Here we are at the start of a new academic year, looking forward to the opportunities that will present themselves to the school and most importantly to pupils. At this time, also looking back over the last year, Mynyddygarreg has firmly established itself as an exemplar to other schools, offering a high standard of education and growing in confidence with every year. As always, the pupils enjoyed many activities in school, visits to other schools, and trips around the area, all of which add richness to the curriculum and make learning fun. Once again, the variety of sporting opportunities was enhanced by sharing with a larger school, giving pupils the chance to make more friends and take part in team sports.
The school has also excelled in its musical, cultural, and arts, taking part in Eisteddfodau on local and county levels. By far our biggest change this year has been the retirement of Mrs. Owen our much loved and respected Head. Throughout her short time here, Mrs. Owen has developed the school into one that is well regarded for the quality of its teaching and the success it brings to pupils. As a new term begins we welcome Mr. Jones as her replacement, confident in the knowledge that Mr. Jones knows the school well and will bring his ideas, whilst maintaining the high levels we have already reached.
Ysgol Mynyddygarreg is a Welsh-medium school. Children are immersed in the Welsh language on entry into the Reception class. The main language of instruction throughout the foundation phase and Key Stage 2 is Welsh. However, English is taught in lessons in K.S.2 and an emphasis on bilingualism ensures that pupils achieve high standards in both languages by the end of K.S.2.
Our vision is to provide a happy, caring, and stimulating environment that promotes curiosity, enthusiasm, and respect and where children will recognize and achieve their potential. Each child should feel valued and be proud of their culture and heritage so that they can make the best contribution to society.
The Headteacher meets with prospective parents before their children starting school during open mornings. This enables parents to see the close communication between the Cylch Meithrin and Reception class and explain the schools’ teaching and learning strategies. We aim to inform parents how the staff works together and the efforts that are taken to ensure pupils’ transition from Pre-school into Reception is as seamless as possible. This message is reiterated by all teaching staff in parent meetings etc.
Parents are helped and supported by teachers in helping with homework tasks. Non-Welsh speaking pupils from English medium schools who join the school are fast-tracked with intensive lessons. Mynyddygarreg School naturally feeds Ysgol y Strade. Ysgol y Strade is a Welsh-medium school. Joint activities are arranged throughout Year 5 and 6 and parents' evenings are held so that transition is as smooth as possible. However, parents will be able to choose if they wish their child to attend another secondary school if desired and arrangements can be made to help with the transition. Data shows many improvements in teaching and learning during the year.
The national tests place the school above our family of schools, the county, and Wales. The results of tests along with Teacher Assessments have formed the basis for intervention groups. Pupils who need extra support in specific areas are taught in groups daily. Intervention strategies such as ‘Hwb Ymlaen’, ‘Numicon’, and ‘CHATT’ are used. Progress of all learners is regularly and carefully tracked using Inserts. The introduction of the digital competency framework has given new focus to the IT work across the curriculum. Mrs. Davies, I.T. Co-ordinator at Mynyddygarreg School has attended training courses and together with the IT Co-ordinator at Trimsaran School has provided staff training for teachers. Skills are tracked, from Reception to Year 6, and have been slotted into the various themes taught. This work is still ongoing.
