NEWYDDION CEI

QUAY NEWS

YSGOL UWCHRADD CEI CONNAH CONNAH’S QUAY HIGH SCHOOL 1

EBRILL/ APRIL 2014

Number 41

Connah’s Quay High School

winners of the

President Cup Welsh Finals

A fantastic performance by the U18s Connah's Quay High School netball team in the President’s Cup Welsh finals at Deeside Leisure Centre on Saturday 29

th March. The girls played exceptional

netball and worked hard as a team to win the tournament for the third year running.

Their first game was against Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr and was a very good win to start the tournament off, the score was 13-3. Connah's Quay then played their 2nd game against Welshpool which they won 12-8. After a close battle on court they edged their way to victory. They won their 3

rd game 17-2 against Ysgol

Duffryn Aman comfortably. The 4th game was

crucial against Haberdashers’ Monmouth School

For Girls as both teams had won all their games so far. The girls pulled out a great performance in a close game and beat them 14-9. Connah's Quay then continued to win all of their games, beating St

Teilo’s High School 21-6 and Bryntirion School 15-

10. The girls sealed the Championship in the last game beating Brynrefail 15-5, making them the winners and crowned the best u18s school netball team in Wales.

During the presentation 5 of the girls were selected as the top 20 players of the tournament by Welsh netball. They were Jessica Daltrey, Ashley Davies, Chloe Maclennan, Molly Edwards & Leanne Thomas.

Carron Jones came into school representing Engineering Education Scheme Wales and STEM. He writes for a magazine called Talent. The magazine is 25 years old this year. He came to interview Mr Jennings and the F1 Team to produce a report as a centre piece for the magazine. He wanted to focus on our success representing Wales for two years running at the world finals. He was very impressed with the pit display and the trophies that we have won over the past few seasons. He was also very keen to understand the future careers for the team members, their route and courses into higher education.

Full F1 story on pages 2 and 3.

NATIONAL FINAL BIG BANG EVENT

A massive well done to all the girls that were part of the squad.

Caitlin Barley, Jessica Daltrey, Ashley Davies, Molly Edwards, Rachel Edwards, Hannah Jones, Olivia Lyth,

Chloe Maclennan and Leanne Thomas

www.connahsquayhs.org.uk 2

On 14th and 15th March 2014, team Red Dragon Racing travelled to Birmingham to compete in the F1 In Schools National Final. Team members George Cox, Rhys Nimmo, Casey Burke and Lewis Steen went through to the nationals after a superb performance at Bangor University’s Regional Final.

On day one we arrived at the venue at 08:00 to set up the teams pit area before the start of the competition at 10:00.

We were also joined by Jade Gilroy from our new sponsor SKF based in Luton. Jade spent the whole day with the team including observing the four races and the engineering presentation.

Red Dragon Racing faced a difficult first day with a number of challenges, starting with their verbal presentation. This gave each of the four team members the opportunity to describe their roles. Soon afterwards George Cox and Casey Burke were scrutinised as part of their engineering presentation impressing the two judges with their technical knowledge.

This gave the team a huge opportunity not only to explain but also show the technical advances made since the Regional Final. Next came the four races which saw team manager George Cox achieving a very fast reaction time with the car travelling the 20m distance in 1.213 seconds. All team members were interviewed before the race. All of this was filmed and shown via ‘YouTube’ through F1 In Schools website.

By the end of day one finishing at 5pm, team Red Dragon Racing had performed so well, not only impressing the judges and our new sponsor but also the general public who attended the Big Bang fair. More racing would continue on day two with a race off at 11:30am.

Day two started at 09:00am with the team re-stocking their merchandise in preparation for a busy day with the general public. Two judging sessions in the morning starting at 09:45 with their pit display and design folder. Both could not have gone any better with other judges being told to look and study our pit.

Around 11am all the racing had been completed. Thirty teams from across the UK had all raced and were now eagerly awaiting the final ranking. This includes how your car meets the technical regulations alongside your fastest team. At 11:15am the display on the big screen showed that Red Dragon Racing were ranked 4th out of the 30 teams.

As far as this competition goes, we have never been ranked so high and clearly demonstrates how much progress has been made.

The knock out stage came next with the team easily moving forward to the quarter finals collecting valued points along the way.

At mid-day all the teams were invited to a science show whilst the judges calculated the scores from each of the categories. Our anticipation of the final outcome was not too far away.

NATIONAL FINAL BIG BANG EVENT NEC, Birmingham, 14

th and 15

th March 2014

F1 team with Jade Gilroy from our new sponsor SKF

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The awards ceremony started at 4pm with a view of the Abu Dhabi race circuit and Ferrari World where the World Finals will be held in November 2014.

Red Dragon Racing were awarded the Best Pit Display and were crowned Welsh Champions. This now means that Red Dragon Racing will now

compete at the World Finals representing Wales and the school.

This would not have been possible without the support from all of our teams sponsors.

DRB, E.ON Flintshire Caravans, Great Bear Distribution

ICam Engineering, John Dale North Wales Crusaders RFL

Queensferry Sports, Rybrook Volvo Tata Steel, Willow Signs

and our latest sponsor SKF

MENCAP TRAINING SESSION

Sarah Pickard of MENCAP Cardiff visited the school to give a talk about the organisation. The name MENCAP is a derivative of the derogatory term ‘Mentally Handicapped’, dealing with mental health and physical disability issues.

