Prospectus - Y Pant School

Ysgol
Y Pant
Byw Trwy Ddysgu
Living Through Learning
Prospectus 2013 — 14

SCHOOL TYPE
MATH O YSGOL
Y Pant is a mixed comprehensive school for pupils
from eleven to eighteen years of age, maintained by
Rhondda Cynon Taf Education Authority and
managed by the Governing Body.
COURSES
CYRSIAU
Courses are provided up to GCSE, BTeC, AS and A
levels.
SCHOOL SIZE
MAINT YR YSGOL
An average of about two hundred pupils are admitted
each year.
There is a Sixth Form of over two hundred.
GENERAL INFORMATION
GWYBODAETH GYFFREDINOL
There are over 1200 pupils in the school.
SPECIAL FACILITIES INCLUDE
CYFLEUSTERAU ARBENNIG
Seven science laboratories
Four DT rooms, including CAD/CAM facilities
Three textile and food technology rooms
Ten computer rooms
A large gymnasium
A sports hall
A multi-purpose hall
A music suite
A drama studio
A Media suite in a fiction library
OUTDOOR FACILITIES INCLUDE
CYFLEUSTERAU ALLANOL
All-weather pitch
Cinder running track
Tennis Courts
Two rugby pitches
One football pitch
All-weather cricket
pitch
HOURS WHEN THE SCHOOL IS OPEN
ORIAU AGOR YR YSGOL
MORNING: 8.30 am to 1.10 pm.
AFTERNOON: 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm.
The school office is open from 8.15 am to 3.15 pm to
deal with enquiries.
There are twenty five one hour lessons each week.
SCHOOL ADMISSION
MYNEDIAD I’R YSGOL
Children who live in the traditional local area will be offered
the available places first. Thereafter, places will be allocated
according to the criteria laid down by the local authority.
However, the school also welcomes applications from all
parents regardless of home address. If you wish your child to
attend Y Pant, please contact the school as early as possible
when your requirements may be discussed and all necessary
information provided.
2

TRANSITION FROM PRIMARY
EDUCATION
PONTIO O’R YSGOL GYNRADD
Y Pant has established strong links with feeder
Primary Schools. Regular meetings are held in
National Curriculum subject areas, between staff
from Y Pant and partner primary teachers.
Headteacher meetings also allow discussion of
curriculum content and other educational issues.
Primary school pupils visit Y Pant for a variety of
activities and Year 6 pupils spend a day in school in
July immediately before starting in September.
PASTORAL CARE
GOFAL BUGEILIOL
Parents of pupils joining Year 7 are invited to an
open day at the school held during October and a
meeting in July.
The Head of Progress for Year 7 and the Assistant
Head of Progress visit Primary Schools accompanied
by representatives from Year 7 to meet pupils.
Secondary and primary school SENCOs discuss the
special needs of all relevant children including those
who are considered more able and talented.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
DISGYBLAETH YN YR YSGOL
We organise a successful and orderly school where
pupils learn in a happy environment. We expect all
our pupils to behave in a way which brings credit on
their homes and themselves and which reflects the
ethos of Y Pant School.
PROBLEM SOLVERS
DATRYS PROBLEMAU
Pupils will often need to seek the help of members of
staff. Who they see will depend on the problem, but
here are some examples of persons they would see
initially:
Permission to attend a music exam during
school hours – assistant head
Worry about progress in a subject – Subject
Teacher
An inquiry concerning school uniform –
Form Tutor
Dinner money forgotten or lost – Office
Staff
Uncertainty about subject choices for years
10 and 11 – Senior Assistant Head
(Transition)
CODES OF CONDUCT FOR PUPILS
Everyone will act with courtesy and
consideration to others at all times
There are times, however, when we need to impose
sanctions and we ask for your support in this regard.
Sanctions, when necessary, will be as follows:
Detention during part of morning/lunch break.
Detention after school with 24 hours notice
given to parents.
Internal exclusion from normal classes with
work provided.
For more serious offences fixed term, or even
permanent, exclusions may be applied.
Full details are in the PLK and Planner.
2

