Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/press-office/news-events/news/2026/09/university-is-nothing-to-be-scared-of--local-young-people-graduate-from-step-up-programme-designed-to-widen-access-to-university.php

Seventy young people from schools and colleges across south west Wales have celebrated graduating from the Step Up to Swansea University programme, at a special ceremony in front of their families and friends at the Taliesin Arts Centre.

09/09/2026

In Memory of Miss Peatey – Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge

For more than 25 years, Miss Peatey was an integral part of our school community, teaching generations of young people at Ynysawdre Comprehensive School and later Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen.

For thousands of former pupils, Miss Peatey will need no introduction.

She was a much-loved English teacher, colleague and friend whose warmth, humour and kindness left a lasting impression on so many people. If you were taught by Miss Peatey, chances are you have a story, a memory or a moment from her classroom that has stayed with you.

Following Miss Peatey's passing last year, we want to create something permanent to remember a teacher and friend who gave so much of her life to our school and its community.

On 19th September, a group of CCYD staff will attempt to complete the Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge in just 24 hours. They will be climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan in her memory.

We are raising money towards a permanent memorial for Miss Peatey, reflecting her love of nature and creating somewhere that pupils, staff, friends and former pupils can remember her. Part of the money raised will also be donated to The Brain Tumour Charity in her honour.

We would love the wider Ynysawdre and CCYD community, particularly the generations of pupils she taught, to get behind us.

If Miss Peatey taught you, made you laugh, encouraged you, believed in you, or simply left you with a memory that has stayed with you, please consider making a donation in her memory.

And if you aren't able to donate, please share this post. We'd love it to reach as many of Miss Peatey's former pupils, colleagues, friends and families as possible.

Donate here: https://gofund.me/cf4cacff0

Additionally, many more staff are joining the main group to climb Pen Y Fan at 6pm. Please feel free to join us!

Thank you for helping us create something lasting for someone who gave so much of herself to generations of our community.

09/09/2026

CCYD school photos this Friday.

09/09/2026

CCYD Alumni Return to Inspire the Next Generation
It was a truly special occasion at CCYD as we welcomed back five former pupils to share their experiences of life after school and the exciting journeys they have embarked upon since leaving us.
A huge thank you to Ella Partridge, Joshua Chi, Isla Pinches, Dafyd Roberts and Haf Higgins, who delivered inspiring presentations to our current learners, offering valuable insights into further education, university life and the opportunities that await beyond CCYD.
Dafyd Roberts began his journey at Coleg y Cymoedd studying an Art Foundation Course before progressing to study Illustration at Plymouth University. After successfully graduating, Dafyd is now undertaking a Master's degree and has aspirations of completing a teaching qualification to further strengthen his future career opportunities.
Ella Partridge and Isla Pinches are both studying a Creative Media degree at Swansea University. They spoke passionately about embracing every opportunity available to them, from lectures and workshops to the many experiences that university life has to offer.
Haf Higgins, who is studying Illustration at Cardiff Met University, shared how she has truly "found her people", describing how she has connected with like-minded students who understand and share her creativity, passion and ideas.
Finally, we heard from Joshua Chi, who is studying Animation at Bournemouth University. Josh spoke honestly about overcoming his fears of moving away to university, from making new friends and organising accommodation to managing finances. Naturally quiet and humble, Josh has grown tremendously in confidence and is now flourishing in his new environment.
It was wonderful to see all five former pupils speaking so confidently and passionately about their experiences. Their enthusiasm, resilience and achievements were truly inspiring for our current learners.
It was also particularly heartwarming to hear each of them express their gratitude to Mrs Oliver and Mrs Keane for their unwavering support, encouragement and continued dedication throughout their educational journeys.
We would like to wish these outstanding ambassadors for CCYD every success in their continued studies and future careers. We are incredibly proud of all that you have achieved and look forward to seeing where your journeys take you next.
Congratulations to you all. You will always be part of the CCYD family!

09/09/2026

Celebrating an Incredible Sporting Talent at CCYD!

A huge congratulations to Poppy-Ray Rees, Year 8, who continues to achieve outstanding success on the kickboxing and karate stage, proudly representing Wales, her club and her community.

Last weekend, Poppy-Ray added to her growing collection of accolades by winning Gold and Silver medals in Points Fighting and Blitz at the Welsh Kickboxing/Karate Championships.

Her achievements over the couple of years have been nothing short of remarkable:

June 2026 – Won two Gold medals and one Silver medal at the NGK Open, competing for Wales in Weapons Form and Points Fighting (Karate).

August 2025 – Became a World Champion, winning Gold in Scotland at the World Championships while representing Wales in Points Fighting (Karate).

Poppy-Ray's dedication, discipline and determination are truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.

Please join us in congratulating Poppy-Ray on her phenomenal success!

08/09/2026

Huge congratulations to Year 13 student Amber Lloyd who passed her driving test today. You showed real resilience and never gave up trying, we are all very proud of you.

08/09/2026

Fantastic Achievement for Year 9 Learner Ava!

We are delighted to celebrate Ava's incredible success at the Welsh National U16 Tennis Championships, where she went on to win the U16 Plate Tournament!

What makes this achievement even more special is the determination and resilience Ava showed throughout the competition. After not progressing through the main draw, she kept competing with a positive mindset and worked her way to an impressive tournament victory against talented players from across Wales.

Ava represented herself brilliantly, displaying excellent sportsmanship and a fantastic attitude on and off the court. Her hard work, commitment and dedication to tennis have truly paid off.

Congratulations, Ava. We are incredibly proud of you!

07/09/2026

The Year 12 Introduction evening scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday the 8th) has unfortunately been postponed. Once a new date is decided this will be published. Thank you.