A £900,000 plus extension has been officially opened at Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych.
The new block – the latest addition to Pembrokeshire County Council’s schools building programme – not only comprises a Sixth Form centre for the secondary school but also houses an outreach facility or satellite centre for Portfield Special School which is based in Haverfordwest.
Built with funds from the County Council and the Welsh Assembly Government, it was opened on Wednesday (1st December) by Council Leader, John Davies.
Councillor Davies said that the latest development brought County Council spending on the campus since 1995 to £11 million.
“We see that money as investing in the future” he added
Councillor Davies also paid tribute to Pembrokeshire’s former Director of Education and Children Services, Gerson Davies, who retired in August.
He was present to hear Councillor Davies tell guests that the extension was a testament to the former Director’s foresight and dedication.
“His vision was to increase bilingual provision in North Pembrokeshire and I am so pleased he is with us here today to bear witness to its completion” added Councillor Davies.
The Portfield unit consists of two classrooms with facilities for up to 16 pupils with Special Needs aged from 11 to 19.
The design of the classrooms reflects the age range of the pupils and will help to support their progress. To ensure comfort, safety and efficiency, the classrooms are fitted with ceiling-tracking and hoisting throughout.
A secure play area has also been provided.
The facilities at the new Portfield unit are also intended as a bilingual, regional support for children and young people with severe and complex needs and are available to those not only residing in Pembrokeshire but also in neighbouring authorities.
Occupying the first floor of the new extension is Ysgol y Preseli’s new Sixth Form Centre.
It comprises a Common Room, a dedicated IT room with more than 30 personal computers, a general classroom and a Head of Sixth Form office (with direct access to the main school building) all for exclusive use by Sixth Form students and teaching staff.
A partnership agreement with Learning Pembrokeshire – the adult learning arm of Pembrokeshire County Council – also allows the space to be utilised after school hours for the benefit of the local community.
Guests at the opening were welcomed by the respective Head Teachers of Ysgol y Preseli and Portfield, Mike Davies and Sue Painter, and were entertained by musical items performed by pupils from both schools.
