GHS.Newsletter.Volume.07.2013.February - Gwernyfed High School

Ysgol Uwchradd Gwernyfed High School
ACHIEVEMENT
RESPONSIBILITY
EXCELLENCE
News
Sixth Formers enjoying their new Sixth Form Centre
The annual Ski Trip.......more photos on page 9
Also in this edition.......Annual Award Ceremony.......Rotary Young Chef Competition.......
Art Exhibition at Theatr Brycheiniog......An interview with our Head Boy and Head Girl
Issue 7 Page 1 January 2013

Message from the Headteacher
Despite the short half term all at Gwernyfed have continued to work hard to ensure learning is at
the core of everything we do. Staff have been involved in training, with the first day of the term
spent at Ysgol Maesydderwen with colleagues from Brecon HS, Crickhowell HS and the host school
in their impressive new building. Our speaker Ewen Macintosh led sessions on creativity and
innovation in learning. The following week staff and parents were privileged to listen and learn
from Geoff Hannan who imparted ideas on how to support pupil achievement. Indeed all classes in
Year 7 to 9 now sit boy/girl following his research findings. Geoff Hannan returns later this month
to work with Year 11.
I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience during the snow period. External
exams run by Caroline Evans (Exams Officer) were completed, and Powys County Council and our
bus contractors worked with the school to allow us to open safely. Particular thanks go to John
Boosey and Andrew Lewis (Site Staff) for clearing pathways on the Sunday and from 6-30am every
day.
Thank you to the parents who responded to our School Day consultation, along with the
contributions from pupils and staff. The Governors have agreed we will move to a school day with
5 x 60 minute lessons from June. The earliest we will finish is 3-05pm Monday to Friday, and we are
looking at the provision of a Homework Club / facility which will run until 4pm daily. Further
details will follow after half term. I am sure this will improve the learning experience for all.
I remind all parents that external exams take place in May and June for ALL pupils in school so no
holidays should be booked at this time. Years 7-9 have national literacy and numeracy tests on
dates to be confirmed. Attendance equals academic achievement, so please continue to ensure your
child is in school.
Continue to contact the school praising us for things we do well, and challenge us to maintain high
standards!
Again this newsletter celebrates the successes of our pupils, as well as the different opportunities to
enhance learning. They always amaze me with the way they balance their schoolwork with their
involvement in community arts and sports groups. Long may this continue!
Thank you for your support
Diolch yn fawr
John D Williams
Issue 7 Page 2 January 2013

Annual Award Ceremony
The school held its annual award ceremony on the last day of the term. Congratulations to the
award winners and thank you to Revd Ian Charlesworth for presenting the prizes.
Year 12/13:
Contribution Award Mollie Gibbons
Academic Award Imogen Cripps
Sports Award Ben Dunster
Endeavour Award Lewis Prosser
Performing Arts Award Sophie Protheroe
Leadership Award David Jones
Year 8:
Academic Award
Sports Award
Role Model Award
Contribution Award
Most Improved Award
Performing Arts Award
Year 9:
Academic Award
Sports Award
Role Model Award
Contribution Award
Most Improved Award
Performing Arts Award
Rhys Harpur
Ed Walkden
Ieuan Phillips
Amy Sinclair
Alex Little
Elsa Thomas
Lily Biggs
Hannah Coles
Andrew Barrell
Jenna Myatt
Dewi Jones
Adam Thorn
Year 10:
Academic Award
Eli Scruby
Sports Award
Gabriel Kay
Role Model Award Dan Draper
Contribution Award Llewelyn Hanniford-Hanks
Most Improved Award Jess Gwynne
Performing Arts Award Chris Davies
Year 11:
Academic Award
Felicity Jones
Sports Award
Caitlin Evans
Role Model Award Sarah Charlesworth
Contribution Award Seren Corbett
Most Improved Award Shannon Commee
Performing Arts Award Sam Powell
Issue 7 Page 3 January 2013

