Latest information and news!

• Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

  Tue 02 Mar 2021

  A busy week here in Ty Gwyn to start off March and the official beginning of spring. 
  We have had a great 1st March and St David’s Day with lots of activities to celebrate Wales, our culture and heritage - check Google classroom if you are learning at home.
  Pictures of our fabulous “mini Eisteddfod” with Welsh cakes, writing competition and our other activities will be in the gallery in the children’s section of the website as the week goes on! 
  St David was known for the saying “do the little things” and that is something we can use today. What small things can you do to help someone who needs it? A kindness, a smile or a thankyou go a long way 😊 

  Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant! 

  

• Safer Internet Day 2021

  Mon 08 Feb 2021 Mrs Cox-Wall

  The 9th of February is Safer Internet Day and we will be having classroom assemblies and looking at the UNCRC RRS website and article 17 (the right to fair and honest information from the media including tv, newspapers, the internet and individual speech). This is very relevant at this time with so much mis-information swirling around about the pandemic, vaccines and world issues. 

  This leaflet about being a good digital parent is in the parent section of our website dedicated to on-line safety:

   

  7 tips for being a good digital parent

   

  1. Talk With Your Kids. Talk early and often. Be open and direct. Stay calm.
  2. Educate Yourself. Search online for anything you don’t understand. Try out the apps, games, and sites yourself. Explore FOSI’s parenting tips and resources
  3. Use Parental Controls. Set content and time limits on your kids’ devices. Routinely check privacy settings on social media. Monitor your kids’ use and their screen time.
  4. Set Ground Rules and enforce consequences. Discuss and sign a family safety agreement. Restrict where and when devices can be used. Remove tech privileges when rules are broken.
  5. Friend and Follow but don’t stalk. Follow your kids on social media. Respect their online space and freedom. Don’t flood their accounts with comments.
  6. Explore, Share, and Celebrate. Go online with your kids and
  explore their digital world. Share your own online experiences. Learn from each other and have fun.
  7. Be a Good Digital Role Model. Curb your own bad digital habits. Know when and where to unplug. Show your kids how to collaborate and be kind online.

  

• Guidance for parents and carers on blended and distance learning

  Thu 04 Feb 2021 RCT

  *Please be aware we have had to change the format of the document to display on the website.
   

  We are all learning and learners...
  Distance learning presents incredible challenges and opportunities for teachers, parents and pupils. This year’s changing circumstances call for great flexibility and resilience as learning moves from home to school and back again.
  Everyone’s circumstances are different. More focused and independent learning from home is easier for some pupils and families than others. Even very digitally-competent children and young people may struggle with educational technology. While some aspects of education may not transfer easily to online environments, pupils can successfully learn new skills and develop important personal and academic competencies in distance learning environments.
  Teachers have been working hard throughout the year to develop comprehensive distance learning plans. They are mastering new and complex demands for supporting pupils in the classroom and at home. All schools in the local authority continue to grow professionally and develop, strengthening our collective efficacy for:
  •    prioritising learning standards
  •    signposting parents, carers to learning resources and tools
  •    consistently communicating expectations
  •    creating effective strategies for setting and achieving learning goals.

  What is remote learning? 

  Remote learning allows pupils to continue accessing the curriculum beyond the classroom by tasks set online. This allows them to learn through a guided study programme set by their teachers. A remote learning task could be a combination of what is listed below: 

  •    An extended task over a series of lessons 
  •    Worksheet and questions 
  •    Background reading or supporting materials 
  •    Assessment opportunities 
  •  Completing past papers and providing model answers and solutions 
  •    ‘Live Lessons’ via a digital platform of the schools’ choice

  Here are some explanations to help parents and carers understand the different forms learning that can be provided for pupils during this lockdown period.  Not one method is better than another and schools will choose the best fit according to your child’s age and learning need.  It is recommended that a balance of on-screen and off-screen activities are undertaken where possible.

  Teachers present carefully planned video and/or audio explanations as live lessons (synchronous) or recorded sessions (asynchronous) to explain concepts and new learning. 

