5 Rhagfyr 2025
Croeso
As we approach the end of term, it has been another wonderfully busy and inspiring week at Castell Alun. Our school has been filled with festive spirit, creative talent and impressive achievements across a wide range of activities. From a sell-out Christmas Concert that lit up the hall, to the unforgettable performances in Casty’s Got Talent, our students have once again shown confidence, imagination and enthusiasm in everything they do. We also celebrate exciting curriculum experiences, including a German postcard exchange with Berlin, the brilliant efforts of Blwyddyn 7 in the Oracy November Challenge, and the teamwork shown in the GCHQ Christmas Challenge. Finally, we congratulate students on their sporting successes and the fantastic international recognition achieved at the One Shot Film Festival in Barcelona. We hope you enjoy reading about all the wonderful things happening in our school community this week.
Christmas Concert Celebration
Last night’s Christmas Concert was a truly fantastic occasion, filled with festive cheer and outstanding performances. With a sell-out audience packing the hall, the atmosphere was electric from start to finish. Students from across the school took to the stage, showcasing their musical talent, confidence and creativity through a wonderful mix of singing, instrumental pieces, drama and dance. Every performance was met with enthusiastic applause, and it was clear how much effort and passion had gone into preparing for the evening.
A huge thank you goes to all of our staff for their dedication and support — staging a concert of this scale is no small feat. We are incredibly grateful for the countless hours spent rehearsing, organising, and ensuring that everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Their commitment helped create a magical, memorable event for our school community.
Well done to everyone involved for making the night such a special celebration of Christmas and creativity.
Casty’s Got Talent
Last week, Year 7 came together for our annual Casty’s Got Talent. Performances ranged from ballet to a hilarious panto sketch, showcasing the year group’s creativity and confidence. Our winning act was Huw, whose stand-up comedy routine had both students and staff laughing out loud. Runners-up included Bethan, who delivered a wonderful commercial dance performance, and Olly, who energised the audience with an outstanding guitar piece. It was a fantastic display of talent and a great way for the year group to celebrate the end of their first term at Castell Alun.
Clips are now available to watch on the Year 7 Google Classroom Noticeboard.
School Council joins Young Flintshire Launch
Year 10 German students recently had the opportunity to exchange postcards with students from a school in Berlin. The students of Frau Leonie Höll, teacher of ‘Englisch’ at the Evangelische Schule Steglitz in Berlin, wrote to introduce themselves back in July. Our GCSE students were delighted to receive their postcards and write some responses in German. We can’t wait to receive our next instalment of postcards and keep the exchange going! A special ‘danke schön’ to UK-German Connection, who provided the funding for some Cymraeg postcards to send back to Berlin.
Christmas Jumper Day
On Thursday 11th December, our students and staff came together in festive style to support this year’s Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Save the Children. The school was filled with colourful knits, flashing lights, cheerful patterns and plenty of holiday spirit as everyone proudly donned their most eye-catching Christmas sweaters.
More importantly, the day helped raise valuable funds for Save the Children, whose work supports vulnerable children and families around the world. We’re incredibly proud of the enthusiasm shown by everyone—your participation and donations truly make a meaningful difference.
A huge thank you to all who got involved, whether by wearing a jumper, making a contribution, or spreading festive cheer throughout the day. Together, we’ve helped bring warmth and hope to children who need it most.
Oracy November Challenge
During November, our Year 7 students took on the Oracy November Challenge, designed to help develop confidence, communication and speaking skills across a wide range of contexts.
Across the different Learning Areas, students were set a mixture of “Speak like a Specialist” and debating challenges. These activities encouraged learners to not only use subject-specific vocabulary, but also to organise their ideas, speak clearly and respond thoughtfully to the opinions of others.
The enthusiasm shown by Blwyddyn 7 was fantastic. Throughout the month, students impressed staff by performing poems, delivering presentations, and taking part in lively debates. Diolch also to family members who had a refresher Maths lesson from their child! Each time a challenge was completed, students had their challenge cards signed off by a member of staff, helping them to track their progress.
