About Us
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There are approximately 700 pupils on roll with just under 130 (approximately) in the sixth form. Most of the pupils are considered to be excellent students; what even better is the fact that if somebody with less marks asked them “Could you do my homework for me cheap?”, they would certainly help—they would explain the material and provide necessary examples, but without monetary reward. This level of support between pupils is truly amazing. Originally, the school was a community school in Monmouthshire County Council but when county boundaries were revised in 1973, it became one of 46 comprehensive schools in Mid Glamorgan. As a result of local Government reorganisation in 1996, it became one of 16 comprehensive schools in Caerphilly County Borough. From September 2007, as the result of closure of two of the Secondary Schools in the Borough (Bedwellty in 2005 and St Ilan in 2007), it became one of 14 secondary schools. The school serves the community to the east of the River Rhymney. This is made up of the villages of Bedwas, Trethomas, Graig-y-Rhacca Machen. We have five feeder schools in our designated catchment area (including Plasyfelin from September 2007) but, in addition, approximately 10% of our pupils come to us from outside the catchment area. Our pupils come from a wide variety of backgrounds encompassing traditional terraced houses to large modern detached properties. Some of these dwellings are semi-rural in location. Others are situated on housing estates. Only 5% of our pupils are entitled to free school transport. Our free school meals figure has averaged 26% over the last 3 years. We are, in all respects, a happy school where staff, pupils and the community meet and work in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We are proud to have the reputation of being a caring school and a school that is achieving and continually improving.
The site is shared with the Community College and Leisure which use the school's facilities extensively out of school hours. Facilities are constantly being improved and the school has undergone considerable refurbishment in recent years. The Technology area has been completely redesigned and refurbished (the school was a recipient of a TSI Award), two new Science Laboratories have been resited and a large Learning Resource Centre replaced a relatively small Library. Our most recent projects have included refurbishment of the Design and Technology IT suite, part refurbishment of the Home Economics area, the refurbishment of our Art Suite, Business Studies Suite, the installation of further dedicated ICT rooms and refurbishment of the boys and girls changing rooms in the PE department. Considerable work has been undertaken to improve the general state of the buildings including the replacement of windows and exterior panels and doors. The vast majority of classrooms and public areas of the school are redecorated and refurbished on a rolling three year programme. The school has invested heavily in ICT. We now have six designated IT rooms/areas, a multi-media resource centre and all classrooms have PCs with Internet access. Our most recent ICT developments have focused on the introduction of interactive whiteboards in all classrooms and increasing the number of PC in curriculum areas.
Art by: Up-dated July 13 |
The school consists of four main teaching blocks with subjects being grouped in suites of rooms.The grounds are extensive with an all weather pitch (refurbished in 2005), rugby pitch, netball and tennis courts, access to the adjoining swimming pool (Community Centre) and a soccer pitch.