  A live lesson is designed around small learning increments and clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks. These sessions will complement and enhance activities presented face to face in school.

  Tasks give pupils opportunities to apply knowledge and understanding from face to face and online sessions. Teachers plan opportunities for pupils to work together and collaborate on online group projects. Pupils may work on a document or video presentation together. Teachers also provide pupils with independent activities which may include digital tasks and offline.

  Pupils complete tasks using workbooks, textbooks or paper resources and materials. Work is presented when pupils next attend school, uploaded to the school’s platform of choice or is returned by post.  Tasks are purposeful and worthwhile for example; pupils use scaffolds and models to apply the knowledge and understanding developed in the face to face sessions.

  Teachers may deliver a presentation. Pupils may then submit questions or make observations through a chat facility. Teachers may present carefully planned video and/or audio explanations as live lessons (synchronous) or recorded sessions (asynchronous) to explain concepts and new learning. A live lesson is designed around small learning increments and clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks. Teachers and pupils may work on an activity/document together.

  Teachers address questions and misconceptions in a live session. This may be recorded to serve as a resource for learning. Individual pupils or groups of pupils could be asked to join with timetabled intervention. Alternately, pupils could opt into this where needed Pupils may be referred to online software or applications as an intervention strategy.    
  Some schools may identify that learners are unable to effectively engage with online learning; this can be particularly true for hard to reach learners. In this instance, during face-to-face time teachers may plan and deliver direct teaching of the experiences, knowledge and skills learners need to complete tasks. Learners then engage with these tasks at home without the need for further online instruction.

  
  Examples of possible shared language:

  Blended learning:     an approach to learning that combines face-to-face, distance, digital and online learning experiences The face-to-face learning that takes place should complement the other aspects by using the strengths of each mode of delivery.

  Distance learning:     allows learning experiences to happen from just about anywhere and may or may not involve a digital device and internet connection. This supports the well-being of all learners, including a choice of learning opportunities for social, physical, emotional development and tasks to promote their resilience. It allows individuals to learn when and where it is more convenient for them. Equitable distance learning does not have to mirror learning as it normally does in school.

  Digital learning:    any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a learner’s learning experience.  Additionally, digital learning can be used for professional learning opportunities for teachers and to provide personalised learning experiences for learners.

  Online learning:    education that takes place over the internet. It is often referred to as e- learning among other terms.  However, online learning is just one type of “distance learning”.

  Synchronous learning:    teaching where the teacher is present at the same time as the learner(s). This can take place face to-face or online.

  Asynchronous learning:    where teaching materials are provided and learners work through them in their own time. This could include a variety of media, including audio and video clips. WG have provided guidance on the use of livestreaming.

  
  Further information and guidance can be found at:-

  https://hwb.gov.wales/distance-learning/
  https://hwb.gov.wales/distance-learning/sharing-our-experiences/#plans-for-increasing-operations-in-schools-and-settings
  http://hwb.gov.wales/zones/keeping-safe-online/repository/discovery?catalogs=50f72adb-cdf7-4da9-a01a-d9b5ecafd264&kiosk=1&sort=recent&strict=1
  https://www.s4c.cymru/en/press/post/41359/s4c-releases-80-hours-of-programmes-on-the-welsh-governments-education-platform-hwb/
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zvryp4j?utm_source=%2A+SCHOOLS%2A+CSC+Communications+List&utm_campaign=66ff16f85b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_06_17_11_16_COPY_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_693196c4f6-66ff16f85b-128862066 
   

• Children’s Mental Health Week

  Mon 01 Feb 2021 Lois and Naomi

  This week is children’s mental health week and the theme is “express yourself”. If you are learning from home, lots of ideas about how you can do that through art, poetry, video or song and dance will come in our letter and pack via Royal Mail.

  There are also details of free text and call lines if you need someone to talk to. We do also have “I wish my teacher knew” as a link on the website homepage if you want help during school hours. Remember, there is always someone to listen without judgement 🤓

  If you are in school, we will be working with you during the week on lots of individual and small group projects - we’ll share some of our work in the Children/Picture Gallery section. 

