As we approach a well-earned half-term break, I would like to thank all pupils, staff and parents/carers for their continued support since September. There are a couple of things I would like to draw to your attention in readiness for pupils returning to school on Tuesday 5th November (Monday 4th November is an INSET Day).
Attendance
Whilst attendance levels in the primary and secondary phase have increased on this time last year, we are like many schools, still below pre-COVID levels. We have a variety of provisions within school to support attendance and regularly reinforce the importance of good attendance with pupils. If for any reason, a pupil is going to be absent, please contact the school reception so that an appropriate absence code can be applied. The Welsh Government now class a pupil as being a persistent absentee if their attendance is below 90%.
Punctuality
Various changes to protocols for recording and improving punctuality to school introduced in the summer term has seen a reduction in numbers of children arriving late to school. Can I remind pupils in the secondary phase and parents that registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Please make every effort to be there on time.
Uniform
Thank you again to those parents who are ensuring pupils arrive in school in full school uniform. We hope our flexible approach to having fewer branded items mean that it is more affordable for parents. Please ensure that when we return to school after the holiday, pupils are in uniform as described on our website. It is not acceptable to arrive in school wearing sporting attire unless it is for a legitimate sporting activity – in which case the PE Department will have communicated this.
Secondary Breakfast Club
We have manged to secure funding to provide free toast and a hot chocolate from 7:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. This will be available in the small canteen area every day and there will be staff supervision. We are hoping to secure additional funding in order to be able to continue this initiative in the Spring Term.
Safeguarding
Keeping everybody safe on the school site is a priority. I kindly ask that parents/carers avoid parking their cars on the double yellow lines by main reception. If you are dropping pupils off for breakfast club, nursery etc please park in one of the designated parking bays. Similarly, I would ask that parents remain in their cars with the engine off after school if you are parked in the front car park. The gates are closed between 2:40 p.m. and 3:10 p.m. to minimise the amount of traffic moving on site. This way I can continue to allow people to park on site and ensure pupils leave in a safe manner.
School Production
We are delighted to announce that this year’s school production will be The Wizard of OZ. It will take place 18th-20th February 2025. It is fair to say that excitement levels are rising already!!
I hope everybody has a lovely half-term and we look forward to welcoming the pupils back on Tuesday 5th November.
An evening of celebration for our current Year 11 pupils has been provisionally booked to be held at the Manor Park Country House, Clydach, on Tuesday the 24th of June 2025.
We have tried to promote this event as fully inclusive and as such there is certainly no expectations of formal dress. Return transport will also be provided for all pupils who wish to attend. Whilst we all want to enjoy the evening, school cannot be responsible for any extra costs associated with this event and encourage all families to keep this in mind when making choices. This year the ticket cost will be approximately £42 and will be payable via Parent Pay when opened in the Spring Term. We will confirm the ticket price as soon as the venue release their new season prices in the new year.
Pupils and their families and friends can meet at the front of the school, for photographs between 5:15 – 6:00pm. We will leave school promptly at 6:00pm and travel by coach to the Manor Park Country House for the celebrations, which include a raffle, buffet, and disco. This is always an enjoyable night and a great end to their school lives. The pupils need to be collected from the rear school car park on their return at approximately 11:00pm. As usual, we thank parents in advance for not attending the venue due to the logistical and safety issues this presents.
All pupils will start the year with an invite, and we hope that by embracing their final year of school in a positive way this evening of celebration can be shared by everyone. However, if there are any reasons why this may not be the case the pastoral team will be linking with pupils and parents to try to support a positive outcome, but this will be at the discretion of the Headteacher.
Additionally, there will be a Leavers Assembly on Friday 20th of June at school for Year 11 pupils only and further details will be shared closer to the time.
Year 11 Geography pupils visited Mumbles as part of their GCSE Fieldwork studying change over time in the local area. They had a hugely successful day, which included asking the public questionnaires, filling in land use maps and re-photographing the area.
