Busy Days Before Half-Term
Welcome to the School Blog. With just one week left until half-term, things have been incredibly busy here!
This week, our English Year 11 students faced their oral exams. Staff feedback has been extremely positive. Di iawn to all students who prepared thoroughly for their sessions.
Science Excitement with SEREN Students
On Monday, our SEREN students enjoyed a visit from ‘Xplore! Science’. Year 8 and 9 students started their day with a short science show before diving into two workshops. First, they designed and built roller-coasters, sticking to a strict budget. They competed on how thrilling their roller-coasters were and whether their passengers reached the bottom safely! Next, they built sail cars, powered by fans that mimicked wind. Some designs almost travelled the entire width of the hall. A huge diolch to Jake and Amy for running this engaging session.
In the afternoon, our Year 10 and 11 SEREN students took part in forensic workshops. First, they solved a murder case by analysing blood splatters and footprints. Next, they tackled a cold case, working in groups to analyse fingerprints and blood samples. Despite the piles of evidence, some students correctly identified the killer. Another big diolch to Jake and Amy for facilitating these exciting sessions. It was fantastic to see our students working together to develop critical skills.
Insights from ‘The HR Department’
This week, Niamh Kelly, Director of ‘The HR Department’, visited our Year 13 Business students. Her extensive recruitment experience provided invaluable insights into the recruitment process, including how to avoid discrimination. The sessions were engaging and fun, and we deeply appreciate her support in enhancing our Sixth Formers’ learning environment. Diolch yn fawr, Niamh.
Performing Arts Showcase
Year 13 Performing Arts students visited Ysgol Estyn as part of their BTEC course. They tackled the ‘Unit 4: Performance in the Community’ element by creating and performing a show focused on online safety for Year 5 and 6 students. The show, titled ‘TechSafe Explorers,’ was a huge success, with excellent audience interaction. Due to its success, our students will perform the same show at Ysgol Penyffordd next week. Diolch yn fawr to all involved – fantastic job!
Dance Workshops with Ex-Students
We’re always thrilled to keep in touch with our ex-students. This week, Nicole Roberts, now a third-year Dance student at Liverpool University, returned to run dance workshops with her fellow university students for our BTEC Performing Arts Dance students. As a result, our Castell Alun dancers have been invited to perform at the University Community Show in March.
Hands-On Learning in Health and Social Care
Year 13 Health and Social Care and Childcare students explored different types of play and their benefits on child development. Through hands-on sessions, they engaged with various play activities, applying their skills to discuss how these activities impact child development. The experience was both fun and educational, hopefully aiding them in their exams and future careers.
Year 9 Students Take on Glan Llyn
Today, selected Year 9 students headed to Glan Llyn for a variety of physical and mental challenges. These activities, conducted through the medium of Welsh, aim to enhance their enthusiasm for learning the language.
Upcoming Events
On Thursday, 8th February, Year 11 students will experience a mock results day during registration. We hope they can celebrate their achievements or find the motivation needed to improve.
Other important dates include the Year 10 mock examination week from 5th to 9th February. School will close for half-term from 10th to 19th February, with staff training on the 19th, meaning the school will not be open to students.
Finally, well done to all our Year 8 girls who participated in the netball event at St. Richard Gwyn alongside Elfed and Flint schools this week.
See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
