Unlocking the Four Purposes

At Waunfawr Primary School, the Four Purposes of Curriculum for Wales are at the heart of everything we do. They provide the shared vision for the knowledge, skills, experiences and qualities we want every child to develop as they grow, learn and prepare for the future.

We want our children to leave Waunfawr as confident, capable and well-rounded individuals who are ready to embrace opportunities, overcome challenges and make a positive contribution to the world around them.

Our curriculum is designed to help children make meaningful connections in their learning, develop their independence and apply their knowledge and skills in different situations. The Four Purposes are not something that children simply learn about; they are something they experience and develop every day through lessons, projects, relationships, wider opportunities and life within our school community.

Meet our Four Purpose Dragons!

One of the special features of our approach at Waunfawr is our collection of bespoke Four Purpose dragons. Created specifically for our school, our dragons bring the Four Purposes to life and help children understand the qualities and skills they are developing.

Each dragon has its own identity and character, inspired by one of Wales' iconic mountains. Our dragons are non-binary, encouraging every child to identify with and aspire to their qualities.

Through their dragons, children have a familiar and engaging way to talk about their learning, recognise their strengths and identify the next steps in their personal development.

 

Eyri – Ambitious, Capable Learners

Ready to learn throughout their lives.

Eyri encourages our children to be curious, determined and motivated learners who enjoy challenge and want to do their best.

Our ambitious and capable learners:

• Enjoy challenges, aim high and persevere when learning becomes difficult.

• Ask questions, investigate and solve problems.

• Develop a secure body of knowledge and apply what they know in new situations.

• Think independently and reflect on their learning.

• Communicate confidently in Welsh and English.

• Use digital technology responsibly and creatively.

• Recognise that learning is a lifelong journey.

   

Pen – Enterprising, Creative Contributors

Ready to play a full part in life and work.

Pen encourages our children to be imaginative, resourceful and collaborative, using their ideas and skills to make a difference.

Our enterprising and creative contributors:

• Think creatively and find different ways to solve problems.

• Turn ideas into action and create things that have a purpose.

• Take appropriate risks and learn from mistakes.

• Work collaboratively, sharing ideas and valuing the contributions of others.

• Show initiative, take responsibility and develop leadership skills.

• Express themselves through a range of creative opportunities.

• Use their skills and talents to benefit others.

Cadri – Ethical, Informed Citizens

Ready to be citizens of Wales and the world.

Cadri encourages our children to be thoughtful, respectful and responsible members of their community and the wider world.

Our ethical and informed citizens:

• Show kindness, empathy and respect for others.

• Understand their rights and responsibilities.

• Listen to different opinions and form their own informed views.

• Ask questions, consider evidence and think critically.

• Celebrate Welsh identity, language, heritage and culture.

• Understand how their actions affect others and the environment.

• Take an active interest in their community and the world around them.

Twmba – Healthy, Confident Individuals

Ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.

Twmba encourages our children to develop confidence, resilience and the knowledge to look after themselves and others.

Our healthy and confident individuals:

• Develop positive relationships built on trust and respect.

• Understand the importance of physical and mental wellbeing.

• Build confidence, resilience and emotional awareness.

• Make informed choices to keep themselves safe and healthy.

• Develop independence and the confidence to try new things.

• Recognise their own strengths and celebrate the achievements of others.

• Face challenges positively and learn from their experiences.

 

Bringing the Four Purposes to life

At Waunfawr, the Four Purposes are woven through our curriculum and everyday school life. Children develop these qualities through purposeful learning experiences, opportunities to make decisions, collaborative projects, outdoor learning, pupil leadership, creative activities and their contribution to the school and wider community.

We want children to understand not only what they are learning, but why it matters and how they can use their learning beyond the classroom.

Our approach also recognises that every child develops at their own pace. The skills and characteristics associated with the Four Purposes grow over time, becoming more secure and sophisticated as children gain knowledge, experience and confidence.

Celebrating our learners - Friyay Assembly

Every Friday, we come together for our celebratory assembly to recognise and share the achievements of our children.

As part of these assemblies, children receive certificates celebrating the skills and qualities they have demonstrated in their development towards the Four Purposes.

Whether a child has shown determination when facing a challenge, worked brilliantly as part of a team, demonstrated kindness towards others, taken responsibility or shown growing independence, we want these achievements to be recognised and celebrated.

These certificates are about more than rewarding a finished piece of work. They recognise the attitudes, behaviours and skills that children are developing along their learning journey.

We encourage children to recognise these qualities in themselves and others, helping them to understand that success is not just about what we achieve, but also about the kind of learners and people we become.

"Every day, in every way… we give our children the keys to success"