The group of Year 10 and 11 learners attended the session. They all found it really interesting, learning new facts about MENCAP working in the wider community. The group were praised by the speakers as being attentive, well-mannered and asking thought provoking relevant questions. The group found the statistics rather surprising and shocking. All learners said they found the presentation informative and worthwhile.

Year 11 Health & Social Care learners attended a

workshop at Yale College in Wrexham in which they met

a wide range of health professionals in order to gain an

insight into a number of jobs in health and social care.

They had the opportunity to speak informally with

nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, occupational

therapists and more in order to plan for their future

careers.

Year 12 Health & Social Care learners attended a

workshop at Yale College run by Cardiff University

looking at the application procedure for nursing,

midwifery, etc. and how to write a personal statement.

CASINO NIGHT

The Civic Hall hosted an outstanding event packed with music, betting and lots of fun! Five sixth formers who are raising money for their World Challenge expedition decided to host a casino night. They arranged the event on their own accord, employing an outside company to come in and provide the tables and chips. They also managed to get an excellent band for the event, which provided more entertainment for the night. The lads raised a massive £1400.

www.connahsquayhs.org.uk

Youth Club will be open Thursday 10th April

open Friday 11th April.

Closed over Easter then open Thursday 1st May closed Friday 2nd May

FOREST SCHOOL

This year we have been able to offer a six week Forest School project for a group of year 8 learners, this was delivered by Plas Derw and enabled learners to work together and develop skills through woodland projects.

The School continues to link with New Options Autistic School and each term a new group of year 9 learners work closely with the New Options group helping them to enjoy their Forest School experience.

We are continuing to work with Countryside Services ensuring the local parks are regularly cleared of litter. Karen Rippin (pictured) from Country-side Services has gained funding to present the school with a set of tools to enable us to keep working on the Rock Park Area, both litter picking and keeping the grounds presentable.

A small group of learners are working at Rhydymwyn with New Wildlife on an environmental project, working towards their John Muir Award.

We have recently visited Deeside Hospital and performed a quick garden makeover for the Day Hospital patients. We have had a very positive response from this.

The School is also continuing it’s close links with Lord Mostyn’s Estate and have been invited to attend an open day at the end of April.

As part of the Alternative Curriculum we took a small group of learners to the Cinema at Cheshire Oaks on Curriculum Focus Day. Their behaviour was impeccable and they were a credit to the school.

The learners who work with the New Options Learners at Forest School were invited to watch a rehearsal of Peter and the Wolf performed by a professional Orchestra. We took the group along with a small group of other learners, the learners from both schools watched and joined in with the orchestra and all received a round of applause from the orchestra at the end of the rehearsal.

Report by Mary Daniels/Paul Woodhouse

COMMUNITY NEWS

Take 3

We are running our new Take 3 Challenging Years programme for parents. The first programme has only been running for a couple of weeks but we have had a good response from parents so far with comments such as ‘We used some strategies last night and they are working already’.

The programme is run by Mary Daniels, Family Liaison and Shelley Jones, Inclusion Welfare Officer. If you would like more information about this programme please contact us at the school.

School

Uniform

If you have any outgrown

uniform or PE kit and would like to

find a new home for it please contact

Mary Daniels.

Diwrnod Campwriaeth Sir y Fflint:

Llwyddiant i’r Gymraeg!

Flintshire Languages Day:

Welsh success!

Ar Ddydd Gwener Mawrth 21 aeth Sian Edwards,

Sian Duckworth, Jess Chard, Katie Ellams, Rhys

Bennett, Joe Barlow a Connor Moult o flwyddyn 9 i

Ysgol Maes Garmon. These learners represented the

school as part of the More Able and Talented

Flintshire Languages Day. Tîm Ysgol Cei Connah

came top in the Cymraeg category and came a very

respectable 5th in the overall Cymraeg, French,

German and Spanish table. Da iawn!

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Career Clinic

Higher Apprentice of the year finalist and former learner Daniel Holland paid a visit to Connah’s Quay High School recently to inspire learners who are considering taking up an apprenticeship.

with the Welsh Government’s Department for Education and Skills to tour the country encouraging young people to take up some of the apprentice roles available in Wales.

Daniel, 22 from the Wirral is currently studying a NVQ level 4 in Engineering Leadership at Airbus and visited Connah’s Quay to talk about his personal experiences. Daniel added “I really enjoyed meeting the year 10, 11 and 6th form learners; they have some big decisions to make about their future over the next few years so I hope that my talk inspired them to consider the apprenticeship pathway”.

Daniel launched our Career Clinic talks taking place every Wednesday for our upper school learners to help inspire and guide them in their choices for a successful future.

Career Clinics already taken place: Apprenticeships and process Career in the Army Careers in NHS Healthcare services Career in Navy

Career in Travel & Tourism

WORK RELATED EDUCATION

MOCK INTERVIEWS

Year 11 had a series of workshops delivered by outside employers on

first impressions, skills and values, application process and CV writing

with Careers Wales.

