History of the School
Summary of events leading to the erection of the
Pontllanfraith Secondary School
and brief history 1908-1945
It appears that it was first decided by the Monmouthshire County Council to build a Secondary School/Pupil Teachers Centre at Pontllanfraith about 1907 and then, as now, when new projects are planned, objections were made by various local associations and interested bodies.
In February 1908 the Tredegar Group of School Managers passed a resolution "protesting; at the setting up of a Pupil Teacher Centre at Tredegar Junction which would involve moving pupil teachers at present under instruction at the County School to the. new centre".
Tredegar U.D.C. received the news with regret that “the Pupil Teacher Centre was to be moved from Tredegar to Tredegar Junction inview of the fact that the train service on the Sirhowy Valley -is to be much improved". Whilst the following resolution was received on 25.3.08 from the Pengam, Fleur-de-Lys and District Ratepayers Association and the Bedwas Parish Council “We protest emphatically against erection of a Pupil Teachers Centre at Tredegar Junction toserve the Rhymney Valley and pledge itself to do its utmost to securefrom the C.C. resolution withdrawing their intention of carrying out the unnecessary and unfair expenditure. The meeting is of a future opinion that the proposed Pupil Teacher Centre should be placed in the Rhymney Valley”.
Support was, however, forthcoming from the Pontllanfraith Ratepayers Association and the Mynyddislwyn it U.D.C. that “The Monmouthshire C.C. strongly adheres to its previous decision to erect a P.T.C. at Tredegar Junction and requests the Council to receive a deputation”. The objections were over-ruled and the Council took steps in May 1909 to purchase two acres of land adjoining the main road but the Welsh Department of the Board of Education would only give approval if a further two acres were purchased to provide playing fields and thus would enable the school site to be moved further from the railway and would prevent any objectionable noise from the railway traffic.
ln July 1909 the Council informed the Welsh Department of the Board of Education, London, that it had decided to change the name from the Tredegar Junction Secondary School to Pontllanfraith Secondary School and loan consent from the local Government Board for £2,975.0.0. was obtained to purchase land (to be repaid over 60 years). It was in 1911 before negotiations were completed -and the site was eventually purchased from Sir Ivor J. C. Herbert for the sum of £3,113.0.4.
On 27th June 1913 a Board of Education conference was fixed with M.C.C. and other public bodies to discuss the proposals to establish Secondary Schools at Newbridge and Pont. The First World War between 1914-1918 prevented any further progress being made in erecting the school, but shortly afterwards the Sites and Building and Trust Endowment Committee on 20.4.21 considered the following letter received from the Llanarth Estate Agent “That the Tredegar Iron Coal Company purchase a strip of land along the northwest boundary of the school site to construct a tramway or aerial railway in connection-with the new, colliery to be sunk on neighbouring land. The deputation who visited the site agreed that it was impossible to construct a school between the site of a colliery and its adjacent tipping ground, therefore refused the request. (The proposed new pit was to be built near the new lslwyn Borough Council Offices and the tipping ground would have been at the Penllwyn. )
On 13.6.23 preliminary sketch plans for a new Central School on the site for a proposed Secondary School showed accommodation for 252 pupils and provided room for further extensions. The ground floor provision was for seven classrooms, cloakroom and toilet room, manual instruction room and space left for the future erection of an assembly hall. On the first floor a chemical and physical laboratory was shown together with domestic arts and art room.
On 23.8.1923 a statutory notice of intent under Section 18(1) of the Education Act 1921 was published to provide a new Public Elementary Central School for 252 children at Pontllanfraith. (The Council's reason not to proceed with a Secondary School is not clear). In September an objection was received from the Tredegar Managers to the building of a Central School and not a Secondary School because of the lack of secondary facilities between Pontywaun and Tredegar. It was, however, resolved by the Council to proceed with the Central School and the cost with furniture and fittings presented to the committee in November amounted to £16,500.0.0. Shortage of money was then as acute as it is today and the Welsh Department, because of financial problems, would not support a further Central Elementary School in view of the opening of schools at Chepstow and Rhymney. Also as the Council proposed to build Elementary schools in neighbouring villages the proposed school would serve no purpose to solve the present overcrowding in other local schools. The Board did, however, suggest that the submitted plans and buildings are suitable for a secondary school and asked that the Council consider building a secondary school but reduce the cost by building only one laboratory.
The architect reported that by omitting a physics laboratory and art room about £1,200.0.0. would be saved reducing the cost to about £13,800.0.0. A deputation from the Council on 28th February 1924 to the Welsh Board to discuss Secondary Education resulted in the plan to erect a Secondary School and in June the plans submitted were approved. Expenditure was not to exceed £22,450 and would be for 188 pupils and consist of seven classrooms, Hall, Manual Instruction room, Gymnasium, Chemistry and Physics laboratories, Cookery room, staff room, cloakrooms and a sitting and bedroom for domestic science studies.
