3 Hydref 2025
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Welcome to this week’s Castell Alun High School Blog! We’ve had another busy and exciting week in school, with plenty of achievements to celebrate and news to share. A special thank-you goes to our excellent assembly readers — Will, Bess and Sam in Year 8 — who read with real poise and clarity on Thursday morning at our Lower School Assembly on the theme of Medical Progress.
This week’s blog features updates from our brilliant Gardening Club, Sixth Form safe driving session, Art Club’s celebration of Dyslexia Awareness Month, the Macmillan Coffee Morning and plenty of sporting highlights, along with important information about our Parent Governor vacancies.
The Results are In!
Please see the video below to see who has claimed victory in our sticker competition!
Gardening Club Grows Success
The Gardening Club at Castell Alun High School has transformed an unused area of land into a thriving garden, creating a positive impact across our school community. Meeting weekly, the club grows organic produce for the school, plants trees, litter picks and creates wildlife habitats, all while sharing their journey through newsletters, social media and even a podcast!
Their hard work and dedication have boosted biodiversity, inspired others to get involved, and made our school environment greener, healthier and more connected. Their fantastic efforts have also been recognised nationally, as the club reached the final of the Tidy Wales Awards, where they proudly received a recognition certificate. Well done to all involved — we can’t wait to see the garden, trees, plants and vegetables flourish and grow for years to come!
Driving Safely
On Monday morning, our Sixth Form students in Year 12 and Year 13 attended a Safe Driving Talk delivered by PC Stu Reeves during Period 1. The session focused on the importance of road safety, particularly for young and newly qualified drivers, and highlighted the potential risks that can arise from distractions, peer pressure and poor decision-making behind the wheel.
PC Reeves shared real-life examples and practical strategies to help students stay safe as drivers, passengers and road users. The talk encouraged students to think carefully about the choices they make on the road and reinforced the message that safe, responsible driving can save lives. It was an engaging and valuable session, equipping our Sixth Formers with advice they can carry with them as many begin learning to drive or prepare for life after school.
Art Club Celebrates Dyslexia Awareness Month
In recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month this October, our Art Club is shining a spotlight on creativity and resilience. Each week, pupils will explore the work of an inspiring artist who achieved greatness without letting dyslexia hold them back. The featured artists — Picasso, Vince Low, Kristjana Williams and Andy Warhol — will give our students the chance to see how different perspectives can fuel imagination and innovation. A huge thank you to Miss Whitehurst for leading the club and giving our learners such a powerful and creative way to celebrate dyslexia awareness.
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Staff at Castell Alun came together for a Macmillan Coffee Morning during break time. They enjoyed plenty of coffee and some truly wonderful creations baked by our talented staff. Of course this is all in support of a fantastic cause. Some cakes were so impressive we’re convinced a few of our staff could easily apply for the next series of The Great British Bake Off! We are delighted to share that we raised a large sum of money for Macmillan Cancer Support. A huge thank you to everyone who baked, donated, and joined us — your generosity will make a real difference.
Sporting News
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for sport at Castell Alun! Our teams have been giving their all across a range of competitions. Highlights include a fantastic 5-1 victory for our Year 10 boys against Bryn Alyn in the Welsh Cup. The Year 8 boys battled hard against Darland, taking the game all the way to penalties. Our Year 7 boys bowed out after a narrow 3-1 penalty defeat to Brynhyfryd, and the Year 9s put in a strong performance despite a 5-3 loss in the @welshschoolsfa.
Our U15 girls’ football team made a brilliant start with a 2-0 win over Elfed. The Year 8 rugby team impressed with a 4-1 try victory against Caldy Grammar. Netball has also been in full swing, with our U15 girls securing an incredible 39-37 win over Wirral Grammar in the @sistersnsport National Cup, and some excellent play from our Year 8s during their play night. Well done to all of our teams for their commitment, teamwork and determination!
Parent Governor Election
We currently have four Parent Governor vacancies on our Governing Body. We warmly encourage parents and carers to consider putting themselves forward. Parent Governors play a vital role in supporting and challenging the school. They help us to provide the very best education and opportunities for all our pupils. The deadline for completed nominations is 9am on Friday 10th October 2025. Nominations received after this date will not be considered.
Becoming a Parent Governor is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference. You will contribute directly to shaping the future of the school, gain valuable skills. You will play an important part in ensuring every pupil at Castell Alun reaches their full potential.
More details can be found here.
Upcoming Events
Year 10 Parents’ Information Evening – Thursday 9th October (5:00pm–6:00pm)
We are pleased to invite all Year 10 parents to our Information Evening on Thursday 9th October, 5.00pm–6.00pm. We look forward to welcoming you and working together to ensure a successful year for your child.
Year 11 Parents’ Evening
Thursday 16th October (4:00pm–6:30pm)
CAFA Quiz Night
Friday 17th October (6:30pm start)
Flu Drop-In Clinics
Flu drop-in clinics available for any students in Years 7 to 11 that missed the nasal spray immunisation day in school last week.
Saturday 04/10/25 & Saturday 15/11/25 between 8.30am & 1pm at:
Mold Clinic – King Street, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1LB
Rhostyllen Clinic– James Street, Rhostyllen, Wrexham, LL14 4AW
In Closing
As always, a huge thank you to our pupils, staff, parents, and wider community for your continued support. Together we make Castell Alun such a special place to learn and grow. We look forward to sharing more of our news and celebrations with you next week.
Diolch yn fawr am eich cefnogaeth barhaus.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Safeguarding
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Officers: Mr Ellis, Mrs Davies or Mr Stewart. You can reach them via the School Office or by using our Contact Form.
