Prospectus
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St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Welcome<br />
Croeso<br />
At St Cenydd we believe that we are a supportive, friendly school, which<br />
at the same time maintains high standards of care, discipline and above all<br />
achievement.<br />
We want pupils to enjoy coming to school, feel safe and see learning as<br />
both exciting and as a life long challenge.<br />
This prospectus should enable you to see how we try to turn this vision<br />
into reality. We are immensely proud of the school and what it has<br />
achieved over recent years. These achievements have been recognised by<br />
Estyn Inspectors who in our last Inspection report said of the school,<br />
“ St Cenydd school is a very good school with a distinctively caring and inclusive ethos. There are<br />
many outstanding features in the quality of education it provides and in the effectiveness of its<br />
leadership and management.” Estyn 2007<br />
The next few years will as always bring many new challenges. We are determined to build on our successes, to<br />
help our young people to further develop the skills, knowledge, enthusiasm and confidence to succeed in a<br />
rapidly changing world.<br />
We invite you all, staff, governors, parents, students and the wider community to help us fulfil this vision.<br />
Ian Kilcoyne, Headteacher<br />
For all pupils:<br />
To enable all students to realise their individual<br />
talents to the full.<br />
To prepare all students for the changing<br />
demands of future adult life.<br />
To encourage a view of education as an<br />
enjoyable, lifelong process.<br />
Our Vision<br />
Ein gweledigaeth<br />
To create a caring, supportive and safe<br />
environment where children can learn and feel<br />
secure, confident and happy.<br />
To foster a sense of community and belonging.<br />
To educate the whole person.<br />
To look outwards as well as inwards, valuing<br />
what we can share with other schools, both at<br />
home and abroad.<br />
“The school’s ethos is outstanding.”<br />
Estyn 2007<br />
C OME EQUIPPED TO LEARN<br />
A RRIVE ON TIME<br />
R ESPECT EACH OTHER<br />
E DUCATE YOURSELF FOR LIFE<br />
1
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Location<br />
Lleoliad<br />
Situated in extensive grounds,<br />
with panoramic views of the<br />
Caerphilly basin, St Cenydd is<br />
a popular mixed 11-18<br />
community school of over<br />
1100 pupils. It is located in a<br />
semi-rural area and in close<br />
proximity to the A470 that<br />
links with the M4 motorway.<br />
The cities of Cardiff and<br />
Newport are both easily<br />
accessible by road and rail.<br />
St Cenydd is a very busy school providing a wealth of<br />
opportunities for pupils to improve and extend their<br />
knowledge and skills. It also has the privilege of<br />
being the designated centre for Hearing Impaired,<br />
Physically Disabled and Speech and Language<br />
disorder pupils within the authority. We consider<br />
ourselves a completely integrated and inclusive<br />
community which seeks to develop consideration<br />
and respect for all.<br />
The school became comprehensive in 1973 and has<br />
expanded to become one of the largest in Caerphilly<br />
County Borough. St Cenydd School has...<br />
“...teachers who enjoy teaching and<br />
learners who enjoy learning.”<br />
Estyn 2007<br />
St. Cenydd has achieved Investor in People status<br />
since April 2000 being highly commended for its<br />
good practice. It has also been awarded Basic Skills<br />
Quality Mark, Healthy School status, Sportsmarc<br />
Cymru and actively works in partnership with our<br />
junior schools, sport development officers and local<br />
Leisure centre. A new multi-purpose sports complex<br />
was built on our site in 2005. A facility used by<br />
school and community alike.<br />
Further investment has provided improved eating<br />
facilities with the provision of two new dining areas.<br />
Our School Nutrition Action Group work closely with<br />
our catering provider to ensure our pupils have<br />
access to healthy eating options.<br />
Within St Cenydd the professionalism of the<br />
teaching and learning support staff ensures total<br />
commitment to the development of its pupils.<br />
“The quality of staff is an outstanding<br />
feature of the school.”<br />
Estyn 2007<br />
2
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Facilities<br />
Cyfleusterau<br />
St Cenydd School is situated on a large attractive<br />
campus surrounded by numerous playing fields and<br />
all weather sports<br />
pitch. As the<br />
school has<br />
expanded extra<br />
portable buildings<br />
have been<br />
erected, including<br />
