Summer 2015
Y S G O L
G Y N R A D D
G Y M U N E D O L
N A N T G A R E D I G
Annual governors report to parents
Secondary Schools
Nantgaredig School is a member of
the Bro Myrddin family.
Nevertheless, year 6 pupils this
summer transferred to QEHS,
Maes y Gwendraeth, Bro Dinefwr
as well as Bro Myrddin.
2014 - 2015
Use of the Welsh
language
Ysgol Nantgaredig is a Welsh
medium community primary
school. Welsh is the language of
all lessons in the Foundation
Phase. English is introduced
formally at the beginning of Year
3. Our aim is for all pupils to be
fully bilingual as they transfer to
secondary education. Welsh is
also the language of activities
outside the classroom e.g.
assemblies, after school clubs,
guest speakers etc. We always
strive to promote Welshness in
school through Urdd activities and
participating in Eisteddfodau. We
thank all parents for your
continued support with promoting
the Welsh language in school and
at home e.g.
reading with
Arrangements for presenting the
2015 report to parents
A formal meeting will not be held this
year. The report will be available to
download form the school website.
You’re very welcome to request a paper copy from
the school office.
Attendance 2014 - 2015
Target 2015
96%
Attendance
Absences
2014 -2015
Authorised
96.6%
3.2%
Unauthorised
%
0.2%
AAYsgol
Nantgaredig school governors report
Summer 2015
Teaching and learning developments
In this section, you will read about some of
the key teaching and learning initiatives and
developments that have taken place in
Nantgaredig school classrooms this year.
The teaching and learning standards remain
Learning
through themes
high through the school.
Planning through cross-curricular themes is
continuing to develop across the school. The pupils
are very much at the centre of the planning process
ensuring that they experience valuable and exciting
activities within and outside the classroom. Classes
visited places such as the Second World War
museum in Swansea, Abergwili Museum, Botanical
Gardens and local castles as part of the theme work.
Numeracy and literacy framework
The staff continued to work hard to deliver the framework
outcomes since its inception in September 2013. Further
developments will be implemented from September 2015 with a
revised curriculum for Welsh, English and mathematics.
Introducing the literacy and numeracy outcomes is now an integral
part of class activities ensuring that all pupils can develop literacy
and numeracy skills across the curriculum on a regular basis.
Literacy and numeracy tests
During May this year, pupils from year 2 to year 6 sat
Welsh government national numeracy and literacy
tests. The results were shared with parents at the
very end of the summer term. Parents will have the
opportunity to discuss the results with the new class
teacher during the first half of the autumn term 2015.
Categorisation of Welsh schools
GREEN (YSGOL NANTGAREDIG) - The definition
of a green school by the Welsh Government is as
follows: “A highly effective school which is well
run, has strong leadership and is clear about its
priorities for improvement. These schools have a
track record in raising the standards that pupils
achieve and have the capacity to support other
schools to do better.”
Summer 2015
SUMMER 2015 TEACHER ASSESSMENT SHOWING THE PRECENTAGE OF PUPILS
ACHIEVING THE EXPECTED OUTCOMES/ LEVELS FOR EACH KEY STAGE
FOUNDATION PHASE
(Outcome 5 or higher)
SCHOOL
(INCLUDING UNIT
PUPILS)
SCHOOL (WITHOUT
UNIT PUPILS)
WALES
2014
WELSH
85%
96%
90%
MATHEMATICS
85%
96%
89%
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL
SKILLS
93%
100%
94%
FOUNDATION PHASE
OUTCOME
82%
92%
85%
SCHOOL
(INCLUDING
PUPILS FROM THE
UNIT)
SCHOOL (WITHOUT
PUPILS FROM THE
UNIT)
WALES
Welsh
81%
84%
88%
English
88%
90%
88%
Mathematics
88%
90%
89%
Science
88%
90%
90%
Core Subject Indicator
88%
90%
86%
KEY STAGE 2 (LEVEL 4
OR HIGHER)
Standards at the end of Summer term 2015
The above data includes assessments for the Speech and language pupils as well as
mainstream pupils. The Foundation Phase pupils are assessed against the outcomes from the
Foundation Phase framework. The expected outcome for year 2 pupils is outcome 5, which
equates to the old level 2. As a school, our aim is for at least 90% of the pupils to achieve
outcome 5 or above. To achieve the Foundation Phase Indicator, the pupils have to achieve
outcome 5 or higher in all three areas. There were 24 year 2 pupils in the mainstream class
and three pupils in the Unit. Our target for Key Stage 2 is for at least 90% of the pupils to
achieve the expected level or above (level 4+) in three of the four subject areas. In order to
achieve the Core Subject Indicator, pupils have to achieve level 4 or higher in Welsh or
English, mathematics and science. The results are presented in the above table. 31 pupils
were in the mainstream class last year and 1 pupil was in the Junior Unit. If you would like a
detailed breakdown of the school data, please contact the office.
mainstream class this year. If you would like a detailed breakdown of the school data,
please contact the office.
