F l i n t T i m e s

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2

From the Head TeacherFrom the Head TeacherFrom the Head TeacherFrom the Head TeacherWe are delighted with the news that the School’s Performance places us in Band 1; it is the culmination of a very successful year for Flint High School, beginning with our Estyn Inspection in January and Jade Jones’s Olympic triumph in the summer.

My thanks to all the staff who work so hard to contribute to this success, to the students who have shown they can achieve and to the Governors and parents for all their support.

We wish all the students, staff, families and friends of Flint High School a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.

Pam McCleanPam McCleanPam McCleanPam McClean

Headteacher Headteacher Headteacher Headteacher

Students Shine at Candlelit Students Shine at Candlelit Students Shine at Candlelit Students Shine at Candlelit ServiceServiceServiceServiceAlmost eighty students performed to a packed congregation during a magical candlelit carol service held at the Parish Church of St David's and St Mary's in Flint.

Flint High School’s service carried the theme of 'From Darkness to Light' and was attended by students, staff, governors and special guests Sandy Mewies, Delyn AM, Vicky Perfect, Mayor of Flint and Colin Everett, Chief Executive of Flintshire County Council.

The Rector Brian Harvey led the service which included prayers, a selection of popular Christmas carols and readings from several students and members of staff.

Throughout the evening the congregation was treated to musical performances from the school’s choir who were joined by Ysgol Maes Hyfryd students to sing Silent Night and O Holy Night. During the two carols students from both schools used sign language to accompany the singing and were conducted by Ysgol Maes Hyfryd’s music teacher Miss Cerys Jones.

A number of brother and sister performances were particularly stunning with Georgia McGlade singing Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ accompanied by her

brother Jack McGlade on the piano, and Howard Blake’s ‘Walking in the Air’ performed by Josh Price on piano and his sister Ella Price on clarinet. Music teacher, Miss Fran Hyde, who co-ordinated all the evening’s music, sang ‘Panis Angelicus’ in a duet with her brother, Jonathan Hyde who is a choral scholar and operatic baritone at St John's College, Cambridge.

Flint High’s Gospel Singers were joined by Abigail Sherratt, currently performing in pantomime at

Chester’s Forum Studio Theatre, to sing a soulful and rousing rendition of ‘Joyful Joyful’. A variety of the school’s bands including brass, wind, samba, rock and the string orchestra all performed pieces during the evening.

At the end of the evening Flint High’s Headteacher, Mrs Pamela McClean said:”This evening has been both amazing and emotional. It’s fantastic to see the incredible variety of musical talent amongst our students and thank you to Miss Hyde who has once again excelled herself in putting it all together.”

Miss Hyde would like to add her personal thanks to the 80+ students and staff who all worked so incredibly hard in the lead up to the service. You are amazing and I'm incredibly proud of you all!

Gymnastic GloryGymnastic GloryGymnastic GloryGymnastic GloryOn Thursday the 6th of December 6 pupils from years 7, 8 and 9 competed in the Flintshire and Wrexham Urdd Gymnastics Competition. It was the first time Flint High School (and Miss Breward!) had competed in a competition like this. Together they had to create a routine based on the theme 'flight' to impress the judges.

The girls have worked very hard since the end of September and have been practising every day after school for the two weeks prior to the competition to perfect the routine. On the day, Brittney, Lois, Dom, Nadine and Caitlin gave it 100% and although the equipment was a little different to what they had been practising on, they came a fabulous second in the Key Sage 3 groups competition. Miss Breward is very proud of them and now has her sights on that 1st place spot next year for the team, as well as entering the individual and pairs competition - watch this space!!

Ffynnon Day FunFfynnon Day FunFfynnon Day FunFfynnon Day FunOn Wednesday 21st November the whole school enjoyed a day off time table, as they experienced one of a series of six Ffynnon Days, which focus on the health, well-being and safety of our students.