YBB HEAT (Health Eco Action Team)
The team held their first full meeting this week, lots of great discussions including plans for a second-hand toy stall to help the community with the cost of Christmas and reduce the amount of toys that get thrown away. They decided to spend some of the £102 they raised in the Welsh Festival in July on brand new uniform items for our female sanitary product cupboard to support both pupils and visitors to the school site. Applications from year 7 pupils to join the team will also be open next week – pupils can see their registration teacher for details.
Year 11 leaders delivered an assembly on Leadership and Role Models to the rest of the year groups this week.
KS3 Drama Club are busy rehearsing for the BANG project transition event.
Taith Ffotograffiaeth/Photography Trip
A letter has gone regarding an overnight Photography trip to London and Bristol. I have sent it to year 9’s and they have until Friday 18th October to express an interest in the trip.
Yr Ysgol Ganol/Middle School
Blwyddyn 7
We have launched an NSPCC related kindness challenge for the month of October. We will be completing a range of thoughtful tasks to promote kindness and “make it the norm”. We have started creating a display with our handprints, each containing positive comments from other pupils, recognising our unique qualities and what each of us has to offer. We will be completing a kindness bingo card and creating targets on what attributes are important to us, how we maintain our kind and respectful reputation as a year group, and how we can be good role models to others in our school.
Our role models and Seren yr Wythnos this week are Lilly Rae Davies and Phebee Stachera. We would also like to recognise Brandon Doyle and Harri Purchase Davies for winning our Gwobr Cymreictod.
Special mention this week to our amazing Head of Art, Mr John, and his form class 7AJH, for creating the wonderful Welsh mural as part of our Wal Gymru in school.
Blwyddyn 8
Congratulations to our Seren yr Wythnos winners this week, Elena Roberts and Jake Bailey, recognised for their consistently excellent attitudes to learning and cheerfulness to all aspects of school life.
Year 8 were joined in assembly this week by our new Year 11 pupil leaders. We were delighted to listen to their plans and congratulate them on their recent appointments. The assembly certainly inspired year 8 and provided role models for their own aspirations in the future.
Year 8 have also been busy as part of our Eisteddfod group and will be competing at Eisteddfod Y Cymoedd in Ysgol Cwm Rhymni on Friday 18th October 2024.
As part of Neath Libraries ‘Children’s Literature Festival’, the oral storyteller, Ceri Phillips, worked with our Seren pupils in year 8 on the tradition of oral storytelling in Wales linked to their work in English on the concept of Fear. Pupils have given themselves Bardic names, heard an urban myth about a traveller and contributed creatively to complete the end of the story.
Yr Adran AG/PE Department
Crynodeb o ganylniadau yr wythnos hon/Summary of results for this week (7-11 Oct)
Rygbi/Rugby
Tues 8th – Year 9 boys Ospreys Cup v Cefn Saeson (a) – Won
Year 8 boys v Dwr Y Felin (h) – lost
Thurs 9th – Year 7 boys v Bro Dur (h) – Won
Pêl-rwyd/Netball
Thurs 10th – Year 7A v Birchgrove (a) – Won
Year 7B v Birchgrove (a) – Won
Congratulations to the Year 11 netball team who retained their crown as County Champions in thrilling matches v Olchfa and Bishopston.
Pêl-droed/Football
Mon 7TH – Year 7 football festival V Bro Dur held at YBB. Over 50 pupils involved!
Weds 9th – Year 6 played Carreg Hir (a) – Drew
Profion fitrwydd/Fitness testing
On Thursday 10th October, 38 GCSE PE pupils attended Neath Port Talbot College, Llandarcy campus to carry out fitness testing as part of their ‘Personal Fitness Programme’ evaluation. The pupils enjoyed using state of the art equipment and it was lovely to see past pupils who had chosen to follow a sport course at the college running the tests. The visit also gave them an insight into the type of courses available at Llandarcy.
Y Corff Llywodraethu/Governing Body
During the annual AGM held on Wednesday we said farewell to a number of longstanding governors who are either retiring or whose terms of office have come to an end. Four of the retiring governors had served on the Governing Body for ten years, initially on the interim Governing Body and then on the Full Governing Body when the school opened in September 2016. We would like to thank them for their dedication and commitment to the school and wish them all the best in the future.