accommodation<br />
for a sixth form<br />
centre and music<br />
suite complete<br />
with soundproof<br />
practice rooms.<br />
We are continually trying to improve and extend our<br />
facilities, these include a recently opened one<br />
million pound 10 classroom extension which houses<br />
the school’s English Department.<br />
In the main building are three well equipped ICT<br />
suites with over 85 networked computers with<br />
internet access, and classrooms grouped by subject<br />
areas. Most rooms have interactive whiteboard<br />
facilities and all classrooms have access to the<br />
internet. The school also has a well equipped and<br />
professionally staffed learning resource centre<br />
incorporating computer equipment with<br />
internet access and a wide selection of<br />
books, DVD’s, videos and CD’s.<br />
Transition<br />
Pontio<br />
We are proud of the links we have established over<br />
many years with our local primary schools. It is very<br />
important that pupils settle into St Cenydd quickly;<br />
we know that they will develop and progress if they<br />
are happy. With this in mind we have a transition<br />
programme which commences a year before pupils<br />
are due to enter Year 7.<br />
The transition co-ordinator and other key members<br />
of staff visit the primary schools on a regular basis to<br />
gather information and set up links. The PE<br />
department, for example, have developed a rolling<br />
teaching programme for each primary school where<br />
staff across each phase work and learn together to<br />
improve the pupils performance. The inspection<br />
report 2007 noted that,<br />
“Induction programmes and transition<br />
arrangements are of high quality.”<br />
Year 6 make frequent visits to St Cenydd enabling<br />
pupils to familiarise themselves with the school,<br />
using the Science Laboratories for example and<br />
taking an active part in selected lessons. Each pupil is<br />
given a ‘Welcome Day’ booklet designed to assist<br />
them in a variety of ways, from a map of the school<br />
to a section entitled ‘What do I do if’<br />
Parents are given a Curriculum Information Booklet,<br />
which outlines the general topics to be covered in<br />
each subject in Year 7. It also suggests ways in<br />
which parents can help their children, working in<br />
partnership with St Cenydd.<br />
Colourful displays along the corridors<br />
emphasise the value we place on pupils’<br />
work and achievements, creating an<br />
attractive learning environment.<br />
“I have really enjoyed textiles<br />
as I like making cushions. I have<br />
also made lots of new friends and I<br />
am in dance class now.”<br />
Katie Morgan<br />
“I’ve settled into<br />
St. Cenydd really well, the sports<br />
are really good and I’m in the<br />
rugby and football team. “<br />
Gianni Kanda<br />
3
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Admission Arrangements<br />
Trefniadau Derbyn Disgyblion<br />
Caerphilly County Borough LEA controls the entry of<br />
children into schools and distributes the admission<br />
procedure and parental preference form to Year 6<br />
pupils early in the Autumn term, to be returned by<br />
December. Although the standard number for St<br />
Cenydd is 196,* the school has been heavily<br />
oversubscribed for some years. (*Pending review by<br />
the Welsh Assembly Government.)<br />
Home/School Agreement<br />
Cytundeb Ysgol/Cartref<br />
Our Home/School agreement is printed in our school<br />
planner. We ask all parents to sign this as one of the<br />
many ways in which the school forges effective links<br />
with home. It is our intention that this will lead to a<br />
good understanding of our joint responsibilities and<br />
will lay the foundation for a successful partnership<br />
between parents and the school.<br />
As a result of new legislation pupils who<br />
reside within a defined catchment area of<br />
a school no longer have an automatic<br />
right to attend that school unless a<br />
written application is made to the<br />
authority. Admission or attendance of<br />
pupils at the feeder junior school does not<br />
provide automatic entry to the chosen<br />
secondary school.<br />
Publicity Photographs<br />
During your child’s education at St Cenydd, there<br />
may be times when photographs are taken, either by<br />
school or some outside body and used in a<br />
publication. If you do not wish your child to be<br />
photographed, please inform the school of this<br />
in writing.<br />
Those children who live in the school’s<br />
catchment area, and whose parents have<br />
expressed a preference, will be offered<br />
places first.<br />
If the number of<br />
those pupils is<br />
