Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Assemblies
Welcome to the School Blog. As we entered school this morning, we saw a sea of pink across the Sixth Form as students and staff reflected on Breast Cancer Awareness this month. Our Lower School Assembly focused on taking responsibility, featuring excellent readings from Isobel and George (Year 9). This was followed by a wonderful rendition of John Denver’s ‘Country Road’ by our Year 8 band – Thea, Jack, and Eiry. It is fantastic to gather as a school during Main Assembly or Upper and Lower School Assemblies again. We are extremely thankful to all students who participate in these events, as such contributions demand a great deal of courage.
Assessments, PSE Sessions and New Term
Throughout this week, Year 11 English students have undertaken GCSE oracy assessments. Our staff have spoken of students’ commitment to preparation and the encouraging nature through which they have supported each other in these small group sessions. Year 9 students participated in PSE sessions this week on the theme of ‘Consent,’ handling this difficult topic very well.
Shwmae Sumae Day Celebrations
We thought you would appreciate some photos of last week’s Shwmae Sumae day, a national day to celebrate our language with the prime purpose of encouraging everyone to use as much Cymraeg as possible. Students dressed in coch, gwyn a gwyrdd (red, white, and green), and the array of Welsh tops and national colours was lovely to see. We are very grateful for the arrangements made by our Welsh Department, which made the day such a success for everyone. The staff were particularly thankful for the sgwrs a paned (chat and a cuppa) at break time.
Sixth Form’s Sion Fferins (Sweet Shop) and Fundraising
Well done to the Sixth Form students who set up the Sion Fferins (Sweet Shop), where students had to converse only in Cymraeg to buy their treats. A great deal of money was raised by the sweet and cake sales, which will be donated to Hope House. Participation in the events of the day was strong, and we seek to build on these foundations in the coming months. Di iawn pawb.
Trip to London for Shakespeare’s The Tempest
As mentioned in the School Blog last week, a group of 15 sixth form students travelled to London to watch Shakespeare’s The Tempest. During their trip, the group also explored Bankside, tried some food in Borough Market, and even encountered royalty! “Seeing Princess Anne, after the highlight of watching The Tempest, was the absolute cherry on the cake.” Mia (Year 13). The trip supported students’ A-level studies in English Literature, with CAFA (Castell Alun Friends’ Association) generously subsidising the cost.
Sporting Achievements
In sporting news this week, di iawn and congratulations to 7NE boys who have worked hard in cross-country to gain their certificates over the last few days. Many congratulations once again to Annabel (Year 12), who has returned from representing Wales in the World Junior Girls’ Golf Championships in Canada. Annie played to the highest standards and, although she didn’t make the top five leader board, she had the most wonderful experience imaginable. She has taken a considerable step further on the road to fulfilling her dream of becoming a professional golfer. We are so incredibly impressed, Annie. Follow that dream!
Our Year 10 Boys’ football team also experienced further success this week in a tight match against Rhyl. Our lads came out 4-3 winners and had to dig deep for this narrow victory.
Upcoming Events and Reminders
Next Wednesday, we will run a session for both halves of Year 7 to develop students’ confidence and oracy skills. ‘Talk the Talk,’ a company with whom we have worked closely in the past, will run this event.
Please remember that this half term concludes for students on Thursday 27th October, as Friday 28th October is a Staff Training Day. Students return to school on Tuesday 8th November, as Monday 7th November is a New Curriculum Development Day for staff. Please check the Events Calendar for more information.
CAFA is working hard, and plans are falling nicely into place for the fashion show mentioned in previous School Blogs. Please click on this link for further information.
See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
