Heolddu Comprehensive School’s newly refurbished Technology and Art department has been officially unveiled by Welsh Education Secretary Kirsty Williams AM.
During the visit by Ms Williams, on Thursday, June 23, the Liberal Democrat AM praised the school’s progress made under headteacher Matthew Sims.
She said: “I want to thank the pupils and staff for giving me such a warm welcome. They have worked together to provide these brilliant new facilities to give the pupils here the very best chance of success. It’s vital that we provide our young people with the finest facilities possible, to give them the best learning and skills.
“I have been here in the past, and it is great to see the improvements and progress taking place, not just in the building, but also what pupils are achieving. This is down to the dedication and hard work of everyone at the school. Good luck to you all with the summer results and beyond.
“When it comes to our schools I want to get the basics right, letting heads lead and teachers teach with the voice of parents and pupils at the heart of all that we do. Heolddu School’s motto is ‘Opportunity for all’ and I can see all of you are aspiring to meet this ambition, one I wholeheartedly share.”
Caerphilly AM Hefin David, a former pupil of the Bargoed school, said: “It was wonderful to be back at my old school. The atmosphere here today was vibrant and the students welcoming.
“They organised much of the visit and they did so professionally and impressively. I discussed with the Head Boy, Ieuan Crump his plans for a career in medicine and I am sure he will be a great success.
“I also saw some of the fantastic artwork created by the students. I left in 1995 but some of my former teachers were still here and I couldn’t help calling them ‘Sir’ and ‘Miss’. The school is lucky to have such a strong leader in Mr Sims.”
The new technology block was developed with £150,000 of Welsh Government funding.