Pupils and staff bid farewell to their old school

STAFF and students at an Ely school have said a fond farewell as they prepare to close its doors for the final time.

The community gathered at Michaelston and Glyn Derw High School Federation for a showcase of performances to celebrate pupils’ achievements.

Next week the school will close, making way for Cardiff West Community High School which is due to take its place in September.

Although remaining on the same site for the next academic year, the school will move to a new £30m state of the art building in 2018.

Executive head teacher Dr Malcolm Willis said: “I think we have all deliberately worked for a positive attitude because there can be a sadness when a school comes to closure.”

He added: “It’s very much a revitalisation in a way.”

Assistant head teacher Rhian Adams has worked at Michaelston since 2003 and will be continuing her role at the new Cardiff West Community High School.

She said: “I’m looking forward to having some stability in the new school, but also having a new building, new facilities and resources.”

The new site on Penally Road in Caerau will be linked to a number of groups including theatre, film and television agencies to help teach pupils creative skills.

“I think performance has always been strong for the school and the students really thrive with that,” Rhian said.

Many of the performances yesterday afternoon were organised by former pupils Amaris Powell and Darnell Williams.

The pair who voluntarily run dancing and singing classes for pupils put together the showcase in two weeks.

“I found my place here,” 21-year-old Amaris said. “A lot of schools don’t really look at extra-curricular subjects but that’s what really built my confidence. I wouldn’t be the person that I am if I didn’t get that from the school.”

Darnell Williams, 19, left the school as a pupil in 2014, but has since returned to teach dance and rap.

“They have always let me be involved with music and sport, and I always liked being involved,” Darnell said.

“I wasn’t the best kid but they understood that and looked at me in a different way and that was really good for me. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for that. They really want to push everyone to their limits.”