17 Hydref 2025
Croeso
This week, our whole school came together for a special Harvest Assembly, celebrating the theme of thankfulness, community, and generosity. It was a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference to others. A huge well done to our Year 7 students, who have been busily collecting food donations to share with our local community. Their enthusiasm and compassion truly captured the spirit of Harvest — giving what we can to help those in need.
Thank you to all the Year 7 readers, Mrs Allen and Mr Stewart and to Will from Year 10, who treated us all to a stunning piano performance, adding a truly special touch to the assembly. As always, we’re incredibly proud of our students’ empathy, talent, teamwork, and sense of service. Here’s a look at some more of this week’s highlights from across Castell Alun…
Shwmae Sumae
On Dydd Mercher / Wednesday, we celebrated Shwmae Sumae here in school. It’s a national day to celebrate our language and its purpose is to encourage people to have a go and use as much Cymraeg as possible. After last year’s success in achieving bronze and silver Cymraeg Campus awards we now have the gold in sight so we really did embrace the celebration.
Firstly, we kicked off the day with a whole school assembly which highlighted the advantages of being bilingual and raising awareness of all the little things we know and can use in Cymraeg. After school on Thursday staff came together to enjoy a sgwrs a paned (chat and a cuppa), hosted by the Welsh department. All staff had a go at using as much Cymraeg as possible to converse which was lovely to hear.
In Cymraeg lessons, throughout the day students from all year group embraced the day by participating in memory tasks and Welsh games. At lunchtime lower school students came together to take part in bilingual bingo where all the numbers were just called out in Cymraeg. Over 100 students attended to tick off their Cymraeg numbers.
Lower school students also enjoyed a Welsh scavenger hunt and bingo, some lucky students and staff were awarded prizes. We’ve put a temporary graffiti wall up on the Welsh corridor which saw students writing their favourite Welsh words on it. The day was such a very positive experience for both students and staff. Da iawn pawb. If you’d like to see our Welsh department’s work and our Cymraeg Campus journey on Instagram please follow cahs_cymraeg
Health & Social Care
Our Year 13 A-Level Health, Social Care and Childcare students have been getting hands-on with their learning as they explore the purpose, theory, and different types of play. Putting theory into practice, students have been using their creative play skills to design and make masks — linking their practical work to Piaget’s theory of play and exploring a range of creative play methods. It’s fantastic to see such imagination and understanding in action!
Club Spotlight: Breaking Bread
Our school is buzzing with energy outside the classroom — from sports and science to music, faith, and creativity, there’s something for everyone!
Each week, we’ll shine a light on one of the many clubs where students can connect, grow, and have fun.
This week, we’re celebrating a group that’s been growing — both in number and in faith… It’s been a great start for our lunchtime Christian club, Breaking Bread! When we first opened the doors, just three students joined us for that very first session. We gave thanks for those three — and prayed for more. The following week, nineteen students came along! Mathematicians might tell you the percentage increase, but Mrs Lloyd-Jones says it best: it’s an answer to prayer.
Since then, the club has continued to flourish, with a regular group in the mid-to-high twenties — and there’s still room for more! We’re especially thankful to King’s Christian Centre in Mold and Hope Parish Church, who have kindly donated sets of Bibles for our students to keep. If your child would like to join and receive their own Bible (free of charge), they’re warmly invited to come along to Room 1-4.
At Breaking Bread, everyone is welcome — whatever their background or beliefs. If your child is asking life’s big questions, they’ll find a safe space to explore them here. If they’re struggling with friendships, anxiety, or worry, this is just one of the many ways at Castell Alun in which they’ll find listening ears and encouragement. And if they’re feeling joyful and grateful, they’ll find others ready to share that joy, too.
When: Fridays, 12:30PM – 1:10PM
Where: Room 1-4
Staff Lead: Mrs Lloyd-Jones
Bonus: There’s always cake!
Seren Shines
In September, Seren competed at the Welsh Classic Challenge Gymnastics Championships at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff. She faced talented gymnasts from across Wales. Seren delivered an outstanding performance! She became the Welsh Bar Champion, earning a silver medal on the floor, and finishing 2nd overall in Wales. Congratulations, Seren, on your incredible achievements and dedication to your sport!
That’s Showbiz Qualifiers
On Sunday, several talented Castell Alun students took part in the Qualifiers of the That’s Showbiz Dance Competition, representing Elite Studios with pride and passion. The group included pupils from Year 7 all the way up to A Level, showcasing the incredible range of talent across our school community.
Not only did the dancers qualify for the Grand Final in Blackpool, but they also achieved 1st and 2nd place in several routines — an outstanding accomplishment! In recognition of their skill and stage presence, they’ve also been invited to perform in the Elevate and Prestige categories of the competition early next year — a tremendous honour. Da iawn to all the pupils involved — we’re so proud of your hard work, dedication, and success!
Sports: 7-1 Win!
What an incredible debut! In their first-ever appearance in the Welsh Schools Cup at U18 Girls level, Castell Alun stormed to victory with an outstanding 7–1 win against Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen. The team delivered a performance to remember! With hat-tricks from Juliet and Charlotte, and a superb goal from Talitha sealing the deal. An amazing start to the competition, full of teamwork, determination, and skill. On to the next round — let’s go, Castell Alun!
Sports: A Determined Display
Our Year 7 rugby team showed fantastic determination and resilience this week against a strong Mold Alun PE side. Despite tough opposition, the boys kept battling right to the end. The boys were rewarded with the final try of the game! A brilliant effort and great team spirit on display throughout. Da iawn, boys!
Upcoming Events
Year 13 Parents’ Evening – Thursday 6th November (4:00PM – 6:30PM)
Community Library Dates
Knit and Natter: Saturday 18th October (10:00AM – 12:00PM)
Creative Writing: Tuesday 21st October (6:30PM – 8:00PM)
🎃 Halloween Storytime: Saturday 25th October (10:30AM – 12:00PM)
Sgwrs Gymraeg | Welsh Conversation: Monday 27th October (7:00PM – 9:00PM)
Please note that the CAFA Family Quiz Night (17/10/25) has been cancelled
In Closing
As another busy and inspiring week comes to a close, we want to celebrate the amazing achievements, creativity, and community spirit of our students and staff. It’s clear that Castell Alun continues to be a place where everyone can shine, contribute, and grow. Well done to everyone involved — you make us proud every day!
Diolch i bawb am ddarllen ac am eich holl ymdrechion.
Thank you all for reading and for all your hard work.
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.