Linda Roberts receiving a commemorative slate from Councillor Ted Latham (Chair of Governors) which were kindly produced by Mrs Jayne Lewis from our Technology Department
YR WYTHNOS HON/THIS WEEK
Cyfnod Cynradd/Primary Phase
Flu vaccinations on Tuesday 15th.
Parents Evening on Wednesday 16th and 17th. Parents have been encouraged to book an appointment and to pop along for a cup of tea/coffee and a chat with Mr Davies and Governors. A film will be on in one of the classrooms for parents to leave children whilst they meet with class teachers (supervised by staff).
Cyfnod Uwchradd/Secondary Phase
Year 11 Parents’ Evening is being held on Monday 14th October
Yr Ysgol Gyfan/Whole School
Tuesday, 15th October, is Diwrnod Shwmae across Wales. Diolch yn fawr to our Welsh and Art staff, along with our Criw Cymraeg for organising some fun activities on the day. Diolch yn fawr in advance also to Mr Davies’ form class 8GDA who will be delivering assemblies on the event to year 7&8 on Monday and Tuesday respectively. All pupils and staff are kindly requested to wear a red, white or green top on the day to celebrate our Cymreictod (Welshness). Letters have been sent on satchel one and the website for pupils regarding this, please note the expectation is full uniform on the bottom half; trousers/skirts/tights and shoes.
Gemau/sesiynau ymarfer am wythnos nesaf/Fixtures/training for next week (14th – 18th Oct)
Dydd Llun/Monday 14h
Year 7 boys rugby training (lunch)
Year 8 netball training (3-3.45)
Dry Slope skiing session at Pembrey Ski Centre
Dydd Mawrth/Tuesday 15th
Year 7 girls rugby training (lunch)
Year 9 boys rugby development festival at Cenfig School
Year 8/9 Hockey training (after school)
Year 7/8 netball v St Josephs (h)
Cross Country race at Elba, Gorseinon for selected boys and girls in Years 7-11.
Dydd Mercher/Wednesday 16th
Year 5/6 Netball primary tournament (Ysgol Bro-Dur – 9.30am-2pm)
Year 8/9 boys rugby training (lunch)
Year 7 hockey training (lunch)
Year 7 and 9 football match v Cwm Brombil (away- after school)
Year 9/10/11 netball training (after school)
Year 10 boys rugby – Ospreys cup v Cefn Saeson (a)
Dydd Iau/Thursday 17th
Year 7 boys rugby v Cwm Brombil (a)
Year 11 boys football v Cwm Brombil (a)
Cefnogaeth Cwricwlwm Blwyddyn 11 Ysgol Bae Baglan – Ar ôl yr Ysgol
Ysgol Bae Baglan Year 11 Curriculum Support – After School
Mae cefnogaeth cwricwlwm ychwanegol ar gael yn ôl yr amserlen isod:
The following timetable of additional curriculum support is available:
Dydd Mawrth/Tuesday 3pm – 4pm
History Revision Germany and exam technique – HU11
It is hard to beleive that we have been back in school a fortnight already!! I want to say a huge well done to all the pupils who have made a really positive start to the new academic year. We appreciate that getting back into routines after the summer holiday can be difficult, but I have been impressed with the attendance, punctuality and adherence to uniform so far. Assemblies have focussed on the school’s expectations and importance of mutual respect in the school community. I have been particularly impressed with how well our new pupils have settled. Our Nursery and Reception pupils have settled in well and it was a pleasure to attend the primary phase celebration assembly this morning and take an active part in a rendition of “The Grand Old Duke of York” led by Mr Davies (Head of Lower School) on the piano!! Likewise, Year 7 have made an excellent start to their secondary journey. They have acquainted themselves quickly with the school and impressed staff with their maturity and positive attitude. Da iawn all!!
I know that a number of clubs have started again including the numerous sports clubs which we run. I would encourage as many pupils as possible to make use of the opportunities on offer. Excitement is already building for expressive arts activities planned for this term as well as plans for a whole school production in the Spring Term but more about that in a future update.
