Tag Archives: ysgol eirias

News

Top 5 school unveils ‘garden classroom’ for pupils with additional learning needs

CHILDREN with additional learning needs are thriving thanks to innovative methods and investment at a top secondary school.

Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay has redeveloped its curriculum and facilities for ALN pupils, including the construction of a new accessible outdoor learning space and ‘garden classroom’.

The school secured grants of £40,000 via a £20m Welsh Government capital funding scheme, allocated to improve the inclusivity of teaching environments, create quiet or sensory areas, upgrade or purchase new equipment and for works to improve additional provision for young people with ALN and/or disabilities.

Ysgol Eirias – listed fourth in Wales in the Sunday Times Parent Power league table, and winner of the Secondary School of the Year title at the North Wales Education Awards – has created a safe, secure hub for its students, as well as revisiting and redeveloping the curriculum to offer a more bespoke, tailored approach.

Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator Liz Gunby said: “Pre Covid we began exploring and identifying the areas we could improve and expand our ALN provision.

“Despite the challenges of the pandemic we continued to make great strides in upgrading our MLD (Moderate Learning Disability) base and adapting timetables to meet the pupils’ needs and requirements, because there is no one size fits all system.

“That has included the introduction of more life skills, more of a focus on health and wellbeing and trying to bridge the gaps that became even more prevalent during lockdown and beyond.”

Reflecting on the new outdoor development, she added: “Demand for ALN support has risen so we have increased the number of staff and resources to meet that, including a Wellbeing Officer and a Nurture Coordinator.

“We have also increased the number of rooms we have and introduced the outdoor space and classroom, which has been a breath of fresh air.

“Developing these safe, diverse spaces for ALN and Inclusion has given the pupils a place to learn but also to enjoy nature and be active during movement breaks, helping them to focus and concentrate on mindfulness, to feel centred and calm via sensory input.”

Learners will create garden furniture, tables, and benches as part of classes, and other equipment includes a cross trainer, rowing machine, leg press, pull-up bars and more.

“That pushing/pulling movement helps, and yoga techniques and breathing for children who have sensory processing issues, notably those with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder),” said Ms Gunby.

“Proprioceptive input helps them to understand where their body is and what it should be doing, so these ‘heavy work’ activities will be very beneficial mentally and physically.”

Deputy Headteacher Drew McKenzie added: “For ALN pupils it can be quite intimidating and daunting being surrounded by four walls all day, so the outdoor learning space and garden classroom is a much more proactive and accessible alternative.

“The children absolutely love it, it gives them an escape and even just being out in the fresh air helps, using the wildlife and nature as part of lessons.

“At Ysgol Eirias we know the value of empathy, encouragement and building relationships and trust to unlock their potential and support these students as much as possible on their educational journey, which is why we are trying to provide them with the belief they can go on and be successful in whatever they choose to do in the future.

“That’s a huge priority for us, and always will be.”

For the latest news and information from Ysgol Eirias, visit www.eirias.co.uk and follow them on social media.

News

Surge in extra-curricular sports at top 5 school could lead to fall in absenteeism

A SECONDARY school has experienced a surge in pupils taking part in extra-curricular sport.

Learners at Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay have engaged with football, rugby, basketball, dodgeball, badminton, hockey, volleyball, netball, and gymnastics sessions more than 5,000 times since September.

Cooking and Health and Wellbeing activities have also proven popular, ensuring learners pick up independent living skills such as how to plan, prepare and cook a meal.

It is hoped that providing these opportunities will have a knock-on effect for overall school attendances, a nationwide issue following the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Welsh Government statistics, prior to the pandemic overall absenteeism figures in Wales stood at 5.7%. Provisional data for the 2022/23 school year revealed that number had risen to 10.5% nationally.

Additionally, figures show persistent absence amongst pupils eligible for Free School Meals more than doubled from 8.4% of pupils in 2018/19 to 18.8% of pupils in 2022/23.

