Islwyn High School Ysgol Uwchradd lslwyn School Prospectus 2025/26

Dear Parent/Carer,

Choosing the best school for your child is a vitally important decision. Parents need to be sure that, in addition

to a sound education, pupils will be cared for in a happy and safe environment. In this brochure we offer you an insight into some of the opportunities available to your children at Islwyn High School. We have a brand new 21st Century campus to help us achieve our ambitions but we fully acknowledge that a school is so much more than just a building.

We believe we can offer the opportunities and security children need to achieve their best. Everything that we do is driven by our commitment to provide your children with the highest standards of teaching and learning. In return we have very high expectations of student behaviour and their commitment to the learning process. Teachers lead by providing a mature example so that mutual respect and tolerance are the cornerstones of school life.

As a school we are very proud of the young people in our care and their excellent levels of attendance, academic and sporting successes and participation in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Staff are dedicated to helping each child achieve his or her full potential and to this end work tirelessly to promote the effective partnerships that have been forged amongst parents, teachers, children and the community we serve. Our ambition is that all our students will feel that they belong at our school, believe that they can succeed with us and will ultimately achieve their full potential during their time with us.

I hope that you find the information in this brochure interesting and informative. We are delighted to welcome visitors into our school, so if you would like to learn more about the life and work of Islwyn High School, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Jason Hicks - BA (Hons) MA Ed Headteacher

Introduction

OUR KEY PURPOSE

Islwyn High School aims to provide the best possible learning experiences for children with all abilities within a safe, child-centered and happy working environment.

OUR HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS

Our pupils have only one chance to make the most of their school days and it follows therefore that everyone in the school, including governors, teachers, support staff and pupils must use the limited time that we have together to full effect. Expectations about what we can achieve must be high and underpinned by strong educational provision. This way, we can jointly seek to develop the full potential of every one of us.

OUR COMMITMENT

We are committed to providing the best possible learning experiences as we firmly believe that effective learning, and the success of individual pupils, is dependent on teaching of the highest quality. This teaching must be in an atmosphere where we are constantly striving for improvement and looking to raise expectations.

General Information

BACKGROUND

Islwyn High School School was formed in 2016 as a result of an amalgamation of Oakdale and Pontllanfraith Comprehensive Schools.

CATCHMENT AREA

The catchment area provides a good comprehensive intake from not only Pontllanfraith and Oakdale, but also extending in the east to Trinant, to Bryn in the west and southwards to Ynysddu, Cwmfelinfach and Wattsville.

SCHOOL ROLL

The school roll is currently 1061 pupils, including 63 pupils in the Special Resource Base. There are 66 teaching staff including the Headteacher and two deputies. The available spaces in each year group at the start of the academic year were as follows: Year 7 – Full, Year 8 – Full, Year 9 – Full, Year 10 – 12, Year 11 – 3.

ACCOMMODATION

The school occupies an enviable site on the Oakdale Business Park. It is located on the site where the former Oakdale Colliery stood up until 1989.

The main school is three storeys high and a sports hall of a similar height is linked to a two-storey building that is the school’s dining hall. It is built in a modern design and also includes a garden, outdoor classroom in the form of an amphitheatre and a pond. The school boasts a floodlit 3G sports pitch and a 200 metre athletics track, along with a multi-use sports pitch for netball and tennis.

There is also a fully equipped community classroom that can be booked by local groups for after school use.

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

Mr G Bryce

HEADTEACHER

Mr J Hicks

DEPUTY HEADTEACHERS

Mrs N Bowden Mr O Williams

ASSISTANT HEADTEACHERS

Mrs J Underwood

Mr Gareth Fowler

ALNCo

Mrs N Strachan

BUSINESS MANAGER

Mrs E Paskell

School Organisation

FORM GROUPS

All incoming Year 7 pupils are visited at their primary schools in June and spend at least one full day with us prior to entry in September. After discussion with primary school teachers, pupils are placed in pastoral forms where possible according to friendship groups.

After completion of the first term, teaching will increasingly be in ability sets for some subjects, and either form or mixed ability groups for others according to the educational demands most appropriate for each subject.

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

Every pupil is allocated target progression step scores as part of the school’s academic tracking programme. This score, ranging from 4S to 2D, is based on the results of an objective intelligence assessment made early in the term along with consultation with their primary teachers and results achieved at the end of Key Stage 2.

As soon as these targets are allocated, pupils are expected, and supported, to achieve their potential in every subject from day one. Assessments are made against this target at least once every term and the results are communicated home. This allows us to celebrate success or to quickly identify any underachievement. Target scores can be changed at any time as a result of persistent under or over-achievement.

