As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding half-term, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together at Ysgol Y Bryn. The hard work and enthusiasm of our children, staff, and families have continued to make this term a fantastic success, filled with incredible learning experiences and achievements.
This term, our enquiry-based curriculum has continued to flourish. Across the school, children have been exploring their “I wonder…” questions with curiosity, investigation, and discovery. From helping the local environment to investigating historical events, every class has embraced their learning journey with enthusiasm. It’s been inspiring to watch our pupils actively engage, ask thoughtful questions, and make connections with the world around them. I hope you, as parents, are beginning to see the exciting changes and developments in the learning that’s taking place.
One of the highlights this term has been the wide range of trips and visits our children have taken. These experiences have not only brought their learning to life but also allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the world. From local visits to far-reaching excursions, each trip has helped our pupils develop important knowledge and skills. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our parents for your continued support in helping to make these trips possible.
Our commitment to experiential learning remains at the heart of what we do. We’ve been working hard to provide opportunities that take the learning beyond the classroom, offering our pupils the chance to experience the world around them in a practical, hands-on way. This term, children have participated in a variety of learning opportunities outside the classroom, each one carefully designed to support and extend their classroom learning.
A standout event this term was our Eisteddfod, which was a huge success under the leadership of Miss McCann. It was wonderful to see so many of our pupils getting involved in celebrating Welsh culture through song, dance, and performance. The talent and enthusiasm displayed by our children was truly inspiring.
As we continue to push forward with the implementation of our new curriculum, I want to thank our dedicated staff for their hard work in ensuring that every child has access to high-quality, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences. We are already beginning to see the changes, and I’m excited to see how our pupils continue to grow and thrive as a result.
Finally, I want to express my thanks once again to all our parents and carers for your continued support. Together, we are making Ysgol Y Bryn a wonderful place for children to learn and grow, and I look forward to all the great things we will achieve in the coming terms.
As we move into the Summer term, we are excited to continue our enquiry-based learning approach, sparking curiosity and encouraging deeper thinking across all year groups. Our new “I wonder…” questions are set to inspire meaningful exploration and discussion, connecting learning to real-world contexts and historical perspectives.
Here’s what each year group will be exploring next term:
• Early Years – I wonder where bugs live?
• Year 1 – I wonder what Goldilocks would suggest for a healthy picnic?
• Year 2 – I wonder how we can stay safe around a pond?
• Year 3 – I wonder what makes Volcanoes erupt?
• Year 4 - I wonder who invented aeroplanes and made flight possible?
• Year 5 – I wonder if Earth is the only planet with life?
• Year 6 – I wonder what skills you need to be a Red Arrows pilot?
We look forward to seeing their enthusiasm and curiosity shine through as they continue their journey of discovery!
I want to take a moment to share some bittersweet news. Mrs. Dawson, has been successful in securing the role of Headteacher in another Local Authority, and while we are saddened to see her leave, we are incredibly proud of her! Mrs. Dawson will be leaving us in July, and we will certainly miss her leadership, dedication, and passion for education, and the children!
The hard work, commitment, and impact she has had on Ysgol Y Bryn over the years have been immeasurable. Through her leadership, she has contributed significantly to raising standards across the school ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. More than that, it is her care, compassion, and support for all — particularly our children — that has truly made her an integral part of our school community. Her influence has been felt far beyond the classroom, she will be greatly missed!
Mrs. Dawson still has another term with us and I'm sure you'll wish to pass on your congratulations over the coming months.
We have already begun the process of appointing a new Deputy Headteacher in partnership with our Governing Body. We will keep you updated and inform you as soon as a suitable candidate has been selected. In the meantime, we will continue to work together to ensure the very best for our children, maintaining the high standards of education.
Our Year 6 students are eagerly anticipating their upcoming residential trip to Gwersyll yr Urdd Llangrannog, a renowned activity centre situated along the picturesque West Wales coast. This excursion promises a blend of adventure and personal growth, offering a variety of engaging activities designed to foster teamwork, resilience, and lasting memories.
We have established a partnership with Llangrannog where our Year 6 children will visit each year, for a four night stay during their summer term. We are in the process of establishing a long term payment plan to support families from Year 3 upwards to plan and pay, so by the time they reach Year 6, they'll be good to go!
Throughout their stay, students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of exciting activities, including skiing, climbing, go-karting, and tobogganing. Evenings will be filled with engaging events such as folk dancing, quizzes, and discos, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all.
