18 Hydref 2024
Welcome to the School Blog!
We’re excited to share the success of our Shwmae Su’mae Day, where we celebrated bilingualism, raised funds for charity, and focused on financial awareness and wellbeing. Students explored the impact of alcohol, linking their learning to the Curriculum for Wales and promoting informed, healthy lifestyle choices. In Science, Year 11 planted strawberries as part of their Food Production unit, while Year 12 made use of our cutting-edge iPads and colorimeters to enhance their practical skills. We’re proud to see our learners thrive in both Welsh culture and scientific discovery!
Celebrating Shwmae Sumae Day
On Dydd Llun / Monday, we proudly celebrated Shwmae Sumae Day in school, a national event that encourages everyone to embrace and use as much Cymraeg as possible. As part of our journey towards achieving the Cymraeg Campus award, we embraced the spirit of the day and fully immersed ourselves in celebrating our unique bilingual and cultural heritage.
We began with an assembly for upper school and an interactive quiz for lower school, both highlighting the many benefits of bilingualism and showcasing the everyday Welsh phrases we already know and use. During break time, staff gathered for a sgwrs a paned (chat and a cuppa) hosted by the Welsh department, where everyone made an effort to converse in Welsh—wonderful to hear throughout the school.
Throughout the day, in Cymraeg lessons, students from all year groups participated in memory challenges and Welsh games, embracing the opportunity to practise their language skills. At lunchtime, staff and sixth formers joined in a fun round of bilingual bingo, with all numbers called out in Welsh, while younger students enjoyed a Welsh scavenger hunt and bingo, with prizes awarded to the lucky winners.
Not only did the day boost awareness of the benefits of bilingualism, but we also raised over £180 for the Huntington’s Disease Association and Hope House. The celebration was a huge success, creating a positive and enriching experience for both students and staff. Da iawn pawb!
If you’d like to follow our Welsh department’s journey towards the Cymraeg Campus award, check us out on Instagram: cahs_cymraeg.
Supporting Success: Year 11 Parents’ Evening
On Thursday evening, we were delighted to welcome parents and carers to our Year 11 Parents’ Evening. It was a valuable opportunity for teachers, students, and families to come together and discuss progress, achievements, and targets for the year ahead. With final exams approaching, the evening provided crucial guidance and support to help students stay focused and reach their full potential. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a positive and productive event!
Exploring Career Opportunities
Our Year 9 career assemblies continue to inspire! They give students the chance to explore a wide variety of careers across different fields and industries. So far, we’ve covered nutrition, construction, and the arts. A huge diolch yn fawr to Robertson Construction and Theatr Clwyd for their insightful presentations this week—who knew there were so many diverse career paths within these sectors!
Meanwhile, Year 11 received invaluable apprenticeship support from Achieve More Limited, who highlighted local opportunities on Tuesday. This was followed by a CV creation session led by Louise Ellis, our Careers Advisor, on Wednesday. With such promising talent in Year 11, we’re excited to see the future paths they’ll take!
We recently welcomed Student Finance Wales to deliver an informative talk for our Year 13 students, aimed at helping them navigate the financial aspects of higher education. This session offered valuable insights into funding options, budgeting strategies, and essential resources to enhance their university experience. We are grateful for the expertise and time that Student Finance Wales shared with us, empowering our students with the knowledge they need to thrive financially while pursuing their university education.
Growing Knowledge
As part of our ‘Food Production’ unit in Year 11 Applied Science, students took a hands-on approach by preparing the ground and planting strawberries in the school quad. This practical experience strengthened their understanding of the science behind food production while fostering ownership and responsibility as they nurtured their crops. Students embraced the activity with enthusiasm and now eagerly anticipate the results as they watch their strawberries grow and ripen. This engaging lesson directly connected to real-world science, deepening their appreciation for sustainable food production and the effort involved.
Advanced Tech in Action
Our Year 12 Biologists recently completed a practical experiment to determine the concentration of glucose in a solution, which was greatly enhanced by the use of our new iPads and colorimeters. These tools allowed for more accurate and efficient data collection, improving the overall learning experience. A big thank you to the Wolfson Foundation for providing this cutting-edge equipment, which is helping to elevate the quality of our scientific investigations.
Promoting Well-Being
Year 7 and 8 students recently participated in an engaging session with Smashed Live. This is an alcohol education programme that aims to raise awareness about the effects of alcohol on young people. This interactive workshop promotes the development of informed, healthy lifestyle choices among our learners. Through creative storytelling and thought-provoking discussions, students explored the risks associated with alcohol consumption. They also explored enhancing their understanding of well-being and resilience. This initiative not only encourages responsible decision-making. It also supports the Curriculum for Wales by equipping students with useful knowledge and skills.
Sixth Form Students Unite for Pink Day
Today, our sixth form students came together to celebrate Pink Day in support of breast cancer awareness, donning vibrant pink clothing and accessories to promote this important cause. The day was filled with a range of engaging activities These included bake sales and fun challenges, all aimed at raising money for breast cancer research and support services. Students showed remarkable enthusiasm and solidarity, fostering discussions about the significance of early detection and the impact of breast cancer on individuals and families. Their collective efforts not only helped raise vital funds for charity but also created a strong sense of community and awareness within our school. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making a difference in the fight against breast cancer!
Netball Highlights
A fantastic game of netball in the first round of the Sisters n Sport U14 Cup saw us compete against Queens School. This resulted in a well-deserved win for our U14 squad. Da iawn, genod! We will now compete for the plate in the tournament.
We also enjoyed an enriching evening of netball friendlies against Maes Garmon and the Alun. Our players showcased their skills and teamwork. This experience provided an excellent opportunity for personal development. It also aligned with the Curriculum for Wales by promoting collaboration, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Llongyfarchiadau to Year 7 student Beatrice, who competed with the Welsh Border Vaulters at the British Championships and earned the title of British Champion for her incredible gymnastic routine on horseback!
Upcoming Events
CAFA are trying something new tonight with a Bingo and Quiz evening at Castell Alun! Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the fun starts at 7 pm. Entry is just £5, which includes your bingo games. There will also be a bar, hot dogs, and refreshments available. Pre-booking is essential, so be sure to secure your spot via this link: https://castell-alun-friends-association.sumupstore.com. We hope to see you there!
You can also join CAFA for a deeply relaxing Sound Bath evening! This will be held on Tuesday 22nd October from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm the school. Immerse yourself in a soothing experience with the sounds of crystal singing bowls, surrounded by fairy lights and comforting aromas. Please bring a yoga mat, water, blanket, and pillow to make yourself comfortable. Pre-booking is essential and can be done at this link.
In Closing
As we enter the final week of this half term, it’s wonderful to reflect on the diverse learning experiences our students have had, from celebrating Welsh culture during Shwmae Su’mae Day, raising awareness for important causes, to advancing their scientific skills in practical, hands-on projects. We’re proud of the progress our learners are making across all areas, embracing bilingualism, wellbeing, and innovation. Let’s finish this half term with the same enthusiasm and dedication!
Cael penwythnos bendigedig!
Safeguarding
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Officers: Mr Colin Ellis, Mrs Gail Davies and Mr Craig Stewart. You can reach them via the School Office or by using our Contact Form.
