Collective Vision

Ysgol Afon Wen stands at the heart of the local community. Proud to serve Hawthorn and the surrounding areas, we aim to ensure that all learners reach their full potential by building strong partnerships with families, collaborating effectively with other services, and responding to the needs of our community. By working collaboratively across school, home, and the community, we can support learners most effectively and fulfil the AAA promise we strive to deliver. Working in partnership enables us to find solutions that meet the needs of every child, every family, and every community member.

Learners

At Ysgol Afon Wen, we encourage learners to contribute significantly to society as engaged and active citizens. Whether enhancing their local knowledge, understanding the history of their community, engaging in local issues, or undertaking charitable work for local causes, our learners develop a strong sense of pride in their locale. We hope they will make significant contributions to society and grow as engaged and active citizens locally, nationally, and globally.

All children deserve the best start in life, and we strive to reflect this in everything we do. At Ysgol Afon Wen, we recognise, respect, and promote the rights of children as detailed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Our active school Senedd enables learners to continuously improve the school community by championing important issues. The Senedd fosters student leadership, enhances communication between students and staff, and promotes a collaborative environment, ensuring all student voices contribute to school improvement.

For learners to develop a strong sense of belonging in their school community, it is vital that the school's curriculum and educational pathways align with their individual needs. Whether students are academically ambitious, eager to develop practical skills, or require further guidance in setting lifelong goals, their 3-16 journey will be structured with a clear learning trajectory. Our AAA Promise ensures continuity and progression for all learners, catering to their diverse aspirations. We believe a personalised education is essential for fostering a successful and inclusive school community.

Parents and Carers

We are dedicated to cultivating positive relationships between home and school, fostering a welcoming environment for parental involvement. By supporting parents as Early Educators in the Activate phase, we strive to offer learners in our school community the best possible start in life. Through regular communication and progress updates on your child, we will work collaboratively across all phases to ensure they receive an exceptional educational experience. Our Community Clinics, held monthly across the catchment area, aim to bring Ysgol Afon Wen to you. These clinics offer workshops and resources on child development and educational strategies, providing valuable support to parents and strengthening our school community.

Services

By collaborating with local businesses, charities, clubs, and public services, we aim to deepen our learners' understanding of cynefin. Through these partnerships, learners gain familiarity with the diverse institutions within our local community, enhancing our delivery of the Curriculum for Wales' Four Purposes.

The school has been working with the following community partners to support learning and widen experience across the curriculum.

Building Bonds with Lego Therapy
Activate learners have been busy unlocking the power of play through Lego Therapy sessions this term. The first sessions introduced the concept to parents, highlighting the many benefits—boosting social skills, improving communication, and fostering teamwork. Parents saw first-hand how structured play can help learners develop problem-solving skills and confidence in a fun and engaging way. As the sessions progressed, the focus shifted towards key skills such as communication, relationships, and collaboration. Learners worked in teams to follow instructions, take turns, and express their ideas—laying the foundations for stronger friendships and a greater sense of belonging. The room buzzed with creativity and concentration as teams built impressive Lego structures, proving that play isn’t just for fun—it’s a powerful tool for growth!

SENNED—Learner Voices in Action
Our learners have been sharing their thoughts loud and clear in our latest SENNED discussions, and the results have been inspiring! Many positive points were raised, highlighting what’s working well and what could be improved. The best part? Action is already being taken! Our sub-committees have been working hard behind the scenes, making real progress on the issues raised by learners. From making learning spaces more accessible to ensuring that every student’s voice is heard, we are committed to making meaningful changes that benefit everyone.

A Visit from the Children’s Commissioner for Wales
In the Spring term 2025, we had the privilege of welcoming the Children’s Commissioner for Wales’ team, who led insightful sessions on children’s rights and January’s Monthly Matter. Learners explored their rights in an engaging and interactive way, gaining a deeper understanding of their place in the world and how they can advocate for themselves and others. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the importance of being informed and empowered young citizens.

