Islwyn High School Ysgol Uwchradd Islwyn

Annual Report Academic Year 2022/23

Governors’ Annual Report to Parents Adroddiad Blynyddol y llywodraethwyr

Belong… Believe… Achieve…

1. FOREWORD BY THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

Dear Parent /Carer,

I am pleased to be able to commend to you the school’s annual report, covering the last academic year 2022/2023.

I am very proud of what the pupils and staff at the school have achieved. In the academic year 2022/2023 Year 10 and 11 pupils recorded the school’s best set of exam-based results showing incremental improvement on the 2019 results as a suitable comparator.

The School and its Governing Body continue to focus on key priorities contained with the School Development Plan (SDP). This includes work continuing to Raise the Attainment of Disadvantaged Young (RADY) and having a laser focus on attendance which directly correlates to academic attainment. The implementation of the new curriculum for Wales has gone well and the Governing Body through its sub committees continues to monitor compliance with the Additional Learning Needs bill which was introduced in 2021 and remains in its infancy.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the school staff and parents for their continued support, and the support I receive from fellow Governors who freely give up their time to support the school progressing.

Best wishes

Mr G Bryce

Chair of Governors

2. The full list of Governors is as follows:

3. The Work of the Governing Body

During the last twelve months, the full Governing Body (GB) has been well attended and has met on six occasions, with a full AGM in September 2022. The GB alternates its meetings between Microsoft teams and face to face meetings held at the school.

In this academic year the school implemented its new curriculum for Wales which had been postponed from the previous year. This proved to be a wise decision as the implementation was well planned and executed. Many other schools had decided to postpone the implementation due to Covid-19

The Sub-Committees of the Governing Body continued to meet throughout the year also and dealt with specific business, they provide assurance to the Governing Body across a range of activities. This allows the GB to concentrate on more strategic business, such as the School Development Plan (SDP). There has been very good engagement between the Headteacher, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at the school and the Governing Body. Governors have been involved in approving all major decisions including recruitment of school staff.

The non-statutory sub committees are set out below:

Finance, Staffing and Premises
Standards, Performance and Curriculum
Inclusion, Safeguarding and Wellbeing

In addition governors support statutory panels throughout the year, these are necessary to the efficient functioning or operation of the school, these are panels such as pupil discipline, complaints, grievance, Headteacher performance setting and pay awards.

The Chair of Governors visits the school regularly and remains in close contact with the Headteacher in the form of weekly touchpoint meetings.

The Governing Body receives reports / updates from the Headteacher in every meeting. These always focus on progress against set targets and have covered such matters as:

Progress against School Development Plan
Plans relating to the implementation of the new curriculum for Wales
Whole school performance and effectiveness
Staffing levels and wellbeing
School organisation and administration (as appropriate)
Maintenance of buildings
Pupil activities, extra-curricular activities
School attendance
Safeguarding arrangements (as appropriate)
Examination results, school assessment procedures
Local financial management of schools and oversight of the school budget.
Procurement as appropriate

The Governing Body regularly receives updates and presentations from the Pupil’s Council representatives, supports their initiatives and takes onboard pupil feedback. A standing agenda item relating to staff wellbeing also features on the GB agendas and a number of surveys have been undertaken.

The Governing Body has also received and considered various reports and documents from the Local Education Authority, the regional consortium (Education Achievement Service) and the Welsh Government. In addition, the Governing Bodies sub committees continue to approve on a cyclical basis school policies when they are due for review and these are noted by the Governing Body.

The Governing Body approved a number of important matters during the academic year 2022 /2023. These included:

Increasing the numbers in the schools’ special resource base (SSRB)
Provision of a second Deputy Head position to strength the SLT
Recruitments and Secondments as required throughout the year

4. Governing Body Community Engagement

The Governing body forged links with the Welsh Blood Service and held a donor clinic on site. This strengthend community links and saw new blood and bone marrow donors come forward.

Strong links also continued with Rotary via one of our current Governors.

The Governing Body continue to work with the LA with regards to increasing community use of our leisure facilities

5. Attendance

Improving pupil attendance remains a key priority as there are strong links between educational attainment and pupil attendance. Attendance has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic but remains in a positive position when compared to other schools in the Local Authority area. We will continue to celebrate good attendance and reward pupils’ attendance accordingly.

