Ysgol y Strade facts for kids
Ysgol Gyfun y Strade (often called Y Strade) is a Welsh-language school and sixth form in Llanelli, Wales. It opened in September 1977 for both boys and girls. In 2022, there were 1,209 students at the school.
The school's motto is "Nid da lle gellir gwell." This means "it is not good where it can be better," or "always try 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 | |
The school has a very good rugby team. They often compete in national events. The arts department also wins many awards. The school choir has even been on the BBC's Songs of Praise. They have won many prizes at The National Eisteddfod for singing, drama, and public speaking.
Contents
School History and Growth
Ysgol y Strade first opened its doors in 1977. It was a mixed school, teaching in both Welsh and English at first. The current headteacher is Geoff Evans. He became the head in 2017.
Building for the Future
In 2011, the school's cafeteria got a cool makeover. This was shown on the S4C TV show Hip neu Sgip?: Yn erbyn y cloc.
In 2015, the school added a new building. This new part was for Science and Design & Technology classes. The old science and tech rooms were then changed into new classrooms. These new rooms were for music, media, and drama. A new lounge and study area was also made for older students in the sixth form.
This big project cost over £8 million. The Welsh Government paid for half of it. This was part of their plan to improve schools. Carmarthenshire County Council paid the rest.
In 2022, more money was given to the school. This was to build a new "Welsh Language Immersion Centre." This new center will help more students learn Welsh. It will also make space for 228 more students at the school.
Fun Activities and Clubs
Ysgol y Strade offers many exciting activities outside of lessons.
Rugby Success
The school is well known for its strong rugby teams. They play in different types of rugby, including union, league, and sevens. In 2023, the school's Under 18s team won the WRU's Welsh Cup! They beat the previous winners, Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera.
Amazing Arts
The school's arts groups often compete in the National Eisteddfod. Their choir is very successful. They also compete in recitation, drama, solo singing, and public speaking. The choir has also done very well in Songs of Praise's School Choir of the Year. They reached the semifinals in 2013 and were runners-up in 2012 and 2018.
In 2013, students from the school put on a special musical called Grav. It was all in Welsh and told the story of a famous rugby player, Ray Gravell. Many people came to watch it. A shorter version was even performed at the National Eisteddfod in Llanelli the next 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.
- Dr Richard Lewis, the Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police.
Notable Teachers
- Tudur Dylan Jones, a writer and two-time winner of the Eisteddfod chair, taught Welsh at the school.
