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| Drefach, SA14 7AB, UK Llanelli Tel. (01269) 841322, Fax (01269) 845645
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Welcome to Ysgol Y Gwendraeth
About us
We are a long established community school which has a proud academic and sporting tradition. We have a reputation of being a friendly and caring school. We seek to meet the needs of all the pupils through experienced and well qualified staff in provding a broad and balanced curriculum.
We have high expectations of all our pupils and we encourage all of them to maximise their potential by striving to achieve their 'personal best' in everything that they do. Within the school community, we also believe in celebrating and recognising the academic, sporting and cultural successes of our pupils. Our philosophy is summarised below.
'Our vision is to open doors to the future by providing a happy, caring community where all have equal worth and are inspired to achieve the best for themselves and others'.
The school has a strong Welsh identity in keeping with the area and the pupils and families it serves. We actively promote the Welsh language, history and culture through the 'Curriculum Cymreig' in the day to day life of the school.We offer Welsh language education in some subjects but English is the main medium of eductaion.
We believe in working in partnership with parents to achieve the best for our pupils. That is why all new parents are asked to sign a Home-School agreement which formally recognises this parnership by identifying the areas we can work together.
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| Organisation of Learning
Pupils at Ysgol Y Gwendraeth follow a broad and balanced curriculum in line with the National Curriculum for Wales. |
In Years 7, 8 and 9 (Key Stage 3) all pupils study English, Welsh, Mathematics, Science, French, History, Geography, Religious Education, Music, Art, Technology, Physical Education and Personal and Social Education. Pupils are taught in mixed ability teaching groups or in sets according to the policy of the department. | |
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In Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) all pupils study the core subjects English, Welsh, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and Personal and Social Education. They also study three further subjects chosen from a wide option list. Pupils are generally taught in ability groups. |
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In the Sixth Form, that is Years 12 and 13, a wide range of subjects at Advanced (A) and at Advanced Supplementary (AS) Level is offered as well as vocational courses (e.g. GNVQ). |
Further details are available from the school. |
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Each pupil belongs to a tutor group of approximately twenty-five pupils. There is one tutor group in each year which conducts its work through the medium of Welsh - parents have the choice of placing their son/daughter in this tutor group. The Form Tutor sees the tutor group at morning and afternoon registration and at other extended tutorial times. The Form Tutor is an important contact for the pupil and will deal with most problems or concerns, which he or she may have as well as offer encouragement and praise. The Form Tutor usually moves up through the school, from Year 7 to Year 11, with the tutor group and therefore gets to know the pupils very well. A Head of Year oversees the pastoral care of the pupils in a year group and is usually the first point of contact for parents. The Pastoral Head co-ordinates the work of the Heads of Year and the Form Tutors. |
To facilitate a smooth transition from primary school, structured visits and activities are organised so that pupils have the opportunity to experience life at Gwendraeth before coming in to Year 7. The Head of Year 7 and other teachers visit the feeder primary schools and all Year 7 pupils follow an Induction Programme when they join the school. |
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Each pupil is given a Home-School Book. Through this book we hope to establish an important link between the home and the school. In this book pupils record relevant information (e.g. important calendar dates homework and achievements). Parents are encouraged to look at this book and to keep in contact with the school through it. |
Ysgol Y Gwendraeth believes in rewarding effort and good behaviour as well as in celebrating pupil achievement and contributions to school life. |
Merits are awarded to pupils who have made a good effort both in and outside the classroom. Bronze, Silver and Gold Certificates and Awards are presented to pupils and their success is acknowledged by the whole school. |
Gwendraeth encourages good behaviour and regular attendance through its Positive Behaviour programme. Pupils who have behaved well during the term are rewarded with certificates and the opportunity to win a prize in the end-of-term draw. |
A school 'nurse' is available to look after pupils who are taken ill during the school day and liaises with the Pastoral Staff and parents on other medical issues.
Support for Learning
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At Gwendraeth we recognise that some pupils have the need for additional help and support with all or part of their work. This support is provided through an Individual Action Plan which addresses the particular needs of the pupil. |
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The school provides this support in a number of ways, according to individual needs. A pupil may be taught in a group where there is a very small number of pupils, support may be provided within the mainstream class or a pupil may be withdrawn from his/her class for specific teaching. Support teachers, learning support assistants (LSAs) and care assistants play an important role in providing this support under the direction of the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.
Facilities
Over the years, the facilities provided for our pupils have been updated and enhanced to improve the learning environment. |
The school has excellent sporting facilities, which include a Sports Hall with squash courts and weights room, a gymnasium, outdoor playing fields, tennis and netball courts and athletics track. Canolfan Garrero, the school's award winning Euro Village, provides a stimulating learning environment for modern foreign languages. The Information Technology rooms house three computer networks and the Science laboratories and Technology and Art Block are also well equipped. The Music Department is housed in a separate block away from the main school building and provides excellent accommodation in small rooms for musical activity. The Careers and GNVQ Suite houses an up-to-date Careers Library and teaching room. The School and Community Library is maintained by the School Librarian and is a well- equipped resource providing opportunities for pupils to carry out research and to do independent study. A Sixth Form Study Area provides excellent study accommodation for sixth form pupils.