Parents will be invited into school during the first term to discuss engagement in lessons with the form tutor. This is essential two-way dialogue about individuals’ academic potential.

Parents’ Information

ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARENTAL VISITS AND INVOLVEMENT

Parents are always very welcome in the school. It is important, however, to make an appointment first to ensure that particular staff are free to see them.

Parents’ evenings are arranged every year according to the year group and ALL parents are encouraged to attend to allow us to discuss individuals’ progress in every subject and to address any problems or barriers to learning. We sincerely believe that parental involvement and support is an essential factor in determining a child’s commitment to learning and level of self- esteem. All parents are given the opportunity to attend evenings either remotely or online.

In addition, pupils will be periodically asked to relay governance information home on issues such as parent governor elections, dates of statutory meetings and other essential matters.

Our preferred method of communicating with parents as a whole is by Classcharts and email. We request that we are kept up to date with current email addresses. We ask that all parents download the Classcharts app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. In addition, the school’s website is another essential source of information along with our X @IslwynHigh or Facebook accounts.

HOME SCHOOL AGREEMENT

In common with all schools we have a home school agreement which parents and carers are asked to sign. A copy of this agreement can be found at the back of this brochure and on the school’s website.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES & RACIAL EQUALITY

The Equality Act 2010 requires all schools to have equality objectives in place. These objectives cover all the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, and include the Welsh language in Wales.

The Strategic Equality Plan, which can be accessed on request, sets out the school’s commitment to promoting and ensuring equality of opportunity to all pupils in lessons. Extra- curricular provision such as use of the library and ICT facilities are available. Homework clubs, sports and music activities take place during / after the school day. Visits and residential trips are regular features in the school calendar.

COMPLAINTS

Should you have reason to complain about the curriculum or any other issue, the school’s complaints’ procedure can be found on the school website. The process involves an initial informal contact with your child’s Progress Manager initially but if you are not satisfied, you may make a formal complaint to the Headteacher. If not resolved, this then progresses through to the Chair of Governors who will undertake a formal investigation.

Monitoring Pupil Progress

MERIT SYSTEM

Pupils may be praised by individual subject teachers in the form of rewards, using the Class Charts system. This includes sending postcards home and positive phone calls.

A points system is also used and is based on factors such as attendance, behaviour and uniform. This will influence whether or not a pupil is eligible for end of term rewards.

EXAMINATIONS

Pupils’ progress is monitored by continuous assessment, supplemented by either internal or external formal examinations. At Key Stage 4, mock GCSE examinations usually take place during the Autumn Term in Year 11 and at the end of the Spring Term in Year 10.

All pupils are entered for as many subjects as they are capable at GCSE. The school’s aim is to support and challenge all pupils to achieve their potential and to ensure everyone, who is capable, to attain at least five GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C, including English and Mathematics.

REPORTS AND SNAPSHOTS

Parents will receive one full report at some point during the academic year that will include full progress updates and commentary from every subject teacher. In addition, two snapshot-style interim reports will be sent out throughout the year that will focus on progress against expected progressions step scores in all subjects. Judgments on effort and behaviour will also be included.

The anticipated date for the issue of these reports can be found on the school website.

PARENTS’ EVENINGS

All parents are invited to visit the school at least once a year to discuss their child’s progress. Pupils will make appointments with their teachers that are mutually convenient. It is essential that parents make every effort to attend, as this is the school’s opportunity to celebrate success and to discuss any underachievement. Your child will inform you when such an event is due, but the dates can also be found on the school’s website.

In addition, parents are encouraged to contact us at any time if they have concerns about their child’s wellbeing or academic progress.

In the first term, parents / carers of Year 7 pupils will have the opportunity to discuss how well new pupils have settled into school. Also, during this term, there is a ‘mentoring week’ for parents / carers of Year 11 pupils to discuss progress and important examination information over the current year with Form tutors. In the Spring Term, during the parents’ evening for Year 9 pupils, there is also the opportunity to discuss GCSE subject choices.

Additional Learning Needs

MORE ABLE AND TALENTED

Pupils who are more able and talented are challenged to reach their potential through both curricular and extra-curricular activities. We also link this with pupils in our partner primary schools. For example, the Mathematics Department has, for a number of years, provided Year 6 pupils with additional numerical challenges and opportunities. If ready to achieve the highest grade, early GCSE entry is a possibility.

