The new academic year started for students on Friday. A warm welcome is extended to all new students, especially those joining Year 7 and making the big leap from primary to secondary education. Please do not be afraid to seek help if you need to - approach any of the teaching or ancillary staff if you have a problem. Everyone is there to help you make the transition to this large, but happy school.
New Staff
There are a number of new faces in the staff room this term. The school extends a friendly and warm welcome to them all. Miss Lara-Katherine Morawiec is teaching biology; Miss Leigh Nash is head of biology; Miss Ariane Lang is teaching French; Mr. Daniel Reed is teaching ICT; Mr. Darren Osborne is second in the maths department; Miss Libby Henderson is teaching maths; Ms Sian Evans is teaching Welsh; Mr. Tudor Parry Jones is teaching science GNVQ; Mr. Marcus Rachowe is teaching history; Mr. Gareth Jones is teaching art and Miss Sarah Davies is teaching drama and GNVQ. Ben James has joined the support staff to be responsible for the electronic attendance network. Congratulations to the following members of staff who got married during the holidays. Mr. Paul Rapi, who married Miss Sarah Ellison. Miss Valeh Pursglove, who is now Mrs. Warrey, and Miss Samantha Davies, who is now Mrs. Morgan.
Term Dates for the Year
Christmas term - to December 17; October half-term - Monday to Friday, October 25 to 29; spring term - Wednesday, January 5 to Thursday, March, 24; half-term - Monday to Friday, February 14 to 18; summer term - Monday, April 11 to Friday, July, 22; half-term - Monday, April 28 to Friday, June 3.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award
For the first time in many years we had students participating in the award at all three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Expeditions took place in the areas around St. Davids (Bronze), Aberystwyth - Devil's Bridge (Silver), and in the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland (Gold). It now remains for all participants to continue with the other sections of the award - service, skill and physical in order to complete. Already, several students have indicated interest in the Silver Award. Year 10 have been notified about the Bronze Award, but no one has yet committed to taking part. Anyone who plays sport or music is already doing half of all that the award entails. There are literally hundreds of activities available to cater for every kind of interest. The award scheme is an excellent way to develop personal qualities and skills. It is recognised as such by employers, training providers and HM Forces. Any student who wishes to find out about the scheme should contact Miss Bailey, Miss McQueen, Miss Spratt, Mrs. Llewellyn or Miss Unwin.