7 Chwefror 2025
Croseo
Welcome to this week’s School Blog! We are excited to share some wonderful updates from across the school, celebrating the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. This week, we focus on the importance of learning for life, embracing the Curriculum for Wales, and how our commitment to literacy, numeracy and digital skills is shaping the future of our learners. Wellbeing remains at the heart of everything we do, creating a supportive environment where students thrive both academically and personally. From exciting gardening club projects to inspiring career talks with Tata Steel, there’s so much to celebrate. We hope you enjoy reading about all of the fantastic initiatives taking place at our school.
Embracing the Curriculum for Wales
At our school, we are committed to providing students with the skills they need not just for today, but for life. The Curriculum for Wales places a strong emphasis on learning in a way that is meaningful, engaging, and prepares young people for their future. Across the school, we embrace the cross-curricular skills of literacy, numeracy, and digital competence, ensuring that students develop the confidence and ability to apply their learning in real-world contexts.
By strengthening these essential skills, we empower our students to think critically, solve problems and communicate effectively. Whether they are analysing data in science, writing creatively in English, or using digital tools to present their work, they are developing the knowledge and confidence needed for lifelong learning.
Wellbeing is also at the heart of everything we do. We prioritise creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students feel valued and encouraged to grow, both academically and personally. By nurturing resilience, independence and emotional wellbeing, we are helping our learners to not only succeed in school but to thrive in life.
From Years 7 to 11, students have been exploring the importance of inclusivity, celebrating differences and building positive relationships. Through discussions, projects and activities, they have developed a deeper understanding of diversity, respect and empathy. By fostering an inclusive mindset, students are learning to appreciate different perspectives, challenge stereotypes and create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and accepted.
Our Day Out
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming performances of Our Day Out, brought to you by our talented performing arts students. This heart-warming musical follows a group of school children from a tough inner-city school as they embark on a day trip to the countryside, where their adventure brings both excitement and unexpected challenges. Filled with laughter, emotion and unforgettable moments, Our Day Out offers a glimpse into the joys and struggles of growing up. Tickets are on sale from Monday—don’t miss the chance to support our students and experience this fantastic production!
Growing Together
This week, our Gardening Club has been busy making our school environment more beautiful. With great enthusiasm, students have been working hard to plant raspberries and strawberries, adding to our growing school garden. Their dedication and teamwork have not only helped to enhance our outdoor space but also provided a fantastic opportunity to learn about nature, sustainability and the importance of caring for our environment.
A huge thank you to Mr. Rasmussen for leading this wonderful initiative and for inspiring our students to take pride in their surroundings. We are also incredibly grateful to Keep Wales Tidy for their generous contributions of plants, helping us create a greener, more vibrant space for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour in the coming months!
Building Futures
A huge thank you to Tata Steel for taking the time to speak with our Year 10 and 11 Engineering students about the exciting apprenticeship opportunities available to them. Their insight and expertise provided valuable guidance, helping students understand the pathways they can take in the industry. Hearing directly from professionals allowed our students to see the real-world applications of their studies and gain a clearer vision of the careers they could pursue.
We truly value Tata Steel’s support in inspiring our students to believe in their potential and have the confidence to apply for apprenticeships. Sessions like these have a lasting impact, motivating students to stay focused and engaged in their current studies while giving them a strong sense of direction for the future. Opportunities like this are key in bridging the gap between education and the world of work, helping our students take their next steps with confidence.
Dydd Miwsig Cymru at Castell Alun
Dydd Miwsig Cymru is an annual celebration of Welsh-language music, showcasing the incredible talent and diversity of artists who perform in Welsh. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new music and appreciate the richness of our language through song.
Our KS3 students have been getting involved in a range of activities to celebrate the occasion:
Blwyddyn 7 have been working on a transition project with local primary schools, listening to different Welsh language songs, before taking part in a live poll to vote for their favourite song. They’ve then used their numeracy skills to analyse the results.
Blwyddyn 8 have been identifying and experiencing different genres of Cymraeg music and expressing their opinions. They’ve shown their creativity by decorating musical notes with lyrics of their favourite Cymraeg songs and these are proudly on display as bunting on the corridors.
Blwyddyn 9 have been researching Welsh artists, learning about their music and influences.
It’s been a fantastic way to celebrate Welsh music and culture.
Next week our KS4 and KS5 students will have the opportunity to celebrate the Welsh language music scene as they will be taking part in interactive workshops led by the Urdd.
Sixth Form Open Evening Success
A huge thank you to everyone who attended the Sixth Form Open Evening at Castell Alun last night. It was wonderful to welcome both our current students and those joining us from other schools. The evening was filled with enthusiasm as students explored the opportunities available to them for A-level study. We hope the event helped you feel more informed and excited about the next stage of their education.
A special thank you also goes to our dedicated staff and current Sixth Form students. Their passion and expertise play a crucial role in guiding students through this important transition. Choosing A-levels is a big step, and we are proud to support our students every step of the way. The evening was incredibly busy, and we are grateful for everyone’s engagement. A reminder that applications can be completed online here—we look forward to welcoming our new Sixth Form cohort soon!
Sporting Updates
Our Year 9 and 10 girls’ netball teams, the U15 girls’ football team and the U13 boys’ rugby team had a fantastic evening at Mold Alun. They were taking part in friendly matches against Maes Garmon and Mold Alun. It was a great opportunity for our students to showcase their talent, teamwork and sportsmanship. Well done to everyone who took part. Some excellent skills were on display, and we are incredibly proud of all the players!
Mason (Year 7) and Will (Year 8) recently represented North East Wales U13 in a match against South Wales. This is a fantastic achievement! We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two talented players. Da iawn!
Upcoming Events
Year 9 Parents/Options Evening – Thursday 20th February 2025
You can see our full range of upcoming events by heading over to our Events Calendar page.
In Closing
As we wrap up this week’s School Blog, we are incredibly proud of all the exciting achievements across our school. Our students excel in academics, sports, and extracurriculars, reflecting our commitment to the Curriculum for Wales. We look forward to seeing their continued growth and success, both in and outside of the classroom.
Diolch am ddarllen – Thank you for reading.
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.
