Photos From our Folly Farm Trip - Y1 and Y2
Friday, 17 June 2016
Folly Farm Trip
Nursery and Reception
Unfortunately the bus has broken down on the way to Folly Farm
All children and staff are safe and well...
But at this stage will have to return to school.
We will be rearranging the trip as soon as possible.
Children will be back at school by the end of the school day for collection at normal time - 3.15pm
Monday, 13 June 2016
End of Summer Term - Clarification
Leavers Assembly will be on Tuesday 19th July at 10am
School closes for Pupils at normal time on this day.
Wednesday 20th of July is a staff training Day
__________________________
Autumn Term Advanced Notice
Teachers Training Days Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd September
School Opens for Children on Monday 5th September
Teachers Training Days Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd September
School Opens for Children on Monday 5th September
Thank you.
Friday, 10 June 2016
London Trip 2016
On Wednesday, Year 6 were fortunate to make the annual trip to London to watch the musical Wicked in the Apollo Victoria Theatre. The show was amazing, almost as good as our Christmas production Scrooge! The children's behaviour was impeccable all day - they really did our school and their families proud. We even managed a visit to Buckingham Palace to see the Queen before the show, she wasn't in to say hello, too busy getting ready for her birthday probably!
Despite it being a very long day, Year 6 had a great time; please enjoy some photos from the day below:
Wednesday, 8 June 2016
London Trip
We're just about leaving the M4 to join the A470 up to Merthyr. Will be at garages in Abercanaid around 10:45pm now hopefully. The children are finally looking tired!
London Trip
Busy, busy services this evening! Just leaving Membury so should be back at the garages in Abercanaid approx. 10.30pm. Will update again when we hit the A470.
London!
Wicked was...wicked! Back on the bus now, making our way out of London. Will update when we leave the services.
Sunday, 5 June 2016
Friday, 20 May 2016
Councillor Harvey Jones - Fundraising for McMillan
Dress Down Friday 29th April 2016
On behalf of Councillor Harvey Jones and Family, and all school staff... Thank you SO much for supporting this worthwhile cause.
On non uniform day the school raised £238.35 to add to Councillor Jones' total.
Thank you again for your wonderful support!
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Wednesday, 23 March 2016
Year 6 - Bridge Building
Year 6 were fortunate enough to spend this afternoon bridge building. We had some wonderful engineers in from Griffiths Construction linked to ICE (Institute for Civil Engineers) who helped our own budding engineers build a fully working suspension bridge. The children had a great time working together to build the bridge and were relieved when they were able to walk across it without it collapsing! Please enjoy the photos below:
Monday, 7 March 2016
Tuesday, 1 March 2016
Happy St David's Day - Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!
Well done to Ty Glas for wininng this this year's overall Eisteddfod competition! Ardderchog!
Eisteddfod - Parents Performances
There will be two separate performances of Eisteddfod Songs and poems for parents and grandparents Tomorrow - Wednesday 2nd March...
1:30pm
2:30pm
The performances should last approximately 45 mins and will end
in time for the end of infant school day.
Monday, 1 February 2016
1st February 2016
Dear Parents /
Guardians,
School’s Response to Categorisation
As a school we
are very disappointed with the lack of clarity in reporting the process of
national categorisation, which has been widely publicised in the local press
over the last week. The purpose of this letter is to respond to any concerns
that you may have in light of the school’s current Amber Status.
Firstly, we
would like to point out that this is not a comparison of Merthyr Schools.
Schools are grouped together depending on the amount of free school meal
children who attend, and other socio-economic factors. Our school has very low
free school meals by comparison to most Merthyr schools and therefore is not
compared against them in this process. For example:
- The percentage of children who attained the
expected level for the core subjects at the end of KS2 last year at
Abercanaid was 91.3% - this is in line with the results of the Green Merthyr schools (nb. one of
the green schools scored 84%).
- Only 2 children with Special Educational Needs
at Abercanaid did not attain this level.
- Abercanaid performed above all but one
of the Yellow Merthyr schools at
this measure.
It is worth
noting due to low Free School Meals - Abercanaid’s grant funding was the lowest
in Merthyr - £500 less per pupil than the best funded school in Merthyr in
grant funding alone.
