What is a curriculum...
Learning offered by a school.  

Lessons and experiences taught in a school.  

Knowledge and skills pupils are expected to learn. 

A comprehensive learning plan.  

A roadmap for teaching and learning. 

A framework for education.   

What a school does to ensure pupil progression.  

What is curriculum for Wales? 

The Curriculum for Wales (2022) is a new, purpose-led framework for ages 3-16, moving from traditional subjects to six key Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs): Expressive Arts, Health & Wellbeing, Humanities, Languages/Literacy/Communication, Mathematics & Numeracy, and Science & Technology, all guided by Four Purposes to develop well-rounded individuals, with core learning integrated across these areas to foster critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application.   

Curriculum design is a continuous process of reflection and improvement. At Ysgol Y Bryn, we acknowledge and fulfil both our statutory and mandatory responsibilities. The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 puts mandatory duties on schools - things they are legally required to do.  Schools must also have ‘due regard’ to statutory guidance when carrying out their duties.quire

Our Curriculum vision 

Our curriculum is purpose-led, enquiry-driven and rooted in Cynefin. It reflects the unique context of our learners and community, ensuring authentic, relevant and inclusive learning experiences that support progression for all.

Learning is designed around meaningful questions and real-life contexts that promote deep understanding and transferable skills. Pupil voice plays a central role in shaping and evaluating learning, ensuring learners have agency and ownership within their curriculum journey.

We place strong emphasis on developing metacognitive skills. Learners are explicitly supported to articulate what they are learning, why it is important and how they learn most effectively. This strengthens independence, resilience and self-regulation.

Through coherent planning and authentic experiences, our curriculum enables learners to progress towards the four purposes of Curriculum for Wales, developing as ambitious, capable learners; enterprising, creative contributors; ethical, informed citizens; and healthy, confident individuals.

Our Four Purpose Characters: Supporting the Curriculum for Wales 

At Ysgol Y Bryn, we are committed to bringing the Curriculum for Wales to life in an engaging and creative way for our pupils. As part of our efforts to help children understand the four purposes of the curriculum, we have introduced four special characters that were designed, drawn, and created by the children themselves. These characters embody the key principles outlined in the Curriculum for Wales and represent the unique skills and attributes we aim to develop in every child.   

Our pupils strive and aspire to become: 

• ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives 

• enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work 

• ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world 

• healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society. 

The Impact of the Characters

These four characters will help children connect with the core values of the Curriculum for Wales in a fun, engaging, and relatable way. By working on this project, our pupils have had the opportunity to explore the four purposes creatively, applying their learning in practical and artistic ways. As they see these characters throughout their school, they are reminded of the values they represent and how these can guide them in their own personal development.  

Through this project, children have not only developed their artistic skills but also gained a deeper understanding of the curriculum’s purpose in shaping them into well-rounded, capable individuals. The characters also encourage discussion and reflection on how pupils can embody these values in their daily lives.  

To further support learners, we have developed "child friendly" four purposes to enable pupils to recognise their own success. 

Areas of learning and experience

Our curriculum is organised around six areas of learning and experience which are: 

• Expressive Arts 

• Health and Well-being 

• Humanities 

• Languages, Literacy and Communication 

• Mathematics and Numeracy 

• Science and Technology 

Each of the areas of learning and experience has been designed to support learners to realise the four purposes of the curriculum. 

Languages, Literacy and Communication Area of Learning and Experience 

The Languages, Literacy and Communication Area of Learning and Experience addresses the fundamental aspects of human communication. It supports learning across the whole curriculum and enables learners to develop knowledge and skills in Welsh, English, and international languages, as well as an appreciation of literature.

At Ysgol Y Bryn, we believe that speaking, listening, reading, and writing are an integral part of our curriculum, giving our children the essential skills they need to connect, communicate, and participate confidently within their communities and the wider world.

Progression Step 1

In Progression Step 1, pupils begin their language journey through rich and engaging experiences. Daily exposure to rhymes, stories, poems, and songs helps develop early communication skills and a love of language.

Learners are introduced to initial sounds and begin to develop phonological awareness through songs, games, and emergent mark-making activities. These experiences support early reading and writing development, building strong foundations in speaking, listening, and communication.

