Bore Da!

The final parentmail of this Autumn Term, and what a fantastic term we have had.

This week we have seen a plethora of different trips running across the school, which has been fantastic. Can I thank the staff who have organised these trips for the experiences they have given our pupils. We have seen pupils visit winter wonderland in Cardiff, Escape Rooms and Llancaiach Fawr. We have also had Year 10 & 11 pupils visit our local Albion Café for a reward breakfast with Mrs Rosser and Mrs Cope and nearly 100 pupils visit Showcase cinemas in Nantgarw.

Mrs Enos has asked me to congratulate our Year 11 pupils who have completed their English Literature Poetry NEA over the last two weeks. Team English are very proud of the hard work.

I would personally like to congratulate Olliver McGlennon, Tom Griffiths, Dylan Turner & Cameron Williams for their outstanding work with Mr Winterburn and Mr Van-Baaren on making and selling wooden Christmas trees and have used the profits to buy well needed supplies for the local foodbank. Well done boys, fantastic work.

This term, the Science Faculty has been paired up with a STEM ambassador. The ambassador has visited our A-level Science students and talked all about careers in healthcare. Pupils were given a hands-on workshop on cardiac procedures, including vein access for catheterisation and stents. Pupils were given the opportunity to ask questions about pathways into university also. We look forward to inviting our ambassador back in the spring term for a workshop with our Year 10 pupils which will include revision on the heart ready for their summer exams.

Miss Catherine Lee has asked me to mention the following pupils who have been awarded ‘Pupil of Term’ for their excellent attitude towards school and positive contributions to school life. Alfie Hopkins in Year 7 who has achieved 500 positive points and not a single negative in a whole term, Tulisa Moses in Year 8 who has achieved 221 positive points throughout this term, Alfie Gwynne in Year 9 who has achieved 337 positive points, Ryan Bond in Year 10 who has achieved 186 positive points and Jake Quinn in Year 11 who has achieved 155 positive points. Not only have these pupils achieved an amazing number of positive points, but they have been nominated by staff for their commitment and perseverance towards their studies, their good manners and outstanding behaviour around the school community.

This is also an opportunity for me to thank all the staff in school for their commitment and professionalism over the course of this term. Staff at Pontypridd High School continuously go above and beyond to ensure all pupils achieve success and have a positive learning experience. I would also like to thank all parents and carers for the un-wavering support that is given to the school. It is incredibly important that we work in partnership and continue to do this in the new year. The collaboration between home and school is crucial to achieving success for our young people and is always immensely important to us as a school.

From myself and all staff at school we would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I truly hope the festive break is enjoyable and special for you and your families.

Nadolig Llawen!

As always thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Kayleigh Oliver

Head of School