The Four Purposes

We aspire & support our learners to become:

The four purposes are integral to our curriculum design

The four purposes are integral to our curriculum design. We aspire and support our learners to become:

  • Ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives
  • Enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work
  • Ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world
  • Healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society

Ambitious, capable learners who:

    • set themselves high standards and seek and enjoy challenge
    • are building up a body of knowledge and have the skills to connect and apply that knowledge in different contexts
    • are questioning and enjoy solving problems
    • can communicate effectively in different forms and settings, using both Welsh and English
    • can explain the ideas and concepts they are learning about
    • can use number effectively in different contexts
    • understand how to interpret data and apply mathematical concepts
    • use digital technologies creatively to communicate, find and analyse information
    • undertake research and evaluate critically what they find

    and are ready to learn throughout their lives.

    Enterprising, creative contributors who:

    • connect and apply their knowledge and skills to create ideas and products
    • think creatively to reframe and solve problems
    • identify and grasp opportunities
    • take measured risks
    • lead and play different roles in teams effectively and responsibly
    • express ideas and emotions through different media
    • give of their energy and skills so that other people will benefit

    and are ready to play a full part in life and work

    Ethical, informed citizens who:

    • find, evaluate and use evidence in forming views
    • engage with contemporary issues based upon their knowledge and values
    • understand and exercise their human and democratic responsibilities and rights
    • understand and consider the impact of their actions when making choices and acting
    • are knowledgeable about their culture, community, society and the world, now and in the past
    • respect the needs and rights of others, as a member of a diverse society
    • show their commitment to the sustainability of the planet

    and are ready to be citizens of Wales and the world.

    Healthy, confident individuals who:

    • have secure values and are establishing their spiritual and ethical beliefs
    • are building their mental and emotional well-being by developing confidence, resilience and empathy
    • apply knowledge about the impact of diet and exercise on physical and mental health in their daily lives
    • know how to find the information and support to keep safe and well
    • take part in physical activity
    • take measured decisions about lifestyle and manage risk
    • have the confidence to participate in performance
    • form positive relationships based upon trust and mutual respect
    • face and overcome challenge
    • have the skills and knowledge to manage everyday life as independently as they can

    and are ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.

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    Inclusiveness

    We pride ourselves on the inclusiveness of Swn y Don

    We have a reputation of being a school that supports pupils and their families and have been able to successfully integrate pupils into our school that have struggled to maintain their place at previous schools.

    ALN

    As a school we aim to ensure the needs are met of all learners through high quality teaching and learning provision.  Our Universal Provision includes: whole class teaching, effective differentiation, collaborative group work, individual and small group interventions, appropriate and reasonable adjustments to enable access to the school environment, curriculum and facilities.

    During their time at Swn y Don, most learners will make expected progress in their learning from starting points.  If a child is not progressing, we will gather observations, use assessment date and seek to work in collaboration with outside agencies / professionals to identify any additional learning need. 

    Health and Wellbeing

    A supportive environment

    “Swn y Don provides a safe, caring and inviting environment in which the children are supported by every member of staff from the minute they arrive at school to when they leave.  This is true on a day-to-day basis as well as for their school career. The children are happy and enjoy school because the relationships between them and the adults are consistent and PACEful.  The school is led by a passionate, effective head teacher whose values are child-centred and shared widely with stakeholders.

    The willingness and supportive nature of the staff team to implement trauma informed approaches to support the direction of the school is clearly evident. The school’s lead TIS practitioner is an excellent role model and supports staff to develop their practice. The meet and greet at the school gate each morning by the Head teacher and at the classroom doors by staff further evidences the understanding of the value of this as a protective factor. The children express that they feel safe in school, everyone is treated equally and they can talk to any adult – indeed they are encouraged to. Staff too echo the feeling of collective support that exists between all colleagues on an informal basis – they support each other.  There is a real ‘we’ culture and ethos.

    The use of evidence-based interventions across the school ensure children have access to appropriate and supportive mechanisms that reflect the PRRRs. Syd, the dog, is an obvious asset to the enhancement of relationships throughout the school – she is loved, appreciated and mentioned often and utilised for both regulation and reward.”

    TIS UK Award report 2021

    Trauma Informed Schools

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