“YSGOL Sant Curig is an extremely caring community where children show high levels of motivation, interest and pride in their work,” stated a Estyn Inspection in 2019.

The Welsh Medium Barry primary school was founded in 1992 and it occupies the site of the old Barry Girls Grammar school.

The beautiful original Victorian buildings have now been adapted to meet the needs of a thriving Welsh Medium primary school.

The classrooms and learning spaces have been transformed into vibrant and stimulating areas for learning.

Newly appointed head teacher, Rhodri Jones said he was proud of the school’s welcoming environment.

“Visitors to our school often comment on the warm and unique atmosphere they experience here and also remark on the positive ethos that they encounter when they meet both pupils and staff," he said.

"This positive working relationship between staff and learners is an exceptional feature of the school and ensures a safe and effective learning environment.”

This was a strong feature of the school’s recent Estyn inspection.

At a recent award ceremony the school was one of only a handful in the whole of Wales to be recognised for their outstanding performance.

The inspectors praised the school’s positive ethos, describing a caring and friendly environment which promotes the importance of positive relationships and good behaviour very effectively.

The school’s motto is ‘Tyfwn ar ein Taith’.

This is a mind-set that encourages pupils to grow and develop as they progress on their journey through school life, while also becoming confident ethically informed citizens.

Mr Jones said this was at the heart of what it means to be a member of the Sant Curig family.

“It is vitally important that all members of the school community have bought into our ethos, culture and core values," he said.

"We have high expectations and believe that each child should be supported and given the opportunities to flourish here.

"We are all committed to working together and ensuring that each child fulfils his or her potential.”

The introduction of the New Curriculum for Wales means this is an exciting time of change for education in Wales.

The school feels ready to embrace these new challenges.

Mr Jones said: “As a school we have developed our own unique learning journey or ‘Taith y Tymor.’

"This ensures that children are offered enriched learning experiences and that they feel a sense of ownership for their learning and education.

"Parents and carers are also invited to take part in this process and to share in our learning celebrations.

"The pupils have really taken charge and have enjoyed a varied selection of activities from organising a wedding in Year Two to curating and performing at their own living museum in Year Five!”

The school has an active Parent Teacher and Friends Association which helps to support the school in many ways through fundraising and organising social events.

They have also played a key role in developing and maintaining the school’s wonderful Wild Garden, ensuring that this has become an exciting learning environment.

Parents are encouraged to become active members of the flourishing school community, as Mr Jones said: “It is essential that parents are supported at the school.

"We feel that regular contact with parents, not only provides clarity it also allows us to work together for the benefit of all our pupils.

"Taking time to help and support parents and carers and making sure that everyone feels valued is key to our success in this area.”

The happiness and wellbeing of all pupils and staff at Sant Curig is at the forefront of everything the school does.

The school provides a variety of initiatives and strategies to support all pupils, including the most vulnerable.

Children are supported in wellbeing clubs and nurture groups.

This was another area of school life that was praised by the Estyn inspectors:

"Standards of wellbeing and attitudes to learning are excellent.

"The school is an extremely caring and friendly community, all members of staff have very high expectations in terms of pupils’ behaviour, effort and wellbeing and there is a clear focus on ensuring the best conditions so that all pupils achieve successfully." said Estyn in 2019.

Outside the classroom environment all children from Year 2 to Year 6 have the opportunity to sign up to after school enrichment clubs.

These clubs are great fun and also provide the perfect environment for pupils to practice their Welsh language skills in an informal environment.

From sports such as netball, rugby and athletics to science, art and entrepreneurs club there is endless variety.

The school has also experienced national success both in singing and acting competitions at the Urdd Eisteddfod and all pupils are given the opportunity to take part and to represent the school.

There are also numerous opportunities to represent the school in national sporting competitions, friendly matches against local schools and national book club competitions.

Mr Jones added: “We pride ourselves on the excellent teaching and learning that happens here at Sant Curig.

"The school is a special place to come to learn, where children enjoy being challenged and motivated in engaging lessons.

"Staff and governors work incredibly hard to ensure that pupils receive the highest levels of care and rich learning experiences.

"We are all very excited about the challenges and changes that lie ahead for education in Wales and will work together as a family to embrace them.”

PANEL

Factfile

School motto: Tyfwn ar ein Taith (We Grow on our Journey)

Chairwoman of governors: Miss Emma Sullivan

Head teacher: Mr Rhodri Jones

Number of pupils: 441

Age of pupils: Three to 11-years-old

Last inspection: November 2018; standards and teaching and learning experiences, both good; and wellbeing and attitudes to learning, care, support, and guidance, and leadership and management, all excellent.