FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES

FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES
Congratulations go to Mrs M
Williams who has been appointed
Subject Leader for Religious
Studies at Llantwit Major
Comprehensive, and to Mrs D
Wedgbury who is leaving us to
take up the post of AENCO at
Tonypandy Community School.
Mrs K Verpoorten is also leaving
us to live and work in New
Zealand. All have given
unsparingly of their time to
support pupils in the classroom
and across a range of extra
curricular activities. We will miss
their contribution to school life but
wish them every success for the
future.
DATES FOR
YOUR DIARY
Tuesday 3rd January 2012
First day of Term
Tuesday 10th January 2012
Year 8 Parents’ Evening (1)
Wednesday 18th January 2012
Year 8 Parents’ Evening (2)
Thursday 26th January 2012
Year 11 Photograph day
Tuesday 31st January 2012
Year 10 Parents’ Evening (1)
Thursday 9th February 2012
Year 10 Parents’ Evening (2)
13th - 17th February 2012
Half Term
Monday 20th February 2012
INSET Day
Tuesday 6th March 2012
Year 9 Parents’ Evening (1)
Year 8 Girls HPV Immunisations
Year 10 School Leavers
Immunisations
Wednesday 14th March 2012
Year 9 Parents’ Evening (2)
Monday 26th March 2012
Year 13 Parents’ Evening
6th April - 20th April 2012
Half Term

This year we were pleased to
have the Bishop of Swansea and
Brecon as our guest speaker. The Right
Reverend John Davies is a past pupil of
Bassaleg School and spoke about its history
and what life at Bassaleg had given him.
We awarded a total of sixty awards which
celebrated the success of last year’s Year 11
pupils both in their studies and extra
curricular activities. This year the
Headteacher’s Prize was awarded to Elaine
Smith and the Governors’ Prize was
awarded to Eleri Davies.
The prize for Best Overall Examination
Performance was awarded to Bethan
Reeks.
AWARDS EVENING 2011
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
The Award Scheme at Bassaleg continues to
thrive. This year twenty four candidates have
achieved full Bronze Award. Thanks to the
assistance of Newport Youth Service, thirteen
pupils completed full Silver Awards and a
sizeable Gold Award group is shaping up to
start their journey to this fantastic achievement.
In September and October this year, thirty eight
participants completed their Bronze Qualifying
Expedition in the Wye Valley. For many this
was the last leg of their award and we expect to
see more completed Bronze Awards soon. The
intake for 2011 – 2012 currently numbers
forty-eight at Bronze and fifty-six at Silver.
A completed Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
represents considerable input from our young
people in Volunteering, Skills, Service and
Expedition. Once again, I would like to
thank all who have taken part, not least the staff without whom this would not be possible, but
mostly to the young people whose unselfish efforts make DofE at Bassaleg so rewarding
and so much fun.

BASSALEG OLYMPIC SOCIETY
The Bassaleg Olympic Society were in action at the end of the summer term continuing their
preparations for our own “Olympics” next year. They attended the opening ceremony of the Urdd’s
“Gemau Cymru” in Cardiff to continue to collect ideas for our own opening ceremony to take place
next July. The highlight of the event was the opportunity given to all pupils to have a photograph taken
with the Olympic Torch which will be making its way around the country on its journey to London next year.
The Olympic Society were unanimous in deciding that our own torch should be a prominent feature of our
Olympic week with a possible idea for a competition to design and create the torch.
BASSALEG SHOWCASES AT THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE!
On 6th October,
Bassaleg School was
invited to lead a
presentation to the iNet
Wales National
conference on
re-defining literacy in
21st century schools.
The focus for our
presentation was how
the “Teachers’ Toolkit” –
an initiative, led by Miss
Lambe and currently
being trialled by all staff
across the curriculum,
is having an impact on
pupils’ learning;
specifically on their
communication skills,
thinking skills and on
their ability to reflect on
their own learning.
Miss Lambe led the
workshop, along with a group of pupils: Megan Jeffery, Year 8, Sophie Walpole, Year 9, Laura Worman,
Year 10, Rachel Evans, Year 11, Rhys Jones, Year 12 and Jonathon Mok, Head Boy Year 13. The
workshop was very warmly received by all delegates; many of whom remarked that it was the
most informative and useful presentation of the entire conference. The pupils displayed
excellent communication skills and were first class in their responses to a number
of questions which were posed at the end. A huge thank you to each of the
students for being outstanding ambassadors for the
school!

