Page 15 - Gwyr Prospectus 2023-24

The Curriculum
Use of Welsh
The school’s official language is Welsh and all pupils are encouraged and helped to master the language and are expected to use it at all times.
Welsh is a core subject at the school and features therefore in each child’s curriculum. Welsh is also used substantially as a teaching medium. All subjects, excluding English and Science, are taught solely through the medium of Welsh. Science is taught exclusively through the medium of Welsh during Years 7-9 and pupils are also encouraged to pursue their Science courses in Years 10 and 11 through the medium of Welsh. The opportunity to follow these courses through the medium of English is available if so desired. Therefore Year 10-13 Science courses can be offered in both languages.
Organisation of Teaching
Lessons are organised in 50 minute periods and we work to a fortnightly timetable of 60 lessons. Pupils in Years 7 are taught in mixed ability groups. On average there are about 28 pupils in each teaching group. The methodology of teaching employed at the school is pupil centred and activity based.Pupils are encouraged to work together, discuss viewpoints, solve problems, agree on strategies and generally make decisions for themselves. This method of teaching gives each pupil the opportunity to play an active role in his/her learning.
Home learning through homework
It is expected that each pupil will complete homework tasks promptly, neatly and to the highest possible standard. The work should take about twenty minutes per subject and ample time is allowed for its submission. Every pupil has a ‘Llyfr Cyswllt’ (Home- School Contact Book) in which we expect all homework tasks to be recorded. This system helps to organise work and to ensure that tasks do not mount up. We ask parents to check and sign the Llyfr Cyswllt at the end of each week so that both school and home can monitor the work completed.
The School’s Spiritual Dimension
In accordance with the law, the Religious Education content of the curriculum is provided by means of collective worship and Religious Education lessons given to all students. Nevertheless, parents have the right to withdraw their child from these experiences (e.g. other religions) by making a written request to the Head teacher.
Careers Advice and Guidance
Considerable attention is given to Careers Education and the careful and thorough counselling of pupils. Regular liaison with the school Careers Officer is invited and encouraged. A programme of work related activities has been developed which includes Business and Enterprise days, which is a strong component of the Welsh Baccalaureate. Year 12 pupils self arrange a week of work experience and pupils in years 11 and 13 have the opportunity to take part in mock interviews held by local employers.
Health and Safety
We are vigilant in all matters concerning health and safety issues. Risk assessments are carried out both in school and for any off-site activities which have risks associated with them. Accidents involving personal injury must be reported to the school’s Health and Safety Officer so that they may be recorded. Health and Safety audits and action plans are regularly performed and updated. Health and safety issues will be discussed on a regular basis in the meetings of the Governing Body and Health and Safety/Buildings’ Sub- committee. The school site is completely fenced and has CCTV cameras. We have a no smoking policy for all pupils, staff and visitors therefore, smoking is not acceptable anywhere within the school grounds. The school has a sufficient number of toilets on site in relation to pupil numbers. Toilets are located in most of the main teaching blocks. The toilets are cleaned to a high standard on a daily basis by the Local Authority’s Cleaning Services. All toilets are inspected daily by cleaners and site staff. Also, a supply of clean drinking water is easily available throughout the school day to all our pupils and staff.
“Our son has thrown himself into the extra-curricular life of the school and already in Year 7 has had rich and valuable experiences and looks forward to going to school every day.”
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