Year 7 enjoyed a visit from Crucial Crew, a group of specialists that include the Food Standards Agency, Fire, Police and Ambulance Services. Students also benefited from Internet safety lessons, scientific experiments with ‘Energy drinks’ and a group of year 7s visited the

Connahs Quay Power Station to experience the workings of the plant.

Techniquest came in to work on some practical experiments with students from years 7, 8 and 9 and year 8 also had ‘Drug awareness’ lessons.

Some year 9 students visited Danger Point, an interactive safety warehouse that measures the progress of students in areas of personal safety.

Year 10 students enjoyed a number of activities including working on a project called ‘Choose Life’ where visitors came into school in a dramatic role play to discuss their life stories with the groups.

Year 11 had practical lessons in preparing and cooking a healthy, nutritious breakfast, sports and fitness coaching, Internet safety and experiments with popular energy drinks.

Mrs Edwards, Ffynnon Co-ordinator would like to thank everyone who was involved, especially the agencies that came into school and the staff who helped make the day run so smoothly. The day was a huge success and we cannot wait for our ‘good citizen day’ to be held in January.

Farewell and Good Luck, Mr ClewettFarewell and Good Luck, Mr ClewettFarewell and Good Luck, Mr ClewettFarewell and Good Luck, Mr ClewettMr. Clewett will be leaving Flint High School at the end of this term. He is taking up a prestigious role as 'Digital Leader' with the Welsh Government where he will be working on the 'Hwb'; a project set up by the Minister for Education and Skills. This aims to deliver a learning environment for all Welsh schools. It will be Mr. Clewett's job to work in a team of eight delivering training and support to teachers. He remarked, "I am both saddened and excited about the move and I wish my replacement, Mr. Wes Overton, currently head of IT at Mold Alun, and the school all the best for the future". He added, "I have loved my time here and I’m looking forward to this new opportunity". He starts his new role in January 2013. All at Flint High School wish him well and hope that he hurries back to see us soon!

DofE at FHSDofE at FHSDofE at FHSDofE at FHSIn the Autumn of 2011, Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme was re-introduced to Flint High School.

The DofE is a balanced programme of activities that develops the whole person – mind, body and soul – in an environment of social interaction and teamworking and is highly regarded by employers and colleges. Young people progress through three levels of DofE programmes to achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

Taking part builds confidence and develops self-esteem. It requires persistence, commitment and has a lasting impact on the attitudes and outlook of all young people who do their DofE. Anyone aged between 14 and 24, regardless of gender, race or disability can participate.

Young people doing their DofE programme complete four different types of activity at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold level to achieve an Award:

Of the original number of Year 10 students who signed up in the Autumn of 2011, 15 have continued on the journey towards their Bronze Award, with 9 having already completed it.

For the Bronze Award, participants undertake a practice and a qualifying expedition and spend at least an hour a week working on the other sections (volunteering, physical and skills). Two of these three are for three months, with the third being for six months. Along the way, the participants volunteering has included helping in local primary schools, helping the basketball coach; contributing to sea cadet meetings and assisting in the running of the Learning Zone at break and lunch times, to list but a few.

The physical activities undertaken have ranged from horse riding to athletics, geocaching to netball and swimming to dancing. The skills have encompassed learning to play (or improve playing) a musical instrument, to earning a powerboat licence.

However, the one section that people are most familiar with is the expedition. The expedition for the Bronze Award consists of two days activity in groups of between

4 and 7 participants, with a night’s camping in between, undertaken without any external help. For some of the intrepid FHS students, who hadn’t

camped before, or had never carried a full rucksack over the Welsh hills, this was a big step outside their comfort zone!

The practice expedition was a hike from Cilcain to Lixwm, with an overnight stay in Caerwys. Alone on a bleak mountain with only a compass and map for company, some groups found themselves wishing that they had paid more attention to Ms Ellson’s Geography lessons. Mr Davies’s food classes were viewed in the same way when it came to preparing the evening meal on a camping stove. The practice expedition was a steep learning curve for some, but the lessons learnt were clearly on show the following month on the trek from Loggerheads to Halkyn, with a stop at Fron Farm in Hendre. Bearings and map reading became second nature and rucksacks were packed with little more thoughtfully.