The school’s attendance figures are set out in the table below:

6. Number on Roll/Staffing

At the time of the school census data being collected in January 2023 there were 1055 pupils on roll with 54.1 full-time equivalent members of the teaching staff. In addition, the associate staff consisted of 41 members of staff across the premises, technical support, learning support, administrative, pastoral support teams. Of these staffing numbers, 6 full-time equivalent teachers and 19 Teaching Assistants work within the complex needs’ base (SSRB).

7. School Staff

During the last academic year, the school saw a number of changes to its staffing.

New Staff:

Ellie Owen - Administration Manager
Theresa Garwood - Examinations Officer
Samantha Edwards - Family Engagement Officer
Hannah Johnson - SSRB Teaching Assistant
Hannah Morgan - Deputy Head of English
Richard Thomas - Head of Geography
Jon Vaux - SSRB Teaching Assistant

Staff who left:

Karen Barnaby - Inclusion Officer
Karyn Davies - Assistant Headteacher
Elizabeth Lincoln - PE Teacher
Joanna Case - Learning Coach
Hannah Charlton - Deputy Head of Maths
Martin Davis - Deputy Headteacher
Jessica Dewey - Maths Teacher
Maria Edwards - Head of English
Malaki Forrester - SSRB Teacher
Daniel Jones - IT Technician
Tess Barnbrook - RE/Skills Teacher
Jennifer Rivers - DT Teacher
Erica Gough - Head of Skills
Tim Scarfe - Cover Supervisor
Ceri Stuart - Inclusion Officer
Emma Tate - Cover Supervisor

8. Curriculum

Islwyn High School is an English medium school. The Curriculum offered at the school is summarised below. The broad, balanced educational opportunities provided are in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum. Welsh is taught as a second language to every pupil until they leave.

The New Curriculum for Wales

Whilst our key stage four (GCSE) curriculum offer is by subjects, our curriculum for learners in Year 7 and Year 8 (and Year 9 from September 2024) is now taught through six areas of learning experience (AoLE) which are set out below:

Expressive Arts - Art, Drama & Music
Health and Well-being - PE, PSE, RSE, Food tech
Humanities - Geography, History & Religion, Values & Ethics(RVE)
Languages, Literacy and Communication - English, Welsh, Spanish
Mathematics and Numeracy - Mathematics
Science and Technology - Science, Technology & Digital Communication (IT)

Each AoLE has between three and six ‘what matters’ statements which provide guidance on the content we need to address. At Islwyn High School our curriculum offers wide ranging experiences in each area which focus on learning through exploration, refining skills and understanding, considering local, national and current perspectives in preparation for next steps and lifelong learning.

For example in humanities the pupils will study and immerse themselves in the Newport Rising chartist movement. This has a strong link to the local community and neighbouring schools.

The most important factor regarding assessment is that learners understand what they may need to do in order to improve their work. We call this ‘assessment for learning’ and it is seen in learners' work.

Within each AoLE ‘what matter statements’, there are five ‘progression steps' that learners can achieve by the end of the key stage. Staff will record the progress a learner is making in each what matters statement in relation to their target along with their attitude to learning which is reported to the Senior Leadership Team and Governors. This information will be shared with parents through interim and full reports as published on the calendar.

In setting targets for our learners we use prior data from cluster schools, Cognitive Ability Tests (CATs) and National Test results in literacy and numeracy to set AoLE targets for learners in Year 7 to 9. The learner will then have a clear path to success which is bespoke to them.

Pupils are being assessed via a holistic approach. Using observation, discussion about their learning, summative and formative assessments, diagnostic tools and personalised assessments. Progression steps are used to inform pupils and parents of progress, with each progression step broken up into developing, embedding and securing.

Islwyn high staff (along with cluster primary AOLE leads) have worked collaboratively together to enhance the transition and continuity of the new curriculum. The meetings have been viewed positively and will continue to run as the new curriculum is a process which is ever changing.

Our new curriculum statement can be found here New curriculum statement.

ESTYN Engagement Visit, June 2022

In the summer term (2022), the school received an ESTYN Engagement Visit devoted to New Curriculum planning and preparations. This involved a day’s series of meetings with Senior Leaders, Middle Leaders and pupils, with a number of lessons also observed.