Rights Respecting Schools—Our Journey Continues
Ysgol Afon Wen remains dedicated to achieving the Rights Respecting Schools Award. A series of thought-provoking assemblies focused on mutual respect, encouraging learners to reflect on how they can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive school community. Staff have also been involved in this journey, taking part in a special after-school twilight training session on children’s rights. This ensures that every member of our school community understands the importance of upholding and promoting these rights. Want to learn more? Watch this informative video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuG0ItHTRUM .

Feathered Friends and Cross-Phase Collaboration
Nature and teamwork came together beautifully as Advance and Achieve learners joined forces for the RSPB Big Bird Watch. This cross-phase initiative encouraged students to appreciate the wildlife around them while working together to identify different bird species. Armed with binoculars and bird guides, learners eagerly took notes, compared findings, and deepened their connection with the natural world. It was a brilliant way to blend science, teamwork, and outdoor learning—all while contributing to an important conservation project.

With so much happening this term, it’s clear that Ysgol Afon Wen continues to be a place where learning, inclusion, and respect flourish. Here’s to more exciting opportunities ahead!

Uniform Swap Shop

Ysgol Afon Wen is proud to launch our Uniform Swap Shop. All items of uniform are free of charge for pupils and/or parents/carers. There is no requirement to bring any item(s) to swap. Any donations of school uniform, PE kit, shoes or bags can be brought to the school reception. We kindly ask that all items are in good condition and laundered.

Celebrating Our New Lead Learner Team 2025

We are delighted to announce the appointment of this year’s Lead Learner Team, who will play a vital role in representing the voices of our learners and leading initiatives across the school. Drawn from our Year 11 learners, the Lead Learners will work alongside the newly appointed Form Representatives, together ensuring that every learner in every year group has a platform for their ideas, concerns and ambitions.

The standard of applications was incredibly high this year, with each learner presenting thoughtful ideas and demonstrating real commitment to making a difference. Applicants were assessed against clear criteria, including the quality of their application letter, their previous experience, their vision for the role, and the personal qualities they would bring. The panel, made up of SLT and Miss Jenkins, Progress Lead, were hugely impressed by the dedication and maturity shown by all candidates.

The Lead Learner structure allows for both whole-school leadership and targeted focus on key areas of school life. This year’s appointments are:

• Lead Learners: Nmesoma Obioma & Sophie Speed
• Deputy Lead Learners: Tehila Goje & Lucas Parsons
• Head of Activate: Madison Bale (Deputy: Keeli Fletcher-Slocombe)
• Head of Advance: Emma Phillips (Deputy: Salmah Alabi)
• Head of Achieve: Divinesspencer Cyril-Ukachukwu (Deputy: Mubarak Arikewushola)
• Head of Creativity: Kira Woods
• Head of Innovation: Deagan Dragon-Shmylo
• Head of LiFE: Emilie Rees

Our learners impressed staff with their vision, confidence and commitment to making a difference. From improving community engagement, to supporting younger learners, to leading on issues such as attendance, wellbeing and school pride, this group has shown a real passion for strengthening school life at Ysgol Afon Wen.

Together with our Form Representatives, the Lead Learners will ensure that learner voice continues to shape our school development and that every learner feels heard, supported and inspired. This team truly embodies our belief in “A Voice For All.”

Community partners that the school are working alongside so far this academic year:

• St Luke’s Church
• Hawthorn Neighbourhood watch
• Tesco Stronger Starts
  Central south consortium
• Counter force poety
• Citizens Advice
• Dysgy at Cymru
• Coleg y Cymoedd
• Bryncelynnog Comprehensive School
• Cwmglas primary school
• Fynnon Taf Primary school
• Parc Lewis
• Roly Polly Entertainment
• Ponty Town council
• Social Care Wales
• Taith Cymru
• NSPCC
• Children’s Commissioner for Wales