Accommodation at the centre is in comfortable en-suite rooms, and all meals are provided, catering to various dietary requirements, allowing students to focus entirely on their activities without concern for meal preparation.
This residential trip not only aligns with our commitment to experiential learning but also offers students a chance to develop independence and forge stronger bonds with their peers. We are confident that the experiences and skills gained during this trip will contribute positively to their personal development.
We have created a dedicated page for Llangrannog on our new website, click here!
We are excited to announce that our Year 5 children (2025-2026) will have the wonderful opportunity to attend the Llain Activity Centre in September 2025. Situated in the stunning countryside between Aberaeron and New Quay, Llain Activity Centre offers an ideal environment for educational and adventurous experiences.
The centre provides a range of accommodation options, including newly built log cabins, bell tents in a 'Canvas Village Adventure' setup, and traditional dormitory-style rooms, ensuring a comfortable and community-focused stay for all.
During their time at Llain, students will engage in a variety of activities, both land and water-based. These include wall climbing, high ropes, kayaking, paddleboarding, raft building, bushcraft, forest schools, archery, orienteering, team-building exercises, and the thrilling mud assault course. There's something for everyone!
The trip will take place in September each year, offering our Year 5 children the chance to experience a two-night stay filled with exciting adventures and opportunities for personal growth. We are confident this trip will provide lasting memories and valuable learning experiences.
For our current Year 4 families who want more information, please find the attached letter.
Llain Activity Centre provides residential activity trips for school groups
We are delighted to inform you that our Year 4 students will have the opportunity to participate in a one-night residential experience at the Urdd Residential Centre in Cardiff Bay next March. This trip is designed to immerse our children in the vibrant cultural and educational offerings of Wales' capital city.
Situated within the iconic Wales Millennium Centre, the Urdd Residential Centre provides modern, secure accommodation in the heart of Cardiff Bay. The centre offers a range of activities and courses tailored for children and young people, ensuring a memorable and enriching stay.
During their stay, students will have the chance to explore some of Cardiff's key attractions, including:
Principality Stadium
Senedd Tour
Ten-Pin Bowling
Water Taxi Tour
A range of additional activities
Accommodation will be in en-suite rooms within the Wales Millennium Centre, offering comfort and convenience. All meals are included, catering to various dietary requirements, ensuring that students have the energy for all planned activities.
This residential experience aligns with our commitment to experiential learning, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts. It also offers opportunities for personal development, teamwork, and cultural enrichment.
28/04/2025 (2:30pm) Mathletics - Introduction to parents
01/05/25 - Colorfoto - Year groups/Individual New Nursery Intake/Yr 6 Leavers
02/06/25 - INSET Day (School Closed to Children)
06/06/25- Sports Day
16/06/25 - 20/06/25 - Year 6 Llangrannog
23/06/25 - ECO - Rags2Riches
30/06/25 - Year 6 Transition Day at Bryngwyn School
04/07/25- 1pm Summer Fayre
17/07/25 - Last Day of School for Pupils
01/09/25- Designated Inset Day
I have listened to your feedback regarding the challenges you’ve experienced with not receiving notifications for school announcements via The School App, as well as your desire to be more involved and see what your child is learning. To address this, we’ve purchased Seesaw as a new platform to improve communication and ensure that you are more connected to your child’s learning journey.
Seesaw will allow you to receive real-time updates, photos, videos, and more, directly from the classroom, so you can stay informed and involved in your child's education. We hope this new platform helps bridge the gap and gives you a clearer view of what your child is working on in school. We're excited to offer this as a tool to strengthen our communication and partnership with you.
You will be receiving a QR code after the Easter break that will invite you to download the Seesaw app, and create an account. The QR code is unique to each child.
Seesaw is an online platform where your child can share their learning through photos, videos, drawings, and voice recordings. It allows teachers to upload work, celebrate achievements, and give feedback in a safe, controlled space. As a parent or guardian, you can access your child’s learning journal from your phone, tablet, or computer, so you can stay informed and engaged with what your child is doing in school.
See Learning in Action – Get real-time updates, photos, and videos of your child’s learning directly from the classroom.
Instant Communication – Receive important messages and announcements from school directly through Seesaw.
Simple and Secure – Seesaw is a private platform, meaning only you and people linked to your child’s account can see their posts. It’s also fully GDPR compliant, ensuring your data is handled safely.
Encouraging Pupil Engagement – Your child will feel proud to share their learning, which boosts their confidence and encourages them to reflect on their progress.
