Bro Myrddin Welsh Comprehensive School facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin
Location
Carmarthenshire , SA32 8DN Wales
Information
Type	State school
Motto	Heb Ddysg Heb Ddeall (Without learning there is no understanding)
Established	1978
Local authority	Carmarthenshire County Council
Chairman of Governors	Parchedig Beti-Wyn James
Headteacher	Llinos Jones
Gender	Male/Female/Non-Binary
Age	11 to 19
Enrolment	950
Language	Welsh
Houses	Hengwrt , Hergest , Llwydiarth and Peniarth
Colour(s)	Lilac and black
Website	https://www.yggbm.org/

Bro Myrddin from Alltycnap Hill

Annual School Eisteddfod, 2009

The Entrance Sign

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin is a Welsh-speaking school in Carmarthenshire, Wales. Its name means "Bro Myrddin Welsh Comprehensive School" in English. The school is located near the village of Croesyceiliog, about 2 kilometers south of Carmarthen.

The name "Bro Myrddin" comes from the legendary wizard Merlin. His Welsh name is Myrddin. Carmarthen is also known as Caerfyrddin, meaning "Myrddin's fort." So, Bro Myrddin means "Myrddin's country" or "Myrddin's valley."

Most students at the school (about 79%) come from homes where Welsh is spoken. By 2022, all students could speak Welsh fluently.

School History

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin first opened in 1978. It was located in the buildings of the old Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School for Boys in Carmarthen.

In 1996, the school moved to its current, specially built campus. This new campus is in Croesyceiliog.

The first Headteacher (called Pennaeth in Welsh) was Mr. Gareth Evans. When he retired in 1997, Mr. Eric Jones took over. Then, in 2006, Mr. Dorian Williams became Headteacher. The current Headteacher is Dr. Llinos Jones, who started in 2014.

Becoming a Welsh-Medium School

In September 2016, the school became a "Category CC" school. This means it is a fully Welsh-medium school. Bro Myrddin was the first school in Carmarthenshire to get this special status.

Now, almost all subjects in the National Curriculum are taught in Welsh. The only exception is English. This change started with Year 7 students in 2016 and continues for all years since then.

Before this change, the school talked with many people. They spoke to parents, students, staff, and the local community. Some people worried about studying in Welsh. They thought it might make it harder to study Maths and Science in English at university later.

However, there were many good reasons for the change. It helps to strengthen the Welsh culture and language outside of lessons. It also makes it easier for teachers. They no longer have to create learning materials in two languages.

School Spirit and Colours

The school's motto is 'Heb Ddysg Heb Ddeall'. This means 'Without learning there is no understanding'. It shows how important learning is at the school.

The official school colours are lilac and black.

School Houses

The school has four houses, which are called 'Llys' in Welsh. Students belong to one of these houses:

• Hengwrt (green)
• Hergest (red)
• Llwydiarth (black)
• Peniarth (blue)

These houses compete against each other every year. One big event is the school's own Eisteddfod. This is a day of singing, playing music, reciting poems, and other fun activities. It usually happens around St David’s Day. There is also a sports day held in the summer term. Many other events take place throughout the year.

School Musicals

About every three years, the school puts on a musical. These shows are performed at the local theatre.

In 2016, the musical was called 'Chwarae Cuddio'. This means 'Hide and Seek' in Welsh. In 2019, the musical was 'Rhif 1 Heol Penlan'. This show was performed at the Lyric Theatre in November. It was an original musical about the interesting history of the Carmarthen Union Workhouse from 1837.

Student Achievements

The school is proud of its students' results in exams. Here are some examples:

• 2007: 82.8% of 15-year-old students achieved 5 or more A* – C grades at GCSE or similar exams.
• 2007: 81.9% of 17-year-old students achieved 2 or more A – C grades at A/AS level or similar exams.
• 2015: 81.7% of 15-year-old students achieved 5 or more A* – C grades at GCSE.
• 2016: 88.0% of 15-year-old students achieved 5 or more A* – G grades at GCSE.

What Students Learn

The school offers a wide range of subjects. Here are some of them:

• Core Subjects: Welsh, Maths, English, and Science.
• Humanities: History, Geography, and Religious Studies.
• Creative Subjects: Drama, Art and Design, and Music.
• Technology: ICT (Information and Communication Technology), Resistant Materials, Catering, Health and Social Care, Textiles, Furniture Manufacture, and Graphic Products.
• Foreign Languages: French or Spanish.
• Other Subjects: Business Studies, Government and Politics, and more Health and Social Care options.

Famous Former Students

Many students from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin have gone on to do amazing things.

Politics

• Llyr Huws Gruffydd – A politician.

Arts

• Euros Childs – A musician, known from the band Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.
• Richard James – A musician, also from Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.
• Elis James – A well-known comedian and actor.
• John Lawrence – A musician, also from Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.

Sports

• Matthew Bowen – A rugby union player for the Ospreys.
• Aled Davies – A rugby union player for Saracens and the Wales national rugby union team.
• Mefin Davies – A rugby union player for Leicester Tigers and the Wales national rugby union team.
• Ryan Elias – A rugby union player for the Llanelli Scarlets and the Wales national rugby union team.
• Stephen Jones – A rugby union player for Wasps Rugby and the Wales national rugby union team.
• Emyr Lewis – A rugby union player.
• Rhys Priestland – A rugby union player for Bath Rugby.
• Ken Owens – A rugby union player for the Llanelli Scarlets.
• Aled Thomas – A rugby union and Rugby Union Sevens player for London Welsh and the Wales national rugby sevens team.
• Matthew Stevens – A professional snooker player.