Welcome to our website! Our school is situated on Rhyl Road and shares a campus with Ysgol Twm o'r Nant, the Welsh Medium Primary School and also the Ty'n Fron Unit which is an annexe of Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn. Ysgol Frongoch is a County Primary Junior School which was first established in 1877 on a site in Grove Road. In September 1985 the school was re-located to its present site, which had originally been a school for children with special needs, known as Ysgol y Dyffryn. The old school in Grove Road has subsequently been re-modelled to house the Magistrates Court. A co-educational day school, the school is organised into eight mixed ability classes. The building provides quite spacious accommodation for its pupils having eight teaching areas, a hall/gymnasium, science room, computer suite, and library areas. Pupils dine in a purpose built canteen which is situated adjacent to the main school building. Our children enjoy expansive playing fields. For further, more detailed information please access our Prospectus
Prospectus 2006/2007 by garethdavies on Monday 16 October 2006
Up to date school information
SCHOOL STAFF
MR. GARETH DAVIES B.Ed. (Hons) M.Sc HEADTEACHER
MRS CERI ROBERTSON DEPUTY HEADTEACHER
MISS GEMMA BORSEY, B.A.. CLASS TEACHER
MISS CERI WILLIAMS B.Sc. “
MRS ADELE GREGORY B.ED “
MR DANIEL SEAMARKS B.ED “
MISS DONNA TAYLOR B.ED.HONS “
MRS GLENDA BLACKBURN B.A.HONS. “
MISS EMMA JONES B.A. HONS “
MRS JAYNE JONES SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHER
OFFICE
MRS P. A. REES SECRETARY
MRS L. FARLEY ADMIN. ASSISTANT
SUPPORT WORKERS
MRS PAULINE DYMENT L.S.A
MISS TINA LEUTY L.S.A. MRS ALISON WILLSDEN
MISS KATHERINE LAMBETH
ANCILLARY STAFF
MRS ANN TEESON CLEANER IN CHARGE
MRS SHEILA JONES CLEANER
KITCHEN STAFF
MRS DAWN JONES COOK
MRS RITA ROWLANDS KITCHEN ASSISTANT
MRS SUE WHITE“
MID-DAY SUPERVISORS
MRS SHEILA MULLINS M.D.S.A.
MRS L. FARLEY M.D.S.A.
MRS H. OAKES M.D.S.A.
MS. J. GRIFFITHS M.D.S.A.
SCHOOL GOVERNORS
MR. COLIN HUGHES (CHAIRMAN) L.E.A.
MRS G. WILLIAMS CO-OPTED
MRS J. FRANKLIN PARENT GOVERNOR
MR. K. RINGER PARENT GOVERNOR
MR. GWYRFAI JONES L.E.A.
MR. ROBERT DAVIES (VICE-CHAIR) L.E.A.
MRS JULIE WYNNE PARENT GOVERNOR PARENT GOVERNOR
MR GRAHAM MAUDSLEY MINOR AUTHORITY
MRS CERI ROBERTSON TEACHER GOVERNOR
MRS PATSY REES STAFF GOVERNOR
MR GARETH DAVIES HEADTEACHER
MRS JUNE HUGHES CLERK
BASIC INFORMATION
POSTAL ADDRESS
YSGOL FRONGOCH C.P. SCHOOL RHYL ROAD DENBIGH DENBIGHSHIRE LL16 3DP
TEL. NO. 01745 812410 e-mail: frongoch@denbighshire.gov.uk www.denbighict.org.uk/ysgolfrongoch
The school is situated on Rhyl Road and shares a campus with Ysgol Twm o'r Nant, the Welsh Medium Primary School and also the Ty'n Fron Unit which is an annexe of Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn.
Ysgol Frongoch is a County Primary Junior School which was first established in 1877 on a site in Grove Road. In September 1985 the school was re-located to its present site, which had originally been a school for children with special needs, known as Ysgol y Dyffryn. The old school in Grove Road has subsequently been re-modelled to house the Magistrates Court.