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT
Arkwright Scholarship 2011
This term in Design & Technology we are celebrating
the success of two students who have successfully been awarded
an Arkwright Scholarship for 2011/12. Congratulations to Samuel
Davies and Luke Ingham. Other applicants received certificates for
their fantastic contribution and involvement in the rigorous
application process which involved a panel interview and University visit.
D & T Outdoor Classroom
A huge thank you to all parents and guardians for your amazing contribution to the department’s outdoor
classroom.
The
Community
Days were
a buzz of
activity as
the staff and
Year 9
students,
worked for
Before
two days
to build the
benches,
clear the
area, lay
bark flooring,
decorate
plant pots
and tiles –
creating an
amazing
outdoor
classroom
area which
we’ve
already been
putting to
good use.
We have
plans to
utilise areas
for growing
vegetables,
composting
and a
decked area.
Also a big
thank you to
the school’s
PFA who
donated
money to
provide the benches and also to local business, Tesco for their donations.
WJEC Innovations 2011
Congratulations to Ryan Gormley, Luke Ingham and Huzaima Juhoor whose work was selected to
appear in the WJEC Innovations show. The show is a fantastic opportunity for creative ideas and
innovation to be shared and enjoyed. Students from Years 12 and 13 studying Product
Design visited the exhibition when it was on show in Cardiff.

Child Development Visit 2011
On Tuesday 15th
November 2011, 24 Year
10 students embarked on an
‘adventure’ to Cwmbran with 20
virtual babies. These were
randomly programmed to cry when
they needed feeding, burping, their
nappy changed or just to be
comforted. The students did not
know when they would cry and had
to react accordingly. They were
armed with changing bags, which
included bottles, nappies, changing
mats and spare clothes. The
purpose of the visit was to
demonstrate how much care a baby
requires in preparation for a future
career in childcare and also to
highlight the importance of
pre-planned parenthood. The
scheme was offered through the
Youth Service and we would like to
thank the staff who accompanied us on the trip - Mrs McKeever, Mrs Gregory and especially Mrs Filer who
organised the virtual babies and the resources. This was an invaluable experience that was a learning
curve for the students. The students were exemplary and able to articulate how they felt about the
experience. Here are some of the students’ comments... “I felt this was a very educational experience that
taught me a lot about the responsibility and commitment a baby needs!”. “Very stressful and challenging
when the baby cried, but I learnt a lot!” “I found this experience really good - it made me realise that babies
need lots of attention and caring!” “It was very eye-opening to what a real baby would be like!” “Some
people spoke to me and said that more schools should do this.”
This term, led by the Eco
Committee, Bassaleg achieved
its second Green Flag. This is a
Europe-wide and highly respected
award and we look forward to
seeing it flying in Forge soon.
The allotment is being extended
by adding a ‘Bottle Greenhouse’.
The walls were built by Year 9 in
July as part of the Big Grounds
Day but we still need more clean,
green or clear 2 litre plastic
bottles. Please deliver these to
Mrs Harris in G24.
ECO SCHOOLS (ESDGC)
Many exciting projects are
included in our new Eco-school
Action Plan. We will be entering
the Young Reporters for the
Environment competition and
hope to improve on last year
where one of our articles (on
bees) was shortlisted to the
final 8. We plan to work
with the rainforest charity ‘The Size of Wales’ to support wildlife from a local to global scale.
As a first step, the Eco-committee is visiting Bristol Zoo in December to carry out
research into rainforest biodiversity.

