A4 November 2012 - Copy (3)

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NEWSLETTER
CYLCHLYTHYR
TACHWEDD ~ NOVEMBER 2014
WEAstro
DID ROCK
YOU
Tour
Castell Alun’s musical production, ‘We Will Rock You’ was a roaring success. The musical uses the music of Freddie Mercury and his rock
band, Queen, to tell the story of Galileo and Scaramouche, a young couple on a quest to bring back rock and roll.
It is a well known fact that Freddy Mercury had an amazing voice and could access a range
of over 4 octaves. The students in the lead roles at Castell Alun proved more than up to the
challenge of performing his songs to an exceptionally high standard, with fantastic renditions
including Bohemian Rhapsody, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Seven Seas of Rhye, One Vision and
many more.
Courtney Lythgoe was the female lead role of Scaramouche alongside Matthew Edwards,
who played the saviour of rock and roll, Galileo. Other highly acclaimed performances
were given by Francesca Hughes (Queen Bee), Amelia Shallish (Meat), Jacob Millar (Britney
Spears), Dave Humphries (Pop) and Phoebe Reynolds (Teacher). One member of the audience
even commented that it was the best set of leading actors they’d ever seen in an amateur
performance. Much of the comedy was brought by Luke Aldous (Khashogi) whose humour, accent and vocal talents were enjoyed by all.
Drama Subject Leader, Mrs Rebecca Lloyd-Jones commented, “All credit to our students.
We could not have asked for any more from them. They gave everything and fully deserve
all the accolades they are now getting.” Mr Andrew Searson, Musical Director of the show
and Coordinator of Music at Castell Alun added, “The remarkable musical talent on show
both on and off stage was quite overwhelming at times and really makes my job a real
pleasure. We can’t speak highly enough of our students and all members of staff who have
gone so far beyond what is expected to deliver something which any dramatic organisation
would have been really proud of. The shows were incredible and so much fun for performers
and audience alike.”
STOP PRESS
We are pleased to announce that the next musical show is well underway. We will be presenting the schools’ version of Les Miserables next July.
The cast list was announced recently and competition was tough! We anticipate another fantastic performance by our students. The show will
take place Monday 13th July – Wednesday 15th July, so keep the dates free!
Budding Writers
Four students from Castell Alun entered the ‘Young Writers’ national competition, ‘A Twist
in the Tale’ and achieved success by having their stories published. Brianna Harston, Caitlyn
Hassell , Hannah Spruce and Shannon Davies had their stories selected from the thousands
of entries which the competition received. Entrants were required to re-write a traditional
fairy tale and add a modern twist in no more than 100 words. English teacher and competion
coach, Miss Samantha Parker commented, “The students’ re-imagined fairytales were
mysterious, exciting and extremely well written. They let their imaginations run wild and
the results were fantastic! It was amazing to see where their 100 words took them”. Brianna
Harston added, “The competition proved to each of us that fiction doesn’t have to be
long and boring, it can be short, snappy and sparkling with inspiration. We really got into
it and actually quite surprised ourselves with what we achieved.”
Check these out…….
We are always keen to encourage all of our students to explore talents and interests. Please take a moment to check
out our school website (www.castellalun.com) and look at our Out of Hours Learning 2014 / 2105 leaflet for further
information.
You may also have heard about planned changes to qualifications in Wales. If you’d like to know more about the
future of education in Wales please check the following website.
http://www.qualifiedforlife.org.uk
Dates for the Diary.........