New Sixth Form Centre opens
This January marked the opening of the
new Sixth Form Centre at Gwernyfed
High School.
In 2012, the school experienced the
largest increase in sixth form students in
living memory and this trend looks set to
continue with a greater percentage of
students choosing to pursue their post
16 education at Gwernyfed. The increase
also reflects the establishment and
success of the local learning consortia
which has enabled students to remain at
Gwernyfed yet access in excess of 30
A level or equivalent courses.
In response to the increased numbers,
the school has commissioned a new
Sixth Form Centre which is located in the
coach house of the Mansion House. The
centre features a large study room, a
quiet study room, an ICT facility, kitchen and a common room furnished with sofas and
armchairs.
The new centre is a monumental step forward in the provision of education at the school and
is probably one of the most significant changes to the Sixth Form since its establishment. The
investment in the Sixth Form Centre demonstrates Gwernyfed’s commitment to excellence and
achievement. It will ensure that every student has the resources and opportunity to succeed
and acquire those skills and qualifications needed to succeed in life.
The governing body marked the opening by holding their January meeting in the centre and
were impressed with the new facility. They remarked on how “light and spacious” the study
room is and that the common room looks “bright and comfortable”. They were also very
pleased that the students were keeping the centre tidy and treating it with respect.
When interviewed, the students commented that they found the centre “modern”, that “the
facilities are better” and they are happy that the move from the 3rd floor of the Mansion House
has meant that “you don’t have to walk all the way up the stairs!”
Issue 7 Page 4 January 2013

School Council
Membership
Year 13
David Jones (HB)
Chelsey Weale (HG)
Year 12
Angharad James
Caitlan Sampson
Lucia Jones
(FD+PYF+G)
Year 11
Felicity Jones
(G+PYF)
Ruby Thomas
Year 10
Niamh Gibbons
Milo Rodell
Greenow
Year 9
Jenna Mayatt
Chloe Williams Price
Megan Griffiths
Year 8
Anthony Marshall
Year 7
Ieuan Alder
Reece Jones
Last term the school council met on the last day of term. Imogen
Cripps came to talk to the school council to update us on how
the SNAG group was coming on (School Action Nutrition Group).
She informed the council how the group plans to improve
canteen food and how the atmosphere can be improved too. The
feedback from the questionnaires informed the SNAG group the
thoughts and opinions of the school canteen. Pupils had said the
canteen had a good atmosphere and was clean. However, many
pupils wanted bigger portions, vegetarian options, the radio to
be turned on and tables for break time. Some pupils said there
were problems like waiting long times in a queue for just a
drink so suggested that drinks were kept in a separate line. The
SNAG group are having a meeting with the head of Powys
Catering soon to discuss the results from the questionnaire.
We discussed what charities the school council would like to
support this year as we found out how Bag 2school was a big
success. Some of the ideas which were put forward were
Childline and the Salvation Army.
The 5x60 activities were discussed and James Ralph would like
to extend football to the year 8’s and 9’s. The idea was also put
forward of a Netball League for sixth formers, year 11 and 10
and the teachers.
David Jones presented a draft of the new Sixth Form Prospectus
which was designed by the sixth formers. There are three
sections to the prospectus so far; an introduction, your future
and details on subjects. There are also some quotes from
someone in the sixth form about the course who took the
subject and liked it.
The school council are also hoping to build a relationship with
Builth High School because their school council is very good. We
would like to do joint activities with them for example school
trips.
Gwernyfed Premier Cricket League
After half term the GWERNYFED PREMIER LEAGUE begins. Loosely based on cricket’s Indian
Premier League, Mr Hanks has devised an exciting format in which four managers bid for their
team at an auction. Limited to staff and sixth formers, the GPL has been going around three
years. Each manager is given a sum, rumoured this year to be an eye-watering £100 million.
Mr Hanks then draws out players’ names and managers are free to bid whatever they feel fit to
secure the player in their team Their only limit is the £100m! Last year Mr Rees brought
together top players Adam Finn and Tom Gardiner in a winning combination but this year
competition for them is likely to be stiff. Every year some suprises emerge as managers race
for players and throw money in an adrenaline fuelled bid frenzy.
Issue 7 Page 5 January 2013

