AM CONGRATULATES Y PANT SCHOOL ON MIT PARTICIPATION

Mick Antoniw, Assembly Member for Pontypridd has congratulated Y Pant school in Pontyclun on being one of the first schools in Wales to be chosen to participate in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s world-renowned ‘Global Teaching Labs’ program.

The MIT program is run annually and allows undergraduates to spend time in schools all over the world. For the first time, the Welsh Government has established a partnership with MIT and Y Pant was selected as the base location for Ciera Gordon, one of 3 MIT students who are based in secondary schools in Wales.

Commenting after meeting Ciera on a recent visit to the Assembly, along with members of Y Pant’s School Parliament and Assistant Headteacher Alun Davies, Mick Antoniw said:

“Y Pant has a growing reputation for educational excellence and it is no surprise that the school was selected to participate in this prestigious program. I know from my previous involvement in a range of Y Pant’s initiatives, that the students will make a very positive impression on Ciera and will make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”

Ciera Gordon, who has delivered DT and Geography lessons to Y pant students said:

“It’s been really wonderful to get to visit Wales and work with the students and teachers here. I had the opportunity to join the school parliament from Y Pant School on their trip to the Senedd in Cardiff, and it was really great to get to meet Mick Antoniw and see the Welsh Assembly during their Plenary meeting. I’m really excited to be a part of this pilot program between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Welsh government, and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to get to know Wales and develop my teaching skills here.

Lucy Bunce, Assistant Headteacher added:

“The opportunity to host a student from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the leading technical universities in the world, is one that we simply couldn’t turn down. Ciera brings a wealth of experience in engineering, architecture and sustainable design which she has shared with our students. At Y Pant, we are always looking for ways to broaden the experience of our young people and Ciera has expanded their minds in terms of the opportunities for STEM careers.”