This year, over 35,000 women are taking part in Cancer Research's UK's Race for Life, and on Sunday, June 20, Dyffryn Taf School made its contribution. Fourteen students, four members of staff and six adults who are closely connected with the school, joined 2,700 other women in the 5km run at Pembrey Country Park. With the money raised through sponsorship, Cancer Research hopes to raise £20m which will be invested in the treatment, prevention and cures for cancer.

Congratulations to all students, staff and friends who joined the Dyffryn Taf team on a highly enjoyable day out, and for a very worthy cause.

Those who took part were: Hannah Gutteridge (Yr 10); Charlotte Gutteridge (Yr 8); Hannah James (Yr 10); Rea John (Yr 8); Anna Stephens (Yr 8); Alice James (Yr 10); Joanne Clarke (Yr 8); Kelly Morgan (Yr 8); Kathryn Moore (Yr 8); Samantha Jones (Yr 8); Anwen Bentley (Yr 8); Joely Davies (Yr 10); Charlene Morris (Yr 10); Jenny Bloxham (Yr 10); Miss Jude Roberts; Miss Joanne Davies; Mrs. Haulwen Roberts; Mrs. Bethan Phillips; Mrs. Cerys Rees; Miss Rhian Rees; Mrs. Mandy James.

End of term news

This week brings to an end a very busy year, with events and activities taking place right up to the end.

On Monday, the penultimate inter-house competition was held - the final leg of the rounders competition.

On Tuesday, form house captains played out the final competition of the year at Heatherton Country Park, and an enjoyable day was had by all.

Wednesday saw the return of the intrepid travellers from the German exchange visit to Stuttgart.

Almost 300 students and 20 members of staff also spent the day at Oakwood, enjoying a day of thrills and spills.

On Thursday, all students received their end of year reports. Parents are reminded to please return reply slips on the first day of the new school year.

The new school year begins for students on Thursday, September 2.

German Exchange Visit

Twenty-two students and two members of staff travelled to Stuttgart, Germany, recently, spending a week as guests of students from the Königin Olga Stift Gymnasium. Travelling from London Heathrow to Stuttgart Airport, the trip got off to a flying start. An excellent time was had by all, with a range of trips and visits having been organised, including a guided tour of the city of Stuttgart, the Wilhelmina Zoo, Europa Fun Fair Park and a visit to the Mercedes Museum.

Students, please note: Plans for next year's trips are already underway and competition for places will be fierce, so if you are interested, make sure you get your forms in early. These will be available from Mrs. Ruth Cook or Mrs. Barney Griffiths in September.

Work experience

Year 10 students returned to school this week following a week on work experience placements.

Students spent their time at a huge variety of businesses, gaining valuable insights into life in the world of work.

Many thanks to everyone involved in the organising and monitoring of the week, and especially to all the 'employers' who gave of their time and expertise.

Careers Day

On Monday and Tuesday, July 5 and 6, Careers Wales visited school to introduce careers education to pupils in Year 8. The format of the day was based on the Tregwaith programme.

Here is a report written by one of the pupils:

Today we had Careers Day. We had lots of activities to do with what we would like to do with our futures. We started off choosing what we would like by the year 2015, but then we had to randomly choose an occupation. When we had our occupation, we talked about the responsibilities and commitments of our job. Then we had to work out the cost of everything and pay for it with our wages, but we had to be sensible how we spent our money.

Today I learnt to be careful and make responsible decisions for my future. I learnt to take an occupation that you will enjoy and I understand that the world of work isn't easy and that learning new skills now will help me to manage my career. I very much enjoyed Careers Day. It was great fun. It has made learning about the future easier to understand.

The report shows just how much the days were enjoyed by the pupils and the skills they began to develop. The programme encourages a positive attitude to the pupils' studies which can only have beneficial results.

We look forward to next year's events.

Examination results

Results will be available from the school as follows: A Level - Thursday, August 19, after 9.30 am; AS - Thursday, August 19, after 10.30 am; GCSE - Thursday, August 26, after 10 am.

All students are reminded that any outstanding text books should be returned to school as soon as possible.

