Over 180 Year 12 learners from across Rhondda Cynon Taf attended the Seren Academy at the University Of South Wales, Treforest. The Seren Academy, funded by Welsh Government, aims to support the aspirations and ambitions of learners, helping to widen their horizons, develop a passion for their chosen field of study, and reach their academic potential. The vision is for Seren learners, regardless of background, to have the ambition, capability, and curiosity to fulfil their potential and excel in the future educational goals at the highest level.
The 2024 learners attended workshops with Bath and Exeter University, heard from trainee Medics and discussed opportunities for Physics, Maths and Humanities. They also asked questions from a panel of previous Seren learners who are heading off to places at Oxford and Cambridge University and have benefited from Seren Academy themselves. They were able to experience a taste of university life, having lunch at The University of South Wales. Further University experiences for students across Rhondda Cynon Taf are planned in the coming academic year.
The Seren learners are identified by schools using the criteria set by the Seren Academy, which is that they must have achieved 6 or more A* grades at GCSE.
The schools in attendance were;
Aberdare Community School
Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive school
Mountain Ash Comprehensive
St John Baptist Church Wales High School
Tonyrefail Community School
Treorchy Comprehensive School
Y Pant
Ysgol Cwm Rhondda
Ysgol Garth Olwg
Ysgol Llanhari
Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and the Welsh Language, said: “The Seren Academy has provided learners with a significant insight into the next steps of their academic journey and into their chosen field of study. I would like to thank Welsh Government for this opportunity, and we look forward to seeing learners attend further university visits and experiences throughout the coming year.”
Posted on 29/10/2024