Bro Myrddin from Alltycnap HillAnnual School Eisteddfod, 2009The Entrance Sign
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 (2km) 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)".
According to a 2022 Estyn report 70% of pupils come from Welsh-speaking homes; but all pupils could speak Welsh to first-language standard.[1] Previous reports have rated the school 'Excellent' and the school is often used as a case study. It has been ranked as one of the top 5 state secondary schools in Wales concurrently and often being the top Welsh medium school.[2]
History
The School was founded in 1978,[3] 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.[1]
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.[4][5] 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.[6]
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).[7] 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.[8][9]
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