WELSH BACCALAUREATE

August success: The school was delighted to have a 98 per cent pass rate for the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate qualification. Well done to all our Year 13, who were the first to follow this programme of studies. Most of them have now moved on to the universities of their choice. We wish them the best of luck and success in the future.

Update on current Year 13: The current Year 13 students had a very busy time with the Welsh Bacc after their AS examinations. The three week-programme included workshops on UCAS and the process of applying to university, as well as research that will be used for the students problem solving portfolios; lessons to complete essential skills portfolios such as communication, application of number and ICT; a trip to the National Museum of Wales in St. Fagan's and to Cardiff Bay and the Welsh Assembly; and a language module, in which the students had the opportunity to learn either Spanish, Italian, Russian or Japanese. Through this module, the students also completed their improving your own performance portfolio. Many thanks to Miss Katia Martino (Italian), Mr. Dai Davies (Russian), Miss Marta Valazvaquez (Spanish) and Mr. Tim Bercury (Japanese) who worked tirelessly to prepare and deliver this module. Well done to the students who showed enthusiasm and commitment throughout the three weeks.

This term, the Welsh Bacc focus is on the students applying to university successfully, and/or them making the right choices for their future life. They will complete their problem solving through the process.

A positive start for the new Year 12 cohort: The Welsh Baccalaureate programme started on September 7 with a general introduction to the course and a focus on the volunteering that students need to do for the qualification. We have already seen a lot of sixth form help taking place in departments, school clubs and the school's 50th anniversary since. Well done to those students who have taken initiative!

On September 8 and 9, Year 12 then took part in an induction programme. Half of the year group attended workshops in school on the essential study skills they need in the sixth form while the other half went on a team building day at Morfa Bay Adventure Park. The students thoroughly enjoyed taking part in a variety of activities such as climbing, ziplining, archery, sumo relay and the legendary mud assault course. Thank you to the form tutors Mr. G. Jones, Mrs. C. Penn, Mr. G. Owen, Miss J. Davies, Mrs. M.Williams and Miss A. Merrony, some of whom valiantly participated in most activities!

Our Welsh Baccalaureate September focus has been on politics. Year 12 have discussed one of the key issues in the Wales, Europe and the World component of the Welsh Bacc: why should people be concerned with politics and political issues, and what can be done to encourage young people to get involved in politics. The initial discussion with their form members and form tutors was followed by three visits from three politicians.

On September 15, First Minister Carwyn Jones came to school and talked to students and staff about political issues and their concerns, ranging from education funding, university fees, and the age of voting to law making in the Welsh Assembly.

The following day, MP Simon Harts came to share his views during Welsh Bacc morning, focusing on his role in Westminster, but also answering searching questions from the students about the government's budget and job cuts and university fees.

Finally, Angela Burns AM visited on September 26 and talked about her experience of being an Assembly Minister with a very different slant, focusing on the work she does with her constituency members on a weekly basis and getting the students to appreciate that in truth, every member of the public is affected by politics.

Congratulations to the students who behaved extremely well and showed their interest by bravely asking these interesting questions.

We would like to thank Mr. Jones, Mrs. Burns and Mr. Hart for giving some their time, and hope that they will come and visit again in the future.

This September, we have also addressed the important issue of work experience with the students, and they are currently busily organising work placements. Thank you to all parents for supporting them in that process.

Our next focus is going to be on PSE, specifically on road safety which we hope will be valuable for all our youngsters who are about to start to learn driving.

On September 30, Year 12 saw a drama presented by the Walking Forward Theatre Company, entitled Deadly Mates, who encouraged our students to take a stand against any poor drivers, whether they are their friends or not. It was a hardhitting, but enjoyable experience and our students welcomed the message. This will be followed up by a whole day on road safety on October 14.

This term, Year 12 students have also covered the active citizenship aspect of the PSE module by discussing democracy versus dictatorship and learning about the different ways of voting.

Following this, they elected two representatives in each form using the first past the post system. Each form subsequently chose two candidates (one male, one female) willing to run for the post of Year 12 presidents.

The role involves representing Year 12 in the school council and in some governors meetings, as well as working closely with the Head Boy, Head Girl and deputies on matters ranging from the organisation of fund-raising events in school to the improvement of the sixth form's working environment and the organisation of social events.

The 11 candidates all prepared a manifesto and an election speech with the support of their forms, and the campaign was altogether busy, vociferous and fun until Wednesday, October 5! All candidates presented themselves and made their speeches during WBQ morning in the drama studio in front of the whole of Year 12 and their tutors, and this was followed by a vote. Overall winners by far were Angharad Thomas and Jack Waring (presidents), very closely followed by Hugo Wellum and Pollyanna Elston (vice-presidents). The other presidential candidates were: Niall Mills, Jack O Shea, Ben Vickery, Sophie Bull, Sidney Vickery and Lewys Rich (one of the other female candidates withdrew). Congratulations to all the candidates who threw themselves wholeheartedly into their presidential campaign, and many thanks to all their helpers.

N.A.R.

NETBALL

U16s Preseli 7 Greenhill 18: Greenhill's Under 16 netball squad played Preseli away at Preseli School. Preseli were a strong squad, but the final score came out at 18-7 so a good success for Greenhill in their first match for the new season. Well done girls!

Squad: Ella Brindley, Beth Williams, Lois Horsley, Polly Scotcher, Rachelle Vickery, Kirstie Lewis, Becky Gwyther, Brooke Finlay, Bethan Owen, Jodie Dickinson and Kate Williams.

Under 18s Preseli 7 Greenhill 11: Greenhill School's U18 netball team travelled to Preseli for their first match of the season. Greenhill played well during the first half with good performances from both the defence and attack. They started the second half four goals up, however, Preseli began to close the gap. Greenhill stayed calm winning the game 11-7.

Squad: Brooke Finlay, Kirstie Lewis, Polly Scotcher, Ella Brindley, Saskia Parker, Felicity Grigg and Maisie John.

Year 8 Greenhill 3 St. David's 1: Greenhill played against St. David's at Tenby Leisure Centre. Greenhill played very well with both of our shooters on target, Imogen Childs scored one and Lois Scale scored two. Pearl Griffiths played a good defence game where her height was a definite advantage. All of our team played exceptionally well and thankfully we won 3-1.

Player-of-the-match - Bridget John. Squad: Imogen Childs, Laura Webber, Bridget John (capt.), Brittany Rolf, Pearl Griffiths, Lois Scale and Anna Garvey.

Many thanks to the coach Mrs. Morgan.

Badminton

The PE department would like to thank Tenby Badminton Club for their generous donation of shuttlecocks to the school, many, many thanks!

FRIENDS

OF

GREENHILL

There is still time to join the 200 Club - you can get extra forms from reception, giving you the chance to win £50 in the monthly draw, whilst helping raise funds for the school.