24th - 28th November
1st December
4th, 5th December
10th December
15th December
15th – 19th December
18th December
19th December
5th January
6th January
7th – 14th January
21st January
2nd – 4th February
4th February
4th – 6th February
13th February
23rd February
Year 11 trial examinations
Year 7 Panto trip pm only
Year 7 Parents’ Meetings day
Year 11 Parents’ evening (4.30pm start)
Presentation of Certificates Evening (6.30pm start)
Students’ Christmas lunch available
School Christmas Concert (7.00pm start)
Sixth Form Christmas buffet and entertainment pm
School closes for Christmas Holidays
School closed to Students – Staff Training Day
School reopens
Year 12 and 13 internal mock examinations
Year 10 Parents’ Evening (4.30pm start)
Year 9 examinations
Sixth Form Open Evening (6.30pm)
Year 10 examinations
School closes for half term
School reopens
Dinosaurs Return to Castell Alun
Castell Alun is winding back the clock
many millions of years. The school has
set up a unique club which sees students
from years 7, 8 and 9 learn about all forms
of pre-historic beasts. Each week,
students have the opportunity to handle
real dinosaur bones and a variety of fossils,
learn about the discipline of
palaeontology, play games and participate
in a whole host of competitions.
Dates are correct at time of issue. Some dates may change at short notice.
Making a Drama out of an Exam course
Year 11 GCSE Drama students recently performed an
extract of Chris Owen’s comedy play,“The Last Resort”.
Set at a British seaside resort, the play follows a
variety of characters as their day unfolds beside the
beach. Multi-talented Shikeira Davies, Francesca Hughes
and Erin Williams demonstrated their versatility by
performing as both Chorus members narrating the
action of the play, as well as the town’s radio “celebrities”.
A clear contrast was established between the ‘Killjoy’
family (performed by Alex Edwards, Georgia Jefferies,
Kristy Leigh-Evans and Niall Spender) and the ‘Bright’ family (performed by Kane Peters, Ella
Hamilton and Yasmin Hewitt). The group of old ladies was creatively performed by Megan Wood,
Danielle Cope and Ellie Webster, but perhaps the most imaginative performances came from
Brandan Pumford, Michael Corry and Joe Johnston who had to transform themselves into donkeys!
Family to Remember FFallen
allen Hero in FFilm
ilm
Members of the family of a fallen First World soldier will feature in
a film to mark the centenary of the First World War in the Parish of
Hope. Castell Alun students Teleri Williams and Harvey Ellis are both
descended from the family of Gunner George Vincent Davies who died
as a result of a gas attack at Ypres during the First World War. The
Castell Alun history enthusiasts will be joined by other family members
who possess important artefacts related to the story of this soldier,
including a letter which he wrote shortly before he died and the
medals which he never survived to wear. The film has been commissioned
by Hope and Caergwrle Heritage and Conservation Society as part of
the Parish of Hope War Stories Project which is supported by a grant
from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Speaking for Hope and Caergwrle
Heritage and Conservation Society, Castell Alun History teacher, Mr
David Healey,said “There has been a vast amount of public interest
in this project and people are also looking forward to the booklet
that will be produced. We are working closely with
www.flintshirewarmemorials.com to ensure that those who fell in the Parish of Hope are remembered as more
than names on stones.”
SUGGES
TION BO
X!
SUGGESTION
BOX!
Dino Club has already captured the
interest of the student population and is
proving to be very popular, with students
clearly attracted to such an unusual
experience. Bea Beungchan, Year 9, is a
regular at the club and commented, “I
love Dino Club because you get to have
fun and learn about these interesting
creatures that lived millions of years
ago” and Ella Bradley, Year 7, added, “I
have always been interested in
dinosaurs and now I can learn about
them with my teacher’s help”.
The club came about because Geography
teacher, Mrs Elaine Hyder, a qualified
palaeontologist, wanted to share her
passion and extensive fossil collection
with the students at Castell Alun. She said
“I have studied dinosaurs and collected
fossils for many years, and each year I
even dig up bones myself! I would have
loved an opportunity to learn about
dinosaurs when I was at school. I was
blown away with the numbers who
attended the first few meetings of the
club. Here’s hoping Castell Alun might
just produce some dinosaur hunters of
the future!”