Connecting Home and School – You can celebrate your child’s achievements and support their learning journey from anywhere.
By using Seesaw, we aim to:
Improve communication between school and home.
Reduce the need for paper-based newsletters and letters.
Keep families up-to-date with school events, activities, and learning.
Provide a fun and interactive way for children to share their experiences.
You will receive an invitation from your child’s teacher with instructions on how to join Seesaw. Simply download the Seesaw Family app or visit it through a web browser to connect. If you need any help with setting up your account, please contact the school office, and we’ll be happy to assist.
We’re excited to introduce Seesaw at Ysgol Y Bryn and look forward to strengthening our partnership with families through this platform.
If you have any questions about Seesaw, feel free to ask your child's teacher!
We would like to trial Year 4 children to walk home during the summer term. This will be a trial period and depending on the success, could be something we look to move forward with in the coming years. We will need concent from parents to confirm they are happy with this. If you wish for your child to be released at the end of the day, unsupervised, please write a signed letter to Mrs Robinson in the office confirming this.
As Miss James returns, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Miss Johnson, who has been with us in Year 6 for the past two terms. Miss Johnson has worked hard, supporting our students and contributing to their learning and development. We truly appreciate her dedication, commitment, and the positive impact she has made during her time with us. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours and are grateful for everything she has done for our school. Thank you, Miss Johnson!
We would like to warmly welcome Miss James back following her maternity leave. She has seamlessly rejoined the Year 6 class and resumed her role on the Senior Leadership Team and Key Stage 2 team. A huge thank you to Miss Richards and Miss McCann, who have led the Key Stage 2 phase during this time, providing an excellent opportunity for them to develop leadership capacity within the school.
Over the last 6 weeks, our Year 3 and 4 children, as well as our Year 5 and 6 children (both boys and girls), have participated in two exciting rugby tournaments. The children took part in tag rugby competitions, where they not only won games but also had a great time playing. We're proud of their efforts and sportsmanship! Looking ahead, we will continue to collaborate with the Scarlets and other schools to support the growth of rugby and provide more opportunities for our students to get involved.
Our PTCA are continuing to look for new members to join and support their efforts in raising money for the school. They have some fantastic ideas in the works, and their hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. A huge thank you to the PTCA for organising the Easter hamper raffle, with one hamper for Foundation Phase and another for Key Stage 2. Your efforts have made this a wonderful event for our school community, and we’re grateful for your ongoing support! If you’d like to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Mathletics offers a fantastic opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom. We can all encourage the children to use Mathletics at in school and at home to reinforce the skills and concepts they are working on in class. Here's how Mathletics can be used at home to support learning:
Personalized Learning: Mathletics adapts to each student's individual ability, ensuring that they are always working at the right level. Whether they need to reinforce basic concepts or challenge themselves with more advanced topics, Mathletics offers a range of activities that cater to different learning needs.
24/7 Access: Students can log in to Mathletics from any device, at any time, to complete activities, watch tutorial videos, and practice their math skills. This flexibility means that learning can continue outside of school hours, allowing students to work at their own pace and revisit topics whenever they need extra practice.
Parental Involvement: Mathletics provides parents with the tools to support their child’s learning. They can monitor progress, see which areas need more attention, and encourage their child to practice specific skills at home. The platform's instant feedback system allows students to correct mistakes and understand concepts better.
Fun and Interactive: With its games, challenges, and rewards, Mathletics makes learning enjoyable. Students are more likely to stay motivated and engaged when they see math as a fun and interactive activity rather than just an academic task.
Targeted Practice: Teachers can assign specific activities to students based on their individual needs, ensuring that practice is targeted and effective. This allows students to focus on areas they may be struggling with while building confidence in their abilities.
To help families get started with Mathletics and make the most of this valuable tool, we are hosting an introduction to Mathletics session on 28th April at 2:30 pm in the school hall. During this session, we will provide a walkthrough of the platform, demonstrate how students can access and use it, and explain how parents can support their child's learning at home. We encourage all parents to attend and find out how they can help your child succeed with Mathletics!
Miss McCann is now leading our efforts on Welsh language development, with a clear focus on achieving the Siarter Iaith Silver award this summer term. At Ysgol Y Bryn, we are dedicated to embedding the Welsh language and culture into our daily school life, ensuring our learners gain confidence in using Welsh both inside and outside the classroom. This half-term, we have made significant progress in strengthening our provision and celebrating Welsh in meaningful ways.