We engage with ‘The Brilliant Club’ and the SEREN network to ensure that our most able students can experience a glimpse of what university has to offer. Our senior Physical Education pupils are encouraged to become involved in Sports Leadership programmes and to assist our partner schools. There are also many opportunities for more able musicians in the area. These are just a few examples of the collaborative work that takes place.

PUPIL SUPPORT

At Islwyn High School, we pride ourselves on the range of support offered to pupils with additional learning needs. We have a new dedicated Cynefin provision for pupils to access if they require support. This includes access to our HWB space should pupils require time to reset.

Pupils benefit from strong transitional links with our partner primary schools. Mrs Strachan is constantly in two-way communication about vital pupil information before children transfer. Annual reviews for pupils in Years 5 and 6 are also attended to allow us to plan ahead for pupils’ individual needs.

Most of these pupils make good progress in mixed-ability classes although a minority benefit from being in a small group where they can be more closely monitored and supported. Other pupils are given the opportunity to improve their literacy and numeracy in small groups working with specialist staff and these pupils make excellent progress.

We are fully committed to supporting the educational achievement and wellbeing of children who are looked, recognising the unique challenges they may face. Mrs T. Crooker is CLA Champion.

The Curriculum

HOW WILL STUDENTS BE ASSESSED?

The most important factor regarding assessment is that pupils understand what they may need to do to

improve their work. We call this ‘assessment for learning’ and it is seen in pupils' work.

Within each AoLE ‘what matter statements’, there are five ‘progression steps' that pupils can achieve by the end of the key stage. Staff will record the progress a pupil 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 pupils, we use prior data from cluster schools, Cognitive Ability Tests (CATs) and National Test results in literacy and numeracy to set AoLE targets for pupils in Year 7 to 9. The pupil will then have a clear flight path to success which is bespoke to them.

The Curriculum

This will be reported to parents/guardians each term along with an attitude to learning score. This will provide an up-to-date view on how well your child is progressing toward their target and whether they are engaging in the learning of each subject area.

MANDATORY ELEMENTS OF THE NEW CURRICULUM

The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 puts mandatory duties on schools – things they are legally required to do. The following elements are mandatory parts of the curriculum:

• Relationships and sexuality education (which will be delivered through Health and Wellbeing lessons).

• Religion Values and Ethics (RVE).

• Welsh.

• The cross-curricular skills (literacy, numeracy and digital competence)

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

At Islwyn High School. We offer the following subjects:

Key Stage 3

In Years 7, 8 and 9, the following subjects are studied:

• English

• Mathematics

• Science

• Welsh

• Art

• Computer Science

• Design and Technology (including Food Technology, Product Design and Textiles)

• Drama

• Humanities (Year 7 and 8)

• Geography

• History

• Information and Communication Technology (known as Digital Competence in Years 7 and 8)

• Music

• Physical Education

• Personal & Social Education (PSE)

• Religious Education

• Spanish

The Curriculum

SEX EDUCATION

The sex education programme is tailored to the age and understanding of pupils. The course is delivered as part of the PSE programme and its purpose is to provide information about loving relationships, the nature of sexuality and the process of human reproduction enabling pupils to learn to view their relationships in a responsible and healthy manner.

It has been designed so that facts are presented in an objective, balanced and sensitive manner, set within a clear framework of values and an awareness of the law on sexual behaviour. Parents are encouraged to appreciate the value of stable family life, marriage and the responsibilities of parenthood. The importance of self-restraint, dignity, respect for themselves and others, acceptance of responsibility, sensitivity towards the needs of others, loyalty and fidelity are continually stressed.

Parents who feel apprehensive about the content of the programme are welcome to discuss the matter with us and all concerns will be treated with sensitivity. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of the sex education provided – apart from where delivered in Science in the National Curriculum.

OPTION EVENINGS

Parents and pupils are invited to discuss option choices in Year 9 before progressing to Key Stage. Careers advisors, and representatives from Coleg Gwent, are present on these occasions. Pupils are required to choose a number of subjects from option menus that are adjusted annually following an extensive programme of consultation. The current options’ menu can be viewed on the school’s website.

CAREERS ADVICE & GUIDANCE

This aspect of the work of the school is included in the PSE programme and as part of normal teaching where appropriate. Pupils are given a broad awareness of the world of work to ensure they are informed when making decisions on their pathways pre and post 16.

The Careers Advisor is based at the school several days a week and a considerable amount of me is spent on advice and support for students seeking places at further educational establishments, apprenticeship programmes or those seeking employment.