OUR KEY AIM IS …
EIN PRIF NOD YDY ...
To provide all pupils with appropriate learning
experiences of the highest quality and ensure
they gain maximum benefit from them.
THE CURRICULUM (1)
Y CWRICWLWM (1)
We seek to encourage in pupils …
An enthusiasm towards learning, helping to develop
lively, enquiring minds, the ability to question and
develop arguments rationally, and to apply
themselves to tasks and physical skills.
We seek to help pupils …
To acquire knowledge and skills relevant to adult life
and employment in a fast changing world.
We seek to instil …
Respect for religious and moral values, and tolerance
of other races, religions and ways of life; to help
pupils understand the world in which they live and
the interdependence of individuals, groups and
nations.
Teaching Group Organisation/Subjects Studied
(Years 7, 8, 9) …
All subjects are taught through the medium of
English.
In all year groups there will be a two-week cycle
consisting of fifty periods.
Year 7
The first year intake will be divided into 3 bands.
There is also a learning support class. Banding will
be based on a range of information, including Key
Stage 2 Teacher Assessment levels and Cognitive
Ability Tests (CATs), to be carried out towards the
end of year 6.
Years 8 and 9
Pupils will be arranged within two sets, encompassing
English and Mathematics based subjects. The
groups in which Art, Music, Technology, RE, PE and
Drama are studied vary from year to year. There will
also be a learning support class.
Basic Skills
Sgiliau Sylfaenol
Pupils identified as needing extra support in literacy
and/or numeracy will be allocated some extra appropriate
teaching time to help them make progress.
This will be in small groups focusing on particular
needs.
We aim to provide …
A caring environment in which the development of
sound personal qualities, desirable attitudes and
social awareness are fostered.
Knowledge, skills and understanding are acquired in
a variety of ways and circumstances. In lessons,
pupils will also learn through a whole range of
practical experiences, individual and group projects,
and by using an ever-increasing variety of
technological equipment.
(The two-week cycle will contain fifty periods, as
planned)
LESSONS/FORTNIGHT
SUBJECTS YR 7 YR 8 YR 9
ENGLISH 5
9 (C Band)
6 6
MATHS 5 5 5
SCIENCE 5 6 6
WELSH 4 3 4 (3)
FRENCH 4 - 4(3)
SPANISH - 4 2
ART 2 3 2
PSE 1 1 1
HISTORY 2 3 3
GEOGRAPHY 3 2 3
MUSIC 3 2 2
DRAMA 1 1 1
LEARN SMART 4 2 2 (KS)
PE 4 4 3
RE 2 2 2
TECHNOLOGY 3 4 4
ICT 2 2 2
TOTAL LESSON TIME
(PER FORTNIGHT
50
HRS
50
HRS
50
HRS
3

THE CURRICULUM (2)
Y CWRICWLWM (2)
CURRICULUM IN YEARS 10 AND 11 …
During year 9, pupils make their choice of
subjects for Key Stage 4, enabling them to
study fewer subjects and concentrate on
those which particularly interest them and
are necessary for their future. To help with
these vital decisions, a brochure is published
and a parents’ evening is organised.
National Curriculum Core Subjects of
English, Mathematics, Welsh and Science
are compulsory at KS 4 as are Physical
Education, ICT and Welsh Baccalaureate
Qualification. Other subjects will be chosen
from option columns. All courses run for
two years leading to either Entry Level or
GCSE at single award or double award.
Key Stage 5
Y Pant has a thriving and highly successful
sixth form. We offer a full range of one and
two year courses, both academic and
vocational, to accommodate all needs.
In order to offer an even greater range of
choice the school operates a consortium arrangement
with Bryncelynnog.
The school operates a policy of open entry
into year 12. All prospective students are
interviewed by a personal tutor and an
action plan is drawn up. This plan is based
on achievement to date and the best career
advice available. All students are directed
towards courses in which they are able to
show progression. All students are required
to take the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate.
E3+ Programme
This is a programme that aims to ‘extend, enrich
and excite’ the young people of our community.
They will have the opportunity to try
new activities, develop existing skills and gain
a range of qualifications and experiences.
Activities range from the traditional:
Girls’ football; Boys’ hockey; American football;
horse riding; Windband; Photography;
to the more adventurous:
Salsa dancing; Belly dancing; Junk jewellery
design; ‘So you wanna be a popstar’
sessions; Circus skills.
Young people can involve themselves in as
many activities as they wish, safe in the
knowledge that activities are free of charge and
delivered by highly trained, skilled professionals.
E3+ activities will run:
Monday—Thursday
Session 1— 3:15 to 5:15
Session 2—6:00 to 8:00
Food will be available for those who wish to
attend both sessions and free transport is provided
at two points in the evening.
E3+ provides opportunities and encourages students
to further develop skills and qualities
COMPACT CERTIFICATES
All pupils participate in Education Business
Partnership’s Compact Scheme. Pupils receive a
Compact Graduation Certificate, recognised by
employers nationally, provided they meet targets
in terms of attendance, punctuality, standards of
work and behaviour. Pupils must also complete
one week of work experience and assist in the
production of their Progress Files.
4