Culminating in mock interviews which took place over a two day

period, seventeen local employers gave us their time and experience to

what proved to be a successful and rewarding experience for our

learners.

Learners came into school dressed for an individual interview with an

employer armed with their CV. A short interview followed by a feedback session took place for each, I can assure you

the adrenalin was running high.

I would like this opportunity to say thank you for your support, every learner came dressed appropriately for their

interview and made Mr Anstey, Year 11 Progress Leader and Connah’s Quay High School proud.

We hope this is a valuable life lesson they can now build on for their futures.

Employers who supported the day:

Aileen Thompson, Volunteer Lee Edison, Marshall Aviation

Darren Collins, Airbus UK Mark Williams, Tata Steel

Dave Dayman, Kingspan Paul Hughes, Army Careers

Denise Roberts, Volunteer Phil Hill, Royal Navy

Jill Gauntlett, Volunteer Sue Roberts, FVSC

John Frodsham UPM Shotton Paper Suzanne Taylor, Coleg Cambria

Joy Brereton, Glyndwr University Tim Penn, Signature Leather

Kerry Ottle-Jones, TTE

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Year 9 Engineering Challenge Coleg Cambria

Flintshire Schools were invited to an

as part of National Apprenticeship Week. Various companies sponsored the event from Glyndwr University to Airbus.

This was to encourage and motivate individuals in thinking about apprenticeships in this area, to enhance their team building skills, communication skills and competitive spirit. The challenge was to make a model turbine and generate the most energy.

Connah’s Quay took along six year 9 girls to promote diversity in this predominately male environment and came

second against a number of schools in this challenge.

WORK RELATED EDUCATION

This year we were invited to take part in Skills North West, the region’s biggest hands on jobs, careers and skills event. The event was held in Manchester where our learners were able to interact with top employers, colleges and training providers.

There was access to complete and update careers information, plus have the opportunity to experience first-hand a host of skills, trade and professions.

North West Skills Event Manchester

Applications have all been sent to UCAS for University in September.

Learners are starting to make choices based on offers received. Learners

should make sure that they apply for Student Finance as soon as possible, to

ensure they receive funding before their courses start in September.

WELSH BACCALAUREATE

Learners have completed a range of elements including Improving Own

Learning and Performance, The Individual Investigation, and The Diary.

When WJEC confirms grades, these will be passed to learners.

YEAR 13 PROM

The Year 13 Prom will take place at Highfield Hall on Friday, 27th June.

Arrangements are in hand to make sure this is a suitable finale for the end

of our Sixth formers journey at Connah’s Quay High School.

EXAMINATIONS

Exam timetables have now been distributed, and revision should be focussed

on these dates to ensure learners achieve the grades necessary for their

first choice University offers. Revision timetables should be developed and

adhered to. Learners should be consulting with their subject teachers,

asking for additional help where needed. Miss Malia is, as ever, available for

individual support for learners (and their parents!)

YEAR 13 Library

Accelerated Reader Our school is now getting ready for Accelerated Reader.

This is a computer program that helps teachers and librarians manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child picks a book at their own level and reads it at their own pace and once they have finished they take a short quiz about the book using a computer. Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.

Accelerated Reader gives children, teachers and librarians feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice.

This has proved to be very successful in other schools to help improve reading ability and confidence in learners and I have no doubt it will be successful here in Connah’s Quay High School.

www.connahsquayhs.org.uk 7

On 15th March we welcomed ten

German students from our partner School in Öttingen. The students

were hosted by CQHS learners and their families. They had a fabulous

week exploring the local area

including a visit to Beaumauris Castle on Anglesey, a Deva Experience

followed by Roman Soldier Tour in Chester and a day trip to Liverpool. I

would like to thank the host families for providing the students with an

enjoyable week and insight into life

in Wales.

We are looking forward to our return

trip to Germany which will take place

in the summer term.

Connah’s Quay High School is the first school in Wales to be awarded with the title of ‘Lead Practitioner

Learning Centre’. Over the coming months we will be facilitating the professional development of key

members of staff not only from CQHS but from other local schools. Initially we will be working with our

feeder primary schools and sharing the existing good practice around literacy, numeracy and narrowing the

gap which have all been identified as key priorities for schools in Wales by the Welsh Government.

CQHS LEAD PRACTITIONER LEARNING CENTRE

Earlier in the term all learners in years 10 and 11 were provided with log on details for GCSEpod. The site consists of a series of podcasts lasting for between 3-5 minutes which have been designed and tailored to meet exact requirements of the examinations boards used at CQHS. The site can be used not only for revision purposes but also for revisiting the learning that has

GERMAN EXCHANGE 2014

taken place in school. This is undoubtedly an invaluable revision tool for learners at this stage in their education.

I am pleased to report that many learners from years 10 and 11 have been using the site to support their learning.

After school from 3.15 until 4.15

learners in years 10 and 11 are able

to access the site in school during

GCSEpod Club. Please do not

hesitate to contact me at school if

you have any further questions

about the site. Mrs Creevy

Justice In a Day

On 14th March a group of Year 9

learners interested in a career in the legal system attended a Justice in a Day event at Theatre Clwyd.

Learners were provided with an insight into the workings of the Criminal Justice System and visited the court in Mold. The event was also attended by other young

It enabled learners to experience the Criminal Justice System at work which this group of learners is considering for their future careers.