Some the achievements of our pupils this year and valuable
Summer
experiences
they2015
have gained
Activities/ Sport
 30 pupils ran in the county cross country;
 The swimming team competed in the Urdd county gala;
 Year 6 competed in the indoor athletics competition;
• 30 pupils competed in the Dyfed cross country competition;
• Rugby team were 3rd in the county Urdd competition;
• Pupils from the Units competed in the county swimming gala and were very
successful;
• Amelia Dawber came 2nd in the National Urdd gymnastics competition in
Aberystwyth;
• School gymnastics team competed in the Brianne competition – Amelia Dawber and
Sara Jones progressed represented the school in the county round;
• Many pupils from year 4-6 enjoyed the weekly sports club;
 16 pupils represented the school in the county tennis competition;
 The orange tennis team (years 4 and 5) won the South Wales tournament – quite and
achievement!
 The school won the Carmarthen area cricket competition;
 All pupils competed enthusiastically in the school sports day;
 The athletics team competed in the county competition and very successful in many
events;
 Pupils from the Units and pupils with additional needs from the mainstream classes
competed in the Carmarthenshire indoor athletics. Many were awarded for excellent
performances and effort;
 4 year 6 boys represented the successful Carmarthen under 11s rugby team;
 The school football team got to the final of the Urdd county competition and lost 1-0
against Ysgol y Dderwen;
 3 teams from school played extremely well in the Carmarthen Town football
competition. The older boys were runners up and the girls came 3rd;
 More than 15 pupils ran in the annual Mayor’s race around Carmarthen town.
Other experiences/ activities
 Year 5 presented the annual Good Will message assembly;
 Numerous eco/ healthy school activities were held during the year. The school is the
first and only in Carmarthenshire to win the national healthy schools award;
 An English book fayre was held to encourage our pupils to read;
 Year 5 pupils performed the thanksgiving assembly in the local chapel.
 Individuals and groups performed extremely well in the Eisteddfod yr Urdd in
Caerphilly. A record 9 items from Ysgol Nantgaredig performed wonderfully well in
the national eisteddfod. Iwan Bryer won the individual recitation and the school choir
won the silver medal.
 A group of older pupils entertained Capel Dewi residents in the old school hall.
Summer 2015
A word by the chair of governors, Mr Lloyd Thomas
Here we are at the beginning of a new academic year in Nantgaredig Community School. We
shall continue to strive to achieve successes in many areas following the successes of last year.
We’re extremely proud of these achievements and I would like to thank the Headteacher and all
staff for their dedication and enthusiasm as they continuously encouraged the pupils to give of
their best at all times. Huge thanks also to the PTA for supporting the school so well over the
years. Your fund raising and partnership work strengthening the ties between parents and school
are invaluable. Thank you to my co-governors including the ones that retired last year. Their
experience and knowledge have been a great support to me during my time as chair. The school
emblem says “Gorau Dawn, Dawn Dysg” – the best talent is the talent to learn. This message is
at the core of everything we do. We look forward to celebrating more achievements this year.
Provision for physical activity in Nantgaredig School
We are extremely proud of the opportunities provided at Nantgaredig regarding developing physical skills
of our pupils and to promote a healthy living attitude for the future. These important values are introduced
in the early years with the informal and various physical activities both indoors and outside the
classroom. The pupils then progress to the more formal lessons and activities of key stage 2 where they
can develop dance, gymnastics, swimming, outdoor, running, athletics and various games skills e.g.
rugby, netball. The school also encourages the older pupils to take part in school
games and competitions.
Additional learning needs (March 2015 register)
A teacher supports the pupils on the ALN register for
three days a week. We thank Mrs Lilian Davies, the
school ALN coordinator for her work. We also thank Ms
Amanda Evans and Mrs Delyn Heath for their support.
Mainstream
classes
Speech and
language
units
School action
35
0
School action plus
9
6
Statement
4
6
Summer 2015
Name
Term end
Status
Mr H Rees
LEA
31.12.15
Mr L Thomas (chairperson)
LEA
12.10.16
Councillor M Charles
LEA
Mr A Thomas
Minor Authority
Mr Steffan Griffiths
Head
Mr N Cooke
Parents rep.
31.12.15
Mrs N Bryer
Parents rep.
31.12.15
Mrs S Davies
Parents rep.
31.12.15
Mrs Meleri Cray
Parents rep. (Safeguarding)
Dr H Davies
Community Governor
17.02.16
Mr W Hinds (vice-chair)
Community Governor
14.01.16
Mrs V Williams
Community Governor
14.01.16
Mrs I Morgan
Teacher rep.
31.08.15
Mrs Avril Jenkins
Support staff rep.
