6 Mehefin 2025
Croeso
As the summer term gathers pace, we’re delighted to share a roundup of the inspiring achievements, opportunities, and celebrations that have taken place across our school community. From outer space to the sports field, our students have continued to aim high and support one another. This week, we proudly highlight the phenomenal success of three of our Year 12 students, whose scientific curiosity launched their Python code into orbit aboard the International Space Station. We also reflect on an enlightening university pathways session, empowering anti-racism training, and a string of fantastic sporting successes both at home and abroad. It’s a joy to witness the ambition, resilience, and teamwork shown by our students across so many areas of school life—there truly is something here to inspire everyone.
Out of This World
We are thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary achievement by three of our Year 12 students, who recently had their Python code launched—quite literally—into orbit as part of the prestigious Astro Pi Mission Space Lab competition, run by the European Space Agency in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
The students, Dylan, Angus and Emlyn, took part in this international STEM challenge, which gives young people the opportunity to conduct real scientific investigations in space. Their mission: to develop a program using the Raspberry Pi computers aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to gather and analyse data in microgravity.
With remarkable skill and ingenuity, our students designed and coded an experiment that used the Astro Pi’s onboard sensors to determine the speed of the ISS. By analysing data from the gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer, they calculated that the space station was travelling at an astonishing 7.3 kilometers per second—approximately 26,280 kilometers per hour!
Their code passed all pre-flight checks and was among the select few chosen from hundreds of entries across Europe to be deployed on the ISS, where it ran in orbit and returned real scientific data. This not only demonstrates the students’ technical prowess but also their ability to think creatively and solve complex problems—skills that are vital for the future of science and engineering.
We are incredibly proud of these students for aiming high—literally beyond the sky. They showed what passion, teamwork and perseverance can achieve. Congratulations to our young space scientists! We can’t wait to see where your curiosity and innovation will take you next.
Insightful University Session
Castell Alun High School recently welcomed school governor, Mr Kevin Davies, for an engaging and informative session about university as a potential post-18 pathway. Mr Davies, drawing from his extensive experience of helping students navigate their next steps into further education, provided students with valuable insights into what university life entails, the application process and the opportunities higher education can open up.
The session was designed to help students explore university as a viable and exciting option for continuing their education and developing their career aspirations. This session forms part of Castell Alun’s comprehensive career guidance package, aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their futures. Thanks to contributions from dedicated governors like Mr Davies, students leave better prepared to navigate their next steps after school with enthusiasm and clarity.
Empowering Our School Community
Our school remains strongly committed to promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity. As part of this effort, staff recently took part in anti-racism training led by Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC). The session gave our educators the tools and confidence to challenge racism and support a more inclusive school culture. SRtRC uses powerful role models, often footballers, to deliver anti-racist messages that inspire real change.
Their work helps schools like ours create safe, welcoming spaces where everyone feels respected and valued.
Show Racism the Red Card has trained staff and partnered with student leaders at our school. These students now take active roles in promoting equality and challenging racism across our community. This partnership shows our school’s commitment to developing confident, socially responsible young people. By involving staff and students together, we build a stronger, more inclusive, and diverse school environment.
Condover Hall Sports
It’s been a busy and exciting week for our Health and Wellbeing Team! The week kicked off with an amazing trip to Condover Hall in Shrewsbury last weekend for our Year 7 and 8 football and netball teams.
Our students had the chance to compete against schools from all over the UK while also enjoying some thrilling outdoor adventure activities, including the zip line, high ropes course, laser mazes and even a silent disco to end the fantastic weekend.
A huge diolch yn fawr to Mrs Rowlands for organizing and supporting the trip. On the sports front, the footballers secured an impressive 2nd place, while the Year 7 Yellows were crowned champions!
Sporting Updates
Llongyfarchiadau to the Hawarden FC girls’ team on their successful tour to Holland, where they proudly brought home the trophy! Mia, Sophie, Amelie, and Ava represented the team brilliantly and gained valuable experience from the trip.
Today, Mrs. Ainsley took four ‘Be Football’ ambassadors to a training session at Colliers Park. Led by FA Wales, our girls developed important skills like resilience, communication and teamwork. It also enabled them to confidently lead football sessions for younger students.
Both Hattie and Megan have recently achieved great success by trialling for the FAW North Wales U14 Girls Academy. Their hard work and dedication on the pitch were clearly evident, earning them places in this prestigious regional program. This opportunity will allow them to further develop their skills and represent North Wales at a higher level. It showcased their talent and commitment to the sport.
What an incredible day it was for our Year 7/8 girls rugby team at Eirias Park. They competed with great determination and skill in the RGC Girls’ Bowl Final! Throughout the match, the girls showed outstanding teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship, never giving up even when the pressure was on. Their hard work paid off as they secured a fantastic win, proudly bringing the trophy home to celebrate their success. This victory is a testament to their dedication and passion for the sport. Well done, genod – you’ve made us all incredibly proud!
Upcoming Events
You can see our full range of upcoming events by heading over to our Events Calendar page.
In Closing
As always, we are incredibly proud of the achievements and spirit shown by our students and staff. Thank you for taking the time to read and celebrate another exciting week at Castell Alun. We look forward to sharing more stories with you soon. There is always so much to be proud of in our school community.
Diolch yn fawr am eich cefnogaeth barhaus. Mwynhewch eich penwythnos!
Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy your weekend!
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.