In her subsequent email to the Headteacher, Aranwen Morgans-Thomas (ESTYN) noted the “willingness” of all staff and pupils involved to “contribute so positively throughout the visit”. Reassuringly, the ESTYN team endorsed the school’s approach to the New Curriculum: “from what we saw and heard, you are adopting a sensible approach to the implementation of CfW and ALN reform; making sure it’s piloted effectively and tailored to the needs of your pupils whilst ensuring professional learning opportunities for your staff”.

Key Stage three learners are following the legacy National Curriculum, however many subjects are implementing and refining schemes of learning with Year 7 based on the initial curriculum development work started prior to the pandemic, this was led by a curriculum lead and a number of school curriculum researchers. From September 2023, the New Curriculum for Wales is mandatory for Year 7 and Year 8 Learners.

RADY

Raising the Attainment of Disadvantaged Youngsters (RADY) is a priority for Islwyn High School. The RADY project is a long-term hearts and minds approach, aimed at providing equitability in all aspects of the education journey in Islwyn. As a school we have adopted the RADY principles in the way we work. We have ensured a golden thread throughout the school development plan that prioritises and focuses on ensuring everything is done to close the gap as early as possible. This means disadvantaged youngsters are set the same expectations as their non-disadvantaged peers. The RADY approach is making sure that those learners who need it most get the extra help they need to achieve their full potential.

The school receives additional funding for RADY. A particular investment has been made to ensure all teaching staff with from groups have 1 extra period for RADY. This is specifically used to mentor RADY pupils in their form class to ensure support and guidance is given throughout the pupils' time at Islwyn High school.

Years 7, 8 & 9

All pupils study the following subjects: English,* Mathematics,* Science, Spanish, Welsh, History, Geography, Religious Education, Physical Education, Technology (including Construction, Digital Competence, Food, Product Design Textiles), Music, Art, Digital Competence and Personal and Social Education (PSE). A newly-devised Personal Wellbeing (Pw) lesson has also been introduced throughout Year 7 and 8 - the school responding purposefully to the Wellbeing requirements of the New Curriculum - whilst Performing Arts lessons are also in place across Key Stage 3.

To ensure the support of all pupils within their formative years at Islwyn High School, two distinct classes (based on nurture and ALN provision) are now established within the timetable model for Years 7, 8 and 9. This allows greater focus and time upon key Literacy skills alongside additional nurture support - enhanced hours are set aside for English lessons and lower pupil numbers are maintained in these classes.

Years 10 & 11

All pupils study English, Mathematics, Science, Welsh, Skills Challenge, Religious Education (Ed) and Games.

In addition, three other subjects are chosen - one from each of three options blocks (the example below outlines course options as made available to Year 9 pupils during the summer term of 2023):

Construction, Geography, Health and Social Care, History, Hospitality and Catering, Performing Arts, Separate Science: Triple Award, Sociology
Art, Construction, Geography, Health and Social Care (& Childcare), History, Hospitality and Catering, Physical Education, Sociology
Art, Computer Science, History, Hospitality and Catering, ICT, Music, Physical Education, Product Design, Spanish

The options process conducted in the Spring term of Year 9 is thorough and data-informed. An initial free survey is conducted across the year group to gauge pupils’ interest in a range of qualifications; assembly and classroom talks accompany this and a detailed booklet is published detailing the potential subjects and qualifications for study. Middle leaders also produce website-accessible videos detailing specifics of course content and assessment models.

Results from the free choice survey help to inform curriculum discussions, the formation of potential option blocks and the consideration of subject combinations and qualifications. Careful analysis of these results produces an option block offer that best caters for the cohort of the day, ensuring a breadth of choice both in terms of subject and assessment type. In the Spring of 2023, for example, the school introduced Performing Arts for the first time to provide an opportunity for those pupils who had expressed their interest in studying aspects of Drama and/or Dance.

9. Additional Learning Needs

The School's policy for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) is designed to provide access and inclusion for all ALN pupils to the full curriculum. We provide specialist teaching for identified pupils in small teaching groups as necessary, as well as supporting others with Learning Support Assistants in mainstream classes. We actively look to support learners by removing barriers to learning by ensuring that personalised provision is tailored through a universal provision in classes by the class teacher using One Page Profiles to ensure that needs are shared, and guidance on how best to support teaching and learning included. In this way, pupils with particular learning difficulties receive the support they require but also experience the social and educational integration with their friends which is essential as a preparation for post school life. (A full copy of the ALN policy is available on the school website).