  

• Holocaust Memorial Day 2021

  Wed 27 Jan 2021 Mrs Cox-Wall

  We were extremely fortunate today to welcome the Chair of the Management Committee, Mr Martyn Silezin, to school to talk to us about Holocaust Memorial Day.

  Mr Silezin spoke to a small group of KS3 pupils (at a social distance) about the life of his Father, now passed away, who had fled religious persecution in Poland during the rise of Nazi Germany.

  Hearing the story, almost first hand and seeing some photographs was very moving. Our pupils are very aware of their rights under the UNCRC and know that they have the right to follow their own religion, but not every child in every country has that right upheld, even decades after WWll.

  The group lit a candle to support the theme "be the light" and responded very thoughtfully and with sensitivity.

  Thankyou to Mr Silezin and our very sensible pupils, a postcard home has been sent to each parent or carer to recognise their positive and mature response.

  

• Letter to learners from Qualifications Wales

  Sat 23 Jan 2021 Qualifications Wales

  Letter to all learners in Y11 from Qualifications Wales, please note we have had to change the formatting to add the letter to the website.

   

  Dear Learner,

                        GCSE and AS/A level, Vocational qualifications, what should you do now?

  If you haven’t heard of us before, Qualifications Wales make sure that qualifications in Wales are the best they can be for learners and we make sure that those who create exams and assessments, such as the WJEC, create exams and assessments in an appropriate way and to a high standard.

  What’s changing?

  Following the First Minister’s announcement today (8 January 2021) that most learners will continue to learn remotely until 29 January or possibly even February half term, Qualifications Wales is announcing that the spring internal assessment window for GCSE, AS, and A level, which were planned to take place between 22 February and 23 April, will not take place and new arrangements will be made.

  This was a new assessment window that was announced before Christmas as part of new arrangements to award these qualifications in Summer 2021. Why is it changing? We’ve decided to do this because we don’t think you will have enough time with your teachers or lecturers to prepare for these assessments.

  How is it changing? We are working with a group of head teachers and college leaders, set up by the Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, called the Design and Delivery Advisory Group (DDAG). This group will now be considering the way forward and more detailed information about revised arrangements will be made available shortly.

  The assessments for some vocational qualifications are still available this January for those who are ready and able to take them. If you can’t sit your exams now, you will have the opportunity to be assessed in the summer. Support We know you may be anxious about what it means for you and you want to have clarity on how and when you will be assessed as soon as possible.

  We will publish more information as soon as we can. We’ll make sure that the changes will mean you’ll have a fair chance to gain your qualifications this year – this is our focus. In the meantime, if you are concerned about any of this please do discuss with your school, college or wherever you get your education.

  We will be providing regular updates on our website, if you have any specific questions, contact us via email on communications@qualificationswales.org.

  Yours sincerely

   

   Philip Blaker

  Chief Executive Qualifications Wales

  

• Dragon Savers Success!

  Mon 18 Jan 2021 Mrs Cox-Wall

  Well done to 24 of our learners who have achieved between £2 and £14 for their Dragon Savers accounts for the Autumn term 2020!

   

  All Ty Gwyn learners had the opportunity to earn £2 per week in the Autumn Term for complying with the Smoke Free Policy in school and the No Mobile Phone policy.

   

  These savings go into their Dragon Savers accounts with the Aberdare branch of the Credit Union. Check it out at:

  https://www.dragonsavers.org/Dragonsavers

   

  We are very pleased that the following learners achieved the following account credits:

  R - £8

  S - £5

  T - £2

  S - £7

  C - £1

  M - £5

  D - £14

  M - £12

  K - £6

  M - £11

  L - £8

  C - £14

  C - £4

  R - £7

  A - £7

  J - £3

  E - £1

  H - £9

  E - £4

  R - £5

  M - £1

  R - £4

  E - £2

  L - £4

  

• Letter from the Director of Education

  Fri 08 Jan 2021 RCT

  *Ty Gwyn is open to learners as we are specialist provision, all lessons are taking place and are also being placed in our Google Classrooms, all details have been posted out to you. Please contact us if you need help to access this.

