School Blog (01/10/21)


Welcome to the School Blog. One year ago, we lost Chantelle. In keeping with her family’s wishes, we held a thoughtful, reflective time today with her closest friends. This helped us celebrate the values Chantelle held dear. Friendship, fun, tolerance, and kindness will always remain foundation stones at Castell Alun, just as Chantelle remains part of our family forever.

As October begins, we seek to appoint new Parent Governors. Letters with nomination forms have been sent home with students this week. If anyone hasn’t received a nomination form, one can be collected from the school office. We ask that all nominations be submitted by 3 pm on Wednesday, 6th October. Our Governing Body plays an essential role in supporting and guiding our school community. If you feel you could positively contribute to the team, please do get in touch.

Students have settled well into their new classes this academic year. Videos have been sent out via email giving important information regarding GCSEs. Of course, under normal circumstances, we would hope to share such information face to face, but unfortunately, that is not currently possible in Flintshire. Thank you for your support!

The first year group to receive their school reports this year is Year 9. We really appreciate all the feedback parents/carers have given us, detailing thoughts on effective ways to make our reports both meaningful and succinct.

For the last few weeks, our Year 11 GCSE Religious Studies classes have been performing wedding ceremonies as part of the ‘Relationships’ unit. They have been looking at and understanding the importance of weddings, and obviously enjoying music and cake at the reception! Congratulations to the happy couples! We aim to bring learning to life for everyone in ways that are readily accessible to all students.

At last, our athletes have had a chance to excel publicly in their disciplines once again. Our Year 10 and 11 GCSE PE athletes competed at the Flintshire Schools Athletics competition on Thursday. Indeed, with so many excellent performances things bode well for the school PE results this year once again.

Chloe, in Year 7, has achieved amazing success recently. She has now achieved her Black Belt ‘with Star’ in Tae Kwondo. At the tender age of 11, Chloe is actually too young to be called a ‘Dan’. How amazing is that!

Our Years 8, 9, and 10 Boys’ Football Teams played in the first round of the Welsh Schools Cup this week. Year 8 played at home against Connahs Quay and won on penalties. Year 9 took on Rhyl High School away and were victorious with a 5-1 scoreline. Our Year 10 team won 8-0 over Ysgol Rhiwabon at home. That sounds like a good reason for celebration for all!

Autumn has clearly landed! I hope you all enjoy a peaceful weekend. See you for the next School Blog!