Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative

The Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council has played host to winners of the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative.

Cllr Daff Davies welcomed pupils from Ysgol y Fro, Drefach School, Penboyr School, Llannon School, Llanelli, Johnstown School and Llanllwni School to the Chairman’s Room in County Hall.

The schools were all winners in the project which involved carrying out research on subjects such as the plans to flood part of the Lower Gwendraeth Valley and Carmarthen local history.

School Improvement Officer Geraint Bevan said: “There is a long tradition of Carmarthenshire schools entering the Initiative and doing well. A fifth of the prize winners were Carmarthenshire schools. It is a chance for the schools to highlight the research they’ve done.”

The Initiative, which has been running for 24 years, is sponsored by the First Minister.

Each year, the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative Committee invites infant, primary, secondary schools, special schools (for children with special needs), Sixth Form and Further Education Colleges to undertake heritage projects and to submit them for the nationwide heritage competition.

These projects require research, collection of materials, analysis and evaluation.

They may result in booklets, exhibitions, performances, restoration work, models and materials using information technology and communications technology.

Pupils are encouraged to involve their community and people of different generations in their projects, and to disseminate their findings.