Mid-Term Reflections
Welcome to the School Blog. It’s hard to believe we are nearly halfway through our first half term already. Lots of wonderful learning is taking place, and our students are as engaged and inquisitive as ever. Students who have tested positive are self-isolating, and each of them continues to make a good recovery. Everyone is managing to navigate around the campus, even in its current form.
Year 7 Cognitive Ability Tests
On Wednesday this week, our Year 7 students coped really well with their Cognitive Ability Tests, and each of them rose to the occasion admirably. These tests are crucial for us this year, especially given the disrupted learning over the past eighteen months. Data from primary schools isn’t as detailed as usual, so we use these tests to ensure we look after your child in every way. The data also helps us set appropriate learning targets for individual students.
Open Evening Information
Although it is a shame that we can’t host a New Intake Open Evening, we are in the same position as all Flintshire Secondary Schools. Therefore, Open Evening information will be posted on our website by Thursday 30th September. Staff have been busy filming their sections of the video. Although Hollywood does not need to concern itself yet, we hope the input will answer many questions and provide the necessary detail for anyone new to the school.
Year 7 Achievements
In Year 7, Oscar had another skiing success representing Castell Alun at the Regional Welsh Schools Competition this week, where he clinched a silver medal in the U14s race category. This fantastic achievement results from much training, determination, and participating in national competitions across the UK over the summer. Brilliant stuff, Oscar! Also in Year 7, Ruben has received several accolades and certificates for his contribution to local football teams over recent months. We hope students like Ruben will help us achieve school team success in the future, both in Flintshire and North Wales competitions.
Girls’ Football Team
Continuing on a football theme, our Year 7 and 8 Girls’ team are playing in the Welsh FA Cup for the first time this year. We have already made it through to the second round and will soon take on Brynhyfryd (away). We will keep you informed of their progress in future School Blogs.
Swimming Successes
We are really proud of Charlie in Year 8, who is making a name for himself in the swimming pool. Charlie is moving up through swimming levels regularly and recently completed an assessment, taking him into the second-highest category for his age. Charlie clearly loves swimming, and we hope he goes from strength to strength and, who knows, perhaps represents us in the Olympics one day!
Netball Star
In Year 9, Sophie, a regular star of our netball team, has just been selected for the Severn Start U17 Nova Academy. Sophie follows in the footsteps of several former students who excel on the netball court, some of whom now represent their country. We believe in you, Sophie – you could be next!
Skiing Success
Chloe, also in Year 9, competed in her first slalom competition on Wednesday night in Llandudno with Snowsport Wales and achieved 1st place in the Under 14 unregistered category. This was Chloe’s first-ever time skiing on a dry slope, and she took to it like a duck to water! More success will clearly follow, but let’s hope we don’t get the snow until later in the year!
Year 10 Achievements
In Year 10, Warrick has just completed his Referee Leaders Award and has clearly not yet been bothered by VAR. Tom, also in Year 10, is now playing outside his own year group for the RGC (North Wales Rugby). Well done, lads!
Staff Triumphs
And not to be outdone by their students, Miss Roberts and Miss Gittins completed the North West Triathlon on Sunday. Both ladies were still able to walk afterwards, and we call that a success!
Have a Lovely Weekend
It looks a little cooler this weekend, which many might say is a good thing! Have a lovely weekend and we will see you for the next School Blog, everyone.
