26 Mehefin 2026
Welcome to this week’s School Blog
As we come to the end of another week, we’d like to thank everyone in our school community for their support during what has been an unprecedented spell of hot weather. The exceptionally high temperatures have presented challenges for us all, but thanks to the cooperation and understanding of our staff, students, parents and carers, we have worked together to ensure that everyone has remained safe and well throughout the week. The wellbeing of our students and staff will always remain our highest priority.
Despite the heat, it has been a busy week at Castell Alun. This edition of the Blog celebrates the many opportunities our students have embraced, from welcoming our new Year 6 pupils during their Transition Days, to strengthening international links through our Berlin exchange, showcasing entrepreneurial talent to local employers and representing the school with pride on the cricket field. It is wonderful to see so many examples of collaboration, resilience, creativity and ambition, reflecting the values that make our school community so special.
We hope you enjoy reading about the achievements and experiences from another memorable week at Castell Alun.
Year 6 Transition Days
On Thursday and Friday this week, we were delighted to welcome our new Year 6 students to Castell Alun High School for their Transition Days.
Despite the exceptionally hot weather, the pupils approached both days with enthusiasm, resilience and a fantastic attitude. They quickly settled into school life, getting to know their new classmates, teachers and surroundings while taking part in a range of exciting STEM activities.
Across the two days, students worked collaboratively to solve problems, think creatively and develop their scientific, technological and engineering skills through a variety of practical challenges. It was wonderful to see so much teamwork, curiosity and determination on display as pupils embraced every opportunity to learn and make new friendships.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Duffy and Mrs Allen for their excellent organisation and leadership in making the transition events such a success. We would also like to thank our new group tutors and teaching staff, whose warm welcome and support helped ensure every student felt confident, valued and ready to begin the next stage of their educational journey.
We are incredibly proud of how well our new Year 7 students represented themselves over the two days and look forward to welcoming them back in September as they begin the next exciting chapter at Castell Alun High School.
Partner Exchange with Berlin Students
On Wednesday 24th June 2026, we welcomed the English A Level group from Evangelische Schule Steglitz in Berlin to Castell Alun! The Languages department have an on-going partnership with the school in Berlin and we were delighted when they took time out of their study tour to the UK to come and see us for the day. Each student was partnered with a Castell Alun Year 12 student and they spent the day experiencing some A Level lessons, teaching German to some of our Year 7 and Year 8 classes, learning some Welsh language with Miss A Jones and taking a (very sunny) tour of the village with Miss E Rhodes-Leader. A huge danke schön/diolch yn fawr to all involved for your friendly, welcoming attitudes and making it an unforgettable day.
Year 9 Entrepreneurs Impress
Over the last few weeks, Year 9 students have been working hard on their Enterprise and Employability module as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate qualification. Earlier this year, all Year 9 students took part in workshops delivered by guest speakers, who shared valuable insights and advice on how to run a successful business.
On Tuesday, students had the opportunity to present their business ideas to representatives from eight local businesses, including Airbus, McDonald’s and Mobile Thinking. The employers were extremely impressed by the students’ oracy skills, teamwork, creativity and their excellent use of Cymraeg throughout their presentations.
As a result, eight groups were selected to receive investment for their business ideas and will now begin preparations for the upcoming Summer Fayre on 8th July.
Da iawn to all Year 9 students for their hard work and enthusiasm, and pob lwc to the successful groups as they prepare for the Summer Fayre!
U14 Cricket Match Report
Our U14 cricket team put in a determined performance against Caldy Grammar School in extremely hot conditions.
Batting first, Caldy Grammar posted a competitive total of 167 from their 20 overs. Castell Alun’s bowlers worked hard throughout the innings, with Daniel taking three wickets. Alfie claimed two wickets, while Oscar, Harry and Elliot each picked up a wicket to keep the opposition in check.
In reply, Castell Alun fought hard but were always chasing the required run rate. The team showed great resilience and battled right to the final over, finishing on 144, just 23 runs short of the target.
There were solid batting contributions from Gethin, Josh, Seb, Oscar and Alfie, who all played important innings in challenging conditions.
Well done to all the players for their effort, teamwork and determination in the heat.
Lost Property Gallery
Here are photos of this week’s lost property. Students should speak to their group tutor to arrange collection during registration or at another suitable time during the school day. At the end of each half term, any unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
Upcoming
In Closing
As another busy week draws to a close, we would once again like to thank our staff for their continued commitment and care, our students for their positivity and resilience, and our parents and carers for their ongoing support. Working together, we have successfully navigated an exceptionally warm week while ensuring that the wellbeing of our young people has remained our highest priority.
We wish everyone a restful and enjoyable weekend and look forward to another exciting week ahead as we continue to celebrate learning, achievement and the many opportunities available at Castell Alun.
Diolch yn fawr am eich cefnogaeth barhaus. Mwynhewch eich penwythnos a chadwch yn ddiogel.
Thank you for your continued support. Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe.
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.
