Cwmffrwdoer Primary School’s emphasis on its pupil voice groups puts the students at the heart of all of the school’s decisions. Head teacher Sarah Truelove sat down with THOMAS MOODY to explain how this has benefited the children
CWMFFRWDOER Primary School is laying the groundwork for the introduction of the Welsh Government's new curriculum by placing its pupils at the heart of every decision the school makes.
In June 2018, the school was recognised by Estyn as a 'good' school with a "rich and engaging curriculum."
Headteacher Sarah Truelove believes that giving the pupils a choice in how they are taught is key to providing a successful education.
She said: "We are in a very exciting time for Welsh Education and at Cwmffrwdoer we are looking forward to the new curriculum which will have a strong emphasis on equipping young people for life, building their ability to learn new skills and applying their subject knowledge more positively and creatively.
"Many pupils have leadership roles or responsibilities. They take these very seriously and carry them out maturely.
In the mud kitchen at Cwmffrwdoer Primary School. www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk
"It’s really important. They have a say in everything, from planning topics, what they would like to learn, how that topic will be taught, and decisions on the running of the school.
"They are in charge of putting the programme together and choosing what we are doing and when.
"For example, our equality group were heavily involved in the building of the extension.
"They spoke with the project managers and made sure that the school would be accessible to everybody.
"The children decide which after-school clubs we offer. At the moment we are offering an art club and there are plans to start a beatboxing club."
The school's Estyn report said that "various pupil leadership groups make a purposeful contribution to the life and work of the school."
The school council and Eco Committee have worked together to raise money to develop a 'Snack Shak' area.
The development of the 'Snack Shak' was made possible after the school received a grant of £3,500 through the Tesco 'Bags of Help' project.
The pupil voice groups also secured a community grant from Bron Afon and raised money for the project through toy and book sales and a mufty day.
Making Welsh cakes (L-R) Macey-Leigh Powell, Leona Do Vale and Ella-Rae Thomas. www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk
In class, pupils make food that is sold in the 'Snack Shak'.
Teacher Mrs Jarman said: "They made pancakes on Pancake Day and they have also been making Welsh cakes.
"The children then sell these in the tuck shop.
"It is a good way for them to learn how to handle money and real life tasks."
Before Christmas, the whole school receieved first aid training after buying a defibrillator.
The project was led by teacher Lauren Cornwell.
Mrs Cornwell explained that she was keen for the school to get a defibrillator after her husband suffered a cardiac arrest at a rugby match .
She said: "Last year my husband had a cardiac arrest at a rugby match.
"Thankfully there were doctors there to save him.
"The people that installed the defibrillator are part of Welsh Hearts. They are campaigning to get a defibrillator in all schools, and for all children from the age of 10 to 18 to be screened.
Teacher Lauren Cornwell with L-R Ellie Mae Waters, Gethin Hicks, Casey Jones and Abbie Pearce and the defibrillator. www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk
"I found out that our nearest defibrillator was one mile away, and that is too far.
"Having one here means that the local community can come in and use it.
"We made the parents aware of the campaign. Myself and a couple of members of staff climbed Pen Y Fan.
"People in the community have been really generous, and the parents have been amazing.
"We were able to make a donation to Welsh Hearts as we managed to raise more than we needed for the defibrillator."
Linking up with the community is something that is very important at Cwmffrwdoer.
Miss Truelove said: "At Cwmffrwdoer we have an emphasis on wellbeing and staff and pupils embrace the school motto: 'Happy, together, learning, and caring.'
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"All the children and staff received dementia friendly training and Cwmffrwdoer has become a dementia friendly school.
"We have a link with a local sheltered housing scheme where we visited the residents for carol singing at Christmas.
"We are looking forward to further developing intergenerational links within the local community.
"We are also hoping to invite the children's grandparents in to school in the future."
As well as preparing the curriculum for the future, the school has recently finished work on a £3.1 million upgrade as part of the Welsh Government's 21st Century Schools Programme
This saw an extension added to the school, which houses four new classes, an IT suite and a Key Stage Two library area, which was opened by Education Minister Kirsty Williams.
Fact File:
- Cwmffrwdoer Primary School has 242 pupils, ranging from ages three to 11-years-old.
- Headteacher Sarah Truelove has been in her post since September 2012.
- The school motto is: Happy, together, learning and caring.
- The school recently opened its £3.1 million extension as part of the 21st Century Schools programme.
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