A co-educational day school, the school is organised into eight mixed ability classes.
DATES AND TIMES
The school will be open to pupils on Monday 5th September. The school day is as follows:
8.45 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. Lunchtimes : 11.50am – 12.50pm Years 3 and 4. / 12.10pm – 1.10pm Years 5 and 6
23.5 hours per week are spent on teaching. The remaining time is taken up by the statutory daily act of collective worship, registration and the morning break.
THE SCHOOL BUILDING
The school provides quite spacious accommodation for its pupils having eight teaching areas, a hall/gymnasium, science room, computer suite, and library areas. Pupils dine in a purpose built canteen which is situated adjacent to the main school building.
PARKING
To alleviate the traffic congestion which is caused by having two schools on the same campus, the authority has provided a car park for the use of parents, who are respectfully asked to make use of this facility when it is absolutely necessary to use a car. The car park at the front of the school is for STAFF USE ONLY.
PARENTS AND THE SCHOOL
The education and well being of your child is a ‘partnership’ between yourself and the school. If you have any worries please come and see us or telephone if this is more convenient.
STAFF/PARENT CONTACT TIME
The school has a policy where each teacher sets aside a 30 minute period after school each week for parent contact. This time and day is made known to all parents at the beginning of the school year.
REPORTS/OPEN AFTERNOONS
At the end of November you will be invited to an open evening to discuss your child’s progress. Another open evening will take place in the Spring Term. A full report on your child’s progress in the Junior School will be prepared at the end of June. The report will be followed by an opportunity to discuss it if it is required.
SCHOOL RECORDS
Members of staff keep detailed records of every child’s progress and also keep samples of work. These records and samples are available during open evenings and are usually referred to at all parent/teacher discussions.
CONCERN
We hope that all parents who feel concerned about their child’s progress will contact the school. The school will react in a similar way if we feel there is concern about a pupil’s progress or behaviour. The School has a Home/School Agreement which all parents receive a copy of on pupils’ entry to the School
NEWS LETTERS
Parents will be informed of school activities through news letters. If your child has missed school for a number of days please enquire if you have missed a news letter - spare copies are available from the school office. Copies of letters may be posted onto the school’s website.
SCHOOL MEALS
Pupils may purchase a school meal or they may bring their own packed lunch. The cost of school meals at present is £8.25 per week (£l.65 per day). Dinner money should only be paid on a Monday. Cheques are preferable and must be made payable to Denbighshire County Council and all payments should be in a sealed envelope with the pupil’s name(s), the amount of money contained and the class number. Parents can pay for a half term in advance if they so wish and any credits will be deducted from the next payment. Prompt payment would be appreciated as delays cause increased burden for the school secretary and clerical assistant. Should you wish your child to have his/her lunch at home please let me know on the first day of attendance.
FREE MEALS
Free meals are available to pupils whose parents are in receipt of Income Support. Application forms are available from the school office. Completed forms should be returned to school by the date stated with proof of income support. Delay in returning forms will result in pupils having to pay for their meals or alternatively having to bring a packed lunch.
STATUTORY TEACHER ASSESSMENTS
Children achieving level 4 and above were as follows:-
English 83.6% Maths 83.6% Science 92.7%
Children achieving at least Level 4 in all three core subjects was 80% compared with the National Average which was 74.3%
SPORTING AIMS
The school aims to give as many opportunities as possible for all pupils to take part in sports and outdoor events as well as encouraging excellence through liaison with outside clubs. The school has teams for soccer, rugby, netball, swimming, athletics, cross-country, rounders and dance and usually enters all local, county and Urdd competitions.
MEDICALS
From time to time the School Medical Officer will be visiting the school to examine the children who attend. I will notify you of such visits. I would welcome your attendance at school during inspections of your child.
