21 Tachwedd 2025
Croeso
This week at Castell Alun has been a wonderful reminder of the values that shape our school community. From the generosity and respect shown during our Children in Need celebrations, to the thoughtful learning and honesty demonstrated by Year 7 in their Crucial Crew safety sessions, and the impressive determination of our Year 10 footballers braving the cold to secure a place in the next round — it has truly been a week to be proud of. We are delighted to share these highlights with you in this edition of our school blog.
Sixth Form Information Evening
Yesterday evening we held a Sixth Form Information Evening ahead of our full Open Evening in February. The event was designed to give students and their families an early insight into the wide range of courses, enrichment opportunities, and pastoral support available in our Sixth Form, helping them begin to make confident and informed decisions about their next steps.
Keep posted for details of our full Sixth Form Open Evening, which will be held on 5th February. This event offers a much more in-depth look at Sixth Form life, with opportunities to meet all departments and teachers, tour the Learning Areas, experience demonstration lessons, and find out more about what makes Castell Alun Sixth Form such a supportive and inspiring place to study.
Children in Need 2025
Last Friday, we saw the Castell Alun community come together to celebrate Children in Need Day. It is our annual fundraiser, filled with a variety of activities throughout the day. The main event was the staff netball match — teachers vs. teachers — held at lunchtime. It was a huge success, with students of all ages cheering from the sidelines.
The blue team won 8–6, with their star player, Mrs Peacock, earning loud cheers as she scored a hat-trick! We would like to thank our families for their generous contributions to this very worthwhile cause.
Crucial Crew
On Wednesday our Year 7 took part in PSHE sessions with Crucial Crew agencies, including the police, St John Ambulance and the school nurse, amongst others, who all explained the important roles they play in keeping our local community and wider areas across Wales, safe and supported. Pupils learned about the dangers they may encounter in everyday life, from medical emergencies to online risks, and how to stay safe and make responsible decisions.
The visitors also explained how to give basic first aid, and how the police respond to incidents. Overall, the sessions helped students understand how these services work together to protect the public and how they themselves can act safely and responsibly. We are very grateful to all those who contributed to this valuable session.
Sporting Success
Despite the very cold weather, our Year 10 boys faced a tough match on Tuesday afternoon against a strong Rhyl side. The game finished 2–2, but we held our nerve and came out on top in the penalty shootout — and on to the next round we go! Da iawn boys!
Year 12 student Poppy has travelled to Cardiff to represent Wales U19 in the Euro Qualifiers over the next three weeks, competing against Finland, Turkey and France. She will earn her first caps if she takes to the pitch! We wish her the very best of luck and look forward to following her journey.
Upcoming Events
Year 12 Parents’ Evening – Thursday 27th November (4:00PM – 6:30PM)
CAFA Christmas Trees & Wreaths
Our friends at CAFA are offering premium locally grown Nordmann Fir trees and Christmas wreaths are available to order now. Local collection on Saturday 29th November from the school. Order here: https://castell-alun-friends-association.sumupstore.com
Hope Community Council is running its annual Christmas Lights Competition, encouraging residents to decorate their homes and gardens to spread a bit of festive magic. There are prizes to be won, and all 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!
In Closing
As we end a busy and rewarding week, the weather has certainly taken a colder turn. We encourage all students and families to take extra care, especially during icy mornings, to ensure everyone arrives at school safely.
Diolch yn fawr for your continued support and engagement, it truly strengthens our Castell Alun community.
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.
