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July 2014
Summer Newsletter
We are at the end of a very
successful school year for
Pencoed Comprehensive
School. Our excellent
results saw us jump from
Band 3 to Band 2 in the
Welsh Government’s
Banding System confirm-
ing that the school has continued to improve over
recent years. The banding score puts Pencoed at the
top of the pile in Bridgend schools.
Whilst examination success is very important, it is
not the only factor in making a good school! A key
indicator is attendance and this year the school’s
attendance figure reached an all-time high of 94.3% -
confirming that our pupils want to come to school!
Throughout this newsletter you will see fantastic
evidence of pupil achievement and success in so
many areas.
David George, Headteacher
Over 150 pupils from the primary feeder
schools were welcomed during the two
transition days held earlier on in July. They
spent the time familiarising themselves with
the school site, staff and activities. Prior to
then, a number of pupils had also been to
school as part of the Helping Hands project.
Year 5 and 6 pupils also attended a special
performance of extracts from ‘Little Shop of
Horrors’. Hopefully, any concerns that pupils
(and parents!) may have about going to the
‘big school’ will have been allayed by these
visits. We now look forward to welcoming all
pupils to school on Wednesday September
3rd.
Looking Ahead to the new term! Headteacher’s Message
Pupils First Learning Time is Paramount Mutual Respect
Working Together Consistently Celebrate the Best - Challenge the Rest
Easter Term Prize
Winners-
Jack Hayes
(Llywelyn) & Freya
Hapgood (Owain),
Curtis Palmer
(Gwenllian) &
Caitlin Croft
(Branwen)
Proud 1000 Club Prize Winners
As part of the 1000 club rewards system, all pupils
have points added or deducted based on attendance,
academic performance, conduct and behaviour. All
pupils in the 1000 club receive a certificate and are
then entered into a draw.
Year 11 Record of
Achievement Assembly
This was a fantastic ceremony with
around 130 Year 11 pupils attending.
We look forward to seeing all of Year
11 again on GCSE Exam Results Day on
August 21st and hopefully returning to
the Sixth Form in September.
Fresh Start pupils organised a Coffee
Morning in May and raised £208.58 for
the Stephen Sutton Cancer charity.
Year 7 and Year 8 students took part in the Junior Maths Challenge
set by the UK Mathematics Trust. The challenge was very difficult and
involved solving a range of mathematics problems. ‘Best in School’
Shannon Phelps achieved a high score of 80 – a brilliant result, well
done Shannon! The following pupils gained a certificate, Shannon
Phelps - best in school, best in year 8 and gold, Kali Morgan – silver,
Cerys Johnson, Rhys Bending and Rosie Pope - bronze and Emma
Powson – best in year 7. A huge congratulations to all of the pupils
who took part. Over 98,000 students from across the UK entered the
Junior Maths Challenge with the top 10% receiving a Gold certificate,
the next 20% Silver and the next 30% Bronze.
stAR Reader Millionaires
This year all pupils in years 7 – 9 have participated in our reading programme called stAR. Pupils
have really enjoyed reading and quizzing which is reflected in a total 1,609 books (28,044,291
words) which have been read and successfully quizzed on which is fantastic. We currently have
three stAR reader millionaires Rhiannon Svenson, year 7 who has read 1,318, 132 words and
completed 33 quizzes, Jevan King, year 8 who has read 1,333,272 words and completed 44 quizzes
and Cai Wall who is now totalling 2,071,089 words and completed 39 quizzes. Special
congratulations to these pupils!
Techniquest visited the maths department
recently to carry out numeracy rich workshops.
A good time was had by all 240 pupils!
Pencoed Celebrates Maths Challenge Success
Techniquest Visit Charity
Animal Adoption
In English, Year 8 pupils studied the
topic of ‘Animals’ looking at specific
areas such as badger culling, poetry,
animal narrative and WWF campaigns.
Whilst studying the WWF adverts Miss
Casson’s two English groups became
really interested in endangered animals
and really wanted to get involved with
saving them. As a result they asked if
they could adopt an animal as a class.
Class 8-4 decided to adopt an Orang-utan which they named Ciao and Class 8-6 decided to adopt a
dolphin which they called Kevin Cuddles.
Internal appointments - congratulations to
David Owen as Head of 6th Form, Sharon Davies as Head of Learning Core, Kate Drakeford as
Deputy Head of Learning Core, Gill Spicer as Head of Owain, Cath Rees as Head of RE.
