A recent consultation of pupils, staff, parents and governors has seen an exciting curriculum development for Saundersfoot CP school.

Headteacher Mr. Nick Allen said: “We are really looking forward to the new curriculum and ‘the 50 tasks before year six’ is a series of enriching and memorable activities to complement the curriculum and will be key milestones or celebrations for our pupils as they move through Saundersfoot CP School.

“Despite all that we have experienced with Covid the school has been looking forward to the future and we have been developing the project for some time.

“With many of the staff being parents, we discussed the National Trusts ’50 things to do before 11 3/4’ and wanted to create our own list that focused on education and the revised curriculum.

“The staff in Saundersfoot school have been acknowledged by Estyn for ‘knowing their pupils and doing their best for them’ for me, this project celebrates the very best of what the school can offer.

“In fact, the impact of Covid gave us even more focus to ensure our pupils experienced authentic and genuine, enriching activities that ultimately supported their health and well-being,” he continued.

“As a beach school with Saundersfoot and Coppet beaches only a few minutes walk away, several the activities and experiences will take place there.

“The school community felt that it was important for our children to be able to identify local flora and fauna on the coast, the coastline, and the wider community, we have also included activities such as camp out under the stars and my personal favourite is to learn to paddle board.”

Deputy head Sharon Gillespie added: “Using the outdoor classroom has always been intrinsic in delivering the Foundation Phase Framework and the benefits of this in developing a love, appreciation and respect for nature and the environment as well as essential skills such as reflective and inquisitive thinking,  resilience and adaptability, collaboration and communication skills are numerous and well documented. 

“Having so many outdoor and inclusive learning experiences included in our list of 50 things will enhance our curriculum offer and further enable us to ensure that the benefits of being and learning in the outdoors is accessible to all our pupils across the whole school.”

The revised curriculum provides the school with an opportunity to focus on designing the curriculum within the locality and to move outwards to a global aspect, the proximity of the school to the beach is an ideal location for this.

Year 6 teacher and assistant headteacher, Jan Lloyd commented: “We have a proven track record of camping with our year six pupils and hope to extend this to year five.

“The pupils have gained valuable transferable skills in doing this whilst building some treasured memories.

“Our list of 50 things is not just about academic achievement, but about building rich life experiences which give context to personal and social life skills development.”

The school has created ambassadors of the Four Core purposes and all pupils are excited by the project.

Ambitious and capable learner representative Nia commented: “I think these activities are important as they will help make a difference within our school and community, helping all our pupils seek and enjoy challenges so we are ready to learn throughout our lives.”

Healthy and confident learner representative Seren said: “This list will improve the health and well-being of our whole community. This will set a good example for our younger pupils building their mental and emotional wellbeing, so we are all ready to lead full lives as valued members of society.

Ethical and informed citizen learner representative Jed said: “Completing these tasks on the list will be essential for helping the environment and community, helping pupils to show their commitment to the sustainability of the planet as they become citizens of Wales and the World.

Enterprising and creative contributor learner representative Mali said: “This list can inspire more people to have a creative mindset, as they connect and apply their knowledge to creative ideas, so we are ready to play a full part in life and work.”

The 50 things by year six ensures that pupils in Saundersfoot School will explore and make connections with the world around them developing an understanding, a fantastic start to their lives.

This ‘cynefin’ will ensure our pupils become lifelong learners by providing a strong foundation for life.

The final list of 50 tasks will be appearing on the school’s website soon.