Blaengwawr Comprehensive School
Blaengwawr Comprehensive School (Ysgol Gyfun Blaengwawr) is found in the village of Aberaman, near Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf.The school's catchment area includes the communities of Aberaman, Cwmaman, Godreaman and Abercwmboi. It is a mixed school with over 750 girls and boys. Included in this number are approximately 160 pupils attending from outside the catchment area. The main feeder Primary schools include Blaengwawr, Oaklands, Glynhafod and Cap Coach.The school also houses the Special Support Centre for pupils throughout the Cynon Valley who have physical or hearing difficulties.Cynon Valley ConsortiumThe school is a founding member of the Cynon Valley Consortium which allows Sixth Form students to commute to nearby schools to continue their studies and share resources. Transport between schools is provided and run by Blaengwawr. The schools take turns in leading the consortium each year. Registers are shared between the schools through a WAN , allowing each school to track the attendance of all pupils involved. Each year the Consortium holds a Parents' evening for all of the teachers, parents and students involved. These started in the local sports centre, but have recently been held in the leading school.FacilitiesThe school has been able to build a brand new Astroturf which is now used by the school's and local football, hockey and other sports teams. It is a full sized, floodlit pitch with football and hockey nets.The main hall showcases an impressive pipe organ. The visible pipes are for display purposes only, and can be seen in almost all of the school's year group photographs since its installation, under Headmaster Mr. S George. It is a 2-manual and pedalboard electric pipe organ with a detached, semi-portable console. The organ is playable, but does show signs of wear-and-tear, mainly due to it being situated at the front of the main hall, which doubles as the school canteen. It is currently only used in the school's annual Prize Evening. Blaengwawr is the only school in Rhondda Cynon Taf to have a working pipe organ.
