This is the first look inside Barry’s re-built Pencoedtre High School.
Pupils, who moved in at the start of this term, said they “love” the “amazing” new facilities, which include a full size state of the art sports hall, music studios, science labs, fitness suite and an open plan dining area.
The school is running innovative activities until 4.30pm as part of the Welsh Government’s extension to the school day pilot. All children can also have a free evening meal at the school at 4.30pm.
Classrooms look out across Barry with views of the sea from some and there is an outdoor courtyard area.
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By this time next year the old school will be flattened and in its place will be tennis courts, 4G rugby, football and hockey fields as well as basketball courts.
The new three-storey school, built by Bouygues UK, is open plan with a dedicated wellbeing area, sixth form common room and hub for children who need extra help with literacy.
Wide corridors and large windows make ventilation easier in the continued pandemic and there are lockers for all sixth formers.
Its 1,000 pupils and more than 100 staff moved in at the start of term with the old 1970s Bryn Hafren High building alongside being demolished.
The project is part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s 21st Century Schools programme, which has also seen Whitmore High re-built and a major upgrade for the Bro Morgannwgg school which takes pupils from three to 18.
Year 11 pupil Ashleigh Watkins, 16, said she feels more motivated being in the new building as she prepares for GCSEs.
“The new school is absolutely brilliant. It makes you feel like coming in and learning. The old school was not in the best condition. I’m so excited to be here and feel motivated," she said.
Charlotte Davies, 18, is sorry she’ll only get a few months to enjoy the new school before A levels this summer and going to Aberystwyth University.
She said the old school was “falling down”.
“I spent seven years in the old Bryn Hafren school building which was falling to pieces. We needed a new school. I remember in the old school a pillar crumbling and a corridor had to be closed off. This school is also much better sound proofed. I feel cheated I’ll only be here for short time. It’s much better.”
Year seven pupil Ismail Bousouf, will get the full benefit.
“There’s a lot of space here and it feels great,” he said.
“We have been waiting for a new school. It’s so big here. It’s great.”
Purnima Kumar, 14, thinks the new building will mean better attainment.
“With everything new it gives everyone a fresh start. The new facilities give great opportunities.”
Chloe Tudor, 13, likes the large windows and views which she said creates a peaceful environment helpful for learning.
Headteacher Lee Humphreys has ambitious plans to open up the school as a community hub at weekends and out of school hours.
He hopes that will encourage the wider community and families to see the school as a welcoming place for everyone.
The school is already running activities until 4.30pm as part of the Welsh Government’s extension to the school day pilot. All children can also have a free evening meal at the school at 4.30pm.
“Call it a dream but I can imagine having outdoor events and cinema nights bringing families in,” said Mr Humphreys.
“I want to break down barriers of what a traditional school has been.
“We have this new building and it would be crazy to close at 3pm and weekends. Part of our strategic planning is to be a community school.
“We already have activities like Duke of Edinburgh, a collaboration with Cardiff Blues and a chess club I am starting running after until about 6.30pm.”
Pencoedtre shares an executive head Dr Vincent Browne and its sixth form with sister school Whitmore High. Whitmore, the old Barry Boys was re-built and re-opened last year.
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