I will keep it relatively brief this week but please remember to check our website, social media channels and Satchel One for regular communication updates. Let’s hope we all get to enjoy some September sunshine this weekend – the weather has certainly not been kind to us recently that’s for sure.
The Summer Term is dominated by GCSE Exam season and both Year 10 and Year 11 conducted themselves extremely well during the exams. We await the results in August and hope that Year 11 have a relaxing summer and get the results that allow them to access whatever route they have planned from September. On that note, GCSE Results Day is on Thursday 22nd August. Arrangements for collection have been issued by Mr Williams and can be found on the school website. It was also nice to see so many Year 11 pupils join us for the Leavers Assembly recently and Celebration Evening in The Manor Park. We have also held a Nursery Graduation as well as a Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly in recent weeks. Pupils across all phases have enjoyed a variety of school trips in recent weeks as well as wellbeing events. Many people from within the community and further afield have commented positively on how well behaved and respectful the pupils have been, which is really nice to hear. This was also the case with our Year 10 pupils who recently undertook a week of work experience. Pupils did themselves and the school proud with some pupils even securing part-time jobs!!
I would like to highlight a few things in readiness for September:
Return to School
Autumn Term begins on Monday 2nd September. This will be an INSET Day as usual.
All pupils will return to school on Tuesday 3rd September (except for Nursery pupils)
School Timings
Foundation Phase
7:50 -8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Club (No entry after 8:10 a.m.)
8:30-8:50 a.m.
Registration
8:50-10:20 a.m.
Session 1
10:20-10:40 a.m.
Break
10:40-12:00 p.m.
Session 2
12:00-12:50 p.m.
Lunch
12:50-3:00 p.m.
Session 3
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Enrichment
Key Stage 2
7:50 -8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Club (No entry after 8:10 a.m.)
8:30-8:50 a.m.
Registration
8:50-10:40 a.m.
Session 1
10:40-11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00-12:30 p.m.
Session 2
12:30-1:20 p.m.
Lunch
1:20-3:00 p.m.
Session 3
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Enrichment
Secondary Phase (Year 7-11)
8:00 -8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Club
8:30-8:55 a.m.
Registration
8:55-9:55 a.m.
Lesson 1
9:555-10:55 a.m.
Lesson 2
10:55-11:10 a.m.
Break
11:10-12:10 p.m.
Lesson 3
12:10-1:10 p.m.
Lesson 4
1:10-1:55 p.m.
Lunchtime
1:55-2:55 p.m.
Lesson 5
2:55-3:55 p.m.
Enrichment
Attendance & Punctuality
It is really important that pupils attend school as much as possible. If for any reason, they are unable to attend school please contact school to report absence. As highlighted above, the school day in secondary phase starts at 8:30 with registration. This is an important part of the day and I would urge pupils to be on time.
Uniform
I have communicated several times throughout the year the importance of school uniform. Pupils will be expected to wear uniform in line with the school’s Uniform Policy in September. PE kit should not be worn unless instructed by the Headteacher.
Mobile Phones
We recognise that mobile phones are an important tool for parents to help safeguard their children. However, we have a very clear message to pupils that mobile phones must not be used during the school day in classrooms or corridors, and nowhere in school during lesson times. At breaktime and lunchtime pupils may use their mobile phones in the yard or atrium. Please do not call your children during lesson times as our “Not Seen, Not Heard, Not Taken” message will be confused if they are expected to take or make calls to parents during learning time. We will continue to confiscate mobile phones until the end of the school day if pupils use them at restricted times or places.
Safeguarding:
The Local Authority will be erecting a fence around the school’s playing fields adjacent to Western Avenue over the summer holiday. This will ensure that pupils continue to have a safe and healthy environment when undertaking PE lessons and matches etc.