greater than the<br />
standard<br />
number, pupils<br />
will be selected<br />
according to the<br />
following criteria<br />
which are listed<br />
in the priority<br />
order.<br />
“The highly effective way that the<br />
school works in partnership with<br />
parents, carers and the community is<br />
outstanding.”<br />
Estyn 2007<br />
Children<br />
recommended for placement for medical,<br />
psychological or special educational reasons.<br />
These must be confirmed by the LEA’s<br />
professional advisers.<br />
Children with siblings (brothers and sisters)<br />
attending the school.<br />
The distance from home to the school measured<br />
by the nearest available walking route.<br />
4
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
The school curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad and<br />
balanced education and following a learning pathway and its intention<br />
is to maximise the potential of all. The school strives to make the<br />
curriculum appropriate to pupils’ needs with teaching styles that<br />
develop positive attitudes to learning, the understanding of concepts<br />
and the acquisition of knowledge and skills. It is reviewed annually so<br />
that our pupils receive an education that is relevant and up-to-date.<br />
Each school year is organised into mixed ability tutor groups plus a<br />
class to cater for those pupils with special educational needs.<br />
The timetable allows setting by ability<br />
in subjects where this is most<br />
appropriate for pupils’ needs.<br />
The first subject to do this is<br />
Mathematics, during the Autumn<br />
Term in Year 7.<br />
Pupils are taught in 1 hour sessions<br />
through a weekly timetable of<br />
subjects. They have 5 lessons each<br />
day, 4 before lunch and 1<br />
afterwards.<br />
Homework<br />
Gwaith Cartref<br />
Homework is an important element of the pupil’s<br />
education and is set on a regular basis. All pupils are<br />
issued with a school planner where they can record<br />
such homework. Parental support in supervising the<br />
completion of homework and checking their planner<br />
is encouraged.<br />
The School Curriculum<br />
Cwricwlwm yr Ysgol<br />
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)<br />
Cyfnod Allweddol 3<br />
(Blwyddyn 7-9)<br />
Good links exist with our primary schools enabling us<br />
to build on the good foundation set by them as they<br />
continue the full range of National Curriculum<br />
subjects.<br />
At the end of this Key Stage pupils will be teacher<br />
assessed in the National Curriculum Subjects and will<br />
be allocated on overall level.<br />
“In almost all subjects, at both key stages, pupils<br />
achieve standards that match or exceed their<br />
agreed learning goals.”<br />
Estyn 2007<br />
5
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)<br />
Cyfnod Allweddol 4<br />
(Blwyddyn 10 & 11)<br />
All pupils will study the core subjects of English,<br />
Mathematics, Science, Welsh, RE, PSE and PE.<br />
They will have a choice of four further subjects from<br />
a wide range of options that may vary from year to<br />
year but usually include:<br />
In addition, short courses are available in Welsh, RE,<br />
PE and ICT .<br />
All core and optional subjects lead to Level 1 or 2<br />
entry level qualifications which students sit at the<br />
end of Year 11.<br />
The Careers service and Head/assistant Head of Year<br />
play a vital part in advising and guiding pupils and<br />
also meet with them individually, to discuss their<br />
Career plans.<br />
History<br />
Geography<br />
Religious Studies<br />
Life Skills<br />
Business Studies<br />
CDT(communication)<br />
Catering<br />
Food Skills<br />
Performing Arts: Dance<br />
Spanish<br />
Information Systems<br />
Physical Education<br />
Art<br />
Music<br />
Drama<br />
Child Development<br />
Separate Sciences<br />
CDT (realisation)<br />
Media Studies<br />
Emphasis is placed throughout the curriculum on<br />
the acquisition of Key Skills that are seen as a<br />
vital key to unlocking potential.<br />
“The progress they make by the end of KS4<br />
in comparison with their abilities on entry to<br />
the school is particularly good.”<br />
Estyn 2007<br />
Drama<br />
Vocational Subjects such as Hairdressing<br />
Beauty/Retail and Construction in conjunction<br />
with local colleges<br />
6
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
The Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13)<br />
Y Chweched Dosbarth (Blwyddyn 12 & 13)<br />
Our flourishing sixth form is one of the largest in the<br />
Local Authority. We encourage all pupils to consider<br />
staying on after Year 11 and offer a range of<br />
academic and vocational courses depending on<br />