Walking through our school, the visibility of Welsh is increasingly evident. Displays such as ‘Welsh Pattern of the Week,’ ‘Band of the Month,’ and ‘Seren Gymraeg yr Wythnos’ highlight achievements and motivate learners, fostering an environment where Welsh is valued and celebrated. These simple yet impactful initiatives are helping to cultivate a positive attitude toward speaking and using Welsh every day.
Our Criw Cymraeg assemblies have been a fantastic way to bring the whole school together to enjoy Welsh in a fun and engaging manner. Through games, songs, and interactive activities, learners are not only enhancing their understanding of Welsh but also building confidence and enthusiasm for using the language. This excitement continues in the classroom, where we are focusing on the development of oracy skills and finding ways to better support each learner's Welsh language journey.
To support continuous improvement, staff have been actively engaging in professional learning and development opportunities aimed at strengthening their Welsh skills and teaching methods. This has been particularly beneficial in the early years, where we are building solid foundations for language development. By providing targeted support and professional learning, we are ensuring that all staff feel confident and equipped to incorporate Welsh naturally throughout the school day.
Inside the classroom, we are refining our approach to Welsh teaching. The Talk for Writing process is now established, offering a structured and consistent approach to developing Welsh language skills across the school. We are planning a book look to assess progress and further refine our strategies. Additionally, bilingual displays throughout the school are reinforcing key vocabulary, ensuring that Welsh is present in all areas of learning.
Beyond the classroom, we are providing exciting opportunities for our learners to experience Welsh culture in action. A recent visit from the Urdd and Mr. Urdd was a brilliant way to inspire our learners, demonstrating how Welsh can be part of their everyday lives. Through extracurricular activities and wider cultural experiences, we are encouraging learners to engage with Welsh meaningfully.
School residentials to Llain, Llangrannog and Cardiff Bay which are all promoted through the medium of Welsh will be another opportunity for us to expand on the language potential, giving further emersion in a different setting.
Our progress in Welsh language development is an ongoing journey, and we are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and commitment shown by both learners and staff. By continuing to build confidence, provide engaging opportunities, and celebrate achievements, we are ensuring that the Welsh language remains a strong and vibrant part of life at Ysgol Y Bryn.
This term has seen continued growth in leadership across Ysgol Y Bryn, with a strong emphasis on further embedding staff empowerment, refining monitoring processes, and enhancing pupil involvement in leadership. These efforts have contributed to a more cohesive, transparent, and collaborative approach to school development.
A key focus has been enhancing staff leadership, ensuring that everyone is clear about their roles and responsibilities while feeling supported in their growth. By recognising staff strengths and areas for development, leadership capacity has been thoughtfully expanded, enabling effective utilisation of expertise. The establishment of a clear staffing structure has fostered greater transparency, while coaching and mentoring initiatives for middle leaders have bolstered their confidence in leading their teams. Staff development in action planning and monitoring has supported this progress, helping to strengthen the alignment of initiatives with school priorities and improve their strategic impact.
To support effective monitoring and evaluation, a refined cycle and schedule have been introduced, ensuring all aspects of school improvement are regularly and thoroughly reviewed. Monitoring exercises now provide constructive feedback that guides staff in refining their practice and aligns development with clear direction. By linking performance development targets to the School Development Plan (SDP) priorities, there is now a more unified approach to both school-wide improvement and individual professional growth.
Strategic planning has further evolved, with subject leaders developing clearer action plans that outline objectives, success criteria, and timelines. This ensures that progress is monitored and that leaders remain accountable for their areas. Ongoing review of the SDP and action plans has kept our initiatives responsive to emerging needs, reinforcing a proactive and flexible approach to school development.
Pupil leadership continues to grow in importance, with newly appointed pupil group leaders taking an active role in shaping the SDP. Their involvement has deepened their sense of responsibility and ownership, while also reinforcing the value of student input in shaping school improvement. Regular meetings with pupil groups have ensured that their voices are heard, fostering a culture of collaboration and engagement among our learners.
Collaboration has remained at the heart of professional development, with staff engaging in training courses and cluster meetings that align with school priorities. Senior leadership has also continued to support staff in the preparation of monitoring and evaluation reports, maintaining a high standard of consistent improvement reporting.