Year 7 Vivo Reward Trip to an

Islamic Centre in Liverpool On 26th March a group of year 7 learners travelled to

the Islamic Centre in Liverpool. The learners were

selected based on the number of Vivo points awarded

since September. The purpose of the educational visit

was to provide learners with an insight into Islamic

customs and culture. The learners found the visit to be

very interesting and informative. They will be sharing

what they learned with their tutor groups in the near

future.

Thirty six learners from years 9 to 11 and four staff travelled overnight to France and Belgium during February half-term. Learners were extremely positive about the whole experience.

“I enjoyed going to the battlefields and learning about French/Belgian culture. I also enjoyed going to the museums and being able to spend time with my friends.” Ellen R.

“I enjoyed going to the museums because they were very interesting. I really liked being able to experience what it was like in the war and going in the trenches.” Megan R.

“I enjoyed visiting places and I liked the second hotel best.” Jordan J.

“I really enjoyed the battlefield tour trip as I learned many things about World War I in more detail. I think this trip helped me understand how the soldiers lived during the war and how they are now remembered.” Rebecca J.

There were some worries at the start when the coach arrived later than anticipated, but we were soon on our way. The idea was to get some sleep on the way down to the tunnel – I’m not sure how much the learners slept but they definitely ate loads of sweets and chocolates!

By 9.30am we were at our first stop, Albert, waiting for our guide, the weather was wonderful and sunny, a real contrast with the dull and rainy Wales we’d been experiencing. Mathilde took us to the Lochnegar crater first as we began our tour of sites in the Somme. Until you see it yourself it is not possible to imagine the depth and size of this crater which resulted from an explosion on 1st July 1916. It demonstrates without question the fearsome power and destruction of modern warfare. Cecil Lewis RFC described the explosion itself "The whole earth heaved and flared, a tremendous and magnificent column rose up into the sky. There was an ear-splitting roar, drowning all the guns, flinging the machine sideways in the repercussing air. The earth column rose higher and higher to almost 4,000 feet."

French and Commonwealth Unknown Soldier graves at Thiepval

At the Thiepval Memorial, where over 70,000 men who have no known grave are remembered, we were overwhelmed by the endless lists of names, but managed to locate the name of Mrs Ratcliffe’s grandfather-in-law. We even got to set foot on Canadian soil as we stopped at Newfoundland Memorial Park in Beaumont Hamel. Here the land has been left and grass has grown over the remains of trenches, shell craters and no-man’s land. We walked through a trench which zig-zaged through the top of the hill and out into no-man’s land, trying to imagine in the bright sunlight what life had been like for the soldiers themselves. That afternoon we visited an underground museum about the Somme, but we were all starting to flag due to sleep deprivation by this stage.

After an early start on the second day, we entered Belgium and met our fantastic guide Nic, unfortunately the weather wasn’t with us. We got a chance to experience rain and bitter wind, which Mr Dixon joked has been designed to give us the ‘complete’ trench experience! Despite the bitter rain we visited the very sombre German cemetery at Langemark, surrounded by oak trees and statues of mourning soldiers at the far edge. We also squeezed into the bunkers – used as field hospitals, where Dr John McCrae, writer of the ‘In Flanders Field’ poem we know so well from Remembrance services, was inspired to write the poem.

At Lunch, we all spread out through Ypres searching for a place to eat, sampling Belgium hot chocolates to warm up before strolling through the fantastic In Flanders Field Museum, in the Cloth Hall. It was amazing to discover that all of Ypres had been rebuilt since the 1920s due to

World War I Battlefields Tour 2014

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the destruction of the Great War, some of the buildings looked very old!

By the afternoon, the weather improved dramatically and we looked round the town, managing to fit in a well-deserved trip to a Chocolate Shop. Our Hotel looked across to the famous Menin Gate, impressing everyone.

On our way to the Last Post Ceremony

The Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate was both moving and memorable. Staff and learners were impressed by the number of attendees on an ordinary Thursday evening. Our wreath layers, Ewan McWhirter and Aimee Shaw, looked very smart and chatted with others from the armed

forces also present at the ceremony. We laid two wreaths from school, one a traditional poppy wreath, the other made of Welsh willow, handcrafted by Mrs Waterfield’s daughter Helen.

Each hotel we stayed in provided a games room which meant learners could entertain themselves after we’d been out for dinner in a local restaurant. Other diners commented on the good behaviour of Connah’s Quay High School learners. Everyone agreed that the hotel in Ypres was the best!

Our last day was spent in Passchendaele, at another fantastic museum. We really enjoyed walking into the trenches and living quarters which had been reconstructed here. All Connah’s Quay staff were really impressed by the exemplary behaviour, good manners and enthusiasm of all the learners who came on the trip.

The Last Post which has been carried out here every night since 1918 (excluding the German Occupation during the Second World War).

Report by Miss Farby, Photos by Cody Froggatt and Miss Farby.

More photos can be seen on the School website. Go to the parents tab then click on the Galleries section.

Langemark German Cemetery This mass grave contains the remains of 25,000 Germans. Names of those known are written around the edges.