Girls cricket

Rachel Davies, Yr 8, attended a Cricket Festival in Brecon on Friday and Monday, July 9 and 12. The West Wales team was made up of Whitland CC players who played matches of 40 overs each against Mid Glamorgan, Powys, and Cardiff and Vale. The Whitland girls were successful in winning all their matches and were undefeated champions of the festival.

Rachel's performance on the first day won her the 'woman-of-the-match', scoring 40 runs and taking a wicket. On the second day, she scored a further 32 runs, and on the third day she scored 51 not out, caught out one player and bowled out another.

Rachel's outstanding performance during the weekend resulted in selection for the Wales U17 team, and she will play her first match for her country against Bristol on August 1. We congratulate her on her successes and wish her luck.

Hockey news

Rachel Davies, Alex Pearce and Cerys Stranger were selected to play for Carmarthenshire County U14 hockey team. Congratulations.

Girls rugby

Both the Under 13 and Under 19 girls' rugby teams were successful in winning the regional Touch Rugby Tournament held at the Carmarthen Athletic rugby ground on Monday, June 14. The Under 19 team had two convincing wins over Ysgol Gyfun Bro Myrddin and Glan Y Mor School, while the Under 13A team battled it out with Coedcae School in the very last game, to finish tournament winners. The Under 13B team played some skilful and dynamic rugby to win three out of the six games played.

The U19 and U13A teams went on to play in the All Wales final held at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on Thursday, July 1, which turned out to be a highly exciting and successful day for both teams.

With over 200 supporters of all ages in tow, the players were highly motivated and focused on winning. After playing four fast and close games, both teams finished second in their group, which qualified them for the semi-finals.

With Dyffryn Taf supporters cheering, horns blowing and banners flying, both the Under 19 and Under 13 teams 'gave their all'. However, they both lost by a point in the final minutes of the games.

Congratulations to all the girls who played in the finals. They can now boast that they have played rugby at the Millennium Stadium. A big thank you to all the staff and students who supported the girls - you made us all proud.

Students involved were:

Under 19s: Alice James (capt.), Yr 10; Sophie Treacy, Yr 12; Mandy Brown, Yr 10; Hannah James, Yr 10; Jodie Bates, Yr 10; Laura Rees, Yr 10; Gemma Smith, Yr 10; Emma Thomas, Yr 10; Lisa Davies, Yr 10.

Under 13A: Rachel Davies, Yr 8; Alex Pearce, Yr 8; Rea John, Yr 8; Bryony Rees, Yr 8; Charlotte Gutteridge, Yr 8; Elaina Cottrell, Yr 8; Chloe Howells, Yr 8; Rhiannon Thomas, Yr 7; Anna Stephens, Yr 8.

Under 13B: Catherine Sharpe, Yr 8; Anna Stephens, Yr 8; Ruth Thomas, Yr 8; Kerri Lewis, Yr 8; Stephanie Morgan, Yr 8; Jane Howells, Yr 8; Sophie Lee, Yr 8; Louise Richards, Yr 8.

West Wales rugby

Chloe Howells, Yr 7, Alex Pearce, Yr 8, and Rachel Davies, Yr 8, have all represented the West Wales girls rugby team at U13 level and have had a highly successful season. They travelled all over Wales to play against various county teams and were undefeated throughout. Counties which they conquered included North Wales (2), South Wales, East Wales and Central Wales.

Chloe Howells played tight-head prop, with Rachel Davies supporting her in the second row, scoring her first county try against North Wales. Alex Pearce played on the right-wing using her speed and side-stepping ability to score a total of 15 tries in six matches.

A team celebration dinner was held at Hendy Rugby Club where all players were awarded with individual trophies.

LAKE TRIP

As always happens towards the end of each year, Dyffryn Taf's Year 7 students spent time visiting the lake at Latygors as part of their science studies.

With the kind permission and assistance of Mrs. Scholfield, the owner of Latygors, the students studied various ecological aspects of the area. These included measuring the acidity/alkanity of the soil and water, measuring the air and water temperature and studying and identifying the various pond-dwelling creatures.

There was an emphasis on preservation of the ecological site and treating living things with respect and care, at both of which the students excelled.

The students certainly enjoyed their visit, with many wondering how the time had gone so quickly.

Year 10 Science Achievers' Day

For two days during one of the last weeks of the summer term, 25 of the highest-achieving Year 10 students were invited to participate in the 2004 Science Challenge. The aims of the challenge were to develop the students' interests in science, to offer more taxing real-life situations and allow access to the associated processes and to promote effective teamwork.

