The scheduled strike action by First Cymru members for September 15th 2022 has been postponed. Buses will be running as normal.
The Year 8 Interim Reports will be made available via Satchel:one throughout the day. All pupil reports will be uploaded by 4pm at the latest so please check throughout the day.
Headteacher’s Update – 9th September 2022
I hope everyone has had a great summer holiday.
As a school, we were saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen yesterday after a lifetime of devoted service. We will pay our respects as a community as the nation enters a ten-day period of mourning. We have used morning assembly with primary phase pupils and Registration with secondary pupils to reflect on her life and respond to any questions the children may have. I will be representing the school at a Proclamation event on Sunday afternoon. I am sure that we will get further information regarding the funeral and any implications for schools over the coming days and I will communicate this to parents and carers through our usual channels.
Return to School
It has been lovely to see our pupils return to school this week and whilst some may not readily admit it, I am sure they have enjoyed getting back into school routines and seeing their friends and teachers! Our new Year 7 pupils have settled really well. Although they have visited school as part of the transition programme it is nonetheless a big move to secondary school and they have acquitted themselves well and are getting used to moving around the school to lessons, timings of the day etc. Likewise, we have also welcomed our youngest learners in Nursery.
Satchel One
Usernames and passwords for parents of Year 7 will be distributed early next week with further information about the app so that all parents have access to timetables, homework schedules and behaviour notices. Could all parents please ensure that they download the latest version.
Uniform
In my July letter, I outlined again why school uniform is important. I really appreciate the support of parents and carers as far as uniform is concerned. The vast majority of pupils have attended this week in the correct uniform and look very smart. Can I also thank those people who have donated to our uniform bank which continues to benefit many families. Any further donations are welcome in Reception.
Parentpay
We are a cashless school. Our secondary phase pupils have access to the canteen at breaktime for drinks, toast and other snacks but will need credit on their Parentpay account to purchase items. Free School Meals only covers lunchtime provision.
GCSE Results
Last year’s Year 11 cohort of pupils achieved excellent GCSE results. After the disruption of the last two years, the pupils and staff worked extremely hard and were rewarded with the best set of examination results in the school’s history. This included pupils achieving five or more A*/A grades, five or more A*-C including English & Maths as well as those achieving five or more A*-G grades. It was wonderful to see so many happy faces on Results Day in August. We wish all the pupils the best for the future.
Developments in the summer:
We have been busy over the summer completing a number of projects including a brand new basketball court which will benefit pupils during the school day as well as the community outside of school hours. A new area for GCSE Construction has also been completed as well as a Ninja Warrior assault course in the Lower School yard.
Looking Ahead to next week
- Consent forms have been distributed to pupils and need to be returned as soon as possible please.
- Photographs Monday 12th September (all of the primary phase as well as Year 7 & 9)
- Potential disruption to First Cymru bus services on Thursday 15th September. We have sent out a message regarding this earlier in the week.
Contacting School
If you do need to contact school, please see the contact section of the school website which has been updated with the names and email addresses of Wellbeing Directors, Heads of School etc. You can also contact Reception on 01639 508540
Richard Rees
Headteacher/Prifathro
Letter to Parents
Final Letter to parents 2022
Phased rollout of Primary Free School Meals
From the new Autumn term, September 2022, onwards all Reception children
will be offered Free School Meals. Full details are available here:
Art Photography trip to Botanic Gardens: Thursday 21st July 2022.
Meet in the school’s Theatre at 8:30, do not go to registration.
No school uniform, but please wear appropriate, comfortable clothing for a full day of walking.
If you are entitled to Free School Meals, you can collect a packed lunch from the canteen at 8:20 (this will consist of a filled roll of your choice, bottled water and fruit)
Appy Sunscreen and bring more to reapply
Ensure you have:
- A fully charged camera/phone with enough memory.
- Water, food.
- Sunscreen.
- A pencil, rubber and sharpener, (maybe a fine liner to draw with).
National Test Feedback
Year 11 Celebration Party Photographs
GCSE Results
YBB Memory Walk
Year 7 to Year 10 pupils are invited to take part in the YBB Memory Walk to Aberavon Beach on Wednesday 20th July.
- All Year 7 to Year 10 pupils along registration teachers are welcome to join in.
- We will be raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
- Donations are being collected for the Alzheimer’s Society Charity.
- Please give any donations to your registration teacher on the day of the walk.
- Sponsor forms are available from HU1.
- You will be able to buy refreshments at the beach if you wish.
- Remember to bring water, a hat and sun cream if the weather is hot, a rain coat depending on the forecast.
- Transport can be provided for those who unable to walk to the beach however, this is limited to a small number.
Letter to Parents July 2022
An important message about school uniform for September.
Year 11 End of Year Celebration Evening 2022 and Leavers Assembly
Year 11 End of Year Celebration Evening 2022 and Leavers Assembly details are outlined in the letter below.
Covid-19 and examinations
Please click on the link below for the latest guidance.
WJEC Latest – pupil support
WJEC has teamed up with the Welsh Government and teaching specialists to design a comprehensive package of learning and revision support, including more than 3000 FREE blended learning lessons. Wat
This will help reignite your revision and get exam ready. With top tips, blogs, and handy downloads you will find everything you need to know, from revision to results with the Student Guide.
Changes to the school day – break and lunch
Please see the letter below which outlines the changes to be made due to the external examinations.