Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen is an 11 to 18 mixed English medium comprehensive school that is maintained by Bridgend local authority. The school was formed as the result of a merger of Ogmore School and Ynysawdre school in 2011. The school initially operated on a split site before moving to its new premises located near the Ynysawdre site in September 2013. It serves the Sarn, Bryncethin, Garw and Ogmore valleys. Twenty eight percent of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is above the national average. Around 34% of pupils live in the 20% most deprived areas in Wales.

Our Key Stage 5 curriculum is largely based on delivering Level 3 courses, usually through traditional A levels. As a Welsh school most of our qualifications are through the WJEC. All of our students are expected to take Welsh Baccalaureate; it is a compulsory element.

Expectations of all Sixth Form learners is high. We expect a level of maturity from all our learners and hope that they are dedicated to getting their best out of the time that they are learning with us.

We work successfully with neighbouring schools and Bridgend College to provide extra A level subjects outside of those that the school already provides. The collaboration is one that has been successful over many years and all partners work closely together to achieve the best for our learners. Transport is provided from CCYD to the school/college for collaboration subjects.

As a school we are really proud of the work our Sixth Form ‘Head Team’ does each year. The Head Team comprises of Year 13 learners who wish to be part of the whole school ethos and drive new initiatives in making the school even better. We have Head Learner and Deputy Head Learner roles. They are supported in these roles by Sixth Form ‘Ambassadors’.

Learners that are part of the Head Team are expected to be committed, driven, inspirational and hard working. Expectations to attend Parents Evenings, school shows and lead activities within the school, to name but a few are part of the prestigious roles. In addition, there are also ‘Prefects’ that support staff during break and lunch to ensure that younger pupils are safe and that the school is being respected during these times. Once again, the Prefects are important and valued roles within our school.

We have a high percentage A*-E pass rate with 100% of our learners meeting the Level 3 threshold.

Charlotte Powell. Head of Sixth Form.