The positive news comes as Eirias celebrates national success, with its Year 10 rugby team and under-18’s football squad both reaching the last 16 of the Welsh Cup in their respective sports.

Assistant Headteacher Alex Metcalfe said the after-school sessions have led to children being on-site from the first bell of the day, which is “heartening” given the pressures they and their families have faced in recent times.

“To have this many pupils attend this many sessions in just a few months has been incredible and testament to our amazing teachers and the support we’ve had from parents, carers and the local community,” said Mr Metcalfe.

“We have a new system which can track who is attending, what session they are participating in, and we can align that with overall attendance, which has been a game changer.

“Attendance at extra-curricular activities has a direct impact on learners’ health and wellbeing, social and physical attributes and builds the relationship even more between staff and learners as they are interacting in a different setting.”

He added: “The more pupils we have taking part in sport not only provides opportunities for all, it gives us an even wider selection of players to choose from when it comes to the teams that represent the school for competitive or recreational fixtures.

“An example is the success of our rugby and football squads, which are competing with the best schools in their age groups nationwide, an amazing achievement.”

Head of PE Neil Wilkinson hopes the upward trend at Ysgol Eirias continues and is confident it will, given the positive response from pupils, parents, and carers.

“Tracking attendances enables us to run a programme rewarding the higher attendees and those who have experienced a significant shift in their overall presence at school,” said Mr Wilkinson.

“Our main aim is to get as many learners physically active as often as possible which will hopefully lead to lifelong habits being formed to benefit not only they themselves but the community and future generations.

“As well as competitive fixtures and participation in after-school activities, we will be continuing to organise more recreational fixtures against schools in the area, giving learners the opportunity to compete against other pupils in their age groups.”

He added: “We have some very enthusiastic members of staff who have been delivering football sessions to children in our primary school clusters, which will be extended to rugby and a summer camp later this year.

“There are a lot of other plans in the pipeline – including fun matches between past and present students – so we encourage people to watch this space and thank everyone who has shown us so much support.”

For more information on extra-curricular activities at Ysgol Eirias, visit www.eirias.co.uk and follow the social media channel at @experienceeirias.

 

News

Number 4 high school in Wales attracting sixth formers ahead of ‘opportunities event’

A SECONDARY school ranked in the top five in Wales is attracting students from across the region to its award-winning sixth form.

Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay is preparing for an ‘Opportunities Evening Event’ that will showcase its post-16 offering and academic support.

The school – listed fourth in Wales in the Sunday Times Parent Power league table earlier this month – will hold the session from 5.30pm-7.30pm on Tuesday January 16.

Headteacher Zoe Evans hopes parents and prospective students can join them to see the wide range of options available.

“We are proud of our sixth form provision, as in addition to award-winning teaching from subject teachers who have a wealth of experience, we provide a strong support network which provides our learners with the care they need to help them thrive both personally and academically,” said Mrs Evans.

Recognised by Estyn and national awarding bodies – Ysgol Eirias was also named Secondary School of the Year at the North Wales Education Awards – Head of Sixth Form Dr Michael Greenslade said their success in securing career pathways and university places for graduates is “second to none”.

“We are very proud of our A Level results, which are consistently high – in 2023, our learners gained 36% A/A*and 60% A*-B, and there were 42 A* grades awarded – and every pupil that applied to university was successful,” he added.

“We offer a wide range of subjects and ensure all students can take the courses that best suit them, helping them to gain the most appropriate educational experience at this stage.

“Our delivery of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification is timetabled and overseen by a designated coordinator, there are two fully staffed areas that Sixth Form students use as supervised study locations, a common room, and the facilities across the school are first class.”

While the academic offering at Ysgol Eirias is lauded far and wide, Head Prefect Oliver Rothnie says providing a community of support and trust is a top priority.

“At Eirias we place a key importance on respect, both towards each other and to staff, and aim to create a positive, friendly environment,” he said.