To celebrate their hard work, certificates were awarded to everyone who successfully completed five or more challenges and handed in their cards. A special congratulations goes to our overall winner, Scarlett, 7N, who managed to complete the most challenges and demonstrated outstanding oracy skills throughout the month.
Da iawn to all of Blwyddyn 7 for taking part so enthusiastically — we are incredibly proud of your effort and progress!
Spreading Christmas Cheer
As we wrap up this year’s charity committee food bank collection, we want to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated chocolate boxes. Your generosity has truly made a difference.
Chocolate may seem like a small treat, but during the Christmas season it brings a special kind of comfort and joy—especially to families who need it most. Because of your kindness, many homes in our community will feel a little brighter and more festive this holiday season.
We’re continually inspired by the compassion and enthusiasm shown by everyone who takes part in these initiatives. Your support helps us spread not just Christmas cheer, but also hope, warmth, and togetherness.
Thank you once again for making this year’s collection such a success.
GCHQ Christmas Challenge
On Wednesday 10th December, GCHQ released their ‘Christmas Challenge’ for schools across the country. The mission: solve 7 puzzles, combining skills from Maths, Science, Languages and History, to decode the final clue! Teams of students from Years 7, 8 and 9 took part and put their skills in teamwork, communication and problem-solving to the test. Da iawn to everyone who took part!
Success at the International One Shot Festival
We are delighted to share some fantastic news from the International One Shot Film Festival held in Terrassa, Barcelona. The film featuring Isaac from Year 9 was awarded an impressive third place in the final round of the competition.
Out of more than 2,300 entries, the film was chosen as one of just 50 selections to be showcased at the festival. It then progressed to the final judging on Saturday night, where it achieved its well-deserved third-place award.
This is a remarkable accomplishment for the entire team, and huge congratulations go to the filmmakers — Nate, Dom and Elliot — for their creativity, hard work and vision.
We are also proud to note that Eiry (Year 11) and Hettie (joining Year 7 next year) starred in the production alongside Isaac, demonstrating the incredible talent within our school community.
Sporting Success
Freya and Jessie from Year 8 competed in the Year 8/9 race alongside Bethan from Year 9. They both represented the school with real determination and team spirit. The conditions were challenging, but all three athletes showed resilience and pushed themselves throughout the course.
Bethan delivered an outstanding performance, finishing 3rd overall in a highly competitive field. Freya also ran exceptionally well, securing an impressive 6th place. This results mean that both students have now qualified to represent the school at the All Wales Finals in Brecon. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their hard work and commitment to training. Da iawn!
Tom to Captain Wales U20
Llongyfarchiadau, Tom! We’re incredibly proud of Tom and excited to follow his ongoing success. The former RGC player and U18s Captain will lead Wales U20 tomorrow against Scotland U20 at the Wern. This is a fantastic achievement and a huge milestone in Tom’s rugby journey. RGC shared, “It’s great to see all of Tom’s hard work coming to fruition again. He is a talented player who is a credit to his family. All of us at RGC wish him the best.
Once a GOG, always a GOG!” Everyone at school sends warm congratulations and our very best wishes. We’re thrilled to see Tom continue to shine.
Determination in Cup Fixtures
Year 7 and Year 10 football teams delivered strong performances in Thursday’s Flintshire Cup matches.
Year 7 lost 4–2 and Year 10 narrowly missed out, falling 2–1 to Maes Garmon.
Both teams gained valuable experience and showed clear signs of progress.
Players demonstrated commitment, teamwork, and plenty of potential to build on for future fixtures.
Upcoming Events
Hope Community Council is running its annual Christmas Lights Competition. This encourages residents to decorate their homes and gardens to spread a bit of festive magic. There are prizes to be won! All of the details — including how to enter — are available on the Council’s website here.
Entries close on Wednesday 18th December 2025, so get your lights ready and brighten up the community this Christmas!
New Lost Lost Property
Each Friday, photographs of all unclaimed items will be taken and shared on the school Blog. This is for parents to view, as well as featuring on Google Classroom for students to check. Students should speak to their group tutors to arrange collection during registration or at another suitable time during the day. At the end of each half term, any remaining unclaimed items will be donated to charity. We hope this new system will help everyone reunite with their belongings more quickly and easily!
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.
