Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Wrexham

The school has launched a new 'REACH' challenge system to ensure all students strive for the very best outcomes. Staff are determined to do everything to help their very capable and talented pupils thrive, and achieve their potential in spite of the pandemic.

Headteacher Adele Slinn said: "We are exceptionally proud of all of our learners and our new 'REACH' challenge system allows all of our students to challenge themselves to be the very best they can be.

"Students are encouraged to choose the correct level of challenge for themselves, supported by our fantastic teaching staff, to allow them to achieve the very best outcomes.

"It has been wonderful to see all of the opportunities our students have been offered and the numbers of students who have thrived in taking ownership of their own learning."

The new system clearly highlights the level of challenge of all learning tasks via labels from bronze, through to silver and gold. Beyond that, Ysgol Bryn Alyn's most able and ambitious students are encouraged to attempt 'REACH' challenges, which demonstrate they are working and learning at the top of their game. Staff encourage students to become independent learners by guiding them to the appropriate level of challenge.

Having been part of the national Stephen Lawrence assembly last week, during the third annual Stephen Lawrence Day, Key Stage 3 pupils were encouraged to 'live (their) best life' through building hope.

By striving to aim to achieve the best they can through the REACH challenges, the school is guiding them to be independent learners and build resilience.

Being involved in the Stephen Lawrence Day allowed pupils to reflect on Stephen's life and what hope they could have for their own.

Richard Brookes, Ysgol Bryn Alyns More Able and Talented (MAT) co-ordinator (Second in Faculty - Modern Languages).

Richard Brookes, Ysgol Bryn Alyn's More Able and Talented (MAT) co-ordinator (Second in Faculty - Modern Languages).

Speaking about REACH, one pupil said: "It is great to be able to choose which level of work to start on. It means you can really push yourself and I think it makes you much prouder of your accomplishments."

Online learning has been organised through Google Classroom and pupils have enjoyed the creativity and ingenuity of their teachers. Every effort has been made to continue to ensure learning remains accessible and engaging. Live lessons have proven very popular, but pupils have also said they enjoy the fun challenges of Seneca, MathsWatch, Kahoot and other quizzes created by their teachers.

There have also been opportunities for the school's most able pupils online which have been advertised to them on Google Classroom.

Those in Years 10 and 11 have had access to workshops to prepare them for a career in the medical professions, whilst pupils in Years 8, 9 and 10 interested in modern languages have been given the opportunity to sign up for a two-day workshop with the University of Oxford at the end of the month.

Pupils in Year 8 have been participating in a programme of study with other able pupils from high schools across Wrexham and Flintshire aimed at improving thinking skills and preparing for option choices.

Ysgol Bryn Alyn's most able and enthusiastic linguists in Year 8 have also signed up to start a Latin course at school as soon as face-to-face learning resumes.

Mrs Slinn added: "Staff and students have been fantastic over the lockdown period, showing real resilience but we are extremely happy to have them back in the building.

"We are using all of the new technologies and strategies to develop our young people and ensure they have the very best education. Our new 'Reach' challenge initiative is a great way of encouraging all of our students to 'Dream, Reach and Achieve'."