The children in Rowan take part in a wide a range of rich learning tasks provided through cross curricular themes. We work to consolidate skills in Literacy and Numeracy at the same time as welcoming and developing questioning, engagement and skill development in subjects such as humanities, expressive arts, science and technology.
The children are especially encouraged to use Welsh at every opportunity and our Criw Cymraeg are positive role models for the whole school.
As well as using the field, conservation area and playground to support learning in all areas of study, we regularly rely upon our amazing local environment for inspiration, from science trips to our many beautiful beaches to geographical river studies of the Cleddau and its tributaries, from the Preseli Hills back to the coast.
We even have the fantastic opportunity every year to visit the iconic Skomer Island off the west coast of Pembrokeshire, home to thousands of pairs of breeding puffins, the largest population of manx shearwaters in the world and a myriad of other forms of wildlife.
Rowan Class also benefits from educational visits to local museums, National Parks and local businesses to support our learning. In addition, the class enjoys a residential educational visit to the Urdd Centre in Cardiff, during which they visit a number of attractions within the capital to enhance the pupils’ understanding of Welsh culture and the Welsh language.
At the beginning of the school year, the pupils in year six undertake a residential stay at a local adventure centre. During the stay, children increase their confidence and communication and problem-solving skills by participating in outdoor and adventurous activities.
In the classroom, we deliver engaging, well-paced lessons with children having periods of quiet focussed activity after lively and interesting introductions.
We provide children with structure and support so that they feel confident whatever their ability, but always allow pupils the freedom to challenge themselves and to reach their potential. We welcome questioning and celebrate the inquisitive minds of our children, linking all our classroom learning to real world skills and situations; Rowan Class pupils are most definitely ambitious and capable, and ready to succeed in secondary school.
Rowan Class pupils also have a say in their learning and at the beginning of each term decide what aspect of the topic they would like to focus on, sharing what they already know and posing questions to plan their lines of enquiry.
Within a caring atmosphere, students in Rowan class are strongly encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and to practise being independent, organising their homework, PE kit and explaining for themselves in preparation for secondary school. The Class Council is very active, and routinely take responsibility for school matters, from learning to behaviour suggestions – they recently asked if their homework could be more project based so that they could challenge themselves fully and follow their own lines of enquiry.
We believe that by giving the children responsibility for controlling their own learning and organisation they are able to flourish in becoming lifelong, independent earners able to analyse and enhance their own approaches to enjoying learning – skills which will serve them throughout their lives.
In Rowan Class we think we have succeeded in delivering this (and also have a lot of fun!) – come and see for yourself!
Please bring your child to school dressed in their P.E. kit on their designated day.
Please bring in a healthy snack for your child to enjoy at morning break!
