Celebrating 40 Years

It was a big year for Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr in 2024–25, as we celebrated its 40th anniversary with a feast of events for the wider school family. Learners and current staff had opportunities to learn about the school’s history, and to enjoy celebrations that included former pupils and former staff members.

School Show – ‘Back to the 80’s’

With rehearsals already underway since summer term 2024, we hit the ground running in September as the Drama, Music and Art departments collaborated to produce the show ‘Back to the 80s’ to mark the school’s 40th anniversary.

Rehearsals were diligent, and it was wonderful to see the learners’ enjoyment as they immersed themselves completely in the music and fashion of the era.

As part of the preparations, a “Back to the 80s Day” was held, with staff and pupils wearing 80s clothing and enjoying music from the time. Some even managed to dig out the original fashion items they’d worn back then!

Taliesin Theatre

In the Taliesin Theatre at the start of November, on went the legwarmers and shoulder pads as we stepped into the time machine for an evening of fun with 1980s music and fashion. With an original script by our deputy head, Mr Gareth Williams—skilfully woven around two intertwined love stories—it was a vibrant performance from a large cast, with an enthusiastic contribution from the audience during the final song. It was an electrifying experience for both performers and audience, with plenty of singing and dancing from the seats as well as the stage, while we followed the ups and downs of the characters in the vibrant early days of Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr.

Huge thanks go to the Music and Drama departments for the dynamic performance, to the DT and Art departments for producing the set, and to the many staff members and parents who helped by playing instruments, organising costumes, coordinating the cast and working behind the scenes to make it such a successful production. It was an energetic start to the school’s 40th anniversary celebrations!

40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner

After the busy run of performances, there was an opportunity to relax in the company of old friends, as staff from all periods of the school’s history gathered for a grand dinner at the King Arthur Hotel on the Gower Peninsula. Entertainment was provided by a folk group and there was a speech by the Headteacher, Mr Jeffrey Connick, who spoke of his own experiences as a staff member, and acknowledged his debt to former headteachers and everyone who has been part of the Gŵyr Family over the last 40 years.

It was a wonderful atmosphere in which to mark the school’s special birthday and reminisce with colleagues. Thanks to Mr Ben Roberts and the team for organising a very successful evening.

Sports Tournament

The school had the opportunity to celebrate its sporting achievements in February 2025, with an evening of netball and rugby matches between teams of former pupils. The event was held at Gowerton Rugby Club, providing a chance to socialise and share memories after the exercise.

There was plenty of fun, and once again it was a tribute to the school’s influence that so many responded to the call to take part—and brought their families too. Thanks to Mrs Sara Thomas for organising a very successful event.

40th Anniversary Concert

To end the academic year, a grand concert was held in the Brangwyn Hall, showcasing the cultural talents of past and present learners, including performances by pupils and staff choirs, choirs of former pupils (who showed dedication by attending rehearsals on weekends in the run-up to the final performance), folk-dance groups, and musical performances by current and former pupils.

Interwoven throughout the evening were former pupils compering the proceedings —Lowri Morgan, Rhodri Owen, Meleri Williams, Rhys Williams, Owain Clarke and others—performances by soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, harpist and folk musician Angharad Jenkins, singer-songwriter Geraint Rhys Whittaker, soloist Liam Edwards, pianist William Morris and more. Others came to the stage to share heartfelt accounts of their time at the school.

It was an unforgettable evening that testified to the passion within the school family and the respect felt towards it in its wider community. It was lovely to see so many friends of the school in the audience, giving the opportunity to thank all who have been part of the school’s story over the past 40 years.

To close the performances, the school choirs united to sing a new piece, with music by former deputy head Eric Jones and words by current deputy Gareth Williams: *Dathlu’r Deugain* (*Celebrating the Forty*). It was an emotional, exhilarating evening, with the S4C programme *Heno* broadcasting a well-deserved feature on the history of Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr and Welsh-medium education in Swansea. Our sincere thanks go to Miss Carwen George, Mrs Meinir Richards, Mrs Anne Morris and everyone who prepared current and former pupils for the evening’s entertainment.