On the 24th and 25th March we were lucky enough to take 50 learners from Years 7, 8 and 9 to Glyndwr University to take part in the Scribblers Tour which is run in association with the Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival. During the day learners were lucky enough to listen to talks from, and meet, published authors of young adult fiction. There was also the opportunity to take part in a media workshop. The day certainly left a lasting impression, encouraging those who took part to pick up a book or put pen to paper in the hope of becoming the next J K Rowling! By Mrs Bradshaw.

POETRY DAY

This term five lucky Year 9 learners took part in a More Able and Talented poetry workshop led by energetic Rastafarian poet, Levi Tarfari. The event, which was funded by the Flintshire 14-19 Network, saw learners from local schools spend a day at Hawarden High School exploring the themes of identity and culture in poetry. After watching the poet perform some of his own poems they then created their own.

LITERACY SKILLS PROJECT WITH WREXHAM FC

Fifteen Year 7 learners have recently been

involved in a project with Wrexham FC to

improve their literacy skills. The aim of the project

is to provide an alternative approach to learning.

The learners took part in a range of activities

including; analysing match reports, writing new

match reports from old clips, interviewing past

players and creating a biography.

These lessons were also backed up by an hour

coaching session by the club and a tour of the

stadium.

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LIBRARY - Book Fair

In February once again, the school had a book fair in the library. This

proved very successful, earning the school a massive £818 commission

for us to spend on further books. I would like to thank parents for their

support in encouraging their children to buy books from the fair.

Revenge Tragedy

Year 12 have been studying the gothic novel genre as part of their A level literature course. Mrs Thomas took the group to a performance of ‘Othello’ at the Venue Cymru Theatre in Llandudno to experience a live performance of the blood thirsty and passionate work of Shakespeare on stage.

It was an opportunity to enhance their appreciation of a Shakespeare’s revenge tragedy and see live theatre. It was a lovely afternoon and great fun for all concerned.

Learners in Year 10 are currently working on their individual investigations as part of the WBQ. The investigation is an important part of the course and it provides learners with the opportunity to complete an extended piece of writing and compare an issue in Wales with the issue in a different part of the world.

As part of the PSE and WEW elements of the WBQ 2 guest speakers have delivered sessions. Our local MP, Mark Tami delivered a session on Life as an MP which was followed by a question and

answer session during which learners asked questions about politics and current issues from around the world. The learners also were provided with a talk on Cancer Prevention which was delivered by an experienced cancer specialist practitioner from NHS Wales. The key messages for learners were how to reduce the risk of getting cancer through making appropriate lifestyle choices such as not smoking, getting enough exercise, having a balanced diet and protecting yourself from the sun.

If you have any questions about any of the elements of the WBQ please don’t hesitate to contact me at school. Mrs Creevy

Since January Sue Messham has

been working at Connah’s Quay

High School as a transition support

worker. This new role requires Sue

to spend time at some of our feeder

primary schools as the move up to

high school can be a difficult one for

some learners. Sue’s role is to make

this move an enjoyable and smooth

transition for both learner and parent.

So far the feedback from the schools,

learners and parents involved has

been very positive.

Transition Support

LORD GERMAN OBE

Year 12 and 13 learners were treated to a visit from Lord German OBE as part of the Lord Speaker’s ‘Peers in Schools’ outreach programme on Friday 7th March. The programme is accessed by schools which apply for a visit from a member of the House of Lords; the aim is for learners to hear an explanation of the work and role of the House of Lords, within our parliamentary democracy.

Lord German is a member of the Welsh Liberal Democrats; he entered the House of Lords in 2010, after his role as a member of the National Assembly for Wales (South Wales East).

Learners were given a talk that was both informative and entertaining. They developed an understanding of what power is and why they need it – certainly a thought provoking exercise! Further discussion involved issues that directly affect learners – this undoubtedly made them think! For instance, the group enjoyed a discussion on lowering the voting age, and put forward some valid arguments for both points of view.

Many thanks to Lord German for giving his time to help our learners’ understanding of the political process.

Further information can be found on the Lord Speaker’s webpage: www.parliament.uk/houseoflords/lordspeaker

11 www.connahsquayhs.org.uk

Connah’s Quay High School kitchen staff have been busy bringing in the new rules and regulations set out by the Food Standards Agency. All Catering Assistants had a refresher in Level 2 Food Safety, while the Site Supervisor gained a Level 3 in Supervising Food Safety in Catering. We have been following for some time the Appetite for Life which the Welsh Government legislated in September 2013.

What is Appetite for Life?

Appetite for Life is the Welsh Government’s plan for improving the food and drink provided in schools in Wales. It sets new food, drink and nutrient standards that mean food provided in school will be healthy, well balanced and that snack foods and drinks with little nutritional value will not be available. With the high standards of the kitchen staff we gained another Level 5 Food Hygiene rating (highest we can get) in March 2014. Rachel Hope, Site Supervisor

For further information follow the link to the school meals http://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Schools/Menus/FlintMenu/index.html

On 12th May, we are launching a brand new Breakfast Club which will be based in the canteen. Those of you familiar with the current breakfast club will find everything that brings you to the club now: tasty food, relaxed surroundings and activities for those who want them but this time there will be even more on offer! For those of you who haven’t been before, now is the time to come along.

