Glan Afan Comprehensive School was a mixed comprehensive school which served the town of Port Talbot, Wales, and its surrounding areas for 120 years. It was opened in 1896 as Port Talbot's County School. The school closed in July 2016 to facilitate the merger of Glan Afan itself, Sandfields Comprehensive, Cwrt Sart Comprehensive School, and Traethmelyn Primary School into the ultra-modern £40millon 'super' school, Ysgol Bae Baglan.
History
Glan Afan was originally the County Grammar School, also known as Port Talbot County Boys' School. It then became Glan Afan comprehensive school in the early 1960s, taking pupils up to the age of 18. At that time the school's name was written as "Glanafan" rather than "Glan Afan". The sixth form was moved to Afan College after 1986. From 1974-96, it was administered by West Glamorgan County Council. In 1996, the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council was formed, and the school is currently administered by Neath Port Talbot's LEA. In 2011, Neath Port Talbot LEA announced that Glan Afan School and three other schools will be closed to facilitate a new 'Super' Comprehensive and Primary School. The school was given the name 'Ysgol Bae Baglan' or 'Baglan Bay School' as the name suggests is situated in Baglan Bay on Western Avenue. The facility is now completed and in full function with all pupils from the 4 merging schools transferring to the new site.
Until its closure, the school delivered the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3,, and Key Stage 4. The curriculum is organised in order to give a broad and balanced experience meeting the needs of all pupils including those with additional learning needs. All pupils have the opportunity to study Welsh culture within individual subjects. The school also organises an annual Eisteddfod and participates successfully at Local and National Urdd Eisteddfoda.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, pupils study English, mathematics and science. It also includes these foundation subjects: history, geography, RE, French, Welsh, art, music, technology, ICT, games, PSE and PE. Drama is offered as part of the skills module. In years 7 and 8 pupils have the opportunity to obtain the Key Skills qualifications of Communication, Application of Number and Working with Others at Level 1.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, pupils follow a compulsory curriculum of English, mathematics, science, games, RE, Welsh, PSE and ICT. They then choose from a variety of subjects organised into option groups. They can choose from GCSE, Vocational GCSE and BTEC vocational courses which are linked with Neath Port Talbot College or other providers. At Key Stage 4, the school actively monitors and targets pupils to identify underachievement and provides Learning Coach support and mentoring to help pupils with their GCSE studies. All Year 10 and 11 pupils follow a Personal and Social Education Course, and a programme of Careers Guidance. During year 10 they participate in a week of work experience.
Extra-curricular activities
The school runs several clubs, either during lunchtime or after school, including clubs for sports, such as football, hockey, gymnastics, tag rugby, basketball, netball and dodgeball; and curriculum-based clubs including Club Urdd, Computer Club, English ‘Shooting Stars’, Choir, Eco-committee and Art Club. The school also runs a community group called for senior citizens from the local community every Monday from 3:30-5pm. The have been recognised by the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan and the WalesVolunteer of the Year Awards. Clubs offered in music and drama include Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Guitar Club, Orchestra and Samba Band. The school orchestra has recently booked on a tour to Belgium. The creative arts departments also put on a full school musical every year, which pupils are encouraged to take part in, and a drama club.
