Learning at Alway Primary is fun and fast-paced. From playing the violin to learning about dinosaurs- every corner of the school is in use as KATH SKELLON found out.

THERE is a hive of activity at Alway Primary School in Newport with pupils eager to perfect their skills, whether in activities such as playing the violin or in reading and maths.

With the festive season approaching, the children show no sign of slowing down and as we tour the school their enthusiasm for learning is infectious.

Children at Alway Primary clearly take pride in the things they do, which echoes the school’s motto ‘Always Feel Proud’.

Awards and class photographs are displayed in the main reception area, proudly highlighting the school’s achievements and dedication of its pupils.

The corridors and walls are decorated with inspiring quotes, endless pieces of colourful artwork, displays and projects made by the children.

Head teacher Richard Hughes, who has been at the helm for 12 years, said the key to learning is to make it interesting, enjoyable, stimulating and fast-paced.

“Our children want to come into school and are keen to learn. They enjoy everything that they do.”

It has been a busy term for staff and pupils, who recently held a special service to mark Remembrance Day and created an emotive display about the world wars as part of their homework.

Their work featured a wall of remembrance, a small-scale war memorial and cemetery.

“We hold special days like this throughout the year, including St David’s Day,” said Mr Hughes.

“The children are asked to create something to show what Remembrance Day means. I have to say that we were stunned by the response and what they made. It was lovely that their parents really got involved too,” he added.

In the reception class, the teacher has launched their topic on dinosaurs with the arrival of a dinosaur ‘egg’ delivered in the morning to the classroom with instructions on how to care for it until it hatches.

Class members Harry Sheehy and Kacey Tillier are among those helping to care for it during the day.

“We usually start a project off with an event like this to give the children a bit of a ‘wow’ factor, said Mr Hughes.”

In another classroom, Year Four pupils are having a violin lesson and practising Christmas songs with the help of a music specialist.

Every fortnight supply teachers come into the school and spend the day coaching sports, music and drama sessions with different year groups.

“The day works exceptionally well. The children get a diet in their education that they perhaps would not otherwise get. In the academic subjects we do focus heavily on maths and English in the morning.”

The school is focusing heavily on reading skills using The Big Read. Dina Adams, who leads guided reading groups, said: “The initiative focuses on finding the information in the text rather than just the mechanics of reading.

“We run guided reading group in Welsh as a second language as well as in English,” she added.

The school has set up a junior library system whereby teachers scan the books for the class for guided reading.

It means children can access the system from home or at school and can write reviews, look at what their friends are reading and suggest books to read.

In a Year Two class the children are studying three-dimensional shapes and space as part of maths.

“We are very lucky with the grounds and with the size of our school.”

The school is spread out over a split level and has extensive grounds which include a Forest Schools area, a nature trail, playing field and vegetable beds.

Activities don’t stop when the bell sounds. There are a number of after-school clubs to choose from, including netball, homework and music.

The school has a thriving eco-committee which is working towards its platinum award, and a School Council.

The school celebrates its pupils achievements through weekly awards for class and pupils of the week as well top attendees. Rewards include golden time on a Friday afternoon, tea and toast and music time.

Mr Hughes said this is the most rewarding job he has ever had.

“I absolutely love it. No two days are the same.

“It is hectic as the school is always on the go day in day out but I have a team of dedicated and enthusiastic staff behind me.

“We also have strong support from the governing body.”

Mr Hughes is preparing for a busy month in the run-up to Christmas with concerts and a school fair to come.

When asked what he hopes pupils will leave Alway with, he replied; “To have life skills that will prepare them for the 21st century and be well-rounded individuals.”

FACTFILE: Always Primary, Aberthaw Road, Newport.

Headteacher: Richard Hughes

Deputy: Liz Heslop

Chairman of governors: Graham Thompson

Pupil on roll: 386

Aged: Four to eleven

Last Inspection

The last Estyn Inspection was carried out by Peter Mathias in November 2009. Mr Mathias found that the headteacher is well informed about what still needs to be achieved in the future and gives the school a committed and pragmatic lead. In the foundation phase children are rapidly learning how to speak and listen well. Pupils’ communication skills in Welsh and their bilingual skills are good. By the end of Key Stage two nearly all speak Welsh reasonably fluently when for example talking about themselves. Good features include pupils skills in information and communication technology as well as in maths. Nearly all are considerate to each other and work conscientiously and all are well cared for, guided and supported.