Ysgol Bryn Alyn
Ysgol Bryn Alyn is a secondary school in the county borough of Wrexham, Wales. Its catchment area includes its local primary schools within Gwersyllt and other nearby villages.
| Ysgol Bryn Alyn (Alyn Hill School) | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
Church Street Gwersyllt , Wrexham CB , LL11 4HB Wales | |
| Coordinates | 53.0749°N 3.0239°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Secondary/High |
| Motto | "Dim heb Ymdrech – Nothing without Effort" |
| Established | 1958 |
| Local authority | Wrexham |
| Head teacher | Mrs. Slinn |
| Staff | 70 |
| Age | Year 7 (11/12) to Year 11 (15/16) |
| Enrolment | 800 |
| Website | http://www.ysgol-brynalyn.co.uk |
Brian Whiteley was headteacher from July 2011.
Mrs Kipping took up temporary head position in September 2017.
Mrs Slinn took over head duties in 2018. Since then a new uniform, rules and logo are place and the school are improving their reputation.
The school is also known as the school as which Robbie Savage attended.
The School's Curriculum
At Key Stage 3 (KS3), students at Ysgol Bryn Alyn are taught all the mandatory subjects required by the Welsh National Curriculum. At the end of Key Stage 3 pupils are given Teacher Assessment (TA) levels from 3 to 7 in their core and foundation subjects. A special presentation afternoon during the year celebrates the achievement of Year 9 pupils throughout KS3.
At Key Stage 4 (GCSE level), students select three subjects to which they wish to study, alongside mandatory English, English Literature Mathematics, Double Science, Welsh Short Course and RE Full Course. Recently, college course opportunities at Coleg Cambria have been offered, however pupils wishing to opt for one of these lose an option subject. These are chosen in Year 9. Non-exam subjects are Physical Education and PSE. Students select up to three (plus two reserves) of the following WJEC GCSE subjects:
- Art
- Business Studies (until 2019 -subject to change)
- Child Development
- Design Technology
- Drama
- Food and Nutrition
- French as taught by Liz Threadgold (started in 2013)
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Media Studies
- Music
- Physical Education
- RS Full Course
- Skills certificate
- Welsh Full Course
In partnership with Yale College (Coleg Cambria) (Since 2006):
- Geology
- Classical Civilisations
- Drama and Performing Arts
- Equine Studies
- Law and Economics
- Computer science and Coding
- Construction
There are also other subjects which can be mixed with GCSE subjects, but a GCSE is not obtained at the end of these courses:
- Working with the Community
- Landscape Gardening
- Life Skills
- Communication
Inspections
The school underwent a full Estyn inspection in early May 2007 , and results were received in late July.
Ysgol Bryn Alyn is an excellent school which gives you a wide and open attempt on what you want to achieve. (Estyn inspectors' report)
The school was previously an underachiever; however, since the introduction of new schemes of work and new staff, that perception has been largely reversed, and is proved by massive support raised for charities and funds such as the money that was raised for BBC Children in Need and awards won such as the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Award.
Although a more recent inspection showed poor performance the school is currently "improving".
Structure of the school day and pupil management
The school day in its current form was launched in June 2008. It consists of five 60-minute lessons, and then the final lesson ends at the day at 3.00pm
Many extra-curricular clubs are held in the school, including Music and Library activities, even with after school clubs like Film Club, Netball, Rounders and Football.
Facilities
The school has many facilities, including five ICT suites, a full (off-site) indoor swimming pool, a MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area), a sports hall, a Science Block and a library with a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction books.
Refurbishment and front block demolition
In 2018 construction of a new block of classrooms and improved facilities was completed.
Achievements
Awards given to the school include:
- The Basic Skills Quality Mark
- Investor in People
- CEG Quality Award
- Healthy Schools Award
- Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Award for Young People
• Best Canteen in Wales 2011
See also
- Wrexham town
- Wrexham County Borough
- Investor in People