The four youngsters will take the plunge at St Brides after receiving expert tuition in diving as part of a new scuba diving course, Discover Scuba, at Aberdare Pool.

The scuba diving course was developed from a larger sub aqua programme introduced at Aberdare this Easter as part of the Welsh Assembly Government Free Swimming Initiative.

Run by qualified PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructor) instructors from A1 Unisex Divers, Discover Scuba is aimed at youngsters aged 10 to 16 and Bubblemaker is aimed at children aged eight upwards.

Jean Davies, Swimming Development Manager for Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “We are very pleased with the success of the sub aqua programme, especially the opportunity for younger children to try scuba diving, which was an instant hit.

“The course covers both theory and practical sessions, and as well as increasing fitness and ability in the water, it develops confidence and is a lot of fun.

“We had so many youngsters coming along, we are hoping that the scuba diving will develop into a regular term-time club.”

Instructor Sue Fryer who has organised the sea open dive explained: “There are lots of benefits for the children who take part. They have fun and games during training which is the best way to learn, they make friends and they overcome any fears they may have about the first breath under water.

“They will spend all day diving, having picnics and enjoying the underwater world that lies ahead of them, knowing that they will then be qualified at a very young age to dive anywhere around the world as a PADI diver.”

Following on from the successful sessions at Aberdare Pool during the Easter and Whitsun holidays, sub aqua will again take place during the summer holidays.

For more information phone Aberdare Pool on 01685 874252

The pupil won first prize in a ‘Design a Sign’ competition as part of the Darran Las Safe Routes to School – 20mph ‘Gateway’ signing.

Children were given the task of designing a sign that would convey to drivers that they would be entering a 20mph zone and they would need to slow down. The signs had to be innovative, colourful and to big, bold letters.

The winner was Teale Garland who received a £15 gift token and a framed copy of her own award-winning sign that will be placed on each sign on Llanwonno Road. A copy was also presented to the school for display.

Second prize of £10 token was presented to Kathryn Hall and the third prize of £5 to Katie Manning.

The Safe Routes to School design consists of road humps, 20mph ‘Gateway’ signing, one way system, parking restrictions at junctions and school keep clear markings, tactile paving crossing points and additional parking bays.

Traffic calming measures were introduced to improve safety for children at Darran Las School following extensive community consultation, following three minor accidents in recent years in the Darran Las area and there was overwhelming public support for the scheme.

Stuart Cable, who is an ex-pupil of the school, officially opened the new ‘outdoor’ classroom last week (December 2nd 2008). The new facility has now created an outdoor learning environment to support pupils’ learning in line with the Foundation phase initiative.

Christine Chapman, Assembly Member, for Cynon Valley, also attended the unveiling and was keen to stress the importance of using the outdoors in education.

This new resource will enable pupils to develop additional skills and encourage new interests, as well as raising awareness on issues like, healthy living, healthy eating and environmental topics including recycling.

Cwmaman Infants School received a grant of £4,990 from the lottery funded “Awards for All” project for the development of the outside area to support pupils’ learning and foster community links.

Landscape Consultant, Mr. Lofthouse, worked with the school’s Eco committee to plan the area and ensured that the children’s ideas were included in planning the layout of the garden.

Headteacher, Mrs. Lesley Rees, said: “It is hoped that we will continue to develop the outside area when funding allows. I am thrilled at the award, which has enabled the school to develop a facility, which will benefit all pupils and the wider community.”

Councillor Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: “ This is a very good opportunity for children to get involved in gardening and other outdoor learning activities. It is very important that young children are aware of environmental issues at a young age, as the importance of topics such as recycling and healthy eating are a major concern for us all.

This new facility will also be used to involve community groups in gardening activities and local parent /toddler groups will be encouraged to use the area.

The “gap” between Blaengwawr Primary School pupils and residents of Maesyffynnon Care Home has been bridged, literally and metaphorically, by the creation of an outdoor environmental classroom and open space for children and older people alike to enjoy.

Delivered with the assistance of a Big Lottery Fund grant, the scheme was officially opened this week and dignitaries were delighted to hear the tale of how the pupils and care home residents worked together to deliver the important project.

Disused land that lay between the school and the care home became the site of inspiration for the pupils and residents. They worked together in order to design a magnificent outdoor area that benefits all ages.

Designed so people can walk around the area and enjoy its natural beauty and outdoor seating, learning and socialising places, the project has taken two and a half years to deliver.

It has specially-created areas to attract wildlife, flora and fauna to learn from, including a bog garden, mini beast area, raised allotment beds and more.

Constructed by Afan Landscapes, the area also has an amphitheatre, outdoor seating, play area and a sensory garden, all of which can be enjoyed thanks to gently winding pathways suitable for pedestrians, older people and those with wheelchairs or pushchairs.

The scheme has been a labour of love for parents, teachers and pupils at Blaengwawr and residents, staff and relatives at Maesyffynnon.

But its delivery has strengthened the bond between the school and the care home and created a bridge between the generations.

Blaengwawr Primary Headteacher Pat Newton explained: “The scheme has been such a labour of love for us. It is amazing to see a disused, overgrown piece of land that lies between the school and the home being turned into such a haven.

“It has been designed to ensure people of all ages get the best from it and the process has been such an important one. Children and the older residents have worked together to deliver designs and look at what should be planted and where.

“It has strengthened the relationship between them and they now have a new, strong relationship that will benefit the wider community.”