“The thing about a school is that it is nothing without the people. As a student you contribute to the school community. You can join the badminton club, you can join history club, you can join the orchestra, and to a large extent you get out what you put in.

“It’s about going above and beyond, not just seeing the school as a place to exist but as a place to flourish – learning is never over, and that’s definitely the case here at Ysgol Eirias.”

For more information, visit the website www.eirias.co.uk/sixth-form or email Dr Greenslade at greensladem6@hwbcymru.net. Alternatively, call 01492 532025.

News

Top 5 high school continues conservation work by planting thousands of flowers in community

A SECONDARY school promoting conservation in its community planted thousands of flowers and plants as part of a sustainability project.

Following their incredible efforts in collecting more than 12,000 pieces of litter from beaches and parks during the summer, pupils from Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay seeded more than 6,000 bulbs and 20 trees on Craig Road, Old Colwyn.

In partnership with Conwy’s Community Development Officer, volunteers from Man Coed VM Ltd, Creating Enterprise, Cartefi Conwy and Ysgol Swn-y-Don, groups from Year 7 upwards completed the task in just a matter of hours and even collected several bags of rubbish on the walk back to school!

Wellbeing Officer Abbie Johnson has been leading on a series of programmes to support learners in and out of the classroom, focused on health, inclusivity, and the environment.

“My role is to work with the children so they can reach their potential and become the best they can be, both academically and socially,” said Abbie.

“We are outdoors helping to clean up and conserve the local area, but also holding interventions in numeracy and literacy to give extra support in those areas, and promoting exercise, healthy living, and mindfulness.

“The students have really taken ownership of these schemes, they are from different backgrounds, and different ages and genders, so everyone gets a voice.”

A new Uniform Recycling System will be introduced in the coming year, ensuring pupils can collect jumpers, skirts, trousers, and other items for free, and Abbie has started a new Thursday cookery class, fully funded so learners go home with a hot meal.

These developments follow the success of the school’s Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award provision, praise for its Diversity team – which meets regularly to champion equal rights, present assemblies, and conduct student surveys – and in becoming one of the few institutions in North Wales to receive the Investors in Families Bronze Award.

Ysgol Eirias was also named Secondary School of the Year at the recent North Wales Education Awards and in the top 5 secondary schools in Wales according to the Sunday Times Parent Power rankings.

“The learners have been absolutely fantastic, they are incredibly proactive and want to help those less fortunate than themselves, whether that be in the local area or here at the school,” said Abbie.

“The cookery classes are supported by a fantastic team of teaching assistants, helping the pupils to learn all about recipes, ingredients and skills that will help them to become more independent in future.

“We are constantly exploring new opportunities and adapting to the challenges of society and the cost-of-living crisis and want to be there for our students and their families.

“Ultimately, Ysgol Eirias is centred on equality and inclusivity – every child is important to us – and dedicated to its role in developing and supporting its community, now and for generations to come.”

For more news and information from Ysgol Eirias, visit www.eirias.co.uk and follow them on social media.

News

School receives illustrious family award for helping parents improve the lives of their children

YSGOL EIRIAS has been lauded for its work in helping parents and carers improve the lives of their children. 

The Colwyn Bay secondary school is one of just a handful in North Wales to receive the Investors in Families Bronze Award.

The quality mark is awarded to settings that demonstrate a commitment to working with families and evidence of activities carried out in and out of school hours, communication with parents and carers, and setting high standards.

In 2022, Ysgol Eirias introduced extracurricular provision based on Areas of Learning and Experience – a key part of the new Curriculum for Wales – to encourage wider learning and mindfulness via extra-curricular sessions, with wellbeing trips and educational overseas visits in the pipeline.

As well as sports matches and fixtures, there have been cooking and nutrition lessons that will see pupils take the food they prepare home, ensuring vulnerable children are guaranteed a warm, cooked meal.

The school’s successful Duke Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award scheme enjoyed a surge in learners, with more than 100 taking on the Bronze and Silver categories, and as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate studies, groups of Year 10 and Year 11 pupils organised environmental impact days.

