Canolfan S4C Yr Egin opens its doors to Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur

13 July 2023

Canolfan S4C Yr Egin, in collaboration with the Widening Access Team at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David has recently opened its doors to Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur to give them a taste of what the centre has to offer.

One hundred and twenty year 10 pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur attended Yr Egin to take part in a variety of workshops. At the heart of the creative sector in south-west Wales, Canolfan S4C Yr Egin located on the Carmarthen campus of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, inspires creativity and imagination, and cultivates talent for the future.

These workshops were intended to open the doors of Canolfan Yr Egin to pupils, and to introduce them to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David at the same time, and show them potential career pathways as well as the importance of using the Welsh language.

Pupils had the opportunity to attend a music-making workshop with renowned musician Steffan Rhys Williams, an employment workshop with Natalie Jones of S4C and a performance workshop led by one of Yr Egin’s staff, Lowri Siôn. Pupils also had the opportunity to take part in a workshop introducing future technology using VR equipment.

Karen Grayson-Cooper, a teacher at Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur said:

“It has been a fantastic, eventful day, which has given our pupils countless ideas about future prospects and the importance of the Welsh language. It is wonderful that our pupils have had this opportunity. Thank you!”

Pupils in blue uniform sweatshirts sit at a long table making notes with biros.

Rhodri Noakes, Widening Access Officer at UWTSD said,

“It was great to see so many pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur joining us on our Carmarthen campus for activities in partnership with Yr Egin. As a Widening Access Team, we appreciate the partnership work with Yr Egin with the aim of increasing the skills and knowledge of the young people we work with in schools.

“As part of our masterclasses programme in schools, linked to PSE days, pupils have attended workshops during the year where we have delivered workshops looking at moulding careers. These campus visits were an opportunity for them to further develop their skills and expand their knowledge of future career options and opportunities.

“Another aim of the event was to get pupils to use their Welsh in a different atmosphere outside of school, and it was good to see their confidence grow throughout the day. It was great to see so many pupils enjoying their time with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in partnership with Yr Egin.”

Llinos Jones, Canolfan S4C Yr Egin’s Engagement Officer added,

“It is always a pleasure to have young people coming through the doors of Canolfan S4C Yr Egin. Young people bring with them so much new, fresh and creative ideas. It is hoped that days like this will expand their sense of the digital world and the opportunities available to them. We believe in nurturing their potential and giving all young people the opportunity to develop their digital skills in the company of experts in the field.”

If your school would like to visit Canolfan S4C Yr Egin, or collaborate with the Widening access team, contact helo@yregin.cymru