Glasllwch C.P Primary is a hub of learning for its enthusiastic pupils who embrace the school motto ‘Today’s learning for tomorrow’s stars’ as Kath Skellon found out.

IT has been an exciting time for pupils and staff at Glasllwch Primary, having welcomed the Children’s Commissioner for Wales to the school earlier this week.

Around 500 children got together at a ‘virtual gathering’ on Monday to share their ideas for improving the lives of young people across Wales.

The ‘webinar’ was hosted by the school and enabled the children from schools throughout Wales to talk via the internet about issues raised through the Beth Nesa/What Next? project. The scheme was launched last spring by the then newly appointed Children’s Commissioner for Wales Sally Holland and aims to promote children’s rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in primary schools.

Glasllwch’s super ambassadors- Year Six pupils Connor Foster and Freya Chicken- were among those who took part in the webinar and were watched by around 90 of the school’s other pupils.

Headteacher Chris Jackson said the children were excited to be hosting the event for the first time, having taken part in a previous webinar.

“We were delighted to welcome Professor Holland to our school,” said Mrs Jackson, who has been at the helm for 16 years.

“Pupil participation and voice is high on our agenda so it is important for the children to able to talk about all the initiatives in school. The super ambassadors make sure children know what children’s rights are through assemblies.”

Mrs Jackson admits it has been a busy time for the vibrant and active school but wouldn’t have it any other way.

The newest addition to the school came in September when a brand new purpose-built nursery called ‘Seren Fach’, meaning ‘Little Stars’ in English, opened on the site.

The 32-place building, designed with input from the school, features plenty of natural light and is a constant hive of activity.

“It enables us to provide a seemless transition for those nursery children who will eventually move up into Glasllwch.”

The children can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities with a range of areas to learn and play such as a forest school area, playing field, timber trail, log cabin and story circle.

“The outdoor areas are used extensively for enhanced and continuous provision for literacy and numeracy.”

The children have been caring for a coup of chickens that hatched last year.

“The children watched them hatch and really enjoy looking after them and collecting their eggs,” explained Mrs Jackson.

“It started off as a bird project for the reception children as part of their contextualised learning. They were looking at growth and the development of the chicken when they hatched. They use literacy and numeracy skills through weighing, measuring and describing them.”

“We want the children to have a positive involvement in the school and a say in what goes on.”

A Learning Squad, made up of years five and six pupils is tasked with carrying out enquiry-based research projects. As a result they present their findings to the Governing Body and tell them what the children would like or need.

Mrs Jackson and her staff strive to make sure her pupils enjoy learning and promote high standards of independence.

“Our Criw Cymraeg pupils promote the Welsh language and hold Welsh speaking assemblies once a week. They teach the children games and songs in Welsh and present an award to those who are seen to be using Welsh in the yard.”

“We have a School Council, Eco council and Playground Pals who are trained to support any child that may have a problem.”

“Part of our mission statement is to encourage the natural curiosity of every individual. It’s about nurturing the children, listening to them and responding to their needs.”

Music and sport is are among the strengths at Glasllwch.

The children enjoy a range of sports and after school clubs ranging from football to media, orchestra, gardening, choir and Bible club.

The media club runs a newspaper and Glasllwch Radio which broadcasts every morning, lunch and at breaktimes with jingles and podcasts written and recorded by the pupils.

The school offers lessons in woodwind, guitar, drums and strings, amongst others with the help of Gwent Music Support.

Technology is at the forefront of learning, with the school having heavily invested in ipads and laptops with the support of the PTA.

“They are used hugely by all the children in areas such as making presentations.”

Our motto, 'Today's Learning for Tomorrow's Stars' together with our aims, was drawn up in consultation with children, staff, parents and governors. They unite us and help us to strive to be a centre of excellence.”

“We have a hard working PTA who run cinema nights for the children and fundraise for us, as is our Governing Body which is very pro-active.”

“It is a really happy, special place and very much a family school.”

“Our children are happy, motivated, enthusiastic and independent learners.”

“They are encouraged to build their learning power and thinking skills, to develop their philosophical questioning as well as to help and care for each other. Staff are motivated, enthusiastic, committed and dedicated to the children and the community.

The partnership we have with parents is excellent and vital if children are to flourish and reach their full potential. We are proud of our links with the community and the climate of trust, equality and mutual respect that exists within the school.”

Factfile:

Glasllwch Primary School, Melbourne, Way, Newport.

Headteacher: Mrs Chris Jackson

Deputy: Jenny Munslow

Chairman of Governors: Stephen Morris

Ages: 3-11

Pupils on roll: 226

Last Inspection: March 2014

An Estyn inspection carried out in March 2014 found the school’s performance to be excellent. The inspector’s report concluded that nearly all pupils make good progress and achieve well, with many making outstanding progress, particularly in developing their literacy skills. The impact of the pupil’s voices initiatives is considerable in promoting pupils’ confidence, enjoyment of school and their enthusiasm for learning. The school’s care and support of pupils is exceptional, especially the way in which staff develop pupils’ self-esteem and attitudes to their learning.