Welcome to the first School Blog of 2025!
10 Ionawr 2024
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda! Happy New Year!
As we step into the new term after the Christmas break, it’s wonderful to see our school community back together, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead. Despite the bitterly cold weather, our students have shown exceptional maturity and responsiveness, taking great care around the school and demonstrating a collective sense of responsibility. Their positive attitude and resilience have set a fantastic tone for the term. We’re looking forward to building on this strong start as we work and learn together in 2025!
Remembering Barbara Jones: A Pillar of Castell Alun & Community
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of one of Castell Alun’s most dedicated supporters. Barbara was a long-standing governor of the school and a driving force behind the Castell Alun Friends Association, helping to raise tens of thousands of pounds to benefit our students.
A true pillar of the community, she will be remembered for her astute mind, sharp sense of honour and steadfast commitment to our school. Her dedication, kindness and tireless support leave a legacy that will continue to inspire us all.
The Castell Alun School community will deeply miss her. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
New Beginnings
As the first week back comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our school values of respect, determination and honesty as we embark on another term of learning and growth together. These values lie at the heart of everything we do. It guides our actions and shaping the strong sense of community that defines Castell Alun.
The new term brings with it fresh opportunities for success, and already we’ve seen incredible care, resilience and positivity from our students and staff. Whether it’s supporting one another in lessons, taking part in extracurricular activities, or simply demonstrating kindness and consideration around the school, it’s clear that our shared commitment to excellence continues to shine brightly.
This term is particularly significant as many of our students begin preparing for key milestones, such as GCSEs, A-levels, and other assessments. Their determination to rise to the challenge is inspiring, and as a school, we’re committed to providing the guidance and support they need to achieve their best. Beyond the classroom, we’re also looking forward to a packed calendar of events, performances and sporting fixtures that will allow every member of our school to showcase their talents and hard work.
As we look ahead, we’re reminded of how much our school community means to us. The collective effort, respect for one another and shared belief in our potential make Castell Alun a special place. This strong foundation sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting and rewarding year.
Year 11 Mock Exams
Year 11 students are currently in the midst of their GCSE mock exams, which span this week and next. They have conducted themselves with maturity and focus, setting a fantastic example for the rest of the school. These exams provide an important opportunity for students to practise under exam conditions. They can also assess their progress and identify areas for improvement. Reflecting on their performance after each exam will help students develop targeted strategies to strengthen their understanding. This will also help to build confidence ahead of the summer exams. Keep up the great work, Year 11!
Driving Safety
This week, we were pleased to welcome PC Stuart to speak with our Sixth Form students about the crucial topic of driving safety. With many of our students either learning to drive or newly qualified, PC Stuart delivered an engaging and informative session highlighting the importance of responsible driving, awareness of risks and staying safe on the roads.
From practical advice to real-life stories, the talk resonated strongly with students. It reinforced the need for care, respect and responsibility behind the wheel. We are grateful to PC Stuart for his time and expertise. He is helping to prepare our students for this important step in their independence.
In Closing
We look forward to sharing more achievements and special moments that make our school unique. Together, let’s make 2025 a year to remember!
Diolch am ddarllen! Thank you for reading
Safeguarding
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Officers: Mr Colin Ellis, Mrs Gail Davies and Mr Craig Stewart. You can reach them via the School Office or by using our Contact Form.
