Ysgol Caer Elen

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Ysgol Caer Elen is a caring, inclusive Welsh community in which pupils are given valuable opportunities to develop to become principled individuals and learn about their 'cynefin' and local culture. The headteacher and his senior management team are passionate and uphold the highest standards for their staff and pupils. Leaders are hard-working in building continuous progression in effective pedagogy and well being, which allows Ysgol Caer Elen to operate as a successful all-age school.

Across the whole school, pupils are very well behaved. They are polite and treat each other and adults courteously and with respect. They show enjoyment in school life and satisfaction with their learning.

This is the reflected in the atten...dance rate, which is significantly higher than the national average. Most pupils have a strong awareness of the importance of living a healthy life, both physically and mentally. They engage willingly in opportunities to keep fit and learn about their health and well-being.

They have an active voice in the life of the school through a number of effective pupil committees. An excellent feature of the school's work is a range of valuable opportunities that are available for pupils to develop their literacy, numeracy and digital skills across relevant areas of the curriculum. As a result, many pupils make strong progress and attain high standards in their skills, particularly their reading and digital skills.

The school also celebrates Welshness and promotes every opportunity for pupils to develop as confident bilingual learners. Pupils' attitudes towards their education and the Welsh language are very good. Their commitment to their educational activities is excellent.

Provision to support pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) is very comprehensive. The work on curriculum design and a focus on improving teaching and developing skills have led to a strong and clear vision for the Curriculum for Wales. However, by key stage 4, the choice of vocational courses is limited.

All staff and pupils embrace the school's motto, 'Daw derwen fawr o fesen fach' and take ownership of their roles and responsibilities. There is a prominent culture of evaluation and improvement at the school and leaders are very committed to ensuring continuous improvements for pupils. There is a clear vision to create a school that is a 'learning organisation'.

Recommendations R1 Expand the range of courses in Key Stage 4 R2 Strengthen provision for personal and social education in Key Stage 4