Case studies: Primary schools
Pupils improve school effectiveness
A group of children in years 5 and 6 at Ysgol Pen-y-bryn, Gwynedd, have played a central role in reviewing many aspects of the school’s work. These pupils looked particularly closely at homework arrangements and activities that help pupils to develop their thinking skills. Their work has had a positive impact on the quality of teaching and learning throughout the school and has contributed significantly to improvements in pupils’ thinking skills and self-confidence. Standards overall are very good and there have been considerable improvements in outcomes at key stage in the past three years.
Welsh second language comes first
Standards in Welsh second language at Plascrug C.P. School, Ceredigion, are excellent, despite less than 1% of pupils coming from homes where Welsh is the main language. The school gives high priority to preparing pupils to become part of a bilingual society promoting strongly the use of incidental Welsh. Many staff have benefited from a range of courses and classes which have helped them to improve their bilingual skills and teach more effectively through the medium of Welsh.
Inspection report
Achieving results in literacy
Trerobart Primary School, Rhondda Cynon Taff, places a high priority on developing pupils’ literacy skills. Careful, high-quality and effective planning ensures that opportunities to develop pupils’ literacy skills are woven throughout the curriculum. Staff carry out skills audits to ensure there is appropriate progression and continuity in pupils’ learning.
Inspection report
Professional learning enhances the quality of education and helps improve outcomes
Over the past six years, three primary schools in the Vale of Glamorgan have worked closely together to improve learning and teaching in their schools. The headteachers and senior staff at Barry Island Primary School, Rhws Primary School and Romilly Primary School have established successful professional learning communities, for example, focusing on assessment for learning, improving investigative science work and enhancing the use of the outdoor environment. These projects have helped to improve the quality of education and enabled pupils to achieve better outcomes.
Inspection report - Barry Island Primary School, Rhws Primary School, Romilly Primary School
Developing literacy skills using digital technology
Casllwchwr Primary School, Swansea, systematically develops pupils’ literacy skills across all subject areas, embedding these skills into all aspects of pupils’ learning. Through using digital technology to support the development of pupils’ literacy skills, the school has created stimulating reading resources such as pre-recorded text on iPods that encourage pupils to become active and highly-motivated readers.
Inspection report
Welsh language leads the way
Ysgol Comins Coch, Ceredigion, is leading the way in teaching Welsh as a second language. Pupils develop their skills through an extensive immersion programme and through studying specific aspects of the curriculum through the medium of Welsh. Pupils also take part in a broad range of experiences, from celebrating St David’s day to attending a Welsh Language Centre that help them develop their Welsh language skills.
