Welsh Heroes

As a school in Wales we are extremely proud of our Welsh heritage and the fabulous opportunities available to anyone who lives in this country. As a school we want to recognise and embrace our Welsh identity, far more than we have, and we want to ensure that each and every one of our learners takes pride in being Welsh or, if you not Welsh, be proud to live here and be part of our rich and diverse culture. 

We will be using the Welsh language, in our lessons and on the corridors, and will be encouraging out learners to also do so.  As well as improving the use of the Welsh language, in school, we also want to develop understanding of our Welsh heritage and culture.  We are going to start this week by launching our competition to find CQHS top 10 Welsh heroes.  Each day you will hear about a famous Welsh person, some still living, others hundreds of years’ old who have done something amazing for our country and sometimes for Great Britain or even the world.  They will come from all walks of life and may be politicians, sportsmen and women, scientists, writers, composers and much more.  Listen carefully and decide who you think should be in our top ten.  You will get the chance to vote after all the candidates have been discussed and images of the top ten will grace the walls of our school for future learners to see and discuss.  The top four will be the names of our new House system. 

Try to get involved in as many of our activities as you can and remember that we are a Welsh school and we should remember and celebrate that every day. 

Tom Jones

Sir Thomas John Woodward OBE (born 7 June 1940), known professionally as Tom Jones, is a Welsh singer. His career began with a string of top-ten hits in the mid-1960s. He has toured regularly, with appearances in Las Vegas (1967–2011).

Click here for more information

Robert Recorde

Today one of our maths teacher, Mr Wilson, tells us about a man you many never have heard of but perhaps should have done!  

Click here for more information

Bertrand Russell

Today our Deputy Head, Mr Browning, tells us why the Welsh philosopher, social reformer and recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950 should be in our 10 top Welsh heroes. 

Click here for more information

William Gladstone

William Gladstone was a Liberal politician, born in 1809, and the only person to have been British prime minister on four separate occasions.  Despite the fact that he was born in Liverpool he has strong local links and so we are including him in our heroes.  

Click here for more information

David Lloyd George

Today we are championing David Lloyd George, 1863 – 1945.  He was one of the 20th century’s most famous radicals. He was the first and only Welshman to hold the office of Prime Minister. But perhaps does not receive the recognition he deserves.  Mrs Woosey tells you why you should vote for him. 

Please click here to see what Mrs Woosey has to say.

Click here for more information

Click here to access information about David Lloyd George via the BBC website.

Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl was a spy, an ace fighter pilot, a chocolate historian and a medical inventor. He was also the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, and a treasury of original, evergreen, and beloved children’s books. He remains for many the world’s No. 1 storyteller.

Please click here to see more information about Roald Dahl.

Dylan Thomas

It is the turn of the English department, today, to champion the remarkable work of Dylan Thomas.  Miss Elinor Dulson explains why he should be one of our Welsh heroes.  

Please click here to see what Mrs Dulson has to say.

Betty Campbell

Our next hero is the truly amazing Betty Campbell, who was Wales’ first Black head teacher, and so much more.  Listen to our very own headteacher, Mrs Harrison, explain why this remarkable woman deserves to be in our top ten!  

Please click here to see what Mrs Harrison has to say.

Aneurin Bevan

Today we are championing the Labour politician Aneurin Bevan, 1897 – 1969. He was one of the most important ministers of the post-war Labour government and the chief architect of the National Health Service. If ever there was a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of this Welsh hero surely it is now. 

Please click here to see what Mrs Woosey has to say.

Please click here for more info about Aneurin Bevan.

Llewelyn ap Gruffudd

Today Llywelyn ap Gruffudd is championed by both a year 11 learner and Miss Davies. Llywelyn raised a rebellion for national independence from the English, and gave his life for the cause. 

Please click here to see what a year 11 learner and Miss Davies have to say.

Please click here for more information about Llewelyn ap Gruffudd.

Betsi Cadwaladr

Our fifth hero to be championed, by Mrs C. Davies, is Betsi Cadwaladr. Her name today is mostly synonymous with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the largest health organisation in Wales. She is remembered due to her selfless work caring for injured and dying soldiers in the Crimean war. 

Please click here to see what Mrs C.Davies has to say.

Owain Glyndwr

Our final Welsh, hero this week, is Owain Glyndŵr, (c. 1354— c. 1416), self-proclaimed prince of Wales whose unsuccessful rebellion against England was the last major Welsh attempt to throw off English rule. His name is still remembered and revered today. Mr Jarvis, an avid fan of Owain, tells you why he should be in our top 10.

Please click here to see what Mr Jarvis has to say.

Click here to view more about Owain Glyndwr

Ian Rush

Our Welsh hero today is the football legend that is Ian Rush.  At club level Rush played for Liverpool from 1980–1987 and 1988–1996. He is the club‘s all-time leading goal scorer. He represented the Welsh national football team 73 times, scoring 28 international goals.  He is championed today by our very own football fan Mrs Davis.

Please click here to see what Mrs Davis has to say about Ian Rush

Alfred Russel Wallace

Our Welsh hero today, for your consideration, is Alfred Russel Wallace, 1823-1913, naturalist, best known for independently proposing the theory of evolution by natural selection.  He is championed by our very own scientist Mrs Abbie Kavanagh.

Please click here to see what Mrs Kavanagh has to say about Alfred Russel Wallace.

Please click here to access the Alfred Russel Wallace website

Lady Rhondda Margaret Haig Thomas

Our first Welsh hero is the truly amazing Lady Rhondda Margaret Haig Thomas (1883-1958) Suffragette and global business women.  Our Pastoral Coordinator, Mrs Sue Messham explains why she thinks Lady Rhondda should be in our top 10. 

Please click here for more information

Please click here for the BBC Programme