The overall impact of these developments has been positive, with leadership across the school becoming more structured, transparent, and collaborative. Staff are empowered in their roles, and there is a shared sense of responsibility for school improvement. Monitoring and evaluation processes have created a focused and unified approach to progress, while pupil leadership has driven greater engagement and involvement. These initiatives have laid a solid foundation for continued development, ensuring that leadership at Ysgol Y Bryn remains dynamic and effective in driving sustained improvement.
There has been a strong focus on fostering independent learning and reflective thinking, with the goal of empowering pupils to take ownership of their learning and build confidence in their abilities. Across the school, structured opportunities have been introduced to encourage self-regulation, decision-making, and leadership, aligning with our vision of nurturing independent and resilient learners.
A key initiative in this journey has been the Cath Delve Independent Learner Course, which has played a pivotal role in shaping approaches to pupil independence, particularly in the Foundation Learning phase. In Early Years, staff have implemented rolling independent snack times and self-checking routines, giving younger learners greater responsibility and autonomy in managing their own needs. This shift towards independent learning has extended across the school, with regular POP time providing pupils with the chance to contribute to topic planning and structure their own learning tasks, promoting a sense of ownership over their learning.
Pupil councils have been established and are meeting regularly, fostering a culture of pupil leadership and providing learners with a voice in decision-making processes. Independent learning time, such as Pili-Pala and Amser Chili, has been integrated into classroom routines, offering structured opportunities for learners to engage in tasks at their own pace and make informed choices about their learning journey.
The implementation of Assessment for Learning (AfL) strategies has further supported the development of independence. Self and peer-assessment practices, such as self-assessment stickers and next-step questioning (NSQs), have become embedded across all classes. These strategies encourage pupils to reflect on their progress, identify areas for improvement, and collaborate with their peers to evaluate each other’s work, fostering critical thinking and reflective practice.
In Foundation Learning, classrooms are thoughtfully designed to promote independent learning. With clear structures, well-organised resources, and an environment conducive to exploration and problem-solving, pupils are confident in accessing materials and using them effectively to support their learning. Adults take on the role of facilitators, guiding rather than directing every task. In KS2, many learners are able to articulate their learning confidently, demonstrating an understanding of what they are doing and why. However, there remains opportunity for further development, particularly in creating environments that fully support independent learning, with elements such as WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like) examples, displayed vocabulary, bilingual labels, and accessible resources.
The impact of these efforts is evident: learners are becoming more independent, confident, and reflective in their approach to learning. By embedding opportunities for independence, encouraging self and peer-assessment, and creating environments that nurture autonomy, we are ensuring that pupils not only take ownership of their education but also develop vital skills for lifelong learning.
We are confident that we have made sufficient progress in this priority area, we will now review whether there is a need to contiue in the summer term.
This year, there has been a strong emphasis on wellbeing, pupil voice, and safeguarding, ensuring that both pupils and staff feel supported, valued, and empowered. Through structured initiatives, data analysis, and targeted interventions, we are creating an environment where wellbeing is at the forefront, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
A key development has been the completion and analysis of the Pupil and Staff Surveys, as well as the PASS (Pupil Attitudes to Self and School) surveys. These have provided invaluable insights into how pupils and staff feel about different aspects of school life, allowing us to tailor support and address emerging needs. The results have informed our wellbeing initiatives, enabling us to refine our approach to emotional and mental health support across the school.
Pupil voice has been a powerful driving force in shaping school improvements. The School Council has taken an active role in developing strategies to enhance attendance, and pupils have contributed their ideas for rewards and incentives. Their action plan now includes initiatives related to attendance, restorative practice, and healthy eating, empowering them to lead positive changes across the school.
The continued emphasis on Jigsaw sessions has further strengthened the focus on health and wellbeing skills, with weekly sessions now embedded into classroom routines. These sessions provide a safe space for pupils to explore their emotions, relationships, and personal development, helping to build resilience and self-awareness. Jigsaw expectations have been shared with teaching staff, ensuring consistency across all classes.
Staff wellbeing has also been prioritised, with the staff survey offering an opportunity for staff to share their thoughts and contribute to wellbeing initiatives that support them in their roles. This open dialogue has been crucial in ensuring that both pupil and staff wellbeing remain central to our school culture.
The impact of these initiatives is clear:
School Council meetings have strengthened pupil voice, enabling learners to actively contribute to school improvement.
ELSA tracking and interventions are ensuring that pupils who need additional emotional support receive it in a structured and effective way.
Weekly Jigsaw sessions are enhancing pupils’ emotional intelligence and wellbeing skills.
