (SNAG) A recent development at Cwmtawe has been the formation of a SNAG. Facilitated by teaching staff and canteen management, the SNAG comprises 20 enthusiastic pupils who are dedicated to achieving a healthy balance in the school tuck shop and Food Hall / Canteen. In accordance with the Welsh Government’s ‘Appetite for Life’ document, Cwmtawe’s SNAG meet on a termly basis to discuss our food provision, ensuring that it contains the necessary nutritional value. Pupils have made interesting suggestions such as ‘Taster Sessions’ and ‘Themed Days’, which we will continue to put into practice. It is our hope that parents work towards the same goals when providing their child(ren) with lunch boxes.
Year 11 ‘Prom Fashion Show’ - March 2016 SNAG affords our students the opportunity to involve themselves in extra curricular activities and serves as another platform for pupils to be involved in decisions affecting the whole school.
Whole School Council Each year group at Cwmtawe has a year group council, with two representatives from every registration class sitting in office for the duration of one year. These year group councils discuss issues at ‘grass roots’ level then share their main priorities with their Whole School Council peers. Cwmtawe’s thriving Whole School Council comprises one male and one female student from each of the five year groups who are elected into office and experience a one year term. Meetings are held regularly to discuss issues and express their desires to the Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body. The Whole School Council serves as a platform for pupil voices to be heard and acted upon.
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Sex Education Few would disagree that appropriate and responsible Sex Education is important in the preparation of young people for adult life. Some aspects are covered in Science, RE and Child Development, particularly in GCSE syllabuses. However, a systematic programme of Sex Education is built into the school’s pastoral curriculum. The first unit is introduced by tutors near the end of Year 7, with the support of our community nurses. At present a half-term’s programme is included in the curriculum for Year 9 pupils, which covers sex education issues deemed appropriate for 14-16 year olds. Moral aspects are stressed throughout. The course includes topics such as physical and mental changes during adolescence, processes of pregnancy, childbirth and aftercare, conception and contraception methods, STDs and AIDS. The approach is appropriate to the level of maturity of the pupils and includes the viewing of films and class discussions. Contraception, for example, is dealt with in the context of discussions on world population, benefits of planned families and responsibilities of parenthood. The community nurses are also included in the Year 9 lessons.
S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016 Parents have been consulted on the content and approach and the policy and its implementation have been approved by the Governing Body, which is responsible for determining the school’s approach to sex education. These, in turn, have been strongly influenced by LA guidelines. Parents may withdraw their children from Sex Education if they wish by writing to the Headteacher.
Arrangements for Parental Visits Parents are formally invited into school once a year on a Year Group basis, (twice in the case of Years 7 and 11) and, in the case of underachievers, as the needs arise, to discuss their children’s progress with their teachers. It is hoped that as many parents as possible will take advantage of these opportunities to visit the school. There are also open invitations to all parents to meetings set up to provide information on courses or aspects of school organisation and to a variety of school functions. The school regards the development of a close working relationship with parents as being particularly important. To this end, parents are most welcome at any time to come and talk over any problems that arise in relation to their child’s education and well-being. Indeed, parents may on occasion be invited
Welsh Department visit to Cardiff – May 2016
into school for this purpose. It would be appreciated, however, if, except in cases of urgency, an appointment could be made with the Head of Year, Assistant or Deputy Headteacher by letter or telephone. When corresponding with the school, parents are asked to indicate their child’s registration group.
Extra-Curricular Activities A great deal of importance is attached to the involvement of pupils in the corporate life of the school outside normal lessons. To this end a very wide range of cultural, recreational and sporting activities are made available. The school’s choir and orchestra play prominent parts in several annual events such as the Christmas Concert and School Production and respond positively each year to requests by various organisations to put on concerts in different localities in the community. The school is also the base for the thriving Swansea Valley Youth Orchestra, in which our Partner Primaries play an important part. Our drama and musical productions are major events in the school calendar, being very well supported and highly acclaimed by parents and the wider community. A House system exists to promote internal competitions in sporting and Urdd activities. The school has, over the years, built up a fine reputation for its achievements in several sports and we have a formidable list of International and County Honours. Hockey and netball are played to a high standard and the school is well known nationally in rugby circles. Other extracurricular sports offered are soccer, tennis, badminton, squash, cricket, athletics and swimming. Staff organise numerous activity weekends, holidays and study visits
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in Britain and abroad each year. Opportunities also exist for pupils to participate in a large number of other activities including craft, quiz and public speaking competitions, Urdd competitions, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, gymnastics, computer and reading clubs, field trips, outdoor pursuits, skiing holidays, theatre visits and visits to places of interest and work. The importance attached to community service is exemplified by our close working relationship with local branches of Age Concern. Our charity work is also commendable and over the past 17 years the pupils have collected over £220,000 for local and national charities. Our charity week held in October 2015 raised more than £10,000 for worthwhile causes.
