Cwmffrwdoer Primary is a hub of learning for its pupils who embrace the school motto ‘Happy together, learning and caring’ as KATH SKELLON found out.

SARAH Truelove is relishing her post at the helm of a busy Torfaen school.

She has spent her first two years in charge at Cwmffrwdoer Primary building on the foundations that have been laid.

“A lot of different areas of the school have been developed over the last year.”

”The school has just received £800 towards creating a pond.”

The welcoming reception area proudly displays photographs of pupils’ achievements, including the school’s recent performance of Macbeth at Newport’s Riverfront Theatre.The school’s motto is ‘happy together, learning and caring’ and this is evident as enthusiastic pupils happily make their way to lessons using a circular corridor which is designed around a much-used outdoor courtyard.There are opportunities for learning in every part of the school, with no space left unused. The wide corridors are home to the pupils’ artwork and a range of topics and are also used a library corner and healthy tuck shop which opens daily and sells a range of food and drinks from smoothies to ice lollies in the summer and fresh fruit.

“The children use their Welsh skills to pay for their fruit and drinks,” explained Mrs Truelove.

The school really is a hub of learning and provides a vibrant learning environment.

“We work hard to make sure all pupils are included in all aspects of school life,” explained Mrs Truelove.

“We pride ourselves on offering a nurturing and caring environment where all pupils are given every opportunity to achieve their potential.

“We are a close-knit school that emphasises the children. We are very caring towards each other.”

Aside from learning in the classroom the children have the chance to learn to play an instrument from Taiko drumming to tin whistles and violin.

The school offers a wide range of after-school clubs including football, film, animation, knitting and cookery.

“For a small school we do an awful lot.”

Pupils play a part in decision-making through the own school council and eco-committee.

“The school council is very effective and recently organised Cwmffrwdoer’s Got Talent and the Eco Council is focusing on working towards its Platinum green flag award with the help of caretaker Jeff Manning.

“We are very lucky to have such beautiful grounds, which include a canopy and seating area, woodland area featuring a log circle and an adventure play area for the foundation phase.

“The children are supplied with wet weather gear which enables them to go out at all times of the year.”

The school was the only primary in Torfaen to take part in a performance of Macbeth in Newport as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival last month.

Around 26 year five and six pupils performed an adapted version in front of an audience at The Riverfront.

“The whole production was directed by teachers Allison Brettell and Tracey Howells and was performed again at school for the parents that couldn’t get to the Riverfront.

“It was fantastic and has had a significant impact on boosting the confidence of pupils as well as building on their literacy skills.

“As part of the project children were actively involved in the entire production which included doing their own marketing, staging, lighting and prop making.”

In the classroom pupils are concentrating on Talk for Writing, which enables the children to imitate the key language they need for a particular topic orally before they try reading and analysing it.

“Through fun activities that help them rehearse the tune of the language they need, followed by shared writing to show them how to craft their writing, children are helped to write in the same style.

“Schools that have adopted the approach have not only increased their children’s progress but have found that children and teachers alike love it. It not only works throughout primary schools from the early years to Year Six where it is key to making literacy across the curriculum really work.”

The Big Write initiative gives the pupils the chance to focus on writing at length. Held on a Friday every fortnight the idea is that as they progress through the school they write in a calm and reflective classroom with gentle music playing in the background and by candle-light.

The current topic this half-term for year one and two is the ‘Big Wide World’ and creates links with schools in Italy and Australia.

Using Flat Stanley the classes compare similarities and differences between the weather, food and home by sending photos and letters to each other.

“We believe that successful curriculum’s are built on inspirational learning activities and high-quality teaching. It’s about creating a classroom environment that allows children to learn in a way that motivates and interests them.

“As teachers ourselves, we know that can be easier said than done. It’s why our curriculum is designed to give teachers the chance to plan and structure lessons around their children.”

Mrs Truelove admits it is a busy but exciting time at the school.

“Rehearsals are well under way for Rosie the Stable Rat, there is a trip to see Aladdin on Ice and we are holding carol singing and nativity plays as taking place before the end of term.”

FACTFILE

Headteacher: Mrs Sarah Truelove

Deputy head: Mrs Jane Jones

Chairwoman of Governors: Mrs Nicola Davies.

Address: Waunddu, Pontnewynydd

Number of pupils: 192

Ages four to eleven.

Last Inspection

An inspection carried out by Estyn in June 2011 found the school's performance to be good. The school has a fully inclusive ethos. The behaviour of pupils is good and they generally display pride and confidence in their work. All pupils access a broad, balanced curriculum and the provision for skills is good. The teachers use an effective range of teaching approaches and ensure that pupils are motivated and engaged in their learning.