Assistant Headteacher Andy Davies said these examples of pupils reinforcing their academic efforts with a positive social impact on their community, and health and wellbeing, have been embraced and supported by their families.

“The Areas of Learning and Experience extracurricular provisions are just one of the many ways our activities can indirectly benefit parents and their children,” he said.

“The cooking classes are teaching learners skills that will be useful at home. They can in turn help their mums, dads or carers preparing meals, improve their nutrition, as well as building confidence and independence.

“These were just some examples of more than 21 case studies we provided from the last 12 months.”

Mr Davies added: “Talaxy, the school parental communication software, is another way we have opened further lines of communication with families.

“We were one of the first schools in Wales using it, and the system allows us to share everything from grades to attendance, weekly bulletins, parents’ evenings, and more, which means they can keep up to speed with all the latest news and information.

“That has been very well received and for our staff and pupils it is a way to ensure everyone is connected and up to date with their child’s needs.”

Ysgol Eirias engaged with Investors in Families at the beginning of the last academic year and will now work towards the Silver and Gold Awards, which will mean developing more activities and case studies.

Staff and pupils were also praised for inclusivity and equality – the school’s Diversity team meets regularly to champion equal rights, present assemblies, and conduct student surveys and earned a place on the Young Ambassadors Project for Show Racism the Red Card Wales.

Home visits, uniform banks and many other initiatives ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary school for prospective pupils.

As one of the Top 10 Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ high-performing schools in Wales, Mr Davies is confident they will continue to strengthen ties with stakeholders over the coming years.

“We are really proud to be just one of three secondary schools in North Wales to be accredited by Investors in Families and will not rest on our laurels,” he added.

“A healthy, transparent, and proactive relationships with the families of our pupils is pivotal to them getting the best possible education, to being happy and enjoying every aspect of their time with us.

“Historically, parental engagement will drop off when a child starts life at secondary school, but we are managing to reverse that trend.”

For more information on Ysgol Eirias, visit www.eirias.co.uk and follow them on social media @ysgoleirias. 

Visit www.investorsinfamilies.co.uk for more from Investors in Families. 

News

New headteacher unveils future vision following 25 years at top Welsh school

A NEW headteacher celebrating 25 years with a leading North Wales school is focused on building its reputation for inclusivity, pastoral care, and academic excellence.

Zoe Evans took up the role at Ysgol Eirias this academic term and has her sights set on raising the bar even higher for pupils, staff, and their coastal community.

Mrs Evans has deep roots in the community and has a dedicated journey at Ysgol Eirias spanning 25 years, beginning as a Maths teacher.

She is very proud to be at the helm of the school that holds a special place in her heart.

Having evolved within the very hallways of Ysgol Eirias, her passion for nurturing young minds and empowering teachers is evident.

Driven by “passion and enthusiasm” for the wellbeing of learners, Mrs Evans is excited to write this next chapter in her career, and that of Eirias – one of the Top 10 Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ high-performing schools in Wales.

“My first message would be to the parents and carers of our pupils, to express my gratitude for entrusting us with the education and wellbeing of your children,” she said.

“I am committed to working closely to provide the best possible educational experience for them, and dedicated to excellence, inclusivity, and continuous improvement while also fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where every student can thrive and be happy.

“Their wellbeing is top priority, as is delivering a rigorous and well-rounded education that equips them with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to achieve their dreams and succeed in an ever-changing world.”

Mrs Evans also wants to see a more proactive approach to everyday life, for learners to become global citizens and to be “deliberately bothered” to make a difference at home and in school.

“At Ysgol Eirias, we take a deliberate approach to nurturing integrity, responsibility, and kindness,” she said.

“We help our children understand their actions have consequences and that they can make a positive difference in the world.

“We encourage questioning, standing up for what is just and being compassionate towards others – developing a strong moral compass that will serve our children well throughout their lives.

“This also applies to our incredible staff, who will continue to develop professionally and engage our children in a meaningful and progressive curriculum that is up to date, interesting and authentic.”