Staff voice has influenced wellbeing initiatives, ensuring that support extends beyond the classroom.
By embedding these strategies into our daily school life, we are ensuring that wellbeing is not just a priority but a core part of how we work and learn together at Ysgol Y Bryn.
What a fantastic half-term it's been for our Bryn Beyond after-school clubs! It's been wonderful to see so many of our pupils diving into activities like knitting, healthy food projects, and active challenges. The enthusiasm and joy they've shown in picking up new skills and spending quality time with friends have been truly amazing!
A massive shout-out to our incredible staff who have volunteered their time to make these clubs happen. Your passion and dedication have created such positive experiences for the children, and we can't thank you enough.
Great news—Bryn Beyond is back next half-term! Please check Parent Pay for all the details about the new clubs and how to book. Spots can fill up quickly, so don't miss out!
Thank you all for making Bryn Beyond such a success. We can't wait to see what exciting adventures the next term will bring!
Early Years have had a wonderful Spring 2 term, filled with hands-on learning, creativity, and exploration. The children have enjoyed discovering the world around them in so many exciting ways.
One of the highlights of the term was World Book Day, where the children dressed up as their favourite characters and had a great time reading lots of different stories together. It was a fun day, and the children loved sharing their favourite books with their friends.
For Dydd Gwyl Dewi, we celebrated Welsh culture with a special Eisteddfod. The children sang Welsh songs, wore traditional Welsh costumes, and made daffodil crafts. They also wrote shopping lists for cawl and learned all about the vegetables that go into the soup, giving them a deeper understanding of Welsh traditions.
This term, the children also started woodwork sessions, where they learned how to safely use a hammer and practice joining materials together. It was amazing to see them develop new skills and work with confidence.
As part of our topic on Spring, the children enjoyed exploring the changes that come with the season. They made rain gravity paintings, had fun with windy day activities like making wind socks, blowing bubbles, and creating chimes. They also spent time learning about Spring plants, including planting cress and preparing the ground for vegetables and a herb garden. They loved planting flowers around the classroom and outside, and learned about the different parts of a flower and how to label them. The children also got creative with blossom tree art and flower paintings.
We also focused on Spring animals, where the children matched animals to their young and learned their names. They made lamb and chick crafts and even programmed the BlueBot to visit the Spring animals! They also used wooden blocks to build homes for the baby animals, which was a fun and creative way for them to explore animal habitats.
For Easter, the children made Easter crafts, created Easter cards, and took part in a fun bonnet parade. They also enjoyed an exciting Easter egg hunt, following clues to find their eggs.
Finally, we had a lovely trip to Park Howard, where the children got to see the signs of Spring and explore the park. It was a great way to bring all the learning to life and enjoy the outdoors.
It’s been a fantastic half-term full of exploration and new skills. The enthusiasm and energy the Nursery and Reception children bring to their learning is so inspiring, and we’re looking forward to another exciting term ahead!
Year 1 started by listening to information about dinosaurs and creating a mind-map filled with facts about them. They read about different types of dinosaurs and used the clues to match the dinosaur to the correct period on the timeline, such as the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. They then wondered if dinosaurs were different, so they set algorithms on Blue-Bots to explore whether dinosaurs ate plants, meat, or both. The children also created dinosaur prints in the style of Henri Rousseau after discussing how dinosaurs lived in similar habitats.
Next, Year 1 explored where dinosaurs lived. They sorted animals into land, sea, and sky categories and created dinosaur habitats in the forest, helping them understand the environment dinosaurs would have lived in. To answer the question, “How do we know if dinosaurs existed?” they created presentations on JIT Mix about Mary Anning, one of the most famous paleontologists, and learned about her discoveries. Finally, the children followed instructions to make salt-dough dinosaur fossils, bringing their learning to life through hands-on creation.
Year 2 have had an exciting and engaging term filled with hands-on learning and wonderful experiences.
A major highlight was the trip to Folly Farm, where the children had the chance to see the penguins up close and learn more about these fascinating animals. This visit tied into their inquiry question, "I wonder if we could visit Antarctica?" The children enjoyed discovering all about the penguins' natural habitat and how they live in cold climates.
To kick off their topic, Year 2 had an Immersion Day, where they took part in an Antarctica scavenger hunt around the school. The hunt was full of clues related to the topic and what the children would be learning about, sparking their curiosity and excitement for the weeks ahead.
In D&T, the children explored printing using natural materials, allowing them to creatively design and make prints inspired by their topic. This was a fantastic way to combine art and nature.
