Glan Afan Comprehensive School
| Motto |
A Ddioddefws a Orfu By Striving We Succeed |
|---|---|
| Established | 1896 |
| Headteacher | Susan Handley |
| Deputy Headteacher | Andrew Owen |
| Location | Station Road Port Talbot Neath Port Talbot SA13 1LZ Wales |
| Local authority | Neath Port Talbot |
| Ages | 11 (Year 7)–16 (Year 11) |
| Houses | Glyndwr, Llewellyn, Rhys, Tudor |
| Colours | Red, Black |
| Website | School Website |
Coordinates: 51°35′43″N 3°46′57″W / 51.5954°N 3.7825°W
Glan Afan Comprehensive School (in Welsh: Ysgol Gyfun Glan Afan) is a mixed comprehensive school, which has served the town of Port Talbot, Wales and its surrounding areas for over 110 years.
Contents |
[edit] 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 during the 1980s. 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.
[edit] The School Curriculum
The school delivers the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3, (years 7, 8 and 9), and Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11).
[edit] Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 the following subjects are studied: English, Mathematics and Science (the core subjects). In addition the following foundation subjects are studied: 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. 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.
[edit] Key Stage 4
At Key stage 4 pupils follow a compulsory curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science, Games, RE, Welsh, PSE and ICT [Short Course]. Pupils then choose from a variety of subjects organised into option groups. Pupils can choose from GCSE, Vocational GCSE and BTEC vocational courses which are linked with Neath Port Talbot College or other providers. All Year 10 and 11 pupils will follow a Personal and Social Education Course, and a programme of Careers Guidance. During year 10 they will participate in a week of work experience. 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.
[edit] School Uniform
School uniform is compulsory at Glan Afan.
Boys - White shirt, school tie, black trousers, black V neck pullover with embroidered school badge. Black shoes and suitable socks.
Girls - White shirt, school tie, black skirt or trousers, black V neck pullover with embroidered school badge. Black low heeled shoes, suitable socks or black tights.
[edit] Extra-curricular Activities
The school holds a large number of extra-curricular clubs, both during lunchtime and after school. Clubs offered are in Sports, such as Football, Hockey, Gymnastics, Tag Rugby, Basketball, Netball and Dodgeball. Curriculum based clubs include Clwb 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 Wednesday from 3.30 - 5pm. The Silver Surfers group have been recognised by the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan and the Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards.
[edit] Notable alumni
- Richard Burton, actor
- Richard Hibbard, rugby player
- James Hook
- Gareth Jones
- Andy Legg, footballer
- Michael Sheen, actor
- Gordon Thomas, Computer Pioneer
[edit] Port Talbot County Boys' Grammar School
- 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 Secreatry from 1977-82 of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association
- Gwyn Jones (physicist), 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 W. Moelwyn Merchant, Professor of English from 1961-74 at the University of Exeter
- Sir Keith Peters (medicine), Regius Professor of Physic (Cambridge) from 1987-2005, and 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
