Pupils at Cwmbran High School marked the school’s tenth anniversary with a vibrant showcase of dance, poetry, music, singing, and public speaking.
Held on Friday 10 October, the event welcomed special guests from local feeder schools Greenmeadow, Coed Eva, and Blenheim Road, who joined in the celebrations.
Cwmbran High School was established following the merger of Fairwater and Llantarnam Comprehensive Schools. A decade on, the school celebrated its journey with a programme that highlighted pupil voice, creativity, and resilience.
The show opened with drama students performing a lively Matilda Medley. Members of the pupil leadership team – Seren Anthony, Jack Baribeault, Holly Kennedy, and Poppy Maggs – each took to the stage to share their hopes and aspirations for the future.
Luc Hopkins captivated the audience with an unaccompanied clarinet solo, followed by a moving poem read by the school’s young carers’ group. The final performance came from Ruby Legge, who sang ‘Fy Llong Fach Arian I’, accompanied by Jonathan Newsome on piano.
Event guest
The audience included a host of guests: Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Lynne Neagle MS (Cabinet Secretary for Education), Councillor Anthony Hunt (Leader of Torfaen Council), and Lord Murphy of Torfaen. Also in attendance was Owen Evans, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Estyn.
The school, which was placed in special measures in 2018 and was taken out earlier this year. (I think it’s important to point out, this included several years of Covid lockdowns and the challenges of running a school during this seismic change to how education was being delivered in Wales).
Headteacher Matthew Sims
Headteacher Matthew Sims acknowledged the challenges faced during the Covid lockdowns and the wider transformation of education in Wales, thanking Estyn and Owen Evans for their support. He was thanked by the school’s chair of governors, John Healy, for his support.
Mr Sims said: “It is important to recognise and celebrate the dedication and hard work of the many friends and colleagues who have supported our school over the past ten years.
“Looking ahead, we do so with confidence and optimism, proud to share the school’s progress and determined to ensure that every one of our children has the opportunity to realise their dreams.”
‘More than education’
Kathryn Ayling, the school’s family and community engagement lead, added:
“School is about so much more than education; it’s about understanding and supporting the lives our young people lead beyond the classroom. We are incredibly proud and deeply passionate about providing care, compassion, and opportunities that help every student feel seen, valued, and supported.”
As part of its continued development, work is underway on a new £1.2 million 3G pitch and upgraded hockey area, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The facilities will be available to pupils and local clubs from next year.
More photos
View more photos from the event in this post on the Cwmbran Life Facebook page.