The School 

Ferndale Community School is a mixed Community School located at the northern end of the Rhondda Fach valley in the town of Maerdy within the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff.  We serve the well-defined communities of Ferndale, Maerdy, Penrhys, Tylorstown and more recently Pontygwaith, who will officially be a feeder school from September 2018 due to catchment changes.  The school provides many of the traditional values that have inspired education in Wales – respect, high academic expectations and well-qualified and dedicated staff.  At the same time the school constantly adapts to the new requirements in this ever-changing world. We are increasingly recognised as excelling at the work that we do with very positive reports being received from RCT, CSC and WG. Ferndale Community School is a CSC HuB School, a teaching school for NQTs and New Deal Pioneer, a Lead Creative and Closing the Gap Alliance School. We are also work in Pathfinder Partnerships to support the professional development of colleagues in other schools. In applying to join us you seek to be part of a fast paced, energetic and caring team. Your colleagues will embrace change and continuously strive to be the best they can be. As a whole school team we explore possibilities and support reflective practitioners. 

 Facilities

The school has been extensively modernised and the buildings and the grounds are well maintained.  Facilities at the school are excellent with each department housed in its own suite of rooms, giving our students easy access to specialised equipment and resources. Recent developments have been the refurbishment of our Learning Resource Centre, Performing Art Studio, Youth and Community Centre and the opening of a Skills Centre which can be accessed by the wider community.

Partnerships

Effective partnerships are at the core of our work.  The quality of relationships is central to an individual’s development and the vital partnership between the home and our school is fostered and encouraged throughout a student’s time at Ferndale.  Our school is firmly embedded in and committed to the local community and we actively seek opportunities to engage with all sections, since links between all appropriate parties are regarded as essential. The work that we do through the Fern Partnership is sector leading and seen as best practice regarding Community Engagement and Learning.

Student Support

Ferndale Community School cares about achievement and encourages its students to care.  We pride ourselves on our ability in meeting the various individual needs of our students.  We firmly believe that by getting to know each individual well we are able to make the best provision for their welfare and their progress.  A high priority is given to the

Development of self-discipline in our students and we have high expectations with regard to their attendance, punctuality, appearance, behaviours and respect for others. We are a Restorative school and our work with LAC children recognised as best practice by Estyn.

Extra Curricular Activities

Our academic curriculum is enriched by a wide variety of additional activities.  There are regular educational visits both at home and overseas that enhance individual development.  Activities in the sporting and cultural areas are plentiful with students performing at the very highest level.  The creation of these opportunities ensures a rich and varied educational provision for all.  We track participation, focus on the individual and provide opportunities.

Community Delivery and Services - The Fern Partnership

A number of Leaders and Governors at Ferndale Community School operate a successful and expanding Charity ‘The Fern Partnership’.  The aims of the charity are to advance the education and experiences of pupils and the community in which we serve.  

Our multi award winning charity has recently transitioned to a company limited by guarantee with charitable status due to recent business growth.  We are seeking to develop our social enterprise and community development model further which will benefit and enhance the lives of more individuals and families within RCT and beyond following the Tacking Poverty agenda. 

 Further information can be found at www.fernpartnership.com on twitter @Fern_Partners or at https://www.facebook.com/fernpartnership/ 

 Further details regarding School life can be accessed from our school website, www.ferndalecs.com or on twitter @Ferndalesch

There are 40 teachers employed at the school and these are well supported by the ancillary staff. There is a departmental structure with each subject area accommodated in a suite of rooms. A traditional pastoral team consisting of a Head of School together with Heads of Year and an Attendance and Wellbing Assisntant who oversees the welfare and support of pupils.

If you're searching for your next teaching post, why not contact us now? You'll be working at a great school and be part of a friendly, helpful team. We're always interested to hear from enthusiastic, committed teachers - send us your CV now via our School Talent Pool and say what sort of role you're looking for.

Community Delivery and Services - The Fern Partnership

A number of Leaders and Governors at Ferndale Community School operate a successful and expanding Charity ‘The Fern Partnership’.  The aims of the charity are to advance the education and experiences of pupils and the community in which we serve.  

Our multi award winning charity has recently transitioned to a company limited by guarantee with charitable status due to recent business growth.  We are seeking to develop our social enterprise and community development model further which will benefit and enhance the lives of more individuals and families within RCT and beyond following the Tacking Poverty agenda. 

Further information can be found at www.fernpartnership.com on twitter @Fern_Partners or at https://www.facebook.com/fernpartnership/