  Dear parent/carer,

  This morning the First Minister announced further changes for schools in Wales. The key elements are summarised as follows:

  •           All children, with the exception of high priority vulnerable learners and the children of critical workers, will continue to access remote learning until the 29th of January. If rates of infection have not reduced by this time, schools will continue with remote learning until the February half-term break.
  •           Only high priority vulnerable children and the children of critical workers will have access to on-site education in schools along with learners undertaking essential exams and assessments until the 29th of January (or until the February half term if rates remain high). 
  •           Schools are not more unsafe now or pose a higher risk for teachers and children. However,  the new variant of Covid-19 is far more infectious and is leading to increased numbers of people falling ill and being hospitalised. 
  •           For GCSE, AS and A level learners, a decision has been made to cancel the spring term assessments that were planned to take place between 22th February and 23rd April. Revised assessment arrangements for the award of these qualifications in summer 2021 will be put in place shortly and further information will follow in due course.
  •           Special school staff that provide intimate personal care for children with complex medical needs will be included as part of the priority list for vaccination to ensure that the most vulnerable are kept safe. 

  From the Monday the 18th of January, schools will continue to provide education for the children of critical workers on school sites. Eligibility has changed slightly and will only include the following groups of workers:
  •         Health and social care workers (including care home staff).
  •         Public safety (emergency workers) and national security workers.
  •         Education and childcare workers.
  •         Food and other necessary goods workers (please note this is an additional category)
  If you have explored all possible childcare options and genuinely have no other alternative and have to work, then please advise the school by Monday the 11th of your requirements for the week commencing the 18th of January. The current legislation only requires one parent to work in one of these outlined areas of work to access school based education. 

  Arrangements for high priority vulnerable learners will remain unchanged.  
   
  Please note, that places will be capped to ensure the health and safety of your child and school staff during this concerning period. The safest place for your child currently is at home but if essential, your school can provide education for vulnerable learners and the children of identified critical workers in school. Where demand for places exceeds supply, requests will be prioritised based on need. If you have any concerns or exceptional circumstances, please raise these directly with your child’s school. On-site provision is for education and not childcare, as school staff still have a responsibility to deliver education remotely to all children throughout the school day. In addition to this, they will continue to provide remote wellbeing support for those that require this. 

  Thank you for your continued patience and for supporting your child’s learning during these very challenging times. 

  Many thanks

  Gaynor 

  Gaynor Davies
  Director of Education and Inclusion Services 
  Cyfarwyddwr Addysg a Gwasanaethau Cynhwysiant 
  Ty Trevithick, Abercynon, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF45 4UQ
  01443 744004
  * Gaynor.Davies@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk
   

• Learning from home with Google Classroom

  Wed 06 Jan 2021 Mrs Cox-Wall

  If your child or young person is not in school, all school work is also located in Google classroom.

  There are two classrooms, one called KS3 and one called Y10 and 11 GCSEs.
  All children have been signed in but they can also be accessed via the class code:

  KS3: xej6fpc

  Y10 and 11: eydpig5 

   
  You will also receive a letter this week with details of:

  GCSE Pod (videos and revision tools),

  Lexia Power Up reading intervention,

  Science revision club (after school - for Y11 only)

  How to access Google classroom via a PlayStation or XBox (also in the Google Classroom link on the website). 

   

  If you have any issues or would like help or paper copies of work, please ring school on 01656 652525 or Mr Petts (Family Engagement Officer) on 07706 656 926 or admin.tygwyn@rctcbc.gov.uk

   

  Thank you and take care, Mrs Cox-Wall.

   

• Well done and congratulations to our support staff!

  Wed 06 Jan 2021 Mrs Cox-Wall
  Well done to all our support staff who are now qualified as ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) and can provide immediate emotional support and small group intervention across Ty Gwyn!