Archive Council News

08.11.06

Welsh Medium School Re-opens after Refurbishment

Wrexham Council's commitment to improving educational standards took another step forward today when Ysgol Bryn Tabor re-opened its doors to pupils for the first time in six months after extensive refurbishment.

The refurbishment of the Welsh medium school completes the multi million pound investment in schools in Coedpoeth and follows the opening earlier in the year of the new English medium school Ysgol Penygelli.

Children will see the difference the minute they enter through their new entrance and reception. Other works include an extension for additional accommodation to the hall which is also equipped with stage lighting and sound equipment. Throughout there are new floors, walls and ceilings and each classroom has fully integrated ICT infrastructure and a dedicated ICT suite. Each classroom has an associated practical area with work units, sinks and cooking facilities.

Extensions have been built to provide additional library, toilet and Early Years facilities. The building also has a CCTV system that covers the whole site. The main playground has been extended and the Early Years playgrounds have been equipped with soft play areas and educational playgroundmarkings. The kitchen has been fully refitted with new equipment. To complete the works, children will sit on new chairs and work on new tables.

Headteacher, Mr Robert Lloyd Jones, said:

“I am very pleased to welcome everyone back to school this morning and I am very happy with the new resources. We can all now look forward to the future with confidence that we are providing our pupils with an environment that will help them learn and our staff an environment that is fit to teach in."

Chief Learning and Achievement Officer, Hywyn Williams, said:

"It is very pleasing that the re-opening of Ysgol Bryn Tabor marks the end of the schools' reorganisation in Coedpoeth following the opening of Ysgol Penygelli earlier in the year. I wish everyone well and hope the school continues to prosper in its new surroundings. We now turn our attention to Rhos where work will start on the new Ysgol Hooson later this month and will bring huge improvements to educational provision in this community".

Arwel Jones, Lead Member for Children and Young People, said:

"There are very exciting developments in Wrexham regarding the education of our children and young people. The refurbishment of this school is yet another step forward in helping to improve the environment in which our young people learn and will help them achieve their full potential."

The former Penygelli school will now be demolished to make way for a brand new Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Centre for use by the whole community. Wrexham Council's Economic Development Department working in partnership with the Coedpoeth Development Committee has been working for a number of years to develop plans for the Centre. If a funding bid to the European Urban II Programme, work could commence early next year and plans for the Centre include a learning resource centre and ICT suite, a community hall, a childcare area, units for small b usinesses, a meeting room and a refreshment area.