The introduction of the ALN reform has developed a graduated approach to supporting the needs of learners. Welsh Government has identified a specific timeline with almost full rollout, years 7, 9, 10 and 11 will have moved or are due to move onto the new code 2023 - 2024; with the view that this will be completed in 2024 - 2025 to ensure a full coverage and movement to the new guidance. Documentation has been reviewed and the roll over process has begun to ensure that the statutory deadline of July 2024 will be met for these learners. Provision for learners who require support, follow the graduated approach of Universal Provision, Targeted Provision and Specialised Provision according to the level of need for the learner. All parents and carers have been notified if their child fulfils the criteria for the new code, person centred planning meetings held, and relevant documentation established and shared.

Individual Development Plans have replaced Statements for learners in the targeted year groups. This has been completed alongside the Local Authority and many training opportunities provided. The new system ensures that planning will be flexible and responsive, professionals are skilled and confident in identifying needs of learners and strategies of support will be bespoke to ensure that learners overcome barriers to learning and are at the centre of everything we do.

Within the new vision of ALN supporting young people aged 0 - 25, the already high quality transition and enhanced transition opportunities to and from Islwyn High has been reviewed and refined in order to ensure that learner information in and out of Islwyn are comprehensive and provide a full picture of learners.

10. Secondary Special Resource Base

The school also has a Secondary Special Resource Base (SSRB), which provides specialist teaching for pupils from around the county, with complex learning needs. This facility continues to provide a fantastic learning environment for young people and is also delivering the new curriculum as part of their everyday teaching. The Resource Base has had an extra class since September 2023 and now has 63 pupil places.

We continue to work with Caerphilly Adventure Group (CAG), Valley Gymnastics Academy (VGA) and Upbeat Music where learners have experienced a wide range of activities to develop confidence, develop resilience and support fitness development.

We held a successful Christmas Fayre attended by families, pupils and staff. Our Christmas Concert was also very successful and well attended.

Class Dojo has been embedded for keeping in touch with families and regular photographs, videos and updates are sent home, showing class activities. We continue to develop a presence on Twitter, which has been favourable with our parents. These are both used to share important information and to update our families.

11. Physical Education Department 2022/23 -2023/24

The 2023 exam series again was a very good one for the Physical Education (PE) department highlighting our consistent success at GCSE exam level, with 89% of pupils (56 in the cohort) gaining a C or above, and 48% of pupils gaining either an A or A*. Both were slight improvements from the 2022 exam results.

Throughout this year, 20 year 10 pupils were trained by Sports Caerphilly as Sports Leaders and have been very proactive in volunteering to assist the PE department, our local primary schools and Sports Caerphilly in leading activities - including volunteering at sports camps during school holidays.

In 2023 we provided 7 pupils in years 10 and 11 with an opportunity to complete the WRU level 1 referee course and these pupils upon completion of the course have already volunteered their time to help officiate year 7 school rugby matches (Thomas Murphy and Daniel Robets).

Following the success of the rugby course, we offered 20 year 10 and 11 pupils the chance to complete the Football Association of Wales referee course in 2023 and again, these pupils have volunteered their time to help officiate year 7 and 8 boys and girls football matches. (Joshua Livesey- Hambridge)

Rugby - Once again strong representation from Islwyn High School in the Islwyn schools U15 / 16 district development programme (Harrison Miles, Ollie Hiscott, Daniel Roberts, Thomas Murphy, Evan Davies, Jake Sheppard, Charlie Gregory).

Dragons under 16s 2022/23. Tayan Bevan Jones / Ethan Patterson / Jayden Matthews

Dragons under 16s 2023/24. Dan Roberts, Tom Murphy, Jake Sheppard, Evan Davies, Charlie Gregory, Ollie Hiscott

Niamh Corchran-Lockley = Dragons Women U18

All year groups entered into the Caerphilly Cup competitions, as well as the Urdd rugby

National 7s tournament.

Year 7 Caerphilly Plate winners 2023

Year 9 Caerphilly Bowl winners 2023

Year 9 Welsh Cup last 32 2024

Year 11 Caerphilly Plate winners 2024

Basketball - representation at the Urdd 3v3 basketball tournament 2023 - with two U15 teams entered, with one team of year 10 pupils reaching the semi finals.

Football - All boys’ year groups, including U13 / U15 girls teams are entered into the Welsh and Caerphilly Cup football competitions. Year 8 also entered into the Gwent Cup.

