Pupils took to the stage and impressed dignitaries during a ceremony to mark the opening of the outstanding £6m Ynyshir Community Primary School.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council secured funding from the Welsh Assembly Government to deliver the beautiful new school for the community.
The new building, which has new classrooms, sustainable features and outdoor learning area, represents a £5m development. It is supported by a further £1m support infrastructure including IT systems and equipment.
Pupils began attending classes in the eco-friendly building a year ago and the school has gone from strength to strength ever since, providing an inspiring place to learn and also an important place for the entire community to come together.
The arrival of new headteacher Paula Phillips and the continued success of Ynyshir were the perfect build-up to an opening ceremony, which saw many of the school’s 240 pupils take to the stage on Friday, February 4.
Guests including Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Education Minister Leighton Andrews AM and local MP Chris Bryant attended the opening ceremony.
They joined teachers and parents, as well as the staff from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and contractors Wilmott Dixon, who delivered the important scheme.
They were entertained by outstanding performances from Ynyshir pupils who put on a show that included a song they had composed themselves about the school, a solo performance from pianist Sophie Pierce, an African-themed dance performance and celebrations of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit.
Cllr Eudine Hanagan said: “We are so pleased to have organised this ceremony to mark the opening of a school that continues to go from strength to strength.
“Firstly, I must commend the talented pupils who have provided the entertainment today. They were outstanding and I am glad they have such excellent, inspiring school facilities in which they can learn and grow.
“Ynyshir is a shining example of the standards Rhondda Cynon Taf Council wishes to attain for all young people. It is of the highest-possible design standards and is also eco-friendly and sustainable.
“It is a modern and attractive place to learn and is also a place where the school community of all ages can come together.”
Leighton Andrews AM added: “The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to ensuring that every child in Wales is educated in an environment that is conducive to learning for the 21st Century.
“This commitment is reflected in an investment of over £6 million by the Welsh Assembly Government towards the total cost of building this new school.
“The 21st Century Schools initiative is more than just a building programme. It is about raising standards, inspiring both learners and teachers and delivering the flexibility to meet the changing needs of learners in a rapidly developing economy.
“The brand new, ‘state of the art’ Ynyshir Primary School is an excellent example of a modern, green, 21st Century School and I am sure the pupils will be very happy with the many impressive facilities at their new school.”
Headteacher, Paula Phillips concluded: “The official opening was a chance for us to celebrate and commend the work of the many people and organisations who worked hard to make the new Ynyshir Primary School a reality.
“The governors, staff, parents and pupils are thrilled with the new school, which is a state-of-the-art development that provides a visionary building and a true school for the 21st Century.
“The world never stands still, it is always turning and so must we. We are moving into the future with a school that represents the very best learning environment.”
Ynyshir Community Primary School is the latest in a series of multi-million-pound investments to ensure younger generations receive the education they deserve in modern, sustainable and inspiring buildings
The school has been successful in becoming the first primary in Wales to be awarded an excellent rating by the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). It also won the Council’s Building Control Quality Award in 2010 and was shortlisted in the Constructing Excellence Wales Award 2010 and the RICS Wales Awards for its sustainability.
It boasts a new kitchen, changing rooms, a library, outside playing areas and an outside amphitheatre for outdoor learning. The first floor rooms have balconies as an extended outside teaching area while the building also has an enclosed glass breakout area in addition to the school’s 10 classrooms.
