School of the Week: Castle Park Primary is a hub of learning for its enthusiastic pupils

THE school motto ‘Enjoyment in Learning’ is evident in all corners of the school from willow weaving in the Foundation Phase to using state-of-the-art equipment in the learning plaza.

It’s a hive of activity when we arrive with pupils busy in their classes and making good use of the outdoor areas from building a bug hotel to monitoring the bird feeding station.

Head teacher Kay Ford, who joined the school in 2008 as a teacher and took over the helm in 2013 beams with pride as she praises her pupils and staff.

“It is a lovely place to work. The children are a dream and delightful, whilst the parents are extremely supportive which makes my job easy,” said Mrs Ford.

“We are a friendly school with a very supportive Friends Association who regularly fundraise to buy the school resources such as books and equipment.”

The school offers an inclusive community that provides a warm, caring and supportive environment for all pupils.

“Castle Park lies at the heart of the community and we have forged strong links with the Caldicot Castle and other organisations, including Waitrose. We visit the store annually and take the veg that we grow and sell it outside.

“We have also had support from Monmouthshire Housing Association who kindly painted the walls of our Foundation Phase over Christmas.”

Mrs Ford explains that the walls were painted a magnolia to replace displays and bright colours and more natural furniture including a wicker reading corner has replaced the old furniture to give the classroom a more natural, calming feel.

“It has had a dramatic effect and the children’s concentration levels have improved.”

In the school hall, years three and four are rehearsing their song about the Tudors that they will perform for parents in a special assembly later in the afternoon.

“Every class holds a class assembly throughout the year and this particular assembly comes at the end of the years studying the Tudors.”

Among the many areas of the school is an advanced multi-functional space known as the learning plaza.

Opened in 2011, the spacious room boasts cutting edge equipment, plasma tv screens, iPads and laptops. It features banana seating and moveable chairs and tables that can be wheeled through tri-folding glass doors to assist in outdoor learning.

“The children had an input in the building of the learning plaza and the school council designed the leaf prints that you see on the walls.”

In the school’s vast outdoor grounds that nestle in the shadow of the ancient castle, a group of Year two pupils are excitedly weaving willow to create a screen that will cover the outside pipes on the side of their building.

“It’s all about enjoyment in learning,” said Mrs Ford.

“If they enjoy what they are doing they will want to do it again, improve and then learn the next steps.”

“When they can make something and learn the purpose of what they are making they can see what it is used for.”

“It is so important they see that there is a purpose to learning.”

“They continue with practical tasks right through the school and use technology to investigate differing things.”

Just around the corner in the forest schools area are year two pupils who are helping year two teacher and forest school’s teacher Mostyn Jones to build a bug hotel.

The school’s environmental work is important with the eco council taking an active role in helping to renew its green flag platinum award.

The junior leadership team has a strong voice in school life and will be part of the process to interview a candidate for the role of deputy head.

“It’s a very busy school with a dedicated team of staff who also lead many of the after-school clubs such as relax and cookery club, football and chess.”

The school also takes part in a transition initiative with Caldicot School. It works with Skillforce who are based at Caldicot School and work with ten year six pupils once a week from the primary school helping them to complete a number of modules and assessments that are designed to help them transition to secondary school.

Last year the school became the first in Wales to receive a ‘Junior Prince’s Award.’

“The initiative aims to make that transition not so frightening. By the time the pupils leave here and join Caldicot School they will have friends there that they already know. It helps tremendously and also builds they’re confidence.”

Music and sport are also important at the school with whole-class violin lessons given to year one run by Gwent Music Support and Dragon Rugby visiting weekly to run sports lessons.

A weekly celebration assembly recognises the achievements of pupils outside of the school. A star of the week is chosen and attendance awards handed out.

Among the plans for the forthcoming weeks is the school’s annual Eisteddfod. Mrs Ford said there are plans in the pipeline to hold the event in collaboration with Dewstow School in March and raise funds for the Eisteddfod fundraising committee.

The Cardiff-based science centre Techniquest is due to visit the school this term to talk to the children about space exploration.

When asked what she hopes pupils leave Castle Park with Mrs Ford replied: “I hope they leave here as rounded individuals who are confident to take the next steps in education.”

“I want them to be independent learners who are ready for the secondary school."

FACTFILE

Castle Park Primary, Church Road, Caldicot

Head: Kay Ford

Number of pupils: 194

Chairman of Governors: Councillor Dave Evans

Last Inspection: March 2015

In the school’s last Estyn Inspection, the inspector found the school’s performance to be adequate. Almost all pupils behave very well and have a positive attitude to learning and many pupils contribute successfully to discussions about how to improve their school. The report adds that there is very effective teaching in many classes, and that the curriculum provides the majority of pupils with a broad range of suitable learning experiences. Teachers have high expectations of pupils and set clear learning objectives that challenge pupils to achieve their potential. It is a caring community and staff know the pupils and their needs well.