HOME ABOUT US OUR SCHOOL PUPILS PARENTS CALENDAR NEWS CONTACT US School Curriculum PORTH COMMUNITY SCHOOL We provide our pupils with a curriculum which has a wide range of opportunities, is relevant and meets their needs. The pupils follow the programme of study for the school curriculum for Wales. Pupils aged 3-6 are in the Foundation Phase, aged 7-11 are in Key Stage 2, aged 11-14 Key stage 3 and 14-16 Key Stage 4. We strive to provide high quality teaching which is appropriately planned to match the different ways the pupils learn and to allow them to develop positive attitudes to their learning, gain understanding and knowledge and develop their skills. Our curriculum prepares our pupils for a rapidly changing society and economy. Lessons are active, enjoyable and strive to inspire pupils to achieve their best. Classes are mostly mixed ability with setting in some areas of the curriculum. The school works on a two week timetable with five periods a day and tutor time. Pupils’ progress is regularly reviewed and pupils are always placed where they will be most successful in their learning. The academic and pastoral curriculum is delivered through the four Schools of Learning across the three phases, Y Goedwig, Middle and Upper School. Each of the Schools of Learning delivers a range of subjects. They also develop the pupils’ skills in literacy, numeracy, digital competencies and Welsh as well as providing opportunities for Enrichment Activities. Each School of Learning is responsible for the pupils’ learning, attainment and achievement in their subject area. School of Communication This includes English Language and Literature, the Literacy Strategy, Welsh, French, Spanish and the Performing Arts. There is a strong focus on developing oracy skills, an essential skill for life. The School of Communication supports our pupils through oracy to develop their problem-solving and thinking skills. Good oracy provides the range of vocabulary to support their literacy and allows them to become successful, confident communicators who are highly employable. School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) This includes Maths, Sciences and the Creative Design subjects which include Product Design, Art, Textiles and Food. It also includes the Numeracy Strategy. STEM subjects encourage hands on exploration of subjects and develop pupils’ problem solving, creativity and critical thinking skills. It is important that we give our pupils these opportunities so that they can be successful in an increasingly technical and innovation dependent world. School of Life Skills and World Studies This includes the Welsh Baccalaureate, History, Geography, Religious Education, Personal and Social Education, Sport, World Studies, and a wide range of Option subjects in Upper School. The Digital Competence Framework which focuses on developing pupils digital skills and IT are also delivered through the School of Life Skills and World Studies. The School of Life Studies and World Skills builds skills in communication, writing and critical thinking. It encourages pupils to think creatively and ask questions. It supports our pupils to develop a global perspective by deepening their understanding and appreciation of other’s cultures and other’s points of view. School of Wellbeing and Inclusion The wellbeing of the pupils in our care is of the greatest importance to us. We want our pupils to feel safe, happy and fully included in all aspects of school life. The School of Wellbeing and Inclusion provides this pastoral care and support for all the pupils in the school. They also work with pupils and their families to promote good attendance. All pupils with special needs and disabilities are looked after by the School of Wellbeing and Inclusion who oversee their specific needs as well as overseeing their learning, attainment and achievement. Sex and Relationships Education Sex and Relationship Education supports children and young people in developing their self-confidence in preparing for the physical and emotional changes that occur on the pathway to adulthood. It is given careful and sensitive treatment taking in to account the ages of the children. It is delivered through specific lessons, pastoral sessions and across the curriculum through the national curriculum. We believe that the teaching of Sex and Relationship Education should be shared with parents and be mutually supportive and complementary. If any parent does not wish for their child to participate in Sex and Relationships Education they should contact their child’s Head of School to discuss an alternative provision. Curriculum Cymreig Curriculum Cymreig is an essential part of our school ethos. All subjects, the Eisteddfod and extra curricular activities promote Curriculum Cymreig to make sure pupils are aware of and celebrate their Welsh heritage. Welsh as a second language is taught to all pupils, with all pupils studying GCSE Welsh in Upper School. To further support the development of pupils’ language skills, incidental Welsh is used across the school both within and outside of lessons and signage is bilingual. Collective Worship and Religious Education Religious education is provided, as a statutory requirement, for every pupil in the school and is delivered in a variety of ways, depending on the age of the pupils. The teaching and practice of many religions are covered. If any parent does not wish for their child to participate in Religious Education they should contact their child’s Head of School to discuss an alternative provision. Sport We see sport as an important part of the school curriculum and all pupils have timetabled Sport lessons. There are many benefits for pupils from playing sports. These include teaching pupils life skills such as team work and leadership. Sport also has a positive benefit on pupils’ wellbeing and progress in school. We offer a wide range of sports from the traditional, in which the school fields a number of teams, to opportunities to take part in some of the outdoor sports which our area offers. Careers Education Guidance and Work Experience Pupils are introduced to the World of Work in Key Stage 2, as they progress through the school the guidance and support available increases. This can include meeting employers, industry visits and enterprise days. All pupils aged 14-16 undertake work related education as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification. This consists of study modules, working with external providers and, for some, a period of work experience is arranged. Equality The Equality Act 2010 requires all schools to have equality objectives in place. People should not be put at a disadvantage by any of the following (also known as ‘protected characteristics’): gender, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy and maternity, being married or in a civil partnership, being a disabled person or being transgender. Our strategic equality plan sets out the school’s commitment to promoting and ensuring equality of opportunity to all pupils in lessons and school activities including extra curricular opportunities. Complaints Procedure It is hoped that most complaints and concerns will be resolved quickly and informally if parents feel able to voice them as soon as they arise. Our ideal is that no concern should ever become a formal complaint, as through open dialogue, a resolution should always be accomplished. With this in mind we would urge you to contact the school directly in the first instance to try and resolve any issues that arise. However if the complaint is not resolved at this point the Educational Authority has formulated procedures to deal with complaints against teachers in accordance with Section 409 of the Education Act 1996. View the schools complaints procedures. Pages in this Section Learning Support School Admission Behaviour and Rewards Payments for school trips and excursions Communication with parents Safeguarding, Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Home / School Agreement Latest News GE Aviation Wales Engineering Apprentice A Careers/STEM event at Renishaw’s – 14 Dec 2021 Coleg y Cymoedd Open Day 2nd December 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm Coleg Y Cymoedd Open Event – 3rd November 2021 Pilot Careers Live 6 November 2020 Sofitel Hotel, Terminal 5, London Heathrow Designed by RCTCBC HOME ABOUT US OUR SCHOOL PUPILS PARENTS CALENDAR NEWS CONTACT US