Ty Coch News

There is always so much going on in YTC, that it is quite hard to keep everyone up to date with the latest events. However, this section of the website is set aside to achieve just that:

March 2024 - The school came second in the Cilwch in Spring 2024! Bendigedig pawb!
February 2024 - Pupils took part in a recording for the ABC of Opera.
Spring 2024 We are improving/ enhancing the environment and have been approved to receive money from the LA to help with our plans.
December 2023 We won the First Minister's Christmas competition and this card was shared with every world leader across the globe! What a fantastic result for the school! He met with the school online to celebrate our achievement.
December 2023 The school achieved the Eco Schools Platinum Award in December 2023.
October 2023 - Staff from Ysgol Ty Coch delivered sessions to PGCE students at Cardiff Met.
September 2023 - Welcome to Mr Wilson.
July 2023 - Farewell to Mr Jenkins.
June 2023 - We gained our MOVE centre of excellence status.
December 2022 - Staff from Ysgol Ty Coch delivered sessions to PGCE students at Cardiff Met
November 2022 - Well done to Tanya Evans and Leigh Wharton who were published in PMLD link journal.
November 2022 - Pupils and staff have been working with Forget Me Knot Productions on the Christmas Show.
October 2022 - Pupils and staff from Seren Fach were involved in using Eye Gaze to have their voice and opinions heard, filmed by the BBC and shown on BBC Wales. See the link, we are so proud! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-63215347
October 2022 Accreditation Evening was back for the first time since Covid. We celebrated with past learners from the class of 2020, 2021 and 2022 as well as current learners in achieving their certificates!
September 2022, We are taking part in a year long enrichment programme as part of our AOLE days, partnering with the WRU
July 2022 pupils from BYC undertook their first Duke of Edinburgh Bonze expedition, camping overnight!
April 2022 - we have been handed the keys to the new building at BYC, this will enable us to have much needed capacity for a growing number of learners
September 2021- new playground built at Buarth y Capel- we think its amazing!
July 2021 Mr Jenkins won a silver Award for Pearson Headteacher of the Year nationally
Mr Jenkins won Welsh Government Headteacher of the Year Award
March 2020-June 2020, we have been open as a hub for the whole of Covid lockdown, including Easter holidays to ensure we could reach as many pupils in need of support as possible., welcoming all back on June 29th 2020.
February 2020- work starts on the new extension in the primary department!
December 2019- Mr Jenkins shortlisted for Welsh Government Headteacher of the Year Award
September 2019- our new refurbished sensory garden is unveiled
June 2019-We are very proud to announce that we were shortlisted for a prestigious TES Awards in the Alternative Provision of the Year 2019 category. Members of the school community visited the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London to find out if we had won. Unfortunately on this occasion, we were unsuccessful but we were the only Welsh School to be shortlisted for any award. Very proud of everyone associated with Ysgol Ty Coch.
February 2018 - School nominated at the National Music Teacher Awards in London for the BBC relaxed PROM
January 2018 - Art Exhibition in Gartholwyg Life long learning centre celebrating the work of the options Media group
August 2017 - ESTYN Report Published - We are delighted to tell you that the result of our recent ESTN Inspection have now been published. We are even more delighted to tell you that we received a DOUBLE EXCELLENT which is the highest possible judgement. Thankyou for all your help and support
July 2017 - BBC Proms - We are very proud to report that several pupils from YTC travelled to the Royal Albert Hall in London to take part in the first ever relaxed concert as part of the BBC Proms season. Our pupils performed on stage in front of thousands of people. Please follow our twitter feed for more information.
June 2017 - John Hopla Awards - Our Key Stage 3 classes have been very successful and won 1st place in the 2017 John Hopla Awards. They received £750 for their efforts which will be spent on exciting activities for the pupils
June 2017 - Welsh Heritage Awards - The School also won 1st place in the Welsh Hertiage Awards 2017.
