A GROUP of pupils from Ysgol Dyffryn Aman have been shortlisted for their research honouring former pupils who lost their lives in the First World War.
The Cofio project has been nominated for a Heritage Angel Awards 2018 in the ‘Best Contribution to a heritage project by young people’ category.
Sponsored by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, the awards celebrate the work of volunteers, trainees, apprentices, young people and heritage professionals in repairing or rescuing historic buildings or making new discoveries.
The group behind the Cofio project is made up of 14 pupils from year 12 who completed the majority of the work whilst in year 9.
History teacher Rachel Evans said: “This group of pupils have been enthusiastic historians since they started school and have developed their knowledge of history and heritage outside the classroom. The group was particularly keen on developing their knowledge of how a global event such as the First World War impacted their own community.”
A memorial plaque placed in the school hall for former pupils who fought during the First World War, was the basis behind the project. One of these was William Ewart Thomas who died on the battlefield, whilst 24 other young men survived.
As part of their research, pupils started by using the 1911 Census which then provided leads to follow as well as newspaper archives and military records. The group made contact with one of the daughters of the men on the plaque and whilst her father died when she was very young, she and the pupils pieced together his role in the war. “It was an enriching experience for all involved,” added Rachel.
“Despite some challenges, the pupils’ desire to help the daughter discover more about her father, and also to aid the understanding of the history and heritage of the school for future generations, were huge motivators.”
Executive board member responsible for education and children’s services, Cllr Glynog Davies, said: “It’s great to hear that this important project, which has been driven by the interests of the pupils and their desire to learn more about the history and heritage of their school and local community, has been nominated for an award. I would urge everyone to support the pupils and to vote for their project.”
You can support the school’s project through the ‘public vote’ award, where the public can vote for the best project across various categories. You can vote here….
https://rcahmw.gov.uk/about-us/heritageangelawardswales/heritage-angel-awards-2018-public-vote/
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