With the New Year underway, we thought we’d spotlight the newest addition to our Sporting Marvels family of schools: Cwmclydach Primary.
“In September, Cwmclydach became the first school added to our roster in more than two years”, said Team Leader, Lawrie. “Throughout the period, we’d been battling on several fronts – financial, personnel-wise and also, operationally – to dig the kind of foundations that can give us the substance and longevity to see this vision through to fulfilment”.
“After winning the various battles, we felt it was time to ‘add’ and to reshape the support package we offer the schools in the light of a much clearer understanding of who we are, what we’re about and how best to go about achieving our objectives. As another of Tonypandy’s feeder schools, Cwmclydach seemed perfect to pioneer the expansion programme we’re hoping to roll out to more and more of Rhondda’s primary schools”.
“Becky and I needed just the one meeting with the Head, Jacqui Roome, who couldn’t have been more accommodating and friendly. She said ‘yes’ immediately and had obviously heard good things about us from the other Heads. She loved the Mighty Marvels curriculum and briefed us on some specifics concerning the school, one point of which was that the school has no male teachers. Immediately I earmarked Smithy and Grant to lead the lessons and when Beth joined us an intern, we were even able to add a touch of girl power too! Perfect!!”
Partners will recall that originally, the junior schools were covered on a one-worker-one-school basis. But this changed in September 2010 when a doubling-up system (usually one male, one female) was introduced.
“Team really matters”, said Lawrie “And two super-motivated, passion-driven Marvels is always going to be better than one. It also allows us to cover all the bases, providing a role model for both boys and girls. Some of the schools - Cwmclydach is one – see three of our workers. It means that every kid is going to really identify with at least one of our guys. It’s a case I guess, of the whole being greater than just the sum of the parts!”
So, fast forward five months, how have things turned out at Cwmclydach?
“In a word?” said Lawrie, “Awesome - to the point where Cwmclydach has become one of our key schools!”
With Lawrie’s words resounding in our ears, we journeyed up to Clydach Vale to see Smithy, Grant and Beth in action and hopefully, to get the Cwmclydach viewpoint from staff and pupils.
With the lesson in full swing, we asked watching class teacher Mrs Edwards for a comment. “As you can see, the children love it!” she said nodding at the exuberant Smithy, in full flow. “The Marvels are really excellent: constantly encouraging the children to be sensitive towards other children’s needs, to appreciate one another’s abilities and to show the right levels of respect. They have a way about them that successfully fosters a sense of pride and achievement in each and every pupil”.
Next we took advantage of the few minutes transition time between the classroom and school-yard parts of the lesson to chat with a few of the children. This is what they told us:
“In Sporting Marvels I’ve leant to be nice and to always be truthful and that I should treat everyone the way I want to be treated. If I make good choices my life will turn out better” - Kieron
“I’ve learned that I should treat everyone with respect and that I shouldn’t be scared or upset. I love it when we do high fives with the Marvels” - Poppy
“The Marvels have taught me to show respect and that it’s good to be me. I can now see how important it is to be grateful” - Danielle
And last stop was the boss’ office: Head Teacher, Jacqui Roome.
“We were very pleased to be given the opportunity to be part of Sporting Marvels and everyone’s delighted with how well it’s working”, she said. “The children have developed an excellent rapport with Grant, Ian and Beth and we’ve all noticed the way the programme has effectively helped to develop and boost the children’s self esteem and enthusiasm for learning”.
“The Life of David has really made them think, focusing as it does on things like respect for others, telling the truth, choices and how what they do and how they do it, can affect others. They have also enjoyed participating in the physical activities, team skills, basketball and general fitness. During these sessions the children further develop their social skills, cooperation and tolerance towards one another”.
“We’ve also noticed significant parental engagement too. One recently told me her son can’t wait to come to school on Thursday because he’s enjoying Sporting Marvels so much!”
“The partnership is thriving and we value the Sporting Marvels input enormously. The Marvels are having a very positive impact both on our children’s lives and on the general ethos of the class which in turn, is reflected in the whole school ethos. It’s like the children say: they really are awesome!”
Just like Lawrie said it seems!!
But with our goal to reach every kid and every school, it’s worth remembering that we still have nearly twenty schools outside our loop!
