29 Tachwedd 2024
Welcome to the Castell Alun High School Blog
This week at Castell Alun, our students have been involved in some incredible experiences that highlight their dedication, talents, and leadership. Year 12 and 13 students studying Cymraeg travelled to Glan-Llyn in Bala for the national Welsh second language course, where they participated in engaging lectures, workshops, and outdoor activities to enhance their Welsh language skills. Meanwhile, members of our School Council took part in the launch of the Young Flintshire initiative, an empowering program aimed at amplifying young voices in the community.
We also celebrated the musical talents of our students at the Schools Music Service Evening Guitar Concert – and welcomed Year 12 parents for a valuable evening of collaboration and progress discussions. From cross-country championships and swimming achievements, to our talented Year 7 students taking to the stage for the much-anticipated Year 7 Talent Show, our students continue to shine across all areas—keep reading for more highlights from this exciting week at Castell Alun in the School Blog!
Year 7 Talent Show
Today, our Year 7 students showcased their incredible talents in a fantastic Talent Show that was held in the school hall. The event was filled with excitement, creativity, and impressive performances, from singing and dancing to comedy and magic tricks. Each student brought their unique flair to the stage, captivating the audience and leaving everyone in awe of their abilities. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy and support as classmates cheered on their peers. It was a wonderful celebration of the diverse talents within our Year 7 cohort, and we couldn’t be prouder of all the students who took part. Well done to everyone involved for making this such a memorable event!
Glan Llyn Welsh Course
Earlier this week 20 of our Year 12 and 13 students who are studying Cymraeg travelled to Glan-Llyn in Bala. They attended the national Welsh second language 3-day course. They were joined by 140 students from all over Wales. During their time there they participated in Welsh lectures, seminars & workshops all based on their AS / A Level course. They enjoyed some folk dancing and got to meet Doctor Cymraeg who is a Welsh influencer and an ex-student of Castell Alun.
Our students had the opportunity to speak lots of Cymraeg and also enjoyed some outdoor activities too, some even took a dip in the lake! The students organized a Castell Alun football match, with Miss Jones and Mrs Wareing (Kanté) joining in the action.. The trip was a fantastic opportunity for our students to enhance their Cymraeg and build confidence speaking and using our language. Roedd hi’n daith ardderchog a phrofiad bythgofiadwy i’r myfyrwyr. Da iawn pawb!
School Council joins Young Flintshire Launch
This week, members of our School Council were thrilled to take part in the launch of the Young Flintshire initiative, an exciting program designed to empower young people and amplify their voices within the community. Hosted by the Flintshire Healthy Schools team, the initiative aims to provide students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to influence decisions that impact their lives and those of their peers. Throughout the year, our School Council representatives will receive valuable guidance and support as they work on projects and engage in discussions that promote positive change. This launch event marks the beginning of a meaningful journey for our students, who are eager to make a difference and embrace their role as leaders within the school and beyond.
Guitar Magic at Castell Alun
On Thursday evening, Castell Alun was proud to host the Schools Music Service Evening Guitar Concert, and what a night it was! Talented young musicians from across the area came together to deliver stunning performances, showcasing their hard work, skill and passion for music. The diverse repertoire and the performers’ enthusiasm captivated the audience, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated and grateful to the Schools Music Service for their dedication and support. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a resounding success!
Year 12 Parents’ Evening
This week, we were delighted to welcome parents and guardians of our Year 12 students to their annual Parents’ Evening. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for families to meet with subject teachers, discuss progress and explore strategies for continued success in this crucial stage of their education. The collaborative atmosphere underscored our shared commitment to supporting each student’s aspirations and achievements. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the evening’s success – together, we are helping our young people reach their full potential.
Music Practicals in Full Swing
This week, our talented students have been showcasing their hard work and dedication during their music practical exams. From solo performances to ensemble pieces, the variety and quality of the performances have been truly inspiring. These practicals are a significant milestone for our young musicians, demonstrating not only their technical skills but also their creativity and passion for their craft. Well done to all the students who participated, and a big thank you to the music staff for their guidance and support throughout this process. Keep up the fantastic work!
Attention Former Students!
If you are unable to collect your certificates on the 18th December then they will also be available for collection again from Tuesday 7th January. If you are unable to attend, a nominated person can collect your certificates on your behalf. This is provided they bring a signed consent letter from you.
Please note that, in line with exam board regulations, Castell Alun will retain certificates for one year only. We look forward to seeing you!
Latest Sports News Update
Our Sixth Form netball team did Castell Alun proud this week, competing in the Flintshire round of the President’s Cup at Mold Alun. They gave it their all, finishing 3rd after incredibly close one-goal losses to strong teams from Alun School and Hawarden High.
At the same time, our Year 9/10 netball team put in a fantastic performance at the Chwaraeon Urdd competition. Out of 24 teams, they topped their pool and advanced to the quarter-finals. Here they narrowly missed out in an intense 8-7 game against Ysgol Morgan Llwyd.
Congratulations to all our players for their incredible effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
After the impressive performance of our Year 8 girls in the Utilita Girls Cup Tournament last October, the team has been given an exciting opportunity to train with Wrexham FC Community Trust coaches. This expert coaching will help them prepare for the regional finals in Wigan, which will take place in the new year.
The first training session was held on Thursday, marking the beginning of this exciting new chapter for the team. We look forward to watching the girls continue to develop their skills and progress on their journey. Good luck, everyone!
On Thursday some of our talented students took part in the North East Wales Cross Country Championships. We’re proud to share the results. Sam and Raf from Year 8 put in fantastic performances in the Year 8/Year 9 boys’ event. They finished 14th and 17th respectively. While we don’t yet have the full results, their efforts were a great representation of Castell Alun’s dedication and spirit. Da iawn, Sam and Raf! We look forward to hearing about the rest of the team’s results soon.
Making Waves!
We’re thrilled to celebrate Eva in Year 8 for her outstanding achievement recently at Waterworld, Wrexham!
Eva competed in four races, two of which were completely new challenges for her. Despite this, she showed incredible confidence and delivered amazing performances. In her other two races, she achieved remarkable personal bests:
- 100m Backstroke: A huge improvement of 5.71 seconds!
- 100m Front Crawl: An incredible 10.04 seconds off her previous time!
We are so proud of Eva’s dedication and success and wanted to share this fantastic accomplishment with you all. Well done, Eva!
Upcoming Events
Here’s a quick look at some upcoming events—don’t forget to check the Events Calendar for the full list!
Castell Alun Christmas Concert – Thursday 12th December – 7:00pm
Tickets are now available for the Castell Alun Christmas Concert. The show is taking place on Thursday, 12th December at 7:00pm. Priced at £5 (plus booking fee), tickets include refreshments. It promises to be a wonderful evening of festive music and entertainment. Secure your spot here: Castell Alun Christmas Concert Tickets.
In Closing
As we close this week’s School Blog, we want to wish a huge good luck to Year 12 student Leo. Leo is preparing for an exciting challenge tomorrow—undertaking a sky dive in Tilstock! This is being done in order to raise funds for the Hope House charity. Thanks to their incredible efforts, Leo and his friends have raised an impressive £2,500 for this worthy cause. We will be sure to share more details and updates on this courageous feat in next week’s blog. We’re all behind you, Leo—good luck, and thank you for making such a positive impact!
As we move into December we’re filled with excitement for the festive season. Our students continue to inspire us with their achievements. We look forward to celebrating even more successes as we approach the end of the term. Wishing everyone a wonderful start to December – let’s finish the year strongly! See you for the next School Blog.
Diolch am ddarllen – thank you for reading!
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.
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