Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board

Building better communities

  • Cymraeg
  • English

Conwy & Denbighshire Public Services Board

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Agendas and Minutes
    • Newsletters
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Accessibility
  • Well-being Assessment
  • Local Well-being Plan
    • Annual Report
    • Future Generations Commissioner’s Advice
  • Community Green Pledges
    • Self Assessment Pledge Form
  • Our Partners
  • Contact Us

School achievements and wider social development / employability skills / life skills

  • What is happening now...
  • How this compares with the past...
  • What we know or predict about the future...
  • What people have said...

The most important outcome for any school is to give as many pupils as possible the knowledge and skills to flourish in the later phases of life, including providing qualifications for continuing education and employment. However, they also need to consider the other ways they need to educate and nurture the children in their care, including through personal development, and the teaching of life skills.

Academic success has a strong positive impact on children’s subjective sense of how good they feel their lives are (life satisfaction) and is linked to higher levels of well-being in adulthood [i].

Measurements of the personal development and well-being of children are currently limited, particularly after the foundation phase of education (aged 3-7). However, some of the markers of educational development show distinct differences between the attainment of children in the most deprived families (indicated by those in receipt of free school meals) and the rest of the school population.

Foundation phase (aged 3-7)

Foundation phase assessment by teachers of all children aged 3-7 measures personal and social development for all children, as well as language and numeracy skills, and physical and creative development. The Foundation Stage Indicator sets a level 5 achievement threshold for all areas of development.

  • In 2015 the difference between children receiving free school meals (FSM) and those not receiving FSM was about seventeen percentage points in both Conwy CB (69% compared to 86%), and Denbighshire (73% compared to 90%). The attainment gap for Wales was fifteen percentage points.
  • Conwy CB has performance levels below the Welsh average, and though overall levels have improved since 2012 the rate has fallen for those on free school meals.
  • Overall, Denbighshire results are comparable to the Welsh average, and have improved across the board since 2012, though the improvement has been steadiest and greatest amongst non FSM pupils [ii]

Chart 2.16.1: percentage of children at foundation stage reaching at least level 5 outcomes (foundation stage indicator – aged 3-7)

Source: national teacher assessment data collection, Welsh Government

 

Definition: The Foundation Phase Indicator represents the percentage of pupils achieving at least outcome 5 in “Personal and social development, well-being and cultural diversity”, “Language, literacy and communication skills – English” / “Language, literacy and communication skills – Welsh” and “Mathematical development” in combination

FSM = pupils receiving free school meals

Key stage 2 (year 6)

All learners in their final year of Key Stage 2 – the stage at which pupils leave primary school and move on to secondary education – are assessed by their teachers. The general expectation is that the majority of 11 year olds will attain level 4 in each subject. Key stage 2 core subject indicator measures the percentage of pupils achieving at least level 4 in English or Welsh (first language), mathematics and science in combination.

  • Overall in 2015, Conwy CB’s attainment levels were just below Wales averages, though pupils in receipt of free school meals are about five percentage points below the national average. Denbighshire’s attainment levels are similar to the national average for all groups.
  • The gap in attainment between those receiving free school meals and those who don’t is wider at age 10-11 than at the foundation stage (aged 3-7) for Conwy CB and the Welsh average – about nineteen percentage points for Conwy CB (70% compared to 89%).
  • In Denbighshire the gap is narrower than at foundation phase, at eleven percentage points (79% compared to 90%)
  • The gap between those who received free school meals and those who don’t has narrowed since 2012 by about 4.6 percentage points in Conwy CB and by 12 percentage points in Denbighshire (average Wales reduction was 4.3 percentage points).

Chart 2.16.2: percentage of children at key stage 2 reaching at least level 4 in core subjects (aged 10-11)

Source: national teacher assessment data collection, Welsh Government

Definition: Key Stage 2 core subject indicator represents the percentage of pupils achieving at least level 4 in English or Welsh (first language), mathematics and science in combination.

FSM = pupils receiving free school meals

Key stage 4 – school leavers (year 11)

Exam results for all pupils who are leaving compulsory education at the end of year 11 (usually aged 15 or 16) are measured against an attainment standard called the key stage 4 level 2 threshold in core subjects indicator. This is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C including one in English or Welsh first language, one in mathematics and one in science. This measure has been reviewed and will be replaced from 2015/16 onward.

Chart 2.16.3: percentage of school pupils achieving GCSE level 2 threshold in Core Indicator Subjects)

Source: national teacher assessment data collection, Welsh Government

Definition: Level 2 threshold in core indicator subjects is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C including one in English or Welsh first language, one in mathematics and one in science.

FSM = pupils receiving free school meals

  • Overall, both Conwy CB and Denbighshire have attainment levels several percentage points below the Wales level. Conwy CB’s levels are lowest of the two, though have seen a 3 percentage point improvement since 2012 whereas Denbighshire levels have stayed around the same.
  • With attainment levels for this measure at only 51 in Conwy CB and 52% in Denbighshire, there is considerable room for improvement.
  • The attainment gap between those receiving free school meals and those who don’t is over 29% in both areas (28% compared to 57%). The all-Wales attainment gap is 32%.
  • This is a much bigger gap than seen at the foundation phase or key stage 2, suggesting that inequalities widen as children move through the education system.
  • The gap between those who received free school meals and those who don’t has narrowed since 2010/11 by about 3.1 percentage points in Conwy CB, but had widened slightly for Denbighshire (by less than 1 percentage point). The general trend appear to be towards only marginal improvement in closing the gap.

