Final School Blog of the Year
We would like to begin by thanking you all sincerely for the support this year. Students have made significant progress, and they, like us, are most grateful for the strong partnerships we have with all families. Long may this continue! Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Dragons’ Den Event
On Monday, representatives of local businesses came into school to put our Year 10 students through their paces in the ‘Dragons’ Den’ as part of their Skills Challenge. Our Year 10 students presented their concepts and products to business specialists from Airbus, HSBC, Crystal Collections, Marstep Recruitment, and Ty Gobaith, with the intention of gleaning meaningful, supportive, constructive feedback—and making some sales too—all in the name of raising money for Hope House.
We are tremendously grateful to Guy, Claire, Rhys, Vanessa, Lucy, Holly, and Cameron. Our students benefited greatly from this experience.
Year 7 Christmas Service
On Tuesday, our entire Year 7 cohort attended Hope Church for our annual Christmas service. Father Paul Wheeler led our time together, and several students had the opportunity to ring the church bells. Tremendous readings were delivered by Rosie, Harri, and Sara, and the festive occasion was appreciated by all. Diolch yn fawr to all our friends at the Parish Church.
Year 7 Pantomime Trip
Year 7 has had a busy week! On Thursday, the year group attended the pantomime ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at Theatr Clwyd in Mold. The afternoon was filled with fun and frivolity. Diolch to our English team, particularly Mrs. Angharad Evans, who coordinated this visit.
STEM Engineering Activity
Today, a small number of Year 7 and Year 8 students participated in a STEM engineering activity with the ‘Smallpeice Trust’ in the school hall. At the time of writing, our students are enthusiastically engaged in creating models of airplanes under the watchful eye of Mr. Andy Bruno. Thank you very much, Andy! Who knows where this experience might lead our students?
Year 12 Welsh Residential Course
Recently, our Year 12 Welsh students attended a residential language course in Bala. They participated in language and literature workshops and lessons, fully immersing themselves in the Welsh language over three days. Such opportunities are incredibly valuable as we continue to develop everyone’s ability to speak Cymraeg, as expressed in our School Development Plan. Bendigedig! If only we could offer such opportunities to all students and staff!
A New Year and New Term
Di iawn to all our students who took part in the annual County Christmas Celebration at St. Mary’s Church in Mold this week. This was the first time the event had been held in over four years. Castell Alun participants performed in the following ensembles: guitar ensemble—Evan (Year 13), Harry (Year 11), Louis (Year 10), Jack (Year 9); string orchestra—Poppy (Year 12), Cora (Year 11); wind orchestra—Eloise (Year 13), Matthew (Year 13), Megan (Year 12), James (Year 10); and senior choir—Katie (Year 7). We are truly fortunate to have so many students with a wonderful gift in music.
Sports Achievements
Llongyfarchiadau this week to our Sixth Form football team. They beat Bryn Hyfryd in the next round of the Welsh Cup. The boys now progress to the final 16 of this trophy. Well done also to our Year 10 Basketball team. They have now won 3 out of 3 games in the Flintshire Schools’ Competition. We are also very proud of the following students who have successfully trialed for North East Wales in Netball: Ruby and Daisy (Year 12), Sophie (Year 11), Alex and Ffion (Year 10), Pheobe (Year 9), and Lucy and Erin (Year 8). These girls will represent NE Wales in February in the inter-counties netball tournament.
Christmas Activities
With Christmas just around the corner, the final few days in school will be extremely busy and, we hope, a lot of fun. Year 10 will hold their Christmas market on Monday and aim to raise as much money as possible for Hope House, with students from other year groups having the opportunity to visit the market during the morning session. If possible, it would be wonderful if students visiting the market could spend change rather than notes to purchase Christmas treats and other goodies on sale.
Also on Monday, students will have the option to enjoy a Christmas lunch in the canteen. Of course, our school Christmas Concert will take place on Tuesday evening in the school hall. Doors will open at 6.30 pm, with the concert beginning at 7 pm. Please use the School Gateway App to purchase one of the few remaining tickets at a cost of £4.
As we approach the end of next week, we will hold our main school Christmas assembly for all students, and each year group will engage in fun activities during extra allocated pastoral time. Year 7 will have a disco, and staff have even threatened to put on a pantomime for Year 9 students, to name just a few of the activities planned.
Coleg Cambria Courses
Coleg Cambria has asked us to share the attached information with parents/carers concerning part-time and adult education courses starting in January. They are also holding Adult Education Open Events on the 22nd and 23rd of January. Coleg Cambria Courses
See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
