As if I wasn’t nervous enough on my first day at the Cambrian News, I was also sent back to school – literally.

My name is Alex and I’m a new reporter for the paper.

My first day on the job was last Wednesday and my first assignment was to visit Ysgol Plascrug in Aberystwyth which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. I also spent 10 happy months there when I was eight years old.

Upon returning to the school, I was surprised by how much it had changed since my time there, particularly how much smaller the gym, the chairs, and the children seemed.

It was particularly lovely to see my brother, who is currently in Year 6, and to discuss with him and his friends how they view Plascrug.

When asked what they would miss when they leave, they gave particular mention to “the sports, the freedom, Mr Davies and Mr Davey”.

One of the boys, Evan, commented on how “the school brings people together,” and I am pleased to see that Plascrug’s focus remains on creating a multicultural and inclusive environment in which children can celebrate Welsh culture, heritage, and language. This is particularly evident in their successful participation in the Urdd Eisteddfod, which encourages both Welsh speakers and learners to partake.

But with 38 countries being represented at the school, Plascrug also prides itself on its multiculturalism and the school’s annual International Evening is a highlight of the year. The event provides pupils and their families the opportunity to celebrate the school’s diverse range of cultures through cuisine. As Chris from Year 6 sums up: “International Evening brings your tastebuds to a whole new dimension.”

This year the school has extended this event to span an entire day.

On Saturday, 12 October, the school will open its doors to the public to celebrate both its cultural diversity and the school’s 50th anniversary.

While the older part of the building will be dedicated to food stalls from around the world set up by pupils and their families, the new extension will be devoted to displaying numerous projects by pupils documenting the journey of the school “through the decades”.

See this week’s south papers for the full feature, available in shops and as a digital edition now