On 17th December 1924 the Council accepted the tender of £20,994 from Mr. Leadbetter, 10 Conway Road, Newport. In August 1926, with the building rapidly progressing, the first Headmaster, Mr. D. Bowen of Tredegar, shown here, was appointed, and Mr. Sidney Park was appointed Caretaker.
The School opened with fifteen free places approved by the Welsh Department. The official opening was carried out on 14th January 1927 by Alderman J. Crew, and in March 1928 the final payment for the School was made. a total of £22,051 .10.8. 2 s The first meeting of the School Governors was held on 2nd February 1927 with Ald. Crew as Chairman and Councillor J. J. Panes as Vice Chairman. The Headmaster stated that 103 pupils were in attendance, 49 being transferred from Secondary Schools in the area. Attention was drawn to the state of the playing field which had not been levelled or drained.
.On 13th April 1927, the Director of Education presented to the Governors the estimated expenditure for 1927/28, and it may interest readers to know details:—
Principal John of Caerleon was the Speaker at the first Speech Day on 22nd January 1929. When the caretaker resigned in February 1929, there were some 400 applicants for the post — a sign of the unemployment at the time. In June 1930 recommended reduction of the Tuition fees of £5 per annum, but in 1933 they were raised to £6 per annum. ln 1931, the Senior Mistress resigned, and Miss M. G. Phillips was appointed to the position.
In 1932, the Headmaster applied for an electric and a gas cooker for Domestic Science instruction owing to the unsatisfactory condition of the Kitchen Range. He again reported the bad condition of the playing field. Congratulations were sent to Mr. Edgar Phillips on Winning the Chair at the National Eisteddfod in 1933. The Chair in the School hall was won by Mr. Phillips at the Pontypool Eisteddfod in 1926 (the year of the School's foundation).
The Headmaster reported the absence of a pupil aged 14, and it was understood that he was working at Wyllie Colliery. V The Teaching Staff numbered 13 (8 men and 5 women) and 2 part-time Staff.
In 1936, the School population had risen to 256 pupils, with a Sixth Form of 21. In June 1937, the Headmaster reported that the School playing field had been laid and should provide a good surface for summer and winter games. A Tennis Court was built in a corner of the field. The official opening of the field was carried out by Alderman Murphy in November 1936, and a cycle shed was erected. In spite of numerous requests for showers for the Gymnasium, none were built, and it is interesting to read from a Board of Education Report of March 1937. "The value of the Gymnasium would be greatly increased if shower baths were installed. Moreover visiting teams find the lavatory basins a very poor substitute for baths".
With the outbreak of war in 1939, few other items of importance happened. The Central Welsh Board was asked in 1940 to take into account when marking, the interruptions caused by air raids and the consequent nervous strain on pupils sitting examinations; In 1941, the Air-raid Warden's post was transferred to the School and occupied the changing rooms in the Gym. - The School Canteen was erected, and the first meals were served in September 1946. f Mr, David Bowen, the first Headmaster, retired on March 31st 1945, and was succeeded by Mr. C. B. Rowlands, the Senior Master. Mr Rowlands can be seen in both the photos of cricket and tennis below.
The following taken from the 1950 school Magazine detailing events between 1945 and 1950
SCHOOL HISTORY
September 1945 - June 1949
1945
Sept.-Admission of three Forms, for the first time in the history of the School.
Oct.-Mr. T. H. Garrett commenced duties, following the departure of Mr. Gordon Jones to Bakewell, Derbyshire.
Nov. 26th'30th.-National Savings Thanksgiving Week, Total:- £1,722 18s 6d.
Nov. 30th.--325 pupils visited the Maxime Cinema to see' Henry V.
1946
Jan. 8th.-Mrs. Margaret James commenced duties, following departure of Miss F. M. Oliver to Cardiff High School.
Feb. 1st.---Miss Hughes Jones began, in place of Miss Audrey Price,who left on the occasion of her marriage.
March 20th & 21st.-Production of school Play Pride and Prejudice at Church Hall, Pontllanfraith.
May 30th.--Prize Distribution. Speaker: Mr. C. Chegwidden, M.A.,Warden of Aberdare Valley Educational Settlement.
July 18th, 19th & 20th.-Arts & Crafts Exhibition: opened by A. B. Oldfie1d Davies, Esq., Director of B.B.C., Cardiff.
July 22nd.-School's Victory Tea on the Terrace.
Sept.-Mr. R. J. Glencross began, in the place of Mrs. Megan Hopkins.
Oct. 17th.-Lecture by Dr. Nash Williams: Monmouthshire in Roman 'Times.
Oct. 21st.---Arrival of Mlle. Jacqueline Conty: first French Assistant.
Nov. 7th.-Visit of Form VI to Monmouthshire Assizes.
1947
Jan.-Mr. E. J Bond took up duties in place of Mr. E. 0. Jones, who left to become Lecturer in Llandrindod Training College.
