1. 11 This Government recognises that there are schools, which really make a difference, not only to the lives of their own pupils, but to the lives of other young people and adults as well. These schools listen and work closely with their pupils, parents and the wider community. They provide learning opportunities for all, both young and old, and are at the very centre of the neighbourhoods they serve. Jacqui Smith MP Under Secretary of State DFEE 1

2. 12 This Government recognises that there are schools, which really make a difference, not only to the lives of their own pupils, but to the lives of other young people and adults as well. These schools listen and work closely with their pupils, parents and the wider community. They provide learning opportunities for all, both young and old, and are at the very centre of the neighbourhoods they serve. Jacqui Smith MP Under Secretary of State DFEE 2

3. 13 Community Focused Schools “We want to see a much closer relationship between schools and the communities they serve. We want schools to act as a community resource – not just in school hours but out of hours and in vacations as well. We see them as being integral to community capacity building – providing a base for delivering, not just education and training (with links to FE & HE institutions), but also a range of other services like family support, health and enterprise promotion.” “The Learning Country” (p.25) 3

4. 14 “It is hard to see where the school ends and the community begins. It is interwoven through all aspects of their activities and commitments” Schools Curriculum Award 4

5. 15 While the precise models of community provision vary from place to place, most agree that, in order to maximise educational achievement, many learners and their families would benefit from better integrated services and support from a range of agencies. The most effective models of community provision involve teams of teachers, health workers and personnel from social, community and youth services. Other potential partners include local drug addiction and mental health teams, community policing and crime reduction initiatives, and activity aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy. Excellent Schools - A vision for schools in Wales in 21 st Century Estyn 2002 5

6. 16 Community School Definition includes; - pupil achievement - partnerships - communities of lifelong learners - key groups 6

7. 17 MODEL OF LEARNING CONTENTPROCESS COMPREHENSIONCOMPETENCE ABILITYENGAGEMENT TEACHINGSELF DISCOVERY 7

8. 18 Positive Characteristics (1) A.A rich curriculum and variety of relevant and appropriate learning styles B.Access to learning opportunities C.Integrated provision D.Partnerships with other agencies and services E.Coherent curriculum provision 8

9. 19 Positive Characteristics (2) F. Positive attitudes towards learning G. Value for money and best value H. Behaviour management and improvement I. Diversity and scale of a community school J. Community schools as social and economic community regenerators 9

10. 110 : For a copy of the script and OHP’s Please contact : Dewi Jones – e.mail : dewi.jones@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk 10