A keen rugby and music fan, Mrs Evans believes Eirias is a school unlike any other, with a “culture and climate” which will invigorate and inspire for generations to come.

She added: “When we have visitors to the school, whether they are teachers, families of prospective pupils or stakeholders, they comment on how positive and dynamic the culture here is.

“I am so proud to be able to continue the remarkable work which has taken place over past years and am passionate to ensure Ysgol Eirias provides a nurturing environment that recognises and champions the immense promise that lies within each and every one of our children – that’s my vision, and something I hold very close to my heart.”

Ysgol Eirias will be holding an open evening on Wednesday (September 27) from 4.30pm-7.30pm, including a talk from Mrs Evans in the school hall at 6.30pm.

For more news and information, visit www.eirias.co.uk and follow @Eirias on social media.

News

12,000 pieces of litter collected by school pupils in two-day beach clean up

CHILDREN have been praised for collecting more than 12,000 pieces of litter from beaches and parks near their school.

As part of their Welsh Baccalaureate studies, groups of Year 10 and Year 11 pupils from Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay organised two Community Environmental Impact Days.

Led by Head of PE Neil Wilkinson and his team, they picked dozens and dozens of bags of rubbish and debris from the seafront and Eirias Park.

He says this will become an annual event given the “staggering” amount of litter dropped by members of the public.

“As part of their Skills Challenge Certificate the pupils wanted to do something that would make a difference in their local area,” said Neil.

“The groups cleared a lot of glass, plastic, cardboard, metal and non-recyclables from the beach, the park, the embankments and surrounding area and it was quite a staggering amount.

“Around 200 learners took part and in just two days they picked up 12,011 pieces altogether.”

He added: “We would like to thank Bay of Colwyn Town Council, the county council, Mor Watersports, and Porth Eirias for their support in providing equipment, which in addition to our own litter pickers enabled all the students to take part.

“Given the feedback and how much was collected we will look to do this again next year. With the data collected they will go forward and create posters and a campaign looking at the impact of litter and our local environment – hopefully it will raise awareness and encourage people to pick up after themselves in the future.”

Among those to praise the students was Cllr Geoff Stewart, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Environment, who said: “My sincere thanks, and those of my fellow Conwy councillors, for the terrific response by Ysgol Eirias pupils in helping to keep our environment tidy.

“Colwyn foreshore is a beautiful place, and their efforts show a true commitment to ensuring it remains so.

“This is an excellent example of community togetherness, and one which will be heartening to the council workforce who continually endeavour to maintain a clean and safe environment for everyone to enjoy. Really impressed with a job well done. Diolch.”

Those words were echoed by Glyn Ward member Cllr Abdul Khan, who said: “On behalf of Bay of Colwyn Town Council and Conwy County Council I like give massive thanks to the student for their sterling work.

“It’s not easy collecting more than 12,000 items of litter and debris over two days, you all are good ambassadors for our town and a credit to your school.

“Hopefully, you all have educated those people who litter, that it doesn’t matter how small the litter is, they should be a good citizen and make sure to dispose of it responsibly.”

Cllr Chris Hughes, also a member for Glyn Ward and Chair of the Friends of Eirias Park and Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation, added: “I was delighted to hear of the tremendous efforts of Ysgol Eirias and its pupils to improve our local environment, which is something very close to my heart.

“I want to congratulate everyone involved for their amazing work, it is both inspirational and humbling to see young people taking an interest in our local environment – 12,000 items collected in just two days is truly amazing.”

For more news and information from Ysgol Eirias, visit www.eirias.co.uk.

News

North Wales school among most proactive in country for inclusion and diversity

A COLWYN BAY school is one of the most proactive in Wales for inclusion and diversity.

Ysgol Eirias has implemented plans and held educational sessions and workshops throughout the academic year, focused on engaging pupils, working closely with community organisations and stakeholders, and communicating positively with parents and carers on a wide range of issues.

