# Bro Myrddin Welsh Comprehensive School

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin (English: Bro Myrddin Welsh Comprehensive school) is a Welsh-medium school in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is situated near the village of Croesyceiliog, about 11⁄4 miles (2 km) south of Carmarthen. Myrddin, the Welsh name of the legendary figure Merlin, is traditionally associated with the town of Carmarthen (Caerfyrddin: Myrddin's fort), and Bro Myrddin means "Myrddin's country (or vale)".
Approximately 79% of pupils come from Welsh-speaking homes; in 2022 all pupils could speak Welsh to first-language standard.

## History

The School was founded in 1978, on the premises of the former Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School for Boys, Carmarthen. In 1996 the school was moved to its current purpose-built campus at Croesyceiliog. Its first Pennaeth (Headteacher) was Mr Gareth Evans, who was succeeded upon his retirement in 1997 by Mr Eric Jones, and then by Mr Dorian Williams, in 2006. The latest Headteacher is Dr Llinos Jones, who took Mr Williams' place at his retirement in 2014.

### Category change

In September 2016 the school was changed to a Category CC school, which means that it is a designated Welsh school. Bro Myrddin was first in the county to become a MW school. Furthermore, all National Curriculum subjects are taught in Welsh (except for English), from year 7 in 2016 and for every subsequent year. There were many consultations and discussions with Parents future, past and present, pupils past and present, members of staff and the local community. There were some concerns raised, the main concern was studying in Universities where the Mathematics and Science training is through the medium of English after following a Welsh course at the school, some thought that this would be a disadvantage. On the other hand, there were numerous benefits of this change including that it will encourage the Welsh ethos outside the classroom and reduce the workload of the teachers who currently have to produce bilingual resources.

## Ethos

The school's motto is 'Heb Ddysg Heb Ddeall', which translates as 'Without learning there is no understanding'. The school colours are lilac and black.

## Houses

The school has four houses (which are referred to using the Welsh 'Llys'): Hengwrt (house colour: green), Hergest (red), Llwydiarth (black) and Peniarth (blue). The four houses annually compete in the school's own version of the Eisteddfod, in which there is a day of singing, playing instruments, reciting and numerous other events – held on the nearest Friday to St David’s day, and a sports day held in the summer term. Numerous other events are held during the year.

## Musical

Approximately every 3 years a musical is performed in the local theatre. The 2016 musical was called 'Chwarae Cuddio' ('Hide and Seek' in Welsh). The 2019 musical 'Rhif 1 Heol Penlan' was staged at the Lyric Theatre between the 20th to the 22nd of November. This original musical was about the lively history of the Carmarthen Union Workhouse in 1837.

## Results

2007: 82.8% of 15-year-old pupils achieved 5 or more A* – C grades at GCSE or equivalent
2007: 81.9% of 17-year-old pupils achieved 2 or more A – C grades at A/AS level or equivalent
2015: 81.7% of 15-year-old pupils achieved 5 or more A* – C grades at GCSE
2016: 88.0% of 15-year-old pupils achieved 5 or more A* – G grades at GCSE

## Curriculum

* Core: Welsh, Maths, English and Science
* Humanities: History, Geography, and Religious Studies
* Creative subjects: Drama, Art and Design, and Music
* Technology: ICT, Resistant Materials, Catering, Health and Social Care, Textiles, Furniture *Manufacture and Graphic products
* Foreign languages: French or Spanish
Other: Business Studies, Government and Politics, Health and Social Care

## Notable alumni

Politics
* Llyr Huws Gruffydd – Politician
Arts
* Euros Childs – Musician, member of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
* Richard James – Musician, member of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
* Elis James – Comedian and actor
* John Lawrence – Musician, member of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
Sports
* Matthew Bowen – Rugby union player, Ospreys
* Aled Davies - Rugby union player, Saracens and Wales national rugby union team
* Mefin Davies – Rugby union player, Leicester Tigers and Wales national rugby union team
* Ryan Elias – Rugby union player who plays for the Llanelli Scarlets at hooker and Wales national rugby union team
* Stephen Jones – Rugby union player, Wasps Rugby and Wales national rugby union team
* Emyr Lewis – Rugby union player
* Rhys Priestland – Rugby union player, Bath Rugby
* Ken Owens – Rugby union player, Llanelli Scarlets
* Aled Thomas – Rugby union & Rugby Union Sevens player London Welsh, Wales national rugby sevens team
* Matthew Stevens – Professional snooker player