The
categorisation process is based on raw data. Before Christmas the school
governors met with our Challenge Advisor to review teaching and learning at the
school, discuss individual children who affect the data and agree the
categorisation. This was agreed as Yellow – even though the school’s data
suggests otherwise due to the Special Educational Needs of individual pupils. People
who know the school recognise that the standard of teaching and learning at the
school is good for ALL pupils.
A moderation
committee met at the end of December and downgraded our categorisation to Amber – purely on raw data. Against the
recommendation of our Challenge Advisor who knows the school. This is also out of step with our recent
Estyn Inspection which judged standards to be GOOD and ability to improve to be
GOOD also.
Abercanaid has
always been and will continue to be an inclusive school. We welcome children
from our community who have specific educational needs, support them to make
appropriate and often greater than expected progress. Unfortunately the system we work within does
not have the capacity to get to know the awesome individual children we have
the privilege to work with, all it sees are numbers. Furthermore, it does not recognise the hard
work and dedication of the excellent staff who work at our school.
Finally, you may
wish to know that the school is predicted to be yellow for September 2016, and
Green the following year. Either way, as
you can see from above, this measure is not something that the school feels is
an accurate reflection of the education that your children receive.
As ever, thank
you for your continued support and understanding. If you need any further
clarification please do not hesitate to ask one of our staff, or governors who
will be pleased to explain this process further.
Kind Regards,
Mr. M Sullivan,
Headteacher.
Sunday, 17 January 2016
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
Snow Procedures
With the possibility of snow in the coming weeks we would like to remind parents of our school closure procedures.
Our aim is for the school to remain open during snowy periods unless weather conditions make it unsafe for children, parents and/or staff to travel to and from the school.
If the school is to be closed on any given day this website will be updated immediately.
Decisions will be made before 7:30am.
Decisions will be made before 7:30am.
School closures will also be updated on the official Merthyr Schools Closures Website here.
Please take extra care when approaching the school either on foot or in cars during icy conditions.
Friday, 18 December 2015
Junior Christmas Party
Yesterday saw all of the juniors pack into the hall for their Christmas party. It was brilliant fun with the children enjoying lots of games such as musical chairs, pass the parcel, musical statues, the coloured card game and the balloon game (which never fails to make everyone laugh!)
Thanks to all the children for being such good sports and such brilliant behaviour.
Merry Christmas from the Junior staff!
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Merry Christmas Greenhill Manor
Today children from our Junior Department visited our friends at Greenhill Manor to sing some carols and Christmas songs.
The children were made very welcome and sang beautifully!
Their efforts were rewarded by the kind gift of selection boxes! A huge Thank You from our children for those!
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Monday, 14 December 2015
Thursday, 10 December 2015
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Children in Need 2015
Last Friday the school took part in a fundraising day for Children in Need. It was another fantastic day where we raised a lot of money for a very worthy cause.
Classes 7 and 8 once again set up and ran their own stalls; there was cakes for sale, games to be played, a teddy to be named, lucky dip, raffle and more! There was some terrific fancy dress from the whole school. A special mention to the Y5/6s who worked extremely hard all day long to raise as much money as possible - they had a great time as you can see in the pictures below!
A massive thank you to all the parents and family members who helped make cakes and biscuits as well as sending in donations for the raffle and lucky dip - without your generosity and effort we wouldn't be able to raise as much money as we did!
Classes 7 and 8 once again set up and ran their own stalls; there was cakes for sale, games to be played, a teddy to be named, lucky dip, raffle and more! There was some terrific fancy dress from the whole school. A special mention to the Y5/6s who worked extremely hard all day long to raise as much money as possible - they had a great time as you can see in the pictures below!
A massive thank you to all the parents and family members who helped make cakes and biscuits as well as sending in donations for the raffle and lucky dip - without your generosity and effort we wouldn't be able to raise as much money as we did!
Tuesday, 20 October 2015
Harvest Appeal - Foodbank
We have had s fantastic response to our harvest appeal again this year! A huge thank you to all children and parents who have supported the food bank again this year. The school counicl hope to deliver the food this week and see how the foodbank helps people in our community!
Friday, 9 October 2015
The Schoolbeat Website
PC Rogers, our very own School Community Police officer, has been in to work with Y1,2, and 3 today.
