10 Gorffennaf 2026
As another busy and successful week draws to a close, we’re delighted to share some of the fantastic achievements, opportunities and experiences that have taken place across our school community. From sporting success at regional and national level, to cultural visits, memorable educational experiences and the start of our Sports Day celebrations, it has been another week filled with enthusiasm, determination and pride. As always, we are incredibly grateful to our staff for their dedication and to our students for the way they continue to represent Castell Alun with respect, determination and honesty both in school and beyond.
School of Rock Brings the House Down!
What an incredible three nights it has been! Our production of School of Rock was a phenomenal success, with packed audiences each evening enjoying an unforgettable show filled with energy, talent and enthusiasm.
Producing a musical of this scale takes months of dedication, and we could not be prouder of everyone involved. From the first rehearsals through to the final curtain call, our students have shown outstanding commitment, resilience and teamwork. They have balanced rehearsals alongside their studies, continually refining their performances and supporting one another every step of the way. Their confidence, creativity and professionalism shone brightly on stage, and they should all be immensely proud of what they achieved.
The production also showcased so much more than musical and acting talent. Students developed invaluable skills in collaboration, communication, problem-solving and perseverance as they worked together to bring the story to life. Whether performing on stage, playing in the band, working backstage, managing lighting and sound, or supporting behind the scenes, every student played an important role in making the production such a memorable success.
A huge thank you must also go to our incredible staff. The countless hours spent rehearsing after school, preparing costumes, creating props and scenery, coordinating technical elements and supporting students throughout the process, have been nothing short of remarkable. Their dedication, passion and commitment have provided our students with an experience they will remember for many years to come.
Finally, thank you to our families, friends and wider school community for your fantastic support. Seeing the school full on all three nights created an amazing atmosphere and meant so much to everyone involved. Your encouragement and applause were the perfect reward for months of hard work.
Congratulations to every member of the cast, band, backstage crew, production team and front of house. School of Rock was a wonderful celebration of talent, determination and teamwork, and one that truly demonstrated what can be achieved when everyone works together towards a shared goal.
Da iawn to everyone involved – you really did rock the stage!
Year 11 Celebrate in Style at Prom
On Monday evening, our Year 11 students celebrated the end of their secondary school journey with a fantastic Prom at Chester Zoo.
It was a truly memorable evening, with students making some unforgettable arrivals in a variety of vehicles, including combine harvesters, trucks, TikTok vans and limousines, adding to the excitement and creating a real sense of occasion from the moment they arrived.
The evening was filled with laughter, dancing and celebration, with a fantastic DJ keeping the dance floor busy throughout the night. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the opportunity to celebrate together and create lasting memories with friends and staff.
A huge thank you goes to the incredible team at Chester Zoo for hosting such a fantastic event, and to all the staff who gave up their evening to support our students. A special thank you goes to Mr Duffy, whose hard work and organisation ensured the evening was such a memorable success.
We wish all of our Year 11 students every success and happiness as they begin the next exciting chapter of their journeys.
A Great Start to Sports Day
With temperatures climbing into the 30s again this afternoon, we made the decision to hold our long-distance races and a selection of field events, including the high jump and discus, during the cooler morning conditions.
It was a fantastic start to Sports Day, with every competitor showing outstanding determination and giving their very best. The atmosphere was brilliant, with students enthusiastically cheering each other on and demonstrating the respect and encouragement that make Castell Alun Sports Day so special.
The rest of our whole-school Sports Day will take place on Monday, when the cooler weather will provide the perfect conditions for competition and celebration.
A reminder to all students to bring a water bottle, sun cream, and a hat to help stay cool!
We look forward to another fantastic day of sport on Monday!
Tennis Ambassadors Enjoy a Day at Wimbledon
On Wednesday, our Tennis Ambassadors enjoyed an unforgettable trip to Wimbledon, making the most of the glorious sunshine and experiencing one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.
After an early morning train from Chester, students spent the day watching a range of singles and doubles matches, soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Championships. They also enjoyed the famous Wimbledon strawberries and cream and took in the spectacular views from Henman Hill, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
It was a fantastic opportunity for students to experience elite sport up close, and they represented Castell Alun brilliantly throughout the day. A wonderful experience for everyone involved!
Llangollen International Eisteddfod
Yesterday, over 100 Year 7 students enjoyed a day at the international Eisteddfod in Llangollen. It really was llawer o hwyl – lots of fun.
Students had the opportunity to go around the maes speaking to the stall holders in Cymraeg. The highlight of the day was watching an array of international talent in the pavilion. A true celebration of international music and dance. All our students had an amser bendigedig and were praised for the manners and respect they showed during the day.
Empower Cyber First Girls Event
We are delighted to share some exciting news about our remarkable students who recently participated in the Empower Cyber First Girls event at Coleg Cambria. This inspiring initiative encourages young women to explore careers in technology and cybersecurity—industries that play an increasingly important role in our digital world.
Seventeen talented students from Years 9 and 10 took part in a range of engaging and challenging activities, including an Enigma cipher challenge, developing and pitching a technology app idea, and responding to a mock cyber incident. These hands-on experiences were designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and showcase the wide variety of opportunities available within the technology sector.
The event also featured guest speakers from leading organisations, including So-Me, Toyota, and Airbus, who shared valuable insights into their career journeys and the skills required to succeed in technology and cybersecurity. Their presentations were both informative and inspirational, giving our students a fascinating glimpse into the exciting and diverse career pathways available to them.
The day was a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop new skills, collaborate with their peers, and gain a deeper understanding of the ever-growing world of technology. We are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm, creativity, and engagement throughout the event.
Girlguiding Clwyd
Niamh (Year 9) and Grace (Year 8) recently attended a selection weekend camp in Brecon, South Wales, with Girlguiding Cymru.
The girls were shortlisted alongside just 24 Guides and Rangers from across Wales and were the only participants selected to represent Girlguiding Clwyd. They are now hoping to be chosen for an international trip taking place in August 2027.
During the selection weekend, Niamh and Grace completed a range of leadership and teamwork activities. They planned and led an activity for a small group, taught and led camp songs, and delivered a presentation about the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
Swimming Success
A huge congratulations to Caitlin (Year 9) on her fantastic achievement at the Swim Wales Open Water Championships. Caitlin secured an outstanding second place in the challenging 3km race, finishing just eight seconds behind the winner. Her impressive performance has earned her qualification for the British Open Water Championships, which take place on 25th July at Rother Valley, Sheffield, where she will compete over an even more demanding 5km distance.
Caitlin will also be joined by Idele (Year 10) at the Welsh National Swimming Championships later this month at the National Pool in Swansea. Representing Wrexham Swimming Club, both students demonstrate exceptional dedication, training for around 17 hours each week alongside their studies.
Idele will be aiming for podium finishes in the 400m Individual Medley and Breaststroke events, while Caitlin will compete in the 800m and 1500m Freestyle races as she continues her outstanding season.
We are incredibly proud of both students for their commitment, determination and sporting excellence, and we wish them every success in their upcoming championships. Pob lwc, Caitlin and Idele!
Upcoming
Lost Property
In Closing
Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s Blog and for your continued support of our school community. We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday for the remainder of our Sports Day celebrations. We wish all of our students taking part the very best of luck and hope everyone enjoys what promises to be another fantastic day.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Dymunwn benwythnos hyfryd i chi gyd.
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.
