Headteacher's Fortnightly Update - 14th March
Mobile Phones
The introduction of the mobile phone ban across the school has been successful. We have seen a dramatic reduction in the use of mobile devices across the school and the knock-on benefits to the wellbeing of young people. It is great to see pupils playing board games at lunch times, communicate more with each other in person and also, significantly, a marked reduction in online bullying related activities. Thank you for your support in ensuring this policy is successful.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have noticed an increase in the use of mobile devices. We will be resetting our expectations with pupils next week with the aim of consistently applying the policy.
Rewards
We have recently been working with pupils to establish an effective approach to rewards. The pupil leadership group have been working with Mr Bartlett on a new approach to rewards and they have decided to include a ClassCharts shop to our Rewards approach, whereby the achievement points earned will act as currency and pupils will be able to purchase items from an online shop. Suggestions of prizes have come from pupils in all year groups including the much-awaited croc badges (or jibbits).
Student Council
Senedd Llanwern consists of 2 pupils from each form class in each year group and also pupils from our Alder provision. There are 70 pupils altogether. These pupils were voted for by their peers.
The Senedd is further divided into sub-committees and year councils. When pupils meet in their Year Councils they meet with their Head of Year. Agendas are set and minutes recorded by the pupils. These meetings are chaired by the Year Reps, who were voted for during a year group ballot back in September. There are four sub-committees for the Senedd; Education, Wellbeing, Equality and Community. These sub-committees focus on different aspects of school improvement and are linked with different members of staff. Each sub-committee consists of representation from all year groups.
Already we have had our Senedd Members attend the Youth COP Cymru event in Cardiff, be on the interview panel for the Gwent Police Chief, attend and represent the school at the Remembrance Parade, be part of the consultation process for the Great Milton Park school and meet with members of the EAS/Local Authority to look at aspects of school improvement. Most recently, the Education Sub-Committee met with our School Improvement Partner to undertake a book look as part of her recent visit.
Exams
It goes without saying that the exam season is approaching. We are currently supporting pupils with preparation for exams. It is so important that pupils have a quiet place they can study and revise. Ideally this space will have no distractions like social media or TV and is a calm well lit space. The best revision takes place in short bursts of around 20 minutes, focusing on a single topic or question rather than hours staring at notes or folders.
It is also good practice for pupils to make revision notes on topics and these are often in the format of mind maps. This makes reminders of key information easily accessible and often become posters in rooms or ideal resources for someone to test pupils on their knowledge.
Past papers with answers are also available on the exam board websites.
We have been overwhelmed with the number of pupils and the quality of performances in the auditions for our upcoming school show. The cast was announced last week and we wish all performers the best of luck as they now set about preparing for what I’m sure will be another fantastic Llanwern School performance led brilliantly again by our Expressive Arts team.
Upcoming Dates For Your Diary
End of Term - Friday 14th April
Start of Summer Term - Monday 28th April
INSET Days -
Friday 27th June
Monday 21st July