Pupils at Ynyshir Community Primary School have welcomed Education Minister, Leighton Andrews, to their new state-of-the-art school for its official opening.

With the help of over £6 million in grant funding from the Welsh Assembly Government, the ageing buildings of the existing junior and infant schools in Ynyshir were replaced and amalgamated to form a new, sustainably designed community primary, fit for the 21st Century.

The school was created using the latest in sustainable resources, including a rainwater harvesting system, solar thermal system and sophisticated lighting control system, which have earned the building a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘excellent’ rating.

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The building will also be used as an educational tool to teach the pupils about the environment and reducing energy consumption. There is an Eco-Lab with a demonstration display linked to solar panels and a small wind turbine, to give pupils direct interaction with sustainable technologies.

Ms Andrews said: "The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to ensuring that every child in Wales is educated in an environment that is conducive to learning for the 21st Century.

"This commitment is reflected in an investment of over £6 million by the Welsh Assembly Government towards the total cost of building this new school.

"The 21st Century Schools initiative is more than just a building programme. It is about raising standards, inspiring both learners and teachers and delivering the flexibility to meet the changing needs of learners in a rapidly developing economy.

"The brand new, 'state of the art' Ynyshir Primary School is an excellent example of a modern, green, 21st Century School and I am sure the pupils will be very happy with the many impressive facilities at their new school."

(CD/GK)