Bro Myrddin Welsh Comprehensive School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin |
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| 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/ |
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin is a Welsh-speaking high school, known as a Comprehensive school, in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The school is located near the village of Croesyceiliog, about 2 kilometers south of the town of Carmarthen.
The school's name has a special meaning. "Bro Myrddin" means "Myrddin's country." Myrddin is the Welsh name for the famous wizard Merlin from legends. The town of Carmarthen is said to be named after him (Caerfyrddin means "Myrddin's fort").
This is a Welsh-medium school, which means that lessons are taught in the Welsh language. In 2022, all students at the school could speak Welsh fluently, like a first language. About 79% of students also speak Welsh at home.
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Contents
School History
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin first opened in 1978. It was originally located in an older school building in Carmarthen. In 1996, the school moved to a brand-new, modern building at its current location in Croesyceiliog.
The school has had four headteachers since it opened:
- Mr Gareth Evans (1978–1997)
- Mr Eric Jones (1997–2006)
- Mr Dorian Williams (2006–2014)
- Dr Llinos Jones (2014–present)
Learning in Welsh
In 2016, the school made an important change. It became a "Category CC" school, which means it is officially a Welsh school. This made Bro Myrddin the first school of its kind in the county.
This change meant that all subjects, except for English, would be taught in Welsh for all new students starting from Year 7. Before this change, some subjects were taught in both English and Welsh.
There was a lot of discussion about this change. Some people worried that learning subjects like math and science only in Welsh might make it harder for students at English-speaking universities. However, many people saw benefits. They believed it would strengthen the school's Welsh culture and make it easier for teachers, who would no longer need to create materials in two languages.
School Life
The school's motto is Heb Ddysg Heb Ddeall. In English, this means "Without learning there is no understanding." The school's official colours are lilac and black.
The House System
Students at Bro Myrddin are divided into four houses, which are called 'Llys' in Welsh. Each house has its own colour. The four houses are:
- Hengwrt (Green)
- Hergest (Red)
- Llwydiarth (Black)
- Peniarth (Blue)
The houses compete against each other in events all year long. The biggest event is the school Eisteddfod, a Welsh festival of arts and culture. It is held every year around St David's Day. Students compete in singing, playing instruments, poetry, and more. There is also a sports day in the summer where the houses compete.
School Musicals
Every few years, the school puts on a big musical show at a local theatre. In 2016, the musical was called 'Chwarae Cuddio', which means 'Hide and Seek'.
In 2019, the school performed an original musical called 'Rhif 1 Heol Penlan'. It was about the history of a building in Carmarthen called the Union Workhouse in 1837.
What You Can Study
Students at Bro Myrddin study a wide range of subjects.
- Core Subjects: Welsh, Maths, English, and Science.
- Humanities: History, Geography, and Religious Studies.
- Creative Subjects: Drama, Art and Design, and Music.
- Technology: Information Technology (ICT), Resistant Materials (like woodwork), Catering, Textiles, and Graphic Design.
- Languages: French or Spanish.
- Other Subjects: Business Studies, Government and Politics, and Health and Social Care.
Famous Former Students
Many students from Bro Myrddin have gone on to become famous in politics, arts, and sports.
Politics
- Llyr Huws Gruffydd – A politician who is a member of the Welsh Parliament (the Senedd).
Arts and Entertainment
- Euros Childs – Musician and singer, member of the band Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.
- Richard James – Musician and member of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.
- Elis James – A popular comedian and actor.
- John Lawrence – Musician and member of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.
Sports
Many former students have become professional rugby players for Wales.
- Matthew Bowen – Played for the Ospreys.
- Aled Davies – Plays for Saracens and the Welsh national team.
- Mefin Davies – Played for Leicester Tigers and the Welsh national team.
- Ryan Elias – Plays for the Llanelli Scarlets and the Welsh national team.
- Stephen Jones – A famous player for Wasps and the Welsh national team.
- Emyr Lewis – Former professional rugby player.
- Rhys Priestland – Plays for Bath Rugby.
- Ken Owens – Captain of the Welsh national team and plays for the Llanelli Scarlets.
- Aled Thomas – Played for London Welsh and the Wales Sevens team.
- Matthew Stevens – A professional snooker player.