In Maths, the children worked on debugging algorithms and coding the Bee-bots to navigate to different Antarctica-themed items. It was a fun way to combine learning about coding with their understanding of the topic.
In Art, Year 2 created beautiful southern light pastel art, capturing the colours and scenery of Antarctica, while in experience day, they brought the topic to life with a variety of fun activities. From making explorer binoculars and penguin headbands to creating delicious penguin marshmallow snacks, the children truly immersed themselves in the world of explorers.
Additionally, Year 2 celebrated World Book Day with some fantastic book-themed activities. They also enjoyed Dydd Gwyl Dewi, taking part in an Eisteddfod celebration. This included singing Welsh songs, doing dawnsio gwerin (traditional Welsh dance), and completing a homework task to create a love spoon.
It's been a wonderful term full of learning, exploration, and creativity, and Year 2 are already looking forward to the next exciting chapter in their journey!
Year 3 have had an action-packed and exciting term full of activities that have engaged both their minds and bodies.
One of the highlights was the Mini Decathlon at Llanelli Leisure Centre, where the children enjoyed a range of athletic challenges, competing in a fun and supportive environment. They also had a fantastic rugby session with the Scarlets, learning new skills and techniques from the professionals.
The children got creative for World Book Day, with fun activities that sparked their imaginations and celebrated their favourite books. They also had a great time on Immersion Day, exploring Dragons and retelling legends through music, which helped bring the magical stories to life.
As part of their Eisteddfod celebration, Year 3 joined in with singing, dancing, and crafting, deepening their connection with Welsh culture. The Danceathon was another highlight, where the children danced their hearts out for a good cause.
In D&T Food Technology, Year 3 put their numeracy skills to the test while making Welsh cakes. They carefully weighed out the ingredients and followed the recipe to create a delicious treat.
The children also worked on their map skills, using them to figure out where dragons might have come from or where they would have lived, bringing history and imagination together in a fun way.
It’s been a term full of learning, creativity, and activity, and Year 3 can’t wait for the next exciting challenges ahead!
Blwyddyn 4 have had a deliciously fun and informative term, with plenty of exciting activities and hands-on learning.
For their inquiry, "I wonder why chocolate is one of the world’s favourite treats?", the children went on a trip to the chocolate house, where they learned about the history of chocolate and how it’s made. They even got to make and decorate their own chocolate lollipops, brownies, and biscuits, and wrapped up the visit with a fun quiz.
The Immersion Day was a big hit, with a blind taste test where the children tasted different chocolate products such as milkshakes, mousse, and chocolates. They described the flavours and shared whether they liked or disliked each item. The Golden Ticket Hunt was another exciting activity, where the children searched for hidden tickets containing clues that led to chocolate treasures. In Willy Wonka’s Science Lab, they explored a fizzy drink experiment and learned about carbon dioxide in pop by shaking it to inflate a balloon.
Throughout the topic, the children asked questions like "I wonder how chocolate is made and who invented it?" They learned to make cake pops from scratch, created flow charts to identify how chocolate is made, and compared the weights of different chocolate bars. They also explored how Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory compares to real-life chocolate factories through a Venn diagram and created news articles.
The children also wondered "What is the process for chocolate factories to sell their products at shops?" They designed their own chocolate bar wrappers, created adverts using Adobe Express, and made fact files to explore the production process, the role of retailers, and whether their chosen brand was Fairtrade. They also created timelines to show how chocolate reaches the shops.
The topic took a global turn with the question, "What is the history of chocolate in different cultures?" The children labelled historical cocoa regions on a world map, created news reports on iMovie about chocolate’s history, and presented their research on countries like the Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Venezuela, and Mexico.
For the question, "I wonder how chocolatiers create such intricate and beautiful chocolate shapes?" the children created their own clay shapes to replicate the detailed designs often made by chocolatiers.
The Experience Day was the perfect way to end the term, with a Golden Ticket award ceremony for all the children's hard work. The golden tickets allowed the children to enter a Chocolate Factory party, which was filled with chocolate-based activities. They made their own chocolate shapes using moulds, learnt the oompa loompa dance, designed Easter eggs, took part in an online quiz to recall their learning, did colour-by-number activities, and even created chocolate-themed mud creations in Wonka’s mud factory.
In addition to their chocolate-themed learning, Year 4 also had a range of other exciting activities:
In DCF, they worked on coding using J2e code, microbit, and pro-bots. They also had a visit from PC Courney to learn about online safety.