560 News
Autumn Term
During the autumn term a range of 5x60 activities took place either at break times or
at lunchtimes on the school site. These included Dodgeball, Golf, Zumba and
Badminton.
On the whole activities were really well attended with over 40% of students in Years
7 to 11 taking part in one activity or another.
Inter Form Football
Inter-form football leagues ran over the autumn term for Years 7, 8 and 9. Over 70 boys in these three
years took part in the weekly fixtures which were played on the Astroturf. It was great to see every
form group in each year being represented. 7SH took the honours in the Year 7 league, finishing their
whole campaign unbeaten. 8DH came out on top in the Year 8 league with 9SGF winning the Year 9
league. The victorious form groups were presented with their trophies, which they will keep for the
rest of the year, in assembly. This term it is the turn of Year 10 forms with games being played at
lunchtime on Mondays.
Thanks to Mr Carter for his help and commitment in refereeing matches in all weathers!
Fixtures and Competitions
In November a group of Year 7 pupils represented Gwernyfed at the Urdd South Powys Swimming
Gala which was held at Brecon LC. We were one of only two secondary schools who were represented
at the event. In the individual races Holly Goddard and Eva Lantos qualified through to the Urdd
National Finals in Cardiff.
In December a team of Year 7, 8 and 9 boys took part in a Table Tennis fixture at Brecon High School.
The boys played singles and doubles matches against players from Brecon. We hope to arrange a
return fixture later on in the spring term.
In January two mixed Year 7 teams entered the South Powys Indoor Hockey tournament held at
Brecon Leisure Centre. Both teams found themselves playing against Year 8 and 9 teams from John
Beddoes, Brecon and Builth high schools. Both teams acquitted themselves well finishing 3 rd and 4 th
overall.
Spring Term
Activities taking place this term include; Table Tennis, Badminton, Indoor Hockey, Cricket and
Zumba.
Cricket sessions are held in the Sports Hall at lunchtime on Fridays and are led by Mr Hanks. This is
open to boys and girls in Years 7 to 10. These practice sessions will continue indoors up until the
Easter break. In the summer term these sessions will move outdoors.
The Indoor Hockey club runs on Thursday lunchtimes in the Sports Hall. Nicola Jones, who coaches at
Gwernyfed Hockey Club, leads the sessions for pupils in Years 7 and 8.
Zumba sessions continue at lunchtime on Fridays and are held in the Drama Studio. Local instructor
Helena Barnard leads the sessions which are open to boys and girls in all year groups.
February Half Term
A multi-activity day is being held at Brecon Leisure Centre on Tuesday 12 th February. This is open to
children aged 9 to 13 and will run from 10:00am to 4:00pm. There will be a range of sports and
activities on offer including Badminton, Judo, Squash, Rock Climbing and Fitness. The cost is £10 per
person for the full day.
To book a place please contact Brecon Leisure Centre on 01874 623677.
James Ralph—560 Officer
Issue 7 Page 6 January 2013

560 News
Year 8 Champions
Year 9 Champions
Hockey Tournament & Cross Country News
On Monday 27th January, Gwernyfed took two U14 teams to the South Powys hockey tournament. It
was a very wet, cold and windy day, however the girls were keen to show off their new sports tops
and played with determination despite the horrible weather. Although they did not reach the finals,
the girls should be very pleased with their performances. For a number of the girls it was their first
hockey match outside school lessons and it was very pleasing that Gwernyfed had the largest number
of players at the tournament.
The following day, in possibly worse weather conditions, Gwernyfed cross-country runners
competed in the last schools cross-country league event. As a school, runners are encouraged to take
part for numerous reasons, and it is was brilliant to have, once again, a large number of pupils
committed to taking part. Congratulations to everybody who took part, but special mention must go
to the following athletes and teams. To gain an individual medal you must compete in all 4 fixtures
and medals are given to
the top 6 runners in each
age group. Brychan Price-
Davies finished in 6th
place overall, Amy Sinclair
was 5th, Rachel Smout
finished 4th overall, and in
a fantastic senior boys
competition Gabriel Kay
finished 2nd and Ben
Dunster won every race to
finish in 1st place. In the
team results, the Junior
boys took 2nd place, as did
the senior boys while the
senior girls finished in 1st
place.
Issue 7 Page 7 January 2013

Rotary Young Chef Competition
On Thursday the 10 th of January Gwernyfed High
School hosted the Brecon Rotary Young Chef
Competition. Students had to prepare, cook and
serve a three course healthy meal for two people. A
variety of first class dishes were prepared.
Results as follows:-
1 st Hannah Shelley (pictured) - £50 voucher , who
now represents the Brecon region in the next round
of the competition. Hannah made Italian Stuffed
Courgettes, Spicy Chicken Curry and Iced Raspberry
Mousse with Raspberry Coulis and Tuile Biscuits.
2 nd Samuel Powell - £25 voucher, who made
Creamy Garlic Mushrooms, Chicken Curry and
Strawberry Cheese Cake.
Highly Commended - Angus Millington £10 voucher
– made Almond Pear Salad, Sensational Salmon
Tagliatelle in a Brandy Sauce followed by Amaretto
Crunch and Orange Chocolate Truffles.
Niamh Gibbons - £10 voucher - made Garlic Mushrooms, Salmon on a bed of leeks with a white wine
sauce, and a Saucy Lemon sponge.
Sophie Bull - £10 Voucher – made Banana, kiwi and mango cocktail, Roasted Vegetables and Feta
Cheese Salad followed by a Fruit and Nut Baked Apple.
Issue 7 Page 8 January 2013

