28 Mawrth 2025
Croeso
It has been another busy and exciting week in our school community. We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm shown by our students, staff, and families. Every day, we see wonderful examples of our school values—respect, determination, and honesty—in action, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or through creative and collaborative projects. It’s inspiring to see our community supporting one another and striving for excellence in all they do. Thank you for all your efforts this week and for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to sharing more of this week’s highlights with you!
Whole School Assembly
This week’s whole school assembly was an important moment for us all to come together, reflect on key issues, and celebrate our successes. The focus was on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC)—a vital framework that protects and empowers children across the world. The UNCRC outlines 42 fundamental rights, including the right to education and the right to express opinions, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. However, while we benefit from these rights, many children globally, particularly in war-affected areas like Syria, Ukraine, and Gaza, are denied them due to violence and displacement. It is essential to recognise our own privileges and strive for a future in which all children’s rights are protected.
Alongside rights come responsibilities. We cannot claim our rights without also respecting the rights of others. At Castell Alun, RESPECT is our core value, and we must show this in how we treat one another. This week, we highlighted Article 19, the right to protection from harm, and Article 24, the right to be as healthy as possible. A safe and supportive school environment means speaking up when we see mistreatment and looking out for each other. Prioritising health includes maintaining a balanced lifestyle—eating well, staying active, and taking care of our mental well-being. Castell Alun actively supports these rights through safeguarding teams, pastoral support, student councils, and inclusive groups that provide safe spaces for all.
As we ended the assembly, we took a moment to reflect and pray, asking for guidance to uphold these values with responsibility, kindness, and care. Let’s continue working together to make our school and the wider world a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.
A Spectacular Success
Our school production of Our Day Out was a huge success, and we could not be prouder of everyone involved! From the moment the curtain rose, the energy, passion, and talent of our students shone through, bringing the characters and story to life in the most engaging and entertaining way. The hard work and dedication of our cast, crew, and production team truly paid off, with every scene capturing the humour, heart and important messages of the play. The performances were filled with outstanding acting, fantastic singing, and a real sense of teamwork, creating a show that had the audience laughing, thinking, and thoroughly enjoying every moment.
A huge well done to all the students who took part, whether on stage or behind the scenes. Your commitment and creativity made this production something truly special. A special thank you also goes to our incredible staff, whose guidance and support helped bring the show together so brilliantly. The positive feedback from the audience has been overwhelming, and it’s clear that Our Day Out was not just a performance but a celebration of our school’s talent, hard work, an, indeed, community spirit.
Congratulations to everyone involved—you should all be incredibly proud… and what a time to do it!
Alumni Spotlight
We are proud to celebrate the success of Josh Roberts, a Castell Alun alumnus who has made remarkable strides in the performing arts. Since graduating in 2023 with First-Class Honours from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in Acting (Musical Theatre), Josh has made his professional debut as Buttons in Tinderella, earning a Best Newcomer nomination at the Off West End Awards. He has since reprised the role at The Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester and on a UK tour. Josh also stars in the upcoming feature film Madfabulous alongside Rupert Everett and Callum Scott Howells.
Music has played a key role in his journey. As a member of Only Boys Aloud, Josh performed at King Charles III’s Coronation with Gareth Malone and Take That and sang at the Interceltique Festival in Lorient. With the John Boys Male Voice Choir, he performed at the Principality Stadium before a Wales rugby game and appeared on an album with Alfie Boe and Michael Ball. His training includes The Hammond School, East 15, and the National Youth Theatre of Wales. He is now set to play the title role in the UK tour of Tom Gates’ Epic Stage Show.
Despite these incredible achievements, Josh credits his time at Castell Alun, particularly his role in Les Misérables, as the experience that ignited his passion for theatre. We are incredibly proud of him and excited to see what the future holds!
You will be able to see Josh perform at the William Aston Hall on Sunday 4th May.
Sporting Updates
Sport has taken centre stage with many successes to celebrate. The Year 8 rugby team, with some Year 7 players, has reached the RGC final against Powys—pob lwc! In badminton, Amelie, Ava, Caitlin, and Annie from Year 8 secured 3rd place in the North Wales Tournament—da iawn!
Our netball teams from Years 9-11 finished 3rd in the Welsh National Finals after a tough semi-final—ardderchog! The Year 8 girls’ football team reached the Welsh Cup quarter-finals with a strong performance, showing great potential. Our 6th form U18 football team secured six wins, making it to the Welsh School Semi-Final after a fantastic season.
Lastly, Ruben Pope, after a successful run with the Shrewsbury Town U15 academy team, was selected for the Welsh squad and made his debut against France in Paris—a fantastic achievement. Well done to all—your hard work makes us proud!
Outstanding Sporting Achievements
Year 12’s Ieuan Wainwright showcased his gymnastics talent at a national competition. There, he became Welsh Champion for floor and earning silver in vault—an outstanding achievement! In Year 9, Erin Dunn has been training with the Welsh U15 squad and recently represented Wales against France. Erin has even earned a co-captain role—ardderchog! Congratulations to our 6th formers who proudly earned caps for Wales. Ruby Ellis, training with the Welsh U19 netball squad, captained the team against Scotland in Glasgow. She has also trained with the U21s.
Meanwhile, Tom Cottle represented Wales U20s in the Six Nations, standing out as the only school player among professionals. His dedication has earned him a professional contract with Cardiff Blues, and he plans to study at Cardiff University. These incredible achievements highlight the power of perseverance and hard work.
In Closing
As we reflect on another week filled with success, growth, and achievement, we cannot help but feel immensely proud of all that has been accomplished within our school community. Let’s carry this energy into the coming weeks, supporting one another as we strive for even greater things.
Diolch yn fawr iawn i bawb am eich gwaith caled! – Thank you very much to everyone for your hard work!
Safeguarding
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Officers: Mr Colin Ellis, Mrs Gail Davies and Mr Craig Stewart. You can reach them via the School Office or by using our Contact Form.
One thought on “School Blog (28/03/25)”
Congratulations to everyone at Castell Alun, another great week in our school journey!