Full Steam Ahead
Welcome to the School Blog. It’s clear that many students have enjoyed a lovely half-term break, returning to school ready to press on with their learning.
Campus Developments
Noticeable developments have occurred around the campus, and we aim to complete the building and refurbishment work by the end of this half term. Staff have shown remarkable flexibility in coping with current demands, and students have displayed mature, sensible attitudes throughout the building programme. Well done, everyone, and thank you so much.
External Examinations
This week, some students in Years 11, 12, and 13 undertook external examinations, with more papers to be sat next week. A WJEC Examiner visited and highly commended our examination practices at Castell Alun. We always hope for great results, but what matters most is that our students give their best.
Upcoming Parents’ Evenings
On Thursday, 11th November, we will hold our virtual Year 13 Parents’ Evening. Thank you to all parents and carers who have made appointments so efficiently. We look forward to this event and the subsequent Year 12 Parents’ Evening on Thursday, 25th November. Bookings will soon open for the Year 12 evening.
International Partnership
In Modern Foreign Languages, our partnership with the school in Saint Prix, France, is thriving. Several students sent their mini-profiles to their friends abroad and were thrilled to receive letters back. They included information about themselves and photos of their local towns or communities. We have created a display in the Languages Area to celebrate this project and hope it will grow into even greater things.
Support from Anwyl Homes
We are extremely grateful to Anwyl Homes for donating £500 to fund resources for STEM lessons. The money has helped students explore how solar energy is produced, including making their own small solar panels using smart glass and dyes from fruits and vegetables. Science teacher Mr. Jack Evans leads this project, giving many Year 7 students meaningful experience and enhancing their understanding of solar energy. Mr. Phil Dolan, Managing Director for Anwyl Homes Cheshire and North Wales, commented, “With everyone’s eyes on what the world’s leaders are doing about climate change, we’re so pleased to be able to support a local project that encourages pupils’ skills in developing sustainable technology.” At Castell Alun, we are committed to educating our students about sustainable energy sources to protect our community and the wider world.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Please check our website for the new extra-curricular timetable for this half term. Alongside curricular study sessions for examination class groups, our Expressive Arts Learning Area sees tremendous participation in activities outside of school hours. This week, our Sixth Form netballers played a friendly against Hawarden, winning with a stunning score of 24-5. Additionally, the Boys’ Sixth Form Football Team successfully navigated round 1 of the Welsh Cup against Flint with a 4-1 victory.
Cross Country Success
The recent Flintshire Cross Country results have now been ratified. Congratulations to everyone who participated. Some of the most striking performances include:
- Top 10 Lower Junior Girls (Year 7): Juliet, Imogen, Penelope, and Amelia.
- Top 10 Junior Girls (Year 8): Jessica.
- Top 10 Junior Boys: Luca (1st place), Milo, and Owain.
- Top 10 Middle Girls (Year 10/11): Seren.
Team Results:
- Lower Junior Girls – 1st Place
- Junior Girls – 1st Place
- Middle Girls – 3rd Place
- Lower Junior Boys – 4th Place
- Junior Boys – 1st Place
- Middle Boys – 2nd Place
All students who placed in the top ten of each category will now represent Flintshire Schools in the next round of the competition.
Gymnastics Achievement
Isabella (Year 7) is making a name for herself in gymnastics. She recently competed in the North Wales Area competition, winning first place in the Vault and Bars categories, with strong performances on the floor discipline. She was awarded fourth place overall and contributed significantly to a team Bronze medal with her Gym Club teammates. Brilliant stuff, Issy!
Remembrance and Charitable Events
Although we cannot hold main school assemblies, we will remember those fallen or injured in war in different ways next week. We cannot pass out poppies this year, but we invite you to make contributions to the British Legion via our online School Gateway, which is currently open. We remain deeply grateful for the sacrifices of others, reflecting on those who have given so much for our freedom.
On Friday, 19th November, we will mark Children In Need with a non-uniform day. Students can make contributions to this worthy cause using our School Gateway app, which will become available after the Remembrance Day collection concludes.
Let’s hope the weather holds! Have a lovely weekend. See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