June 2017 - Lead Creative Schools- the project is virtually completed and has developed PSE and creative work. The project was undertaken by Cindy Ward and she has created with the pupils, an incredible under the sea 3D art display in the area between Pili Pala and Glyderau. Come and see it - it's amazing!
May 2017 - Exciting developments in our outside and inside areas- we've completed the Key Stage 2 playground, Pili Pala Playground and Cyber Cafe. We have also invested significantly in ICT in May to vastly improve resources in classrooms.
May 18th 2017 Young Enterprise- our wonderful Post 16 pupils took part in a Young Enterprise presentation of their work for COPA enterprises. The pupils were very confident and won the regional finals. They have got through to the Wales final in the Sherman Theatre on the 16th June, which we are so excited about.
May 12th 2017- Family Centre Development what an incredible day!! We had an enormous number of volunteers- 161 to be exact, who painted, cleaned and enhanced the school site. They worked so hard in a day which poured with rain and they kept smiling throughout. It was amazing and be are so thankful to everyone for all their hard work. Please Follow this link for a short film about the day
27th April 2017- Family Centre Developments - we are so excited that it has been agreed that the old caretaker's house can be converted to support the school, including use as an extra meeting venue. Travallis have been amazing and enthusiastic at developing the centre, also working with LCB, as well as many more companies. A "Give and Gain " day is planned for May 12th, where will see over a hundred volunteers assisting in enhancing the school site. We are so grateful for such an amazing opportunity.
27th April 20170 Athletics- six pupils were entered in the South Wales Athletic competition where five pupils got through to the finals on May 18th.
27th April 2017- Young Enterprise- the Post 16 group took part in a presentation for the Young Enterprise Award in the Mid Glamorgan heat under the Copa enterprise brand. We are so proud of their achievement . They won the Best Company Report and the Best Young Enterprise Team. They are through to the Wales final, which we are so excited about.
Primary RHS Wheelbarrow competition- the Primary department considered a dragon theme as this reflected the topic of Knights and Castles. The public voted and YTC came 3rd out of sixty contestants. We are so proud!
Gymnastics- Four pupils ttok part in regional heats for the Rotary Gymnastics competition. Three pupils were placed into finals in Sofia Gardens. One of the pupupils achieved 2nd placed in the Vault event.
31st March 2017- Medieval Banquet- The whole school were involved in taking part in the Medieval Banquet. The pupils and staff dressed up in Medieval costumes and had an amazing day, where they danced and ate Medieval style food, including a hog roast! KS3 led the preparations and did a fantastic job. The day was the culmination of their project for the Welsh Heritage Awards and the John Hopla Award.
Rugby- 6 pupils attended a Six Nation event in Caerphilly. The pupils played against eighteen teams and had coaching from international rugby players.
3rd March 2017 - Inter School Eisteddford - We are so proud that pupils from our primary department represented the school at the first south wales special school Eisteddford. We're even prouder to tell you that Ysgol Ty Coch came first!!!! We're now looking to take part in the Urdd Eisteddford!!!
27th February 2017 Llangranog - We're delighted to tell you that the first of our Llangranog trips was very successfull. All pupils thoroughly enjoyed the various activities which included quad biking, archery, walking, horseriding and low ropes. The disco's in the evenings were good fun too!!!!
17th February 2017- May we wish you all a safe and restful half term break. Thank you to all pupils, parents, staff, governors and friends for their continued support for the school. It is hugely appreciated and essential if we are going to continue the success we have enjoyed in recent months
17th February 2017- INSET - All staff from both sites of the school came together to undertake mandatory medical training and lifeguard training. In the afternoon, all staff members were class based writing new IEPs and collating evidence of pupils work.