THE CURRICULUM (3)
Y CWRICWLWM (3)
Learning Support
Cymorth Dysgu
Pupils with special learning difficulties are taught in
small groups. They are taught either in the learning
support department or by subject specialists as
appropriate. A full range of National Curriculum
subjects are studied and pupils have access to
specialist rooms and equipment. Every opportunity is
taken to return pupils to main stream classes for
some or all subjects.
In years 10 and 11 pupils with special learning
difficulties may follow Entry Level Courses, and it is
usual for most of them to achieve qualifications in a
number of subjects before they leave school.
More Able and Talented Students
Disgyblion Mwy Galluog a Dawnus
The school recognises that more than 20% of students
will be more able and talented academically in
a range or in specific subjects, or gifted in other creative,
sporting or entrepreneurial areas. Appropriate
challenge and support will be offered as a matter of
course to these students. In addition, extra curricular
opportunities will be offered where possible.
All year 12 students will be required to
complete studies in the compulsory modules of:
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification
Work Experience …
All pupils aged 14 to 16 undertake work experience.
Pupils are placed, by the school, in conjunction with
the Careers Service, in local places of employment
for a limited period of time. Work experience
normally lasts for a week each year for the age
groups involved.
.
Careers Education and Vocational
Guidance
Addysg Gyrfaoedd ac Arweiniad
Galwedigaethol
All pupils in years 9 – 13 receive careers eduction
and guidance. Pupils are introduced to the world of
work through talks, often given by visiting speakers
from commerce and industry, industrial visits and
increasingly through computer-based information
and guidance systems. The school works in close
partnership with Careers Wales (Mid Glamorgan)
Ltd. Parents may make appointments with the careers
teacher and careers officer to discuss their children’s
future. The school has been awarded the Quality Kite
Mark for its standard of Careers Education and
Guidance.
Religious Education and Worship
Addysg Grefyddol ac Addoliad
We are aware of the spiritual needs of our pupils. We
try to ensure that all their various views and needs –
and those of their parents – are catered for. An act of
worship is incorporated into an assembly each day.
The Religious Education syllabus reflects the
fundamental values, morals and ethics of our society,
whose religious traditions are mainly Christian. The
teaching and practices of the other religions
represented in Rhondda Cynon Taf are also taken
into account.
If you do not wish your child to attend religious
education or worship please make a written request
to the school.
Equal
5