Understanding themes centred around racism, gender, LGBTQ+, sexual health and more have been driven by Citizenship Coordinator, Haylie Zachara.

The school’s Diversity team includes a group of learners from Year 7 and above, who meet regularly to champion equal rights, present assemblies and conduct student surveys and competitions to design posters, raising awareness and fostering a positive culture.

Among their achievements were a place on the Young Ambassadors Project for Show Racism the Red Card Wales – where they received a Leader of Now accolade – alongside the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and representatives from the Children’s Commissioner for Wales’s office.

“The reaction has been heartening, pupils and their families are supportive, and we’ve had a lot of engagement,” said Haylie.

“In line with Welsh Government targets we are working together with parents and our community, so the learners are prepared for life after school with a more rounded, worldly view – we want them to be global citizens.

“As they get older, we look at things more deeply, it’s all developmentally appropriate and we celebrate equality and acceptance to provide them with a welcoming, supportive environment.”

Ysgol Eirias celebrates and marks national and international dates of importance via a series of events and campaigns, including Black History Month, International Women’s Day, Pride Month and more.

Included in the curriculum via RSE, Haylie and fellow teachers have woven crucial topics into existing areas of learning.

“Staff have been incredible, presenting their own sessions on deaf awareness week and sign language, disability rights, refugee week, holocaust memorial week and other areas,” she said.

Other highlights of 2022/23 included the creation of Clwb Enfys – an LGBTQ+ organisation which already has more than 60 members – and being one of just 21 schools in Wales to form part of Manchester-based The Proud Trust’s Rainbow Flag Award programme.

Haylie and colleagues are planning to do even more in the coming years to support students and their community, in Colwyn Bay and beyond.

“We have been training staff and also trying to signpost them, and our pupils, to the support and guidance that’s available,” said Haylie.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there on the internet and social media, and we know the pupils are going to try and find a way to get answers so we would rather they were given factual information directly from the school.

“Clwb Enfys is an example of that, it’s a network of support and highlights that we are here to provide a warm, welcoming environment for all learners.

“We want everyone in the school to be accepting, creating a cohesive culture where even if we are different, there is respect – we are so proud to have made such strides toward that this year.”

For more news and information from Ysgol Eirias, visit www.eirias.co.uk.

News

School DofE figures surge in tandem with record-breaking year for youth organisation

THE number of children signing up to the Duke Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award at a leading school has risen in tandem with national figures.

Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay has enjoyed a surge in pupils beginning the youth scheme over the last 12 months, with more than 100 taking on the Bronze and Silver categories.

Teacher Sam Hawkins – who leads on DofE provision at the school – has plans to introduce the Gold standard from next September and hopes even more learners from across different year groups will get involved.

It comes as the DofE revealed more than 320,000 participants started their Award journey in 2022/23, the highest number in its 67-year history and a huge 10% increase.

The charity aims to reach one million young people by 2026, and Sam said Ysgol Eirias is proud to play its part.

“The school has seen a significant rise in pupils looking to partake in extra-curricular activities, notably the DofE awards scheme,” he said.

“They and their families recognise the value it can have in the future, towards their chosen career, applying to university and for their CVs, given the commitment to completing an expedition, volunteering and the physical and skills aspect outside of school hours.

“Since the pandemic we’ve seen more interest, with an initial 40 completing Bronze last year, and now Silver, and that is reflected in the huge number of people across the UK joining the scheme.

“Our progress has followed national progress, which has been really heartening and looks set to continue.”

Each student will contribute an average of 11 hours of voluntary work in the community, from litter picking to sports coaching, supporting vulnerable family and neighbours, and more.

“Our aim is for the vast majority of pupils to take part in the DofE scheme in the future, given the impact and achievement involved,” Sam added.

“It shows independence, brings together administrative and transferable skills, and shows that the participant is willing to go the extra mile, a big USP for potential employers.

