Promoting pupils’ multicultural and moral development
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Information about the school
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn is a Welsh-medium school that provides education for 335 pupils between 3 and 11 years old. The school is situated in Porth in the Rhondda valley. The percentage of pupils who are eligible for free school meals is 18% and the percentage of pupils with additional learning needs is 2.1%. Ninety-nine point four per cent (99.4%) of our pupils are from white British backgrounds.
The headteacher and deputy were appointed in 2023. The school’s vision is summarised in the motto, ‘Acen. Atgofion. Cred’, and this permeates all aspects of the school’s work at all levels.
Context and background to the effective or innovative practice
Following discussions with Year 6 pupils on the different borders that exist in our world, questions were raised about borders than can divide groups of people in our community and beyond. It was concluded that our pupils were not aware enough of life in communities outside their local area. They were enthusiastic about learning about what was happening in different communities in Wales and how life could vary from one community to another. They were of the opinion that the starting point would be to expand their knowledge and understanding of the history of people and communities, customs and traditions, religions and different cultures. However, most importantly, they believed strongly that going out to visit communities and meet people would be the best education.
So that is what we did – spent time with residents in the communities of Butetown, Grangetown and Cardiff Bay, among other communities. This project was one that broadened horizons, challenged prejudices and, without a doubt, broke down boundaries.
The essence of this project has now permeated the school and all classes plan purposefully to promote the multicultural and moral development of our pupils.
Description of the nature of the strategy or activity
Learning about various people, communities, religions and traditions was the starting point. This meant leaving the classroom and travelling outside our community to other communities to meet people and children from different backgrounds.
To begin the work of expanding horizons and teaching our pupils about the lives of others, a multi-sensory exhibition was organised in the school hall where children were given an opportunity to read, listen, watch and learn about the history and experiences of Welsh people from diverse backgrounds. Opportunities were provided for them to discuss big questions, such as ‘Who does Wales belong to?’ and ‘Are you more Welsh if you speak Welsh?’, and questionnaires were sent to parents to include them in these discussions.
Inviting visitors to our school to talk about their experiences and their identity in modern day Wales was crucial so that our children could hear directly from them about their experiences and challenges. Being able to travel to different communities, such as Butetown and Cardiff Bay, was extremely valuable. Here, they were given a taste of life outside their local area and saw and heard a variety of languages, dress and foods, in addition to appreciating the different art that could be seen on the walls of buildings in Cardiff Bay.
Pupils were given an opportunity to meet and spend several days in the company of children from a primary school in Cardiff Bay. This was, without a doubt, the highlight of this work as our children enjoyed and came to understand and appreciate the similarities and differences in their lives. They played, sang and performed a unique dance with a professional choreographer that celebrated the diversity, identity and traditions of each child.
Following the success of this work, other teachers at the school were inspired to plan similar opportunities to teach the children in their classes about the lives of other communities. From an early age, our pupils learn about rights, the importance of equality and being moral citizens. Teachers’ plans place a strong emphasis on developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of other cultures, beliefs and religions and we take advantage of every opportunity to ensure that there is a prominent place in our curriculum to learning about the contributions of notable people from all communities.
What impact has this work had on provision and learners’ standards?
The impact of these experiences on our pupils is far-reaching. We are confident that our pupils develop into informed and intelligent citizens who treat others with empathy and respect. We believe strongly that the experiences our children receive outside the school are key to this. The school’s leaders are wholly committed to ensuring that the school and its whole community respect people from all walks of life as part of its journey to be an anti-racist school.
There are regular opportunities for leaders and all of the school’s staff to attend courses and training to deepen their understanding of the importance of promoting our children’s multicultural and moral development further.
How have you shared your good practice?
The school is now recognised as a leader in promoting the multicultural and moral development of our children. Leaders have contributed to conferences across the regional consortium and hosted workshops and visits by other school. The school has also developed partnerships with schools across Wales to develop this area further.