During July, the school hosted a number of events, to celebrate our 50th anniversary!
Plans began a year ago, when someone suggested a rugby 7s tournament, in honour of the pupils who have gone on to represent Wales. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mr Poley, Head of PE, supported by our WRU Hub Officer, Ms Butler, organised what we hope will become the annual Pencoed 7s.
With the support of Pencoed RFC, and sponsors VX3, 16 schools competed across 4 pitches throughout the day, displaying some impressive skills! Former Pencoed Comprehensive pupils Sam Costelow and Tommy Reffell to a break from international duties to ‘coach’ two teams of former students and staff in a touch rugby game, before the gripping final.
The PE department weren’t the only ones working away behind the scenes, in the lead up to the celebrations. At the beginning of the academic year, Mrs Joshua’s Heritage Club began task of researching the school’s history. Their project would not only link to the school’s 50th Anniversay, but would form the basis for their entry into the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative.
The group spent many breaks, lunches, and after school sessions gathering research from the Glamorgan Archives, interviews with former staff and students, and articles from the British Newspaper Archives. They looked at developments in technology, games and hobbies, use of land, and even employment!
The competition judges were as impressed as we were, praising the pupil’s enthusiasm, and excellent use of primary and secondary sources. We were delighted that their hard work paid off, as they were awarded joint second, out of the 76 schools that entered the competition.
Finally, on Wednesday 5th July, learners and staff joined together in a day of activities, to mark the school’s official opening in 1973. Expressive Arts learners presented an hilariously accurate look at what they thought staff would have been like at school, there were performances from the choir, gymnasts and dancers, a photo booth, inflatables, games and quizzes, and a display of art and DT work.
We are so grateful to all the parents, carers, learners, and staff who have supported the school, and made it into the wonderful community it is today. Here’s to another 50 years!