Egni â Lwydd - Effort Brings Success
Castell Alun High School
Fagl Lane, Hope, Flintshire
Tel: 01978 760238
www.castellalun.flintshire.sch.uk
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WELL DONE!
David Hatton, Year 12, cannot stop winning in his discipline
of Kayaking. He competed in another International Kayaking
Event held in
Belgium in
September and
came away with
an incredible
haul of 2 gold
and 2 silver
medals. A large
number of top
international
paddlers formed
the field and David’s performance exceeded all expectations.
Furthermore, David then competed in the National Marathon
Championships in Worcester and the National Sprint
Championships where he was awarded a silver and gold
medal respectively.
Ewan Povey, 12, from Kinnerton has been playing golf since
the age of 3. Ewan is a member of Padeswood and Buckley
Golf Club where he goes to practice 3 times a week with his
father and brother. During a round of golf at Padeswood
and Buckley
Golf Club in
July Ewan
scored a hole
in one, a
tremendous
achievement
that is rarely
accomplished
by golfers who
have played the
sport all their
lives.Then Ewan competed in the ‘Stroke Player’ Competition
and qualified in 1 st place. He was then successful in
completing 2 further stages of the competitions at
Penmaenmawr and Buith Wells resulting in him qualifying
to compete in the Welsh Mini Masters at the Celtic Manor in
South Wales on 28th October, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Ewan commented, “My Grandad inspired me as he owns a
driving range and my family all enjoy and play the sport. I
can’t wait for the next competition.”
Students help those in need
Year 7 students dug deep into their pockets in order to celebrate Harvest this year. All
tutor groups produced a
bumper hamper of
groceries that were
distributed to those in
need. The year group
decided that this year’s
harvest contributions
should be given to a Food
Bank in order to support
their work with those
experiencing challenging
circumstances in local
areas. All students were
very keen to get involved and do their bit to help those less fortunate, indeed, it was
really quite amazing how much food came in and our school Harvest assembly helped
us all remember not to take the things we have for granted.
Year 7 School Council representative, Lily Cottle, commented, “It’s nice to be able to help
other people, especially those who don’t have much already perhaps. I think our school
collection was a really good idea because it makes us look after others, just as our
families, friends and teachers look after us.”
Matthew Sandoz, Year 7, is also making a name for himself
in the golfing world. Matthew, a member of Clays Golf Club
in Wrexham, competed in a 3 day golf camp held at
Macdonald
Portal Golf Club,
Tarporley, and
scored the
highest number
of points on his
skills test and
was awarded 1st
place. Matthew
then competed
at The Lee
Westwood Golf Camps National Championship finals at Close
House Golf Club near Newcastle where he won the under 13
age category and was crowned the overall winner of the
event. He was awarded 2 trophies and as part of his prize
he also won a family golf holiday for 4 people in Florida.
Matthew, who practices 4 times per week, has been playing
golf since the age of 6, has had much encouragement from
his family, many of whom are also golfers. He commented,
“It’s a great sport and I just love playing. Winning is a bonus!”
Away from sport, Adam Hodson,
Year 11, took up photography 2
years ago. Since then he has
progressed with his skills and now
has a brilliant portfolio of photos.
He has recently started up a
business selling his photos, an
amazing achievement for
someone so young. Adam has
big plans for the future and
already helps to run our school
photography club.
And finally….Madison Millar, Year 11, recently scooped a
High Achievers Award and was able to attend an International
Youth Forum in Missouri, USA, as a British delegate. At the
forum matters of faith, culture and peace were discussed,
and during the visit Madison had to read in front of 1500
people. Well done Maddie!
LIBRARY TIME
This term has proved a busy and exciting time in the Library with lots of events
and activities. The very popular ‘Games Club’ is held every Friday lunchtime,
giving students the opportunity to relax with their friends whilst playing a variety
of board and card games. Refreshments are provided - an added bonus at the
end of a busy week! We are holding special events in the Library every month.
