Prynhawn Da! 

It is that time of the week again where I write to you to celebrate the excellence we have here at Pontypridd High School. This week our Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 Rugby teams have secured wins against Hawthorn High School, Da Iawn.  I must also mention Alfie Hopkins in Year 7 who has achieved 52 positive points, Kamyar Aldawodi, from Year 8 who has achieved 30 positive points, Lucas Norman in Year 9 with 27 positive points, Cerys Llewellyn in Year 10 with 25 positive points and Caitlin Ham in Year 11 with 18 positive points, well done all. 

Mrs Thomas, History has asked me to congratulate 8S who have been working hard on their research for our war memorial digitisation project, on behalf on Rhondda Heritage. They have found important details about many soldiers who were killed in the First World War and have used records to corroborate their findings. Mrs Thomas is very proud of all of you. Mrs Barrett would also like to celebrate the work of 8S who have been learning about body control and facial expressions in a slow motion stage combat scene. Particular mention to, Carwyn Lloyd, Corey Woods and Charlie Goodayle who approached the task with maturity and performed a fantastic movement piece. 

Last week, Miss Cronon (English) took a group of pupils to Ysgol Llanhari for a debating competition. The pupils taking part were, Jack Donaldson, Kara Lock, Kiera Lock, Emily Casati and Dhairyash Sujeebun. I am told all pupils were amazing and I know Miss Cronin is very much looking forward to the competition in January. Today, Miss Stickler has taken seven SEREN pupils from Year 10 to USW for the regional launch. Pupils have been involved in a series of workshops exploring what SEREN means, as well as engaging in workshops in a number of subjects. One workshop in particular, focussing on interview preparation for Oxford University. 

Mrs Stockman in Science wants to congratulate Evan Embrey who has worked very well in Science this week in preparation for his December assessment. Miss Bartlett has asked me to say well done to Sean Williams who has had a very positive attitude to work. Miss Serpell has asked me to mention Maddie Rees and Chelsey Jones who have been working really well in Maths this week, engaged and completing all work set. Mr Porter, Maths has asked me to celebrate the significant improvement in the attitude to learning and behaviour of Harlee J Owen and Alfie Morris in Year 7. Mr Porter is extremely pleased with the progress made by both pupils and looks forward to it continuing. 

Next week will see another busy week here at school, our Year 8&9 and 10&11 basketball teams have fixtures against Bryncelynnog. We would also like to wish George Coombs good luck, who is in the district squad and playing in the semi final tonight. Next week we will also be preparing to start to our annual ‘Reverse advent’ campaign. Pupils will be asked to donate items which can be given to the local foodbank to support our local community in the build up to Christmas. In addition to this, if you have any pre loved uniform items which are in good condition and you would like to donate we would be extremely grateful. 

As always thank you for your continued support. 

Mrs Kayleigh Oliver- Head of School