Josef Meek - Head Boy

My name is Josef Meek, and I am fortunate enough to have the role of Head boy this year. I am a former pupil of Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun Cae Gurwen, and I have chosen to study Performing Arts, Drama and Public Services as my A levels. As head boy this year, I hope to take on the role of the school's pupil voice and to inspire younger students by setting a good example. I’d like to provide assistance so that they can achieve and participate in the fantastic things that I have been able to do during my time at Ystalyfera. From competing within F1 in Schools, Eisteddfod’s, Rugby, Football Welsh Cups to playing part in the school's productions. I have always felt at home at Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera. I have received so much support being a part of this institution, and as a result, I have been able to grow as a person and participate in and achieve things I never imagined I could. It's a pleasure to take the position of Head Boy, and I am looking forward to fulfilling it.

Sophie Richards - Head Girl

My name is Sophie Richards and I'm so happy and excited to be selected as Head Girl this year. I went to Sennybridge Primary School, and now I'm studying Biology, Physics and Maths as A levels at Canolfan Gwenallt. Outside of school I am a member of a Young Farmers Club and part of a 'Tug of War' team. During my time at Ystalyfera I have enjoyed many opportunities in many different areas, and learned so many new and key skills. Through these experiences I have improved my confidence and met many of my long term friends through our similar interests .I received a lot of help during my time at the school, and I'm looking forward to passing that support on to the younger pupils of the school. I look forward to many new and exciting opportunities this year.

Rhodri Lewis - Head Boy

My name is Rhodri Lewis and I'm honored to be elected as Head Boy at Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur. I’m a former student of Ysgol Gynradd Cwmllynfell and have chosen to study Physical Education, Drama and Business Studies as my A-Level Subjects. During my time at the school, I've been privileged to represent the school in various events, specifically in the fields of Performing and Sports. I have been able to develop and create new skills along the way, which has allowed me to be a confident and independent young man. I’m looking forward to the challenges and responsibilities that come with being Head Boy of the school, and hopefully I can pass my knowledge to the younger pupils of the school and show them why they made the right choice of coming and pursuing their educational journey at Ystalyfera. 

Anna Johnson

My name is Anna Johnson and it is a privilege to receive the Deputy Head Girl role. I am a former pupil of Ysgol Gymraeg Dyffryn y Glowyr and I have decided to expand my education in the sixth form to study Biology, Music and English Literature A level, with the intention of studying nursing in university. During my time here in Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera, the school has offered numerous outstanding opportunities which have been unforgettable to me and over the last five years I have received a great deal of support. I am incredibly grateful for everything the school has given to me and I will use the skills I have developed here in university. Therefore, as the Deputy Head Girl I would like to set an example to the younger pupils and ensure that they receive the same support and experiences I had. Without a doubt, I will enjoy helping and working with the pupils and make certain that they are happy and coping with their work.

Iestyn Harris-Barfoot

My name is Iestyn Harris-Barfoot, and I am lucky enough to accept the role of Deputy Head boy this year. I am a former pupil of Ysgol Gymraeg Pontardawe, and I have chosen to study History, Geography and English language as my A levels. This year, as Deputy Head boy, I would like to help inspire younger pupils by creating a good example, and also by giving them support to be able to achieve and take part in the amazing things I have been able to do during my time here at Ystalyfera. By being a part of this school, I have received so much support, and through this, I have been able to develop as a person and take part and achieve things I never thought I would. It is a pleasure to accept the role of Deputy Head Boy, and I look forward to carrying on this role. 

Molly Davis

My name is Molly Davis and I am fortunate enough to be deputy head girl this year. I am a former student of Ysgol Gymraeg Dyffryn y Glowyr and come from Ystradgynlais. I have chosen to study biology, physical education and english literature with the hope of studying biomedical studies in university. Over the last few years, I have achieved many different, impressive things in the school, such as being a part of the school netball team since starting in Ystalyfera. These attributes have allowed me to develop as an individual and improve my social skills. I hope to influence change in the school with my time as a prefect and hope to inspire children younger than me. I thoroughly enjoy my role, and hope to improve the school in many ways, such as improving the school’s environmental awareness. I am incredibly grateful to receive this responsibility and will ensure I do my best.