The school canteen provides both hot and cold food at break and lunch times at a reasonable price. An area within the canteen is set aside for pupils who wish to bring their own packed lunch. | | | |
| Sport
Gwendraeth is proud of its sporting tradition and continues to encourage pupils to take part in a wide range of team and individual sports, such as rugby, netball, badminton and tennis. Fixtures are played with other schools throughout the year and many of our pupils also belong to village and community teams. The annual Sports Day gives pupils the opportunity to compete in track and field events and earn points for their House. |
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Clubs and Societies
There are many opportunities for pupils to become involved in clubs and societies within the school. These meet at lunchtime or out of school hours and include the Book Club, European Club, Maths Club, Science Club and Eco Club. The A. M. Club caters for pupils who arrive in school early in the morning. Many of the pupils at Ysgol Y Gwendraeth belong to the Urdd, an organisation which encourages young people to take part in activities which support the Welsh culture. Pupils have the opportunity to take part in the annual School Eisteddfod, held on St David's Day, and earn points for their House. Some pupils also compete in the local Eisteddfod and successful competitors go on to compete in the Urdd National Eisteddfod and the National Eisteddfod of Wales. | |
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a) Admission from Primary Schools into Year 7 |
26/09/06 A meeting was held for all parents and pupils transferring to secondary schools in 2007. |
Dec 2006 School Prospectus is issued. |
April 2007 Transfer Information is sent from Primary Schools to Gwendraeth. |
June 2007 Givendraeth staff visit all Primary Schools. |
July 2007 Meeting for all parents of new intake. |
July 2007 Visit for all pupils entering Year 7. |
Sept 2007 Tutorial programme designed to introduce Year 7 pupils to life and work at Gwendraeth. |
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b) Admission Procedures at other stages |
Parents should contact the Headteacher, Mr Peter Wynne Williams, in the first instance. An interview with the Headteacher can then be arranged. On entry the Head of Year will see that tile new pupil is correctly placed and will carry out admission procedures. |
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c) VIth Form Entry |
To be accepted for AS/A2 level courses students should have a minimum of five GCSE passes at C grade or above. However, students with fewer passes at GCSE level will be considered if they show a high degree of competence in subjects relevant to the AS/A2 level courses of their choice. Entry to GNVQ courses is at two levels. Appropriate levels of numeracy and communication are also required. |
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A VIth form prospectus can be obtained from the school. Pupils interested in taking up VIth form courses should contact the Pastoral Head, Miss S Cooke and the Head of Vith Form, Mr J White. |
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d) Transfer from Gwendraeth |
Parents should contact the Headteacher to arrange transfer from Gwendraeth to another school. | |
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It is the responsibility of every pupil to wear the full and correct uniform each day. Gwendraeth's uniform can be bought from the suppliers listed below:- |
Dyfed Menswear 11 Heol y Parc Cefneithin Llanelli Tel: 01269 842024
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Royal Stores 62 Carmarthen Road Crosshands Llanelli Tel: 01269 842348
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Eirllyn Llandeilo Road Cross Hands Llanelli Tel: 01269 831572
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Manhatten Marketing Thomas Street Llanelli Tel: 01554 749390
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Evans and Wilkins 5 Cowell Steet Llanelli Tel: 01554 752800
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Clair Adam Schoolwear 7 Cowell Street Llanelli SA15 IUU Tel: 01554 784975 or 26 King Street Carmarthen SA31 6BS Tel: 01267 234455
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NB. A number of items may, however, be bought in any large store. Parents who wish to make enquiries about a uniform grant should contact Mrs Gloria Morgan, Educational Welfare Officer, Education Department, Pibwrlwyd, Carmarthen (Tel. 01267 234567 Extension 4576).
