Winter’s End and Sporting Challenges
Welcome to the School Blog. The cold spell appears to be coming to a close, though anything remains possible in a ‘typical’ British winter! The light snow and heavy frosts have disrupted various sporting fixtures for our students this week. We all eagerly anticipate warmer weather soon, which will allow students to fully utilise our sporting facilities and participate in competitions again. Despite the cold snap, our Year 11 students have persevered with their trial examinations.
We are currently halfway through this mock examination period, and it’s evident that most Year 11 students have dedicated significant time and effort to their revision. During the week commencing 5th February, we will hold a Year 11 Mock Results Day to simulate the experience they will face in the summer. This event will occur during the registration period, ensuring that students don’t miss any valuable learning time.
Sixth Form Open Evening
On Thursday next week, our doors will open for all students interested in joining the Castell Alun Sixth Form. Primarily aimed at Year 11, we invite both our own students and those from other schools to attend. They will have the opportunity to watch presentations and discuss AS (A2 and Level 3) courses with staff and current students.
The Headteacher and Director of Sixth Form Studies will start the evening with a talk in the school hall at 6:30 pm, with a repeat at 7:15 pm, anticipating high attendance. Parking will be available at both the front and rear of the school, with guides on hand to show families around the campus, if needed. Doors will open at 6:00 pm, but the event will formally begin at 6:30 pm. If you are interested in attending but cannot make it, please contact Castell Alun here at your earliest convenience so that we can assist further.
Career Insights for Year 13
This week, a group of our Year 13 students who are pursuing employment rather than further education attended a session in school led by Gap-Personnel‘s Chrissie Small. The session provided invaluable insights into the recruitment process. We are always committed to meeting the needs of all our students, regardless of their chosen paths, and extend a heartfelt diolch to Chrissie for her time and expertise. It is always a privilege to collaborate with many excellent employers who work with our school to deliver meaningful career-related experiences. We also provide first-rate advice about further education and potential university courses for students interested in continuing their studies.
Sporting Success
One sporting fixture survived the weather this week! Our Year 8 Netball Team travelled to Yarm in Yorkshire after qualifying for the quarter-finals of the northern round of the Sisters in Sport National Schools Cup. Our girls faced a highly skilled team from Grangetown, which included an international netball player. Representing Wales, our girls excelled with a 38-29 victory, advancing to the semi-finals. Llongyfarchiadau to all our girls for their dedication and enthusiasm. Especial thanks to Erin (Player of the Match) and Molly (Coach’s Player of the Match).
Cross Country Achievements
In cross country, we are thrilled to announce that three of our students have secured places on the North East Wales team. They will compete in the Welsh Schools’ Athletics Cross Country Championships in Brecon on 28th February. Di iawn to Bethan, Jenna, and Thomas (all Year 10).
Community Events and Upcoming Dates
Please be aware that Hope Community Library hosts ‘First Friday’ talks. These will run on the first Friday of every month at 7:00 pm. On 2nd February, there will be a talk on the fascinating history of Plas yn Bwl and its role in medieval life in Hope and Caergwrle. Entry is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. You can find out more here.
Looking ahead, our Year 10 Parents’ Evening will take place on Thursday, 1st February, at 4:00 pm. Additionally, Year 10 students will sit their school examinations during the week commencing 5th February.
See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