SCHOOL NURSE
The school nurse visits the school regularly. If you feel that a problem exists which she should be aware of please contact the Headteacher.
SCHOOL ADMISSION
Pupils normally transfer to Ysgol Frongoch from Ysgol y Parc in the September following their seventh birthday. The Director of Education usually invites parents to express their preference in February/March if they seek a school other than the designated junior school. Parents are then informed by letter from the junior school that a place is available for their child. For admission at other times, a transfer form is available at the school office.
ADMISSION TO A SECONDARY SCHOOL
Pupils normally transfer to Denbigh High School in the September following their eleventh birthday. The normal procedure is as follows:-
The Director of Education invites parents to express their preference of a secondary school for their child (January). A parental preference form is sent to each parent/guardian, and on each form there will be a list of secondary schools in the area. Parents are invited to request further information on the schools if they so require. They may then express a preference for any of the schools listed or may insert the name of another school should they prefer that school to those listed. Confirmation of acceptance is sent from the secondary school in mid-March. A more detailed explanation is available in the County Schools Information Document - copies available in the school office.
INDUCTION DAY
To facilitate the easy transfer of pupils from Infant to Junior and Junior to Secondary an Induction Day is held in early July when pupils spend a day at their ‘new’ school getting to know staff and their new surroundings. At Ysgol Frongoch parents are invited the following morning to meet the Headteacher and staff, over coffee, to be given a short introduction to the school and to have the opportunity to ask any relevant questions.
THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
In accordance with National Curriculum and County Policy the school provides a broad education in the following areas:-
CORE SUBJECTS OTHER FOUNDATION SUBJECTS
English Welsh (Second Language) Mathematics French (year 6 only) Science Music Art Design and Technology Physical Education Geography History Religious Education Information Technology
Personal Social Education
The Governing Body’s present policy on sex education may be found at Appendix 2.
The content and nature of the work will be designed to suit the pupil’s needs bearing in mind their age and stage of learning. As a school we aim to help each child to develop in the following ways:-
a) to read fluently and accurately, with understanding, feeling and discrimination; b) to develop a legible style of handwriting and satisfactory standards of spelling, syntax, punctuation and usage; c) to communicate clearly and confidently in speech and writing, in ways appropriate for various occasions and purposes; d) to listen attentively and with understanding; e) to learn how to acquire information from various sources and to record information and findings in various ways; f) to understand the applications of mathematical ideas in various situations in the home, classroom, school and local area; g) to observe living and inanimate things, and to recognise characteristics such as pattern and order; h) to master basic scientific ideas; i) to investigate solutions and interpret evidence, to analyse and to solve problems; j) to develop awareness of self and sensitivity to others, acquire a set of moral values and the confidence to make and hold to moral judgements, and develop habits of self-discipline and acceptable behaviour; k) to know about geographical, historical and social aspects of the local environment and the national heritage, to be aware of other times and places, and to recognise links between local, national and international events; l) to acquire sufficient control of self or of tools, equipment and instruments, to be able to use music, drama and several forms of arts and crafts as means of expression; m) to develop agility and physical co-ordination, confidence in and through physical activity, and the ability to express feeling through movement.
Our objectives are:
{ to implement County policy statements and guidelines in all areas of the curriculum { to continue to develop a balanced and coherent curriculum with particular emphasis on the six areas of the curriculum i.e. language development, mathematical development, scientific development, personal and social development, aesthetic/creative development and physical development. { to continue to emphasise the development of skills, values, attitudes and concepts { to strengthen the existing links between the school and the community and the community and the school { to strengthen, through frequent participation, the links with our feeder infant school, the local high school and the neighbouring primary schools.
ORGANISATION OF THE CURRICULUM
The curriculum is organised to give each child a balanced and structured approach to both Core and Foundation Subjects. In order to cover all the areas of the curriculum we have opted for the project method where pupils follow a particular theme for a half or whole term.