In every lesson Pc Rogers has shown children resources, games and activities that children can access on the internet from home and school.
Click on the picture below to visit the site. There is information for Parents also!
Click on the picture below to visit the site. There is information for Parents also!
Friday, 2 October 2015
Abercanaid School Mates PTA
Autumn Disco and BBQ
Sunday 11th October, 4pm - 7pm
@ Hills Plymouth Cricket Club
Tickets are now on sale - £1.00 each
Please See - Sarah Pritchard, Louise Flynn, Lynne Brooks or Claire Scrivens
Or follow the School Mates on Facebook - search for Abercanaid School Mates PTA
More Events to follow this year...
Bath Shopping Trip 28th November
Christmas Disco 17th December
Curry and Quiz Night 30th Jan (Adults Only Event)
Valentines Disco Date TBC
Tuesday, 22 September 2015
House of Joy - A link with Uganda
Fran Richley (a regular visitor to the school in recent years) came to take assembly with his wife Linda before they head off for an Adventure in Uganda next Thursday.
Fran and Linda are working with a primary school called House of Joy, and hope to help us make some new international links.
Children at the school are learning English, and we hope that classes will be able to write to tell us what life is like there - and for our children to write to tell them all about life in Abercanaid.
Fran and Linda will be back in December to give us an update.
In the Summer Term we are hoping to arrange a visit from their Headmaster.
We have already found out that school life at House of Joy is very different to our school and we hope to raise some funds to help the children there.
Abercanaid School Mates
Present School with New Football Kit
Today Mrs Sarah Pritchard (Chair of Abercanaid School Mates) visited the school with Mr Darran Brooks from Brookmans Electrical Wholesalers, who have sponsored the school's new football kit. The new kit is fantastic! Children can't wait to put it to good use in our inter-school competitions!
A huge Thank You to Brookmans and The School Mates for making this happen!
Saturday, 19 September 2015
Techniquest Light and Sound kit KS2
The children in KS2 have thoroughly enjoyed using the Techniquest Light and Sound kit. There are many different types of activities in the kit which has enabled them to explore science practically. There's been lots of discussion about sonar, the human voice box and shadows to name but a few! Please enjoy the photos below:
Wednesday, 26 August 2015
School Starts Back...
We hope you have all had a great summer break...
We are looking forward to welcoming children back to school on
We are looking forward to welcoming children back to school on
Wednesday 2nd September.
School Dinners Prices for 2015/2016
The cost of School Dinners as of Tuesday 1st September will be
£2.00 per dinner for primary school children.
£2.00 per dinner for primary school children.
Friday, 17 July 2015
Tom Evans - Visits School to Encourage Children on last Day.
This afternoon Tomas Evans, grandson of one of our school governors Councillor Harvey Jones, visited the school to share his story with the juniors children. Tom has overcome incredible debilitating illness throughout his life, and when faced with adversity he has never given up! Tom has just graduated from university and what he shared with our children was inspirational!
Thursday, 9 July 2015
Thursday, 2 July 2015
Monday, 22 June 2015
Cricket: Glamorgan Final
After winning the Merthyr cricket tournament at Hoover's a couple of weeks ago, we were invited to play in the Glamorgan District Final today at Miskin Manor Cricket Club.
Unfortunately we didn't make it to the National Final, losing to more experienced cricket teams. The children who took part played some great cricket and gave an excellent account of the school however. Mr Bevan is massively proud of their efforts making it this far! Da iawn!
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
London Trip
Hi all. We've just left the M4 and joined the A470. Expecting to be back in Abercanaid at the garages around 10:20pm.
London Trip
Hi all.
Lots of traffic on M4, just leaving the services at Membury. We hope to be back in Abercanaid at around 10:30pm.
Will post again when we get onto the A470.
Matilda Trip
Hi all!!
We've arrived safely in London and are eagerly waitng, ready to go in to watch Matilda!
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Election 2015
Year 5 children have been working hard this past term, forming political parties, formulating policies campaigning hard to gain votes from pupils and staff at the school. Elections have taken place to day. Turn out was excellent estimated to be at 98.7%. The candidate of the winning party will gain a place on the school council with immediate effect and will continue throughout next year.
A HUGE WELL DONE...
to all of our political parties and their candidates. It has been a well fought campaign...
