Vale School Celebrates 25 years of Welsh Medium Education.
A Welsh-medium school in the Vale of Glamorgan has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun y Nant acknowledged the important milestone by holding a week of celebrations, including an Eisteddfod and a school trip to Folly Farm.
Ahead of celebrations, pupils from the school took part in a sponsored walk and raised £2,864.51 towards the trip.
The school, originally located in the grounds of Ysgol Sant Curig, officially opened its doors at its current site in Gibbonsdown in 2001 and since then the school has grown considerably from 26 to 250 pupils.
The school’s catchment area covers Gibbonsdown, but also a much wider area including Wenvoe, Pencoedtre, Palmerston, the Colcot, and
Cadoxton and has grown into a school at the heart of its community.
Rhydian Lloyd, Headteacher of Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun y Nant said: “Unfortunately COVID restrictions prevented us from celebrating last year but at last we’ve had a wonderful week of celebrations!
“Children have learnt about the school’s history and how we have grown over the years. It is important for us to recognise the hard work of the first headteacher, Mrs Glenna Griffith, along with staff, Governors and parents who worked tirelessly in establishing the school and securing firm foundations for the future.
“We are a very friendly school and I’m extremely proud to be part of a very hardworking team. We have a very special ethos at Gwaun y Nant, built on our values and school culture.
“As a Welsh Medium school, we obviously celebrate everything ‘Welsh’ and enjoy preparing our pupils for a bilingual future.
“We wanted the celebrations to be memorable for the children, so what better than a trip! Thankfully the weather was kind and all had a fabulous, although very tiring, day!”
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language said: “I’m delighted to congratulate Ysgol Gwaun y Nant on their 25th anniversary.
“This celebration of 25 years offers a time to reflect on past achievements of the school and look forward to an exciting and successful future of Welsh-medium education in Wales.
“Ysgol Gwaun y Nant, and other similar Welsh-medium schools will play a vital part in the years to come as the Welsh Government hopes to achieve a million Welsh speakers by 2050.”
If you are interested in Welsh Medium Education and would like to visit the school pleas contact Headteacher, Rhydian LLoyd. 01446 421723.