Friday 23rd November 2018


It seems that winter is certainly on it’s way!  Our whole school assembly on Monday was on the theme of bullying and was led by senior members of staff.  Although the message was hard-hitting, it is clear that bullying behaviour will not be tolerated in this school and that each of us has a role to support each other in times of need.  Our musical item was brought by Cole, Year 9, who performed a bass guitar solo, which he had written himself, with great aplomb.

We currently offer three very successful courses in conjunction with Coleg Cambria.  A number of our students in Years 10 and 11 thoroughly enjoy their participation in the Engineering, Health and Beauty and Construction courses and their enthusiasm is evident for all to see.  At Castell Alun we are always keen to ensure that we meet the needs of all students at all times.

Also this week, a number of our KS4 and 5 students went to watch ‘Matilda’ at the Lowry Theatre on Salford Quays and had a wonderful time.  On Thursday some of our French and German GCSE (Year 11) Modern Foreign Languages students participated in a European Challenge Day at Bangor University.  The skills and aptitudes they demonstrated were stunning and we are proud of each and every one of them.

Yesterday we welcomed a large number of Year 6 girls to Castell Alun for a Social Experience Day, and we have had many reports back that the girls enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to attending our school from September onwards.

Over the next couple of weeks, a number of Year 11 students will sit trial examinations in various subjects.  These papers will be undertaken in classrooms and not in the School Hall, and should be seen as the next step on the ladder of preparations for external summer examinations.

On Thursday next week it will be lovely to welcome Year 12 parents and students to Parents’ Evening.  The event will run from 4pm as usual.

On Friday next week our Dance Department will give their Christmas show in the School Hall.  The event is scheduled to begin at 6pm and tickets will be available on the door at a minimal cost.  Please do feel free to come and join us.

Our congratulations to Lauren of Year 7, who competed for Park Wrekin Gymnastics Club at the weekend in Nottingham.  Her beam routine received great praise, and this was Lauren’s first international competition, with teams from England, Scotland and France involved.  Lauren’s team came in fourth place overall, following England A and B, and Scotland’s national teams.  Quite exceptional Lauren – well done!

Well done to our Sixth Form Football Team who narrowly beat Flint High School on penalties last night in a thrilling match.  Our lads will now participate in the next round of the FA Wales Schools’ Cup.  We will watch their progress with great interest.  We are also thrilled with the performance of our Year 7 Football Team, who beat Rhyl High (also on penalties), to make it through to the final 16 of the FA Wales Schools’ Championships.  These lads could go all the way and we can’t wait to hear more about their next match.

Following the success of the CAFA Festive Fair and Pamper Evening last year, another such evening will be held on Friday 7th December from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.  A wide range of stalls, including clothing, craft, accessories and festive food will be available, as well as a licensed bar.  Tickets cost £3 for adults (£4 on the door) and £2 for under 18s and may be purchased from school and AKR Hair in Hope.  You can also buy tickets on line via this link.

Have a nice weekend.