Year 7 Caerphilly Schools’ winners 2023

Under 13 Girls’ Caerphilly Cup winners 2023

Under 14’s boys - South Wales Schools’ Plate winners 2023

Year 8 have made it through to the final in 2024 and will aim to defend their title.

Year 7 pupils Charlie Maher - Caerphilly Schools & SE Wales Regional, Ollie Stadden, Ellis Franklin, Jayke Symons - Caerphilly and District Schools 2023/24.

Myah Newell, Caroline Barham, Eden Richards, Maisie Davies - Caerphilly Schools U’12’s - 2022/23.

Cade Foxwell, Sam Morgan Tommy Godwin, Charlie John, Lewis Potter U12s / U13s 2022/23 + 2023/2024.

Aimee Cake and Nyree Lowther (year 9) both selected to represent Welsh Schools U14s after impressing at District level, representing Caerphilly Schools.

Jayden Bowden, Shae Grimstead and Morgan Harrison - Caerphilly and District Schools’ U15s 2023/2024.

2023/24 season - Year 8 boys and both U13 and U15 girls’ teams all progress from the regional rounds, to the National rounds of the Welsh Schools’ Cup.

Netball

Georgia Gambold South East Wales U14s 2022/23

Mia Parry Lewis, Jasmin Grainger South East Wales U16 Netball team 2022/23

Georgia Gambold South East Wales U16 Netball team 2023/24.

Ellie-Grace Lord and Libby Jones U14 Islwyn district netball squad 2023/24.

Ellie Jones (2022/23) Grace Hughes, Grace Hawker, Imogen Simpkins (2023/24)U16 Islwyn district netball squad 2023/24.

Individual honours:

Joshua Johnson (year 9) - East Wales Rugby League
Jayden Stebbings (year 10) - East Wales Rugby League
Keon Hawker-Price (year 10) - Wales Basketball U’15’s
Jake Sheppard (year 11) - Wales Rugby League U16 2023/2024
Dylan John (year 11) - Wales Schools FA U16
Megan Titchener (year 11) - Wales Swimming
Ethan Patterson - Wales Rugby League U’16 2023
Maddison Perrott - Wales Women U17 (2022); Under 19 (2023).

Crosscountry - 2023 Amelia Watkins (year 10) Jaden Morgan, Jaydan Bowgen (year 11) represented South East Wales. In 2024 Year 7’s Grace Andrews, Macy Davies, Sonny Dunn, Year 8’s Poppy Howells, represented South East Wales in the Welsh Schools Cross country Championships at Brecon.

Cricket - Ella Morris (year 7), Ellie-Grace Lord (year 8), Ollie Lloyd (year 8) Oliver Morris (year 9) all selected for Wales Cricket winter training squads.

Table Tennis - Charlie Meek, Finlay Williams (year 8) and Oliver Williams (year 11) - Wales table tennis.

Dance - Freya Walker (year 10), National Dance Champion 2024. Lowri Brass (year 8) Ballet Cymru Associate. - Welsh National Schools Street Dance - Champions 2023. Dancers performed at Coleg Gwent’s ‘This is us’ Performing Arts showcase evening with great success..

Athletics - Grace Hawker (year 10) selected for the Welsh Athletics Development Program 2023/24.

District Champions 2023

Year 7:

Poppy Howells - High Jump + 800m
Mille Hiscott - Discus
Lara Patterson - 200m
4 x 100m relay team
Lucian Edwards - 200m
Wyn Davies - 800m
4 x 100m relay team

Year 8:

Freya Price - High Jump
Ethan Green - 800m

Year 9/10:

Grace Hawker - Shot + Discus
Skye Frances - 300m
Amelia Watkins - 1500m
Riley Mates - 80m Hurdles
Josh Livesey-Hambridge - Javelin + 100m
Thomas Paul - 400m
Jaden Morgan - 800m

Grace Hawker South East Wales County Champion in both the Discus with a new Championship Record and Shot Putt

The Athletics track was once again a fantastic venue for our Inter House ‘Sports Day’ with Eirth (Green House) taking the overall victory on the day, with many pupils enjoying participating and competing in various athletics events throughout the day.

