RHWS Primary School, in the Vale of Glamorgan, was built in 1931 and it boasts listed status due to its impressive entrance/portico and unusual interior design.

But the building’s formal frontage is a disguise for what lies inside - for the school is a welcoming, happy, safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly one where all are listened to and valued for their contributions

The school aims to nurture independent, confident, aspirational learners equipped with the skills necessary for a lifetime of learning as well as provide opportunities for individuals to achieve their potential through the delivery of a relevant, flexible and innovative learning programme which celebrates success.

And it strives to form positive relationships with families in order to develop personal responsibility, mutual respect and understanding through the promotion of clear moral and social values.

Further still it aims to establish strong links with the locality and develop an appreciation of what it is to be a citizen of Wales, the United Kingdom and the global community.

Head teacher, Louise Lynn said: “The school has a relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere, designed to enable pupils to express themselves and give of their best.

"The best compliments we receive are when visitors tell us what a lovely school it is and how confident, engaging and independent our pupils are.

"These, we believe, are important skills for life.

“We want all members of the school community to be presented with opportunities to grow and develop.

“Our overarching aim is to nurture independent learners who are curious about the world they live in and have the skills to explore it.”

The school is very well supported by its hardworking governing body.

The current chairman Cllr, Matthew Lloyd is a parent who champions the school at every opportunity

Mrs Lynn said: Rhws Primary has a long and proud track record of working with other schools and providing professional support and training.

“The school works closely with Llantwit Major school and the other local feeder primaries.

“We also work as part of the 4Schools alliance with Romilly, Cadoxton and Ysgol Y Ddraig Primaries.

“This longstanding collaboration has provided many opportunities for sharing best practice to enhance learning and teaching.

“Members of staff from Rhws Primary are also involved in providing training for teachers in schools across the Central South Consortium including the Improving and Outstanding Teachers’ Programmes and the Newly Qualified Teachers’ Programme.

“And the school is currently working closely with Trinity St David’s University to help shape their new programme for initial teacher training through more direct in-school coaching.”

Rhws Primary is also a Welsh Government Pioneer School for Professional Learning - helping to research and develop effective teaching and learning to support the introduction of the new Welsh curriculum in 2021.

Staff are currently involved in providing feedback about elements of the curriculum’s new areas of learning.

“This is very exciting work and we are proud to be involved,” Mrs Lynn said. “We are very fortunate to have a very creative staff team who are not afraid to innovate and investigate effective classroom approaches.

“The school has been involved in the Welsh Government’s Lead Creative Schools’ project, investigating how creativity can enhance the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills.

“Projects include writing and publishing a children’s book in Y2 and a jewellery making project in Y4.

“The school also runs a number of “theme” weeks during the year including our current “Wise Up Week” when the pupils focus on learning about looking after their own health and wellbeing.”

Enterprise and entrepreneurship are also high on the agenda with the pursuit of profit an aim.

Pupils of all ages are involved in designing and making products for sale at the Christmas Fair while Y6 pupils are setting up their own businesses, carrying out market research and crunching the numbers for their mini enterprise in the summer term.

Pupils wellbeing is also supported by the school’s nurture programme and the recent establishment of the “Rhws Rangers” allows pupils to develop self- confidence and good relationships with others through a range of carefully coordinated outdoor activities.

Junior and infant classes are “buddied up” for regular projects and activities throughout the year.

Older pupils take the lead in developing the learning and working alongside their younger friends to improve their academic and social skills. Both older and younger pupils benefit from this very popular approach.

The school also has a well-established approach to the use of technology in the classroom and uses Google as an effective learning platform and communication tool.

It enables pupils to work collaboratively on projects and activities and to access their learning from home.

“Pupils have many opportunities to learn new skills outside the classroom, Mrs Lynn said: “We want to give our learners opportunities to have a say in the running of the school, making sure all learners have a voice.

“The school council, eco committee and Criw Cymreig make sure that pupils’ views are represented and their ideas given a platform.

“The school’s highly organised play leaders make sure that our younger pupils have fun, physically challenging activities on offer every break time.

“Rhws Primary has always been at the heart of village life.

“We are lucky to have excellent links with Rhoose Community Library, situated right next door.

“All pupils are card holders and make regular visits to choose books or for special events such as author visits.

“We also have strong links with local shops and businesses, Fontygary Leisure Park, where Y4 learn to swim, and St Peter’s Church.

“Much of the pupils’ learning originates in the local community and develops from there.

“The school is also used as a base for the local Taekwondo group, brownies and St John Ambulance.”

The school’s PTA or Friends of Rhws Primary (FORP) works tirelessly to raise much needed funds through organising regular events including quizzes, discos and car boot sales.

Mrs Lynn added: “The support from the current team of volunteers is second to none.

“In the last couple of years, funds raised have allowed us to install a sheltered area for our Reception pupils, additional IT hardware throughout the school and all weather outdoor seating to enhance opportunities for learning outside the classroom.” And, she said, “The school is very well known for its musical productions and the very confident performances of all the pupils - even the youngest.

“Getting a seat for one of our Christmas concerts is a real highlight in Rhoose - almost as good as a trip to the West End!”

PANEL

FACT FILE

Head teacher: Louise Lynn

Chairman of governors: Matthew Lloyd

Number of pupils: 450

Age range of pupils: three to 11 years

Vision statement: Achievement for All/Llwyddiant i Bawb