THE CURRICULUM (4)
Y CWRICWLWM (4)
Sex Education
Addysg Rhyw
Sex education is set in a moral framework and is
taught in a manner to promote a healthy life style. At
Key Stage 3 it is taught through National Curriculum
Science (basic biology) and Personal and Social
Education (PSE) in mixed-sex teaching groups.
At Key Stage 4, sex education forms an integral part
of the curriculum content of PSE. All aspects, eg,
reproduction, sexuality, STIs, AIDs, parenting
family life, morality are taught to mixed groups.
If you wish to withdraw your child from all or part of the sex education provided, a
formal request should be made to the school.
Sport and PE
Chwaraeon ac Ymarfer Corff
YEARS 7 - 11
During the first five years the major activities
covered are:
ATHLETICS, BASEBALL, BASKETBALL,
CROSS-COUNTRY, FOOTBALL, GYMNASTICS,
HOCKEY, NETBALL, ROUNDERS, RUGBY,
PERSONAL FITNESS, CRICKET, TENNIS.
These are photographs of our most recent school
sports
.
6

THE CURRICULUM (5)
Y CWRICWLWM (5)
PE and Games
Options in KS5 include:
BADMINTON, FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL, NETBALL,
RUGBY, FITNESS SUITE, ATHLETICS, TENNIS.
All pupils are encouraged to pursue other specialist sports
outside of school. These are photographs of some of our
very successful athletes.
There are school teams at all year group levels in RUGBY, NETBALL, FOOTBALL.
IN ADDITION:
almost every pupil in year 7 gains a 5 Star Athletics Award
pupils participate in inter House competitions in a range of sports
pupils have represented Wales in many sports. In recent years many pupils have represented
Wales in the following sports: Football, Athletics, Cricket, Rugby League,
Judo, Fencing, Golf, Cricket and Swimming.
7

THE CURRICULUM (6)
Y CWRICWLWM (6)
ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATIONS
ASESU AC ARHOLIADAU
The main aim of assessment at Y Pant is to maximise
individual achievement by helping all pupils become
better learners and more confident persons.
To achieve this aim, the school assessment policy is
based on the following principles:
Recognising the whole range of pupils’
achievements and experiences.
Adopting a positive approach to pupils’
progress.
Teachers helping pupils to develop the skills
to become good learners.
A common understanding between pupils
and teachers of clear learning targets.
Pupils contributing to the assessment of
their own work and progress.
Giving pupils clear targets for improvement.
School assessment arrangements are in line with
current National Curriculum Orders and this is
reflected in the School Assessment Policy.
Assessment is an on-going process. Each department
is required to employ a rull range of relevant
assessment techniques. Formal examinations are held
in December/January for years 11 and 13. Formal
assessments take place during the summer term for
the rest of the school. Reports are prepared for
parents following these assessments.
Parents are encouraged to attend the parents’
evenings to discuss their child’s progress with staff.
Encouraging Achievement
Annog Llwyddiant
Certificates are awarded annually to pupils based on
recommendations received from departments. These
may be for effort or achievement. In addition, subject
prizes are awarded at our annual Prize Giving
ceremony.
Homework and Preparation Work
Gwaith Cartref a Pharatoi
This is set by a department according to the
requirements of each individual course being
followed. Homework may take many forms, eg,
preparation for classwork, learning basic
information, practice, revision.
Parents have a vital part to play by giving
encouragement and helping to establish a routine for
homework, ensuring space and time for its
completion.
The school operates Study Centres open to all year
11 students. These run after school, on a weekly
basis, from January to May.
Pupil Planners/PLK
Llyfrynnau Cynllunio Disgyblion
All pupils are issued with a planner. This provides a
range of useful information and guidance. Additionally,
it contains weekly planner pages. This enables
pupils to note homework and preparation required
and provides the opportunity for parents to monitor
their children.
Progress Files
Ffeiliau Cynnydd
All pupils are involved in the school’s Progress File
Scheme.
This monitors pupils’ development over a range of
skills and attributes and provides a framework for the
regular review of progress, achievement and learning
needs. Progress File documents are presented to all
Year 11 pupils at the annual ceremony held prior to
leaving. Students are required to upgrade the Progress
File throughout Years 12 and 13.
8