Successful participants can choose to receive their awards at the annual awards ceremony and, in front of a packed Connahs Quay Civic Hall, Danni Rodber, Alani Cottam and Jordanna Woodward were presented with their certificates and pin badges.

Well done to all who took part and here’s looking forward to the Silver next year!

Students Make Their MarkStudents Make Their MarkStudents Make Their MarkStudents Make Their MarkThe Learning Zone ran a Book mark Competition

recently. The brief was to design a bookmark to celebrate the Snow & Ice Film Festival that will take place in the last week of term. We had many entries but the overall winner was Bethany Rowe (Year8) with Dylan Hale (Year7) in second place and Daisy Jones (Year7) third.

The Bookmark has been printed and

will be given to readers in the next couple of weeks.

New Business Manager for FHSNew Business Manager for FHSNew Business Manager for FHSNew Business Manager for FHSFlint High School has appointed Craig Stedman as its Business Manager.

Craig brings a wealth of strategic and hands-on business experience to the role gained from his career within the leisure industry. He studied Criminology and Law at University and later went on to gain a Management Diploma in Sports & Recreation.

Since 2010 he has been working for Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council as Principal Leisure Manager (Operations), which included the general management of the multi million pound development of Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park in Huyton. Craig also played a fundamental role in the development and opening of the Knowsley velodrome and BMX track.

He also previously held senior management roles within Leeds City Council and Kettering Community Leisure Limited with responsibility for achieving business growth.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining Flint High which is such a vibrant and forward-thinking school. In recent years the school has gone from strength to strength and has achieved impressive results across the curriculum. I am looking forward to playing a lead role in building on this success for the future benefit of our students and the local community.”

Craig lives locally in Flint Mountain with his wife, Emma, and enjoys walking the dogs, modifying classic cars and following his keen interest in music.

Attendance Pays!Attendance Pays!Attendance Pays!Attendance Pays!At Flint High School, we encourage all our students to attend school regularly and to arrive on time to begin their day. Research shows that positive attendance is linked to overall school performance. The good news is that 142 students have 100% attendance this term.

These students, along with others with very high attendance, will be entered into the termly Attendance Draw, where all students are eligible to win one of three vouchers. The higher the student’s attendance, the more times that their name is entered into the draw.

In addition, students with 100% attendance at the end of July are not only entered into a special prize draw, but start the next academic year with 20 achievement points. Last year the winner was Ellen Wain, who won a £50 shopping voucher!

Did you know?

Attendance over 5 years(Years 7-11)

If a student had:

85-90% attendance = half a year off school!

80% attendance = a whole year off school!

Students have the Right ChemistryStudents have the Right ChemistryStudents have the Right ChemistryStudents have the Right ChemistryYear 7 Science students recently visited the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester. They took part in lab session on acids

and alkalis; got involved with the many interactive exhibits and impressed the session tutor with their knowledge and understanding!

More Able and TalentedMore Able and TalentedMore Able and TalentedMore Able and TalentedFlint High Schools More Able and Talented students have been busy this term with students being nominated by their teachers to attend Flintshire events in different schools. Four students from year 10, with an interest in the Social Sciences, were involved in a day with the Bangor University Social Sciences department at Hawarden High School and two lucky members of Mrs Turner's year 10 Art class got involved in a clay sculpture workshop at John Summers High School. Mr Clewett also hosted an event for Flintshire; the lucky students involved created Apps, which were put on the internet for people all over the world to download!

In addition 30 students from years 7, 8 and 9 enjoyed a fantastic day with the staff from Techniquest Wrexham carrying out research on the psychology of problem solving. The pictures from this event show each year working hard to complete

the research in the time set. The research by Flint High Students will be used by Techniquest and will form part of an academic research paper being written by one of the Techniquest Scientists. Many thanks to all involved with the MAT events this term.

