Y Cwricwlwm / The Curriculum

At Plascrug, we believe in life beyond the National Curriculum.We believe that every experience a child encounters at school contributes to shaping his/her development. We provide as broad a curriculum as possible so that children may fulfil their potential according to their age and stage of development.

We are mindful of the need to nurture children’s personal, social and emotional development as well as the duty to teach them the skills, knowledge and understanding embodied in the Foundation Phase and National Curriculum 2008.

‘Y Cwricwlwm Cymreig’

The nature of the whole curriculum at Plascrug also reflects the distinctiveness of a ‘Curriculum Cymreig’ - a curriculum concerned with Wales where the children’s learning experiences are made meaningful and relevant in the context of the local and wider community.

Welsh at Plascrug

The teaching of Welsh and English, either as a first or second language is an essential requirement in the curriculum of each class in every primary school in Ceredigion.
Under the LEA's Language Strategy, Plascrug teaches 15-20% through the medium of Welsh. The main medium of instruction is therefore English, Welsh is taught as a second language as part of the National Curriculum and through the Foundation Phase.

Regular use is made of incidental, informal Welsh in the life of the school.

During their time here at Plascrug, all children develop appreciation of the cultural heritage of Wales through aspects of the curriculum and involvement in activities such as the Urdd Youth Movement.

Essentially, all teachers at Plascrug are Welsh-speaking and informal and professional matters are mainly discussed in Welsh. 

Multicultural Curriculum

The school celebrates the fact that we have many cultures and nationalities represented here. We recognise and respect diversity and encourage our pupils to become responsible global citizens.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

On average, approximately a quarter of the pupils in our school are from overseas backgrounds. Many children upon arrival have very little, or no English at all. On entry to Plascrug there pupils are placed in their appropriate year groups, according to chronological age. They receive in-class support in order that they may access the full National Curriculum, and occasionally the EAL Co-ordinator may withdraw pupils if it is necessary to pre-teach subject specific vovabulary or for intense language sessions. These pupils are fully integrated in mainstream classes throughout the time.

The school has also created links with the local University; many International student volunteers visit our EAL pupils on a regular basis in order to support them in class. These sessions are invaluable as explanations and chellenging vocabulary can be given and translated into their mother tongue so that understanding and learning is fast tracked.

Special Educational Needs

All children at Plascrug are special, however, some children require extra support in order that they may reach their full potential.

In order to achieve this aim, the school benefits from the expertise of a SEN Co-ordinator (SENCo), who is a teacher with additional qualities in special needs. The SENCo works witht he Headteacher and class teachers in providing support for children with identifies special needs who are named on the School's Special Needs Register.

Approximately 70 names are registered, including those children who have Statements of Special Educational Needs. Children are taught within their usual classes and additionally by periods of withdrawal.

Special needs provision at the school has regard to the SEN Code of Practice (Wales) document, 1 April 2002, and is in line with the SEN and Disability Act 2001.

You are welcome to contact our SENCo if you have any further questions.

Curriculum for learners 3-7 years of age in the Foundation Phase:

The youngest children in school experience a curriculum which is planned according to the requirements set out in 'Foundation Phase - Framework for Children's Learning from 3 to 7 year-olds in Wales'.

The Foundation Phase encompasses the developmental needs of children. At the centre of the curriculum lies the holistic development of children and their skills across the curriculum, building on their previous learning experiences, knowledge and skills. The Foundation Phase curriculum promotes equality of opportunity and values, and celebrates diversity. Positive partnerships with the home are fostered and an appreciation of parents/carers as the children's first educators is acknowledged.

Children learn through first hand experiential activities with the serious business of 'play' providing the vehicle.

A broad range of stimulating activities is provided to promote children’s interest in learning and development across 7 areas of learning:

• Personal and Social Development, Well-Being and Cultural Diversity
• Language, Literacy and Communication Skills,
• Mathematical Development,
• Welsh Language Development
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World,
• Physical Development,
• Creative Development.

The Foundation Phase places great emphasis on experimental learning, active involvement and developing each child's:

• Skills and understanding
• Personal and intellectual well-being
• Positive attitudes to learning
• Self esteem and confidence
• Creative, expressive and observational skills
• Activities in the outdoors and first-hand experience of solving real-life problems and learn about conservation and sustainability.

Key Stage 2

This Key Stage follows on from the Foundation Phase and is what was historically called the Junior Section of the school. Pupils belonging to this stage are aged between 7 and 11. There are four year groups, starting with Year 3 and ending with pupils leaving Primary education at Year 6. At tthat stage they transfer to secondary education following Key Stage 3 and 4 curriculum guidance.

Assessment for Learning

Jolly Phonics

Jolly Phonics is a fun and child centred approach to teaching literacy which is extremely popular with our pupils and staff alike! With actions for each of the 42 letter sounds, the multi-sensory method is very motivating for children and teachers, who can see their pupils achieve.

To find out more about the Jolly Phonics programme visit our Foundation Phase page or click on the link below to visit the Jolly Phonics website.

Oxford Reading Tree

Our school follows the Oxford Reading Tree reading scheme. Visit the Oxford Reading Tree website to find out how you can support your child with his/her reading at home. There is also a selection of Oxford Reading Tree online books for your child to read.

Healthy School

Plascrug is recognised as a Health Promoting School. We work closely with the School Meals Service for the promotion of healthy eating, the School Council manage a fruit stall and no sweets are allowed on the premises. As a result the school has been presented the Heartbeat Award. The school environment is continuously being enhanced with the help of parents working closely with the School Council providing general refurbishment of toilet and playground facilities.

Collective Worship

Separate weekly assemblies are held for the Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2 which must be "wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character." Individual classes take the lead in weekly assemblies and visitors are often invited to address the children.

On days when there is no Key Stage assembly, an act of collective worship is held in each class. This can be in the form of a song, a prayer, a poem, a story or a time for reflection.

Many different faiths are represented at Plascrug and at present a number of children attend a weekly Muslim assembly conducted by one of the parents.
Parents may excercise their rights, under the 1998 Education Act, to withdraw their child from assemblies, Religious Education lessons and activities. If you wish to do this, please contact the Headteacher.

Visits and Activities

At Plascrug we organise many experiences to enrich and enliven the curriculum for the children. They may include educational visits, for example, to the Celtic Settlement at Castell Henllys, a visit to Nant yr Arian Forestry Commission, excursions to the Aberystwyth Arts Centre or school-based workshops led by visiting professionals.

Instrumental Tuition

Key Stage 2 children (Years 3-6) at Plascrug have the opportunity to take strings, brass or woodwind lessons. These are given by visiting music teachers employed by the LEA. The school purchases this Music Service annaully and a small portion of the overall cost to the school's budget is passed on to the parents of children who receive tuition.

Further information about the curriculum at Plascrug can be found in our school brochure which can be downloaded from this website.