The school benefits from a full time Careers Advisor and one-to-one interviews are set up for Key Stage 4 pupils during the school year. Year 9 pupils are also given advice before choosing their options. In addition to this, pupils are encouraged to make their own appointments as the need arises.

You can also contact the Careers Centres directly for help and advice at:

Careers Wales (Gwent), 57 High St, Blackwood, Gwent. NP12 1BA

Tel: 0800 0284844

Discipline

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR

The school actively promotes a strong positive ethos where pupils’ efforts and achievements are recognised, rewarded and celebrated.

Our school is an orderly, secure and caring community where discipline is based on mutual respect, with clear systems and consistent procedures.

Our aim is that children should enjoy attending school in a safe, secure and stimulating environment where they can develop their full potential.

Pupils know that anti‐social behaviour is totally unacceptable and that appropriate sanctions will be applied according to the level of seriousness of the behaviour concerned. School rules are therefore kept to a minimum and are mainly concerned with the safety and health of pupils along with maintaining a positive learning environment for all. Disruption within the classroom will not be tolerated at any time.

We expect pupils to use common sense, courtesy and respect for others and demand very high standards of behaviour. Our aim is to achieve this in an atmosphere where we all work together. Our School Behaviour Code and Classroom Behaviour Expectations are highly visible across the school and a copy is available on request. As outlined in our mission and vision statement at the beginning of the booklet, we expect all pupils to uphold the values set out by their peers in our Pupil Charter.

School Uniform

School uniform is compulsory for all pupils

School uniform is in place to put all pupils on an equal footing. It needs to be comfortable, easy to wash and suitable for work. It also needs to conform to health and safety rules and is there to create a sense of belonging to the school community.

The school is proud of its uniform and ALL pupils are expected to comply fully with the school’s requirements. Parents are expected to support the school in enforcing these guidelines at all times.

The school uniform is available from local suppli- ers or separate items can be purchased from national multiple stores, however it is expected that every item of clothing will comply with the school uniform requirements.

We do not allow designer clothes, designer hair- styles such as tramlines, unnatural hair colours, jewellery (apart from a watch) or make-up. We also do not believe children should be allowed to challenge us on such matters. If parents are unclear as to the suitability of any items of clothing, they should contact the school before purchasing them to avoid unnecessary costs.

Outdoor coats should be dark in colour - no leather jackets, jumpers or tops with slogans, tracksuit tops or hoodies. Caps should not be worn.

Uniform Suppliers

AJM Schoolwear- Cwmfelinfach Tel: 01495 200548

Darren Morgan Sports- Cross Keys Tel: 01495 271995

ALL PUPILS

Compulsory items:

● School blazer

● School tie (different for Years 7 - 9 and 10 - 11)

● Plain black tailored trousers or black knee- length skirt

● Plain white shirt

● Unisex PE t-shirt and PE shorts or PE skirt

● Unisex socks

Optional items :

● V-neck jumper with contrasting trim and school logo

● PE hoody

● PE splash top

Summer Term:

In the summer term, pupils have the option of wearing the winter uniform above, or, they may replace the blazer, shirt and tie with the

school’s white polo shirt. A black jumper may still be worn.

Examinations

PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS

The intention is to enable as many pupils as possible to receive nationally recognised qualifications and external validation of their work. We avoid the creation of non‐ examination groups and pupils are entered for examinations where they have at least a reasonable chance of success.

The aim is to prepare every pupil for life by providing the opportunity to achieve his or her potential. Preparation for success in external examinations is one of our main priorities from day one.

Appropriate preparation for external examinations is expected from all pupils and the school reserves the right to charge parents for any re-sits that may be required as a result of a lack of commitment to the first time sitting.

DATA PROTECTION

The General Data Protection Regulation 2018 has been introduced to govern provisions and requirements pertaining to the processing of individuals' personal data.

The following is a summary privacy notice:

Islwyn High School processes personal information about pupils and their families to support pupil learning and monitor attainment, to provide pastoral care, and to keep children safe.

We also process personal information to meet the statutory duties placed upon us by Welsh Government, to administer optional school trips and activities, and to deliver the school catering service, which may include verifying identity using biometric systems.

The school takes its responsibilities under data protection law very seriously, and will store and use all personal information securely, disposing of it when no longer required. Personal information may be shared securely for clear purposes with other organisations such as Caerphilly County Borough Council, Welsh Government, or other external partners (e.g. other Local Authorities, Health Boards, and Special Educational Needs Tribunal Wales) that provide a service to pupils / families.

You have a number of rights in relation to your personal information, including the right of access to information and the right of complaint.

For more information, please refer to the school website.