A SCHOOL has proudly spoken of its prominent role in one of Wales’ most famous towns.

Blaenavon is undoubtedly a captivating place.

From Alexander Cordell’s world-renowned Rape of the Fair Country to the now defunct iron furnaces, history is written all over it.

But also nestled in the heart of the town is the famous Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School.

Formed in 2012, following the amalgamation of three schools – Hillside Primary, Hillside Nursery and St Peter’s – Blaenavon Heritage school is also an important chapter in the history of the area.

Acting head teacher Jane Howells said: “I really do think we play an important role in Blaenavon.

“Our school is undoubtedly an important chapter in local history.

“We ensure that our pupils know about our heritage, from Alexander Cordell to the iron works. We are a successful school which achieves great things.”

The school boasts a big role in Blaenavon with its strong links with the community.

One of its many links is with the Arthur Jenkins Care Home, where both pupils and residents engage in an intergenerational project.

“We are unique in many ways,” said the acting head teacher.

“One way we are unique is that we are proud to be a community-based school.

“We get involved in the community. Our pupils really enjoy the intergenerational project. This is where young and old people come together and interact. Quite often pupils from the school visit the care home.

“It is lovely to watch everyone enjoying themselves.”

Mrs Howells, who has been acting head teacher since 2017, also expressed her pride in the school’s achievements, which included some pupils appearing on the TV show Blue Peter.

“We were chosen to judge the Blue Peter Book Awards,” she said.

“We appeared on Blue Peter and pupils managed to get their Blue Peter badges. They were thrilled.

“They were on the judging panel. The children told the authors what they thought of the books which had been written.

“Our pupils have also been to the Senedd to learn about the rights of a child.

“All pupils at Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School achieve great things.”

Mrs Howells said she ensures that pupils’ views and well-being are always put first.

“I think the most important role in my job is the well-being of every child,” she said.

“We also need to know what they think of things.

“That is very important because without that we have no chance of them reaching their full potential.

“For instance, when we moved into the school pupils designed the school badge and uniform. They also came up with the name of the school.

“We made sure that the entire school community was involved in the strategic direction of the school from day one.

“I also make time for pupils. I involve myself in all their lives. We all know each other very, very well. And I believe that is why we are a happy and successful school.”

Mrs Howells also spoke of her determination to see all her pupils succeed in school life.

She said: “I am very proud of this school and it is an amazing place to work.

“We are a large campus and the facilities are amazing. We have a recording studio, gym and play area. We like to keep all our pupils active.

“The jungle gym is very popular and we use it across the curriculum, especially for maths.

“It is not just about sitting down at a table. We want pupils to learn in a variety of ways.

“We teach our pupils the tools to succeed in life. We want to help them to reach their true potential.”