Prynhawn Da!

I can not believe I am writing this but we find ourselves at the end of another half term, time is going so fast. I am incredibly proud of the work that has taken place over the last 5 weeks and the progress our pupils have made. It is a privilege to inform you that a group of Year 9 pupils have secured a place at the National debating competition at Oxford University, pupils will be attending the event on the 15th & 16th March 2024 and will be accompanied by Miss Emmi Cronin. The whole school community are very proud of what you have all achieved already and will be behind you throughout the event. The pupils involved are; Jack Donaldson, Kara Lock, Kiera Lock and Kesav Sujeebun.

Throughout this week Year 11 pupils have been completing their mock exams in preparation for Summer 2024. This has been a very positive and productive period and has further prepared our pupils for the imminent exam series. These exams will continue after the half term break, Year 10 pupils will also start their mock exams during this time.

Mr Van-Baaren has asked me to mention his Year 9 Product Design pupils who have been working exceptionally hard over the past few weeks, making 'bug hotels'. The bug hotels will then be placed in the school grounds and along the Taff trail. The task is part of a wider whole school project that will help us achieve the RCT Schools bronze Eco Award. The RCT Schools Eco Award is a Council created award scheme for integrating sustainable development and environmental improvements across a wide range of activities undertaken by our schools.

Mrs Barrett (Performing Arts) wants to mention Will Morgan in 7K for his confident performance of the News Reporter in his Drama assessment. I am told there was excellent use of gestures, vocal tone and facial expressions.

Mrs Thomas in Welsh would like a special mention for 8K and their excellent progress within Welsh lessons. Pupils who have made exceptional progress, especially in their use of incidental Welsh are: Caiden Pugh, Hasnain Haider, Jack Marklew, Lucas Jacob, Jack Yemm, Evie Durham, Tillie Mellor, Nia Saunders, Ella Stobbart, Joshua Lloyd and Jaydan Davies. Mrs Rosser would like me to mention Dafydd Watkins and Cerys Llewellyn who have been awarded 'Year 10 Pupils of the Half Term' and a special mention to Ethan Mahoney who has had a great half term. Mrs Rosser has told me that his kind and caring nature make him a credit to the Year 10 year group.

This week has seen a number of sporting fixtures take place on school site and beyond. Our Year 9 football boys won their match against Hawthorn on Thursday. As a school we now have Year 7, 9 & 11 through to the semi finals of the RCT cup competition, all games will take place next half term. A special mention to our players of the match Jordan Thomas and Maison Redwood (Year 10 Rugby), Koral Reardon and Lexi Angus (Year 7/8 Football), Maddie Rees (Year 11 Netball), Evie Allen (Year 7/8 Netball), and Riley James (Year 7 Rugby).

As always thank you for your continued support. It is imperative that we have a strong partnership to ensure continued success. Have a fantastic half term break and I look forward to working with you all again from the 19th February 2024.

Many thanks

Mrs Kayleigh Oliver

Head of School