The themes are reviewed and revised annually as changes are made to the National Curriculum. Where a certain element does not fit into a theme - this is covered separately.
The medium of instruction is English, but Welsh as a second language is taught to all pupils. Welsh is used to a limited degree as a medium of instruction according to the competence of the children in the language. Incidental activities such as religious worship, singing, Eisteddfod, Urdd work, language courses in camps and activities etc., using Welsh, do occur.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Pupils identified as having Special Educational Needs are given extra support within the classroom situation, or by being withdrawn for special tuition by our special needs teacher. Parents are kept informed of developments and are invited to sit in and contribute to Special Needs Team Meetings which are held each term to discuss in detail the progress being made by individual pupils. This meeting is usually attended by those involved with the child and may include Senior Special Needs Teacher for the area and the Educational Psychologist. One member of the Governing Body has a special interest role in Special Educational Needs. Individual action plans are written for each child and targets set. These are frequently reviewed. The School has an Equal Opportunities Policy. Access to all areas of the School is possible by all pupils.
HOMEWORK
All teachers give small amounts of homework to bolster and reinforce class work. Pupils are also encouraged to do some research work from their own books or from books obtained from the Town Library. Parents are expected to encourage good reading habits which help to revive fundamental numeracy data and memory work in literature.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education is compulsory in school and all children are expected to take part in daily communal worship, unless a special case for exemption on religious grounds is made to the Headteacher. Parents wishing to withdraw their children from such activities are asked to write to the Headteacher.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The children may participate in a variety of extra curricular activities which include Drama Club, Games Club, Handicraft/Art Club as well as coaching in singing, instrumental playing and reciting for the Urdd Eisteddfod. There is also an opportunity from time to time for pupils to go on weekend language courses or three day language courses at the Urdd Camp at Glanllyn, Bala. Visits are also made to Pentrellyncymer outdoor pursuit centre, ski-ing to France or Normandy alternate years. The school will make all the necessary arrangements for these activities and parents will be informed of the availability of such extra-curricular activities.
SWIMMING
The children attend the local leisure centre on a rota basis under competent supervision. A voluntary contribution of 60p per session will be collected at the start of the swimming sessions to help meet the cost of hiring the pool.
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
On entry to the school, all pupils will be given a form of consent to be filled in by parents. By completing the form (Form A) the parent agrees to his/her child participating in recognised school activities off the site, but in the County or neighbouring area, for example environmental studies, swimming, joint activities with other schools etc. - where possible advanced information will be sent home with pupils. If the activity is out of the County parents are asked to complete form 'C' a few days before the activity is to take place - detailed arrangements and level of supervision are set out on the form. The Governors publish a ‘Charging and Remissions Policy’ which can be obtained from the office.
INSURANCE
Third party insurance cover is provided by Denbighshire Education Authority. Full details of the cover provided are available at the school. Parents may wish to take out their own additional insurance cover for sporting activities.
PASTORAL CARE AND DISCIPLINE
Care for the pupils is the responsibility of all the staff but each child is placed in the specific care of a class teacher. The school encourages self-discipline and self-esteem and looks to parents to support this. Staff have recently been trained in the techniques of Assertive Discipline and the school has now adopted this as a policy. Pupils will be taught that good behaviour gets rewarded while consequences are consistent and sequential for indiscipline. Where consequences are necessary this takes the form of a reprimand, withdrawal of certain privileges or contact made with the parents only. Information on school Assertive Discipline will be given to parents and children at the beginning of the school year.
ATTENDANCE
Attending school regularly and punctually is important. (Parents are under a legal duty to send their children to school regularly). Parents should ensure that their children arrive at school on time, properly attired and in a condition to learn. Parents are expected to inform the school of the reason for a child’s absence as soon as possible. This may be done by telephone, a note or a verbal message via an older child, friend or neighbour. As the school registers have to show whether an absence is authorised or unauthorised the reason for the absence must be clearly given.