Mrs Marie Solloway
Governing body clerk
Toilet facilities in Nantgaredig School
There are specific toilets available for pupils in
different departments of the school. In the class
for the under 5 pupils, there are mixed toilets,
toilets for boys and girls outside the years I, 2 and
Infant Unit classes, separate toilets for years 3, 4
and Junior Unit classes and one toilet each for
boys and girls outside years 5 and 6 classes.
They are cleaned daily. The disabled
toilet has been improved recently. A
number of other toilets have also been
improved. The school also has one
male and one female toilet for adults.
16.10.15
Promoting healthy eating and drinking
The school works hard to promote healthy
eating and drinking. Coordinators in the
Foundation Phase and junior department and
both school councils (the school council and
eco council) work tirelessly with this important
initiative. We will continue to raise awareness
during the 2015 – 2016 academic year through
whole school assemblies, lessons, activities
outside the classroom, guest speakers, school
website. Our school is the only
school in Carmarthenshire to win
the national award for healthy
schools.
Summer 2015
Various partnerships
Partnerships with parents
 PTA meetings are held frequently to raise funds for the school e.g. develop play area for
the children and to contribute to valuable classroom resources;
 A detailed end of year report was presented to parents and an open evening was also
held to discuss the progress of pupils.
 Parents were also invited to an open evening to discuss class arrangements.
 Targets were presented to parents during the autumn term with a focus on literacy,
numeracy and general attitude and behaviour.
 Nursery and Reception pupils and years 1 and 2 pupils performed to the parents in a
successful coffee morning.
 Pupils form both Units performed to the parents in a successful coffee afternoon.
 Parents enjoyed an entertaining leavers assembly to celebrate their time in Ysgol
Nantgaredig.
 The PTA organised various successful events e.g. Summer and Christmas fayres, discos
and film nights and a successful Welsh night.
 The school website has been revamped this year to include a webby site celebrating the
work of the pupils. The school also uses Twitter to promote events and celebrate
successes.
 Year 4 pupils invited parents to a special coffee morning to celebrate their food project.
 Year 6 parents were invited to celebrate the Second World War projects produced by the
pupils.
 William Gledhill and his mother addressed the school about their exciting venture to
Patagonia. Thank you.
 The weekly “Open the Book” assemblies have been a success this year. We thank the
volunteers, including parents and governors, for giving of their time with such enthusiasm.
The children thoroughly enjoy and benefit from this scheme.
Other
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Many pupils supported the local Eisteddfodau – Capel Dewi and Pontargothi in particular;
PTA events and meetings – thank you for your support;
William Gledhill won a national Dylan Thomas writing competition;
Year 6 pupils produced an excellent radio programme on an ECO theme – this was aired
on CYMRU FM (DJ Marc Griffiths);
P.C. Cath Williams conducted various workshops across the schools with emphasis on
dangers of drugs, e-safety etc.
The Foundation Phase department won a gold award presented by the health minister,
Mark Drakeford for participating so well in the Design to smile initiative;
Students from Trinity St David’s University continue to work with the school;
More than 40 from KS2 performed in the annual Proms concert in the Furnace Theatre,
Llanelli.
Charities
 Various activities to raise money for Children in Need – another successful year;
 Money was raised for the people of Nepal after the horrific earthquake;
 Food was collected and donated to the Carmarthen Food Bank as part of our
Thanksgiving Festival.
Summer 2015
Targets for improvement (2015 – 2016)
1. Implement revised Welsh, English and mathematics curriculum from September
2015.
2. Plan and prepare to implement a new curriculum for Wales to include digital
competency.
3. To further develop the ICT skills of pupils and staff with a focus on strengthening
home-school links (Hwb+, Jit and J2e and the school website).
4. To further develop the use of INCERTS tracking tool to include the new baseline
assessment and INCERTS snap.
5. To retain the national Healthy Schools award for a second time.
6. Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2 data – Continue to challenge groups (boys in
particular) to achieve the higher outcomes/ levels at the end of the key stages.
7. To win the Bronze award for governing bodies endorsed by the Welsh
government.
And finally…
On behalf of Ysgol Nantgaredig, may I thank you as parents for your continuing support to the
school at all times. I am fortunate to be the Head Teacher of such a happy school with polite
pupils, an extremely committed team of staff, supportive parents and a professional Governing
Body. This invaluable partnership contributes immensely to the high standard of education
your children receive. We look forward to yet another year of hard work, which include a
variety of experiences and skills to ensure that all pupils at Ysgol Nantgaredig are well
prepared to face future challenges with confidence. The school prospectus has been updated
to include new members of staff and reference to the new literacy and numeracy framework.
The end of year budget summary is also enclosed.
If you would like to receive additional information about school life, could you please contact
the office. The following documents will be available on the school website from next week
under the “DOCUMENTS” link:
www.nantgaredig.amdro.org.uk
Academic year dates
School data report
School staff list
Additional learning needs policy
Equality policy
Child protection policy
Summer 2015
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