First Minister Carwyn Jones has officially opened Caerau Primary School.
The state-of-the-art new school is built on a brownfield site and is a replacement for Caerau’s former nursery, infant and junior schools.
It opened its doors to its 365 pupils in January 2010, but received its official opening by the First Minister on Friday 28 May.
Among the new school’s features are specialist classrooms, a floodlit all-weather pitch and a communal multi-use ‘street’ area which forms the heart of the school.
Sustainability is a key element of its design. The school’s biomass boiler uses carbon neutral wood pellets while solar panels contribute to the building’s hot water system.
Rainwater is also collected and used to flush school toilets, and the school features energy-efficient lighting and an under-floor heating system.
The school incorporates provision for community use and includes a new Flying Start facility for up to 20 pre-school children.
Headteacher John Bibby said: “IT is given high priority as a tool for learning at Caerau Primary. Our aim is to enable each child to reach their full potential, whatever their skills, interests or attributes may be, give them a passion for learning and the skills to tackle the challenges that the 21st century holds for them.”
Councillor Alana Davies, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People added: “I know the whole community is delighted with this lovely new school which not only provides an excellent setting for the children’s education but is a valuable facility for the wider community.
“Our ongoing Schools Modernisation Programme is all about ensuring that the borough’s schools deliver first-class education in the best possible location within their communities, while reducing surplus places and achieving best value for money. Caerau Primary is an excellent example of how Bridgend County Borough Council is making this happen.”
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “It is a great pleasure for me to officially open Caerau Primary School today, which has been built with the help of funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.
“The new school provides a sustainable environment which is conducive to learning and a school which everybody involved with can be very proud of, and proves our commitment to deliver schools which are fit for the 21st Century.”
