Members of staff from the English department of a bilingual Ammanford school are celebrating success with their recent achievements.

Ysgol Dyffryn Aman Key Stage 4 English teacher David Williams has been invited to write a chapter for a book which gives an overview of current discussions in education, both in the UK and overseas.

Mr Williams, who has been teaching at the school for two years, said: “I write blogs occasionally and I was approached to write a chapter which I submitted last year.

“I was surprised to be asked to contribute to the publication and my family are all very pleased.”

“The chapter is about teachers taking back control of teaching. I found writing for the book uplifting as it brings out what teaching really is.

“The book is valuable for teachers in training and teachers who are already in the profession as it explores a lot of different aspects of the occupation.”

David’s chapter ‘Breaking free of the machine – lessons from Wales’ can be found in the book ‘Flip the System UK: A Teachers’ Manifesto’, which is currently sold out.

Education voices including Sam Twiselton, Alison Peacock, David Weston and Andy Hargreaves alongside a broad range of academics and policy makers all vouch for increased teacher agency and powerful networks in the text.

The chapters submitted by various professionals urge teachers to work together to flip the system and to challenge policy makers.

Discussing David’s achievement, Head of English Alexandra McNeill said: “I am so proud that somebody so committed to teaching and improving the experience of pupil’s education has had the opportunity to express his ideas and views in a prestigious manner in this publication.

“It is a big honour for the school and it shows we are moving forward.”

Alexandra has also received high recognition herself from a former pupil.

As part of a scheme set up by Aberystwyth University, students are able to award their former teachers with a Teacher Hero Award.

Mrs McNeill added: “It means a lot to teachers when they are recognised for doing their job.

“I think I am the third teacher in the school to receive an award and it’s nice to know we are remembered when they leave.

“I think this is an initiative that should be adopted by all universities.”