Staff Leaving
It is that time of the year when we say farewell to some members of staff. After long and distinguished careers, the following staff members are retiring:
Mrs Kath Palmer (Head of Lower School)
Mr Anthony Marchant (Head of Middle School)
Mrs Madeline Richards (Nursery)
Mr David Clarke (English)
Mrs Jodie Jones (English)
Mrs Julie Peachey (Science)
Mrs Debra Clarke (MFL)
Mrs Jaqueline Dorr (RE)
I am sure you will join me in wishing them all the best in their retirement. In addition, Miss Josie Perkins (Art Department) is leaving to take up a Head of Art post. Again, we wish her all the best in her new venture. Mr Michael Larkman will be returning to the Art Department from September. I would also like to wish Mr Robert Hayward (Science) all the best having done cover for us for some time as well as the following support staff who are leaving:
Mr Caleb Watkins
Ms Abbie Gough
Ms Beth Kennedy
Ms Emma Freeman
Ms Megan Masters
Mrs Donna Jones
I would like to thank parents and carers again for their continued support of the school and to wish you all a relaxing summer holiday. We look forward to welcoming all our pupils back in September.
School uniform is central to our way of building a sense of community among students, staff, and parents as well as the local community. Each year we review the wearing of PE kit as a summer uniform. Once again we will be allowing pupils from Nursery to Year 10 to wear PE kit to school from after half term.
I would like to be clear that pupils in have two options only. To wear normal school uniform or to wear normal PE kit. Inappropriate garments such as crocs or hotpants will not be permitted, and my team will be contacting homes where pupils do not respect our policy. Our full uniform requirements are set out in full here: https://bit.ly/YBBUniform
If pupils do not have the correct PE kit, then they must wear their normal school uniform.
I would ask that Year 11 continue to wear uniform to their formal examinations as they have done up to this point. The examination hall has air conditioning.
For school uniform to have a positive effect in building our community and improving standards, then it needs the support of all our parents. Pupils need clear and consistent messaging from both school and home, and we hope that we can rely on you for that. We want to help those families that are struggling, but the best way to help all of our children right now is to set out the high expectations we all have for them.
We hope that once again this compromise to our uniform policy will support pupils to be more comfortable in class without compromising our expectations for high standards.
‘If your child missed the HPV or MMR vaccinations in school on 26th February 24 a catch up session is being held in school on 18th March 24. More information will follow. Any queries please don’t hesitate to contact the School Nursing Team on 01639 862801’
School uniform is central to our way of building a sense of community among students, staff, and parents as well as the local community.
School uniform plays a key role in promoting pride, self-confidence, and a feeling of belonging within school. These factors contribute to students’ wellbeing. Wearing a uniform sets our expectations of the mindset we need. It gives clear signals to pupils that this is a working environment with high standards and helps them separate their social and school life. When children wear a uniform, as well as gaining a sense of pride, we see improved discipline and concentration. Uniform removes the points of difference between students, unifying the student body and providing a greater focus on academic work.
We recognise that with the cost of living rising, that worries about the cost of uniform can be very real, so we have kept our Secondary Phase uniform simple, with unbranded black footwear, unbranded black trousers and skirts, unbranded white shirts. The school tie and jumper being the only branded uniform items for daily school. Our uniform bank is also full of items for those families who need more support, and we are grateful to those that have donated good quality items.
Over the last few weeks it is clear that for some pupils, standards have fallen. Pupils are arriving in school wearing PE Kit or in items which are not part of our uniform. Some pupils have had to be challenged about wearing outerwear such as hoodies and coats in class as they do not have school jumpers. Others have said they don’t have any uniform available.
For school uniform to have a positive effect in building our community and improving standards, then it needs the support of all our parents. Pupils need clear and consistent messaging from both school and home, and we hope that we can rely on you for that. We want to help those families that are struggling, but the best way to help all of our children right now is to set out the high expectations we all have for them.
Please ensure that on return to school after Easter that pupils have at least the minimum requirement. Black footwear, black skirt or trousers, white shirt a school tie and a school jumper if the weather is cold. Outerwear, including hoodies are not to be worn in class.
Dear Parent/Carer, As you know from our previous letter in October 2022, the Year 11 End of Year Celebration is on Thursday the 6th of July 2023. The ticket cost is £34 and is now available to settle via Parent Pay only for eligible pupils. We do however require the full payment by Monday, May 22nd, 2023.
