What's On Competitionwise
School hits gold
standard in geography competition
PUPILS in
Hirwaun really do have the world at their feet after becoming the only school
in Wales to secure a prestigious Geography Gold award.
Hirwaun Primary
School is one of just four in Britain to secure the top status as a result of
its impressive learning ethos for pupils of all ages.
Learning in the outdoor
environment, a field trip to Normandy and integrated learning from reception class
to Year Six were just some of the achievements that impressed judges.
The
school appointed teacher Sarah Whitehouse as the subject curriculum lead, enabling
teachers, parents and pupils to work together to deliver an all-encompassing approach
to learning.
Determined to make geography part of life rather than a standalone
topic in a lesson, Sarah and other staff worked to bring in other themes, such
as language and IT.
Much hard work also went into delivering lessons for
all ages, teaching children just how large the world is and the part they play
in it, via outdoor learning, field trips, making DVDs and exhibitions, role plays
and more.
Headteacher Andrew Manley explained: "Often it is the case the
judges visit and award a bronze or silver standard and provide support and guidance
to staff on how to attain the next level.
"However, their inspection
of Hirwaun Primary left them so impressed, we were awarded gold standard immediately,
which is a huge credit to the hard work that has gone in from staff, parents and
pupils.
"We are delighted to be the only school in Wales to secure such
a standard and we look forward to continuing to work in innovative ways to provide
the best possible educational standards."
The school officially received
its Gold Award during a celebration assembly attended by Mike Keating, Rhondda
Cynon Taf Council's director of education.
Coun Eudine Hanagan said: "Congratulations
to Hirwaun Primary for this incredible achievement.
"To be the only school
in Wales to secure the standard at any level is a credit to their hard work."