Once again the Department held the annual summer term ‘Race for life’, where pupils ran a 5k loop around the school site, with donations raising £1000 for Cancer Research UK. Ex pupils from our PE alumni continue to perform well with ex pupils Harri Ackerman, current captain of the Wales U’20 squad six nations squad, Callum Hutton and Jaiden Fowell, both representing Bristol City U21s with scholarship contracts. Upon leaving in 2023, Ethan Patterson gained a scholarship to Hartpury College to continue his studies around representing the college in rugby. In the summer of 2023, Jaden Morgan, became the Junior Long course (Triathlon). U18 champion.

New Curriculum

The department are well under way in revamping the curriculum for Health and wellbeing, working under 4 main themes - Physical Literacy | Team Building and Cooperation | Health, Fitness and Wellbeing | The Olympics.

12. Learning and Teaching

The school continues to strive to ensure that Learning and Teaching provides all of our pupils with the tools they need to be successful and progress on to the next stage of their educational journeys. Amongst its priorities, the school:

Continues to improve the performance of pupils eligible for free school meals.
Continues to focus on the consistency of feedback to support learner progression and deepen thinking.
Continues to improve standards of literacy, numeracy and learner independence.

Refined Priorities 2023-24

Our refined priorities for this year continue to be based upon our core TEACHER principles:

Following the outcomes of robust self evaluation processes and the review of our improvement priorities, the following areas have been identified as key foci for our professional learning sessions this year:

Tasks are Challenging and Engaging
Scaffolding Supports Learners
Marking Raises Expectations
Whole School Literacy

The professional learning sessions outlined below have formed the foundation for the continued improvement of these areas and are used, along with our robust self evaluation systems and processes, to closely monitor the quality of Learning and Teaching across the school.

13. Professional Learning 2023-24

Our continued commitment to ensuring Learning and Teaching at Islwyn High School is underpinned by effective Professional Learning is central to the progress of our pupils.

Our dedicated professional learning periods, that are included within all teachers’ timetables, continue to be a key feature of our practice.

The focus of the sessions is based on outcomes from our self evaluation processes which include: lesson observation cycles, learning walks, book looks and thematic reviews which allow us to identify strengths and areas for further development.

During the dedicated professional learning sessions, strategies and focus areas are discussed, evaluated and theorised in a discussion context (known as Professional Learning A) and are underpinned by teacher trails (Professional Learning B) which aim to develop an increasingly open-door culture of sharing good practice across the curriculum.

The sequential shift between research-based learning and practical ‘trialling’ of activities is one we will continue to operate so that we can continue to enhance elements of whole school, AoLE and individual teacher practice.

Our first term of PLA sessions for 23/24 have allowed us to collaboratively work towards refining and further developing our understanding of the following areas to raise standards and improve outcomes for ALL groups of pupils:

The dedicated professional learning sessions are complemented by a range of sharing ‘best practice’ forums which include the distribution of Learning and Teaching newsletters, the sharing of ‘golden nuggets’ amongst staff, dedicated INSET time and directed meeting time.

14. ICT Developments

The school continues to fulfil our vision for the 1:1 device scheme. All students are provided with a Lenovo Chromebook when they join the school to support their learning and progress. Developing the school’s server capacity was seen as a priority at this time and by purchasing two HPE Proliant DL-380 and two Win Server Core Licences we were able to ensure we had the required infrastructure to support the number of devices being used on the school site on a daily basis.

We have continued to utilise the Welsh Government Hwb EDTech programme funding to further develop the learning environment by purchasing eighteen Clevertouch Impact 86-inch screens that have been installed in classrooms. The screens are of a very high standard and offer many benefits to both teaching and learning. The screens are also able to connect to any other device on the network, which supports interactive and collaborative work through the students' Chromebooks. Witnessing the positive impact the screens had on the learning environment, we made the decision to purchase a further six screens, using funds outside of the EDTech funding.

We have now worked with our digital printing solution provider (Xerox) for a year and are happy with the quality and service provided. We have another two years left on the Xerox contract. As hoped, working with Xerox has improved the printing and copying services in the school and saved money from our previous contract.

The school continues to work with the LEA on maintenance and further development of the school network to support the use of mobile devices.

The School IT Support Team consisting of the school Network Manager and ICT Technician provide daily onsite support for the monitoring and maintenance of the school IT systems and student devices.

ICT Security

Caerphilly County Borough Council IT & Networks continues to upgrade and support the Internet filtering via Smoothwall which allows us to control and limit pupils and staff use of the internet. Ensuring only appropriate educational information and systems are available on school and pupil devices.