FHS and the Silver ScreenFHS and the Silver ScreenFHS and the Silver ScreenFHS and the Silver ScreenStudents were recently treated to a Film Club Cymru funded cinematography event. Students started gathering in the Learning Zone from the beginning of lunch, though the event, being run by Kino Kulture was expected to start much later on in the afternoon.

The event began with an introduction to cinematography and luckily everybody had a basic idea of what it was. Some of the students had made short films before, mostly animation and short films with a short script and story boards, which impressed our guests.

Firstly we began by watching a video of the Borne director Paul Greengrass on his third Borne film

(Ultimatum), explaining how he decided to shoot a certain clip as the students flicked through the leaflets handed out. Greengrass in the video explained that to make a good film, you need to pull all of the elements such as designing, editing (and especially cinematography!) together to tell a story using “art and magic.” Finally we all watched a short clip of a reporter being chased and assassinated until Kino Kulture questioned us on how we felt. Students replied with a variation of “funny”, “disturbing”, “tense”, “exciting” and “on the edge of [their] seat!” and students identified how the cinematography of shaky camera, music and angles helped to create these emotions. This action-packed scene set in “uncontrollable” areas (public) makes it feel fresh compared to the Hollywood movie controllable sets.

Secondly, we watched another clip, this time featuring Tristan Oliver talking about what it is like to be an animation cinematographer, and how his perspectives of Chicken Run with the chicken and human levels helped to add emotion, which is a very important part of the job.

After watching several short film clips, the students were given the opportunity to use some £4500 camera equipment (supervised of course!) Linked up to the big screen, Kino Kulture told us that different camera types always produce different results, and offered several to try some filming. Zach Ashley began by filming Tommy Roberts and Blaine Breeze with some very interesting results, mostly consisting of nostril and eyelid shots when testing out the close-up functions. Billy Gillam investigated panoramas while an intimate love (or “creepy friendship”) scene took place between Ethan Fleet and Blaine. The day ended with Ben Hughes in perspective as his twin brother Ryan took up arms to practise moving shots. Katherine Lindhorst Year 10

Get Hooked on FishingGet Hooked on FishingGet Hooked on FishingGet Hooked on FishingFor the past six months students from Flint High have been Hooked on Fishing! They have been out with Mrs Lloyd and Mr Hillsden fishing in Bagillt and Chester. It is an amazing opportunity for some students to really shine.

“We have had some fantastic afternoons,” said Mrs Lloyd, “It was great when Macauley caught a duck instead of a fish! Don’t worry the duck was fine but Macauley hasn’t recovered from the shock.”

The project gives students a chance to feel better about themselves and school. “I can’t believe how well students concentrate when they are fishing, if only they had so much patience in class,” said Mr Hillsden.

The students have been out at the lakes in all weathers and sometimes come back to school looking like mud men.

GroundworksGroundworksGroundworksGroundworksGroundworks is an amazing charity that works on projects to improve the local environment. Our

students have been involved in this work for four years. A small group of young people go out and complete one day’s work experience every week. They have remodelled local gardens, made outdoor classrooms at local schools and helped to maintain benches in the community.

Any students who have a love of gardening and outdoor work and think that they would benefit from this experience should speak to Mrs Fisher. Also let her know if you have any environmental projects that Groundworks could help.

Spotlight on Support StaffSpotlight on Support StaffSpotlight on Support StaffSpotlight on Support Staff

This time we spotlight two more important members of the support staff team.

Mr Paul WynneMr Paul WynneMr Paul WynneMr Paul Wynne

Mr Wynne is our technology technician. He is an all round handy man. You name it and he will fix or build it. One of ways that he shows his willingness to

go above and beyond is his support for the Toyota Challenge. Not only does he spend hours after school helping the teams to prepare their winning entries he also travels to the competitions to support them. Mr Wynne spent a long time in industry and this helps to bring reality and an extra dimension to the Technology Department.

