This application is to fund a community specific project at Dylan Thomas Community School, a school at the heart of its community. Over 50% of the pupils are receive free school meals and 80% live in the 20% most deprived wards in Wales. We have dramatically reduced the number of young people becoming NEET, permanently excluded or becoming disengaged from school. For pupils and community members alike having a school based 'arts' theater would mean: • Increased engagement by pupils in the ‘arts’ • Improvements made to attendance and engagement in school as a whole • Additional and improved facilities which will impact upon aspirations, self-worth and wellbeing • Increased access to school facilities by community groups, the school already holds a stage school on a Friday afternoon and Saturday but does not presently accommodate their ‘shows’, but this grant would change this meaning they could do so in the future.

What we'll deliver:

• Fit a bespoke retractable seating area for at least 100 people
• Enhance the current lighting and stage facilities
• Enhance the number of pupils and community members taking part in expressive arts activities

Why it's a great idea:

One of the ways in which we as a school have achieved dramatic reductions in NEETs, i.e. pupils who are in not employment, education or training, and exclusions as well as improving attendance rates and qualifications of pupils in through the Performing Arts. The ‘arts’ subjects are heavily involved in providing a medium through which pupils can express themselves, genuinely prosper and succeed whilst also improving their individual aspirations for further education and qualifications. This project would provide an inspirational 'space' for our pupils and wider community which would see them prosper and grow as individuals. By successfully delivering our project we will be able to open up the use of the facility to the local community and community groups as well as enhance the 'offer' to our pupils in school. provide a facility for productions, to a professional standard in a professional environment which is not available anywhere else locally at this present moment in time.

Steps to get it done:

• Locate and source supplier, already completed
• Achieve funding target
• Install and complete project

This application is to fund a community specific project at Dylan Thomas Community School, a school at the heart of its community. It will leave a lasting legacy for current and future cohorts of pupils as well as delivering a genuine community based facility for the development of the arts and culture. Such a project will have a long lasting legacy to all who will benefit from its use.