demand. Our sixth form continues to achieve<br />
impressive standards, at AS, A level and other level<br />
2 + 3 qualifications with results consistently<br />
above LEA and Welsh averages.<br />
“We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in the<br />
sixth form and believe the experience will stay<br />
with us forever. The sixth form offers a lot of<br />
opportunities as well as helping to make<br />
furthering our education more enjoyable.”<br />
Year 13 student<br />
The sixth form are based in a purpose built<br />
area and have access to the healthy eating<br />
refreshment facility, throughout the day.<br />
St Cenydd provides tuition in a wide range of<br />
subjects at AS, A, and vocational level. It also<br />
participates in the Caerphilly Schools’<br />
Partnership, to ensure as much choice and<br />
Our senior pupils also have a period of work<br />
experience and play a leading role in the social and<br />
academic life of the school. An added dimension to<br />
the sixth form has been the arrival of overseas<br />
students from Japan, Thailand and Italy.<br />
flexibility as possible for our students.<br />
On entering the Sixth Form pupils benefit from an<br />
induction programme, counselling and advice before<br />
selecting appropriate courses, whilst their progress is<br />
carefully monitored via regular subject reviews and<br />
the support of Year staff.<br />
“There have been far more opportunities to get<br />
involved with the school, like helping in Sports<br />
day, helping teachers and fundraising.”<br />
Year 12 student<br />
“We have to learn at least 15<br />
different subjects in Japan and have<br />
got to take all the exams. We do not<br />
have study lessons either.”<br />
SAORI (Japanese student)<br />
7
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Support and Guidance<br />
for Our Pupils<br />
Cefnogaeth i’n Disgyblion<br />
The school aims to provide a supportive caring<br />
environment where pupils are treated as individuals.<br />
Each year group is organised into mixed ability<br />
registration groups and each form tutor remains with<br />
them from Years 7-11. This ensures continuity and<br />
the fostering of close relationships.<br />
Extra Curricular Activities<br />
Gweithgareddau All-Gyrsiol<br />
Students need a range of experiences in order to<br />
develop as rounded individuals. Extra curricular<br />
activities therefore form an essential part of the life<br />
of the school and encourage pupils to contribute<br />
fully to society in later life. All school activities are<br />
positively reinforced by an effective Merit and<br />
Reward system.<br />
The Inspection team 2007 recognised that:<br />
“The care, support and guidance it provides its<br />
pupils and students are exceptional.”<br />
“The quality of daily life in the school is<br />
outstanding and this is displayed in many ways.”<br />
“The school’s anti-bullying policy is exemplary<br />
and is highly regarded by pupils and parents.”<br />
Some notable examples are:<br />
Science Club<br />
Maths Club<br />
Dungeons and Dragons<br />
Gym Club<br />
Dance<br />
Hockey<br />
Rugby<br />
Cricket<br />
Staff & pupils fitness<br />
club<br />
Orchestra<br />
Junior and Senior<br />
Choirs<br />
Musical and Voice<br />
tuition<br />
Musical concerts<br />
Strings group<br />
Samba Band<br />
Recorder group<br />
Whole school drama<br />
productions<br />
School Eisteddfod<br />
Study Club: held in our<br />
Learning Resource<br />
Centre Monday –<br />
Thursday 3-4pm<br />
Comenius Project:<br />
exchange visit to<br />
France<br />
Educational visits<br />
Residential courses<br />
Field trips<br />
Theatre visits<br />
8<br />
Leading each year group is a Head<br />
of Year and Assistant Head of Year<br />
who have responsibility for the<br />
monitoring of academic progress<br />
and pastoral care. The Head and<br />
Assistant Head of Year will also<br />
accompany the pupils throughout the<br />
five years and are the first point of contact for<br />
parents who need to speak to someone regarding<br />
their child.<br />
Overseeing the Support and Guidance system as a<br />
whole is an Assistant Headteacher whilst one of the<br />
school’s Deputy Headteacher is the designated Child<br />
Protection Co-ordinator and follows procedures and<br />
guidance agreed by the Area Child Protection<br />
Committee.<br />
5 x 60 clubs – a whole<br />
range of activities e.g.<br />
dodge ball, available<br />
lunch times and after<br />
school to encourage<br />
widespread<br />
participation in physical<br />
activities.<br />
“Pupils and students have access to a wide<br />
range of extra curricular activities which<br />
includes visits to Europe and<br />
many other countries.”<br />