External appointments – congratulations to
Carl Muller as Teacher of Mathematics (maternity cover), Philomena O’Kane as teacher of MFL
(maternity cover) and Rachel Morgan as Teacher of Mathematics, and Dean Ronan as Pupil Support/
Rugby Development Officer.
Goodbye and a huge thank you to -
Mrs Delyth Landy who left at the end of the Easter term, and at the end of this term Mrs Helen
Gwynne-Kinsey, Mr Andrew Pearce, Mr Paul Webber and non teaching staff - Mrs Ruth Hendry Mrs
Julie Hopkin, Miss Amy Williams, and Mr John Williams. Also leaving are Miss Kirsty McColl, Ms
Hannelore Bennett, Mr Daniel Spear (all on maternity cover) and Mr Dafydd Keyse, Miss Rebecca
Lewis, and Miss Francis Mainwaring (temporary contracts).
Staff News
The people of Pencoed have had to watch out over the last two weeks
as a rather large man-eating plant has been taking over school. The
Drama and Music departments at Pencoed Comprehensive have been
busy with four packed out performances of their latest school
production which this year was
“Little Shop of Horrors!” The main
character was a little unusual as it
was a rather large puppet that
grows and grows before eating
the whole cast and even some of the audience! Mrs Kay
Smith who is Head of Drama & Performing Arts at Pencoed
Comprehensive chose the show for the fast paced black
comedy and fantastic rock’n’roll, doowap and motown style
music. The atmosphere was amazing each evening, with the enthusiasm of the performers
being highly infectious as the audience joined in with the clapping, giving standing ovations every
evening.
As well as a man eating plant, the drama studio was hijacked by a
group of boisterous, jolly singing pirates! “Points Pirates” was the
latest original production written and produced by Miss Rebecca
Lewis and was based on the school’s positive points system. The
lower school drama club performed the show for Year 6 as part of
the transition visits and it was
another successful production.
The Drama department is very
sad to be losing Miss Lewis at
the end of this year and would
like to thank her for all her
hard work and contribution to Drama. Lower School Drama will
certainly miss her and we would like to wish her all the very
best for her new job in Heol Ddu School.
Little Shop of Horrors
Points Pirates
Page to Stage
It was a very exciting moment when Year 8 were sent special good luck messages from a range of
celebrities for their playwriting competition. “From Page to Stage” is a joint venture between Drama
and English and the whole of Year 8 are currently busy writing their own plays which will be judged
and performed in the new academic year. The project started with a very busy launch day during
the summer Learning Core programme and included personalised video messages from Welsh
Playwright Frank Vickery and Hollywood Film Star Michael Sheen. Mrs Smith Head of Drama is very
excited by the project. “This is a brilliant opportunity for all out Year 8 pupils to write their own play
and to see it performed live. I called in a few favours from some old friends to try to inspire the
pupils and it was great to see their faces when Michael Sheen popped up on the screen talking
about Pencoed and their writing”. Good Luck Year 8! We look forward to the finished plays!
Lightning Strikes Again!
The Lightning Hut, based in the Drama Studio at Pencoed Comprehensive, starts off again on
Saturday October 4th. Sessions start at 11am for ages 4-8, followed by Dance class for ages 8+
between 12-1pm, and Youth Theatre (age 8+) between 1 – 3pm. For more information please
see Mrs Smith in Drama or contact The Lighting Hut on 01639 899989 or email
[email protected] . More details also on www.thelightninghut.com
During the weekend of the spring bank
holiday, 35 students visited Paris and the
surrounding area. An excellent time was
had by all! Students were able to practise
their French and experience the culture of
a foreign country. They travelled by
coach and Eurotunnel (surprisingly no
one spotted any fish on the way under
‘LaManche’!!!) Visits included: Château de
Versailles, a Seine river boat cruise, a
sight seeing tour of all the main attractions
of the city and a fantastic day at Disneyland Paris. The MFL department would like to thank all the pu-
pils who took part in the trip for their excellent behaviour and representation of the school.
During May, a number of Year 10 pupils
attended an University of Oxford Taster Day
at St Hilda’s College. A taste of things to come!
Year 8 pupils were, recently involved all day in a
series of different activities such as Line Dancing
and Slavery lessons led by a 40 strong team of
American visitors. The whole school vibrated to
the music!
MLD Pupils enjoyed their annual visit to the Gnoll in Neath for the Challenge Day -
as the pictures clearly show!