In July we went to the
Italian capital, Rome. The
coach ride in from the airport to Rome
was full of marvellous sights: Roman
walls and buildings and great
neo-classical architecture. We entered
the city through towering walls that
were once breached by the
Barbarians. We set off for the walking
tour of Rome and everyone soaked
up the wonders around them. The
churches are, without exception,
breathtaking. Artists too many to name
obviously gave their time to the
glorification of God and the paintings,
sculptures, tapestries and statuary are
magnificent. A highlight was our visit to
the ‘Bone Church’ where monks saved
the bones of deceased fellows and
made them into a variety of tableau.
Eerie but impressive.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Our visit to the Vatican included a fascinating display, illustrating just how worldwide the reach of the church
is. The tour ended in the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s fabulous paintings all around, we found
ourselves standing in complete silence, mouths open in wonder and awe. We visited a new mosque that
was big enough to hold three thousand worshippers. We also experienced a traditional trattoria, Italian
gelati – exquisite – and Italian coffee. With all the senses stimulated we made our way home having
thrown our pennies in the Fontana de Trevi to guarantee our return to this wonderful city!
Fairtrade Stall
Regular customers to the weekly Fairtrade stall will have noticed that they have been selling new goodies
to treat our tastebuds. The ‘Crisp ‘n’ Chewy’ bars have been a great hit - so have the bottles of apple and
orange juices. Remember to visit the stall each Friday to buy yourself a snack and remember to buy
Fairtrade when you go shopping!
Joseph at New Theatre 2011
Forty pupils from Bassaleg school, accompanied by the RS department, were treated to an amazing
performance of Joseph at the New Theatre in Cardiff. We were thrilled by the dancing, the singing and the
acting and even joined in with the singing in the finale. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
Bible Writing Competition 2011
Last June a small number of pupils entered a national Bible writing competition. Pupils were required
to write an essay about a selected Bible story as if they were actually present at the event. This
year three students received certificates of merit for highly commended work; Charles
Cowper, Harriet Reeks and Lewis Waters. Megan Jeffery, received a special prize of a
copy of the New International Bible for outstanding work.

Year 8 Religious Studies Visit
As part of the Community Days at the end of the Summer Term, Mrs Williams arranged a
cohort visit for all pupils in Year 8 to spend the day visiting local places of worship. Highlights
included visiting Bethesda Baptist Church in Rogerstone, the Sikh Gurdwara in Riverside, the
Orthodox Synagogue in Cyncoed and the Lightship 2000 in Cardiff Bay.
Shoebox Appeal 2011
This year 148 boxes were collected by Operation Christmas Child volunteers. Mrs Williams would like to
thank everyone for their support and generosity again this year.
Year 12 Standdown Day
Year 12 pupils were treated to a
fun-filled morning when the Dance 4
Life team visited us once again.
It was startling to discover that HIV is
not just an issue in developing
countries, there are 87,000 people in
the UK with HIV.
That is why it is important for projects
such as Dance 4 Life to raise
awareness and explain the facts
openly.

ART & DESIGN DEPARTMENT
Educational visit to Paris 12th-16th October 2011
Forty three Year 11 pupils had the opportunity to experience the wonderful sights and attractions in Paris
accompanied by Mrs Pattimore, Mrs Hosgood, Mr Bartlett and Mr Ford.
We visited Sacre Coeur and walked around the artist quarter of Montmartre.
Pupils experienced the modern art at the Pompidou
Centre. We were lucky to have beautiful weather
visiting the delights in and around Notre Dame. Pupils
got first-hand experience of artwork by the Modern
Masters such as Van Gogh and Monet in the Musée
D’Orsay.
The Eiffel Tower was
spectacular in the day and
sparkled with twinkly lights
in the night, the views from
it were breathtaking!
The Louvre was magnificent and we managed to fight through the crowds to see
the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and a huge amount of extraordinary artwork
both historical and contemporary.
Pupils took the opportunity to
sketch and take photographs
in preparation for a Parisian
inspired Art & Design project.
We then relaxed on a
leisurely cruise down the River
Seine.

