SCHOOL OF THE WEEK: St Mary's Catholic Primary, Chepstow

THE school motto is ‘Learning for life with Christ in Our Life’ and is embraced by pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary.

From celebrating St David’s Day to taking part in the Eisteddfod, chess tournaments and fundraising no two days are ever the same at the Bulwark school.

Head teacher Ali Szwagrzak, is relishing his role at the helm of the school is excited about plans to develop the grounds and continuing to build on a positive report by Estyn in November.

Mr Szwagrzak, who came into post in September described the past eight months as a something of a ‘whirlwind’.

“The time has flown by but we have focused on working towards a re-inspection, which took place in January. It resulted in the school being removed from the list of schools requiring significant improvement,” he said.

“We were awarded the best grades that you can get. We are working hard not only to improve the quality of learning in the classroom and also the quality of the environment to really brighten it up.”

Mr Szwagrzak is not one to hang about. “We have done a lot very quickly.”

“We are having a ramp put in place as part of a safeguarding project. It will enable pupils with mobility issues to use a safe entry and exit to the school.”

“The entrance used to be through the staff car park so we are creating something that is safe for the children and parents when they collect them.”

“We are delighted that Monmouthshire council has offered to build a new entrance ramp.”

It’s definitely an exciting time at St Mary’s.”

“Members of staff have grasped the opportunity to do things differently. The biggest challenge was to keep hold of the strong family community feeling of the school while improving those recommendations made by Estyn to us.”

“It is a school that is a happy place with a warm feeling.”

He credits the school’s PTA with transforming an area in the foundation phase outside the classrooms where the children sit and read to a teaching assistant.

“The parents raised all the funds and then painted the walls in October. They now have a range of books in a lovely area known as ‘Imagination run Wild’.”

They have also overseen the re-painting of the junior department and created and funded books for a new library.

“The PTA is dedicated and hard-working and put in a lot of extra hours.”

“They hold various fundraising events throughout the year and also give up their time freely to help out.”

The children have plenty of outdoor areas to learn and play, including a large playground featuring several benches, a ship and train. Much of the equipment has been funded by the PTA.

Mr Szwagrzak said the areas are well-used but has plans to further develop outdoor areas, including a forest school.

In year six, pupils are excitedly helping to make cakes to sell at a cake sale in aid of their end of year party at Chepstow Racecourse.

“It is really important for the children to understand that they have to work to get things,” explained Mr Szwagrzak.

The school is keen to give its pupils a voice by way of an active School Council which makes decisions about what equipment the pupils would like to see in the playground and are also planning a events such as a talent show and pet week.

Among the club’s to run at the school is the Chess Club.

Julie McIntosh, who is a Woman FIDE Master and former British Girls Champion and school governor, coaches the after school chess club with the support of deputy head, Vivian Evans, which has around 20 members.

She said: “The school chess club has been to the London Chess Classic at Olympia for the grandmaster tournament on two occasions and is a very active club.”

The main after school club offers pupils the chance to enjoy a range of activities from cooking to arts and crafts and outdoor plan once they have had their tea.

When asked what he hopes pupils leave St Mary’s with, Mr Szwagrzak replied: “I want them to be fully-rounded sensible citizens. The Comprehensive they later attend praises our pupils for their attitude to learning and their behaviour.”

“We are very proud of that."

"This is a warm, quiet and calm place that is very much at the heart of the Christian community in Chepstow.”

“We are very well served by the Arch Diocese in Cardiff who ensure that the fabric of the school is in order.”

“My staff and I are supported by a vibrant and committed governing body that is fairly new but already hard working.”

Last Inspection

The school was revisited by Estyn in January 2015 and was found to have made significant progress in relation to recommendations made in its previous inspection. The report highlights pupils’ literacy skills in the foundation phase as being of a high standard and that most pupils apply their mathematical skills successfully during challenging activities.

By the end of key stage 2, most pupils who are more able can write confidently using an extended range of vocabulary. Nearly all pupils respond well to the school’s system of rewarding high levels of attendance and show a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards learning Welsh and develop their language skills appropriately.

FACTFILE

Address: St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Bulwark Road, Chepstow.

Head teacher: Ali Szwagrzak

Deputy: Vivian Evans

Pupils on roll: 210

Aged: 4 to 11

Chairman of governors: Bob Cottrell