Glan Afan Comprehensive School

Glan Afan Comprehensive School (in Welsh: Ysgol Gyfun Glan Afan) was a mixed comprehensive school which served the town of Port Talbot, Wales, and its surrounding areas for over 110 years. It was opened in 1896 as Port Talbot's County School. The school closed in July 2016 to facilitate the merger of Glan Afan itself, Sandfields Comprehensive, Cwrt Sart Comprehensive School, and Traethmelyn Primary School into the ultra-modern £40millon 'super' school, Ysgol Bae Baglan.

History

Glan Afan was originally the County Grammar School, also known as Port Talbot County Boys' School. It then became Glan Afan comprehensive school in the early 1960s, taking pupils up to the age of 18. At that time the school's name was written as "Glanafan" rather than "Glan Afan".

The sixth form was moved to Afan College after 1986.

From 1974-96, it was administered by West Glamorgan County Council. In 1996, the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council was formed, and the school is currently administered by Neath Port Talbot's LEA.

In 2011, Neath Port Talbot LEA announced that Glan Afan School and three other schools will be closed to facilitate a new 'Super' Comprehensive and Primary School. The school has been given a temporary name 'Ysgol Bae Baglan' or 'Baglan Bay School' as the name suggests it will be situated in Baglan Bay on Western Avenue. The site is currently being prepared for construction. The site was previously a playing field for Sandfields Comprehensive School, one of the schools being closed.

The School Curriculum

Until its closure, the school delivered the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3, (years 7, 8 and 9), and Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11).

The curriculum is organised in order to give a broad and balanced experience meeting the needs of all pupils including those with additional learning needs. All pupils have the opportunity to study Welsh culture within individual subjects. The school also organises an annual Eisteddfod and participates successfully at Local and National Urdd Eisteddfoda.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, pupils study English, mathematics and science (the core subjects). It also includes these foundation subjects: history, geography, RE, French, Welsh, art, music, technology, ICT, games, PSE and PE. Drama is offered as part of the skills module. In years 7 and 8 pupils have the opportunity to obtain the Key Skills qualifications of Communication, Application of Number and Working with Others at Level 1.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, pupils follow a compulsory curriculum of English, mathematics, science, games, RE, Welsh, PSE and ICT (Short Course). They then choose from a variety of subjects organised into option groups. They can choose from GCSE, Vocational GCSE and BTEC vocational courses which are linked with Neath Port Talbot College or other providers.

At Key Stage 4, the school actively monitors and targets pupils to identify underachievement and provides Learning Coach support and mentoring to help pupils with their GCSE studies.

All Year 10 and 11 pupils follow a Personal and Social Education Course, and a programme of Careers Guidance. During year 10 they participate in a week of work experience.

Extra-curricular activities

The school runs several clubs, either during lunchtime or after school, including clubs for sports, such as football, hockey, gymnastics, tag rugby, basketball, netball and dodgeball; and curriculum-based clubs including Club Urdd, Computer Club, English ‘Shooting Stars’, Choir, Eco-committee and Art Club.

The school also runs a community group called Glan Afan Silver Surfers for senior citizens from the local community every Monday from 3:30-5pm. The Silver Surfers have been recognised by the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan and the Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Clubs offered in music and drama include Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Guitar Club, Orchestra and Samba Band. The school orchestra has recently booked on a tour to Belgium. The creative arts departments also put on a full school musical every year, which pupils are encouraged to take part in, and a drama club.

Notable alumni

• Bennett Arron, writer, comedian
• Leondre Devries, rapper
• Richard Hibbard, rugby player
• James Hook, rugby player
• Michael Hook, rugby player/coach
• Gareth Jones, conductor
• Andy Legg, footballer
• Michael Sheen, actor
• Matthew Thorn, singer/songwriter

Port Talbot County Boys' Grammar School

• David Carpanini, artist and academic
• David Evans CBE, Principal from 1970-2 of Glamorgan Polytechnic
• Prof Edward Howel Francis, Professor of Earth Sciences from 1977-89 at the University of Leeds, and President from 1980-2 of the Geological Society of London
• Geraint Griffiths, singer
• Clive Jenkins, trade union leader, General Secretary from 1970-88 of the Association of Scientific, Technical and Managerial Staffs
• Thomas Jenkins CBE, General Secretary from 1977-82 of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association
• Gwyn Jones, Director from 1968-77 of the National Museum of Wales, and Professor of Physics from 1953-68 at Queen Mary College
• Illtyd Lloyd, HM Chief Inspector of Schools (Wales) from 1982–90
• Rev Prof Moelwyn Merchant, Professor of English from 1961-74 at the University of Exeter
• Sir Keith Peters, Regius Professor of Physic (Cambridge) from 1987-2005, Chairman from 1994-8 of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB)
• Charlie Pugh, rugby player
• Rt Rev Edwin Regan, Bishop of Wrexham since 1994
• Alun Thomas, rugby player
• Prof Brinley Thomas CBE, Professor of Economics from 1946-73 at University College, Cardiff
• Prof Lancelot Thomas, Professor of Physics from 1981-95 at Aberystwyth University
• Gerwyn Williams, rugby player

External links

• School website
• Silver Surfers website
• EduBase