Ysgol y Gwendraeth was a

secondary Secondary may refer to: Science and nature * Secondary emission, of particles ** Secondary electrons, electrons generated as ionization products * The secondary winding, or the electrical or electronic circuit connected to the secondary winding i ...

comprehensive school A comprehensive school typically describes a secondary school for pupils aged approximately 11–18, that does not select its intake on the basis of academic achievement or aptitude, in contrast to a selective school system where admission is res ...

for pupils aged 11 to 18 in the Gwendraeth Valley, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Situated in the village of Drefach, it had 312 pupils in 2012. The School was effectively closed in 2013 when it was merged with Ysgol Maes Yr Yrfa and teaching at the Ysgol y Gwendraeth site in Drefach ceased. This merger eventually led to Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth. The school was originally a Grammar School known as Gwendraeth Grammar School, or Gwendraeth Valley Grammar School. The original school building was built in 1927. The school promoted the Welsh language,

Welsh history The history of what is now Wales () begins with evidence of a Neanderthal presence from at least 230,000 years ago, while ''Homo sapiens'' arrived by about 31,000 BC. However, continuous habitation by modern humans dates from the period after ...

, and

Welsh culture The culture of Wales (Welsh: ''Diwylliant Cymru'') is distinct, with its own language, customs, politics, festivals, music and Art. Wales is primarily represented by the symbol of the red Welsh Dragon, but other national emblems include the leek ...

. Some subjects were available to be taught in the Welsh language if requested; otherwise the lessons were taught in the English language only. There was also a Sixth Form College and the school additionally housed the Garreglwyd Autistic Unit and Annex. The majority of the pupils and staff could speak Welsh. Many staff members lived in or near the valley and were thus naturally immersed in all aspects of the life of the community. Ysgol Y Gwendraeth earned the 2001-2002 Schools Curriculum Award. The feeder primary schools were Category A schools, where Welsh is the language spoken and taught up to the age of seven and where

is actively promoted with the assistance of Menter Cwm Gwendraeth, which promotes Welsh and Welsh culture and history.

Former Pupils

* Lisa Lazarus - Model * Nic Cudd,

Hugh Gustafson Hugh Gustafson (born 8 July 1987) is a Welsh rugby union player. A prop forward or hooker, he currently plays his club rugby for Pontypool RFC and Newport Gwent Dragons Dragons RFC ( cy, Dreigiau) are one of the four professional rugby union ...

and

Darren Allinson Darren Allinson (born 13 November 1987), a Welsh professional rugby union player. Allinson formerly played for Bath Rugby in the Aviva Premiership Premiership Rugby, officially known as Gallagher Premiership Rugby, or the Gallagher Premiers ...

- Professional rugby union players. * Jonathan Davies - Former Welsh rugby fly half and current television rugby pundit. * Carwyn James - Famous for his rugby union coaching achievements for both Llanelli and the British Lions.

References

External links

School website
{{authority control Secondary schools in Carmarthenshire