Joshua Phillips

Hello, my name is Josh Phillips. I am thrilled to have been chosen as one of two deputy head boys for this year. Before Ystalyfera I went to Pontardawe Welsh primary school. I am currently studying computer science, mathematics and physics for my A-levels at Canolfan Gwenallt sixth form. Outside of school I try to keep fit by going to the gym or playing football with my friends. Also, I enjoy listening to music, playing video games and trying new things like learning languages or new instruments. My time in Ystalyfera has really built me as an individual in a variety of areas. The support I’ve received from school has grown my confidence to try things I never would have considered in the past and has also taught me a variety of life skills. School has really helped me discover what my interests are and how to pursue them. In Ystalyfera I have met amazing people and have made many lifelong friends. I am excited about seeing what opportunities and challenges the upcoming year and the further future will bring.

Efa Jones - Head Girl

Shwmae, my name is Efa Jones and it was a privilege and an honour to accept the challenge of being the first Head Girl of Bro Dur, I hope that I will serve the school in a way that will contribute to the success and growth of this new school. One of my greatest strengths is my total dedication and infectious enthusiasm for a wide range of day-to-day school activities. I love contributing to success and raising the profile of our young school, and feel that I have benefited so much from what the school has offered me. This roll is a way of enabling me to give something back to the school, to thank for the countless opportunities and memorable experiences I have received here. 

In terms of my leadership, I am a conscientious, organised, caring, positive and active person and I am always ready for a challenge. I can assure you that I will do my utmost for the whole community of our special school. I would like to think that I am a girl with a friendly nature who welcomes children of all ages to come to me for help, advice or support.

As Head Girl, one of my priorities will be to try to identify the hopes and concerns of my classmates so that they have the opportunity to experience the same happiness and feeling of belonging that I have experienced in recent years. I will try to represent all the voices of the other pupils to the best of my ability. I am passionate about the Welsh language, which is the language of my household. The ability to speak Welsh is a privilege and the opportunity to attend a Welsh-medium school is a privilege. Not only as Head Girl, as one of the school's eldest pupils, we have a duty to show, on a daily basis, that we take every opportunity to communicate, learn and play through the medium of Welsh. Without a doubt, trying to encourage my classmates to use Welsh within the school will be a priority for me.

It is a great pleasure to be the Head Girl and I shall try to fulfil my role with energy, enthusiasm and a great big smile. Having said that, I am sensible and mature enough to realise that I have much to learn about the work and the challenges, but with the ready support of peers and staff, we will achieve great things.

Morgan Francis - Head Boy

Shwmae, I am Morgan Francis, and I am the first Head Boy of Bro Dur. It was a privilege and an honour to accept this role, and I hope that I will play a huge part in the school's success. I am a pupil in year eleven, one of the pupils in the first year ever at Bro Dur. I am a person who takes school very seriously, and does my best at all times in the classroom or whilst representing the school. The privilege of being a Head Boy has given the opportunity to give the back to the school, mainly the teachers for all the memorable experiences I have had as the school has grown. I am extremely grateful for the things that the teachers have done for me educationally, but more than that, have helped me develop myself as a better person.

It is clear to me that this privilege requires patience, respect, care, the ability to work well in a team and to support the reputation of the school. I am aware of the responsibility of being a role model for the school to visitors and the youngest pupils in the school who are looking for some kind of leader, after the transition from primary to secondary school. Also, I see that our school's pupils need a role model, someone who can be a friend to everyone whilst making school life comfortable, safe and enjoyable all the time. I can certainly offer all this and I aim to help create one large community in Bro Dur.

I'm a person to whom leadership comes naturally; be that as captain of rugby teams or as house captain. I have represented the school a number of times academically and in extra-curricular activities. I would regard myself as a person who is easy to talk to, and a person who is highly respected by the oldest and youngest pupils of the school. I love the responsibility as the voice of the pupils in the school, giving feedback and opinions to the teachers and leaders of the school.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the final year, although it will be sad to go, I will be able to look back at my experience at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Dur with sweet memories. 

Chief Officers: Maddie Pritchard, Mali Loader, Lowri Gleaves, Tyler Kelly

Officers: Ellie Breach, Aled Davies, Eleri Lavis, Alisha Denner, Ashton Hewitt, Lewys Smith, Meagan Griffiths, Mea Verallo, Lili Walford.