Christmas 2012

FILM CLUB
Filmclub enables pupils to
watch, discuss and review a diverse
range of films, promoting learning in an
informal setting while encouraging critical
engagement from young people. The Film Agency
for Wales prioritises film education as a means to
improve literacy, engagement, pathways to further
learning and crucial skills for the digital economy.
Filmclub also encourages pupils to write reviews about
the films they watch and upload them onto the
website. Year 9 pupils have been busy learning about
film and film making as part of a new campaign
delivered through the club. Filmclub members
watched a screening of ‘12 Angry Men’ which was
followed by a film making workshop. Jenny Prosser’s
review of the film was selected by Filmclub to be
their ‘Review of the Week’, winning her some brilliant
prizes. Jenny's review was picked out from over 6,000
from schools across the UK, making it a truly fantastic achievement. It is now featured on Filmclub's 'Star
Reviews' page: www.filmclub.org/films/star-reviews
WELSH BACCALAUREATE
Year 12 Welsh Baccalaureate Induction: After an
initial introduction to the Baccalaureate diploma,
students set about their first challenge to find out how
the awareness of the heritage and culture of Wales
can be increased. This was facilitated with a visit to
Swansea Waterfront Museum, where they
experienced many different aspects of Welsh Heritage
and Culture. They then visited the Swansea
University campus for lunch and received a talk from
an admissions tutor about the advantages of degree
level study and the various grants available.
Years 10 and 11: At Intermediate Diploma level
students have also been busy. Year 11 have been
working tirelessly at their various skills and finalising
their Individual Investigations, whilst Year 10 have
made a great start on skills and have embraced the Community element of the Baccalaureate, taking part in
various community activities in and out of school.
YR ADRAN GYMRAEG / WELSH DEPARTMENT
CLWB CYMRAEG: This term a group of year 7 pupils have been attending Clwb Cymraeg. Pupils have
had the opportunity to develop their Welsh and language skills by taking part in a variety of activities such
as creating resources, designing Welsh board games and watching Welsh television shows. After a very
successful start to the year, I am sure we are all looking forward to what Clwb Cymraeg has to bring! Da
iawn pawb!
EISTEDDFOD COMMITTEE: Bassaleg School has already started preparing for next year’s Eisteddfod!
Pupils in years 7 to 9 have re-formed the committee and are thinking of new, innovative and exciting ideas
that they can include to make this the best Eisteddfod ever! The committee is being run by pupils in year 9.
If anyone is interested in joining the Eisteddfod Committee, please see Miss Jenkins.
NOSON FFILMIAU… FILM NIGHTS! Miss Jenkins’ and Miss Phillips’ classes have been given the
opportunity to develop their speaking and listening skills during visits from the Urdd representative, Leah
Dafydd. The pupils have been able to hold fluent Welsh conversations with Leah during her visits. Leah
has been absolutely delighted with the standard of their work and she will be holding additional sessions for
pupils so that they have the opportunity to use their Welsh more often with other Welsh speakers. Dal ati!
Keep it up!
SPELLING BEE: This year, year 7 pupils have been involved with learning new vocabulary, spellings
and pronunciations as part of the Welsh second language Spelling Bee competition. We have been
delighted with their efforts and enthusiasm during lessons. Pupils from each form class have
been encouraged to attend lunch time Spelling Bee sessions where they have the
opportunity to perfect their spellings and, during the spring term, will
represent Bassaleg school in a regional spelling competition.