Rhigos pupils given the gift of technology
Pupils at Rhigos Primary received an early Christmas gift after state-of-the-art IT equipment was delivered to the school.
The equipment, which included iPad’s, laptops and an interactive smartboard, will help the 73 pupils to become digital learners as the school prepares for the New Curriculum for Wales.
Rhigos Primary School has been working to become a digital hub and prepare for the new curriculum and the new IT equipment will allow pupils, and the wider community, to benefit and develop a sound digital competency.
The IT equipment was secured after local renewable energy company, Pennant Walters, provided a cash injection of £5,000. The money was provided through a fund linked to the company’s 9 turbine 22MW Mynydd Bwllfa windfarm near Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which became operational in summer 2015.
Headteacher at Rhigos Primary School, Janine Mundy, said:
“We are working extremely hard to prepare our children and give them the skills to thrive in a future where digital skills, adaptability and creativity are crucial. This investment will allow us to become a digital hub and already our pupils are seeing benefit.”
The equipment will be used throughout the school and there are plans to also run parental workshops and offer IT access to the local community.
Mrs Mundy continued:
“Already teachers are reporting improvements, and this is a great contribution towards the continuation of our digital journey. This week I have witnessed our younger pupils practising their letter formation and number bonds using the interactive smartboard and it’s fantastic to see their enthusiasm.
“On behalf of our pupils, teachers, families and local community I would like to thank Pennant Walters for helping us achieve something that was a dream. With this investment we have improved our school facilities and our children will benefit for years to come.”
Pennant Walters managing director Dale Hart said:
“We are delighted that this money will make such a positive impact to Rhigos pupils and their families.
“Our wind energy project community funds exist to make a difference to the local communities in which we work, and this investment will be felt for years to come. We hope the Rhigos community will enjoy the digital learning experience.”
Pennant Walters is a renewable energy development company with its head office in Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and is part of the Walters Group. The Group is developing a number of renewable energy projects across Wales that include onshore wind, ground mounted solar, hydroelectric and biomass technologies.