17th February 2017- We have begun undertaking some more improvements to the physical environment. We have installed new lights in reception, KS3 and upstairs. This ensures the environment is brighter, more welcoming and feels bigger. Over half term, we will be installing 3 new doors in Dosbarth Afon, opening up the play ground in Seren Fach and improving access arrangements for wheelchair users in Seren and Seren Fach. The ICT team have worked with a group of pupils to design a 'cyber cafe' in the area near Dosbarth Glyderau. We're going for a 'Starbucks' coffee shop feel crossed with Google Headquarters! We have also just agreed some designs with the student council to improve the toilets around the school. This work will roll over into next financial year
17th February 2017 - I think its fair to say that most pupils and staff enjoyed the Friendship Disco. Whilst this is largely about having fun and letting our hair down, it also gives our pupils a chance to use the social skills and learn how to be a really good friend
14th February 2017 - Transition Evening - It was wonderful to see so many parents from both Ysgol Ty Coch and Ysgol Hen Felin at our first transition fair. This event was attended by in excess of 20 Post 19 service providers and gave pupils and parents more information about what opportunities are available when they leave our school
14th February 2017 - We had the first joint meeting of Ysgol Ty Coch and Ysgol Hen Felin student councils! This is potentially very exciting work and may give opportunities for both schools to really effect change!
13th February 2017 - Members of the Standards Committee met for the 4th time this term to finish ratifying our new policies. They have now written, scrutinised and ratified in excess of 60 exciting new policies
10th February 2017 - Race Night - It was absolutely fantastic to see so many people socialising together and enjoying the race night. We raised over £1000 for the Friends of Ty Coch. Big thanks to the PTA and to Sean Gilbertson for hosting the evening
9th February 2017 - Open Day - We were delighted to welcome so many families to our open day/evening. Parents undertook a tour of the school and took part in several workshops aimed at providing them with information about the school
9th February 2017 - Football Team Enter Tournament - Our football team entered their latest football tournament earlier today in Cardiff. They won a few games and had a great time
27th January 2017 - Richard Hirstwood Training - we were delighted to welcome Richard Hirstwood to school on Friday 27th Jan to learn more about using sensory stimuli to promote learning and engagement.
27th January 2017 - New Softplay Equipment for Dosbarth Pili Pala - For some time now, our ASD provision have been desperate for new softplay equipment. I am delighted to announce that this was delivered on 27th January following a signicant contribution from the 'Friends of Ysgol Ty Coch'. Thank you all so much!
25th January 2017 - London BETT Exhibition - Scott Giles enjoyed a great visit to London's EXCEL Arena for the annual BETT exhibition. This event showcases the very latest developments in technology which potentially transform classroom practice. Scott has come back with a huge shopping list!
20th January 2017 - Chinese New Year - Our P16 Hospitality Group cooked a magnificent Chinese 'All you can eat' buffet for their customers. This feast kicked off our Chinese New Year Celebrations in style.
16th January 2017 - Rights Respecting Schools Status - We are delighted to announce that we have recently gained a certificate of commitment to the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award. This makes us the first school in RCT with secondary age pupils to do so. Well done everyone!
24th December 2016 - Ty Coch visit by Rhys Webb rated in top 10 magic moments for Pontypridd for 2016. Please read the link for more information http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/11-people-pontypridd-llantrisant-inspired-12355268
15th December (2016)Reindeer Visit - We were delighted to welcome 2 Reindeer from the Woodland Walk Garden Centre for pupils to smoothe and feed. The visit was made possible thanks to a 'facebook' competition asking the public to nominate a school worthy of winning the visit. We received 1300 requests which meant we won!! All pupils met the Reindeer which was a great experience for all.
13th December(2016) Staff Wellbeing Breakfast - Mr Jenkins (from his own pocket) treated all members of staff to a full English Breakfast (or continental option) as a thank you for their commitment, dedication and extremely hard work. Many thanks to the wellbeing committee who cooked the breakfast and thanks to staff who attended at 07:30 in the morning!!