As pupils progress, they begin forming letters correctly and develop early writing skills, learning to construct simple sentences while beginning to understand spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Progression Step 2

In Progression Step 2, learners continue to build on their core literacy skills through progressive, comprehensive units of work. Pupils explore a wide variety of writing forms, including instructions, recounts, discussions, persuasive writing, and explanations, as well as a range of fiction genres and poetry.

Their speaking and listening skills are further developed through collaborative learning opportunities that encourage discussion, reflection, and the sharing of ideas. Reading remains a key focus, with all pupils accessing the Oxford Reading Tree scheme and the online platform Reading Buddy, both at home and in school.

Literary experiences at this stage aim to spark imagination, creativity, and a growing enjoyment of reading.

Progression Step 3

In Progression Step 3, learners refine and extend the literacy skills developed earlier in their learning journey. Pupils become increasingly confident and creative communicators who can express ideas clearly, adapt their language for different purposes and audiences, and collaborate effectively with others.

Through rich and engaging learning opportunities, pupils explore language as a tool for empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. They develop independence as readers and writers and deepen their appreciation of literature.

Welsh Language and Culture

At Ysgol Y Bryn, our pupils take great pride in their cultural identity and heritage as Welsh citizens. We actively promote the Welsh language through songs, rhymes, poems, and stories, while developing learners’ ability to use conversational Welsh confidently in everyday situations.

Our curriculum celebrates our local community, wider Wales, and its traditions through the Cwricwlwm Cymreig, helping pupils to develop a strong sense of belonging and appreciation of their heritage.

Our annual Eisteddfod celebrations further reinforce Welsh culture and traditions, providing opportunities for pupils to participate in singing, recitation, storytelling, music, dance, and creative activities centred around Wales.

Mathematics and Numeracy Area of Learning and Experience 

The development of mathematics has always gone hand in hand with the development of civilisation itself. A truly international discipline, it surrounds us and underpins many aspects of our daily lives, including architecture, art, music, money, and engineering. While mathematics is creative and beautiful in its own right, it is also essential for progress across all Areas of Learning and Experience.

At Ysgol Y Bryn, mathematical skills are taught through rich, engaging, and purposeful experiences that allow pupils to develop deep understanding, make connections, and recognise relationships within mathematics. Learners are supported to develop confidence, resilience, and a positive attitude towards challenge throughout their mathematical journey.

Progression Step 1

In Progression Step 1, pupils develop early mathematical understanding through practical, play-based, and exploratory experiences. Learners are encouraged to investigate, problem-solve, discuss ideas, and explore relationships through hands-on activities.

A strong emphasis is placed on developing confidence and resilience, with children supported to take risks, learn through trial and error, and see mistakes as an important part of learning. These experiences help pupils begin to understand key mathematical concepts in meaningful and engaging contexts.

Progression Step 2

In Progression Step 2, pupils continue to develop their mathematical skills through practical and visual approaches. Learners are supported to master specific skills before moving towards more formal recording using taught strategies.

They are encouraged to make connections between mathematical concepts and apply their understanding across the curriculum. Opportunities are provided for pupils to solve problems, work collaboratively, and develop their reasoning and communication skills.

Confidence and resilience remain central, enabling pupils to approach challenges positively and persevere when faced with difficulty.

Progression Step 3

In Progression Step 3, learners build on their strong mathematical foundations and develop increasing independence in their learning. Pupils apply their knowledge and skills in a range of real-life contexts, solving complex problems and making logical decisions.

Learners are supported to develop strategic competence, justify their reasoning, and work both independently and collaboratively. Through meaningful and authentic learning experiences, pupils gain the confidence and ability to use mathematics as a powerful tool for understanding the world around them.

Science and Technology Area of Learning and Experience 

The importance of science and technology in our modern world cannot be overstated. Developments in these areas have always been drivers of change in society, underpinning innovation and impacting on everyone’s lives economically, culturally and environmentally. As such, the Science and Technology Area of Learning and Experience (Area) will be increasingly relevant in the opportunities young people encounter and the life choices that they make.

At Ysgol Y Bryn, we are committed to empowering our pupils to become digitally literate, numerate, and technologically capable individuals who can thrive in an ever-changing twenty-first century. We also place great importance on developing responsible digital citizens who understand how to make safe, positive, and informed choices in relation to their online activity.

