Lewis School Pengam has been presented with the Welsh Heritage School Award during a ceremony at the University of South Wales on Saturday, July 7.
The Welsh Heritage School Award recognised the school’s commitment to a high-level heritage project centred on the retelling of local folklore stories compiled by Thomas Matthews, a former master at the school.
Thomas Matthews was a strong advocate for Wales, Welsh culture and art during the early 20th century.
The project also served as a memorial to two former pupils, Levi Emrys Williams and David Glyn Williams, who served in the First World War.
The project was a collaboration between pupils and local historian Dic Felstead.
The school’s Head of Art, Sharon Price, also painted a mural of Thomas Matthews, which is currently on display within the school foyer.
The Welsh Heritage School Initiative aims to encourage students across Wales to take more interest in heritage and the contributions made to it by their communities. They hold an annual competition for schools across Wales to complete for the best heritage project.
Cllr Philippa Marsden, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Achievement, said: “This is a brilliant achievement for Lewis School Pengam and one they should be proud of.
“I would encourage all schools across the Caerphilly County Borough to take part in this award for students of all ages to learn about their heritage and their wider community.”