competitor in the F1 in Schools competition since 2007. The 1st team reached the national final after winning the regional in Bangor University. Welsh language According to the latest Estyn inspection report in 2017, almost 70% of pupils could speak Welsh to some degree and about 16% of pupils were fluent in Welsh. The school is currently categorised by Welsh Government as a predominantly English-medium secondary school with significant use of Welsh. The categorisation means that both languages are used in teaching, with 20 - 49% of subjects [available to be taught] through the medium of Welsh. Ysgol Friars is the only secondary school in Gwynedd that teaches pupils mainly through the medium of English. In 2016, Councillor Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council's Cabinet Member for Education, accepted the Service Scrutiny Committee's recommendation that Ysgol Friars should, with council support, identify opportunities to make further progress in the use of the Welsh language across the curriculum and life of the school. Remains and artefacts Traces of the older sites are seen in names of streets: Friars Avenue, Glynne Road, and building: Friars Terrace, Glyn House. A plaque on houses in Glynne Road records the site of the 1789 buildings. The Ffriddoedd building has lasted well and is now a Grade II listed building. It is well used by Coleg Menai. Symbols The school colours are black and yellow, the black deriving from the dress of the Black Friars. The coat of arms is a double-headed black eagle on a yellow shield. This was taken from the arms of the Glyn family of Glynllifon, in the mistaken impression that these were the arms of Geoffrey Glyn. Despite this error (Geoffrey Glyn's arms having been three saddles), the double-headed eagle survived. The Latin motto, Foedere Fraterno – "On with the brotherhood" – again recall the Black Friars. These symbols, which once graced the caps and blazers of grammar school boys, are today seen on polo shirts and sweatshirts of the modern school. The school's Air Training Corps squadron was granted the number '1557' in recognition of the school's year of foundation. The Air Cadets squadron, which is still located within the school ground is officially known as '1557 (Friars) Squadron'. Notable former pupils Akira the Don, real name Adam Narkiewicz, independent British rapper and producer William Ambrose – nonconformist minister and poet James Atkin, Baron Atkin – lawyer and judge Dewi Bebb –