Plans for Aberdare’s new multi-million pound campus are one step closer

A group of college construction learners gave back to their community by volunteering to redecorate a local school.

Twenty two learners on a level 1 Diploma in Painting and Decorating course at the Rhondda Campus of Coleg y Cymoedd undertook a project to paint classrooms at Porth County Community School.

This project was undertaken to improve the school aesthetically to ensure the best outcomes for the learners at Porth County, and to provide a realistic work experience for Coleg y Cymoedd construction learners. The project also helped towards the community participation element of the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.

Porth County as a school in an area of high social deprivation within the Rhondda needed a facelift on a minimal budget. Staff determined to improve the decoration of some parts of the school came up with a unique solution, to approach the college for this partnership initiative.

The group of construction learners from Rhondda Cynon Taf painted selected areas of the school over the period of a week. The most noticeable difference was the transformation in the Maths department where staff have seen a great improvement in the school pupil’s inspiration to learn.

Bev Cheetham, Deputy Head of Porth County said: “We now have two beautifully decorated classrooms, of the highest standards. The Coleg y Cymoedd learners were so polite, well behaved and respectful and were a real credit to the staff.

All Porth County staff commented on what mature, diligent individuals they were; a real credit to the college. This has had such an impact on both our staff and pupils morale.”

Kirah Keene aged 17 from Aberdare said: “This was a great idea to be part of, not only did I gain valuable practical experience by redecorating in a real life setting, it also felt great to be doing something to help out a local school. I really enjoyed it.”

Judith Evans, Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd said “This is a brilliant project for our learners. This initiative is just one example of the fantastic community service that can be done by working together. The learners were a credit to the professionalism of our staff and we are very proud of what they have achieved.”

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