Caerphilly County Borough Council IT & Security continues to update and improve antivirus protection on all school devices using Trellix software.

To ensure the protection of school data and pupil work, are stored and backed to a centralised server held by Caerphilly County Borough Council and recovery process are inplace and accessible when and if need especially if a partial or complete system failure occurred.

All school servers are working on an access level basis, ensuring all staff and pupils can only access information and areas of our network relevant to them only. This ensure the safety of all users and digital information held by the school

15. Transition

One of our key aims at Islwyn High is to ensure as smooth a transition from primary to secondary school as possible, working in partnership with our cluster family of primary schools throughout. The transition team visited all our cluster primaries to build close working relationships and allay any fears the year 6 pupils may have had about starting secondary school. Mrs Price also visited all our feeder primary schools throughout the year to deliver Welsh lessons every fortnight.

In the summer term it was lovely to invite the parents of year 6 pupils in for a welcome evening and tour of the school. This was well attended and feedback was very positive. We were able to invite all our year 6 pupils into school for a day where they spent time with their new form teachers building new friendships and getting to know each other through our Wales Restorative Approaches Partnership (WRAP) initiatives. They also attempted some experiments in Science and had a go at learning new skills in Technology. This day was a great success with many year 6 pupils excited to join us in September. Miss Bow, the Year 7 Progress Leader, also visited every primary school to introduce herself to pupils and distributed transition packs which consisted of an introductory letter, one page profile and data collection. Miss Bow enjoyed going out to each primary school to get to know the pupils and share information with them. Miss Sam Edwards our Family Liaison Officer also visited each primary school with a worry monster to talk and discuss with the pupils what their worries and fears were. In July we had a group of More Able & Talented (MAT) pupils from each of the primaries join some of our year 7 MAT pupils to work on a MAT project ‘Wild Wales’. This was well attended and Miss Turner was very proud of the end result. We also held some enhanced transition visits for those pupils identified by their primary schools as benefiting from extra visits. This enabled pupils to meet key staff and work with them to build relationships ready for September.

During August the school was open to allow year 6 parents the opportunity to look at our Uniform Swap Shop and take whatever uniform they wished to reduce, reuse, recycle. Doing our bit to help support parents and carers in a time of cost of living crisis.

We continue to use the successful dedicated transition email address which was available to allow concerned parents access to answers during the Summer term. All pupils started in September with great enthusiasm and settled really quickly to the new environment and community.

16. Year 11 Leavers Destinations

17. The School Buildings

The School Site Team proactively maintain the school through daily checks and the reporting of defects to the Business Manager. During school holiday time the team continue a programme of painting and decorating to keep the internal fabric of the building at a high standard, and overseeing statutory and non-statutory maintenance contracts on school equipment.

Community use of the 3G and Sports hall has continued in earnest this year with a full programme of usage in place through the school term time. Work is continuing with the Local Authority to implement a Community Use Agreement to enable the Local Authority to take over the hire and running of community facilities outside of agreed times during the school day including on weekends and during school holidays.

Overall, the school spent £67,918 in terms of pre-emptive and responsive maintenance.

Health and Safety

The school continues to be supported by a Service Level Agreement with CCBC Building Consultancy on matters relating to statutory maintenance, all of which are documented and monitored through the RAMIS system. Ramis is a database that records and tracks all Health and Safety matters.

The school’s CCTV system is remotely monitored out of hours by the CCBC CCTV Monitoring Centre at Tiryberth, with the Fire and Intruder systems remotely monitored via a private alarm monitoring centre.

The LEA continues to provide the support of a Health & Safety Officer via the school’s Health & Safety Service Level Agreement. The Health and Safety officer visits the school fortnightly providing advice and support such as carrying out inspections and providing support relating to items such as staff training, risk assessments and policies.

Toilet Facilities

There are plenty of very well-maintained toilets available on all floors. These main sets of toilets are complemented by a number of accessible toilets across the whole building for anyone requiring them. The school fully complies with the Equality Act 2010 in this regard.

