Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s Rhymney’s new attendance superhero

Superman. Batman. Spiderman. These are some of the world’s well-known superheroes.

Now, there are reports that a school in Rhymney has a superhero all of its own – and this one aims to help improve students’ attendance.

Idris Davies School 3-18 introduced its caped character at an assembly at the start of the new school year.

The superhero, who has not yet been named, will be meeting and greeting students and the school gate and sharing their secrets on how they can develop superpowers by having “excellent attendance”, according to headteacher Richard Owen.

Mr Owen told Caerphilly Observer more about the plans and said: “Improving pupil attendance is a key priority for us as a school this year and we have reviewed and developed a number of strategies to help us celebrate and promote attending school on a regular basis.

“After consulting with our primary phase pupils we decided to introduce an attendance superhero to engage pupils and parents in conversations about why attending school on a regular basis is important.”

The all-age school in Rhymney received what its headteacher described as a “glowing” report following an inspection in May this year. Positive feedback from inspectors was about its inclusive and supportive learning environment, accessible curriculum and care of vulnerable pupils.

However, there were four recommendations for the school – one of which included improving attendance.

The school has 897 pupils and received the report which states: “Despite their efforts, whole-school attendance remains low since the time of the pandemic and is a concern.

“There is a strong culture of raising aspirations and promoting ambition and success for all. Leaders work tirelessly to provide further beneficial learning experiences for pupils in collaboration with local employers and businesses.”

According to Mr Owen, the superhero has already “raised the profile of attendance” with students and their families and the hero is here to stay.

“Our superhero will also be issuing special certificates each week to celebrate pupils whose attendance is improving each week as well as those who have got the highest attendance across the school.

“We have also designed a series of special lessons where our pupils will be asked to create a galaxy for our hero to live along with providing our hero with a name.”

There is a chance that all students could become a HERO – with Idris Davies promoting its hope that students will be Here Every day Ready to learn On time.