Estyn 2007
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
9
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
PE & Sport at St Cenydd<br />
Ymarfer Corff a Chwaraeon yn Sant Cenydd<br />
Our aim is to create a lifelong love of physical<br />
activity, encouraging pupils to lead an active and<br />
healthy lifestyle. Our philosophy is one of providing<br />
enjoyment from participating in a range of sporting<br />
activities – in educational, competitive and<br />
recreational situations.<br />
St Cenydd has an excellent reputation for the quality<br />
of our PE and sport programme. Through clubs,<br />
organised training sessions and extensive inter-school<br />
competition, pupils have the opportunity to<br />
participate in a wide range of sports, including<br />
athletics, basketball, cricket, cross<br />
country, football, gymnastics,<br />
hockey, netball, rounders, rugby,<br />
dance and aerobics.<br />
As pupils progress through the school, opportunities<br />
exist for them to gain National Governing Body<br />
coaching awards. These pupils are encouraged to<br />
use their skills in our feeder primary schools and the<br />
wider community.<br />
Pupils at St Cenydd can follow examination courses<br />
in both PE and Dance at GCSE and PE at A level.<br />
Building on their experiences of representing the<br />
school, many pupils go on to represent the district,<br />
county and every year, some pupils achieve the<br />
ultimate honour of representing their country.<br />
A new multi-purpose sports hall, dance/<br />
aerobics studio and fitness suite was built on<br />
the school site in 2005, providing a range of<br />
opportunities for PE and Sport at St Cenydd<br />
unrivalled in the Caerphilly basin.<br />
Music<br />
Cerddoriaeth<br />
The Music department is located in a well equipped<br />
suite with purpose built practice/rehearsal rooms. A<br />
wide range of musical opportunities is offered to all<br />
pupils. In addition to our Music staff we have the<br />
support of an expert team of peripatetic teachers<br />
offering tuition on strings, woodwind and brass.<br />
Caerphilly County Music and Arts Services also offer<br />
private tuition on guitars, keyboard and<br />
drums kit as well as singing lessons.<br />
Parents are asked to contribute to the<br />
cost.<br />
10<br />
Music is at the heart of many school<br />
activities-concerts, school productions,<br />
Eisteddfodau and links with the<br />
community.
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Special Education Provision<br />
DarpariaethAnghenion Addysgol Arbennig<br />
Our SEN policy and practice are regularly revised to<br />
meet the requirements of the Code of Practice on<br />
the identification and Assessment of Special<br />
Educational Needs. Our aim is to include pupils with<br />
special needs as far as possible into mainstream<br />
classes but the school also makes the provision of<br />
smaller teaching groups where pupils can receive<br />
specialist attention.<br />
Those pupils who have Special Needs are identified<br />
by Special Needs staff through close liaison with<br />
Primary Schools and other agencies. A reading<br />
course is run in Year 7 for pupils who require extra<br />
support in this area.<br />
The work of the SEN department is supported as<br />
necessary by a LEA Educational Psychologist.<br />
An Able Child co-ordinator will work with<br />
subject staff to promote extension<br />
activities for the very able child.<br />
Sensory Needs Department<br />
Adran Anghenion y Synhwyrau<br />
At St Cenydd we are fully committed to an inclusive<br />
education: physically disabled, hearing and visually<br />
impaired, pupils with speech, language and<br />
communication difficulties attend mainstream classes<br />
in all subjects. Where necessary, Learning Support<br />
Assistants accompany pupils to enable them to<br />
access the curriculum and help in the learning<br />
process. They are encouraged to become involved in<br />
all aspects of school life, including social events,<br />
visits, and residential courses.<br />
The pupils access a full range of courses and<br />
there have been many successes at GCSE and<br />
“A” level. Pupils are encouraged to pursue<br />
courses in Higher Education.<br />
The school has been cited as a centre of<br />
excellence in the provision it makes in the area of<br />
Special Education.<br />
“The exceptional provision for pupils with<br />
special educational needs and pupils with<br />
disabilities makes a vast contribution to the<br />
development of all pupils.”<br />
Estyn 2007<br />
11
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Equal Opportunities<br />
Cyfle Cyfartal<br />
The school is fully committed to a policy of<br />