Breakfast club will be open from 8.00 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. and a range of breakfast style foods will be available to buy. Why not start your day with a healthy bowl of cereal and a slice of toast? Or, for a treat, a tasty bacon buttie? A range of items will be available to suit every budget and taste.

In addition, there will be value ‘meal deals’ where for 65p you can purchase a bowl of cereal, toast and a drink. For learners who are entitled to free

school meals this will be available to you for free!

The process will be exactly the same as it is for other food you purchase from the canteen – put your money in the Revalve machines and the money will be taken off your account via your fingerprint. For those on free school meals it will be exactly the same as claiming your dinner.

There will also be activities available for those wanting to get involved from table tennis to board games. We’re also open to suggestions so if you have an idea of what we could do in breakfast club, just have a word with your school council rep.

There will be reminders about the breakfast club in assemblies after Easter; on the school TV screens and on the website.

Hope to see you there!

ALL NEW BREAKFAST CLUB

During ICT club learners are able to develop a variety of skills building upon software programs that they will be using in class. This group have been able to use Dreamweaver which has enabled them to create a website, they have also used moviemaker to create video adverts that they can then add to their websites.

Year 7 took on the challenging job of creating a 1920’s film to be looped and played as an en-trance sequence for those watching the Bugsy performance. This involved adding images and text whilst cropping motion films to be included in the clip. Year 7 were also able to add music from the 1920’s to this film.

New topics being introduced include the use of green screen. Learners have been around the school taking images and film to be used as part of their green screen scenarios. They will also be looking at the flying effects created within Harry Potter and trying to recreate some of the action.

Wednesdays 3.15 - 4.15

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Flintshire War

Memorials:

Eifion and Viv Williams visited

school recently to talk to Year 9 about

the War Memorials in Flintshire. This

was of great interest to the learners,

especially those who had visited the

Battlefields during the half term

break. Mr and Mrs Williams talked

about how they began to research the

stories behind the names on the War

Memorials. Learners were fascinated

to learn more about those named on

the Connah’s Quay Memorial. They

were shocked to hear about one

soldier who had been shot at dawn for

deserting his post. Another surprise

was the age of some of the soldiers

who lost their lives during the Great

War.

Learners then had an opportunity

during lessons to investigate further

those who had lost their lives during

the Great War. Readers of the

newsletter may be interested in

looking at the website created by the

Williams’ for themselves. To find out

more, go to

www.flintshirewarmemorials.com/

about-3/

Mr and Mrs Williams would also be

interested to hear any stories you may

have about relatives who may be

commemorated on any of the War

Memorials in Flintshire.

On the 28th March forty four learners took part in a sleepover at school to raise money for Chester neo unit "Babygrow appeal". We are hoping to raise over £300 for the charity.

The night consisted of pizza, music, dvd’s, make overs, Fifa matches and lots more. Most of the learners stayed awake for the whole night.

Thanks to everyone that helped during the event and thanks for helping to raise money for such a good cause.

Lessons from Auschwitz:

Two year 12 learners, Grace Kenny and Harry Cruse-Harris took part in

the Lessons from Auschwitz programme. This programme allows schools

to nominate two 6th form students to visit Auschwitz Birkenau. Based on

the premise that ‘hearing is not like seeing’, this four-part course

explores the lessons of the Holocaust and its relevance for today. The

LFA Project aims to increase knowledge and understanding of the

Holocaust for young people and to clearly highlight what can happen if

prejudice and racism become acceptable.

The visits to the former Nazi extermination and concentration camp of

Auschwitz-Birkenau were preceded and followed by half-day seminars in

order to ensure a unique experience. Grace and Harry travelled to

Cardiff to take part in each seminar, these included an opportunity to

meet and listening to a Holocaust survivor.

The students are now working on the fourth and final part of this

experience, which is how they can share the knowledge and experience

gained with other learners.

Report by Mrs Ratcliffe

Part of the memorial to those who lost their lives. This is translated into

the language of all nationalities who perished in Auschwitz.

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New Dance project A group of 12 learners engaged in a project with New Dance Company called ‘Go gentle’ - a celebration of Dylan Thomas’ life. Over a series of sessions they created an original piece of dance and performed it along with other learners from the area. A very successful evening illustrating the power of dance for communication as well as an art form.

www.connahsquayhs.org.uk

Bugsy Malone: Splurge-tastic!!!!!!

Following weeks of rehearsals the Bugsy Malone School musical opened at the Civic Hall. Over 70 learners shimmied, splurged, sang and served in front of a packed audience. Yes it was standing room only as our talented Performance Group took to the stage to entertain the school and local community with an additional special performance for our local primary schools. Mrs Davies-Moore the school Drama teacher and director of the show was thrilled with their commitment and performance. ‘’They were awesome!!!! A real credit to the school, their families and themselves.’’

Two of the learners, Tom Stokes who played Bugsy and Amelia Douggie – Blousey Brown along with Mrs Davies-Moore represented the school on Dee Radio. ‘’They were very professional when being interviewed and showed real maturity in answering questions LIVE on radio. ‘’ said Mrs Davies Moore. ‘I am very fortunate to be working with such an enthusiastic committed bunch of young people’’.