YR ADRAN GYMRAEG
WELSH DEPARTMENT
Gwobr Gymraeg
We are delighted to announce
the introduction of the new
‘Gwobr Gymraeg/Welsh Award’
certificates to reward excellent
work, effort and performance in
Welsh. Each class from Years 7
to 11 will have one pupil
nominated by their subject
teacher every half term for the
award where they will receive
a certificate and points for their
form/merits.
The first set of certificates have
already been presented across
the school, so huge
congratulations to those pupils
who have received a certificate!
The next awards will be
presented during the last week
before Christmas.
Llongyfarchiadau!
Nantgwrtheyrn Visit 2011
In October, Miss Jenkins and pupils from Year
13 undertook a VERY long journey to North Wales for a
four day excursion. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the visit,
where they were able to use their Welsh on a daily basis
and visited many local attractions. The pupils had the
opportunity to meet with local celebrities; poets, presenters
and rugby players – they were even filmed for S4C! We
travelled all over North Wales – from Bangor to Beaumaris
to Conwy to Dolgellau – a packed couple of days which
were hugely beneficial. A very successful course – well
worth the journey! Da iawn chi!
Incidental Welsh Lessons - For Teachers!!
A huge ‘diolch’ and ‘da iawn’ for all the teachers who attended the Incidental Welsh lessons! By the
end of the session, everyone was able to correctly pronounce the commands and sayings and
everyone felt more confident than when they entered the classroom! Our school is proud
of its ‘Bilingualism / Dwyieithrwydd’ and without the help and support of the staff,
this wouldn’t be possible.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Concert with High Cross Primary School
Bassaleg School instrumentalists and Junior Choir were privileged to join with pupils from
High Cross Primary School and members of the Gwent Police Choir in the High Cross School
Summer Concert. The evening contained a great selection of instrumental and vocal music. The Junior
Choir performed ‘Chatanooga Choo-Choo’, ‘The Magic’s in Me’ and ‘Bendithia Di’ while a group of Year 9
instrumentalists selected to perform the ‘Pink Panther Theme’ and ‘Lord of the Dance’. The Junior Choir
joined with High Cross Choir and Gwent Police Choir for a powerful and thought-provoking ending to the
evening in a performance of ‘No More Wars’.
Bassaleg School Choirs’ Success at National Level
Following a superb performance at the National
Festival of Music for Youth in Birmingham,
Bassaleg School Senior Choir, directed by Mrs.
C. Williams, was presented with one of five
sponsors’ awards for their “captivating” singing.
Both the school Junior Choir and Senior Choir
were invited to perform at the National Festival
on 5th July. The Junior Choir, took to the stage
in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, where they
gave an energetic and entertaining
performance.
The Senior Choir performed at the Town Hall
and impressed the Music Mentors with their
musicianship and well balanced sound,
combined with their energy and their integrity in
interpreting the music. Both choirs welcome all
pupils of any ability, and to be invited to
perform as part of a festival which recognises the best in British youth choral music was a great
achievement in itself. The Music Department is very proud of its choristers.
University of Wales Newport Awards’
Ceremonies
For the second year running,
members of the Senior Choir were
invited to perform at the graduation
ceremonies of the University of Wales,
Newport, Caerleon campus. On Friday
9th September, 23 Sixth Form students
performed to an audience of almost
1200 graduates, supporters and
academics in the morning ceremony
and 900 in the afternoon. The choir
performed four songs and received
rapturous applause on both occasions.
We even managed to get the audience
to relax a little by clapping along with
an upbeat number. All the feedback
from organisers and audience
members has been very enthusiastic,
testament to the hard work of the students for being so focused in attending rehearsals in the first three
days of a new term. This is undoubtedly a fantastic way of promoting the very best of our school in the
wider community.
Awards’ Evening 2011
Members of the Wind Band and Senior Choir entertained students, parents and guests at the school
Awards’ Evening on 3rd November. Year 12 flautists, Jessica Hughes and Mairghread Yule, opened the
evening by performing a selection of flute duets. Senior members of the Wind Band entertained their
audience with Disney Blockbusters and Earth, Wind and Fire Dance Mix while the Senior Choir
performed music ranging from the Zulu ‘Jabula Jesu’, to Eric Clapton’s ‘Wonderful Tonight’
and the spiritual ‘Down by the Riverside’. Both ensembles are to be commended on
the quality of their performances.