Mrs Louise MorrisMrs Louise MorrisMrs Louise MorrisMrs Louise Morris

Mrs Morris is very busy at the moment because she is responsible for getting Tracker Cards finished and out to students. She is also helping Miss Ellis to make sure that Target Day runs as

smoothly as possible. She is the school’s Data Manager and works tirelessly to ensure that we have the data to show what students are achieving. She helps to spot underachievement so that the relevant teachers can intervene. Mrs Morris is always calm, patient and friendly and this has been essential when she has helped students to make any adjustments to their options.

Mrs Morris is also a key member of the choir and she always contributes to any charity fund raising events by baking fantastic cakes.

Prince’s TrustPrince’s TrustPrince’s TrustPrince’s TrustThis year we have a new option for year ten students, The Prince’s Trust. This scheme rewards young people for many skills including their volunteering work, their ability to work as part of a team and their contribution to the school community.

The Prince of Wales set up the scheme to help young people be a key part of society. The work designed by the trust helps to build confidence, self esteem and communication skills. It allows young people to prepare themselves for the future when they will be a part of the work force and the community.

Mrs Chatfield and Mrs Kerry Lloyd run the course and have many exciting events and trips planned for the group. The group have already started to make a difference by improving the school environment, volunteering to help the elderly in the community and by running the food cooperative.

Students Step Back in TimeStudents Step Back in TimeStudents Step Back in TimeStudents Step Back in TimeOn Thursday 6th December, a year 8 English class went on an amazing school trip. They were: Chloe Brady, Keiran Hughes, Aaron Stack, Luke Ettles, Ryan Gee, Tomas Williams, Indya Jones, Rory Cullen, Jason Walker, Callum Roberts, Callum Bridge, Jake Dolman, Chloe Robertson and Keenan Beck.

We went to the Imperial War Museum, North at Salford Quays to learn about World War Two. We had been reading an ebook called the Disappearance of Danny Doyle. It was set in the war years and was a great read. We wanted to know more about the war especially evacuees and rationing.

At the museum we saw a very emotional look into the lives of children at war. The evacuees in the film talked about seeing exotic animals they had never seen before, sheep! There was also a young girl talking about her brother being shot in Rwanda. Another boy talked about soldiers coming to his village asking for money and when the village couldn’t give money they took children instead. Children they would make into soldiers.

We then had a session where we handled a stirrup pump and a hose from World War Two. Callum Bridge had to wear a special Air Raid Warden’s hat and so did Luke Ettles. I (Chloe) wore an ARP Warden’s jacket. We also handled an incendiary bomb; don’t worry it was disarmed! We handled fins from these bombs, boys collected them and played with them because the manufacture of toys was banned in the war. We learnt a lot by looking at these things but it was even better to actually handle them.

Then we were off to the cinema to watch Nativity Two, Danger in the Manger. It was an amazing film because it was funny. David Tennant was brilliant and he even played two parts! Callum Bridge narrowly escaped a terrible accident, he bought a box of popcorn so big he nearly drowned in it.

After the film we had our tea in Burger King. Luke ate the biggest meal they had. Everybody had ice creams even though it was sleeting outside.

We had a brilliant time and Mrs Lloyd was a top driver. We think we deserve to go somewhere else very soon!

Chloe Brady and Keiran Hughes.

YES THEY CAN!YES THEY CAN!YES THEY CAN!YES THEY CAN!Ty Fydd Prefects, Georgia Burrows, Danni Rodber and Curtis Roscoe collected cans from members of their House and delivered them to the Co-op in Mold as part of the YOU CAN HELP scheme, which is designed to help members of the local community. Da Iawn and diolch yn fawr to all who contributed.

Welsh Baccalaureate MotivationWelsh Baccalaureate MotivationWelsh Baccalaureate MotivationWelsh Baccalaureate MotivationYear 10 student Lucy Blackwell recently received a very special delivery - a letter from her local MP!

