A SPECIAL school in Barry was celebrated for its state-of-the-art facilities.
It was part of a whistle-stop tour by government officials who recently visited the county’s specialist schools.
Jeremy Miles, minister for Welsh Language, was in the county for ribbon cuttings and celebration.
Among his visits, Mr Miles went to Ysgol Gwaun Y Nant, in Barry, which opened an immersion unit offering intensive Welsh courses for those not from Welsh-speaking homes.
A 420-place state-of-the-art facility, it has twice the capacity of St Baruc’s previous Victorian building and a series of low carbon features, including solar panels and onsite battery storage, air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and EV charging points.
There are extensive outdoor spaces, some just off the classrooms, which can be used for teaching, along with hard and soft landscaping for learning and playing.
The grounds include a MUGA, two grass pitches, a small training field and habitat areas to develop wildlife and encourage biodiversity.
Before that, Mr Miles visited Ysgol St Baruc’s new school building on Barry Waterfront, which pupils have been using since April.
But the day started with a special trip to Derw Newydd, the county’s new specialist school, and the official opening of Ysgol Gymraeg St Baruc.
Welsh Government has provided £10 million capital funding to support the projects which provides a new specialist teaching provision and addresses the demand for Welsh medium education for learners in the area.
Managed by Ysgol y Deri, it replaces Y Daith Cowbridge and Y Daith Amelia Farm Trust, increasing overall pupil capacity.
The building, which was formally a Council depot, has a number of innovative features to help pupils gain the most from their time there.
These include:
- A full catering kitchen.
- Dining hall with floor to ceiling glazing and a folding wall that can be retracted to create a larger space.
- Food technology room where pupils can learn to prepare meals and gain independence.
- Fitness suite
- Large common room for pupils to have their own designated space.
On the day, Mr Miles MS said: “It has been fantastic to visit two new school developments today.
“Schools are much more than bricks and mortar. Well-designed buildings can play their part in tackling the climate emergency, supporting staff and learners with education, as well as delivering high standards and aspirations for all.
“Derw Newydd and Ysgol St Baruc have been supported by our Sustainable Communities for Learning programme and are already providing brilliant learning environments for their pupils.”
Cllr Birch added: “Pupils are now learning in the state-of-the-art conditions, giving them the best chance of success, while local residents also benefit through access to many of the facilities.”
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