Last month, Morgan Sindall Construction, Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation (CRCF), Cardiff Council, and Willows High School marked the official launch of its partnership.
Morgan Sindall is currently sponsoring three educational enrichment programmes within the Willows High School cluster. These programmes are being delivered by CRCF, a not-for-profit community arm of Cardiff Rugby, until at least summer 2025.
Taking place at Cardiff Arms Park, the home of Cardiff Rugby, the launch celebrated the start of several programmes encouraging young people through the power and values of sport during the new school building’s construction.
The event saw students, alongside representatives from Cardiff Council (CC), Morgan Sindall and Willows High School come together in a series of fun activities including a guided tour of Cardiff Arms Park, and the opportunity to meet a Cardiff Rugby player.
The three programmes included are:
- Leadership Programme: 6-week rolling programme aimed at developing leadership qualities, communication skills, teamwork and collaboration.
- Believe Programme: 15-week programme using both theory and practical sessions to re-engage students, develop key life skills and enhance understanding of self-regulation, leadership, further education and employment possibilities.
- Health & Wellbeing Programme: A transition programme for Willows’ feeder primary schools. A rolling 6-week programme using both theory and practical sessions to develop students understanding of their health and wellbeing, exploring both physical and mental health.
The partnership, which launched on the 13th September, reflects Morgan Sindall’s ongoing commitment to providing social value and sustainable communities.
Subject to planning and procurement, construction of the new campus is expected to start in Summer 2024. The school will offer comprehensive sports facilities including sports hall, gym, drama studio and grass pitches available for public use outside of school hours.
The team are currently on site performing enabling works, set to conclude in Spring next year.
Rob Williams, Area Director for at Morgan Sindall Construction’s Wales team, said: “The programme we have worked with the Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation, Willows High School and Cardiff Council to put together, is a shining example of how many organisations can come together to achieve great things for the local community.
“Attending the launch event was a great honour, and to speak with some of the families we hope to engage with over the coming weeks really helped us to understand the potential for positive impact within the area.
“The Morgan Sindall ethos is focussed on holding the community, and those involved in our projects – in this case the students at Willows High School – central to our plans and our social value engagement. It is wonderful to effect change at such a large scale.
“Working alongside all parties has been a great pleasure, and an absolute vindication of what we strive to achieve with every project. We look forward to starting our construction work at the new Willows High School, and to seeing the positive outcomes from the programmes.”
Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “Ensuring that all learners can access an education that meets their needs is high on our agenda and is recognised in Cardiff’s recent success of becoming the UK’s first Child Friendly City. Through partnership working, provision such as the delivery of the Cardiff Blues educational enrichment programmes, will provide young people from Willows High School with opportunities and skills so that they can develop and reach their potential.
“The new school is set to become a first-class educational facility representing a significant investment in the local area. Not only will it provide pupils and staff with exceptional expertise and teaching opportunities, but it will also ensure that the local community benefit from excellent, modern amenities.”
Christopher Norman, Headteacher at Willows High School, said: “It’s been a great, collaborative experience working with Morgan Sindall and Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation to create and deliver programmes that work alongside and enhance the curriculum at Willows High. Our pupils will benefit greatly from the expertise that both organisations bring to the table, and I look forward to our partnership developing even further over the coming years.”
