Secondary school's new teaching block complete
Posted on Wednesday 1st February 2023
Pupils and staff at Newport’s only Welsh medium secondary school are enjoying superb new facilities following an investment of more than £18 million.
A new teaching block at Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed was opened earlier this month, earlier than the anticipated Easter completion date.
It is the first project to be completed in the city as part of the Welsh Government’s Band B sustainable communities for learning programme (formerly 21st Century Schools).
As well as teaching spaces, it will also provide whole-school dining and assembly facilities. The school also has a new floodlit all-weather sports pitch.
Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed opened in September 2016 and moved to its permanent home in Duffryn Way in 2018 following the completion of the first teaching block, provided under Band A of the 21st Century Schools programme.
This provided classrooms, science labs, music rooms, a library and a drama suite.
Councillor Deborah Davies, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “This modern, fit-for-purpose building has replaced a 1950s building that was not in a good condition.
“As well as providing an excellent learning environment, it offers much improved spaces for all the pupils to meet for assemblies and to eat lunch. I’m delighted with the new building and particularly that it was delivered early.
“Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed is the city’s first Welsh-medium secondary school, serving the city and the south west of Monmouthshire, and it’s going from strength to strength.
“The council has made a commitment to grow Welsh-medium education in Newport, as set out in the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan, and Ysgol Gyfun Is Coed is pivotal to our ambitions.”
Head teacher Eirian Jones said: “We are so pleased with the space this new block provides with a fit for purpose canteen and assembly hall. This excellent new environment will provide our learners with the best possible opportunity to succeed through the medium of Welsh.”