Friday 8th February 2019


Our whole school assembly this week was on the theme of ‘marginal gains’, and considered how we will support our students in every possible way to maximise their performance in oncoming assessments and examinations.  Our readers, Charlotte and Ruben performed, with great poise and we all enjoyed an excellent rendition of ‘No Solution Seen’ with both piano and vocal from Jai in Year 9.

Yesterday we held a really successful Sixth Form Open Evening and are reliably informed that there are a number of other students who wish to speak to us about the possibility of joining Castell Alun, even though they were not able to join us for last night’s event.  All guests to our school were exceptionally positive about their experience and seemed very keen to become part of our school family.

On Monday our examination class Drama students enjoyed a performance from the Splendid Theatre Company, whilst on Tuesday a number of our students performed really well in the North Wales round of the Welshwise Geography Quiz.  In recognition of Safer Internet Day we will hold a Lower School assembly next week to ensure that our students are once again reminded of good practice with regard to the use of online facilities.  Thanks also to the local specialists who popped into school this week to speak with some of our KS3 students on the theme of dementia.

It always lovely to hear about the successes of our students in later life.  Our congratulations go to Will, Kendal, Tom and Alfie who have all been recognised for excelling in Work Skills UK competitions in the recent past.  We are so proud of you all.  Please do keep us informed of any news relating to Castell Alun Alumni.

As we look to next week, let’s hope that the rain does not prevent any of our sporting fixtures.  On Monday, a large number of Year 12 Biology students will go on a trip to Chester Zoo in order to consider a number of aspects relevant to their syllabus.  On Tuesday we are running a supportive Literacy Skills Development Evening for students in KS3, with a specific focus this time on reading.  For further information please contact Miss Stephanie Batey at school.

As previously mentioned, our Community Library will hold an introductory talk and brainstorming session on the theme of ‘Giving Nature a Home in our Community’ on Saturday 16th February from 11am to 1pm.  As you are probably also aware, on Tuesday 26th February at 2pm a local author, Mrs. Joanne Pritchard, will be reading from her book ‘Bellamy Brickle’s Circus Dream’.  This is a free event and is ideal for children between the ages of 3 and 8.

On Friday 15th February, Mr. Ian Dickson (Estyn) will join us to observe Sixth Form lessons in some Social Studies subjects.  We are always happy to be able to share the good practice on display at Castell Alun with organisations such as Estyn in order to assist other schools and continuously develop our own practice.  The visit is not part of an inspection, rather a thematic study to be used to share with other schools in Wales.

Lets hope it dries up!   Have a lovely weekend.