Deeside’s new multi-million pound 6th Form Centre officially opened by First Minister Carwyn Jones

Deeside’s new £14.6m Sixth Form Centre has officially been opened today by First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones AM.

More than 700 students will be taught the state-of-the-art college which has jointly been developed by Coleg Cambria and Flintshire Council with support of the Welsh Government.

Deeside’s new 6th form centre is being officially opened today by @fmwales pic.twitter.com/Bf3IKS9ZEn

— Deeside.com (@DeesideDotCom) September 16, 2016

The First Minster praised the “hard work, effort and dedication of all partners” including Coleg Cambria, Flintshire County Council and the schools, architects and contractors involved in the development of ‘Deeside 6’.

Mr Jones was taken on a tour of the high tech class rooms where he spoke to a group of students who were debating the recent EU referendum, he took the opportunity to give the class an impromptu lesson on the importance of securing free access to the European single market.

First Minster Carwyn Jones gives students at ‘Deeside 6’ an impromptu lesson on the importance of securing free access to the European single market.

Carwyn Jones AM said:

“The new Deeside 6th will be an inspiring learning environment which will enable students to fulfil their potential, expand their horizons and develop skills which will benefit Wales in the future.

“It will deliver high quality sixth form provision and raise aspirations through important enhanced curriculum options and experiences for the young people of North East Wales.

“The Welsh Government is committed to providing our learners with facilities that are fit for the 21st century and I’m pleased we have been able to provide £7.3 million funding towards the cost of developing this state-of-the-art centre.”

[miptheme_quote author=”Flintshire County Councillor Andy Dunbobbin” style=”boxquote text-left”]I’m delighted with this fantastic new state-of-the art facility here in Connah’s Quay, I’m sure it will prove to be of great benefit to Deeside, Flintshire and wider community for many years to come. It is such an inspiring place to come and learn.[/miptheme_quote]

It was clearly a very proud day for Coleg Cambria Chief Executive David Jones who said:

“Our young people can be inspired and challenged to meet their potential here and progress to the best university courses, apprenticeships and employment.  The centre is also ideally placed in the Deeside Enterprise Zone to develop strong links with local businesses.”

“This amazing facility could not have been developed without the support of the Welsh Government and the partnership that the college has established with Flintshire County Council and local schools,” he added.

Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sergeant with Coleg Cambria Chief Executive David Jones

[miptheme_quote author=”Cllr. Aaron Shotton, Leader of Flintshire County Council” style=”boxquote text-left”]The marvellous design of this fantastic new learning facility will undoubtedly encourage a committed, inspirational and creative learning environment for students in the years to come and I am confident that Deeside Sixth Form Centre will soon become a centre of excellence reflecting the shared aspirations of local schools, Flintshire County Council, Welsh Government and Coleg Cambria.[/miptheme_quote]

The auditorium packed with 150 guests heard speeches from the First Minster who spoke about his days in 6th form education back in the 80’s – a stark contrast to the facilities on show today.

Cllr Aaron Shotton, Leader of Flintshire County Council praised the architects and main contractor Wynne Construction for delivering the campus on time and in budget.

150 guests from the local politicians, to industry leaders and students packed into the auditorium to watch the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

The last word went to former Connah’s Quay High School head girl Ellen Roberts, pictured below.

Now a student at ‘Deeside 6’ Ellen gave a rousing, confident speech praising the new facilities, she said;

“Having this brand new facility means me and my fellow students have the best possible opportunities in obtaining educational excellence achieving results which will open door ways to the most prestigious destinations.

I’m really motivated to attend college and feel comfortable in the environment already, this state of the art facility will not only benefit the students here but also the community of Deeside and beyond”

Student Ellen Roberts, Coleg Cambria Chief Executive David Jones, First Minister Carwyn Jones and Cllr. Aaron Shotton leader of Flintshire County Council unveil a plaque infront of assembled guests and media.

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