Only Men Aloud visit Bassaleg!
On 4th October, the Music Department had the privilege of holding a workshop run
by members on ‘Only Men
Aloud’. Over 40 of our male
pupils from Years 9-13 attended, and
were led through a series of warm ups and
singing exercises to increase their
enthusiasm for singing. The boys all
enjoyed the afternoon, and some have
now signed up to sing with ‘Only Boys
Aloud’, a new male voice choir aimed at
teenagers.
Royal Albert Hall
11 Bassaleg students performed as
members of the Greater Gwent Youth
Brass Band or String Symphonia at the
prestigious Schools’ Prom in the Royal
Albert Hall in November. Torfaen MP Paul
Flynn was so impressed with the quality of
their performances that he wrote a letter
to the South Wales Argus acknowledging
the amount of work required by students and teachers to achieve such high standards and commending all
performers on being fantastic ambassadors for the local area. Well done to everyone who took part.
Remembrance Service - 11th November 2011
At the school Remembrance Service, Jonathan Durbin, Year 13 and Emily Whiting, Year 10 gave
moving performances of the ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ in Forge Hall while Joseph Hopkins, Year 9 sounded
the ‘Last Post’ in Griffin Building so that all pupils in the school could pause for a minute’s silence. At a
special service in Forge Hall, Sixth Form Music students performed ‘The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended’
and all students sang the Remembrance hymn ‘O God, our help in ages past’.
BASSALEG SIXTH FORM
This school year has welcomed the start of the Newport West Schools’ Collaboration and so far we have
enjoyed embracing new Year 12
pupils into our ever expanding
school community. In addition, the
Welsh Baccalaureate
qualification has been
successfully integrated into our
Curriculum, following its
introduction last year. Year 12
pupils have enjoyed numerous
educational visits this term
including a visit to the World
Heritage Site, Blaenavon.
Participation in charity work has
thrived as more pupils have joined
Hybu Pobl Ifanc. Their work has
involved fundraising at large scale
events and selling calendars in
school. Clayton Jones, a popular
member of the Sixth Form, has
been nominated for the Newport
Extra Mile Award by the school, for his outstanding contribution towards charitable activities. In response
to high demand, Bassaleg is about to launch its own school Newspaper with articles written by pupils from
all year groups, led by an enthusiastic team of Sixth Formers! We hope our strong first term will
pave the way to a new term of successes and we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year! Delwen and Jon, Head Girl & Head Boy.

The Drama
Department has been busy
rehearsing for the Christmas Concert.
The Junior Drama Club presented scenes
showing how different countries and
cultures celebrate Christmas in a piece
entitled ‘Christmas Around The World’.
Years 9-12 pupils performed scenes from
‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’,
the play adaptation of CS Lewis’
well-loved tale of good and evil. The
scenes featured an appearance by Father
Christmas as well as the Wicked White
Witch and Aslan, the Lion representing all
that is good and right.
DRAMA DEPARTMENT
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Bassaleg School is incredibly proud to join Bethan Reeks in celebrating her
success as a young writer. Over the last year Bethan
has been writing short stories, scripts and novels and
uploading them onto a website designed for ambitious
amateur writers, www.wattpad.com. Initially this was
done as a hobby and so that Bethan could get some
anonymous feedback on her books, which generally fall
into the genre of ‘teen fiction’, however, written under the
pseudonym ‘Reekles’, two of Bethan’s novels have now
been read by a staggering nine million people around
the world! In addition the site’s editor, due to the
amazing demand for her work, interviewed Bethan as a
favourite young writer. She was phoned from America
and the interview was broadcast worldwide as a podcast, since then she has
been contacted by several other writers from all over the world regarding
possible collaborations, and even to offer advice or lecture on creative writing.
We are sure that a promising career is being forged for Bethan, Bassaleg
School can’t wait to see just how far it goes.
BASSALEG P.F.A.
We have had a very busy year with fund raising activities
undertaken. In July 2011, we held the PFA Garden Party. The
weather was not kind to us on the day, and this was an outdoor
event! However, the Garden Party was a resounding success, it
consisted of a range of stalls and entertainment. It was a huge feat
in terms of organisation and delivery, we were supported by staff
and the student body in this endeavour and as a result we made
over £1000 for the school. During this past year we have funded
various departments such as PE, Music, RS and Science and have
provided money to purchase a range of equipment for Bassaleg
school students, such as scientific equipment, musical instruments,
books and maps. We have also supported the school ‘rewards trip’
giving a sum of money towards the cost of coaches. Our next fund
raising activity will be to hold a social evening with a local band in January 2012. We will also be providing
refreshments at the Christmas Concerts and holding a raffle. Please support us at the Christmas concert –
we are always looking for new members, or maybe parents who could just
help out at certain activities? Being a member of the PFA supports your child and the school
and is a fun way to meet other parents. May we take this opportunity to wish you a
Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
E
r