equal opportunity regardless of age, gender,<br />
race, culture, social background or ability.<br />
“The quality of provision for equal<br />
opportunities has many outstanding<br />
features.”<br />
Estyn 2007<br />
Sex Education<br />
Addysg Ryw<br />
PSE<br />
AB CH<br />
PSE is taught as a discrete subject that encompasses<br />
Citizenship, Environmental and Health Education,<br />
Drugs Awareness, Careers Education and guidance.<br />
Some of the issues discussed in Year 7 include<br />
‘settling in,’ coping with homework, bullying and<br />
exam preparation. Transition issues are also discussed<br />
at other Key Stages.<br />
The health education programme incorporates sex<br />
education that is taught in a balanced way as agreed<br />
by the Governing Body. The main emphasis is on<br />
relationships and moral issues that will reflect the<br />
needs of pupils as they develop over the key stages.<br />
Parents have the legal right to withdraw a child from<br />
these lessons if they apply to the school in writing.<br />
Sex education taught within areas of the National<br />
Curriculum such as Science, however, is compulsory.<br />
Welsh Language<br />
Yr Iaith Gymraeg<br />
St Cenydd is committed to promoting Welsh as a<br />
second language. Signs around the school are bilingual<br />
and staff promote our Welsh identity through<br />
the delivery of “Y Cwricwlwm Cymreig” The Welsh<br />
department offers residential courses at the Urdd<br />
camps in Glan Llyn, Millennium Centre and<br />
Llangrannog where pupils have an opportunity to<br />
practise the Welsh language. We hold a very<br />
successful Eisteddfod each year for pupils in Years 7-<br />
10, enthusiastically encouraged by Sixth Form pupils.<br />
12
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Religious Education &<br />
Collective Worship.<br />
Addysg Grefyddol a<br />
Gwasanaethau Crefyddol<br />
Religious education forms part of all pupils’<br />
education and is taught in accordance with the LEA’s<br />
Agreed Syllabus. A large percentage of Year 11<br />
pupils sit the GCSE Short Course in Religious<br />
Education.<br />
We hold<br />
weekly<br />
assemblies<br />
for<br />
individual<br />
year groups<br />
in the lower<br />
hall and<br />
combine<br />
two year<br />
groups each<br />
morning in the main hall. Whenever possible<br />
we encourage pupils, local clergy and other<br />
visiting speakers to participate in acts of<br />
collective worship. We seek to emphasise<br />
moral values, mutual respect, good citizenship,<br />
and to stress the importance of doing one’s<br />
best.<br />
Careers<br />
Gyrfaoedd<br />
Careers guidance is strongly developed in the school<br />
as part of the Personal Social and Health Education<br />
programme for all pupils from Year 7 onwards.<br />
A close relationship has been established with the<br />
County Careers’ Service who make regular visits to<br />
the school to talk to classes and give individual<br />
advice under the direction of the school careers<br />
teacher.<br />
Careers Conventions are regularly organised at the<br />
school when over 60 providers of information and<br />
employment attend from Business and Commerce as<br />
well as local colleges and universities.<br />
We also use this time to celebrate<br />
achievement.<br />
Withdrawal from Religious Education and<br />
assemblies is possible upon written request to<br />
the Headteacher.<br />
School Policies<br />
Polisïau Ysgol<br />
We are happy to provide full copies of any of these<br />
policies to parents on request.<br />
A well stocked Careers Reference library is available<br />
to all pupils and Careers officers are present at<br />
Parents’ Evenings for Years 9-13 to offer further<br />
advice.<br />
“Work related education and careers guidance<br />
at all transition stages are very high quality.”<br />
Estyn 2007<br />
13
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Concerns or Complaints<br />
Pryderon Neu Gwynion<br />
St Cenydd has a strong partnership ethos with all our<br />
parents. We strive to maintain excellent relationships<br />
and communication with parents. Partnership is the<br />
key to successful education at St Cenydd.<br />
However we realise that from time to time the<br />
school may not be able to meet the expectations of<br />
every parent. In situations such as these, parents will<br />
rightfully expect a way in which they can express<br />
their concern or complaint. Most issues can be dealt<br />
with informally. If such attempts do not alleviate<br />
concerns then the complaints procedure can be<br />
activated by writing to the Headteacher.<br />
Security, Health & Safety<br />
Iechyd a Diogelwch<br />
Initial Teacher Training<br />
