A Respectful Atmosphere
Welcome to the School Blog. A highly respectful atmosphere has filled our bustling school campus this week.
We were thrilled for our students and their families with the examination results of August 2022. We welcomed back a high number of both Castell Alun and external students into Year 12. For those moving on to pastures new, we wish you all the very best; you will always be part of the Castell Alun family.
Oracy Workshops for Year 11
On Tuesday 13th September, our Year 11 cohort took part in oracy workshops with the ‘Talk the Talk’ organisation. Our students embraced the challenge of developing their speaking and listening skills, culminating in presentations in front of their peers. The students made us proud and developed skills that will be invaluable in their futures. Developing confidence, active learning, and oracy skills are primary targets for the current academic year for students in all year groups.
CATs Tests for Year 7
On 21st September, Year 7 will sit CATs tests. These are not examinations, and no prior preparation is necessary. Students will be walked through the process gradually. Please ensure no-one feels anxious about this test of potential.
New Intake Open Evening
A major event in the life of Castell Alun is our New Intake Open Evening, held this year on Thursday 29th September from 6.30 pm. This event primarily targets Year 6 pupils and their families considering joining Castell Alun in September 2023. Year 5 pupils and their families are also welcome. Pupils and families will have the opportunity to explore our school, visit all areas, and see displays and small classes in session. The senior staff will run a short presentation alongside Miss Janice Jones, Student Development Manager for Year 7, to share key information about life at Castell Alun, our values, and practices. The first presentation is scheduled for 6.30 pm, so please arrive a little earlier if you wish to attend this sitting. The presentation will repeat at 7.15 pm, allowing families to visit some Learning Areas first.
Open Morning
If you cannot attend the New Intake Open Evening, we also provide an Open Morning on Friday 30th September. To reserve a place on the tour, please call 01978 760238 or email main@castellalun.com. We are always happy to host visits, but as the Open Morning can be popular, we thank you for booking with sufficient notice to accommodate all requests.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The school’s extra-curricular provision is now gathering significant momentum. We are keen for students to enjoy a wide range of activities beyond the standard classroom, and it is wonderful to see so many engage in these opportunities. Remember, study club buses are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The following link takes you to our latest PE Extra-Curricular Timetable.
Celebrating Student Successes
Thank you to everyone who has informed us about students’ recent successes. Well done to Erin (Year 7) who has been invited to join the North Wales England Elite Academy.
Congratulations to Sasha (Year 8) who recently travelled to Serbia and won her first cap for Wales at the Women’s U15 UEFA tournament. That is an outstanding achievement for a Year 8 student!
We are thrilled for Megan (Year 11) who scored a wonderful try for her rugby club, witnessed by a number of supporters last weekend. Well done to Tom (Year 11) who lined up for RGC U16s to play against Cardiff Rugby South recently.
We have several star netballers in Year 11. Well done in particular to Issy, Ruby, and Nell who play regularly in the North East Wales Senior League. These girls have reached a very high standard, with Ruby also competing for Manchester Thunder and winning the English School Games competition recently.
A Special Congratulations
Lastly, a massive congratulations to Annabelle (Year 12), who not only won a lady’s knockout match play final at Mold Golf Club recently but has also been called up to represent Wales in the World’s Junior Girls Golf Championship in October. Remember the name, Annabelle is destined for great things!
See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
