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Press Release Opening of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Dur

Pupils, staff and parents of a brand new Welsh Medium Secondary School in have been celebrating this week.

Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Dur, the region’s latest brand new Welsh Medium school has opened this week in the heart of Sandfields in Port Talbot. The new building, worth £18 million has welcomed approx. 230 pupils in Year 7 & 8 who have formerly attended Ysgol Gymraeg and three local primary schools, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan, Tyle’r Ynn and Castell-nedd. The brand new campus boasts teaching and support resources of the highest order, including sports facilities and pitches which can benefit the wider . This splendid investment in Welsh Medium education was realised with funding from the Welsh Government, 21st Century Schools Project and Port Talbot CBC. This means that those pupils who for years have had to face a long journey to access Welsh Medium education at Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera, now can continue their studies in their local community. The school remains part of Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera, and Headteacher, Matthew Evans is delighted by the opening of this excellent facility in the South of the . “We are extremely pleased that Ystalyfera is able to extend its provision for local children and young people within their own communities. Bro Dur is a tremendous investment which sees the benefit of Welsh Medium Education extended within and we are looking forward eagerly to develop new partnerships in the near future. That is why the school is hosting an open doors event at Bro Dur next Tuesday, 11th of September from 3.30 – 6.30pm, in order to start these vital relationships”. The name “Bro Dur” was chosen by pupils and is translated as “Steel Community” or “Land of Steel”. The campus was built by contractors Bouygues UK on budget and on time for the September start. Pupils at the school were delighted to finally enjoy the stunning new resources at the school, and described their enthusiasm in establishing a new school in Port Talbot. Darcie Hewitt (11) from (former pupil of Ysgol Gymraeg Casstell-nedd: “ I’m so excited to be in this brand new school. Being a part of the Bro Dur Construction Ambassadors programme was an amazing opportunity to see the entire building process from start to finish.

Lloydd Williams (11) , (former pupil at Tyle’r Ynn) “I am so excited to join this school, as we have waited quite a long time for this new school to be built in Port Talbot” Iona Walker Hunt (Year 7, 11yrs old) Aberavon (former pupil of Ysgol Gymraeg Rhosafan: “Before I started I was a bit nervous, because it was new people, neu school and a new community. But very quickly I have felt at home and been welcomed to Bro Dur”. Alex Clifford (Year 8 12 yrs of age) port Talbot, Former pupil of Ysgol Gymraeg Rhosafan: “I was a bit nervous before I started, but the whole school is fantastic, and offers so many different opportunities. The teachers have been very welcoming” Lilly Emanuel (Year 8 / 12 yrs old; ) Former pupil at Tyle’r Ynn: “The journey to Ystalyfera on the bus took a long time, but now I’m in the school in ten minutes! It is such a great change and I’m looking forward to the future at Bro Dur” Keenan Whittle (Year 8 / 12 yrs of age) Cimla (former pupil of Castell-nedd): “I’m so excited to start the new school as we were in Ystalyfera for the whole of Year 7! This is another new beginning – and I’m looking forward to all the new opportunities at Bro Dur”. Chair of the Governing Body, Cllr. Alun Llewelyn noted his delight: “This starts a brand new chapter in the history of Welsh Medium education in Neath Port Talbot. This academic year we will be celebrating the opening of Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera in 1969 with only 330 pupils. The fact that we are opening Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Dur this year continues the fine tradition of Ystalyfera for a new generation of children and young people of this area. I wish them all possible success for the future.”

Alex Iona Lilly Keenan Darcie Lloydd (other photos in attachment)