Charges for School Activities The types of activities for which schools may and may not charge are outlined in the 1988 Education Act. In general, if an activity is a compulsory part of a pupil’s study no charge may be made. However, schools are allowed to ask parents to make voluntary contributions for any other type of activity. The Governing Body has agreed a policy on charges for school activities, a copy of which may be obtained from school on written request. This includes the principle that compulsory education should be free but it also allows voluntary contributions to be made for certain activities. A small fund has been set up to provide assistance with the cost of certain activities for pupils from families in receipt of certain means tested benefits. Parents in this category who are asked to make a contribution should write in confidence to their son/daughter’s Head of Year to request financial help.
S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016
Dates of Terms and Half-Terms 2017-2018 The following dates apply for pupils: Autumn Sept 4 - Dec 22 (Half-Term Oct 30 - Nov 3) Spring (Half-Term
Jan 8 - Mar 29 Feb 19 - Feb 23)
Summer (Half-Term
April 16 - July 24 May 28 - June 1)
School Hours The times of school sessions : AM PM
8.45 - 1.20 2.15 - 3.20
Pupils should be in school at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start of both sessions to ensure that they are on time for morning and afternoon registration. Please note that pupils in Years 7 to 10 are not allowed to leave the school at lunchtime. The very
Start of the school day
small number in these Year Groups who arrange to go home for lunch must have the written permission of parents and are then issued with appropriate passes. The minimum time spent teaching during a normal school week is 25 hours for Years 7-11. This excludes registration, assemblies, Form Periods and breaks.
Public Examination Policies Courses organised for pupils up to the age of 16 prepare them for WJEC examinations and GCSE levels. Several GCSE examinations offered by other boards are also made available, including Vocational Qualifications (BTEC) . All external qualifications for which pupils are prepared appear on the ‘approved list’ issued by the Welsh Government. All pupils are generally entered for public examinations for which they are studying provided they fulfil all the course requirements. This includes completion of all coursework elements - projects and other written assignments as well as practical and oral assessments to a satisfactory standard. This cannot be achieved, of course, without regular attendance and a consistent effort. Parents of pupils who are entered for an examination but who subsequently default will be required to pay the fees incurred. Parents may contact the school for the Internal Appeals Policy regarding disputes over: 1. Coursework/Practical/Oral Marks (GCSE). 2. Enquires about results of external GCSE examinations.
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Additional Information to Parents Cwmtawe Community School has a publications scheme allowing for documentation to be made accessible to parents on request. This includes syllabuses, schemes of work, the Governing Body’s policy statements, school inspection report and charges for school activities. Also available are the arrangements made for considering complaints about the school.
Cwmtawe Staff Details of the names, teaching subjects and responsibilities of the school’s staff are listed for the information of parents. It is pertinent to point out under this heading that the quality, expertise and dedication of the teaching staff continues to be a major strength of the school. The school is also fortunate in having excellent teaching support staff.
Teacher Training The latter point is supported by the choice of the school many years ago to take part in the University of Wales scheme for developing the government’s new approach to postgraduate teacher training. We support PGCE students each term from UWTSD, UWIC and UWC Newport. Over the past ten years we have also had more than twentytwo Graduate Teachers undertake their training at the school and more recently under the Teach First Scheme.
