Bishop Hedley High School is a Roman Catholic secondary school, established in 1967, and located in Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. The vast majority of the pupils of the school stem from the Heads of the Valleys, serving parishes from Aberdare, Hirwaun, Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Vale, Gurnos, Dowlais, Ebbw Vale, Tredegar and Rhymney. The school serves a catchment area of economic disadvantage which is a result of the decline of heavy industry, especially mining and steelmaking in the South Wales Valleys and the surrounding areas. Bishop Hedley is a member of the Eco-Schools. As a school, it has gained a bronze, silver and a first green flag. History Bishop Hedley was established in 1967 due to the growing need to cater for the large populace of Catholic youth aged 11–18 in the Merthyr Tydfil and Heads of the Valleys area. However, the school welcomes pupils regardless of their religious background. The school was named after John Cuthbert Hedley, Bishop of Newport, who opened the first Roman Catholic Church (St. Illtyd's) in the Merthyr Valley in 1863. The school expanded to a second phase in 1973. Subjects and curriculum In KS3, pupils partake in English, mathematics, science, RE, ICT, Welsh, French, art, history, geography, music, design & technology and drama. In KS4, pupils study English Language, English Literature, science, mathematics, Welsh, RE, and PSE. Pupils then have three choices out of ICT, French, art, history, geography, music, design & technology, drama, business studies and PE. Facilities Bishop Hedley has a main hall, dance and drama studio, pottery room, gymnasium, two sports hall, football/rugby field, hockey pitch, three yards, three design and technology rooms, learning resources centre, music rehearsal room, two new 21st century science suites and 5 I.C.T. resources rooms (excluding I.C.T services in other areas of the school e.g., music room, LRC etc.) The MFL department has a specific room on the top floor. There is also a specific SEN and EAL area. The MFL department has a French assistant from France every academic year to help GCSE who are taking French. This assistant also improves their own teaching and language skills. Classrooms are well-equipped, with every classroom having an electronic projector. The school has also invested in a Pisys system, which has proved a great investment for staff and pupils alike. The facilities at Bishop Hedley were improved. 70% of the exterior of phase 2 is now completed, with