Two new schools open in one day
THE Cabinet Secretary for Education officially opened not one, but two brand new primary schools on Anglesey last week.
Ysgol Cybi, in Holyhead, and Ysgol Rhyd y Llan, in Llanfaethlu, welcomed pupils at the start of the academic year.
Both modern schools represent flagship projects for the County Council as it works to improve education and skills on the Island.
Funding for both schools, totalling £15 million, was jointly provided by the County Council and Welsh Government through its 21st Century Schools and Education Programme.
Kirsty Williams AM said: “Our 21st Century Schools and Education Programme represents the largest investment in our schools and colleges since the 1960s.”
“These two fantastic new schools will offer the highest standard of facilities for pupils and teachers in modern 21st century learning environments.
“Ysgol Cybi and Ysgol Rhyd y Llan are real assets to their communities and Anglesey as a whole.”
Built on the Old Cybi School site opposite Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, Ysgol Cybi replaces three schools in the town – Ysgol Llaingoch, Ysgol y Parc and Ysgol Y Parchedig Thomas Elis.
Works have included the refurbishment of the original Grade II Listed Edwardian Cybi building and construction of a new two-storey extension. The new school provides a seat of learning for 540 pupils as well as 76 nursery places.
New Headteacher Tristan Roberts said: “The children have settled well into their new environment. The classrooms are light, spacious and full of new technology, whilst the playgrounds offer plenty of different experiences for recreational times. We have a wonderful new building fit for the 21st century and we aim to provide education of the highest quality within a caring Christian ethos.”
Meanwhile, the new community primary school in Llanfaethlu accommodates up to 150 pupils, who previously attended Ysgol Llanfachraeth, Ysgol Ffrwd Win and Ysgol Cylch Y Garn.
New Headteacher Nia Thomas said: “The pupils and staff have settled into their new home very well. The building and resources are of the highest standard. We look forward to providing education of the highest standard in a family atmosphere and creating many happy memories here.”
Anglesey’s Education portfolio holder, Cllr Meirion Jones, said: “Working in partnership with the Welsh Government, we have invested nearly £15m in delivering these two new schools. It is an investment in the future of our children – providing them with the best possible education and ensuring that they are taught in schools which meet 21st century standards and expectations.
“These schools are fit for purpose, in the right place, and meet the needs of pupils and staff. The County Council is proud of its new schools and they will quickly develop into an important resource in both communities.”
Ysgol Rhyd y Llan is the first full primary school in the UK to use the ModCell straw bale panel system as the external walls of the building. The seven-classroom school has over 140,000kg of CO2 sequestered into the ModCell panels, making this a truly Carbon Negative building. The excellent thermal, acoustic and breathable properties offered by the ModCell system, allows the pupils to enjoy their study environment, whilst benefiting from excellent air quality.
Both schools have been constructed to BREEAM Excellent standards by Wynne Construction.