School News - Friday 16th October ‘26
It has been another busy week in school with a variety of engaging and authentic learning experiences happening across the school. Here are some of the highlights…
Learning About Our Locality
On Wednesday the children in Year 1 had a fantastic time exploring our local area as part of their curriculum project: ‘Have our homes, school and toys always looked like this?’. During their walk, the children put their observation skills to the test by identifying and naming the different types of houses they spotted. They also collected data and completed a tally chart to record how many of each type of house they saw. We were so proud of the children, whose exemplary behaviour made the walk a pleasure. With the sun shining, it was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our local community!
Today, Year 4 took part in a geographical enquiry within the local area, as part of their curriculum project: How will sustainability affect the future of Casnewydd?. During their enquiry, they collected data on recycling, electric charging points, solar panels, and bus stops. The children will use this information to continue their project learning back in school. The children thoroughly enjoyed their local walk and were exceptionally well-behaved and respectful whilst out in our local community. Da iawn pawb!
A huge thank you to all the adults who volunteered their time to support us and make these experiences possible.
Newport Grand Council Meeting
As a school, we continue to value pupil participation in all aspects of school life, providing children with opportunities to engage in pupil groups as part of Glasllwch Senedd, take part in pupil consultation activities throughout the year, and influence their learning making choices about what and how they learn.
This week, Year 6 representatives from Senedd Glasllwch, Deacon and Lexie, went to Newport’s Pupil Grand Council at the University of South Wales. During the event, the children engaged in a variety of workshops focused on: anti-racism, understanding dementia, how to be safe in an emergency, and a collaborative project on Island Survival with pupils from other Newport schools.
Cardiff Metropolitan University School Let Training Day
Through our partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University, we welcomed a groups of 11 PGCE students to school this week for their first Glasllwch School Led Training Day. Mrs Zahr facilitated the day, providing an opportunity for the students to reflect on our ‘Great Expectations’. During the day the students observed teaching and learning in classes and were blown away by the quality of teaching and the children’s learning outcomes. Da iawn pawb!
Hot Poets Poetry Workshops
Year 5 and 6 were lucky to have poetry workshops this week from Ifor ap Glyn, a Welsh poet who works with the Hot Poets. Hot Poets are a collection of writers who visit schools to teach about climate change through poetry. Years 5 and 6 spent half a day with Ifor learning more about the environment and drafting their own poems to raise awareness of the importance of looking after our world! Years 3 and 4 joined in with the launch assembly hearing more about Ifor's work and listening to a special poem by Michael Rosen!
Learning about Construction and Sustainability
On Thursday we were delighted to welcome Mrs Wilkins into school to talk to Year 4 about her job in the construction industry. She helped the children to think carefully about sustainable choices when building, which will help Year 4 when they design and make their sustainable city at the end of their enquiry project. Diolch Mrs Wilkins!
Show Racism the Red Card
Diversity is a cross-cutting theme that runs through all aspects of our curriculum, from Nursery to Year 6. As part of our Cynefin themed projects this term, the children have been learning about the diverse nature of our community and developing their sense of belonging. This learning includes Black History Month and Show Racism the Red Card. Today, we supported Show Racism the Red Card by wearing red. The children engaged in a variety of learning activities that promote diversity and support our whole-school anti-racist approach. Da iawn pawb! Donations in support of SRTRC can be made through Parent Pay. Diolch!
Community Forum
The wellbeing of our children and community is at the heart of what we do. This term we will be continuing with our Community Forum which was established as a result of parental feedback. We hope the Community Forum will continue to grow this year, creating a space for parents/carers and community members to engage with school and influence school life. The next Community Forum will take place on Monday 16th November at 3pm in the school hall and the focus will be on Supporting Reading at Home. (There will be creche facility available.) If you are able to, please come along and join us. It would be great to see some new faces.
Reading News
The partnership between home and school is invaluable, and we greatly appreciate the way families encourage and support reading outside of school. Together, we can help every child become a confident, enthusiastic reader and foster a lifelong love of learning. Please read our Reading Newsletter.
