Welcome Back After Easter
Welcome to the School Blog. We hope you enjoyed a restful Easter. Our students have returned with excellent attitudes, and many are now ready for their external examinations. Please remember that any student experiencing anxiety or stress should speak to their Group Tutor or Student Development Manager at their earliest convenience. We truly understand that for many, this will be the first real experience of external examinations, as will be the case for students across Wales.
Estyn Thematic Inspection
We were visited by Estyn for a Thematic Inspection (one day only) earlier this week, and the inspector gave us very positive feedback on the theme of assessment.
Celebrating Achievements
In the midst of examination preparations, it is vital that we don’t lose perspective and continue to celebrate the many wonderful things that happen at Castell Alun and to our students further afield. Thank you for the information you have supplied, which helps us recognise and celebrate individual and team successes as they occur.
Fundraising Initiatives
7S have come up with an excellent scheme to raise money for Cancer Research this term. The class intends to match the number of hours it would take to walk from John O’ Groats to Land’s End with their attendance at extra-curricular activities before the close of the term. What a lovely idea!
Arrangements have been finalised for Year 8 to undertake their sponsored run on Tuesday of next week, with all proceeds going to Nightingale House. In the allocated hour, students will be challenged to complete as many laps as possible. Please remember that all monies can be paid via our School Gateway app.
Student Highlights
Millie (Year 9) is no stranger to our School Blog. We are thrilled to announce that she now has a sponsor for her racing at Riverside Gravure. We are incredibly proud of you, Millie!
Imagine playing sport for your country one day! Thomas (Year 10) represents RGC North Wales in Rugby, and his achievements continue to impress. Even though he is one year younger than his teammates, he now leads as Captain. He has already competed in Welsh Regional matches against teams like the Ospreys and Blues. His next goal is selection for the Welsh Under 18s team and to pursue a professional career in the sport.
As you know, we have an international golf star in Year 12. Will, who plays off a handicap of 1, regularly competes against players from other nations. His most recent success came in a quadrangular tournament over Easter at Pyle and Kenfig, where he scored 2 ½ points against the Scottish, Irish, and Dutch teams. Great job, Will! He aims to proceed to the European Championships in Germany this summer, moving closer to his goal of joining the main professional tour.
Congratulations to Dan (Year 11) and his team of Army Cadets for achieving a Bronze Medal in the Cambrian Patrol competition held over two nights. Dan and his team also won the Cambrian Patrol Best Welsh Team national competition. It’s fantastic to see such competitions taking place again, organized by the 160th Welsh Brigade and HQ Wales Cadet Training Team. Awesome work, Dan!
Extra-Curricular Activities
Not all successes are in the sporting arena. Please remind your children to check out our new extra-curricular programme on the school website.
Year 8 Parents’ Evening
Appointments can now available for our Year 8 Virtual Parents’ Evening on Thursday, 5th May. We also wish the best of luck to all participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Silver award expedition this weekend.
Looking Ahead
Enjoy the extended weekend, and we will see all students on Tuesday, 3rd May. And, of course, see you back here soon for the next School Blog!