Hyfforddi Darpar Athrawon<br />
St Cenydd school is a recognised centre for the<br />
training of new teachers. Our expertise in this area is<br />
recognised by the four Universities with whom we<br />
have formed strong partnerships.<br />
Parents can be confident that lessons with trainee<br />
teacher involvement will be closely monitored and<br />
high standards maintained.<br />
“We have learned a lot whilst on placement<br />
here at St Cenydd. This is apparent due to the<br />
helpfulness and friendliness of all staff affiliated<br />
with the school. The subject knowledge,<br />
enthusiasm and willingness to go out of their<br />
way for pupils and ITT students alike is fantastic,<br />
creating a safe and comfortable learning<br />
environment for all.”<br />
Emma Keen & Andrew Levis, UWIC ITT 2007<br />
The school site is enclosed, with a limited number of<br />
entry and exit points. We do not allow pupils to<br />
leave the site without permission. We ask visitors to<br />
report to Reception, where they are issued with a<br />
visitor badge for easy identification around the<br />
school. CCTV operates in most areas of the school<br />
site.<br />
A number of staff hold<br />
the full First Aid at<br />
Work Certificate. All<br />
areas are equipped<br />
with basic first aid<br />
boxes.<br />
There is a lift in the<br />
main building, bridge<br />
to the lower block,<br />
ramps and handrails,<br />
which may assist<br />
children with mobility<br />
problems.<br />
We have a<br />
comprehensive Health<br />
and Safety policy to<br />
ensure that the school<br />
environment is a safe<br />
place for everyone to<br />
work and study.<br />
14
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Community Links<br />
Cysylltiadau â’r Gymuned<br />
Throughout their school years the pupils’ education<br />
is enhanced by participation in visits, community and<br />
environmental projects together with meeting adults<br />
from the world of work and the local community<br />
who take part in our mentoring scheme.<br />
As a result the Estyn report 2007, recognised that,<br />
“Partnerships with parents, the community and<br />
other providers of education, particularly<br />
teacher education institutions, are exemplary.”<br />
Work Experience<br />
Profiad Gwaith<br />
All pupils participate in a week’s work experience at<br />
Key Stage 4 and 5. These have included such diverse<br />
placements as office skills, retail, Welsh Netball<br />
Association, Royal Naval Air Station and Rentokil Pest<br />
Control to name but a few. Work experience may<br />
also form part of an examination course.<br />
Pupils have benefited immensely from this<br />
experience many receiving glowing reports from<br />
their employers. Here are some examples:<br />
“She quickly became a popular and valued<br />
member of the team in the short time<br />
she was here.”<br />
Employer<br />
“The experience has encouraged me to possibly<br />
pursue a veterinary career.”<br />
Year 11 pupil<br />
15
St. Cenydd School, Caerphilly, Wales • Ysgol Sant Cenydd, Caerffili, Cymru<br />
Educational Visits<br />
Ymweliadau Addysgiadol<br />
We offer a wide range of educational visits,<br />
residential study and activity holidays to enhance the<br />
curriculum. Recent visits have included, Cardiff ice<br />
Rink, St Fagans, and places as far as South America<br />
and Australia.<br />
European Studies Programme<br />
Rhaglen Astudiaethau<br />
Ewropeiaidd<br />
Since 1995 we have been involved in the ‘European<br />
Studies Programme’ which includes pupils from over<br />
300 schools in 14 European countries.<br />
European links, by visit and on the Internet, are well<br />
established and developing. These currently include<br />
France (Redon)(St Laurent sur Sevre), Spain (Asturias),<br />
Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Sweden and<br />
Denmark.<br />
Redon<br />
Links have been maintained with College Bellevue in<br />
Redon with the involvement of mainstream and SEN<br />
pupils. Annual visits to broaden their horizons take<br />
place.<br />
Lesotho<br />
Since 2004 our school has developed links<br />
with Mount Royal High School in Leribe,<br />
Southern Africa. We have supported the<br />
school, purchasing much needed resources<br />
and teacher exchanges have taken place.<br />
We hope to take a group of pupils to visit<br />
Lesotho in the future.<br />
Sponsored by<br />
16<br />
0800 028 6974
St. Cenydd School<br />
Trecenydd, Caerphilly. CF83 2RP<br />
Telephone: 029 2085 2504 • Fax: 029 2088 9526<br />
email: stcca@caerphilly.gov.uk<br />
website: www.stcenydd.caerphilly.sch.uk<br />
Headteacher/Prifathro:<br />
Mr Ian Kilcoyne<br />
Chairperson of Governors/Cadeirydd y Llywodraethwyr:<br />
Mr Gwyn Smith