Here’s some statistics you’re probably unaware of regarding Ysgol Brynhyfryd and how they may relate to the wider area.
The figures are just some from the November 2008 school inspection, details of which were made public this academic term.
The report on behalf of Estyn ranks Ysgol Brynhyfryd as grade 2, “a good school with several strong features”. The options range from grade 1 “good with outstanding features” to grade 5 “many important shortcomings”.
Ysgol Brynhyfryd was therefore on a par with its neighbours at Ysgol Maes Garmon (Yr Wyddgrug/Mold), Ysgol Dinas Brân (Llangollen) and Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd (Llanelwy/St Asaph). Brynhyfryd was one grade higher than Denbigh High School, though Denbigh’s inspection was some time ago at the transition from one to the current head, and Ysgol y Berwyn (Y Bala). Brynhyfryd was one place lower than Mold Alun.
By comparison, both Rhyl secondaries currently enjoying so-called ‘special measures’ were at grade 4.
The inspectors felt that pupil behaviour was exemplary and their attitudes positive. (There was, once, a school litter problem). Pupils were proud of Ysgol Brynhyfryd.
Results at key stages three (11 to 14 year olds) & four (15 and 16 year olds) were good and continued to improve. Skills within ICT were now outstanding, whereas a previous inspection identified shortcomings.
Parents of the 203 pupils who attend the sixth form will be more than happy that Estyn states A level and Welsh baccalaureate results are “outstanding”. Is this because the school has a tight sixth form admissions policy? In spite of the impressive sixth form record, the school is unfairly criticised for a lack of vocational courses. There are alternatives available at local technical colleges (Colegau Iâl/Yale, Llysfasi a Llandrillo) where the range of non-academic subjects are able to reach specialised proportions.
The school doesn’t comply with the requirement for collective acts of worship. It’s been criticised for having insufficient members of staff to enable courses to progress through key stages through the medium of Welsh. While the accommodation is good overall, the trendily named learning resources centre (library to you and me?) is inadequate (though we understand this is part of a forward programme).
The school uses resources well. Unlike urban areas (for example, Wrexham), parents in Rhuthun realistically have no choice over which school to send their children. It’s as well, then, that the inspection threw up no surprises. Like their children, parents can be proud of Ysgol Brynhyfryd.
- 5.7 per cent of its 1224 pupils have free school meals. The UK average is 14 per cent. This implies Rhuthun is wealthier than the UK norm.
- 25 per cent of pupils come from Welsh-speaking homes and 33 per cent of the school speaks Welsh as a first language or to an equivalent standard. According to the 2001 census, the percentage of all people in Rhuthun over three who can speak, read or write Welsh is, however, 45 per cent.
The figures are just some from the November 2008 school inspection, details of which were made public this academic term.The report on behalf of Estyn ranks Ysgol Brynhyfryd as grade 2, “a good school with several strong features”. The options range from grade 1 “good with outstanding features” to grade 5 “many important shortcomings”.
Ysgol Brynhyfryd was therefore on a par with its neighbours at Ysgol Maes Garmon (Yr Wyddgrug/Mold), Ysgol Dinas Brân (Llangollen) and Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd (Llanelwy/St Asaph). Brynhyfryd was one grade higher than Denbigh High School, though Denbigh’s inspection was some time ago at the transition from one to the current head, and Ysgol y Berwyn (Y Bala). Brynhyfryd was one place lower than Mold Alun.
By comparison, both Rhyl secondaries currently enjoying so-called ‘special measures’ were at grade 4.
The inspectors felt that pupil behaviour was exemplary and their attitudes positive. (There was, once, a school litter problem). Pupils were proud of Ysgol Brynhyfryd.
Results at key stages three (11 to 14 year olds) & four (15 and 16 year olds) were good and continued to improve. Skills within ICT were now outstanding, whereas a previous inspection identified shortcomings.
Parents of the 203 pupils who attend the sixth form will be more than happy that Estyn states A level and Welsh baccalaureate results are “outstanding”. Is this because the school has a tight sixth form admissions policy? In spite of the impressive sixth form record, the school is unfairly criticised for a lack of vocational courses. There are alternatives available at local technical colleges (Colegau Iâl/Yale, Llysfasi a Llandrillo) where the range of non-academic subjects are able to reach specialised proportions.
The school doesn’t comply with the requirement for collective acts of worship. It’s been criticised for having insufficient members of staff to enable courses to progress through key stages through the medium of Welsh. While the accommodation is good overall, the trendily named learning resources centre (library to you and me?) is inadequate (though we understand this is part of a forward programme).
The school uses resources well. Unlike urban areas (for example, Wrexham), parents in Rhuthun realistically have no choice over which school to send their children. It’s as well, then, that the inspection threw up no surprises. Like their children, parents can be proud of Ysgol Brynhyfryd.
Tags:
Brynhyfryd