December 2007
Dear Parents and Guardians.Yet another term has flown by and our pupils have experienced a huge range of learning opportunities. We ended the Summer Term with our popular Summer Courses – again staff were able to offer pupils in Key Stage 3 a wide range of experiences. Year 10 had an intense Work related Education session which prepared them for job applications and interviews.
We were delighted with the GCSE performance of our pupils – some really good results. We were pleased to welcome the pupils back to our Certificate evening in November.
The Carol Service was well supported on Wednesday 5 December at Moriah Church. The pupils were outstanding. Thanks to Mr Heron and all those who took part and who came along to help
us celebrate. Please make a note in your new 2008 Diaries – first Wednesday in December will be our Carol Concert in 2008!
This term we welcome new staff to our team: Mr John (Geography), Mrs Nash (Science), Mr Reynolds (Science) , Mrs Weston (History), Miss Smith (Art), Miss Smith (RE), Mrs Sulway (English) and Miss Griffiths (English). They have settled in well and are making a big impact on our Teaching and Learning.
We were delighted with the news that Mrs McErlaine had given birth to a baby girl – Congratulations to all the family.
On behalf of the pupils and staff may I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year
Jan Kingston
Janet Kingston
Headteacher
Thursday 3 January Spring Term commences (Day 9)
Tuesday 15 January
Year 11 GCSE Additional Science Exam (B2)
Wednesday 16 January
Year 7 Parents Evening
Friday 18 January
Year 11 GCSE Additional Applied Science Exam
Monday 21 January
Year 11 GCSE Additional Science Exam
Friday 25 January
Year 11 Reports issued to Parents
Tuesday 29 January
Year 11 Parents Evening
Tuesday 5 February
Year 11 Visit to Crosskeys College
Years 9, 10 & 11 – Maths Challenge
11 – 15 February Half Term
Monday 18 February
Coursework deadline (Day 6)
Tuesday 19 February
Year 9 Parents Evening
Year 10 Exams commence
Wednesday 5 March
Year 10 GCSE Science Module Exam
Wednesday 19 March
Year 9 Options Evening
Friday 21 March
Good Friday (Easter Holidays commence)
Monday 7 April
School start (Day 1)
AutumnBegins: 03.09.07
Half Term: 29.10.07 - 02.11.07
Ends: 21.12.07
Spring
Begins: 03.01.08
Half Term: 11.02.08 - 15.02.08
Ends: 20.03.08
Summer
Begins: 07.04.08
Half Term: 26.05.08 - 30.05.08
Ends: 18.07.08
Year 9 pupils took part in a ‘Soap and Science’ workshop featuring chemical engineering in the cosmetics industry. Following a discussion about the chemical processes involved in the production of soap, the pupils then made their own custom bar of soap. The event entertained and helped pupils understand the relevance and real-life application of the science they study in the school. Some of the pupils comments:
“First we had three different colours – Red, Brown and Green – then we made the shape we wanted” - Stephen Taylor
“I think the soap lesson was really good” - Josh McLaughlin
“I thought the lady was going to talk to us the whole lesson, but then she told us we were going to make our own soap – I was really excited” - Sophie Robins
A non-uniform day was held to raise money for Children in Need. During lunchtime the staff played a sponsored Netball Match and the Food Technology department made and sold cakes. A total of £632 was raised. Well done everyone!
Homework Club is held in the Learning Resource Centre on: Monday 3.15 – 3.45pm
Tuesday 3.15 – 4.00pm
Thursday 3.15 – 4.00pm
It gives pupils an opportunity to work quietly to do research using books and the internet. Help is
available if required.
We have a new automated telephone answering system. Please listen carefully to the instructions at the beginning of the message: *Press 1 for Pupil Absence/medical appointments – if you need to speak to the General Office/Reception you need to hold (without pressing any of the numbers 1-6) and your call will be answered by the Receptionist.
The International Day of Languages 28 September was marked by a ‘Treasure Hunt’. Mr Bevan and Ms Fairbairn hid 40 words for ‘Welcome’ around the school. The pupils had to find each word and decipher what language it was written in.
A large group of our pupils took part in the SE Wales Gymnastics Competition in Cardiff on Friday 3 December. Well done to all who took part. Congratulations to Shannon Lee Year 7 who is currently training for the Gymnastics British Squad. Also to Sophie Walters Year 8 on her selection to the SE Wales U14 Hockey Team.
Well done!
On 12 October Year 11 GCSE Geology pupils took part in ‘dinosaur hunting’ at Bendricks near Barry. They used their deductive skills and through a process of elimination found the correct ‘bed’s. There, in all its glory was a family of footprints dating back at least 280 million years when Britain was a desert landscape with shrinking lakes
A large group of our pupils took part in the SE Wales Gymnastics Competition in Cardiff on Friday 3 December. Well done to all who took part. On 9 November 30 Year 9 pupils went to Techniquest to attend a lecture on the chemistry of ‘Light’. They saw how chemicals can be used to make a light source, how glowsticks work and how rubies can be made to give out light.
On 23 November, Year 8 pupils - Zack Cooper, Stephanie Rees, Lauren Owens, Zack Watts, Jake Quarterly, Gemma Palmer, Joseph Roberts and Cody Jones, went to Duffryn Fire Station to take part in a Fire Safety Workshop. They learnt how to identify hazards and are undergoing training to become the school’s Fire Monitors. Stephanie Rees 8R writes:
“We saw the pole the men slide down, then we watched a video about what you should and shouldn’t do to light a fire. They asked us about what to do if there is a fire and what number we should call. We also had tea and toast for breakfast there! We were given Fire Station Folders. We all had a go at using the hose – including Miss Gibson”
Year 8 took part in a very smelly activity this term. The pupils learnt how smelly it would have been if they had lived during the Tudor period! They made soap with oats and scented pomanders all designed to kill the nasty body smells of the men and women. They also made clove studded oranges which would have acted as room fresheners in the windows of Tudor homes. A roma with a view!! 
Eight pupils in Years 10 and 11 are participating in a 8 week programme which will result in an OCN in African Drumming. They meet each week for one hour learning basic techniques in order to play African rhythms. At the end of the 8 week period they hope to play in an event to raise money for Cariad Kenya.
We support the work of Cariad Kenya with regular fund-raising events. We shall end the term with pupils organising a Christmas Fayre to raise money to help the children. We were really pleased to welcome Mr G Stephens to our assemblies recently. He gave pupils a Powerpoint Presentation of the home and to show how the money they raise goes directly to supporting
the children.
Six pupils from the Resource Base have been completing their Duke of Edinburgh award at Ynys Hywel. They have taken part in activities such as canoeing, abseiling, archery and orienteering. The boys have also taken part in an overnight camping expedition and have a two night trip planned for 2008. In addition to the Duke of Edinburgh Award the students are also attempting to achieve national navigation awards.
Year 7 pupils took part in a BAE Systems Roadshow on 15 November. Pupils watched a short play about British Aerospace. They were able to use an amazing simulation machine. The pupils
had to design a rescue vehicle to go into a disaster zone and carry out a rescue mission.
Congratulations to Lewis Davies for a fabulous creation!
Could we remind parents there is a dedicated Car Park to collect and ‘drop off’ pupils. The residents at Mountside find it increasingly difficult to access their homes during the busy start and finish of school times. There is also the danger of pupils crossing the busy lane. Please be considerate and use the Car Park when collecting your child. Thank you Year 10 pupils took part in a Business and Personal
Development Event at Allt-yr-yn Campus on Friday 26 October.