CAREERS & THE WORLD OF WORK
‘Music to your Ears’ workshop
On the afternoon of 15th November,
Year 9 students were treated to a Careers workshop
that combined musical talents with the scientific knowledge
of how we make, record and see sounds. The practical and
interactive session offered the opportunity for students to
understand what sound is, how it is made and have fun with
synthesised voices and sounds. A selection of students
took part in various experiments concerning sound and
were enthralled by the outcomes of the afternoon. It
allowed them to experience science in action and relate it to
musical sounds,
as well as view
the possible
career
opportunities
within these
fields.
Year 9 Careers Fair 2011
On 1st December, all students in Year 9 attended a morning at Nash College to experience various
workshops designed to give them insights into possible future career ideas. The morning consisted of
organised sessions, many of which were practical where students could experience for themselves either
professional or vocational opportunities. They included sessions on carpentry, motor mechanics, hair and
beauty and sports as well as teaching, healthcare, the police, the armed forces and legal professions.
Students were able to gain information about what qualifications and subjects they may need for future
careers or what paths they may wish to consider.
MOCK COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Are you aware that Bassaleg is in fact a part of Slovenia? Well, that's
not entirely true but on the 14th September, Rachel Evans and Emma
Radmilovic,Year , 11,were chosen to represent Slovenia for a Mock
Council of the European Union which was held in the National
Assembly building in Cardiff
Bay. Participating with 27
schools from across Wales,
Rachel and Emma had to each
give a minute long speech on
current EU topics including
financial packages for
Eurozone countries and a
reform of the Common
Agricultural Policy. Rachel and
Emma were fantastic in their
roles as ambassadors for
Slovenia and were
congratulated by Leighton
Andrews AM, Minister for
Education and Skills, for their
contributions on the day.
Emma stated that she found the experience 'both challenging and
rewarding' and that the best part of the day 'was having the chance
to make new friends with the students from the competing
schools'. Rachel also commented: 'it was an opportunity to
explore my interests in specific European related
issues, such as the Eurozone, and it definitely opened my mind to the vast amount of
opportunities within the EU - I am extremely thankful to the school and
everyone who made the event such a memorable experience'.

GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT
Year 8 pupils are enjoying learning about Antarctica alongside the broadcasting of Frozen
Planet, the amazing BBC series about the Polar Regions. We have also found out what it was like to
live in South Georgia. Mrs Bonner worked with seven Year 8 classes, sharing stories and slides about the
island’s wildlife and whaling industry. The pupils then completed a quiz based on some fascinating artefacts
that Mrs Bonner brought in which included a husky collar, penguin eggs and whale teeth!
P.E. DEPARTMENT
Netball
Congratulations to the following players who have successfully gained selection to their age group county
squads - Akua Obuobie, Christina Shaw, Sophie Walpole all Under 14’s, Lucy Martin Under 16’s, Emily
Dickson and Jessica Evans Under 18’s.
Gymnastics
Congratulations to sisters, Bethan and Emily Dix who have been selected for the Wales Squad for the
forthcoming international competitions. We wish them both success.
Hockey
Congratulations to Stevie Jones who has gained selection to the Under 16’s County Squad and
Mairghread Yule and Emma Clayton who have gained selection to the Under 18’s County Squad.
Football
It has been a busy year so far for the Football squads in the school with many teams making progress in
the Welsh Cup. The Year 7 Football squad is through to the 2nd round against Abersychan, the Year 9
Football squad is through to the 2nd round also against Abersychan, the Year 11 Football squad is through
to the 3rd round against Monmouth and the Senior 1st XI Football squad is through to the 2nd round
against Caerleon. Callum Porter and Aaron Wainwright have been successful in gaining selection to the
Cardiff City Under 14’s Development Squad. Congratulations to both Year 9 boys.
Rugby
Congratulations to the following Year 10 pupils who have been selected to represent in the Newport
Schools Under 15’s Squad - Harrison Burgham-Malin, Sebastian Blanch, Rhys Watkins and Samuel
Ireland. Two Year 11 pupils, Christian Greenway and Harrison Fry are to be congratulated in gaining
representative honours for the Dragons Regional Under 16’s Squad.
Both Senior squads are having a successful season with the Under 16’s and Under 18’s Senior Squads
only losing one game each. The School’s Under 16’s Squad captained by James Lamplough, have
successfully qualified from the Newport Regional Pool to the Welsh Knockout Stage of the Cup.
The Under 18’s Senior Squad, captained by Lloyd Davies, have currently reached the
2nd round of the Welsh Cup and are placed 3rd in the National East League.