Students were to study the science involved in the processes associated with producing alcohol - needless-to-say there was a good enrolment rate.

The two days were organised into three sessions of problem solving, based on the biological, chemical and physical aspects of the topic. Each session was followed by the design and execution of an experiment which solved the particular problem. Prizes were presented for the most successful group.

Initially, the students had to investigate and achieve the conditions necessary for the most productive rate at which yeast ferments. This was followed by an investigation in which students had to extract their fermented alcohol and then distil it to produce stronger, purer alcohol. Finally, students were challenged to extract and measure the maximum amount of heat energy from burning pure ethanol (a member of the alcohol family of chemicals).

Paul Brown, Todd Elliott, Hugh Winship and Will Roberts won the biology challenge and also, with the inclusion of Daniel Higginson, won the chemistry challenge. The physics challenge was won by Joely Davies, Ffion McAteer and Laura Smith. Every student received a certificate of participation.

It was very pleasing to see how effectively the students worked together in their groups, and how ingeniously they solved the problems with which they were presented. The students themselves seemed to think the challenge had been beneficial, stating that it had been 'interesting, enjoyable (that they had) learned a lot about the topics (that they were) more confident with problem solving and (that their) interests had been developed'.

Pop, crisps, biscuits and a temporary repeal of school uniform provided the icing on the cake.

Students taking part were: Jeremy Beckingham; Myles Bowman; Paul Brown; Robin Brown; Becky Caswell; Joely Davies; Luke Davies; Richard East; Todd Elliott; Daniel Higginson; Nick James; Aled John; Gaia Joloidovsky; Conor Jordan; Garth Loughran; Ffion McAteer; Dafydd Morgan; David Owen; James Plummer; Rosie Polson; Stacie Rees; Will Roberts; Laura Smith; Jason Stewart; Hugh Winship.

Congratulations are extended to all those students who have attained bronze, silver or gold awards for merit this year. You have worked steadily and fully deserve the award.

Bronze (30 or more merits): Dylan - Scott Carter; Luke Clarke-Trevis; Rhys Davies; Scott Friel; Amy Holland; Chloe Howells; Kirsty Lewis; Jonathan Mason; Jordanna Moran; Marie Stenning; Emily Swale; Sophie Thomas; Mary Wilson; Gethin Jones; Simon James; Claire Hughes; Peter Owen; Sophie Richards; Hollie Williams; Henry Upton; Conor McGinty; Cerys Stranger; Elin Wilding; Stephen Powell; Jessica Salmon; Amy Frearson; Kim Gronow; Matthew Elms; Matthew Brace; Lowri Court; Laura Stephens; Sioned Evans; Emily Jones. Hywel - Elizabeth Clarke; Sam Phillips; Rebecca Evans; Shauna Greig; Celt Davies; Kalisha Malpeli; Rebecca Goodridge; Katrina James; Ben Ridley; Martyn Brown; Katie Hayes; Diana Higginson; William Jones; Jamie John; Nicola Ansty; Ben Hewens; Catrin John; Alice Jones; Simon Merriman; Aled Rees; Steven Rees; Tom Roberts; Martin Thomas; Zoe Wynn; Aimee Williams; Alice Lodwig; Heather Elliott; Lauren Blair; Duncan Evans; Sam James; Chris Jones; Natasha Wilson; Rhys Thomas; Charlotte Goodwin. Beca - Philip Gannon; Stephen Bevan; Matthew Robinson; James Jenner; James Winship; Thomas Squire; Jenny Miller; David Bodfish; Timmy Williams; Robert Shipton; Ryan Hoskin; Kristian Isaacs; Rhian Price; Rosie Harden; Stephanie Morgan; Anna Stephens; Louise Richards; Hannah Evans; Jessica Rainbow; Charlotte Gutteridge; Ruth Thomas; Melanie Williams; Charlotte Caswell; Matthew Cole; Peter Gray; Jack Howser; Lewis Owen.