Jan. 25th.--Form VI (English students) visited Royal Theatre, Bristol, to see King Leas,
Feb. 4th.-Opening of School Canteen. First menu: Roast beef, potatoes, carrots; jam tart & custard.
March 6th.-Climax of very severe weather: only 51 pupils present.
March 26th.--Cancellation of trip to Holland; to great disappointment of all.
May 7th.-Musical Lecture given by Mr. & Mrs. Archie Camden.
May 29th.---Prize Distribution. Speaker: A. B. Oldfield Davies, Esq., Director of B.B.C., Cardiff.
Sept. lOth.-Mr. W. Sweet began duties in place of Mr. T. J. Rees, appointed Assistant County Inspector.
Sept. 23rd.-Miss Sheila Fennessey began in place of Mrs. Margaret James.
Oct. 30th.--Twenty pupils, the Headmaster, and two members of staff, spent the day in London: visited the House of Commons, the Tower, saw Buckingham Palace, and finally 'The Ice Rievue.
Oct.-Return of Brian Thomas from Newfoundland, visited by British Public Schools Exploration Society.
1948
Jan. 27th.-Thirty-two senior pupils saw Androcles ~ the Lion, performed by Bassaleg Grammar School.
Feb. 5th.-Thirty-three pupils and two staff visited the" Van Gogh " Exhibition in Birmingham.
Feb. 13th.-·Members of the Historical &1 Geographical Society visited Rexville (Lovells Sweets), Caldicot Castle &1 Goldcliffe Sea Wall.
March 23rd.-David Macneish awarded Kemsley Scholarship of £100 for Public Schools Exploration Society.
April-Arrival of Mlle. Marie-Louise Lanchou.
April 27th.-Two hundred pupils attended concert given by "Western Philharmonic Orchestra."
May 3rd.-Thirty-five members of H. &1 G. Society visited Ewenny Pottery, Ewenny Priory, Marcross & Llantwit Major Church.
May 24th.-Form IV pupils made brief tour of the County, visiting Abergavenny, Grwyne Fawr, Skenfrith, Tintern &1 Chepstow.
May 27th.-Pria;e Distribution. Speaker: Alderman Sidney jones.
June 4th.-Forty-five pupils saw production of Little Women.
July .14th.-.Visit of "West Country Children's Theatre Company," who produced Abralwm Lincoln.
July 19th.---Forty pupils visited Cardiff Museum, and the Cactus Gardens, Roath Park.
July 21st.---Two bus loads of Forms V & VI visited Stratford-on- Avon, and saw A Winter's 'Tale. Thirty-nine pupils visited St. Pagan's,
July 23rd.--The First Swimming Gala in the history of the School.
July 28th.-·-One bus load of Forms V &"' VI visited Stratford-on- Avon, and saw Hamlet.
Sept.-Mrs. Mary Edwards began duties, with the introduction of the Pre- Nursing Course.
Sept. 17th.--Arrival of Mlle. Beziat,
Sept. 24th.-Lecture by Mlle. Ouetit, French Embassy, London.
Oct. 26th.---Lecture by Mr. W. G. Morris, Pengam, on 'The Earty Greek Theatre.
Nov. Ist.--Visit of Historical & Geographical Society members to Houses of Parliament, London.
Dec. 17th.--School Carol Srevice.
1949
Jan. 2Oth.-·-Lantern Lecture by Dr. Iowerth Peate, of Welsh Folk Museum, Cardiff.
Feb. 9th.-Lecture by Det. Sergt. Passey, Blackwood.
Feb. 16th.-Lecture by Mr. Hugh Parry, Probation Officer.
Feb. 24th.-Visit by pupils of Form VI: saw Much Ado about Nothing, produced by Bargoed Grammar School pupils.
Feb. 28th.--Visit of members of H. &"' G. Society to Messrs. Guest, Keen &1 Nettlefolds Works, Cardiff.
March 8th.-Lecture by Mr. Giardelli, London, to the Art pupils.
March 25th.-Lecture by Mr. E. O. Thomas, N.C.B., Tredegar on " India. " . '
March 28th.-Fifty pupils visited Bedwellty Grammar School to hear Lecture given by Messrs. Dobson & Young.
March 31st.-Visit of Form VI.B. pupils to C.E.W.C. Conference at Cardiff.
April 6th.-Visit of Forms V &1 VI to Pontypool, to see 'The Merchant of Venice, produced by the boys of West Mon. School.
May 7th.- Visit of H. & G. Society members to Tretower Court Brecon Cathedral, and_Penderyn Caves. '
May 24th.-Lecture to Form I by Mr. Lloyd Morris, R.S.P . .c.A.
May 26th.-Prize Distribution. Speaker: Professor E. J. Jones, Swansea.
June 23rd.-Visit of Welsh pupils to the Proclamation Ceremony of the National Eisteddfod at Caerphilly.