HISTORY DEPARTMENT
and weapons of more recent times as
they visited the Firing Line Museum,
dedicated to the regimental history of
the Royal Welsh Regiment and the
Queen’s Dragoon Guards. They were
invited to speculate about the use of
some strange looking Victorian
artefacts. They found that the castle
walls that they have driven past so
many times once protected the people
of Cardiff during the air raids of the
Second World War, and saw the city
from a new angle as they patrolled
along the battlements. The students
had a wonderful time and their attitude
and interest made them a credit to the
school. In the same month Year 10
and Year 12 students visited the
Imperial War Museum in London.
In July all students in Year
7 visited Cardiff Castle as part of
their local history study. The
objective of the visit is to understand
how important the places that are part
of our everyday lives have been over
thousands of years, and to
appreciate their significance to so
many past generations. Our visit
began with a guided tour of the
castle, where everyone marvelled at
the opulence of this romantic Gothic
revival: they were astonished at the
Arab room, where the ceiling is made
of gold and they were fascinated by
the attention to detail in the nursery.
Students had a taste of the Roman
era as they examined the armour and
weapons of the time. Later they were
able to compare these with the armour
Year 12 students visited the Holocaust Exhibition as
an introduction to their coursework on the causes of
the Holocaust, while Year 10 students focused on
the experience of World War I and World War II,
again as part of their examination studies.
Students were shocked at how small the air
raid shelters were! Again, the
the thoughtfulness and enthusiasm of all students involved made the visit a great
pleasure for all those concerned.

LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT
Literacy Spelling Bee
We are thrilled to be able to introduce Stage 1 of The National Spelling Bee to all our Year 7
pupils this term. This competition involves schools from all over Wales and this
is the second year in which we will be competing. At present, each class has 10 high
frequency / key Welsh words to learn, each fortnight, with the aim of raising literacy
standards across the subject.
Société Franco-Britannique 2011
Once again this year, a
pupil taught by the French
Department at Bassaleg
was successful in winning
a prize presented by the
Société Franco-Britannique
de Newport.
Emily Decker was chosen
to receive the prize
awarded annually to the
pupil in Newport who
achieves the highest
overall result at A level
French. Emily gained
a well deserved A* in
French. Both Mrs Lewis
and Emily, accompanied
by many members of her
proud family, attended the
evening presentation on
15th September, at the
Newport Civic Centre.
If successful we hope to run a Welsh Spelling Bee club during lunchtimes with prizes
awarded each half term for students demonstrating high levels of enthusiasm and
effort and, to progress this even further by the spring term in entering selected pupils
to represent the subject and the school in external competitions.
Much of the evening was
conducted in French and
Emily and Mrs Lewis both had the opportunity to make speeches in French to thank the organisers for their
generosity. Members of the society praised Emily’s superb command of the French language and also the
French Department in recognition of the excellent work done to promote French language learning at
Bassaleg. Emily has just embarked on a 4 year Modern Languages degree course at Exeter University and
we wish her well!
Bassaleg International!
Bethan Reeks, Year 12, turned the tables on our language
assistants by asking them some questions! Ana and
Sophie work mostly with small groups of students who are
studying GCSE, AS and A Level French or Spanish.
Sophie joined us in September and Ana enjoyed it so much
last year that she stayed on for another year! Their
enthusiasm and willingness to help are much appreciated
by our students who realise that they have a fantastic
opportunity to converse with an authentic speaker.