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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

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