In DT, they made cake pops.
In Cymraeg, they created comic strips about Pip yn Mynd i'r Ynys.
In Expressive Arts, they participated in the Eisteddfod and a Danceathon for Comic Relief.
For Health and Well-being, they took part in PE (Creative movement and dance), Jigsaw (Healthy Me), and had a rugby session with the Scarlets.
In M&N, they worked on topics like angles, position, and direction, as well as weight and money, engaging with the concepts through creative, hands-on activities. They used chalk to draw coordinate grids, played interactive games like 'Simon Says' to explore position and direction, practiced estimation and measurement with chocolate bars, and reinforced money concepts by drawing and using chalk to create various amounts outdoors.
They also celebrated World Book Day.
It’s been an exciting and engaging term for Year 4, with so many learning experiences that brought both fun and knowledge into the classroom. The children have developed new skills, worked collaboratively, and most importantly, enjoyed their learning journey.
Year 5 kicked off their topic with an immersive day, creating bug hotels to protect wildlife that may be found on a farm. The children also built an eco-system food web to understand the interdependence of different elements on a farm and how everything plays a role in growth and survival. As part of this, they created environmental and farming pledges, focusing on how to protect both farming practices and the environment.
Year 5 have been diving into the inquiry question, "I wonder how farming impacts the world around us?" They’ve been examining animals' roles and responsibilities, becoming increasingly aware of their place in farming and how animals fit within the food chain. The children have also explored ethical considerations around farming practices.
They’ve looked at different types of farming, such as mixed, arable, and pastoral farming, and compared past and present practices. Additionally, students studied topographic maps to understand the geography of farming areas and learned how farming is affected by factors like temperature, rainfall, and climate.
In their exploration of food, they discussed where food comes from around the world, using mapping and atlas skills to locate key food-growing areas. They calculated food miles and discussed the long-term environmental impacts of transporting food over great distances.
Following this, Year 5 explored Fairtrade—how it benefits farmers and their communities—and how the selling of produce at low prices can have a negative impact on farms. The students gained a deeper understanding of the global effects of farming.
Year 5 visited Folly Farm for a hands-on experience with the animals, including feeding and holding them. The children also learned about the farm's history, starting as a dairy and cattle farm before evolving into a farm and zoo. This trip helped bring their learning to life and gave the children a real-world connection to the topic. In Maths, Year 5 focused on weight, which they applied to their topic work by weighing different food products from around the world. The children practiced converting between grams and kilograms, developing both their mathematical skills and their understanding of global food production.
Year 5 had a visit from the Scarlets rugby team, who taught them different skills and techniques. Their P.E. for this half term has focused on competitive sports, with the children participating in football, rugby, and rounders. Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed their Walk Through the Bible sessions with Mrs. Beer. They learned all about the Old Testament, deepening their understanding of religious history and stories.
This term, Year 6’s theme focused on exploring schools in the past. The pupils have been fully engaged in learning about what school life was like during the Victorian era, and they made strong connections to the novel Matilda by Roald Dahl. Through this, the children compared the experiences of schoolchildren in the past with the characters of Miss Trunchbull and Miss Honey, gaining a deeper understanding of how education has evolved over time.
A highlight of their historical topic was the Victorian workshop at St Fagans, where the children had the opportunity to experience first-hand what it would have been like to be a student in a Victorian school. This immersive experience brought history to life and allowed them to connect deeply with what they had been studying in class.
In keeping with their Matilda theme, the children also had the chance to get creative by baking their very own Bruce Bogtrotter cupcakes, inspired by the famous scene in the film. They worked brilliantly as a team, showing off their culinary skills while having fun in the process.
In terms of sports and physical education, Year 6 has had a busy and exciting term. They had the opportunity to attend an Experience Day at the Scarlets, where they participated in rugby sessions that built on their skills and knowledge of the game. The children were also lucky enough to have the Scarlets coaches visit the school to lead rugby sessions, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all.
In addition to rugby, their PE lessons featured cricket, where students learned the fundamentals of the sport and played a friendly rounders match to further develop their teamwork and coordination.
As part of our commitment to keeping students safe, Year 6 also took part in a comprehensive road safety session, focusing on cycling safety. The children learned important skills for cycling safely, both in the classroom and through practical exercises.
Have a lovely Easter break together as a family, stay safe and enjoy making memories!
Mr Williams
Headteacher
Ysgol Y Bryn
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