19 Rhagfyr 2025
Croeso
Welcome to the final school blog of the year! As we come to the end of another busy and successful term, this edition is a wonderful celebration of everything our school community has achieved. From festive services and enriching trips to sporting success, environmental awards and a little stargazing to finish us off, there is plenty to reflect on and be proud of.
It has been especially wonderful to bring our school community together in the sports hall for an assembly today, which shared the message of Michael Morpurgo’s The Best Christmas Present in the World. A special thank you to our readers and Ella, who played the piano so beautifully, allowing us to reflect on the messages of kindness, generosity, and the simple joys of the season. The assembly was a perfect reminder of how we can live out our school values of respect, determination, and honesty in everyday life.
A Joyful Morning
Last Friday morning, our Year 7 students enjoyed a special visit to the church for their annual carol service — and it was a truly lovely occasion.
The service, led by Rev Simon, gave students time to reflect on the meaning of Christmas, encouraging thoughtful engagement and quiet reflection. All Year 7 pupils were wonderful throughout, listening carefully and taking part with enthusiasm and respect.
The morning was enriched by some fantastic student performances. The choir sang beautifully, filling the church with festive spirit, while a talented piano soloist impressed everyone with a confident and polished performance. A number of students also took part in readings, speaking clearly and confidently and helping to bring the service together.
It was a calm, reflective and uplifting way to celebrate the season, and a great opportunity for Year 7 to come together as a year group. Well done to all the students involved, and thank you to Rev Simon and staff who helped make the morning so special.
BTEC Business Trip
The BTEC Year 10 Business group enjoyed a great trip to Chester, where we explored a variety of different businesses. We looked at seasonal businesses, market stalls and multinational companies, helping us understand how businesses of different sizes operate and attract customers.
Chester’s busy city centre highlighted the importance of location and tourism for business success. To finish the day, we enjoyed a round of crazy golf at Hole in the Wand, a fun example of a leisure business aimed at families and tourists.
Overall, it was an enjoyable and informative day that brought our business studies to life.
Year 10 Visit to the ‘Universität’ of Liverpool
Year 10 German students had the opportunity to visit the University of Liverpool on Wed 17th December to learn about language study at home and abroad, and also take part in some fun and festive activities! We started off the day with a trip to the MakerSpace in the Sydney Jones University Library, where students created their own tote bags and fridge magnets with festive German sayings and took part in a VR competition (‘Gut gemacht’ to winners, Ewan and Harrison!).
Students’ language skills and problem-solving skills were then tested in an escape room (all in German!). We finished off the day with a delicious, Bavarian lunch at Alberts Schloss and a quick stroll around Liverpool Christmas Market before catching our train back to Hope. Mrs Lumsdon-Davies and Mr Edwards were very impressed and proud of the group of students on the trip, who were incredibly polite and well-behaved throughout the day.
Bionet Award
We are very pleased to share some excellent news with our school community. Our school has been awarded the Bionet 2025 High School Award in recognition of our outstanding positive impact on biodiversity in North East Wales.
This award celebrates the hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm shown by our students and staff in supporting local biodiversity initiatives. It is a significant achievement and a reflection of the collective effort that has gone into caring for our natural environment.
The awards ceremony will take place during the Marvellous Meadows Conference on Thursday 5 February at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The event will be photographed and featured on the Bionet website and social media channels, helping to showcase the inspiring work being done by our school.
We are extremely proud of this recognition and would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication and enthusiasm, and in particular Mr Rasmussen, who has dedicated a great deal of his time both in and out of the school term to keep the project thriving and making a meaningful impact on local biodiversity. Achievements like this highlight the real difference our school community is making — both locally and beyond.
A Spectacular Send-Off
As the school year draws to a close, the night sky has delivered a breathtaking finale. The latest footage from the Casty MeteorCam has captured one of the most impressive celestial events of the year: the Geminid meteor shower and it truly is something special.
Often described as the best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids don’t disappoint. Bright streaks of light flash across the sky in dazzling numbers, caused by tiny fragments of space debris burning up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere. This year’s display has been particularly spectacular, with the MeteorCam catching some stunning moments in real time.
We thought this would be a perfect share for the last day of term a reminder that learning and wonder don’t stop at the classroom door.
Sixth Form Christmas Event
Festive celebrations continued with the annual Sixth Form Christmas lunch and party, organised brilliantly by Miss Edwards and Miss Robinson. Students enjoyed a Christmas meal before gathering in the hall for activities that brought the year group together. Staff joined the fun, dancing to All I Want for Christmas Is You and adding to the joyful atmosphere. The team also presented awards to recognise student achievements and contributions throughout the year. This event remains a highlight of the school calendar and a fitting way to end the term together.
Sporting Update
Last week, our Year 11 football team delivered a superb performance with a fantastic 4–1 victory against Brynrefail. They secured their place in the next round of the Welsh Schools Cup.
The team showed great determination, skill and teamwork throughout the match, controlling the game and taking their chances well. It was an exciting performance that reflected their hard work and commitment both in training and on the pitch.
Congratulations to all the players and staff involved on a well-deserved win. We wish the team the very best of luck as they progress to the next round. Keep up the great work!
Well done to 7N, who were crowned winners of the Year 7 Interform competition. This was following a series of competitive and exciting matches. Congratulations also go to 7M, who finished as runners-up after an excellent effort throughout the tournament.
A great display of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit from all involved Di awn Year 7!
Hope Community Council is running its annual Christmas Lights Competition. This encourages residents to decorate their homes and gardens to spread a bit of festive magic. There are prizes to be won! All of the details — including how to enter — are available on the Council’s website here.
Entries close on Wednesday 18th December 2025, so get your lights ready and brighten up the community this Christmas!
A Last Minute Visitor!
Santa made a surprise, last-minute visit around the campus this afternoon, spreading plenty of Christmas cheer. Along the way, he even bumped into Mrs Claus, much to everyone’s delight.
New Lost Lost Property
Each Friday, photographs of all unclaimed items will be taken and shared on the school Blog. This is for parents to view, as well as featuring on Google Classroom for students to check. Students should speak to their group tutors to arrange collection during registration or at another suitable time during the day. At the end of each half term, any remaining unclaimed items will be donated to charity. We hope this new system will help everyone reunite with their belongings more quickly and easily!
In Closing
As we head into the Christmas holidays, this final blog celebrates the energy, kindness and commitment of our school community. Throughout the term, students have achieved success in sport and learning while showing creativity, reflection and care for others. They continue to demonstrate our core values of respect, determination and honesty in everything they do. We thank students, staff and families for their continued support and wish everyone a safe, restful and joyful Christmas break. We look forward to welcoming you all back in the new year for another exciting term.
From all of us here at Castell Alun, Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda to you all.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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.