MUSIC

The Spring Term is the busiest of the year for the Music department with intense preparation taking place to ensure that this year’s Year 11 GCSE group obtain the best results possible. The performing examination took place on the 14 th March and was assessed by an external WJEC examiner. Each learner performed as a soloist and as part of an ensemble. This examination accounts for 30% of the final grade and the results were very promising.

The final listening and appraising examination will take place in mid May and due to the very demanding nature of this 1½ hour examination and its greater weighting of 40% it is vital that the cohort score highly in the coursework and performing sections. We wish the Year 11 learners every success in all of their impending examinations.

The Music and Drama department is currently preparing for the Easter services which are due to take place during the morning assemblies of the last week of term. These will take the form of performance group items as well as solo musicians and readings in order to achieve a memorable and meaningful service.

A selection of electric and bass guitars are now in the department ready for auditions for forming rock/pop groups from various year groups. The feasibility of buying in assistance from Flintshire Music Service as from September for an hour per week in currently being looked at to further develop the range of musical styles being studied at the school.

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Football

A very quiet term due to light and extremely poor weather conditions. Very few matches across the county and indeed the country were played.

County football representatives-

Year 7 - Leon Sumner, Levon Hughes Year 8 - Coel Lambert, Matthew Hill, Kai Hardcastle Year 9 - Jack Wynne

www.connahsquayhs.org.uk

Netball news

The year 9 and 10 girls took part in the Urdd Netball tournament this year and beat Ysgol David Hughes in the final to win the tournament. Well done for a fantastic result.

Year 7 and 8 teams got to the semi finals of the Urdd tournament in October.

Many girls have been selected for North East Wales u14s, u16s & u18s squad to play in the Welsh inter counties this year.

U14s - Caitlin Evans, Daisy Thomas, Keeley Genders, Frankie Lamb-Roberts, Amelia Douggie, Sophie Maclennan. U16s - Caitlin Barley, Molly Edwards U18s - Hannah Jones, Jessica Daltray, Ashley Davies, Lauren Cronshaw, Chloe Maclennan

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Athletics

Our KS3 learners took part in the Flintshire indoor athletics competition at Coleg Cambria. The four teams were very successful with many individuals achieving first, second or third in their events. The Junior boys team won the overall event beating 7 other schools. Well done to all for great performances. Ryan Locker was selected for the NE Wales team to take part in the National competition.

MAT (More Able and Talented) Some Year 12 learners were involved in a Badminton day held at Castell Alun school. They were involved in coaching sessions run by National coaches. An enjoyable and informative event.

Gymnastics - We currently have a club coach working with our learners during lunchtimes to develop display and

apparatus gymnastics.

Rugby - The rugby development officer is working with the year 7 boys to develop their basic rugby skills.

Sports Education - The Year 9 girls have been involved in a sports education programme this term as a trial. It is

aimed at developing leadership skills as well as literacy and sports skills. The aim is to develop overall learning and increase the learners attainment levels at KS3.

NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION

Recently, year 8 learners Beth Jones, Kaitlin Ashton and Laura Maguire submitted some excellent poems into a National Poetry Competition. The theme that they had been given was ‘heroes’ and they chose to write their poems on people who inspired them. It was excellent news to hear Beth Jones’ poem “Mandela” has been selected to appear in a published national poetry book!

He was a hero, He was an inspiration,

To all the people, Of every nation.

He fought for their freedom, He fought for their lives, He was so determined, For freedom to arise.

He fought and he fought, He tried and he tried, He achieved his goal,

And not long ago died.

He’ll always be in our hearts, I hope people see,

His memorable achievement Of setting black people free.

He goes by the name of Nelson Mandela.

by BETH JONES Year 8

Wales has lots of hills, And is famous for its daffodils

But that’s not what I came to say at all It’s the way they handle a rugby ball

6 nations is all they can dream, Working hard as a team The crowd is very keen Only a try in between

Halfpenny starts to run We’ve almost won

30 seconds on the clock The targets on Lock

He takes a dive Manages to survive

We’ve won again The crowd went just insane

They can’t wait A rugby ball will decide their fate.

by KAITLIN ASHTON Year 8

Spelling Bee

Sadly this year saw an end to the Times National Spelling Bee competition.

However, this has not deterred a number of keen Year 7 spellers who now meet every Thursday with Mrs Milligan and Kaitlin Ashton for a lunchtime of inter-form spellings!

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5x60 Successes: Climbing – Year 10 Learners in Year 10 experienced several weeks of climbing sessions during their PE Outdoor Adventures lessons. Learners gained experience and developed new skills at Deeside Leisure Centres Extreme Zone and then further developed them at The Boardroom Climbing Centre. Learners fully enjoyed the sessions and improved throughout the weeks. Well done boys! Learners Joel Griffiths and Nathan Mendoza

www.connahsquayhs.org.uk

5x60 Hoola Hooping Fitness Sessions: Learners from Year 9/10 have taken part in after school hoola hooping sessions designed to help improve their fitness in a new and exciting way. These girls have increased their fitness from these session enabling them to enter race for life, where they will be hoola hooping around the course for charity. Well done Girls.

What Activities will be happening after Easter?