The results are in... you'll have to watch this slide show if you want to find out the result...
Monday, 11 May 2015
Dear Parent / Guardian,
Please follow the link to find a letter from the local authority regarding your views about Home School Transport for children with SEN and / or medical needs. <<<<<Click Here>>>>>
If this is an issue which effects you please respond to them directly.
Tuesday, 14 April 2015
News Update... End of Spring Term 2015
Lots of exciting things happened at the end of Spring Term that we wanted to make sure that you know about...
Science Week
Science Week was again a fantastic success throughout the school. There was a focus on the environment and ecology. Children learned how properties of different materials are used for different purposes and how many can be recycled to make new things. How chemical changes take places and can be reversible or irreversible. Children explored how to make things pop, fizz and bang... including making volcanoes! A great week was had by everyone, and children are more aware of our need to protect this amazing planet we live on. Special thanks to Dr Claire Price who visited the school to explore elements of Forensic Science with Year 5.
Eclipse
At the end of Science week... Children at Abercanaid were treated to an out of this world experience!
The Partial Eclipse of the Sun took place at about 9.30am on the 20th March. The children at Abercanaid know that looking at the sun is very dangerous and so were very excited to be able to watch our very own Abercanaid Eclipse streamed live from an Ipad on the infant yard to an Apple TV in the hall. It was a great whole school assembly!
Abercanaid School Mates: Disco
Our new Parents Group "Abercanaid School Mates" have held their first fundraising event. An Easter Disco was held on the last Wednesday of term at the Cricket Club in Pentrebach. Tickets sold out very quickly and the event was a huge success. Money raised will be used to provide new football and rugby team kits, also for new yard equipment for playtimes.
A HUGE THANK YOU - to everyone who helped organise or supported this event!
Caerleon
On the last Thrusday of term the Junior Department visited The Roman Ruins and Museum at Caerleon. Children and Staff had a great day exploring the Amphitheatre, Barrack and Roman Baths. They were able to dress up as Romans and experience Roman school life. A fantastic day out, and packed with information for our history topic.
Easter Bonnet Parade
Nursery Children donned their Easter Bonnets for our annual parade around Abercanaid. The standard of bonnets and caps was again very high. Thanks to all parents for working with their children to make their hats!
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
National Testing and Teacher Training Dates
The forthcoming Easter Holiday is one day longer for our pupils than previously arranged due to teacher training commitments.
Term ends Friday March 27th and the children are due back in school on Tuesday 14th April.
Term ends Friday March 27th and the children are due back in school on Tuesday 14th April.
The two further closure dates for your diary are Friday 19th June and Friday 3rd July.
The National Testing period, when we would hope to have all pupils in school is
Tuesday 5th May until Tuesday 12th May.
Friday, 13 March 2015
Wednesday, 4 March 2015
UPDATES
Traffic Safety Barrier
As you are aware the Governors have been seriously concerned about the car parking issue within the school grounds and the child safety problems that it has evoked.
As a result of these concerns, as with most Merthyr schools now, a barrier has been installed to prohibit vehicles entering the school grounds.
With effect from 16th March the barrier will be closed every afternoon from 2:45pm to 4pm.
We are sorry to have to take these steps but the safety of our children is the overriding duty of the Governing Body.
As a result of these concerns, as with most Merthyr schools now, a barrier has been installed to prohibit vehicles entering the school grounds.
With effect from 16th March the barrier will be closed every afternoon from 2:45pm to 4pm.
We are sorry to have to take these steps but the safety of our children is the overriding duty of the Governing Body.
Crossing at Pentrebach House.
We
have been informed that the Pelican Crossing at Pentrebach House will be closed
for a week from Sunday (8th March). We have been told that someone
will be available to help with crossing, however
if your children come to school via this route please could you ensure that you
make any necessary arrangements for their safety on this very dangerous stretch
of road.
Abercanaid School Mates – Disco
Abercanaid
School Mates have organised a fundraising DISCO, at Pentrebach Cricket Club on Wednesday 25th of March at 6pm, for all children
from our school. Children
must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Tickets cost £1 and are available
from after school from the following parents: Sarah
Pritchard, Louise Flynn, Lynne Brooks, Claire Denton-Scrivens, Allyson Price and Gill Davies.
Monday, 2 March 2015
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