Community, respect and making education as interesting as possible are key features at Newport’s Maesglas Primary School.

CATHERINE COOK went along to find out more.

MAESGLAS Primary School is situated in the suburb on the west side of Newport and its pupils come from range of family backgrounds.

The 238-pupil school also shares its site with Maes Ebbw Special School, with which there are close links.

The school mission statement is “atmosphere, behaviour, community” and emphasises the importance of creating an atmosphere in the school where there is good behaviour, respect for people and possessions and the community.

Head teacher Phillip Harrhy said: “We are currently looking into changing our motto and have come up with something a little more snappy.

“We have to get approval from the governors before we can put it into practise. ”

The school was built in 1953 and the premises are currently being updated as and when money allows.

“We are at present having new ceilings and lighting put into our classrooms – we have changed four rooms up to now,” said Mr Harrhy.

“These are challenging times for all schools in Wales economically, and we are just trying to do our best when the funds are available.”

One of the big drives of the school is concentrating on speaking and reading.

“We have made real progress in a short space of time using the Read Write Inc programme,” Mr Harrhy said.

“The children in the programme are responding well and their skills are improving.”

On my tour of the school, Year 4 were having a laptopbased lesson, which allows pupils to have a more flexible approach to learning.

In the bright and colourful working library, Mr Harrhy explained the area is being used not only as a library but also as a teaching area.

He said: “We are looking to have new blinds for the windows and new carpets and appealing to the community for funds.

“My aim is make it a learning resource area highlighting the need for books and pupils, not just going to a computer for information.”

A group of children were just on their way to perform at Duffryn High School.

The group featured Taiko drummers who have been having lessons with Dave Powell from Gwent Music Support Service.

They have only had eight lessons so far – once a week for an hour.

“We often visit Duffryn as it is one of our feeder schools,” explained Mr Harrhy.

Bailey Jenkins, aged 11, is head boy and will hold the office for one year.

Bailey is very keen on rugby and plays rugby for Newport Schools.

“I’ve scored five tries for them up to now,” he said.

Among Baileys’ duties are meeting and greeting visitors to the school, being a member of the school council and, when necessary, even being on the interview panel for new members of staff.

The school choir was also being busy and has previously performed for Maesglas community, the Newport Extravaganza and the citizenship ceremony at the civic Centre. It also performed at Duffyn High School.

There are pupils from 17 nationalities at the school, including Yemen, Egypt, China, the Philippines, India, Pakistan and Turkey, to name but a few.

“Many of these children do not have English as their first language so it can be a challenge for the teaching staff,” Mr Harrhy said.

“This is when the Read Write Inc. proves helpful.”

There are many afterschool clubs on offer, ranging from sporting clubs to reading club and the choir with an IT club due to be launched in the new year.

Links with the community are also prevalent and Maesglas Football Club provided funds for new rugby posts on the school playing field.

The PTA is always supportive of the school and recently raised money for new rubbish bins in the grounds.

Mr Harrhy said: “They are a hard working team to which I am extremely grateful.

“Our governors are also very helpful and supportive and the staff work tirelessly to bring the best out of every pupil. One of our aims is to make education as interesting and varied as possible.”

School fact file

Head Teacher: Phillip Harrhy, pictured
Age range: Three –11yrs
Number on roll: 238
Teaching staff: 11
Support staff: Eight
Chairman of Governors: Barbara Morse

‘A positive atmosphere’

THE last inspection report was in January 2006. It’s main points were: ● The overall quality of education provided for children under five is appropriate to their needs.

● Pupils’ skills in reading for information and using the internet are good.

● Pupils achieve well in personal and social skills.

● Governors are highly committed to the school and play a full part in its life.

● There is a very positive atmosphere in which the school’s aims and values are put into practise very consistently.

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