Ski Trip
Sian Hanniford-Hanks, one of our parent governors, accompanied the ski trip and reported
“The trip was well structured, educational with clear and supportive leadership. The team of
staff encouraged, supported and saw the pupils not only develop a new skill, skiing, but
develop in their confidence, expand their knowledge and engaged them into a different
culture.
The pupils enjoyed their time to socialise with their friends which is precious when so many of
our pupils are isolated in a rural setting. The pupils also took the time to socialise with the
teachers and staff which is a positive step in developing relationships.
The trip provided me with a better understanding of the hard work and dedication required to
organise a school trip abroad, the local activities and to keep 60 pupils safe. I sincerely hope
that the school can continue to support school trips abroad and support and congratulate the
staff that undertake these duties.
The staff and pupils were a credit to the school and it was a pleasure to be a part of Gwernyfed
High School”.
Issue 7 Page 9 January 2013

An Interview with.........David and Chelsey
By Caitlan Sampson and Lucia Jones
This half term we decided to move
away from the teachers and ask Head
Boy, David Jones and Head Girl,
Chelsey Weale some questions.
First, we asked them what careers they
wish to pursue once leaving Gwernyfed
in September. David replied that he
would like to work in the government
and Chelsey would like to be a social
worker.
Next we asked them the best piece of
advice they had ever been given.
Chelsey said that the best piece of
advice she was given was ‘to take
opportunities when they come. David
said that to 'go your own way’ was the best piece he’d be given.
We were interested to find out what they felt their most valuable attribute was. David said he’s good
at organising events and Chelsey said that she was quite determined.
The next question we asked was the question Mr Hanks chose a few interviews ago; when you have
a sausage sandwich do you have red, brown or no sauce Chelsey said red sauce however, David
said brown.
Everyone has hidden talents so we really wanted to know what David and Chelsey’s were. David
said his was navigation which came in handy when taking on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
Chelsey said that she was really good at singing in the shower.
Quickfire (David Jones):
TELEVISION OR BOOKS Books
CATS OR DOGS Dogs
MARMITE – LOVE OR HATE Hate
GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY Half empty
X-FACTOR OR STRICTLY Strictly
FOOTBALL OR RUGBY Rugby
SUMMER OR WINTER Autumn (Can I say that!!)
EMAILS OR LETTERS Emails
Quickfire (Chelsey Weale):
TELEVISION OR BOOKS Television
CATS OR DOGS Dogs
MARMITE – LOVE OR HATE It’s ok
GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY Half empty
X-FACTOR OR STRICTLY X-factor
FOOTBALL OR RUGBY Rugby
SUMMER OR WINTER Summer
EMAILS OR LETTERS Emails
Finally in preparation for the next interview we wanted to know what question they’d like us to ask.
They have chosen the question ‘If you could make up a word what would it be’
Issue 7 Page 10 January 2013

Artwork of the Month
Holly Jones (Year 9)
Kieran Jones (Year 9)
Issue 7 Page 11 January 2013

Art Exhibition
PRIVATE VIEW
THURSDAY 7 TH FEBRUARY 2012 FROM 6-7 PM AT THEATR
BRYCHEINIOG, BRECON
Art Exhibition from Friday 8th - Tuesday 27th February
Please join us for the opening of this biannual exhibition. Gwernyfed High School has a wide
catchment area from Erwood to Llangorse. The artwork is a selection of the 2012 GCSE and A level
examinations. Students have been very successful in their art exams as well as experiencing amazing
workshops with artists, visits to London and European galleries.
Creating is hard work, but fun.
Skiers having fun on the slopes
To receive this newsletter electronically in future
please email pupils name and form to:
news@gwernyfed-hs.powys.sch.uk
Dates for your diary
School Eisteddfod 1 March
Art & Business Trip 7-11 February
Year 9 Parents Evening 27 February
Exam Open Evening 14 March
Year 11/13 Parents Evening 20 March
End of Spring term 27 March
Gwernyfed High School, Three Cocks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0SG
Phone: Issue 701497 847445 Email: enquiry@gwernyfed-hs.powys.sch.uk Page 12 Fax: January 014972013
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