Posted on: Thursday 15 June 2023
A school in Torfaen has seen an increase in attendance, thanks to an innovative approach to education.
Garnteg Primary School, in Pontypool, has seen its year-on-year attendance rate go from 91.1% in May 2022, to 91.6% in May 2023.
The achievement has been attributed to the school's commitment to providing rich learning opportunities and friendly competition between classes to lower unauthorised absences.
At the start of each term pupils are given the opportunity to shape their educational journey through the school’s pupils voice.
This ensures pupils are actively involved in deciding what kind of projects and topics they would like to learn in lessons.
For termly attendance, the school provides all children who have achieved an attendance of 95% up to 100% with certificates and prizes.
One of the key factors believed to be contributing to Garnteg’s success is its commitment to providing exceptional extracurricular experiences.
All projects include authentic experiences linked to the rich historical environment with opportunities for woodworking, sewing, cooking and use of their outdoor learning environment.
The school has also invested in various resources and facilities, including a state-of-the-art climbing wall, a dedicated pond dipping zone, and a forest school’s area, which all support applying their skills across the curriculum.
Most recently, pupils at Garnteg won the Welsh STEM Formula 1 competition and will now go to represent Wales at the UK finals in Leeds later this year.
Susan Roche, Headteacher at Garnteg Primary School, said: "Our primary focus has always been on creating an inclusive and pupil-centered learning environment. We strongly believe that when children feel heard and valued, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in their learning, which naturally leads to improved attendance and academic success.
"We firmly believe that education extends beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. By offering a wide range of experiences, we endeavour to create immersive learning environments that ignites curiosity and passion in pupils. These experiences, coupled with the strong sense of community fostered within our school, we think, has contributed to our increased attendance rates.
“We are pleased the council’s Not In Miss Out campaign has given a particular focus to encouraging children to attend to school regularly but celebrating the exciting things schools do.”
Councillor Richard Clark, Torfaen Council Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “The success achieved by Garnteg Primary School in improving attendance rates showcases the tremendous dedication and commitment of the school's staff, students, and parents.
“The school remains persistent in its mission to provide an inclusive, engaging, and supportive environment that ensures every pupil thrives and reaches their full potential.”