Data on the level 3 threshold attainment (A-level or equivalent) are available, but they include only pupils in maintained schools and exclude students at further and higher education establishments. As this does not provide a full picture of qualifications at this level, the data has not been included in this assessment.

The 21Century Schools programme aims to ensure that school buildings and facilities are developed sustainably to support improvements in attainment and the wider educational experience.

Denbighshire has worked with the Welsh Government to deliver the 21 Century Schools programme, managing surplus places and modernising school buildings. Current projects underway in Denbighshire include an extension and remodelling of Ysgol Glan Clwyd (building work is in progress, and due for completion in September 2017), and the building of two new school on a single site in Ruthin is due to commence in November 2016 and will be completed during the 2017/18 academic year.

Detail from Conwy to be added shortly.

[i] Chanfrreau J, Lloyd C, Byron C, Roberts R, Craig, D, De Foe D & McManus S (2013). Predicting well-being. Prepared by NatCen Social Research for the Department of Health. www.natcen.ac.uk/media/205352/predictors-of-well-being.pdf

[ii] National teacher assessment data collection, Welsh Government

The attainment journey experienced by the local author areas, regional consortia and Wales can be investigated further in the dashboard below.
Data

Investment and development of school facilities is not new. Significant projects have already been successfully delivered, including the building of Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy (replacing two smaller schools in Cynwyd and Corwen, and opened in 2013); an extension to Ysgol Twm O’r Nant (which recently received an industry reward for its creatively designed form and impressive value for money); extension, remodel and refurbishment of Ysgol Y Llys, Prestatyn; extension and remodelling of Bodnant Community School, Prestatyn; and the new Rhyl High School (also providing a base for 45 pupils from the nearby community special school, Ysgol Tir Morfa).

More content coming soon

Children’s well-being is influenced by a range of factors and includes their subjective feelings as well as social, physical and psychological aspects of their lives. Consequently schools are key places for shaping general well-being. The health and well-being of children and young people contributes to their ability to benefit from good quality teaching and to achieve their full academic potential.

Research evidence shows that education and health are closely linked [iii]So promoting the health and well-being of pupils and students within schools and colleges has the potential to improve their educational outcomes and their health and well-being outcomes.

There are currently gaps in our knowledge around these issues, as well as in the evidence that is available to measure pupils’ skills other than for educational attainment. This is an area for consideration for future work.

Welsh Government has identified a need to promote the take-up and participation in STEM subjects for all school students in Wales [iv], and both councils’ have structures in place to support this work.

Evidence from international comparators suggests a need to improve significantly beyond the current Wales levels of educational performance, in order to compete globally. Nevertheless, improving educational attainment bodes well for the future development of the economy in the area [v]

Further re-organisation of the schools and educational facilities will continue.  Discussions and engagement between local authorities, Welsh Government and communities will influence the decisions on future projects.  Example projects are explained below.

Two village schools in the Ruthin catchment area have been agreed for future closure by Denbighshire, Ysgol Rhewl and Ysgol Llanbedr. The Ysgol Llanbedr closure has been particularly controversial, with the Education Minister finding failings in the original consultation with the Diocese on the matter. However, a new consultation process has been undertaken with a decision to close emerging.

More recently there was a judicial review about the proposal to amalgamate Ysgol Pentrecelyn and Ysgol Llanfair, creating a bilingual single-site school in Llanfair. The review found against the Council, so plans in respect of these two schools under the 21 Century Schools Band A programme will be resubmitted to Council

The Welsh Government has agreed funding for a new school for Ysgol Carreg Emlyn in Clocaenog. Denbighshire is also examining the future of church education, in partnership with the catholic diocese for the Rhyl area.

For the future the next round of funding will be for the period 2019-2024 and the Council will work with the Welsh Government to develop robust proposals.

[iii] The link between pupil health and well-being and attainment, Public Health England 2014
[iv] Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Guidance – Impact Assessment 2014, Welsh Government
[v] Achievement of 15-year-olds in Wales: PISA 2012 National Report, NFER 2013

People expect to have education that delivers social and life skills (including mental health and well-being) and practical preparation for work, as well as academic achievement.

People would like to see:

  • Greater focus on issues of health, community, civic duty and promotion of independence
  • ‘Life Skills’ such as how to pay taxes or how mortgages work
  • Having the right skills for work
  • More opportunity for intergenerational working

People felt that education services should place more emphasis on life skills and skills for employment. There was a perception that young people were ill-equipped for the ‘real world’.

Responses to the consultation carried out in Conwy show that people would like to see an improvement in the number of pupils obtaining grades grade A*-C at GSCE level. It is anticipated that in the future that there will be more apprenticeship places available across the county and this would create a good connection to the local job market. Opportunities such as apprenticeship schemes will help young people obtain the skills they need to become ready for the business world. Residents were also keen that Welsh language and culture be key factors supported in education in the future.

People also felt that there would be a need for young people to be educated in issues such as emotional health, and health and nutrition to help in the prevention of childhood obesity in the future.

Copyright © 2020 Conwy & Denbighshire Public Services Board. All rights reserved
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Conwy & Denbighshire PSB
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Agendas and Minutes
    • Newsletters
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Accessibility
  • Well-being Assessment
  • Local Well-being Plan
    • Annual Report
    • Future Generations Commissioner’s Advice
  • Community Green Pledges
    • Self Assessment Pledge Form
  • Our Partners
  • Contact Us