Seeking the views of stakeholders
In order to design our curriculum and devise our principles, we needed the input and views of all stakeholders who know the school, the community and the area well e.g. parents, pupils, governors, former governors, staff and members of the community. They were asked:
‘What do they believe is important for the children of Ysgol Pont y Gof to know, learn and experience?'
Analysing and using the views of stakeholders purposefully
A small group of governors was formed to analyse the questionnaires and summarise the responses that were identified as being important to us as a school.
- That the school is part of the community and that they are taught to appreciate their local area.
- That pupils are taught to be valuable members of their communities wherever they live.
- That pupils show pride in the local area.
- Raise awareness of farming and agriculture among pupils and being part of the rural community and continuing to keep old rural traditions going e.g. young farmers and that pupils are involved in local stories.
- That pupils are an integral part of the Welsh-speaking community and show pride in the Welsh language and culture.
- Enterprise and giving pupils experiences of working with local businesses and showing them a route at a young age on how to succeed locally.
Planning our curriculum
Incorporating the important principles and aspects raised by stakeholders who are an integral part of the school’s curriculum is essential. To achieve this successfully, staff were asked to work together closely to plan activities by using the principles that are important to the school. Incorporating this to meet the requirements of the four purposes and the six areas of learning and experience was also important and doing so in an interesting and contemporary manner to develop a wellrounded child.