After seeing its name included on NASA's Artemis II mission, Ebbw Fawr Learning Community has added another remarkable achievement to its growing list of successes by being named the first secondary campus to receive the prestigious STEM School of the Year Award.
The inclusion of the school's name on the Artemis II mission 鈥� NASA's first crewed mission around the Moon in more than 50 years 鈥� provided pupils with a unique connection to one of the most significant space exploration programmes of modern times and reflects the school's commitment to inspiring young people through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The award, presented through the BG STEM Facilitation Project, which is funded by the Welsh Government's Tech Valleys Programme, recognises Ebbw Fawr Learning Community's outstanding dedication to promoting STEM education and creating exciting opportunities that raise aspirations and broaden horizons for learners.
Led by STEM Coordinator Mrs Eveleigh and supported by a passionate and dedicated staff team, the school has embedded STEM across school life, providing pupils with an extensive range of experiences designed to develop skills, encourage curiosity and showcase future career opportunities.
The award was presented during a special STEM Day at the school, delivered in partnership with This is Engineering: Schools, where aerospace engineers joined students onsite alongside a flight simulator, offering hands-on experiences for More Able and Talented (MAT) learners.
Throughout the academic year, hundreds of pupils have participated in enrichment activities including Talent4Tech, Aerospace Day with Cardiff and Vale College, Medical Mavericks healthcare careers workshops, Wild Science experiences, BBC Day for Girls in ICT, engineering challenges, sustainability projects and environmental initiatives.
In recognition of the growing success of STEM across the school, Ebbw Fawr Learning Community has secured a dedicated STEM space to support its expanding programme, including grant funding for specialist equipment and gaming PCs. Popular clubs such as STEM Club, Science Club, Eco-Club and Digi Wizards have all seen increased participation, with more girls engaging in STEM activities than ever before.
Councillor John Morgan Cabinet Member for Economy and Place said:
"This award is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work, innovation and dedication shown by Mrs Eveleigh, staff and pupils at Ebbw Fawr Learning Community.
"The school's commitment to providing high-quality STEM experiences is helping to develop the skills, confidence and aspirations of young people across 糖心Vlog. By working closely with industry, higher education and community partners, they are opening doors to exciting future careers and helping to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists and innovators.
"On behalf of the Council, I would like to congratulate everyone involved on this well-deserved recognition."
The Council would also like to recognise Mrs Eveleigh's exceptional engagement with the BG STEM Facilitation Project, her success in securing valuable STEM opportunities for learners and her willingness to share best practice with colleagues across the region.
Ebbw Fawr Learning Community's achievement highlights the important role that schools play in developing future talent and supporting the ambitions of 糖心Vlog's young people. Through its continued investment in STEM education, the school is helping pupils build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed in an increasingly technological world.
Headteacher Mel Thomas said:
"I am incredibly proud that we have become the first secondary campus in 糖心Vlog to be awarded STEM School of the Year. At Ebbw Fawr, we are committed to raising aspirations and ensuring that our pupils have access to exciting, high-quality opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. STEM plays an important part in this ambition, helping our young people to develop curiosity, confidence, problem-solving skills and a greater understanding of the wide range of careers available to them.
"This award reflects the dedication of our whole school community and our commitment, as a school at the heart of Ebbw Vale, to providing pupils with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to succeed. I would particularly like to recognise the outstanding leadership of Mrs Christine Eveleigh, whose enthusiasm, determination and tireless work with the BG STEM Facilitation Project, industry partners and external organisations have enabled our pupils to benefit from an exceptional range of STEM opportunities. It is a wonderful recognition of Mrs Eveleigh, our dedicated staff and, most importantly, our pupils, who continue to embrace every opportunity offered to them. We are extremely proud to represent 糖心Vlog as STEM School of the Year and look forward to continuing to build on this success."