6th and 7th December (2016)Christmas Concerts - huge congratulations to all pupils and staff for their Christmas concert performances. This really is the show case event of the year and provides a great forum for pupils to show off their newly acquired skills. We have to say that the individualised nature of the concerts and the quality of communication skills on display was outstanding! Really well done all
30th November (2016)Rhys Webb Visit - We enjoyed a great visit from Rhys Webb (Welsh Rugby International) who spent a couple of hours with us meeting children, staff and parents. Rhys was a real hit with everyone and his visit was re-tweeted 1500 times. The wales online article can be accessed from the following address http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/heart-warming-video-shows-welsh-12260579
25th November (2016)Christmas Fayre - Once again, our Christmas Fayre goes from strength to strength. This years even was so well attened by parents, pupils, friends and neighbours and when combined with the raffle, we raised £2500 for the Friends of Ty Coch. Many thanks all
21st November (2016)Shakepeare Performance - Congratulations to all Key Stage 4 Drama students who performed the Merchant of Venice so amazingly well at the Muni Theatre. YTC pupils joined 3 other mainstream schools to celebrate the life of Shakespeare. Our performance was outstanding and received a standing ovation!
19th October (2016)Investors in People - We are delighted to announce that we have received the Investors in People Silver Award making us one of less than 2% of tota organisations in the UK working at this level. The report is available to read in the about us section of the website.
18th October (2016)Categorisation Meeting - We are delighted to announce that during this years Challenge and Review Meeting, we received a Green catergorisation from the Consortium. This is because our pupils achieve excellent results and the school has very good procedures to self improve. This is the top catergorisation available and is more evidence of just how good YTC really is
13th October (2016) - Accreditation Evening - Mr Jenkins was delighted to host this years accreditation evening on 13th October. This event celebrates the pupils' achievements both past and present and seeks to award accreditation certificates. This year, we were joined by David Baker (CEO AGORED Cymru), Rhys Lewis (Mayor of RCT) and Sara Head (GB Paralmpian). Congratulations to all pupils and many thanks for so many parents who celebrated with us
13th September (2016)Key Stage 3 visit Westminster - Pupils from Key Stage 3 enjoyed a fabulous visit to the Houses of Parliment and even spent time in the public gallery. Owen Smith MP arranged the visit and its fair to say that all pupils had a great experience
14th July (2016)Goodbye to Mrs Verpoorten - regretably, we had to say farewell to Mrs Verpoorted as she prepares to retire. Mrs Verpoorten has given the school many years of unrivalled support and we wish her every happiness in the future. We will miss you lots!
Sports Day on 5th and 7th July (2016)- These were wonderful occasions and were so well attended by parents. Congratulations to all who took part in the events. As we all know, its not the winning that counts but the taking part.
17th June (2016)- Staff Celebration Assembly. Mr Jenkins hosted a great assembly which helped the pupils say a big thank you to our amazing staff. All members of staff received a certificate and heart felt thanks from pupils
Queen's birthday celebrations - 15th June (2016)- We celebratd the Queens 90th Birthday in style with a street party (in doors). The colour, music and fancy dress meant that all pupils had a fantastic day in recognition of the Queen
Leavers Prom 10th June 2016 (2016) - What a night the prom was! Nearly all pupils in Post 16 celebrated in style at Llanerch Vineyard to say goodbye to our leavers. It was an emotional occasion but the school is so proud of all pupils leaving us in July. Everyone looked magnificent and behaved fantastically well
Dan Biggar Visit 4th May 2016 (2016)- We were delighted to welcome Dan Biggar (Wales Rugby International) to school on 4th May 2016. Dan was amazing with pupils and staff and fielded some great questions during assembly. On behalf of the entire school, many thanks to Dan for taking time to visit our school
Lead Creative Schools Launch - I was delighted to host the launch of our Lead Creative Schools Project on 16th May 2016. I would like to thank everyone involved with the project and I know how much learning took place to achieve our new 'numeracy wonderwall' in the main school corridor
Education Minister Visit - Janice Stuckey (Chair of Governors), myself and a number of staff members were very privileged to host the education Minister, Huw Lewis in school on 8.2.16. He was looking at our lead creative schools project and a review of his visit can be found by clicking the link below.

He was very complimentary about Ysgol Ty Coch and was wonderful with the pupils. Click this link to view the article - Link to Welsh Government Visit to Ty Coch