Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg

Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg

Coordinates: 51°33′54″N 3°19′26″W / 51.565°N 3.324°W / 51.565; -3.324

Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen/Garth Olwg is a Welsh Medium comprehensive school in the village of Church Village near Pontypridd, in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales. It was the first Welsh language comprehensive school in the south of Wales.

Attention was brought upon the school recently with the revival of a campaign to retain the name of Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen over the local council's decision to rename the school Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg, for reasons of historical significance. Though many believe the decision was actually taken because the council linked the Rhydfelen name with John Owen. The name change was an attempt to sweep the school's history and heritage, as they simply moved to a much-needed new building, under the carpet. Ironically RCT council's motto is "Strong Heritage, Strong Future". This decision was made against the wishes of the pupils, staff and parents as Rhydfelen had such a happy environment and the council's decision led to a lowering of morale within the school for years. The campaign to reverse the council's decision or to find a compromise continues to this day. Having seen the negative effect one political decision has had on the school, the campaign has widened to ask politicians to think before they affect children's education negatively for purely political reasons.