Open Evening Success
Welcome to the School Blog Well, there’s only one place to start this morning, and that’s with our Open Evening gathering last night!
The school was literally bursting at the seams between 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm as we welcomed an exceedingly large number of Year 6 students and their families to Castell Alun. All visitors enjoyed presentations and talks across a broad variety of subjects, and the Headteacher spoke about the school and our values to a packed school hall on two separate occasions.
Our younger guests clearly loved exploring both new and familiar subjects, with literally hundreds of them completing their sticker sheets, which indicated they had visited all our Learning Areas. The evening buzzed with energy, and the wide range of engaging activities created a palpable excitement across the entire campus. We’re extremely grateful for the interest shown in our school, and even this morning, we hosted several families during an open morning while school was in session.
It’s only fitting to give a special mention to our wonderful student ambassadors, who spoke so candidly and positively about their time at Castell Alun as they guided small groups and families around the building with great enthusiasm. Diolch yn fawr to everyone who visited and all who participated in the evening.
If you have any further questions, please be so good as to email or telephone the school at your convenience.
Children’s University Partnership
This year, we’ve embarked upon a partnership with the ‘Children’s University’. A small group of students from Years 7 and 8 have been selected to participate and will earn credit for activities they engage in outside the standard classroom. For their involvement, students receive learning stamps, and anyone who accumulates at least 30 stamps will be invited to a graduation day, hosted by Wrexham University in January.
The 34 scheme participants attended a ceremony this week, during which the principles of participation were outlined… and students even had the chance to try on a mortar board and gown! We’re eager to see how this group of students progresses, develops skills, and gains personal confidence through the Children’s University initiative.
Sporting Achievements
On the sporting front this week, our Year 7 boys’ football team battled wet and windy weather to win their two matches against St. David’s and Hawarden, which means they now advance to the next round of both the Welsh Cup and Flintshire Cup. Our Year 8 boys also put on a robust performance but eventually lost to Hawarden in their Welsh Schools’ Cup match. Di iawn lads, you gave it your best shot, and we’re proud of you.
Rugby is becoming increasingly popular in our school, and there has been a marked rise in girls’ enthusiasm for the sport. Pip, our Rugby Development Officer, has undoubtedly had a great impact on many students’ passion for, and enjoyment of, the game. In a last-minute surprise this week, we were even able to welcome three members of the Wales Women’s Rugby Team to school to meet some of our students. Welsh regulars Gwen, Kayleigh, and Courtney spent an hour with several rugby enthusiasts, sharing their personal experiences in the sport and their hopes and aspirations for Welsh rugby.
They then answered the many questions our girls posed. The Welsh team plays the USA tomorrow, and they took time out from their busy training regime at their Colwyn Bay camp to invest in the next generation of Welsh rugby stars. Diolch yn fawr to the Welsh Women’s team, and pob lwc Cymru!
Upcoming Year 10 Information Evening
Next week, on Thursday at 5.00 pm, we invite all parents/carers of current Year 10 students to an information evening in the school hall. Staff will share expertise and deliver short presentations on core subjects. We aim to discuss how best to support students in their learning throughout their Key Stage 4 courses. The evening will last less than an hour, and we’d love everyone involved with Year 10 students to attend.
See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