Our school is well resourced with a wide range of technology, ensuring all learners have access to high-quality digital experiences. Every class benefits from interactive whiteboards, iPads, Chromebooks, and additional digital tools that enhance learning across the curriculum.

Progression Step 1

In Progression Step 1, learners develop curiosity about the world around them through hands-on exploration, investigation, and play-based learning. Pupils begin to explore scientific concepts through observing, questioning, and experimenting in meaningful contexts.

Early digital skills are introduced through opportunities to use simple technologies, such as taking photographs, recording sounds, and using age-appropriate digital devices. These experiences support learners to develop confidence, curiosity, and independence.

Progression Step 2

In Progression Step 2, pupils build on their scientific understanding through structured investigations and enquiry-based learning. They develop skills in predicting, testing, observing, and explaining scientific ideas.

Learners also expand their digital competence by using a wider range of tools and software to create, present, and organise information. Pupils begin to develop modelling skills using spreadsheets and databases, and are introduced to coding and programming through engaging and practical experiences.

Each classroom provides a well-equipped Computer Cwtch, allowing pupils to independently access digital tools to support and enhance their learning.

Progression Step 3

In Progression Step 3, learners deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and develop the ability to carry out more complex investigations. Pupils apply their knowledge to real-life contexts and engage in STEM-based learning opportunities that encourage problem-solving, innovation, and critical thinking.

Learners become increasingly confident in using a wide range of digital technologies, including Microsoft Office 365 tools, coding devices, and multimedia equipment. Our dedicated Digi Den provides enhanced opportunities, including green screen technology, animation resources, robotics equipment such as Bee-Bots, Pro-Bots, and Spheros, as well as access to a 3D printer.

Digital competence is further supported through our pupil-led Digital Wizards group, who promote safe and effective use of technology across the school.

Health and Well-Being Area of Learning and Experience 

The Health and Well-being Area of Learning and Experience (Area) provides a holistic structure for understanding health and well-being. It is concerned with developing the capacity of learners to navigate life's opportunities and challenges. The fundamental components of this Area are physical health and development, mental health, and emotional and social well-being. It will support learners to understand and appreciate how the different components of health and well-being are interconnected, and it recognises that good health and well-being are important to enable successful learning.

Our pupil's physical health & development, as well as their emotional and social well being are at the heart of everything we do at Ysgol Y Bryn. As a school we recognise that good health and well-being are important to developing successful learners and achievement.   As well as our pupils, it is essential that our staff's well-being is also recognised and supported.  Staff opportunities include lunchtime buffets, hot chocolate, quiz and cinema nights.

As a school we strive to support our pupils in learning how to emphasise, make decisions, show respect and understand equality for all. Our pupils are taught to manage risks, develop resilience and perseverance, express ideas and understand their emotions through the activity and environment created for their physical development.

 All of our pupils take part in our ‘30 x 5’ (30 minutes, 5 times a week) initiative, taking part in physical exercise experiences including yoga, ball skills, circuits, adventurous games, various team games, boxing, gymnastics and creative dance. As a school we aim to provide opportunities for all pupils to enjoy sport and develop a wide range of skills enabling them to actively participate confidently in different sports. The school addresses the National Curriculum requirements for PE through this approach, ensuring gymnastics, dance, games, athletics and outdoor adventurous activities are planned for and delivered.

Our outdoor environment has been developed to further ensure it promotes physical and active play daily for our pupils. Pupils benefit from a traversing wall, adventure trail, obstacle course, exercise equipment station, large scale climbing frame and pirate ship, bikes, trikes and scooters.  This ensures the pupils have daily opportunities to be physically active, developing their strength, balance and coordination whilst developing social skills within their friendship groups. Pupils also have daily access to a football pitch, netball court, badminton nets and playground games.

Throughout the day, pupils have opportunities to practise regulation, mindful with support from their class teacher.  Each classroom also has a welcoming 'cwtch calm' that pupils can access at any point of the day if they need a moment to reflect, be still or be calm.  Each classroom area has a number of resources to support their needs including fidget boxes, sensory lights, lava lamps books and textured materials.  

