Celebrating Achievements and Upcoming Events
Welcome to the School Blog. It feels like an age ago already, even though it was just last week, that we celebrated our Dydd Gwyl Dewi Assembly. We are very grateful for the excellent readings and reports presented by Ewan, Megan, and Georgia (Year 11), as well as Harry and Olivia (Year 8).
Year 8 Glan Llyn Trip
A report on the Year 8 Glan Llyn trip revealed that students had a fantastic time. The first part of their morning combined Cymraeg skills and scientific knowledge of fire triangles in a bushcraft workshop. Students were challenged to collect items for a fire before lighting them!
The morning continued with canoeing on Llyn Tegid, where students learned Geography terms in Cymraeg and gained a better understanding of the rain cycle. They then used their Welsh communication skills while working together to be the first team to cross the lake. The fun continued in the afternoon as students conquered the high ropes course and the climbing wall. What an awesome experience!
Year 13 Mock Interviews
Year 13 Business and vocational pathway students recently participated in a mock interview process with local businesses. The students were put through their paces and performed exceptionally well, clearly demonstrating their confidence and enterprising talents. We would particularly like to say a great big diolch to the following local business people who supported this fantastic day:
- Paul Hughes – SHEQ Health and Safety Consultants
- Peter Russell – Russell Taylor Group
- Davinder Lotay – Altimex
- Hayley Grey – West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce
- Claire Barton – Brownlow Furniture
- Tom Langley – Cheshire College South & West
- Abbey Price – ITAS
Library News and World Book Day Success
In further news from the School Library, the Blind Date Books were incredibly popular with students and flew out of their wrapping paper! Over seventy books were issued, giving students a fun way to read something they might not otherwise have chosen. The Library expects many new titles in the next few days, including several requested by students. We will keep you informed via our social media feeds. A further ‘diolch’ goes to all students who participated in our World Book Day celebrations, making them a huge success.
Year 9 German Biscuit Baking
Our Year 9 Germanists have been busy baking biscuits following a German recipe. Olivia and Sienna (Year 9) provided us with the following insight:
“On Friday, 3rd March, our German lesson was unlike any we had before. It was a hands-on lesson where we baked some delicious cookies! We enjoyed baking as a class and having the chance to be independent and practical learners. The previous lesson on Wednesday was all about getting ready to bake. We reviewed the instructions and understood them in both English and German. We practised saying various ingredients and learned vocabulary specific to the recipe.
Baking the cookies was a lot of fun, and it’s safe to say it was everyone’s favourite activity over writing! Although the lesson flew by because we were all having so much fun, it was a great opportunity, and we are sure most would enjoy another lesson like this one! Even though learning German is always enjoyable, this has made everyone’s enthusiasm even greater. We are all grateful to Miss Lumsdon for planning such a fantastic lesson.”
Members of the class were also presented with a Bakesliga award from Mr. Ellis for their efforts.
Performing Arts and Upcoming Events
The Performing Arts department has started a new club after school on Thursdays for KS3 students. Club members are looking for actors, dancers, and backstage crew to help them put on a performance of ‘The Last Resort’. The club takes place in Y Celtec, room 1-4, and everyone is welcome to join and enjoy the fun together.
Continuing on a dramatic note, our BTEC Performing Arts students will present their production, Return to the Forbidden Planet, on Monday, 27th and Tuesday, 28th March, at 6.30 pm. Doors open at 6 pm, and tickets are available at a cost of £5. These can be purchased from the school reception. Please do come along and watch the talent on show if you can make it.
Upcoming Family Quiz Night
Why not also join our friends at CAFA for a family quiz on Thursday, 30th March? Mr. Kevin Davies will be the Quizmaster, and the quiz will be held in the school hall, with doors opening at 6.30 pm for a ‘quizzical’ start at 7 pm. The cost is £2 per participant or £10 for a team (maximum six people per team). There will be a bar and refreshments available, and you can purchase your tickets at Castell Alun Friends Association Store.
School Uniform Petition
We have been informed that parents and carers across the nation are signing a petition to the government to abolish VAT on school uniforms. At present, clothing for children aged 14 or older or those taller or larger than average is subject to a 20% VAT rate. If you would like to support the reduction of school uniform costs, please follow this link to sign the petition.
Mother’s Day Reminder
One final reminder: it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday. Have a lovely weekend!
See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
