Ysgol y Strade facts for kids
Ysgol Gyfun y Strade (often called Y Strade) is a Welsh-speaking comprehensive school for students aged 11-18. It is located in Llanelli, Wales. The school first opened its doors in September 1977 and teaches both boys and girls. In 2022, about 1,209 students were enrolled at Y Strade.
The school's motto is "Nid da lle gellir gwell". This means "it is not good where it can be better". It encourages students to always do their best and believe there is always room to improve.
Quick facts for kids Ysgol y Strade |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
The view from outside the school grounds during its extension.
|
|
| Location | |
|
Carmarthenshire
,
SA15 4DL
Wales
,
United Kingdom
|
|
| Information | |
| School type | Secondary & Sixth Form |
| Motto | Nid da lle gellir gwell ([it is] not good where capable of [being] better) |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Christianity |
| Established | 1977 |
| Authority | Carmarthenshire County Council |
| School code | 6694052 |
| Head teacher | Geoff Evans |
| Secondary years taught | Year 7 to Year 11 |
| Age range | 11-18 |
| Enrollment | 1209 (2022) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 17.8 |
| Language | Welsh |
| Houses | Gwenllian, Madog, Buddug and Rhodri |
| Sports | Rugby |
| Budget | £4,844 per pupil |
| Website | http://www.ysgolystrade.cymru |
| Last updated: 2023-06-05 | |
Y Strade is well-known for its successful rugby teams. They often compete in national competitions. The school's arts department has also won many awards across Wales. The school choir has appeared many times on the BBC in shows like Songs of Praise. Students have also won awards at The National Eisteddfod for singing, drama, and public speaking.
Contents
School History
Ysgol y Strade first opened its doors in 1977. It was designed as a school for both boys and girls, teaching in Welsh. The current headteacher is Mr. Geoff Evans. He became headteacher in 2017, taking over from Ms. Heather Lewis.
New Buildings and Upgrades
In 2011, the school's cafeteria got a cool makeover. This was shown on the S4C TV show Hip neu Sgip?. The makeover happened in September 2010.
In 2015, a new building was completed for the Science and Design & Technology departments. The old rooms used by these departments were then changed into classrooms for music, media, and drama. A new lounge and study area was also added for older students in the sixth form. This project cost over £8 million. The Welsh Government paid for half of it. This was part of their plan to improve schools for the 21st Century.
In 2022, the Welsh Government announced a new investment of £4.4 million for Ysgol Gyfun y Strade. This money will be used to create a new "Welsh Language Immersion Centre" at the school. It will also help the school teach 228 more students.
School During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Like all schools in the UK, Ysgol y Strade closed for a while during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools in Wales started to reopen in late June 2020 to prepare for the next school year. After reopening fully, some students had to self-isolate if someone tested positive for the virus.
The school was praised for creating a "Botwm Becso" or "Concern Button" during the pandemic. This button was on the school's website. It allowed students to share their worries directly and privately with an assistant headteacher. This scheme was highlighted in Estyn's annual report for 2020-2021.
School Activities
Rugby Teams
The school is very well known for its rugby. Students play in different types of rugby, including rugby union, rugby league, and rugby sevens. In 2023, the school's Under 18s team won the WRU's Welsh Cup. They beat Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera, who had won before.
Arts and Performances
The school often takes part in the National Eisteddfod. Their choir is a regular competitor, but students also compete in recitation, drama, solo and duet singing, and public speaking. The choir has also competed in Songs of Praise's School Choir of the Year. They reached the semifinals in 2013 and were runners-up in both 2012 and 2018.
In 2013, the school put on an original musical called Grav. This musical was about the life of the famous rugby player Ray Gravell. It was performed entirely in Welsh by students of all ages. The show was very popular across South Wales. A shorter version was performed at the National Eisteddfod in Llanelli the following year.
Famous Former Students
Many talented people have studied at Ysgol y Strade. Here are a few:
- Josh Adams, a rugby player for Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
- Liam Davies, a rugby player for Scarlets.
- Garan Evans, a rugby player for Scarlets and Wales.
- Gavin Evans, a rugby player for Scarlets and Wales.
- Trystan Gravelle, an actor.
- Emyr Huws, a football player for the Wales National Football Team.
- Phil John, a rugby player for Scarlets.
- Ceiron Thomas, a rugby player for Scarlets.
- Imogen Thomas, a former Miss Wales and TV celebrity.
- Steff Evans, a rugby player for Scarlets and Wales.
- Nikara Jenkins, a Welsh gymnast.
- Richard Lewis, the Chief Constable of Dyfed–Powys Police.
Notable Former Teachers
- Tudur Dylan Jones, a two-time winner of the Eisteddfod chair and an author, taught Welsh at the school.
