Ysgol Bro Preseli facts for kids

Ysgol Bro Preseli is a school in Crymych, Pembrokeshire, Wales. It teaches students from age 3 to 18. This school was created in 2022. It happened when Ysgol y Preseli joined with a nearby primary school, Ysgol Y Frenni.

The School's Story: How Ysgol Bro Preseli Began

Before Ysgol y Preseli opened, students from northern Pembrokeshire went to schools in Narberth or Cardigan. This was if they passed a special test called the eleven-plus exam. Pembrokeshire County Council decided to build a new school. Ysgol y Preseli opened in the autumn of 1958.

Becoming a Bilingual School

On September 1, 1991, Ysgol y Preseli became an official bilingual school. Before this, its name was "Ysgol Gyfun Ddwyieithog y Preseli." This means "Preseli bilingual comprehensive school." The school's motto is "Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion." This Welsh phrase means "Roots and Horizons."

School Leaders Through the Years

D. Martin Lloyd was the headmaster for 19 years. He stepped down on January 30, 2009. Michael Davies, who was the deputy headmaster, took over. He became the headmaster in February 2009. In October 2020, Rhonwen Morris became the new headmaster. She is the first female headmaster of Ysgol Bro Preseli.

Learning Welsh: A Key Part of School Life

About 43% of students at Ysgol Bro Preseli come from homes where Welsh is spoken. Almost all students speak Welsh very well. Ysgol y Preseli is a Category 2A Bilingual school. This means most subjects are taught in Welsh. Only English and Welsh are taught in their own languages. Science can also be taught in English.

Welsh Everywhere: Inside and Outside Class

Welsh is the main language used for running the school. All extra activities, like clubs and sports, are also in Welsh. Students are also encouraged to speak Welsh to each other. This helps everyone become fluent in the language.

School Success: Academic Standards

In 2016, the school was inspected by Estyn, which checks schools in Wales. Ysgol y Preseli was called a "good school with outstanding features." This is a very high rating.

Top Performance in Wales

The Welsh Government uses a system to group schools by how well they perform. Ysgol y Preseli was the only school in Pembrokeshire to be in the best group. This shows its strong academic results.

GCSE Results

The 2016 Estyn report showed good GCSE results. 60% of students achieved 5 GCSEs with grades A*-C. Also, 98% of students gained at least five GCSEs with grades A*-G.

Eisteddfod: A Celebration of Welsh Culture

Ysgol Y Preseli holds an Eisteddfod every year. This is a special event that celebrates Welsh culture. It includes competitions in poetry, music, and drama.

Junior and Senior Events

The Eisteddfod is split into two parts. There is a junior section called Iau and a senior section called Hyn. These events are like a school version of the Welsh 'Cadair y Beirdd'. This is a famous competition for poets.

What Students Learn: The School Curriculum

Students in years 7, 8, and 9 study many subjects. These include Core subjects, Humanities, Creative arts, and Technology. They also learn French.

Choices for Older Students

In years 10 and 11, students continue with Core Subjects. They also choose 4 other GCSE subjects. Students in years 12 and 13 can choose to study 3 or 4 AS/A Levels. These are advanced subjects.

The Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification

The Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification is also part of the curriculum. Year 11 students complete it at an Intermediate level. Years 12 and 13 students complete it at an Advanced level. This qualification helps students develop important skills for life and work.

Joining Forces: The School Merger

In 2022, Ysgol y Preseli merged with Ysgol Y Frenni. This was a primary school next door. They joined to form Ysgol Bro Preseli. This made it the first school in the county to teach students from age 3 to 18 in Welsh.

Why the Schools Merged

The main reason for the merger was to help with money problems. Both schools had built up some debt. Joining together was a way to help reduce this debt.

Famous Former Students

Many talented people have attended Ysgol y Preseli.

• Joe Allen, an international football player.
• Angharad James-Turner, an international football player and captain of the Wales women's national football team.
• Jane O'Brien, a BBC World News America presenter.
• Herbert M. Sauro, a professor who studies biology using engineering.
• Stephen Varney, an Italian international rugby union player.
• Brian Williams, an international rugby player.
• Peredur ap Gwynedd, a musician.
• Macs Page, a rugby player.
• Garry Jenkins, an author and screenwriter. He is known for the book A Street Cat Named Bob.