Reading Survey
As a school we continue to seek the views of stakeholders in order to ensure we refine and improve what we do in school. We are keen to seek the views of parents around our approach to reading. Please use the link here to complete a short survey about reading. This survey will also be accessible through QR codes displayed during parental consultations next week.
PTA Spooky Discos
Glasllwch’s fantastic PTA organised Spooky Discos yesterday, and they were a HUGE success! The children looked amazing in their costumes and had a brilliant time. A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising and running the discos, and to all who attended and supported the event—raising over £1000. FANTASTIC!
This year the school has already received £200 per class to enhance classroom resources and £300 to create sensory gardens in outdoor learning areas. Thank you everyone for your ongoing support! PTA income is vital —thank you so much!
Reminder: PTA Break the Rules Day Friday 27th November ‘26
Our School Development Plan
Glasllwch’s School Development Plan is the document that outlines our areas of focus for the year; it details how we will bring about positive changes within school. Our priorities for improvement are identified as a result of:
· Monitoring and evaluating provision and standards from last year
· Listening to learners, parents, governors - our school community
· Aligning to Welsh Government initiatives, including to Curriculum for Wales, Cymraeg 2050 and The National Mission.
· Aligning to the Regional and National priorities, including literacy, numeracy and well-being.
Our SDP priorities for this academic year:
Learning & Teaching - Improving Pedagogy – Learner Effectiveness
To continue to refine pedagogical approaches which ensure all learners are supported in developing learner effectiveness, increasing their self-motivation, self-regulation, resourcefulness, reflection and resilience in becoming ambitious capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives.
Curriculum & Progression - Digital Competence
To refine and embed a coherent, progressive whole‑school approach to digital competency that enables all learners to confidently and safely use digital tools to enhance learning, creativity, problem‑solving and communication; learners will apply digital skills purposefully across the curriculum, ensuring clear progression aligned with the Digital Competence Framework.
Curriculum & Progression – Enquiry Curriculum
To continue to design and implement a coherent, purpose-led and enquiry-driven curriculum that uses authentic contexts to develop the Integral Skills of creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving, personal effectiveness, and planning and organising; enabling nearly all learners to become increasingly independent, curious and reflective participants in their learning.
We will monitor and evaluate our progress towards these objectives throughout the year. This will involve all of our stakeholders, including parental surveys and questionnaires in order for us to get your views. Thank you in anticipation of your support.
Ballet Cymru – Year 3 to Year 6
We are delighted that children in Years 3 to 6 will participate in creative dance workshops led by Ballet Cymru from next week. These sessions will explore storytelling through dance, build confidence, and encourage collaboration.
The culmination of this work will be showcased in our Year 3 to 6 Christmas performances. To help fund this opportunity, we kindly ask for a voluntary donation of £5 per child, payable via ParentPay. Thank you for your support.
Parent Governor Election
We are delighted to share that Emily Davies has been appointed as our new Parent Governor. As both a parent and valued member of our school community, Emily will play an important role in supporting the strategic direction of the school and helping to ensure the best possible outcomes for all our pupils.
SuperStars
Today Year 3 and Year 4 have engaged in sports sessions provided by SuperStars, the children thoroughly enjoyed the sessions developing their sports skills. Diolch SuperStars!
Health & Safety Reminder
A reminder to take care on the pedestrian pathway when entering and exiting the school grounds. Please use the handrail provided and avoid cutting across the grass area. Many thanks for your support and co-operation.
Reminder - Parental Consultations
Parental consultations will take place Monday to Wednesday next week. Please make every effort to attend—we’d love to see 100% participation. Diolch!
Note: There will be no extra-curricular activities next week due to consultations.
Welsh Phrase of the Week
‘Pryd mae dy ben-blwydd?’ – ‘When is your birthday?’
Upcoming Dates
Diary dates for the week ahead can also be found on our home page. Please visit our school calendar to access diary dates for the year ahead. We will continue to add dates to the calendar as we move through the school year
Please remember to follow your child's learning through regular updates on Seesaw.
Wishing everyone a restful and relaxing weekend.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs J. Munslow
Headteacher
‘Today’s Learning for Tomorrow’s Stars’
BELIEF - OPPORTUNITY - EXPECTATIONS
