INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE SHINES LIGHT ON IMPORTANCE OF THE FORMER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS’, COWBRIDGE
Friday 10th February 2022 marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It is a day to reflect on both how far we have progressed in terms of gender equality in science, but also how much more there is to do across the world.
It is perhaps ironic that this is also the day that the future of the former Intermediate School for Girls’, Cowbridge is thrust into the spotlight once again. The Senedd Petitions Committee have announced that the school will be the subject of a debate in the Senedd Chamber on Wednesday 16th February. The debate is the result of a petition signed by more than 5,520 people across Wales urging the Welsh Government to list the school buildings.
Cowbridge Intermediate School for Girls was opened in 1895 and was the first to be built in Wales specifically for the intermediate education of girls. More poignantly, it was the first to have purpose-built science laboratories which meant for the first-time girls were actively being encouraged to learn about science. Many of the original features of the laboratories remain intact today, including the sky lights and fumigating chimney. The school can be considered to have been an early pioneer for women and girls in science yet it’s future is under threat.
The Senedd debate will focus on the refusal by Cadw to list the building despite its significant architectural and historical significance and the contribution it has made to equal rights in women’s education. Significant concerns have been raised over the due processes followed by Cadw in this case and their refusal to consider the views of a number of prominent historic building specialists, historians and architects which substantial experience in this field. The Senedd debate will be urging the Welsh Government to reconsider Cadw’s opinion.
The school is currently under threat of demolition despite SAVE Britain’s Heritage approaching the developer with alternative plans for conversion. Campaign group SAVE Cowbridge Old Girls’ School is calling on those who wish to the school recognised for the significant contribution it has made to Welsh history and culture to write to the Members of the Senedd to encourage them to take part in the debate.
Further details can be found here: oldgirlsschool.wales
The debate can be watched on senedd.tv
e: info@oldgirlsschool.wales
Facebook: SAVE Cowbridge Old Girls’ School
Twitter: @oldgirlsschool
Press contacts:
Dr Tudur Davies 07833 168247
Sara Pedersen 07545 431800