S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016
cwmtawe Staff 2016 - 2017 Mr C L Hitchings BA, PGCE, NPQH Headteacher Miss M C Edwards BA, PGCE, NPQH Deputy Headteacher Mr P H Rogers BSc (Econ) PGCE, NPQH Deputy Headteacher Mr B Jenkins BSc, PGCE Assistant Headteacher/Science/Examinations Officer Mrs G S Morgan BA, PGCE Assistant Headteacher/Welsh Mr M L Skuse BEng, PGCE Assistant Headteacher/Science/Welsh Bacc Coordinator Miss K Ardolino BSc, PGCE PE/BTEC Sport/Head of Year 8 (Temp) Mr R O Ayre BSc, PGCE Science/ Head of Year 7 (Temp) Miss S J Balfe BA, QTS English/Literacy/Teacher i/c Literacy Curriculum (Temp) Mr D Beynon BA, QTS, MSc ICT/Computing Mr J E Blevin BEd Technology Miss R M Bowen BA Mathematics/GTP Trainee Miss K J Brown BA, PGCE Religious Studies Mrs M D Carson-Thomas BA, PGCE English/XL Coach Mr M A Castle BSc, PGCE Teacher of ASD pupils (Part-time) Mrs K E K Cavendish BEng, MSc, PGCE Head of Mathematics Faculty Mrs D C Clairmonte BA, PGCE Teacher i/c Business Studies/L & T/Careers/WRE Mr S L Crane BSc, PGCE Mathematics/Head of Year 9 Mr D R Davies BEd Head of PE/Health & Safety Mr G J Davies BSc, MSc, PGCE Head of Technology Faculty Mrs S J Davies BA, QTS MFL/XL Coach Mrs C A Davis BSc, PGCE Geography (Part-time) Mr S S Dellow BA, PGCE Head of English Faculty Mrs B S Edwards BSc, PGCE Physics/Science Mr P G Edwards BSc, PGCE Head of Physics Miss V J Ellis BSc, PGCE Technology/2nd in Technology Faculty Mrs G M Elson BA, PGCE Art/Technology Mr D R English BA, PGCE MFL (Temp) Miss A R Evans BA, PGCE French/Head of French Miss C Evans BA, PGCE Welsh/XL Coach Mr G Evans BA, PGCE PE/Welsh/XL Coach Miss L Evans BSc, PGCE Mathematics/Science/PE (Temp) Miss R C Ford BA, PGCE Teacher of pupils with ALN/Asst Head of Year 8 (Temp) Mrs H M Gardner BA, PGCE PE/i/c Girls’ PE (Part-time) Mr P H Gratrix BMus, PGCE Head of Music Mr G F J Hamer BA, PGCE PE/Flexible Curriculum & Outdoor Education/HoY 10 Mrs P D J Herard BA, PGCE, MEd SENCO Mr J A Herdman BA, PGCE Head of Art Mr J D Hicks BSc, PGCE Mathematics/2nd in Mathematics Mr A M Hill BA, PGCE English/2nd i/c English/OTP Lead Facilitator Miss H M Hollinger BSc, PGCE Science/Chemistry Mrs L E Hopkins BSc, PGCE Business Studies/Welsh Bacc (Part-time) Miss V Hughes BA, PGCE Art Miss E Jackson BA, PGCE, MEP English Ms H J Jacob BSc, QTS Geography Miss N A James-Deane BA, PGCE, MEP English/Literacy Coordinator Mr J A Jenkins BEng, PGCE Head of Chemistry Mrs A M Jones BA, PGCE Head of ICT Mrs El W Jones BA, PGCE Head of Drama Miss Em L Jones BA, PGCE Head of History Miss H Jones BA, QTS History/Welsh Baccalaureate/Asst Head of Year 10 Mrs M F Jones BA, PGCE History (Part-time) Mrs V J Jones BA(Ed) Teacher of ASD pupils Mrs H S Keane BA, PGCE MFL/Head of Year 8 Mr D R Lear BSc, QTS Mathematics/ Numeracy Coordinator Mrs Rh Llewelyn BA, PGCE 2nd i/c Welsh/School Publicity Mrs L Lloyd BA(Ed) PE/Head of Year 11 Mr D R Mainwaring BSc, MSc, PGCE Head of Geography Mr A R Mattick BA, PGCE MFL Miss V J Mitchell BSc, QTS Teacher of ASD pupils Mr G Morgan BSc, PGCE Mathematics/Digital Learning Coordinator Mrs S C Morgan BA, PGCE Teacher of pupils with Dyslexia Miss M L Morris BSc, PGCE Science Miss S Moses BA, PGCE Head of Languages Faculty/Head of Welsh Mrs M Norton BA, PGCE English Mr T A Owens BSc, MEd, PGCE Biology/Science Mrs C A Parkhouse BA, PGCE Head of Religious Studies Mrs L Pierpoint-Daley BA, QTS ICT (Part-time) Mr W B Powell BEng, PGCE Mathematics/Housemaster/XL Coach Miss S A Powles BA, PGCE English/Assistant Head of Year 11 Miss C S Price BA, PGCE Art/Technology (Temp)
