17 Ebrill 2026
In this edition
Welcome back to the summer term at Castell Alun following the Easter break. This is always a busy and purposeful term, particularly for our examination year groups as final preparations for GCSE and other external assessments begin in earnest.
There are now only a few weeks to go, and we encourage all students to continue demonstrating our core values of Respect, Determination and Honesty. Determination in revision and preparation, honesty in effort and reflection, and respect for themselves and others will help every learner achieve their very best.
Importantly, the summer term also brings many opportunities to celebrate success, welcome new members of our community and take part in a wide range of activities that enrich school life. We look forward to supporting all students to finish the academic year positively and successfully.
Year 6 Pupils attend Wellbeing Day
On Wednesday, we were delighted to welcome half of our Year 6 pupils who will be joining us in September for a special wellbeing day. Students enjoyed a range of engaging activities, including art, expressive arts and team-building sessions delivered by Flintshire Play.
They also had the opportunity to sample some of the food available at Castell Alun, which gave them a taste of daily life at the school. Transition days like these are an important part of the move from primary to secondary school.
They help students feel more confident and familiar with their new surroundings, meet new staff and peers, and start building positive relationships before September. Consequently, opportunities to experience the school environment in a supportive and relaxed way help reduce worries and ensure pupils feel prepared for the exciting next step in their education.
It was wonderful to see pupils getting involved, building confidence and beginning to feel part of our school community. We are very much looking forward to welcoming the second group for another wellbeing day next week.
Autism Acceptance and Understanding
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we are proud to share the work Castell Alun High School is doing to develop further awareness and understanding of the needs of our autistic students.
Recently, our staff undertook training focused on increasing awareness of ASD and improving communication skills when supporting autistic learners. This training will also be delivered to all pupils during PSE lessons as part of our commitment to promoting understanding and inclusion across the school community.
These steps support our goal of achieving the prestigious Learning About Autism Award. In addition, we have appointed a Lead ASD Teaching Assistant as part of this initiative.
They have begun holding short 10–15-minute check-in sessions with our ASD pupils to provide targeted support with wellbeing, organisation and engagement in school. These sessions are designed to help students feel more confident, better supported and better able to access their learning.
For further information and helpful ASD resources, please visit the Neurodivergence Wales website.
Mrs Wareing Supports Shooting Star Cancer Support
Mrs Helen Wareing took on a gruelling 52k ultra marathon last weekend, and the total funds raised have now reached £9000 for Shooting Star Cancer Support. The charity helps improve the experience of people undergoing cancer treatment by funding specialist equipment and resources for the Shooting Star Unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
Reflecting on the challenge, Mrs Wareing shared that it was the biggest personal and mental test she has ever faced. She explained that thinking of her brother Wynne and others bravely battling cancer gave her the strength to keep going through every mile.
We are incredibly proud of her determination and commitment to such a meaningful cause. If you would like to donate, there is still time, you can do so by clicking here.
Supporting Our School Community
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our school community through the fantastic work of CAFA (Castell Alun Friends Association). The funds raised make a real difference to the opportunities, resources and experiences we are able to provide for our pupils. From supporting enrichment activities to enhancing facilities and learning experiences, the generosity of our community has a direct and lasting impact on our students.
Please save the following dates in your diary and support if you can:
Friday 3rd July – Fashion Show
Saturday 11th July – Car Boot Sale
In addition, the popular Sound Bath event will take place on Tuesday 21st, and there are still places available to book. Further details and the booking link can be found here.
There are also other simple ways to support the school. By signing up to the CAFA lottery, you can help raise funds while also being in with a chance of winning the £25,000 jackpot — all for just £1 per week. Full details are available via the CAFA page on the school website or by visiting:
this link.
We are extremely fortunate to have such a supportive community. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps to provide valuable opportunities for our pupils. Thank you for your continued support.
Spotlighting Success
We are delighted to share the fantastic achievements of Olivia in 7U, who has enjoyed an incredibly successful week competing in two dance competitions in just six days. One took place in Macclesfield and the other in Elton.
Olivia brought home an amazing four first places, five second places and two third places. This outstanding accomplishment reflects her dedication and passion for dance.
She trains three to four times a week at Suzanne Jane School of Dance in Broughton and has been committed to developing her skills since the age of two. Olivia performs in a wide range of styles, including Ballet, Modern, Tap, Lyrical, Greek, Character, Song & Dance and Musical Comedy.
Many of her awards were for Aggregate Sections and Highest Marks, which recognised her consistently high standard across multiple performances. We are incredibly proud of Olivia’s hard work and commitment outside school. She is a wonderful example of perseverance and enthusiasm. Well done, Olivia!
Sporting Updates
It has been an exciting time for Castell Alun football, with both our U15 girls and Year 11 boys reaching the semi-finals of the prestigious Welsh Cup.
Llongyfarchiadau to our fantastic U15 girls’ team, who secured their place in the Welsh Cup Final with an outstanding 8–1 victory against a strong Maes Y Gwyndraethin Newtown side. This is a historic achievement, as they become the first girls’ football team from Castell Alun to reach a Welsh Cup Final.
We are incredibly proud of their teamwork, determination and skill, and we wish them the very best of luck in the final. It was an unfortunate result for our Year 11 boys’ team, who narrowly lost their semi-final 4–3 after leading 3–1.
Despite the disappointment, reaching the semi-final of such a prestigious competition is a fantastic achievement and reflects the team’s hard work, commitment and talent throughout the tournament. The boys represented the school superbly, showing great determination and resilience against strong opposition.
We are extremely proud of both teams for their dedication and success — a fantastic achievement for Castell Alun football. Da iawn pawb!
Lost Property Gallery
Here are photos of this week’s lost property. Students should speak to their group tutor to arrange collection during registration or at another suitable time during the school day.At the end of each half term, we will donate any unclaimed items to charity.
Upcoming
Year 10 Parents’ Evening – Thursday 23rd April.
In Closing
As always, thank you for your continued support of our school community. It is a pleasure to share the many successes, achievements and opportunities our pupils experience both inside and outside the classroom.
We look forward to the weeks ahead as we support our learners through examinations, transition activities and enrichment opportunities, ensuring that everyone continues to thrive and achieve their potential.
Diolch am eich cefnogaeth barhaus. Dymunwn dymor llwyddiannus i chi gyd.
Thank you for your continued support and we wish everyone a successful and positive summer term.
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.
