Painting and Decorating students studying on the Foundation Construction Painting and Decorating Award course at the Rhondda Campus, Coleg Morgannwg have certainly made their mark on the pupils of two primary schools in the area.

During a recent visit to the school an Estyn Inspector had commented on the poor décor of the classrooms, despite the efforts of the staff to redecorate the old school which was built in the 1950’s.

Mrs Belcher contacted the college to enquire if the work could be carried out by college students and was informed that on request the painting and decorating students could undertake projects such as this as part of their work experience. The schools request was successful and an eager team of first year students arrived at Maerdy Junior School for the classroom makeover.

Staff at the school were impressed with the professional manner of the students who were led by course tutors Mr. Kevin Bufton and Mr Lee Morgan. Mrs Belcher, Head teacher was delighted with the high standard of work undertaken at the school by the group of first year students.

Mrs Belcher said “Our pupils were delighted with their decorated classroom, I’m sure that working in pleasant surroundings will help make the pupils feel more valued.  An ex-pupil Nicky Jones was one of the students who carried out the work; she was an inspiration to our pupils especially the girls who might consider this a career.”

Mr Morgan stated “The students worked extremely hard throughout the week, the classroom required a lot of preparation work, prior to the decorating; but they were pleased with their finished results”.

Another Junior school to benefit from the skills of the college students was Penygraig Junior School.  Acting Head Teacher, Mrs Vaughan approached the college with a request for help to erect a fence on the school premises. This challenge was taken up by a group of Foundation Construction Site Carpentry Award students under the supervision of course tutor, Mr Carl Black.

Mr Black explained that Penygraig Junior School were experiencing problems with vandalism out of school hours, the work undertaken by the students has helped the school and community to deal with the issue, “ I am extremely pleased with the students work and how professional they performed on the short time they were there.  I hope that other projects come our way in the future which will enhance our student learning experiences”.

Mrs Vaughan was amazed how quickly the task was completed and to such a high standard.  She said “I hope the experience proved useful for the students by allowing them to apply the skills they have learnt in a real life situation.  I am grateful to the students and congratulate them on a first class job”.

College Principal/Chief Executive Mrs Judith Evans stated, “ I am pleased the college students have been able to assist the local schools with their newly acquired skills.  Projects such as this prove beneficial to our students; they are able to work in real life situations and their hard work is recognised by the community. We are always eager to support initiatives within the local community”.