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S c h o o l P r o sp e c t u s - autumn 2016
cwmtawe Staff 2016 - 2017 Mrs N A Rees BSc, PGCE ICT (Part-time) Mr P N Rees BSc(Ed) Technology Mrs R A Rees BSc, PGCE Biology/i/c Yr 9 Science (Part-time) Miss C Roberts BA, PGCE Welsh/Head of Year 7 Mrs K L Sails BA, PGCE English (Temp) Mrs M Sion BA, PGCE Head of MFL/Senior Mentor Ms E M Starr BA, QTS English/Teach First trainee Mrs L J Stephens BA, PGCE PE/Welsh (Part-time) Mrs S J Terry BSc, PGCE Mathematics/OTP Lead Facilitator Miss C E D Thomas BA, PGCE Welsh (Temp) Mrs C S Thomas BA, PGCE Technology Mrs E Thomas BA, PGCE Technology Miss C Tovey BSc, MSc, PGCE Head of Science Faculty/Head of Biology Mrs S L Treharne-Morgan BSc, PGCE Chemistry/Assistant Head of Year 7 Miss H Watkin-Rees BSc, PGCE Mathematics/Assistant Head of Year 9 (Temp) Mrs R M Webley GBSM (BMus), QTS Music Mr K J Williams MMaths, PGCE Mathematics/RS (Temp)
teaching support staff Mrs D M Jenkins, HNC Business Manager / Clerk to the Governing Body Mrs W R Davies SIMS Assessment/ Examinations Admin Officer/Daily Cover Mrs C E McCarthy Receptionist/Clerical Assistant Miss C N Such Headteacher’s PA/Deputy Clerk to the Governing Body Miss G N Lougher Foundation Apprentice Business Admin Mrs F M Williams Finance/ Admin Assistant Mrs C J Blevin Resources Assistant Mr S James, BA, MA, Dip Mus Resources Assistant (Part-time) Mrs K R Coombs, SEN Medical Person/Resources Assistant Ms J Collins Teaching Assistant/Science Mrs M A Hanney Teaching Assistant/Science Mrs C J Jones Teaching Assistant/Food Technology Technician (Part-time) Mr R M Williams Teaching Assistant/Design Technology Technician Mr S E Mapstone Senior ICT Technician Mr C J Elias ICT Technician Mr B W Lee Foundation Apprentice ICT Mr T Morgan Premises Manager Mr J Jones Assistant Caretaker (Part-time) Mrs A Y Davies Catering Manager Mrs M Bowen Education Welfare Officer Mrs Rh Davies Roderick, HNC Pastoral Welfare Assistant/Family Engagement Officer Ms C Collins Careers Adviser Mr D Clapham Cynnydd Youth Worker Mrs B Colamazza, BA, PGCE Teaching Assistant/Cover Supervisor Miss L V Davies, LLB, PGCE Teaching Assistant/Cover Supervisor Mr S J Healy, BA, PGCE Teaching Assistant/Cover Supervisor Mrs N Wheldon, BA, PGCE Teaching Assistant/Cover Supervisor Mrs A J Phillips Teaching Assistant/Cover Supervisor Mrs A E Thomas Teaching Assistant/Study Support Coordinator (Temporary) Ms T Brown, BSc Teaching Assistant (Literacy) Miss H Jones, BA Teaching Assistant (Numeracy) Mrs C J Arnold Teaching Assistant/ Dyslexia Cover Miss L A Brown Teaching Assistant Mrs W Brown Teaching Assistant Mrs J E Davies Teaching Assistant Mrs A J Dolan Teaching Assistant Mrs E J Donovan Teaching Assistant Miss A J Dyment-Jones Teaching Assistant (Temporary) Mrs A C Evans Teaching Assistant Miss L Gardiner Teaching Assistant Miss J H Hare Teaching Assistant (Temporary) Miss C E Jones Teaching Assistant Miss E E Jones, BA, PGCE Teaching Assistant Mrs W C Thomas Teaching Assistant (Part-time) Mrs E H Tipuric, BEd Teaching Assistant (Part-time)
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