Frequently Asked Questions

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How is contact made between school and home? We use a variety of methods to contact parents from phone calls, to letters and digital means.&nbsp;Parents are able to download the Expressions app to a device.&nbsp;Here all communications are posted, pupil timetables, attendance and achievements can be viewed.&nbsp;Messages can be sent to us through the app also.&nbsp; Classcharts will allow parents to view homework activities and monitor rewards/sanctions given. Ysgol Bro Gwaun has its own Facebook and Twitter pages, and our school website is regularly updated with information and announcements.&nbsp;All children have a school planner, a message can be placed in these for staff.&nbsp;Google Classroom is used to contact your child via form groups or subject classrooms.

What are the timings of the day? School begins at 8.50am and ends at 3.10pm.&nbsp;During the day pupils have five lessons and follow a two-week timetable.&nbsp;Pupils have a break and lunchtime, which is currently staggered to avoid year group bubble mixing.&nbsp;There is a daily pastoral period where pupils spend time with their form tutors. Pupils also participate in weekly assemblies.

Where can I purchase the school uniform? Uniform can be purchased from ‘Naturals’ in Fishguard, ‘Matthews Menswear’ or ‘Tees R Us’ who have an on-line system for ordering on&nbsp;https://www.teesrus.co.uk Uniform requirements are listed in the school prospectus. Both girls and boys wear white shirts with the KS3 green and red tie.&nbsp;School jumpers, classic fit black trousers/ knee length skirts, black socks/ tights and fully black shoes/trainers are required. The PE kit consists of a red school logo t shirt/rugby top, shorts/skort/ leggings and red/green socks.&nbsp;A sports jacket, PE hoodie and track-suit bottoms are optional additions. During the Summer term a jade polo shirt can be worn with knee length tailored shorts permitted. Please ensure that all clothing and equipment is clearly labelled with your child’s name.

What can my child get involved in in their free time? There are a variety of clubs running throughout the school. These range from IT, film and agriculture clubs, through to debate, drama and sporting activities.&nbsp;We have 5x60 clubs available weekly, and training for school teams occurs during breaks and after school. The library and Breakfast Club are available daily.&nbsp;Shakespeare schools, school production opportunities and Scholars challenges arise annually. School orchestra provides opportunities to perform throughout the year.&nbsp;Peripatetic music lessons are arranged on a weekly basis to support your child’s musical development. The school also runs an enrichment programme as part of its curriculum, providing pupils with many and varied opportunities to experience activities such as Japanese, rowing, rambling, cross-stitch and many others.

How do I find out about school transport? Transport is available to all children who reside within the catchment area.&nbsp;Transport is arranged through Pembrokeshire County Council.&nbsp;They will make contact following your decision regarding school placement.&nbsp;Bus passes are issued at the end of the summer term for the year ahead.&nbsp;Concessionary bus passes are also available to those joining us from outside the catchment area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

How would my child be grouped? There will be five tutor groups within the year.&nbsp;Form grouping decisions occur in the summer term and are based upon discussions with our primary colleagues.&nbsp;The 7Y, 7S and 7G groups will follow a bilingual curriculum with varying levels of support. The 7O and 7L groups will have lessons through the English medium and will continue to learn Welsh through their Welsh lessons.&nbsp; We are an inclusive school and will ensure all pupils are grouped appropriately. Further information is passed on to us regarding the academic ability and support required to allow your child to thrive.&nbsp;Most teaching groups are of a mixed ability initially.

What are the behaviour expectations at Ysgol Bro Gwaun? We pride ourselves on high standards and operate a ‘Positive Behaviour’ system. We encourage behaviour which allows everybody to give their best at all times.&nbsp;With the help of parents/carers, the community, pupils and staff we have a consistent system that prepares pupils for life.&nbsp;Three rules apply within the school – READY&nbsp;RESPECT&nbsp;SAFE.&nbsp;Behaviour is monitored closely through the use of our Classcharts system accessible to parents/carers.

What can my child eat in school? The school canteen is open at break time for breakfast and at lunchtime too.&nbsp;We use a cashless system in school which can be credited via School Meal accounts via the Pembrokeshire County Council website (<a href="http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/">www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk</a>), or by using the Pembrokeshire Automatic Telephone Payment Service (01437 775164) which requires 24 hours to register. County Council Service Centres found in various locations are also a payment option.&nbsp;Those receiving Free School Meals have their account topped up automatically daily. Should you require information on eligibility for Free School Meals, please contact the school. Pupils are welcome to bring in packed lunches which can be eaten in the canteen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Welcome to Ysgol Bro Gwaun

Within this booklet we have answered frequently asked questions posed by primary pupils, parents and guardians. We would welcome any further questions should you not find them here. Please do get in touch.

Senior Prefects 2021-22 'Anghori doeth , Dyfodol disglair' 'Wise anchor, Bright future'

What equipment will my child need? Your child will require a school bag and pencil case.&nbsp;Black/ blue pens are used for written work, pencils (including coloured ones), a sharpener, ruler, rubber, metric ruler and calculator (a scientific one would save further purchasing at a later stage).&nbsp;Liquid paper corrector is not permitted.&nbsp;Should they require specific subject materials, pupils will be told.&nbsp;These will not be expensive.

Where can my child’s possessions be left when in school? Valuables should not be brought to school and mobile phones are not permitted.&nbsp;Should a phone be needed at the school day, it can be handed in to the school office.&nbsp;Coats and bags can be left on designated bag racks, or a locker can be hired for the year.

Who can I contact for support? The lead for transition and Year Progress Manager for year 7 is Mrs Emma Bowen.&nbsp;She can be contacted via email at emma.bowen@ysgolbrogwaun.com Should you wish to discuss any additional learning needs, our ALNCO is Miss Rhian Lewis.&nbsp;She can be contacted at rhian.lewis@ysgolbrogwaun.com To discuss further transition support, please call the school on 01348 872268 and we would be delighted to answer your questions.

How do I get involved in transition activities? Transition activities are currently running on-line. Pupils from all feeder primary schools, and others who have specifically contacted us, have been invited to join our ‘Trosglwyddo/Transition Google Classroom’ via their hwb accounts.&nbsp;Here, fortnightly challenges are being set by departments/ areas of learning. Flip grid videos are being posted by staff, and we get to chat and introduce ourselves.&nbsp; We very much look forward to inviting you in in person when we are able to do so.

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