Family Holidays and Extended Trips Overseas During Term Time Schools have a discretionary power to authorise leave for the purpose of an annual family holiday. Only in exceptional circumstances may the amount of leave granted exceed (in total) more than two weeks in any year.
Leave is granted provided the pupil will be travelling away from home. The request for family holiday leave must be made on the appropriate form which is available from the school office. Keeping a pupil away from school in excess of the agreed period will be treated as an unauthorised absence.
Parents who remove pupils from school during the school day to visit the dentist, doctor or for a hospital appointment should ensure that the school is informed before hand. Pupils who arrive after registration should report to the school office before going to their class room.
Average attendance during the 2003/04 Academic Year was XXX% Unauthorised absence during the 2003/04 Academic Year was 0.1%
SCHOOL TRANSPORT
The Authority provides free transport in the following cases:-
1. Where a child of under eight years of age resides over two miles from the nearest school, or the nearest Voluntary or Welsh-medium school;
2. where a child of over eight years of age resides over three miles from the nearest school, or the nearest voluntary or Welsh-medium school;
3. where a child attends a special school;
4. where in the interests of the efficient use of education resources the Authority allocates a child, and that child is admitted, to a school other than the nearest school, and that school is over two or three miles from the home (according to age);
5. where a child whose parents are in receipt of any of the following benefits resides more than 2.3 miles from the nearest voluntary or Welsh-medium school:- (a) Income Support (b) Family Credit (c) Rent Rebate (d) Community Charge Rebate
Further details are available in the County ‘Schools Information Document’.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
The wearing of school uniform is strongly encouraged. It teaches pupils about good standards of dress and prepares them for the High School. The uniform is as follows:-
Boys: Grey Trousers White Polo Shirt with Logo School Sweatshirt (logo, red ) School shoes (not trainers) Summer Wear: Grey Shorts White Polo Shirt with Logo
Girls: Grey Skirt/trousers White Polo Shirt with Logo School Sweatshirt (logo, red ) School shoes (not trainers) Summer Wear: Red Check Cotton Dress Grey skirt White Polo Shirt with Logo
SWEATSHIRTS, FLEECES AND WOOLY HATS, POLO SHIRTS AND BASEBALL CAPS, ALL WITH THE SCHOOL LOGO, ARE AVAILABLE FROM SCHOOL AS ARE SCHOOL BAGS AND P.E. BAGS. PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL IF YOU REQUIRE ANY OF THESE ITEMS.
P.E. Games Kit
On entering the school all pupils should have basic kit to enable them to take part in P.E. lessons.
Boys: Black shorts Plain coloured T-shirt/Purple T Shirt with School Logo (available at school only) Plain football or rugby top Boots suitable for outdoor games Trainers / pumps Swimming trunks - Not swimming shorts Towel for swimming
Girls: Black shorts Plain coloured T-shirt/ Purple T Shirt with School Logo (available at school only) Sweatshirt or warm top suitable for outdoor games Boots suitable for outdoor games Trainers / pumps Swimming costume Towel for swimming
Pupils are asked to bring their kit in small bags only as space in our cloakrooms is very limited. Kit bags are available from the office at £1.50.
The wearing of jewellery is forbidden in school for safety reasons, however, stud earrings only may be worn provided the child is able to remove them for P.E.
ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING SHOULD BE MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME This will undoubtedly save you money in the long run and help us to return lost property quickly.
POLICY ON CHARGING AND REMISSIONS
Charging Policy:
The Charging Policy adopted by the Governing Body is based on the Denbighshire County Council Charging and Remissions Policy (a copy is available for inspection at the school).
