WIREDGOV

Wales’ first purpose built combined primary and secondary Welsh-medium community school will be officially opened by Kirsty Williams in Llandysul today (29th September).

This new concept for education in the area is the result of six years of feasibility studies and consultation by both the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Education Programme and Ceredigion County Council. 

Designed in conjunction with teachers, pupils and education advisers, the state-of-the art facility links all phases of learning on a single site, providing 60 reception/nursery places, 360 primary places and 678 secondary places.

Ysgol Bro Teifi is the result of the merger of Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi secondary school with Aberbanc, Coed y Bryn, Pontsian and Llandysul primary schools.  Ysgol Bro Teifi will provide pupils of all ages with a truly 21st century education experience.   

The school has separate ‘wings’, whereby higher and lower schools are not in the same space at any one time. However, the design allows the entire school to access the very latest equipment and facilities, from the astro-turf sports field to the stage, lighting, bleacher seating and drama studio, green room and recording studio. 

The local community will also have access to the school’s 450 seat performance facility, sports facilities and recording studio.

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams, said:

“It’s too easy to think of schools today as serving a single purpose: a – place where teachers teach and students learn. An integrated, focused school like this is more akin to a smart phone. The school and community can connect, collaborate, and create.

“Bro Teifi really is a community school in the broadest sense. The array of facilities available for both the pupils and public alike has created a school that invites you in and I’m delighted to formally open it today.”

Headteacher Robert Jenkins said: 

“As a school community, we’re delighted to take ownership of our new school and greatly appreciate the investment and support provided by the Welsh Government and Ceredigion County Council.

“Both staff and pupils were integral to the decisions made during the initial design consultation and the subsequent implementation of these ideas and are now thrilled with the result.

He added: 

“It is a truly innovative facility that will enhance our ability to provide our pupils with a truly integrated learning journey. Being under one roof has already enhanced our mutual understanding of the strengths and needs across the sectors and the advantages of being able to share resources, both physically in terms of equipment and with regards to staffing, are beginning to enrich our pupils’ learning experiences.”

Council Leader Ellen ap Gwynn said: 

“I am especially grateful to the Welsh Government for their support via the 21st Century Schools Programme. Without this support, it would not have been possible for this project to come to fruition. 

“As the first school of its kind in Wales, this is an example of Ceredigion leading the way, by providing an innovative school of the highest quality to meet modern educational needs for pupils in the local district, as well as for generations to come. 

“I have every confidence that Ysgol Bro Teifi will make an important contribution towards the excellent provision of education that is being offered in Ceredigion.”