Ysgol y Preseli
Ysgol Y Preseli is a bilingual comprehensive 11-18 school in the village of Crymych, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
| Ysgol Gyfun y Preseli | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| , , SA41 3QH | |
| Information | |
| Type | State school |
| Motto | 'Cofia Ddysgu Byw' |
| Established | 1958 |
| Local authority | Pembrokeshire |
| Chairman | Mr Des Davies |
| Head | Mr Michael Davies |
| Deputy Head | Mrs Iola Phillips |
| Gender | Both |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrolment | 906 (in 2016) |
| Houses | Nyfer , Taf , Cleddau |
| Colour(s) | Years 7 - 11, White and Maroon , Years 12 - 13, White and Black |
| Website | http://www.ysgolypreseli.com |
History
Prior to the school's opening, pupils from the villages in the north of the county that passed the eleven-plus exam attended schools in either Narberth or Cardigan. Pembrokeshire County Council took the decision to build a new school for these pupils, and the school was opened in autumn 1958.[1] Ysgol Y Preseli was declared an official bilingual school on 1 September 1991. Before this time it was called "Ysgol Gyfun Ddwyieithog y Preseli" (Preseli bilingual comprehensive school). The school's slogan is "Cofia Ddysgu Byw", which translates from Welsh to "Remember to Learn to Live".
On 30 January 2009 D. Martin Lloyd stepped down as headmaster of the school, after 19 years in the role, in order to take up a position as manager of the National Professional Qualification for Headship.[2] Michael Davies, the deputy headmaster, was appointed the acting headmaster and in February 2009 was promoted to headmaster.
Welsh language
Approximately 43% of pupils come from Welsh-speaking homes, and nearly all pupils speak Welsh fluently.[3] Ysgol y Preseli is currently a Category 2A Bilingual school, meaning that at least 80% of subjects, apart from English and Welsh (however Science is an option) are taught only through the medium of Welsh to all pupils.[4] Welsh is the administrative language of the school. All extra curricular activities are also conducted through the medium of Welsh. In addition, pupils are expected to speak Welsh to each other outside of the classroom.[5]
Academic standards
In the latest Estyn school inspection in 2016, Ysgol y Preseli was recognised as a "good school with outstanding features": point 1 on a five-point scale.[6] In the latest move by the Welsh Government, introducing banding to schools, Ysgol Y Preseli was the only school in Pembrokeshire to rate in the best first band.
Estyn's latest inspection report (2016) shows that the school had a GCSE pass rate of 60% (5 GCSEs grades A*-C), and 98% should gain at least five GCSEs grades A*-G.
Eisteddfod
Ysgol Y Preseli holds an annual Eisteddfod. The event is split into two parts: junior (Iau) and senior (Hyn). These are a school-based rendition of the Welsh 'Cadair y Beirdd' (bardic chair).
Curriculum
Pupils must study all Core, Humanities, Creative, and Technology subjects plus French in years 7,8 and 9. Pupils in years 10 and 11 must study the Core Subjects as well as a choice of 4 other GCSE subjects. Years 12 and 13 have a choice to study either 3 or 4 AS/A Levels from any of the curriculum subjects. The Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification is also a part of the curriculum at Ysgol y Preseli, pupils in Year 11 will complete the Welsh Baccalaureate at Intermediate level and Advanced level in years 12 and 13.
Notable former pupils
- Joe Allen, international football player [7]
- Brian Williams, international rugby player
References
- "Dathliadau Ysgol y Preseli yn 50 oed" (in Welsh). BBC. April 2009. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
- "Martin Lloyd leaves Ysgol y Preseli after nearly 50 years". Western Telegraph. 30 January 2009.
- "A report on Ysgol y Preseli" (PDF). Estyn. Estyn. November 2016.
- "Ysgol y Preseli". mylocalschool.wales.gov.uk. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
- "School Language". Ysgol y Preseli. Ysgol Y Preseli. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
- School inspection report, Estyn, October 2008
- "'There's a little boy running rings around everyone' How Joe Allen dazzled on his first day at school", Wales Online, 6 July 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2016.