Improving literacy through creative learning

Ysgol Cynwyd Sant is situated in Maesteg in the Borough of Bridgend.  There are 306 pupils between 3 and 11 years old on roll, including 40 nursery-age children.  Welsh is the main medium of the school’s life and work.  A few pupils come from Welsh-speaking homes.  Approximately 13% of pupils are eligible for free school meals.  Sixteen per cent (16%) of pupils have additional learning needs.

Context and background to sector-leading practice

The school provides excellent art experiences for pupils.  This was recognised by Estyn in a Good Practice report on the Creative Arts in 2015.  Ysgol Cynwyd Sant was the first school in Bridgend to be recognised with the Creative School status by the Arts Council in 2015, and as a pioneer in the field in 2016.  This leads to exceptional creative work in the classroom, sharing best practice with other schools, and professional development of a very high standard for staff.  The school has also established a studio to provide multimedia artistic experiences of a very high standard for pupils.

Description of nature of strategy or activity

The school co-operates very effectively with the Arts Council to plan exciting activities in order to develop the literacy skills of pupils in key stage 2 who had underperformed in the Foundation Phase.  Particular attention is given to developing the oracy skills of this cohort of pupils, in addition to their self-confidence and creativity. Teaching strategies place a clear focus on developing members of staff as creative practitioners.  Schemes of work pay beneficial attention to developing pupils’ thinking skills by encouraging them to be creative.  In order to inspire the creative nature of staff and pupils, the school believes strongly that the fear of being wrong needs to be removed first.  This is at the heart of the school’s pedagogy in order to develop a creative learning community that is willing to try.  A good example of this is the series of short films that were created by pupils under the title ‘Come and learn how to…’.  The culmination of this work was the film night in the school hall, with parents as the audience, to celebrate the pupils’ work and to present a DVD to each pupil. 

What impact has this work had on provision and learners’ standards?

Each child had made very good progress in their oral skills following the project.  Notable progress was seen in the achievement of boys and vulnerable pupils.  Following the project, 82% of pupils attained their targets for the term earlier than expected, and 100% make very good progress in the performance element.  Subsequently, the school set more challenging targets in order to improve pupils’ oral skills further by providing creative activities of a very high standard.

Pupils’ views were considered following each session, and staff adapted plans to ensure a high level of commitment and extensive motivation.  As a result, notable progress was seen in pupils’ self-confidence.  In addition, more able pupils made very good progress in their information and communication technology skills, as they developed new skills relating to the use of green screen.

How have you shared your good practice?

• Participating in national events in co-operation with the Arts Council
• Preparing case studies on behalf of the Arts Council
• Internally, by providing very effective opportunities to develop nearly all pupils’ creative skills across the curriculum
• Celebrating pupils’ work by displaying it on the school website
• Showing the films on a screen in the school foyer for visitors
• Film nights for parents
• Facilitating sessions to share good practice across the county
• Giving presentations and leading workshops in ‘Closing the Gap’ conferences