Humanities Area of Learning and Experience 

The Humanities Area of Learning and Experience (Area) seeks to awaken a sense of wonder, fire the imagination and inspire learners to grow in knowledge, understanding and wisdom. This Area encourages learners to engage with the most important issues facing humanity, including sustainability and social change, and help to develop the skills necessary to interpret and articulate the past and the present.

Learning to appreciate and understand different cultures and traditions is an important skill that teaches our children to empathise and recognise that as citizens of Wales, we live in a diverse society that should be celebrated and embraced.  Our pupils learn to reflect upon the impact of their actions and those of others, and how such actions are influenced by interpretations of human rights, values, ethics, philosophies, religious and non-religious views.

As a school we meet in whole school assemblies to take part in sessions that reflect on our core values as a school and to learn the understanding of each of our values and how we can display these in our daily actions. Through stories and activities linked to the Bible, considering the moral purpose of the story and relating this back to our values as a school.  Pupils also take part in periods of collective worship along with their class teacher throughout the week

As well as learning about Christmas, St David’s Day and Easter at Ysgol Y Bryn, our pupils are taught about other religions around the World including Sikhism, Judaism, Buddhism and Muslim beliefs, customs, tradition and artefacts. Through carefully planned experiences, our pupils are encouraged to question and consider the spiritual, moral, cultural and social aspects of religions. They are taught to understand other religions and cultures, make comparisons against their own, learn to accept and embrace difference in our society and the world around us.

Humanities is central to learners becoming ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world.  Learning opportunities help our pupils to discover their heritage and develop a sense of place and cynefin. It can also promotes an understanding of how the people of Wales, its communities, history, culture, natural environment and landscape, resources and industries, interrelate with the rest of the world.

As our pupils explore their locality and Wales, as well as the wider world, they learn to establish a solid base of knowledge and understanding of geographical, historical, religious, non-religious, business and social studies concepts. These experiences, in and outside the classroom, will help our pupils to become ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives.

Expressive Arts Area of Learning and Experience 

The dynamic nature of the expressive arts can engage, motivate and encourage learners to develop their creative, artistic and performance skills to the full.

The Expressive Arts Area of Learning and Experience (Area) spans five disciplines: art, dance, drama, film and digital media and music. Although each discipline has its own discrete body of knowledge and body of skills, it is recognised that together they share the creative process.

At Ysgol Y Bryn we believe that to support and nurture our pupil'sself-esteem, resilience and well-being there is no better way than for pupils to express themselves freely. At Ysgol Y Bryn we strive to create opportunities through art, dance, drama, music, film and digital media where experiences are carefully planned with the pupil's interests at the heart. Activities support current issues and relevant themes helping to motivate and encourage our pupils to fulfil their creative personalities, interests and talents.

Opportunities are also created for our pupils to explore cultures around the world, traditions, people and creativity through the ages. Our pupils are able to use this learning to perform in our Christmas productions, whole school performances and Leavers productions. 

Educational Visits

The school aims to provide a variety of first-hand experiences for the children. Therefore visits/trips are frequently undertaken in order to enrich their understanding and knowledge of the topic they are learning.

We believe in making full use of  pupils interests by providing rich, first hand experiences, which act as a stimulus to learning and actively involve pupils in such a way that what they learn becomes truly a part of them.

Celebrating Together

During our weekly celebration assemblies, certificates are presented to our pupils who are nominated for ‘Seren Y Wythnos’ and ‘Merit of the Week’ award. Seren Y Wythnos is awarded to those pupil who endeavour to show our core values that are at the heart of our school ethos. Recipients of this certificate are invited to Hot Chocolate with the Head the following week.

Our Merit of the Week award is for pupils who have displayed an excellent work ethic, qualities of a good friend, tried their very best or have made an effort in a particular area.

Throughout the week in classes, children try their very best to gain ‘golden tickets’ for achievements, acts of kindness and attitudes to learning. These are randomly selected each week with an educational prize awarded for their efforts.

Our School Council plays an active role in promoting good attendance in both Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2. Classes who endeavour to improve their class’ weekly attendance percentages over a two week period, receive a prize/treat from the ‘Golden Bucket of Goodness’ . Treats and prizes can range from extra play or hot chocolate for the class, to an afternoon of cooking or art and crafts to name but a few.

To promote the use of the Welsh Language, a weekly ‘Seren Gymraeg Yr Wythnos’ certificate is awarded to children who use Welsh language patterns and use conversational Welsh independently and incidentally.