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
GWEITHGAREDDAU ALLGYRSIOL
The school curriculum is greatly enhanced
by the many extra curricular activities which
take place on a regular basis. We encourage
all pupils to participate in these activities
and they are welcome to join any of the
clubs.
Extra curricular activities take place in the
following areas:
Choir, orchestra, rugby, soccer, cricket,
hockey, netball, trampolining, gym club,
badminton, tennis, art club, computing,
debating, Clwb Siarad, library, ski trips
and musicals, gardening.
Opportunities exist for pupils to attend
various courses arranged by the authority.
These include music, drama, various sports
and outdoor pursuits. They can also attend
courses at Urdd camps. Pupils’ visits to
France and Spain are organised both by the
school and local authority. Foreign visits are
also organised annually based on subjects or
sporting activities.
Outside the normal lesson structure, there is
opportunity to provide an even wider range
of learning experiences through:
induction courses, activity weeks,
enterprise activities, residential courses,
visits to relevant places and events, work
experience, foreign language courses
abroad.
9

SCHOOL UNIFORM
GWISG YR YSGOL
All pupils are expected to wear full school uniform
and details are given below.
Pupils will sometimes try to effect changes themselves
so be suspicious of such phrases as:
“Oh! They don’t mind if …”
“Yes, it’s quite all right to wear …”
“Everybody wears it …”
Limits have been set within which there is a considerable
freedom of choice. However, no extension
of these limits will be accepted.
IF IN DOUBT, RING THE SCHOOL.
UNIFORM – YEARS 7 – 11 …
BOYS AND GIRLS
Royal Blue “V” neck pullover with school logo
only.
School tie available only from school shop,
to be worn only with school type shirt, in place of
a polo shirt.
Royal Blue fleece with Y Pant logo is to be worn
as an outer garment only.
Outer coats/garments must not have oversized/
inappropriate logos. Denim, leather or simulated
leather or similar is not allowed.
BOYS
White “school” style shirt, button up to neck or
school light blue polo shirt.
Traditional “school” style trousers, plain black
only, no patch pockets or rivets are permitted.
Plain grey or black socks.
“School” style shoes or ankle-high soft
Boots in plain dark brown, black or mid-grey.
Trainers are not permitted.
PE Wear (Basic)
Navy shorts. Gym or training shoes (Nonmarking).
White ankle socks. Towel. Football
jersey—royal blue with gold band around chest.
White aertex polo shirt. Reversible football jersey.
Football socks—royal blue with gold tops. Football
boots (Rugby and Association football will be
played).
GIRLS
Long-sleeved, white or light blue school style
(not fitted) blouse with pointed collar or school
light blue polo shirt with logo.
Plain black skirts (must be on or below the
knee) or plain black trousers. No jeans type
trousers are permitted, e.g. patch pockets or
rivets.
Plain black, white or grey socks (or black tights).
Low heel, school-style shoes or ankle-high boots
in plain dark brown, black or mid grey.
No trainers are permitted.
Hair bands must be in plain dark colours.
PE Wear (Basic)
Navy shorts, white polo shirt with collar, white
ankle socks, towel, pleated games skirt—mid grey.
Predominately white trainers with non-marking
soles.
OPTIONAL PE WEAR
Boys/Girls
Royal blue sweatshirt with PE logo in gold
(available from P.E. Department), navy tracksuit or
jogging trousers.
SIXTH FORM ONLY …
(variations allowed in addition to above)
Navy blue “V” neck, long sleeved pullover with
school logo. Navy blue socks or tights.
PLEASE NOTE …
Watches may be worn. Jewellery, make up and
nail varnish are not allowed. Girls may
wear one pair of plain studs in their ear lobes,
all jewellery must be removed for PE/Games
Extreme hair styles are not allowed. Hair must
be of natural looking colour only.
Fashion accessories e.g. wide belts and scarves
are not school uniform.
Round necked vests or tee-shirts must not be
visible.
Patterns cut into hair or eyebrows will
result in exclusion from classes or even
school for a fixed period.
If something is not listed above then it is not school
uniform.
Y PANT SCHOOL UNIFORM is available from the
school shop only.
10