18. School Development Planning

Following the creation of the school’s three-year strategic plans, all areas of the school have reviewed progress on meeting the targets that were set. The priorities which include raising levels of attendance, achieving the best GCSE results year on year and raising the attainment of disadvantaged young people (RADY) are in line with Local Authority and Welsh Government areas of focus and are reviewed regularly by the EAS Schol Improvement Partner (SIP). Departments have gone through the process of creating new annual action plans in line with the aims identified in the three-year strategic plan and their work is now even now more closely linked to whole school priorities.

A key element to the effective delivery of the plan is funding and the school remains committed to providing a high level of resourcing in order for aims and objectives to be successfully met and the Curriculum For Wales to be delivered appropriately.

The Headteacher provides a regular update on the SDP to the Governing Body

19. Wider Life of the School

At Islwyn High School, the governors are extremely proud that the school plays a full and active role within the communities in which it serves. The facilities on offer include:

4G Pitch and Sports Hall– fully booked for almost every session available after school with usage on weekends and school holidays overseen by the Local Authority.
School Hall – regularly booked for Rotary Club competitions and other organisations’ events
Primary school events- several events have been run by local primary schools using the school hall, sports facilities and the minibuses.

2022/23 has seen the return of educational visits and school trips to the school calendar now that COVID restrictions have lifted. These have included local day trips as well as overseas and over night visits to provide opportunities for our pupils.

20. GCSE Outcomes 2022-3

This year was the second year of GCSE examinations since the covid-19 pandemic..

We made every effort to ensure that pupils felt settled and prepared for the occasion: revision sessions were held across several school holidays (and pupils were accommodated in examination venues so to desensitise a potentially daunting experience), with a considerable Year 11 turnout each time. To ensure RADY/eFSM pupils had every opportunity to attend, phone calls were made/messages were sent directly to parents and carers. Pizza lunches were also provided by the school - an incentive all enjoyed.

GCSE Outcomes 2023

The resulting GCSE outcomes were the best examination-based results in the school’s history. The Capped 9 measure of 382.16 bettered the previous record of 360. The 5 A*-A indicator also increased from 18.5% to 20.99%

The table below indicates the key performance indicators for the school Capped 9 average point score, Literacy average point score, Numeracy average point score and Science average point score. These figures exclude pupils from the SSRB. The Capped 9 average point score consists of a pupil's best 9 results inclusive of at least 1 Literacy score, 1 Science score and 1 Numeracy score.

The resulting GCSE outcomes were the best examination-based results in the school’s history. The capped 9 measure of 382.16 bettered the previous record of 360. The 5A*-A indicator also increased from 18.5% to 20.99%. These figures exclude pupils from the SSRB.

21. 2022-23 School Targets:

This year’s whole-school targets (against five Key Performance Indicators) have been produced following consultation with Core [subject] Middle Leaders. In meetings with SLT, Heads of Department across all subject areas have also agreed upon a number of targets to support the school’s Capped 9 (and eFSM Capped 9) aims.

22. Financial Statement

Introduction

The Headteacher is accountable for the school budget which is overseen by the School’s Business Manager and the Finance, Premises and Staffing Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee receive a budget update at each meeting and have also developed a financial risk framework and list of financial planning assumptions. The school’s financial position remains positive and within acceptable tolerances. The Business manager regularly meets with the Local Authorities Finance Business Partner to review funding. The school was not in receipt of any gifts in the 2022/23 financial year neither were there any payments made to members of the Governing Body for travel or subsistence.

Inflation, energy etc absorbed

The following table shows the schools financial positions at 31st March 2023

*This carry forward includes funding that was allocated to the development of the new pupil support centre and Multi Use Games Area on site in partnership with CCBC.

Term Dates & School Day

Term Dates 2023/24

Autumn Term 2023

Term starts Friday 1 September 2023
Half term starts Monday 30 October 2023
Half term ends Friday 3 November 2023
Term ends Friday 22 December 2023

Spring Term 2024

Term starts Monday 8 January 2024
Half term starts Monday 12 February 2024
Half term ends Friday 16 February 2024
Term ends Friday 22 March 2024

Summer Term 2024

Term starts Monday 8 April 2024
Half term starts Monday 27 May 2024
Half term ends Friday 31 May 2024
Term ends Friday 19 July 2024

INSET DAYS 2023-24

1st September
8th December
22nd December
22nd March
18th July
19th July

School Day

Islwyn High School

Waterloo

Oakdale

BLACKWOOD

NP12 0NU

www.islwynhigh.org

01495-233600

Email: islwynhighschool@sch.caerphilly.gov.uk