Cymoedd learner William Heal has secured a place at the prestigious performing arts institution Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, in London. When William (21) from Pontypridd enrolled on the Level 2 BTEC Diploma in Performing Arts at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Rhondda campus in 2014, he could not have imagined what exciting opportunities lay ahead of him.

During his course, William had the opportunity to take part in a variety of performance projects both at the college and in working theatres; giving him the opportunity to develop his skills in preparation for a career in the industry.

He progressed to the Level 3 Extended Diploma at Cymoedd and on completion of this course applied to Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts; he was successful and secured a bursary. In September, William will study on the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Programme at the London based theatre.

Course tutor, Jaye Lawrence said” From the start of the course, William was an exemplary student who took brilliantly to college life. Always striving to improve in both practical and academic studies, he demonstrated a work ethic and discipline that set a great example to his peers and classmates.

William’s varied performing talents were clear and amongst other roles, he played Billy Flynn in the end of year production of Chicago, the title role in the college production of Titus Andronicus and was part of the inaugural Coleg y Cymoedd performance for the Shakespeare Schools Festival production of Macbeth; who were invited to perform in the West End.

The Performing Arts department, staff and fellow learners at Coleg y Cymoedd are extremely proud of William’s achievements and wish him every success as he faces the new performance, social and academic challenges at the Italia Conti Academy”.

Speaking of his future William said” Without the constant support from my tutors, Jaye Adrienne Lawrence, Jo Hodges & Rachel Thomas, I would not be where I am today. These tutors along with all the people associated with the BTEC Performing Arts course have given me amazing opportunities, many memories and have taught me so many things. I am so grateful for everything I have learnt at Coleg y Cymoedd. I am happy to carry the college name and reputation wherever I may go in the future”.
Cymoedd are still accepting applications to join courses for September 2019, for more information and to apply, visit www.cymoedd.ac.uk

View Photo gallery here

Welsh Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, has joined learners today at Coleg y Cymoedd to celebrate their A level results successes. 

Today saw the college’s Nantgarw-based Sixth Form Centre roll out the red carpet for learners whose collective successes have resulted in an overall pass rate of 97% for A2 with 63% of learners achieving A*-C and many subjects securing a 100% pass rate including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Maths, English and History. 

The festival atmosphere at Coleg y Cymoedd provided a backdrop for the Education Minister to congratulate learners personally as she discovered the secrets of its Sixth Form Centre’s success, which include a 5% improvement on last year at AS Level.

The year’s results make for one of the college’s proudest milestone moments and showcase the success of a number of initiatives the college has implemented over the past academic year. That path began in September 2018 when a relaunch saw Coleg y Cymoedd assume full control of all academic and pastoral aspects of the Sixth Form Centre, resulting in a 6% rise in successful completion.    

Meeting with tutors also provided the opportunity to see first-hand how college staff have re-defined the education experience to ensure learner wellbeing receives as great a focus as providing first-class learning opportunities and access to rewarding extra-curricular activities.   

Speaking about her visit, the Education Minister, Kirsty Williams said: “Receiving your A-level results is a major event in many people’s lives. The festival atmosphere at the college was befitting of such an important milestone and was certainly more glamorous than when I received my A-level results a few years ago!

“Congratulations to the students and everyone at Coleg y Cymoedd on your success and thank you for welcoming me here today. I wish you all the best in your next challenge!”

Outstanding learner achievements from the day include Thomas Tiltman, 18, from Bedwas, who completed his Maths A-level one year early, aged just 16, for which he achieved an A*. Adding to this already impressive achievement, Thomas attained A*AA grades today in Physics, Further Maths, and Biology, securing his place to study Maths at Bath University – one of the best institutions in the UK to study the subject. The aspiring financier is now well on the way to achieving his career goals after landing a place on the highly regarded course, which will also include an invaluable industry placement year.

Similarly, eighteen-year-old Daniel Bray from Caerphilly is set to study Computer Science after achieving A*AB in Maths, Physics and Further Maths. The talented learner completed his full Maths A-level in just one year of study alongside his AS levels, achieving one of the highest results in Wales. Daniel independently taught himself how to code computer software and games and now hopes to develop a career in computer programming.

Meanwhile, twins Morgan and Lewis King, 18, are planning to take a vocational route to their chosen careers after receiving their A-level results. The brothers, who are poles apart in terms of subjects, with Morgan studying Film Studies, Media and Art, and Lewis studying Physics, Maths Further Maths and Chemistry are both planning to undertake apprenticeships, rather than full time university. Morgan, who dreams of working on the special effects and animation of blockbuster movies, plans to spend the summer working on developing his animation portfolio whilst looking for the perfect apprenticeship fit for him within the industry.

Established in 2012, the college’s Sixth Form Centre offers learners the choice of 24 AS and A-level subject options, as well as 6 BTEC Level Three options.  With over 300 learners receiving results today, Coleg y Cymoedd is the largest A-level provider across Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Minister for Education was joined by Karen Phillips, Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, who, congratulating learners, tutors and staff, said: “We are immensely proud of the incredible success that we have seen at Coleg y Cymoedd in our first year of taking full responsibility of all aspects of A-level provisions and learner experience.

“Over the last 12 months, we have worked tirelessly to provide learners with the highest possible quality of education while striving to provide an unrivalled level of pastoral care. The dedication of our tutors and support teams guarantees that every learner is given every opportunity to succeed.

“Supporting learners to achieve the very best they can involves far more than just helping them with their studies – it involves supporting them as an individual and inspiring them to go above and beyond.

“Today’s results are a credit to the supportive environment we have created. I’d like to thank and congratulate the entire teaching team for the dedication they have shown to supporting and motivating learners both academically and pastorally.

“I congratulate each and every one of our brilliant learners receiving their results and wish them the very best for the future, whether they plan to head to university, start an apprenticeship, undertake further education or training, or take their first steps on the career ladder.”

In addition to impressive A-level results, the college is also celebrating exceptional results for vocational learners, enabling them to progress to university, apprenticeships or the workplace.

Coleg y Cymoedd serves more than 10,000 learners from the boroughs of Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf and surrounding areas. In addition to A-levels, the college provides a wide selection of vocational courses including apprenticeships across its four campuses in Aberdare, Nantgarw, Rhondda, and Ystrad Mynach.

Limited places are still available for A-level and vocational courses starting in September 2019. For more information about the courses available and how to apply, visit www.cymoedd.ac.uk

“