WIREDGOV

A £1.4billion programme to transform schools across Wales, creating a learning environment that will inspire and motivate, was launched yesterday by First Minister, Carwyn Jones and Education Minister, Huw Lewis 

The Welsh Government’s ambitious 21st Century Schools programme is a commitment to invest in building and improving schools all over Wales, working with local authorities and education partners to deliver school environments that meet the needs of the community and provide the best learning provision for the area.

The programme aims to transform the learning experience of students, ensuring they are taught in classrooms with the technologies and facilities needed to deliver a 21st Century curriculum.

Speaking ahead of the launch at the site of the new Aberdare Community School, one of the early start projects to benefit from the funding, the First Minister said:

"The learning environment plays an important role in students’ experience of their education. We want to modernise Wales’ classrooms, meaning students can access the latest technology and can be inspired to experiment, develop skills and learn.

"We are investing £1.4bn in our schools over the next five years, in what is the first wave of our programme.  This will build and refurbish over 150 schools and colleges in Wales, so that teachers, students and the community have the modern facilities they deserve."

The Minister for Education and Skills, Huw Lewis, said:

"We want students to be confident in their abilities and have belief in what they can achieve, regardless of their background and where they live. The 21st Century Schools programme is more than just a building programme, it is creating the right environment for our students, giving them wider choices and introducing them to better technology, so that they become engaged in learning and achieving.

"Working with local authorities, the programme looks at the long-term aims for the community to create a solution which I hope will not only improve pupils’ educational experience but raise standards all across Wales."

The £1.4bn funding is part of the first wave of 21st Century School projects, which will be delivered by 2018-19.

Some priority projects have been identified for early start and received funding support prior to the start date. Aberdare Community School is one of these, the £40million new school building has received £15million 21st Century School funding.

It will change the face of secondary school education in the area, merging three struggling schools into a new flagship establishment designed to offer wider choice, top standards and the very latest in learning and leisure facilities.

One of the big gains will be the creation of a large sixth form of nearly 300 students with a wide subject choice covering both academic and vocational options. Currently there is limited sixth form availability, with students having to travel between schools to access the subjects they want.

The Education Minister added:

"The plans for Aberdare Community School are a shining example of what we hope to achieve in areas across Wales through the 21st Century Schools programme. It is about working in partnership to achieve the very best outcomes for students and the community."

Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said:

"We are extremely proud that our £50m education, community and leisure development in Aberdare was chosen by the Welsh Government to host the launch of the 21st Century Schools programme.

"This exciting project - which is developing at an impressive rate to deliver a new school, leisure campus and community facilities for people in Rhondda Cynon Taf - is an excellent example of what the 21st Century School programme can achieve.

"Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has never been afraid to seize opportunities presented by schemes such as 21st Century Schools, working proactively to secure significant investment and regeneration opportunities on behalf of our communities.

"The Sobell campus is one of the first 21st Century School success stories for Rhondda Cynon Taf – but it won’t be the last!"

The school forms part of an overall £50 million project, including extensive new access road infrastructure in the area. It will not only be a boost to the education of local youngsters but will also offer the best community amenities in Wales to local residents. The school will be fully operational by September 2015.