MEET the new headteacher at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy.

With a new term starting like no other, Owain Gethin Davies will be having to get use to a very different world when he takes over the reins at the Llanrwst bilingual secondary school on Tuesday, September 1.

Mr Davies, of Llandudno, has been in education for 18 years.

The first time head, who lives with partner Tom, started his career as a music teacher at Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen, Caernarfon, before returning to his routes in Ysgol y Creuddyn as head of music in 2005 and in more recent years, becoming deputy head at the school.

Speaking to the Pioneer prior to the start of the new term, Mr Davies outlined his aims for the school which include developing a close, welcoming and inclusive community school and working with each pupil to help them achieve their potential.

He said: “Digital / Blended learning is very high on the agenda and makes sure we as a school carry on with all the work that has been done already in this area.

“I am also keen for us as a team to get to work on the strategic planning of the implementation of the New 2022 Curriculum for Wales and bring a strong local flavour to our unique curriculum to make it appealing for the young people in the area.

“I will be investing in the team in Dyffryn Conwy and staff development and training will be essential to give staff in all areas the ability to be confident in given our young people the best possible years in the school before going onwards to a successful carer.”

The 40-year-old spent the last week in August preparing for the re-opening of the school.

North Wales Pioneer:

Owain Gethin Davies, new headteacher at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy

“Pupils start on September 1 with two planning days - and with a phased opening starting on September 3 with year seven and 12 /13,” he said.

“The main challenges are making sure that learners are back in school and are happy and ready to get back to full time education after a very uncertain year.

“Staff wellbeing is very important in my opinion, a happy team makes an excellent team.

“Other challenges will be opening with a very different day to day structure as we will be in year bubbles and operating split lunch and break etc.”

Mr Davies is responsible for establishing the OLEVI North Wales Centre of Excellence, a partnership between Ysgol y Creuddyn, Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy and Ysgol Glan Clwyd.

He also has ‘extensive’ experience as facilitator of all the programs offered by the centre.

Talking about this next stage on his educational journey, Mr Davies said: "First impression of Dyffryn Conwy was the outstanding facilities they have in Llanrwst and excellent building and grounds to give the young people of the Conwy Valley the best possible education.

"I am very keen now to start on the journey to give the best possible experience for the young people to reach their full potential.

"Life in education has been very challenging during lock down and schools have had to adapt very quickly - with online work, distance learning, blended learning and making the most of technology. This has also been a challenge to ensure that all young people have access to relevant resources.

"This is my first role as a headteacher but I don't see it at all as a daunting experience.

"I am ready for the challenge and as always will be bursting with energy to make sure that the team at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy move things onwards and upwards for the community and young people and their families."