Learning Manifesto
We ignite a passion for lifelong learning.
Our Learning Manifesto underpins what we strive for everyday at Croesyceiliog School. This manifesto was developed in 2020 during lockdown as it provided us with an opportunity to reflect on what we would like our school to be underpinned by. We spent time working with Mick Waters, the EAS, governors, pupils and parents/carers to create our first Learning Manifesto. This is reviewed in a similar manner every other year.
At the core of this is ‘Learning, Respect and Ambition’. These three statements have created a success criteria for the school:
Seek Learning
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Understand learning happens everywhere and is preparation for the future
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Have a curriculum that develops the four core purposes and actively encourages, motivates and develops the talents of everyone
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Be collaborative, curious and questioning
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Value literacy, numeracy and digital competency and understand how they underpin our subject knowledge and skills
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Plan experiences that delight, foster curiosity, awe and wonder
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Understand that failure is part of the learning journey
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Develop resilience and independence in our learning
Expect Respect
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Relationships are based on mutual respect, empathy and warmth
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Value our place within our community, as Welsh citizens and as global citizens
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Have community which has a sense of belonging and pride
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Enjoy working with others, problem solving and questioning
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Model respectful and safe behaviours
Applaud Ambition
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Recognise hard work and sustained effort and understand that this leads to achievement
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Believe in the potential of all our learners
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Enjoy challenge and are ambitious
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Expect everyone in our community to have consistent high expectations
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Inspire each other with actions and words
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Have a distinctive and shared ethos of achievement
All aspects permeate throughout the school and therefore informs all aspects of school life, from unstructured time to lessons, behaviour management to rewards in addition to extra-curricular activities. The language of the Learning Manifesto is expected to be heard on a daily basis instilling our core values.
Teaching and Learning at Croesyceiliog
Our Learning Manifesto influences pedagogy at Croesyceiliog School. We strive to develop and refine our teaching and learning through focusing on the ‘Croesy Five’ – which is our teaching and learning toolkit.
Feedback
The role of feedback in the classroom is multifaceted and crucial for pupil learning and development. It reduces the learning gap so students understand the difference between their current understanding and the desired learning goals / success criteria by directing effort onto areas for improvement with specific and direct feedback. Effective feedback also reinforces success, encourages self-regulation and informs teaching practices.
Application of Skills
Cross curricular skills are essential for pupils as they underpin learning across all subjects and they promote academic achievement, personal growth, and active citizenship. Prioritising literacy, numeracy, digital competency and bilingualism helps build a resilient and inclusive future for our pupils which supports cognitive development, enhances communication, and strengthens cultural identity. Together, these core areas ensure pupils are well-rounded, capable, and prepared for life beyond school.
Challenge for All
Challenge is vital in fostering a dynamic and effective learning environment. Challenge goes beyond simply making tasks difficult – it is about creating opportunities for pupils to grow intellectually, develops grit and determination and deepen their understanding.
We create a challenging environment through adaptive teaching approaches which allows students to problem solve, think critically, build resilence and perserverance which prepares them for future success.
Explanation
Explanation is another multifaceted teaching and learning strategy. It serves as a bridge between new concepts and pupil’s existing understanding, making complex ideas accessible and fostering deeper comprehension. It also provides pupils with opportunities to express themselves in an appropriate manner.
Explanation clarifies concepts and connects new knowledge to prior learning in addition to addressing misconception. Effective explanation also applies context to what is being taught so pupils understand its significance and provides clarity and a sense of understanding.
Ready to Learn
Ready to Learn is our approach to fostering a positive learning environment so all pupils can achieve their very best. This is done through the use of continuous use of praise and positive regard at the forefront of behavioural management.
Ready to Learn ensures a positive relationship is core to everything that we do and restorative practice is utilised to encourage a nurturing environment. Having pupils actively listen, willingly participate and avoid distractions helps create an environment where pupils are willing to be challenged and learn from the process of making mistakes.
Explore Croesyceiliog School and discover how we empower every pupil to excel