The schools catchment areas include the communities of Aberaman, Cwmaman, Godreaman and Abercwmboi. It is a mixed school with over 750 girls and boys. As well as pupils from within our catchment area the school there are approximately 160 pupils attending from outside the catchment area.

The school also houses the Special Support Centre for pupils throughout the Cynon Valley who have physical or hearing difficulties.  More information on special needs education in Blaengwawr Comprehensive can be found HERE

Blaengwawr Welcomes Visitors

Recently Blaengwawr has been hosting teachers and students from across Europe. In February European teachers from as far away as Norway and Turkey came to visit Blaengwawr to see the culture and life of a school in the valleys. On the day they visited it snowed, something they surely were not expecting! They were very impressed by the kind hospitable nature in which they were received and by the organisation and smart uniform of the pupils. They also came and observed how lessons were carried out and how the curriculum varies here.

Blaengwawr also hosted some foreign pupils from Aberdare’s twin town Ravensburg, Germany. This is part of an exchange programme which the school has carried forth for some years now. Pupils from both countries get great enjoyment out of it.

The pupils visited many different subject courses to compare how pupils there are being taught to the way they are taught in Germany. They also visited various areas such as Cardiff Bay to experience local scenery and culture that the community has on its doorstep. They were received very warmly by pupils and teachers alike and they felt very easy with the company that pupils provided them. Hopefully this will encourage even more to come and visit the area and get a taste of the Blaengwawr experience!

This is very promising for the future as more cultural diversity enters into the school. These visits are a regular occurrence and Blaengwawr warmly welcomes those from other parts of the world to share with our close community. Article by Barnaby Beaver (Year 12)

Blaengwawr Pupil wins History Prize for Outstanding Achievement

Natalie Williams the former Head Girl of Blaengwawr Comprehensive School is this year’s recipient of the Frampton History Prize for best performance in A level history. The prize, worth £100, is awarded to pupils who gain the top marks in A level history examinations for each of the United Kingdoms Examination boards by the Royal Historical Society.  The Royal Historical Society award a number of prizes each year to recognize outstanding historical scholarship and achievement.

Natalie studied British and European History following the WJEC syllabus. The course involved 6 units of study each of which was examined by a terminal paper. In 5 of these units Natalie attained maximum marks, only dropping 7 marks in total.

Natalie from Herbert Street Aberdare is an outstanding all round student who achieved A grades in English, Mathematics and biology as well as her amazing result in history.  She is keen to thank the efforts of all the teaching staff at Blaengwawr Comprehensive School for their support during her studies.

ICT Visit to Alton Towers.

Alan kindly drove us to the Alton Towers resort in the Blaengwawr bus, where we stayed in the Splash Landings Hotel.  The pupils enjoyed an afternoon in the water park there.  The swim was followed by an ‘all you can eat’ buffet in the hotel. The next morning, after a buffet breakfast (most pupils were sensible enough not to eat as much as the night before due to the impending rides!),  we had early entry to the rides, so it was a mad rush to get onto the most popular ones.  Mr Rugman was one of the first to get to the Oblivion ride, dragging Mr Gale, Miss Gatiss and Miss Williams reluctantly onto it!

During the course of the day, the pupil had a presentation on how computers are used in the theme park, from altering photographs on the advertising media, to how they control the safety of the rides.

All the teachers would like to thank the pupils on the trip.  The hotel staff commented on how well behaved they were, the pupils represented the school very well.

PUPILS ACHIEVE SUCCESS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Four pupils in year 11 have tasted GCSE success ahead of schedule by completing their examinations in five subjects a year early. The girls have already secured A*-C grades in English language, mathematics, science, film studies and information and communication technology. All four pupils have gained a number of A* and A grades between them and they are looking forward to further GCSE examination success this summer.

From left to right: Jodie Cable, Caitlyn Smith, Shannon Jackson and Rosie Barton