Silver (45 or more merits): Dylan - Marc Bolas; Lauren Bradbury; Ceri Phillips; Joshua Reynolds; Christopher Seal; Hayley Adams; Cerys Jones; Kayleigh Jones; Lottie Smith; Rosie Thorne; Lloyd Scott; Stephanie Martin; Bronson Barron; Marianne Spratt; Chris Court; Michael Beynon; Wai Yin Lee; Joanna Thomas; Jane Howells. Hywel - Mathew Stephens; Scott Newton; Judy Carroll; Ffion Thomas; Tom Sellen; Georgia Osborne-Davies; Elin Britcher; James Jones; Evan Griffiths; Ffion Wilding; Max Hawkins; Jack Moss; Esther James; Esther Wright; Jordan Williams; James Couzens; Terina Jackson; Keeley Connor; Samantha Lewis; Bethany Webster; Kara Watts; Zoe Harris; Ashleigh Hamilton; Charlotte Hosking; Aston Keogh; Alex Pearce; Louise Watson; Emma Yeandle; Thomas Rees, Gary Morris. Beca - Thomas Bradbury; Elinor Jarvis; Ryan Thomas; Man Shan Lee; Nicola Ridge; Carys May; Charlotte Slater; Naomi Prozynska; Tom Roberts; Stevie Lles; Wendy Slater; Daniel Morris; Amy Davies; Olly Williams; Catriona Mayes; Richard Owen; Rea John; Sophie Lee; Kerri Lewis; Ellen Mason; Bryony Rees; David Merriman; Aled Owen.

Gold (60 or more merits): Dylan - Aaron West; Ceri Eynon; Daisy Hodson; Hannah Newell; Emily Mitchell; Emily Rees; Laura Powell. Hywel - Holly Allen; Owain Bryant; Jake Bourten; Sara Davies; Meinir Twose; Sioned Morgan; Llinos Jones; Bryony Edmunds; Rhiannon Thomas; Sarah Jenkins; Grace Jones; Eleanor Morgan; Tomos Roch; Joshua Tanner; Shawnee Bourner; Amy Lewis; Rachel Thomas. Beca - Thomas White; Keira Williams; Emily Hutton; Charlotte Lewis; Sarah Houser; Jessica Morgan; Hannah Chester; David Burger; Anwen Bentley; Henry Boyde; Rachel Davies; Samantha Jones; Rea John; Catherine Sharp; Jodie Warlow; Joanne Clark; Christina Davies; Abigail Lewis; Rhys Thomas.

Correction

Apologies to Jade Steel, Yr 11. In last week's news it was reported that Jade had been placed first in the National Eisteddfod in Anglesey.

Jade did indeed come first, but in the earlier rounds of the competition at county level. Nevertheless, a creditable performance!

Theatre visit

Forty-one Year 10 students travelled to Cardiff on the evening of July 1 to see a production of Willy Russell's 'Blood Brothers'. These GCSE drama pupils enjoyed every minute of Russell's popular tale of two brothers separated at birth, and were all anxious to experience the play again in the near future.

Drama Club

Dyffryn Taf Lower School Drama Club put on their annual performance on Wednesday, July 7. Pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9 have met for practice on a Thursday lunchtime, giving up their own time to develop their acting skills. The performance of 'Teechers' by John Godber was successful with all who watched it. What's more, the pupils thoroughly enjoyed showing off their talents! Well done.

Rounders

The Yr 8 girls team were successful in winning the Brianne Rounders Tournament held at Amman Valley School on Tuesday.

Inter-house competitions

As the inter-house competitions for 2003-04 draw to a close, there must be an eventual winner.

The results of the individual competitions were as follows:

Cross Country/Traws Gwlad - Dylan; Year 7 Booklet/Llyfryn Blwyddyn 7 - Beca and Hywel; Hockey - Hywel; Scrabble - Dylan and Beca; Ready, Steady Cook - Beca; Quiz - Dylan; Chess/Gwyddbwyll - Dylan; Disco Dancing/Dawnsio Disgo - Hywel; Eisteddfod - Hywel; Basketball/Pel Fasged - Beca; Rugby - Beca; Netball/Pel rhwyd - Hywel; Heatherton - Hywel; Tesco Tokens - Beca; Merits/Marciau Teilyngdod - Beca.

Final marks were as follows: Dylan 116; Hywel 128; Beca 142.

So congratulations to Beca, this year's winning house.

We look forward to another year of excellent competition, beginning in the new school year in September.