Attendance is a weekly focus in supporting our school curriculum, with pupils, staff and their families working together to improve punctuality and attendance.  Improved attendance is celebrated each week in class.  At the end of every half-term, awards are given to celebrate our pupils that have '100% attendance', 'Hit the target of 95%' and 'Impressive Improvement'.  

Equal Opportunities

Ysgol Y Bryn is committed to developing an understanding and appreciation for race ethnicity, gender, fairness and respect for all, promoting positive approaches to difference and fostering respect for people of all cultural backgrounds. As a school we recognise that Wales and the UK have diverse societies made up of people from many different racial, cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds and welcome everyone to be a part of our school.

Ensuring disability equality is of utmost importance to us and we promise to work over and above to ensure all pupils at Ysgol Y Bryn has access to all areas of the school site and all activities carried out inside and outside of the school. Our lessons, activities and experiences provided are always adapted to ensure inclusivity and equality for all ensuring inclusion for all. The school works towards an accessibility plan where it evaluates and plans annually how we can improve the environment and provision we provide to ensure our disabled learners gain the very best learning opportunities.

Our school is designed to ensure access to all with the design of wide doors and corridors and two lifts to provide access to both levels of the school. Every classroom has direct and flat access to the outside areas allow all children in Ysgol Y Bryn to benefit from the environment and equipment provided, with ramps outside to help pupils and visitors access all outdoor play areas.

Our Curriculum Approach at Ysgol Y Bryn

At Ysgol Y Bryn, we place the learner at the heart of everything we do. Our curriculum is designed to develop independent, confident, and resilient learners who are excited by new experiences and empowered to understand and articulate their learning journey.

Grounded in the principles of the Curriculum for Wales and guided by the four purposes, we provide purposeful learning opportunities that enable pupils to understand what they are learning, why it matters, and how they can improve. Through effective teaching, reflective opportunities, and high-quality questioning, learners develop the confidence, language, and skills needed to talk about their progress and next steps.

A key feature of our curriculum is our whole-school approach known as “Adventures” — a consistent structure that supports pupils to apply skills, take ownership of learning, and make meaningful connections across the Areas of Learning and Experience.

Progression Step 1

In Progression Step 1, Personal and Social Development is placed at the heart of learning. Our indoor and outdoor environments are carefully designed to support curiosity, exploration, and independence across all Areas of Learning and Experience.

Our outdoor spaces are organised into engaging learning zones, including Physical and Active, Natural, Challenge and Investigation, Creative and Dramatic, and Social and Reflective. These areas inspire excitement, a sense of wonder, and encourage children to take measured risks while developing resilience.

Learning is skill-focused, with pupils first developing new skills through guided teaching before applying them independently through Adventure challenges within continuous provision. These experiences encourage learners to explore, collaborate, and practise applying their skills in meaningful contexts.

Pupil voice plays a key role, with learners encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, and help shape their learning experiences. Through regular reflection and discussion, pupils begin to develop the language needed to talk about their learning and celebrate their achievements.

Progression Step 2

As learners move into Progression Step 2, they build on their independence and take increasing ownership of their learning. Skills are taught purposefully and applied through engaging, cross-curricular Adventure experiences that encourage learners to make connections across Areas of Learning and Experience.

Pupil voice continues to play an important role, with learners contributing to the planning of enquiries and learning contexts. They are supported to reflect on their progress, evaluate their work, and identify next steps, helping them develop confidence in explaining what they have learned and how they have improved.

Adventure activities provide appropriate levels of challenge, encouraging pupils to become resilient, self-directed learners who take pride in their progress and achievements.

Progression Step 3

In Progression Step 3, learners engage in increasingly complex and challenging Adventure learning experiences that deepen understanding and strengthen independence. Through enquiry-based learning, pupils apply their knowledge, literacy, and numeracy skills across meaningful and authentic contexts.

Learners play an active role in shaping their learning journeys, working collaboratively to explore ideas, ask questions, and plan next steps. Reflection is embedded throughout the learning process, enabling pupils to evaluate their progress, articulate their understanding, and recognise how their skills are developing over time.

By the end of this stage, learners are confident in discussing their learning, making connections across the curriculum, and taking ownership of their growth as ambitious, capable learners.