Following a Welsh Baccalaureate lesson with Mrs Maunton on Politics and Animal Rights, a motivated Lucy took it upon herself to write to David Hanson MP about

the export of live animals. She proudly brought the reply to her next Welsh Baccalaureate lesson to show her fellow students that her voice had been heard. Mrs Maunton said “When Lucy showed me the letter, I congratulated her and told her how proud I was of her.”

Sport Back PagesSport Back PagesSport Back PagesSport Back PagesFootballFootballFootballFootball

Year 7 had their play off match in the last week of the first half term. I had high hopes for this team, led by the magnificent Dylan Levitt. Unfortunately, their first game as a school team was against Connahs Quay, who the team knew had excellent players as they had been beaten by them at club level. The game was extremely exciting and real end to end stuff and it could have gone either way. Despite a valiant effort we lost 1 – 2. However, we then went on to beat Saint Richard Gwyn A and B teams 4 – 0 and 3 – 0. Outstanding were Jay Norbury, Sam, Lewis Hughes, Dylan Alshorn, Finlay Welch, Teigan Hewitt and I have to mention a blinding 20 yarder by Will Edwards - We’ll be back....

Football v St David’sFootball v St David’sFootball v St David’sFootball v St David’s

Mr Rosier at St David’s kindly offered to bring teams over on a couple of nights to play on the Astroturf under the floodlights. The results went as follows; 7A won 6-3, 7B lost 4-6, 8 won 8-1, 9 lost 0-4, 10 won 5-4, 11 won 4-0. Well done to all those who took part.

Climbing ClubClimbing ClubClimbing ClubClimbing Club

Year 7 have been going mad for climbing club. There is a great atmosphere each meet as students and staff set each other and themselves challenges. Jamie Lee Naylor it must be said is our top year 7 climber; you go girl! My thanks to Mr Wheeler and Mr Chesmer our trainee teacher climbing experts.

Mr Murphy and Miss MaguireMr Murphy and Miss MaguireMr Murphy and Miss MaguireMr Murphy and Miss Maguire

Our trainee teacher Mr Murphy leaves us unfortunately after Christmas and staff and students will miss him and his scouseness! He has been a massive help to the department and we wish him well for the future.

Miss Maguire who has been covering for Mrs Tondziel also leaves us after Christmas to take up a full time post at St Chads, Runcorn. Again I would like to thank her for all her hard work and we wish her luck, whilst we look forward to the return of The Tondz.

BasketballBasketballBasketballBasketball

Year 7s beat all before them in the Flintshire play night. Particularly well done to Dylan Williams, Bradley Ferguson, Dylan Allshorn, Lewis Roberts, and Sam Gill.

Our KS3 team look set to enter the next round of the Welsh Cup having come runners up in the recent

Flintshire tournament. A big up to Leo Jones, Lewis Martin, Tom Burrows and Taylor Parry.

ThanksThanksThanksThanks

Mr Spearpoint would like to thank all the incredible staff who help in PE because they’re just great people. Thanks to Miss Breward, Mrs Morris, Mrs Williams, Mr Hilsden, Mr Roberts, Mrs Roscoe, Mr Bartlett., Miss Connor and Miss Hazelhurst.

Old Trafford Welcomes Flint HighOld Trafford Welcomes Flint HighOld Trafford Welcomes Flint HighOld Trafford Welcomes Flint HighOn 3rd December, students from years 8 and 9 travelled to Old Trafford, home of Manchester United.

This proved to be another really informative and entertaining trip to see the effect of a global business on its local community. After visiting the museum, students were given a comprehensive tour of the stadium inside and out and were able to ask lots of questions about their favourite team as well as photograph anything that moved!

The photograph below shows students in the Manchester United changing room, sitting where the actual players would sit on a match day. Who knows, in years to come, perhaps one of them might return to the very same room in an official capacity - watch this space!