Whole School Events
Digwyddiadau Ysgol Gyfan
An active, working partnership between home and school is vital to the success of our
pupils’ education.
A diary of events, including important dates, eg, examinations, is sent home in the Autumn
Term and displayed on the school website. Parents are further kept informed of events in school
by letter throughout the year.
Parents’ Evening
Noson Rhieni
Parents’ evenings are arranged at regular
intervals for each year group. These provide
an opportunity for parents to discuss the
progress of their children with individual
subject and form tutors.
Notification of these meetings is made by
letter via the pupils.
Prize Giving
Noson Wobrwyo
An annual awards evening recognises academic
performance and endeavour. Guest
speakers are often former pupils.
Children in Need Day
School Sports
Eco Schools Green Flag Award
YPTV Launch
Y Pant welcomes and encourages close contact with the home and hopes that all
invitations to school functions will be responded to positively.
11

HOW
TO
KEEP
IN
TOUCH
SUT
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GYSYLLTU
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12

RHONDDA CYNON TAFF EDUCATION AUTHORITY
AWDURDOD ADDYSG LLEOL RHONDDA CYNON TÂF
SCHOOL NAME
ENW’R YSGOL
SCHOOL ADDRESS
CYFEIRIAD YR YSGOL
SCHOOL TELEPHONE/FAX
RHIF FFÔN/FFACS YR YSGOL
HEADTEACHER
PRIFATHRO
CHAIRPERSON OF GOVERNORS
CADEIRYDD Y BWRDD
LLYWODRAETHU
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
CYFARWYDDWR ADDYSG
AUTHORITY ADDRESS
CYFEIRIAD YR AWDURDOD
AUTHORITY TELEPHONE
NUMBER
RHIF FFÔN YR AWDURDOD
Ysgol Y PANT School
Cowbridge Road
Talbot Green
Pontyclun
CF72 8YQ
Telephone: (01443) 237701
Fax: (01443) 229248
Mr M. Powell
Mrs R Barnes
Mr C. Bradshaw
Rhondda Cynon Taff Education
Committee
Tŷ Trevithick
Abercynon
Mountain Ash
CF45 4UQ
Tel: (01443) 744000
Fax: (01443) 744024
13

GENERAL INFORMATION
GWYBODAETH GYFFREDINOL
SCHOOL TERMS AND HOLIDAYS
ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL
TYMHORAU A GWYLIAU
INFORMATION
2013-14 GWYBODAETH YCHWANEGOL
Autumn Term 2013
In addition to this prospectus, other documents are
available for inspection including:
Begins - Monday 2nd Sept
Half Term Begins - Monday 28th Oct
Any DFEE National Curriculum Documents
Half Term Ends - Friday 1st Nov
Autumn Term Ends - Friday 20th Dec Option choices at 14+
Spring Term 2014
Begins - Monday 6th January
Half Term Begins - Monday 24th Feb
Half Term Ends - Friday 28th Feb
Spring Term Ends - Friday 11th April
Summer Term 2014
Begins - Monday 28th April
Half Term Begins - Monday 23rd May
Half Term Ends - Friday 30th May
Summer Term Ends—Monday 21st July
The Complaints Procedure
Assessment
Pastoral including bullying
Cross Curricular Themes
Equal Opportunities
Health and Safety
In addition the school will be closed to pupils
Induction Programmes
for in-service training for teachers. Parents will
be notified of the dates when they have been
Sex Education
arranged.
Special Needs
Attendance for the Academic Year
2011-12 School Rules
Number of pupils aged 11 to 15 — 1019
Percentage of authorised absences - 5.3
Percentage of unauthorised absence — 1.6
Charging and Remissions Policy
Education Careers and Guidance Policy
National Curriculum Exemption
DESTINATION OF SCHOOL LEAVERS 2010—11
YEAR 11 YEAR 12 YEAR 13
TOTAL NUMBERS OF PUPILS 203 125 97
CONTINUING IN FULL TIME EDUCATION 156 123 71
EMPLOYMENT 3 1 10
YOUTH TRAINING 27 - 2
OTHER (INCLUDING UNKNOWN) 17 2 14
14