“And the expedition enables them to demonstrate teamwork, navigation and map reading skills, first aid and other factors that can play a part in everyday life – it is an amazing foundation for them.”

Ysgol Eirias has introduced designated weeks where Areas of Learning and Experience can host innovative activities and events to encourage learning and mindfulness outside of school hours.

Led by Assistant Headteacher Alex Metcalfe, the sessions are held on-site in addition to schemes like the DofE, where learners give their own time at home or locally.

For more information on extra-curricular activities at Ysgol Eirias, visit www.eirias.co.uk and follow the new social media channel at @experienceeirias.

Visit www.dofe.org for more news and information on the DofE.

News

Secondary school unveils new strategy to smooth transition for primary learners post-pandemic

SMOOTHING the transition from primary to secondary school is more vital than ever given the pressures faced by learners post-pandemic.

Which is why Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay unveiled a new strategy in partnership with local Headteachers to ensure the wellbeing of young pupils is paramount as they make the pivotal switch from Year 6 to Year 7.

Jess Ramsden is Transition Coordinator at Eirias – named among the Top 10 Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ high-performing schools in Wales – and has led on developments in partnership with teachers and staff in their local ‘cluster’.

Inspired by Bridges’ Transition Model, which helps organisations and individuals understand and more effectively manage and work through the personal and human side of change, they have introduced a series of programmes and initiatives designed to put the minds of parents and pupils at rest.

“We have been working alongside primary schools and refining the process, while Headteachers from the schools and our Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher have met regularly to evaluate things and build on what is already a proactive relationship,” said Jess.

“The move from Year 6 to Year 7 is now much more of a journey, not just for the children but for their families as well.”

She added: “More than 700 people attended our open evening last autumn and throughout the year we have been engaging with them via a wide range of activities and events.

“We held Tea and Toast mornings, where Year 6 pupils and their parents or carers were able to observe Year 7 lessons, and during their visit they took part in a sign language class and food tasting in the canteen, which gave them a flavour of what a warm and welcoming environment we have here.

“There have also been feeder and non-feeder school sessions giving prospective learners the chance to experience lessons in subjects including Science, Technology and Drama, and our teachers have gone out to schools, attending events, and delivering classes and workshops.

“We also put together a Christmas song written by Year 6 students from the cluster schools, have had training days, held KiVa anti-bullying workshops, and launched the ‘Stepping Up’ programme for children with additional learning needs and those in need of extra support.

“There is so much we are doing, and in July we will hold our induction week ahead of plans to do more with Year 5 pupils as well; at Ysgol Eirias we are taking a long-term, focused look at the overall health and wellbeing of our learners, and the transition process is a big, big part of that.”

Among those to support the programme is James Wilkinson, Headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Colwyn Bay, who believes transition has always been a “strength” in the cluster.

“Strong, trusting relationships between key staff in our schools has ensured that children are given the best possible start in Year 7, with individual needs carefully considered,” he said.

“This process and the crucial conversations typically begin in Year 5 and often continue as they move through Year 7 and upwards.”

Points echoed by Nicola Williams, Acting Deputy Headteacher at Ysgol Pen y Bryn in Colwyn Bay, who said: “The children have had some very positive and worthwhile experiences this year such as drama and KiVA workshops with Eirias pupils, taking part in a competition and being invited to the school to complete activities.

“It has really ensured the children have begun to understand they are part of a cluster family with Eirias and the support they are offered will not change just because they are moving schools.

“Transition is so much more than the induction days offered at the end of the summer term and the activities the children have had the opportunity to take part in reflect this.”

Hayley Blackwell, Assistant Headteacher at Ysgol Eirias, added: “The feedback we have had from parents and the primary schools is heartening, so we will continue to reflect and build on the programmes we have put in place as part of our overall health and wellbeing strategy.”

For more information and to view the school’s new video #SucceedingTogether, visit the website www.eirias.co.uk.  

Alternatively, email general@eirias.conwy.sch.uk, call 01492 532025 and follow @ysgoleirias and @eirias on social media.