Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot have received a grant of £4,855 for “Gair y Ddraig” a newspaper which is produced by the young people at Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera from the lottery-funded grants programme ‘Make it Happen’.

The grant will enable the young people to produce their own newspaper which will be distributed within the Courier of the South Wales Evening Post (Neath Port Talbot edition).

Project Manager Alun Pugh is thrilled at the award. He said “The money will enable young people to aquire new skills and produce their very own newspaper which will make a real difference. The process was fast and easy – I would recommend the Make it Happen grants programme.”

For further information on Make it Happen or to obtain an application pack please call 01686 611740 or visit the website at www.big lotteryfund.org.uk

Thursday, 3 March this year, approximately 200 pupils from Year 7 at Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera celebrated the World Book Day in the company of author and commentator Alun Wyn Bevan. Mr Bevan was introduced to the young people by Mrs Marilyn Pugh, Head of Year 7 at the school.

Mr Bevan spoke about all kinds of books, humorous, novels, poetry and of course his favourite subject, sport. During the time he spoke, he succeeded with ease to keep the full attention of all those present. Nobody talking, nobody moving, everybody listening to what was a very interesting presentation.

We would like to thank Mr Bevan for finding time in his very busy schedule, Mr Eurig Davies, Headteacher and Mrs Marilyn Pugh, Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera for their cooperation in arranging the event, not forgeting of course the pupils who reacted so well during the mornings session.

Mock Interviews were held during November and December 2006 at Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera and Neath College, with the aim of providing students with effective interview guidance whilst helping them develop the skills they will need in the job market and in higher education.

Staff from Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot along with various other organisations volunteered to conduct mock interviews. Each interviewer was briefed prior to the session explaining their role and how mock interviews play a key role in helping young people develop the skills they need in the job market.

Pupils undertook a mock interview with a volunteer employer for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, at the end of which the employer presented positive, constructive feedback. Throughout the interviews young people were encouraged to describe in positive terms, their talents, interests and skills and list their achievements in and out of school.

Prior to the mock interview some students completed ‘practice application forms’ demonstrating their ability to sift, select and provide appropriate evidence which helps promote a positive self-image when making applications. This information also helps the employer during the interview and provides students with greater awareness of what is required in the completion of application forms.

The Youth Officers from Menter Iaith Castell Nedd Port Talbot, Menter Iaith Abertawe and Menter Dyffryn Aman decided that together they would like to arrange trip for young people to Cardiff. The only worry the three shared was that by arranging a trip for teenagers from different schools and different villages would they get on, mix and make new friends. The staff were delighted to see firstly how popular the trip became and also how successful the trip was. The worries were put to rest as soon as the young people got on the bus, as they soon mixed, made friends and shared experiences and also shared in the excitement of the trip.

The first stop of the day was an official tour of the Millennium Stadium. The pride and enjoyment of the young people was obvious as they toured around the stadium, possibly following Wales winning the Grand Slam last season. They were chuffed as they saw the changing rooms, heard the history of the stadium and even have photos with life-size cardboard cut outs of the Welsh Players. They even had a chance to lift a cup where Wales lifted and were crowned champions. They learned numerous facts about the stadium and also raised many an interesting question to the tour guide.

After lunch the young people had time for a little bit of shopping as they picked up a few souvenirs before heading on to the CIA for some ice skating. The group were very luck as they arrived to be greeted by David Perrot Welsh Ice Skating Champion. David Perrott is an ex-pupil of Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr and was kind enough to spend time with the young people on the ice, giving them advice and tips on how to improve….and to pick the Menter’s staff up from the ice! Everybody on the trip thoroughly enjoyed the day’s activities and the trip was very successful. Menter Iaith would like to thank everybody who came on the trip and to all who supported.