24 Hydref 2025
Croeso
As we wrap up this half term, it’s been a week full of achievements, celebrations and school spirit! From the Year 7 Blyddyn 7 Disco raising money for the Eisteddfod, to Seamus being named Young Farmers Member of the Year, and the launch of our Cyngor Cymraeg / Welsh Student Council, there’s been plenty to celebrate.
Students also shone in European Day of Languages activities and across netball and football fixtures, showing determination, respect and honesty on and off the field. Catch up on all the highlights from this busy and exciting half term right here on the School Blog!
Year 7 Cymraeg Disco
Last night, 160 Year 7 students dancing the evening away at their first school disco organised by the Cymraeg department. What a night it was! The event was led by our fantastic MC and DJ duo, Mrs. Thomas-Mason and Mr. Brown. They kept the tunes flowing and the energy high from start to finish.
Students enjoyed a fun-filled evening complete with a sweet stall, a lively photo booth and even some surprise special guests — including a visit from none other than Mr. Urdd himself! They ended the evening with Dafydd Iwan’s ‘Yma o Hyd’, which resulted in lots of our students singing their hearts out in Cymraeg. It was wonderful to see everyone laughing, dancing and making new memories together, da iawn Blwyddyn 7.
Diolch yn fawr to Mrs Wareing and the Cymreag department as well as our dedicated Cymraeg A Level students who helped to make the evening a success.
Celebrating Seamus
We are delighted to share the fantastic news that Seamus has been named Young Farmers Member of the Year! This is an incredible achievement and a reflection of his hard work, commitment and enthusiasm for all that he does as part of the Young Farmers organisation. We are extremely proud of Seamus and his success — congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
This Year’s Cyngor Cymraeg / Welsh Student Council
Last Thursday, the first Cyngor Cymraeg / Welsh student council meeting was held. There were over 60 applications for a position on the council this year. Representatives have been selected from each year group. Evan Shaw of Year 13 has taken over as the chairman and he will work with Mrs Wareing, Head of Cymraeeg and bilingualism.
The Cyngor Cymraeg is important as it allows our students to take ownership of the development of bilingualism here at Castell Alun. It’s an exciting year for us with Cymraeg as we will continue to work towards the top Gold Cymraeg Campus award. We intend to build on last year’s exceptional success with bilingualism, especially achieving the bronze and silver awards. It was a real achievement to gain recognition for all our hard work in the promotion of our language. Da iawn pawb! Daliwch ati!
European Day of Languages
To celebrate the European Day of Languages on 26th September 2025, Year 7 students were invited to team up and solve a treasure hunt around the school campus. Each clue linked languages to a different AOLE (Area of Learning and Experience), for example identifying national desserts or spotting the monarch from a certain country.
Although many teams submitted their completed treasure hunts, a small number of teams drew for the top place. Eva & Lydia, Macsen & Leo, Nunes and Lance, Eric & Huw scored commendably on their treasure hunts and are this year’s European Day of Languages Treasure Hunt Winners!
Félicitations / Herzlichen Glückwunsch / Llongyfarchiadau!
Staff Training Day
Today, our teachers have been working hard on a dedicated training day focused on enhancing the learning experience for all our students. A key focus has been on developing teaching strategies to support reading across the curriculum, an essential skill that underpins success in every subject, helping students access complex texts, develop understanding, and achieve their full potential.
Each department has also been engaged in enquiry projects, exploring best practice in teaching and learning. These projects allow our staff to reflect, collaborate and innovate, ensuring that every lesson is purposeful, engaging and effective.
Teachers have been creating new resources and planning lessons to support Year 10 students starting their GCSE courses. This preparation helps ensure students receive high-quality teaching and strong support as they begin these important qualifications.
Training days like today are invaluable, they give our teachers the time to plan, collaborate and innovate so that every student benefits from the very best teaching and learning at Castell Alun.
James Shines in UK Mountain Biking Circuit
We’re very proud of James in Year 9! His passion and talent for mountain biking have taken him to some of the most challenging circuits across the UK. As a competitive rider in his age category, James regularly races in national events held in Scotland, northern England and Wales—often placing in the top 10.
His dedication to the sport is clear! Not only from his results but also from the skill, resilience and fearless determination he shows on the bike. James is a highly skilled rider, tackling steep, technical terrain with confidence and control.
James is currently recognised as one of the rising stars in UK youth mountain biking, and it’s inspiring to see how he uses his spare time to pursue something so demanding and rewarding. We look forward to following his journey and celebrating his future successes.
Sporting Success
It’s been an exciting week of sport at Castell Alun! With our students showing respect, determination and honesty on and off the field.
Our Under 16 Netball Team stormed to victory in the first round of the Wales Netball Ann Smart Cup. They won all four matches to become Flintshire Champions and secured their place in the next round.
In football, the Year 11s secured a 6–0 win and the Year 10s a 7–0 victory in the Welsh Schools FA fixtures. Meanwhile, our U15 Girls kept a clean sheet in a big win against Argoed in the Welsh Schools Cup. Da iawn, genod!
Our Year 8 netballers showed fantastic spirit in the Sisters in Sport National Shield. Millie earned Player of the Match for her performance. The Year 7 netball play night featured 11 Flintshire teams who enjoyed competitive and respectful matches throughout.
Congratulations to all our students — your determination, teamwork and honesty continue to make Castell Alun proud!
Upcoming Events
Year 13 Parents’ Evening – Thursday 6th November (4:00PM – 6:30PM)
Community Library Dates
🎃 Halloween Storytime: Saturday 25th October (10:30AM – 12:00PM)
Sgwrs Gymraeg | Welsh Conversation: Monday 27th October (7:00PM – 9:00PM)
In Closing
As we wrap up this busy half term, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. From sporting victories and creative successes to learning and enquiry projects, everyone has shown respect, determination and honesty. These values that make Castell Alun such a special community. We look forward to the next half term, full of opportunities to learn, grow and shine even brighter.
Diolch am eich cefnogaeth barhaus a da iawn pawb.
Tthank you for your continued support and well done everyone!
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.
