Ysgol y Berwyn facts for kids
Ysgol y Berwyn is a high school located in Bala, a town in north Wales. It's in an area called Gwynedd.
Many students at Ysgol y Berwyn speak Welsh at home. In 2013, about 79% of students came from Welsh-speaking families. The school helps students do well in their studies. In 2017, 80% of students earned good grades (A*-C) in five or more GCSE exams.
In September 2019, a new school opened on the same site. It is called 'Ysgol Godre'r Berwyn'. This new school teaches students from ages 3 to 19. Its name means "School of the foothills of the Berwyn."
History of Ysgol y Berwyn
The school has a long history. A man named Rev. Edmund Meyricke started a free grammar school in Bala in 1712. It was meant for boys from poorer families. He gave money and land to help the school.
Another important person connected to the school was Rev. Thomas Charles (1755–1814). He helped start the British and Foreign Bible Society. He lived in Bala, and when he passed away, he left his property to the grammar school. There is a statue of him outside the school today.
In the early days, boys started school around age seven. They learned reading, writing, and basic math. They also learned about the church. After about four years, many boys became apprentices to learn a trade. At Christmas, they were given new clothes.
The Fellows of Jesus College, Oxford helped choose the school's head teacher. They also gave money to build a new house for students to live in.
In 1820, the head teacher, Rev Humphrey Lloyd, was also the local church leader. The main school building you see today was built in 1851. It was designed to look like Jesus College, Oxford, which supported the school. The school was once known as Ysgol Tytandomen, meaning "house under the hillock."
The school hall was updated in 1964. Wooden panels were put up to remember those who died in the Great War. The building has a special look, like old castles, with stone corners and a slate roof. It used to have two chimneys for fireplaces.
In 2001, the Victorian school building was given a special Grade 2 Listing Status. This means it is an important historical building. It is a great example of mid-19th-century architecture. The building is now known in Welsh as Neuadd-y-Cyfnod. Its front yard, pillars, and railings are still there. The railings are important because many old school railings were removed over time.
Today, the school is called Ysgol Y Berwyn. It has strong ties with Bangor University.
Notable People from Ysgol y Berwyn
Many famous people have studied or taught at this school.
- Thomas Charles (1755-1814): A poet and teacher who started the Sunday Schools in Wales.
- Sir Rees Davies CBE (1938-2005): A well-known historian who studied the history of Wales.
- Rhys Davies (canoeist): A talented canoeist.
- Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards (1895-1970): A Welsh academic, writer, and film-maker.
- Sir Owen Morgan Edwards (1858-1920): A Welsh historian, writer, and educator.
- Thomas Edward Ellis (1859-1899): A Welsh politician and Member of Parliament. He supported free schooling and helped create the intermediate school system in Wales.
- Edward Ernest Hughes (1877-1953): A Welsh historian.
- Robert Thomas Jenkins (1881-1969): A historian and academic.
- David Evans Jones (1870-1947): A missionary.
- John Edward Jones (Welsh politician) (1905-1970): A Welsh politician.
- John Hugh Jones (1843-1910): A Welsh Roman Catholic priest, translator, and tutor.
- Ifor Owen (1915-2007): A Welsh language writer and illustrator.
Teachers
- John Gwyn Griffiths (1911-2004): A Welsh poet, expert in ancient Egypt, and activist. He taught Latin at Bala.