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SCHOOL UNIFORM FOR GIRLS - 2007/2008 |
SHIRTS - white, short sleeved polo shirts. |
SWEATSHIRTS - navy blue crew-necked, raglan sleeved sweatshirts embroidered with the school logo |
Girls have the option of wearing skirts or trousers at any time through the year. |
SKIRTS - navy blue 'A' line or straight styled skirts which allow for freedom of movement should be worn. Slit skirts can be worn but the slit must not be more than 10cms [4 ins] in length from tile hemline. Skirts should be no longer than calf-length and at least touch the top of the knee. |
TROUSERS -navy blue, dark grey or black classic cut trousers with front pleats and side pockets. |
SHOES - black only. Boots and high heeled shoes are not acceptable. Black trainers can be worn but white trainers, heavily patterned trainers or those with large tongues are unacceptable. |
SOCKS -white, black or navy, Navy blue tights may be worn in cold weather. Form 6 students have the option of wearing tights throughout the year but no other pupils have this privilege. |
HAIRSTYLES -extremes of fashion should be avoided. Hair should be clean and neat. Long hair should be tied back for safety reasons. |
JEWELLERY -a watch and one pair of very small stud ear-rings. For safety reasons no other jewellery can he allowed. |
FOR GAMES AND SPORT -navy wrap - over skirt, plain front/pleated back gold polo shirt -short sleeved; navy briefs white or navy socks; trainers blue leotard -round neck - ¾ sleeves swimsuit athletic vest -royal blue with yellow stripe [Please do not buy until the Surnmer Term]. navy tracksuit bottonis 1winter)
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SCHOOL UNIFORM FOR BOYS - 2007/2008 |
SHIRTS - short sleeved white polo shirts. |
SWEATSHIRTS -navy blue, crew necked, raglan sleeved sweatshirts embroidered with the school logo. |
TROUSERS -navy blue, dark grey or black classic cut trousers. Jeans and 'cords' are unacceptable. |
SHOES -black shoes only. Black trainers can be worn but white trainers, heavily patterned trainers or those with large tongues are unacceptable. Boots are unacceptable. |
SOCKS -white, black or navy. |
HAIRSTYLES -extremes of fashion should be avoided. Hair should be clean and neat. Long hair should be tied back for safety reasons. |
JEWELLERY -a watch and one pair of very small stud earrings. For safety reasons no other jewellery can be allowed. |
FOR GAMES AND SPORT -rugby shorts - royal blue nylon or cotton drill rugby socks -royal blue with yellow tops rugby shirt -royal blue reversible with yellow stripe - Europa or Halbro make rugby boots; trainers gold polo shirt -short sleeved swimming trunks athletic vest -royal blue with yellow stripe. [Please do not purchase until the Summer Term] navy jogging trousers
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OUTDOOR UNIFORM FOR BOYS AND GIRLS |
Outdoor coats should be mainly navy blue or dark grey in colour but can include small areas of green, light blue or yellow - the school colours. Neither denim nor leather jackets are acceptable. A navy blue scarf or a school scarf can be worn. A navy fleece, embroidered with the school logo, is available from suppliers |
SIXTH FORM STUDENTS |
Basic items remain the same but all Sixth Form students are required to wear a royal blue V-neck pullover, on which is embroidered the Gwendraeth sixth form logo, over a white shirt, and a sixth form tie. | |
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SUBJECT |
NUMBER OF LESSONS EACH FORTNIGHT |
ENGLISH |
6 |
CYMRAEG |
6 |
MATHEMATICS |
6 |
FRENCH |
5 |
GEOGRAPHY / DAEARYDDIAETH |
3 |
HISTORY / HANES |
3 |
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION / YSGRYTHUR |
2 |
SCIENCE |
5 |
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY |
5 |
MUSIC |
2 |
ART |
2 |
PHYSICAL EDUCATION |
3 |
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL EDUCATION |
2 |
SUBJECT |
NUMBER OF LESSONS EACH FORTNIGHT |
ENGLISH |
6 |
CYMRAEG |
6 |
MATHEMATICS |
6 |
FRENCH |
3 |
GEOGRAPHY / DAEARYDDIAETH |
3 |
HISTORY / HANES |
3 |
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION / YSGRYTHUR |
3 |
SCIENCE |
6 |
TECHNOLOGY |
5 |
MUSIC |
2 |
ART |
2 |
PHYSICAL EDUCATION |
3 |
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL EDUCATION |
1 |
SUBJECT |
NUMBER OF LESSONS EACH FORTNIGHT |
ENGLISH |
6 |
CYMRAEG |
5 |
MATHEMATICS |
6 |
SCIENCE |
10 |
OPTION 1: |
6
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History, Drama, Physical Education, |
Geography, Asdan. |
OPTION 2: |
6
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Art , French, Information Technology, Geography. |
OPTION 3: |
6 |
Design and Technology, Music, Religious Studies, |
Information Technology, Textiles. |
6 |
RE / PSE / PHYSICAL EDUCATION |
5 |
SUBJECT |
NUMBER OF LESSONS EACH FORTNIGHT |
ENGLISH |
6 |
CYMRAEG |
5 |
MATHEMATICS |
6 |
SCIENCE |
10 |
OPTION 1: |
6 |
History, Drama, Physical Education, |
Geography, Music, Asdan. |
OPTION 2: |
6
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Art , French, Information Technology, Music. |
OPTION 3: |
6 |
Design and Technology, Textiles, |
Information Technology, Geography |
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RE / PSE / PHYSICAL EDUCATION |
5 |
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Years 12 & 13 |
A Level and G.C.S.E Courses |
SUBJECT |
LEVEL |
ART |
A2/AS |
BIOLOGY |
AS |
CHEMISTRY |
A2/AS |
CYMRAEG (1st) |
A2 |
CYMRAEG (2nd) |
A2/AS |
ENGLISH |
A2/AS/GCSE |
FRENCH |
A2/AS |
GEOGRAPHY |
A2/AS |
HISTORY |
A2 |
ICT |
AS |
MATHEMATICS |
A2/AS/GCSE |
MUSIC |
AS |
PERFORMING ARTS |
A2/AS |
PHYSICAL EDUCATION |
A2/AS |
PHYSICS |
A2/AS |
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G.N.V.Q. Courses |
Business (Foundation and Intermediate) |
Leisure and Tourism (Foundation and Intermediate) |
Information Technology (Foundation and Intermediate) | |
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