{ The Governing Body does not require charges to be raised for any school activity but reserves the right to request voluntary contributions from parents and others as the need may arise. For activities wholly or mainly in school time, a child will not be excluded if no contribution is made (except in the cases of boarding and residential charges or optional extras). { Educational Visits and School Journeys - The Governing Body reserve the right to ask for voluntary contributions. { Materials for Practical Subjects and Project Assignments - a charge for ingredients may be asked for (cash or kind). Parents will be asked in advance if they wish to own a finished article/product. { Optional Extras Outside the School Day - a charge will be made for optional extras outside the school day. Details will be made known to parents and their agreement in writing sought. { Peripatetic Music Tuition (Instrumental) - a charge will be made per term. { Swimming - swimming is deemed to be a permissible element of the Curriculum and may attract voluntary contributions. { Supplementary - where school property or equipment is damaged or lost as a consequence of pupils’ behaviour, payment from parents may be requested. { Parents are responsible for the provision of games clothing.
GOVERNORS' POLICY ON REMISSIONS
Pupils who are entitled to remission are those whose parents are in receipt of Income Support. Those school journeys/visits that would qualify for full remission of board and lodging charges are those which:-
{ take place in school hours as defined { are part of provisions of the National Curriculum or part of the duty to provide religious education.
STATEMENT BY GOVERNING BODY ON THE CURRICULUM
Education should be of the whole person. Thus the curriculum must have a sense of integrity and wholeness which brings pupils into contact with a broad range of learning experiences. It must be a balanced curriculum, giving appropriate attention to each element of learning and it must be flexible to cater for differences in the abilities, aptitudes and other characteristics of children.
The educational development of children is a continuous process and a well planned curriculum - continuity will ensure smooth transition through all stages of school life.
The Governors support the LEA in its decision to ensure that its schools are well informed and advised about the National Curriculum and its broad statutory requirements.
The National Curriculum should be viewed in the context of the whole curriculum which includes not only the formal programme of lessons but also informal features which produce the school's ‘ethos’.
The needs, interests and aspirations of the individual child and the needs of the community and the wider world of which the child is an integral part should be balanced within the curriculum in order to encourage values and qualities necessary to produce a good citizen in a democratic and humane society.
Such qualities are: self-awareness self-esteem self-discipline curiosity originality perseverance open-mindedness honesty responsibility willingness to co-operate independence reliability initiative tolerance
The Governors seek the interest and co-operation of parents in promoting these qualities and values.
LEA ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CURRICULUM AND RELATED MATTERS
A document explaining the arrangements may be examined at the school office. Basically the process is as follows:-
1. Informal level - discussion with Headteacher 2. Formal complaint to the Governing Body 3. Formal complaint to the LEA
DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE SCHOOL
Parents may, by prior arrangement, visit the school specifically to view documents which they have a right to see, e.g. DES circulars, Governors AGM. Report, Minutes of Governors Meetings, HMI Reports, School Prospectus, National Curriculum Documents, Schemes of Work etc.
APPENDIX 1
SCHOOL HOLIDAY DATES
Please copy and paste the entire link below into your web browser.(Clicking the link will not work).
http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/LL/LifeLong.nsf/($All)/63B8E73E63FC74D380256EB0003AEEB0?OpenDocument
APPENDIX 2
SEX EDUCATION POLICY
The Governing Body believes that Sex Education at the infant and junior stages should be taught with care and sensitivity and that the teaching should match the maturity of the pupils involved.
Sex Education should be provided in the context of Natural Science with due regard to the requirements of the National Curriculum Science Document - Life Processes and Living Things. Sex Education will also be provided in the context of Personal and Social Education with input from the School Nurse who, at years 5 and 6 will discuss menstruation.
Pupils should be taught:-
{ that there are life processes, including nutrition, movement, growth and reproduction, common to animals, including humans { the main stages of the human life cycle
Any teaching "should encourage pupils to have due regard or moral considerations and the value of family life."
The Governing Body feel that it is inappropriate to timetable sex education and believe it should be fully integrated into the curriculum, not taken out of context or over emphasised. Questions raised by pupils should be answered honestly and frankly. |