Croeso Caerdydd Cystlltu Ysgolion-Welcome Cardiff Schools Linking

“I wish I still had a class so that I could take part in this myself!” Cardiff Headteacher

A new Schools Linking programme has successfully launched in Wales this year, with 480 children from 16 classes engaged across the city of Cardiff. Teachers enthused about the opportunity to meet with colleagues from their link schools at the first in person teacher training in September. They were particularly appreciative of the time given to be able to explore all the resources and to be able to map out the linking activities for the coming weeks.

Held at the Glamorgan Cricket ground, this enabled teachers to become familiar with the venue as this was to be the site for the first in-person linking days between the children. Indeed working in partnership with the Cricket Club to provide this opportunity has really enriched the experience for all those involved. On the linking days, the children were divided into three mixed groups: on one floor they took part in a collaborative art activity, inspired by the book, ‘Dyma Ni – Sut i Fyw ar y Ddaear’
‘Here We Are – Notes for living on Planet Earth’ by Oliver Jeffers; on another they got to know each other better via some fun team games; in the third session, the expertise of Glamorgan cricket team was key in developing children’s teamwork and cricket skills.

The connections between the children on these linking days have been both joyful and memorable. They are now looking forward to visiting each other’s schools as they take part in the class visits.

One teacher commented how the programme had ‘sparked curiosity, interest and acceptance.’ Another teacher has observed that her ‘children have absolutely loved being a part of the linking programme.’

At The Linking Network we have been delighted to work in partnership with Cardiff Council Children’s Services Team and the Regional Community Cohesion Team. They have done an amazing job to not only recruit the linking schools, but also to develop such great working partnerships to enable this rich opportunity to be offered to the children of Cardiff.
This exciting new work to build connection across Cardiff has been made possible due to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, Pears Foundation, Dulverton Trust and ABS. We are looking forward to seeing how these great foundations can be built upon in the coming years.

For more information contact Nia Davies nia.davies2@cardiff.gov.uk or the TLN Team at info@thelinkingnetwork.org.uk