SCHOOLS ST CLARE’S SCHOOL NEWS
It is two years since the unprecedented shutdown of the education system in Wales as coronavirus took hold. Fortunately, we were in a completely different position to many schools. In April 2020, we moved everyone from Nursery to Sixth Form to our Online Learning Programme. Our pupils benefitted from a fully interactive, structured timetable with the same scheme of work, same high-quality teaching, interaction with their peers and teachers as well as assessment, marking and teacher feedback. They enjoyed an excellent and truly ‘uninterrupted’ education, and we were mentioned in Estyn’s Annual Report 2020-21 for our distance learning curriculum programme and the support offered to pupils and parents during lockdown. Throughout this past year, pupils’ safety and emotional wellbeing has continued to be placed at the heart of our offer. Maintaining high quality, continuous education has been demonstrated to have been integral in sustaining both academic progress and the emotional health of children. Teachers worked tirelessly to provide a range of opportunities for children to remain settled, happy and grounded despite the pandemic. Consequently, we have seen excellent attendance during this past academic year, with teachers offering face-to-face teaching in school whilst live-streaming lessons to pupils who needed to self-isolate. Helen Hier, Head Teacher
YSGOL Y FERCH O’R SGÊR
It was exciting to perform ‘Hei Mistar Urdd’ as a whole school to celebrate the Urdd’s centenary and to contribute to their record-breaking success. We also celebrated St Dwynwen’s Day at the beginning of term & the children enjoyed hearing about 26 | seaside news
the patron saint of Welsh lovers and creating St. Dwynwen’s Day cards and crafts. We celebrated Saint David’s Day with the first eisteddfod for a number of years. We enjoyed excellent singing, art and poetry competitions in each year group. The year 5 & 6 poetry entries were considered for the eisteddfod chair under aliases and after much deliberation the first prize was awarded to ‘Jeremy Hopscotch’ - Kasey in year 6. Congratulations & well done everybody! With preparations for the implementation of the Curriculum for Wales gaining pace, and the expectation that we make considerations in regards learning an international language, we have begun learning some German in key stage two. We were also very fortunate to have an information sharing visit from Sophie from Rostock. Bilingualism has many advantages including making it easier to learn additional languages, strengthened cognitive abilities, open mindedness and flexibility. If you are interested in learning about Welsh medium education contact us on 01656 754865.
PORTHCAWL PRIMARY NEWS We love this time of year with the longer days and warmer weather. We particularly enjoyed celebrating International Women’s Day earlier in the term. To inspire children about gender equality, children throughout the school participated in various activities to celebrate women’s achievements and challenge gender stereotypes and bias. We were so grateful to all the incredible and inspirational local women who supported us – Helen Jenkins (3x Olympian and 2x World Champion Triathlete), Chloe Shaye (Bridgend Young Labour), Sarah Murphy (MS Bridgend & Porthcawl), Jenna and Megan (Porthcawl RFC), Annie (Marine Biologist), Angharad (RNLI), Molly, (published author), Lydia (Crossfit athlete), Jo (prison officer), Katie and Tia (firefighters), Erin (soldier), Sian (commonwealth medallist). At the end of term, our families generously donated Easter Eggs for Porthcawl Foodbank and raised money for Ukraine with a non-uniform day. Our little school has grown dramatically over the last few years and, for the first time ever; we have 200 children on roll. We are a small and friendly school, set in extensive grounds. We prioritise well-being and are proud of our excellent academic standards. If you are looking for a new school, please contact me using the details below. Jo Rowley, Head Teacher Tel: 01656 815660 admin@porthcawlps.bridgend.cymru