We are looking to offer a wide range of activities for learners to get involved in. These activities will include:

Athletics Hoola Hooping Table Tennis Club Badminton Club Horse Riding Tennis Club Cardio Tennis Rounders Trampoline Club Dodgeball Street Dance and many more… Gym Club

5x60 Street Dance: Year 9 Learners had a new experience during PE lessons where they could select to attend a six week street dance workshop. This workshop allowed learners to develop and express their creative side within street dance. Learning new routines, steps and working together in larger groups. Two groups of 30 learners entered into the workshop and progressed through the routine with ease. We had coaches coming in from Urban Fusion to help develop the session and this has allowed girls to continue with after school club and sessions within the community. Well done girls!

5x60 Girls Festival: This term 5x60 run a girls only festival where learners experienced new sports and activities which they would not normally have the opportunity to do so. These girls were taken off timetable for the day and the festival involved all 12 high schools within Flintshire, allowing the girls to meet and create friendships from other schools. The girls experienced activities like, cardio tennis, girls only dodgeball, cricket, basketball, spinning, kettle bells, hoola hooping and cheerleading which will be coming into the extra curricular timetable after Easter. Excellent work on the day girls well done!

5x60 Horsing Riding: A mixed group of learners regularly attend Horse riding after school where all learners have continually improved in their riding skills. This has now developed into an international activity when our German exchange friends became involved experiencing horse riding for the very first time.

If anyone else is interested in getting involved please see Mr Young (5x60 Officer).

Lady Taverners Cricket U13 Competition: Five girls from Year 7 entered the competition which saw all 12 high school enter. The girls played an indoor version of cricket which saw them win 2 out of their five games. The girls did extremely well due to having a smaller team then all other schools. The girls developed their bowling and batting skills which was great to see. Excellent performance girls.

5x60 Games: 11 Learners from Year 7 experienced a variety of activities that they would not have chance to do in school. The Games were based at Deeside. The day consisted of the learners experiencing 15 new activities. These activities allow them to develop new skills and show off some of their old skills.

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Term ends at 3.15p.m. Friday 11th April 2014

New Term starts at 8.50a.m. Tuesday 29th April 2014

Fundraising for the Financial Year: April 2013 Injured Rugby Players £739.99 April 2013 Alder Hey Children's Hospital £57.90 June 2013 Help the Heroes £93.87 October 2013 Sponsored Walk £3253.23 November 2013 Children in Need/ Morocco £1323.38 December 2013 Toys and Tins Appeal £657.92 January 2014 School Production £594.06 March 2014 Sport Relief and Orang-utan Appeal - to be confirmed

School Closes School Opens

Easter Friday 11th April 2014 Tuesday 29th April 2014

Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 2014

Half Term Friday 23rd May 2014 Monday 2nd June 2014

Summer Friday 18th July 2014

2014 DATES FOR LEARNERS

Please check the school website for any future amendments www.connahsquayhs.org.uk

www.connahsquayhs.org.uk

A Level & GCSE exam timetables are on the school website.

Follow the Learners tab then click on Examinations.

SCHOOL MEALS

Connah’s Quay High School learners eligible for Free Meals will be entitled to an allowance of £2.10 per day.

Year 11 Prefects Rewards Trip

On the 5th March, the Year 11 Prefect team which consists of 45 learners, were rewarded with an afternoon treat at Cheshire Oaks. All of the learners enjoyed a competitive afternoon of tenpin bowling.

This was a well-deserved reward for all of the hard work and commitment that each and every one of them has demonstrated over the year so far. They have all taken part in whole school activities such as parents evenings and open evenings. They also carry out duties at break and lunch times as well as being peer mentors for learners in the younger years of the school on a day-to-day basis. They have all been outstanding in all that they have been involved in throughout the year. They are a real credit to the school. Miss Sims

IMPORTANT MESSAGE…… Contact Details

We are increasingly using text messaging as a means of communicating. Therefore could you please ensure school has your most up to date mobile phone and email contact details to ensure you receive all relevant communications. Please provide this information to your child to pass to their form tutor.

From Quay to Quay

Year 9 learners enjoyed a busy day in Salford Quays. Learners were

investigating regeneration for Geography follow-up work in class. They also

had the opportunity to visit the Imperial War Museum North for History

work.

We also took in some culture, strolling round the L.S Lowry gallery in the

Lowry Centre. His pictures became famous for his ‘matchstick cats and

dogs’. The weather was mostly good, meaning we were able to have a look

around Media City and the new BBC studios. No matter how hard we tried,

learners didn’t catch a glimpse of the actors at the new set for Coronation

Street which has just been built next to the IWMN! Things have really gone

from strength to strength since we began visiting with Year 9s, and the area

continues to improve.

If you scan the QR code below it will take you to the

school website.

Year 8 Eisteddfod Blwyddyn 8!

As part of the Year 8 Eisteddfod Curriculum Focus Day in February year 8 participated in Welsh legend drama and Dawnsio Gwerin (traditional folk dancing) workshops in the morning. The afternoon was an interform competition in the Lecture Theatre with Dafydd from the Urdd (Youth Movement in Wales) adjudicating. This year saw the launch of the ‘Seremoni Cadeirio’ (chairing ceremony) for the best poem in the year. Da iawn Eve Burke for winning!