PORT TALBOT: From Brittany to Bro Dur, the rookie teachers starring in S4C’s new fly-on-the-wall series

TV cameras have been following three new teachers at a Neath Port Talbot school through their first year in the job, and the results hit screens this week.

Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur is one of five schools across Wales in Athrawon, a new S4C fly-on-the-wall series following eight newly qualified teachers as they find their feet.

The Welsh-medium school teaches pupils from three to 18 across two sites: its all-age campus in Ystalyfera, at the top of the Swansea Valley, and the Bro Dur campus in Sandfields, Port Talbot.

The school’s on-screen trio are French and Spanish teacher Jeanne Audren de Kerdrel, Welsh teacher Lowri Whitrow and science teacher Alex Williams.

Jeanne’s route to the classroom is the longest of all: a native of Brittany, she learned Welsh before taking up her post teaching French and Spanish.

“Languages bring people closer together,” she said. “And children have a natural ability for that because of their brain plasticity. In my opinion, introducing language into the classroom early in life increases pupils’ opportunities to develop their life skills and gain opportunities for the future, which is my main priority as a teacher.”

Across five hour-long episodes, the series promises the highs and lows of the newcomers’ first year, and an honest look at the challenges facing schools today.

‘A genuine flavour of our community’

Headteacher Laurel Davies said the school was “very proud” to take part in a series following teachers through their first year in the profession.

“Through the teachers’ eyes, the programme also challenges some of the stereotypes that are sometimes associated with Neath Port Talbot, providing a genuine flavour of our community and our beautiful area,” she said.

“Throughout the filming period, teachers have built strong relationships with their pupils, experiencing the highs and lows that are an integral part of teaching.”

“Most importantly, Athrawon presents an honest and balanced picture of education, showing the obstacles and pressures faced by new teachers, but also the rewards, achievements and sense of pride that come from helping young people develop and thrive,” she added. “It is a warm and authentic portrait of our school, our staff and our community.”

Llinos Wynne, S4C’s head of docs and specialist factual, called it “an important series that shines a light on the vital work of teachers in mentoring, educating and shaping future generations”.

“The education sector is key in ensuring a flourishing future for Wales and the Welsh language, and S4C is very grateful to the schools for the cooperation on this series,” she said.

She promised “a fresh insight into the education system through colourful characters, humour, empathy and honesty”.

Athrawon is a Carlam production for S4C, made with support from the Welsh Government through Creative Wales.

The first episode airs on Wednesday 9 September on S4C, timed for the start of the new school year.