It has been a busy and varied half term at Netherwood for pupils and staff from all sections of the school. Years 11, 12 and 13 are busy bringing course-work up to date, and preparing for GCSE and A level exams, which are creeping ever nearer.

Pre-Prep Department: Last week, the pupils of Pre-Prep were very excited when they welcomed the 'Splott Theatre Company', a puppet theatre, with their latest production called 'Mini-Beasties.' They told the story of a sad Dennis the Caterpillar who was unhappy because he didn't think that he was very special.

Of course, all ended happily, and some of the children were able to get involved, with Edward Hurle and Anna Morgan helping with the Great Bug Hunt, and Ellen Walapu managing to spot a beetle.

The show ended with the children singing the song they had been taught by the Insect Spotter, and all agreed they'd had a wonderful time.

The Pre-Prep Department is always such a happy place that staff and pupils from the Senior School love to have an excuse to pop in!

CAREERS

Years 10 and 11 enjoyed a talk and video presentation from Lieutenant Mitch Vowles of the Royal Navy recruitment team. This year's presentation concentrated on the opportunities available for those who were interested in becoming officers, and pupils asked some searching questions. We are grateful to all employers and service recruitment teams for giving of their time, and enabling pupils to learn just what each career path entails.

SPORT

Despite the bad weather, there has been a full calendar of sporting fixtures... leading to some very muddy kit! Senior and Junior teams travelled to Llandovery College where the Under 14 netball team won 21-0 after an excellent display of skills. The Under 16s had a tougher match, in the lead until the last quarter, then just losing 14-16. The rugby teams were not successful this time, but the Juniors, in particular, put up a spirited fight, going down 36-41 at the end.

The following week, girls from Years 5 and 6 took part in the Urdd netball tournament, winning one match, and losing two, finishing third in their section.

Two teams from the senior school travelled to Greenhill, playing in atrocious weather, with the Under 18 team emerging victorious after a close game 7-5, and the Under 13 team playing two matches, winning one 1-0 and losing one 0-4. A special mention must go to Emily Thompson and Monami Takada, who played at extremely short notice.

Thanks must go to games teachers, Mrs. Shirley James and Mr. Gareth Jones for working so hard to prepare all these teams.

SWIMMING

Two Netherwood pupils have been making a name for themselves in Pembrokeshire swimming circles. Lloyd Delahunty won a gold medal in the individual medley, taking 11 seconds off his personal best time, silver medals in the butterfly and breaststroke events, and bronze in the backstroke.

Not to be outdone, his brother, Johnnie, won silver in the individual medley and breaststroke, and gold in the butterfly, backstroke and freestyle events. Johnnie also received two trophies, one for the overall best boy of 2003, and one for representing the county in 2003.

As if that wasn't enough, both boys entered the Pembrokeshire 800 metres event; Lloyd came first in his age group, and Johnnie came second in his. Well done boys!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Senior pupils are busy rehearsing for the annual Easter production, which this year is 'Bugsy Malone.' It will be performed in the school hall on Wednesday, March 31, and Thursday, April 1. Tickets will be on sale after half-term.

Years 10 and 11 will also be taking part in a 'Challenge of Industry' Day in March.

Parents evenings are also ongoing over the next few weeks, but if any prospective Sixth Formers are interested in finding out the benefits of a smaller Sixth Form with individual attention from tutors, please contact head of Years 12 and 13, Mr. John Holland, at the school.