In September we celebrated Roald Dahl’s birthday with a quiz and a golden
ticket hunt in the Library. Year 7 took part in a quiz and the winning teams came
to hunt for those all
important tickets. The
winners were rewarded
with Roald Dahl books.
In October, to tie-in with
Halloween, classes were
invited to the Library for a
‘spooky’ storytelling
session delivered by the
Librarian. The sessions
proved very popular with
many students and served
as an encouragement to
loan books.
The Library is now open every day from 8am to 4.30pm so please
come and visit and see what’s on offer.
Adverse Weather
If there is a heavy and persistent snowfall, or other extreme weather conditions, parents need to judge if it is necessary to keep their children at home. If a decision is
made to close the school before the school day begins, due to severe weather, we will post a message on the front page of the school website (www.castellalun.com)
to inform you of this. We will also leave an automated message on the school answer machine informing you of the closure as early in the day as possible. You may
www.flintshire
.go
v.uk
also wish to check the Flintshire Local Authority website for information (www.flintshire
www.flintshire.go
.gov.uk
v.uk).
Flintshire Local Authority will make every effort to have the closure announced on local radio, Wrexham and Chester MFM 103.4 and further announcements may also be
made on BBC Radio Wales (657 or 882 AM or 93.9 to 95.9 FM).
Very occasionally it may be necessary to close the school before the end of the normal school day. In these instances school buses will collect students and drop them
off as usual, and parents are requested to ensure that their children have access to a place of shelter, perhaps with a relative, neighbour or friend.
If weather bulletins report hazardous conditions, parents should use their discretion about the wisdom of sending their children to school. At such times please phone the
school at your earliest convenience and inform the office staff of this.
FUN RUN
Lower school students pulled out all the stops
and wore a variety of bizarre costumes to help
raise valuable funds for the school last month.
In previous years monies raised have bought
outdoor ‘picnic’ style seating, drinks machines,
wet weather activities, digital equipment and
some has also been used to subsidise school
trips and musical productions.
Students have a lot of fun determining their
outfits for this kind of event and, at Castell Alun,
all year groups also adopt a charity and run
specific events in order to raise vital funds to
support those less fortunate. For example, the
Sixth Form will hold its annual Fancy Dress
Fun Run again soon, and typical costumes for
this would be literally anything, including
cowboys and Indians, sports stars, emergency
services, gangsters, famous people….and many
more!
Student TTracking
racking Reviews (STRs)
racking Review’ at Castell Alun uses the findings of that research.
Lots of research has been done to try to find out what makes young people learn successfully. ‘Student TTracking
It means that students are about to become much more involved in improving their own learning as we try to further ‘personalise’ the learning process.
The new STR system provides an opportunity for students to engage more fully in the learning process and take responsibility for improving their own learning. The combination
of setting aspirational targets, face-to-face feedback and online assessment from teachers enables students to engage more regularly in crucial dialogue about their progress and
shape their own actions to improve areas of their work.
During this term you will receive the first STR progress check sheet for your son/daughter this year along with a separate STR
Newsletter explaining how the new system works. We are also aiming to issue a second STR progress check sheet in the Spring
term and we hope that the system will help to:
·
Monitor progress
·
Inform parents/carers about how students are getting on
·
Motivate students to ‘aim high’
·
Target support through our mentoring programme which involves advice and guidance from subject teachers, Group
Tutors, Student Development and Learning Managers and Senior Leaders across the school
The aspirational targets have been set very high indeed. They are NO
NOTT what we expect your son/daughter to achieve, but they
ARE what they could achieve with the right approach to learning, or as we are now calling it, the right ‘Lear
Lear
ning Ethic
Learning
Ethic’.
When introducing any new system you will appreciate that there may be teething problems and new terminology to get used to, but we very much hope that as the system
evolves you will see the benefits, as the whole aim is to raise student achievement at all Key Stages in school.
PLEASE NOTE that this newsletter has also been e-mailed to all parents and carers for whom we
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