As part of their coursework, Year 10
Geography pupils recently carried out
controlled assessment fieldwork at the River
Ogmore at Bryngarw & Newbridge Fields.
Year 12 Geography pupils went further
afield to the Gower.
Paris Trip
Year 8 and the Americans
Year 10 Plan Ahead for Oxford!
Out in the Field
MLD School Challenge Day
The Sixth Form Ball in Parc Plaza, Cardiff
went very well and the Y11 Prom at Coed y
Mwstwr was also a superb event.
During the summer term we had a very busy
& successful two weeks of Learning Core
activities, which of course includes WBQ and
Skills. Congratulations to Mrs Sharon Davies
and the whole team for gaining Accredited
Centre Status for the Wider Key Skills and
successful submissions for WBQ Advanced
and Intermediate Diplomas.
The Art Summer Show took place on Monday 30th June in the Art Department where GCSE, AS
and A Level coursework and examination work was on display. Pupils, parents and staff who
came to see the show were very complimentary about
the quality and variety of work produced by our talented
and hard-working artists. In addition a slideshow of this
work is now on display on screen in the Science
Resources Area. Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Kavanagh were
delighted to see so many people in the exhibition and
look forward to doing the show again next summer. The
OAPS are invited every year to see the exhibition and on
Tuesday 1st July, after their lunch, they walked over to
the Art Department to have a look at the
work on display. Specialist Crafts is a
supplier of art and craft materials and Mrs. Williams has submitted a selection of
GCSE, AS and A Level work to their Art Gallery. 20 pieces were selected by
Specialist Crafts to be entered into their quarterly competition, and this work can
be viewed online on the Specialist Crafts website in the Art Gallery.
During the Learning Core Summer
Programme ‘Dylan Thomas Day’ Years 7 and 8
pupils were asked to draw an illustration of one
of the characters from ‘Under Milk Wood’.
They were asked to read the descriptions,
select one character and then produce an
illustration in the style of Sir Peter Blake. It was
a really successful day and the resulting
drawings are now on display in the
Welsh Department.
All Glammed Up!
Excellence in Art
Years 7 & 8 Dylan Thomas Day
During the Learning Core Summer
Programme, Careers Wales Team Enterprise
were in school working with pupils in plan-
ning an event and taking part in a Dragon’s
Den style presentation. Local businesses also
took part, acting as mentors and dragons.
Learning Core Summer Programme
Some of the very smart
Year 13 pupils
Marvellous term for Pencoed Sports Department
The girls rounders teams from Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 have
had 9 fixtures this term against Cynffig, Archbishop
McGrath, Maesteg and Brynteg and have won all games.
Great interest in girls’ football this term. Three teams have
played matches - Year 7, Year 7/8 mixed, and Year 9/10
mixed.
Two girls’ cricket teams from Year 8 were entered into a
cricket tournament organised by Cricket Wales. Following
two coaching sessions prior to the tournament the teams
were placed 5th and 6th out of 12 teams and just missed
out from getting through to the semi finals and the chance to represent Wales.
Year 9 Rounders Year 8 Rounders
Year 7 Rounders
60 girls from Year 7, 8 and 9 participated in the
AYPD Bridgend Girls Games. All girls were
given the opportunity to take part in a variety
of activities and the girls all said how much
they enjoyed the day.
Year 10 rugby players officiated in the
WRU/Ospreys Bridgend Primary Schools
Touch Tournament in Rest Bay.
Year 9 pupils competed in the county athletics
at Leckwith in Cardiff – result of the day being
Brennig Pascoe 2nd in 1500m.
Three days of marvellous sporting activity
were undertaken during the Learning Core
Summer Programme by Years 8, 9 & 10.
The PE Department wish to thank Kirsty McColl for her
contribution to the department. Best wishes in her
maternity cover role at Brynteg from September.
Congratulations to Ella - winner of the
Glamorgan Girls Championship as well as the
Ladies Title she’s already won. Ella is also a
member of the Vale Resort Ladies Team which
reached the semi-finals of the Welsh Team
Championship.
Evan recently competed in the National
Competition for Tumbling gymnastics in
Coventry. He got the highest score through-
out and came first in his age category – gain-
ing entry to the British Finals. Well done!
Congratulations - promoted to Second
Dan Black Belt Tang Soo Doo Karate.
A World Cup Fun Day was held on July 11th - organised by Rhys Young (Year
11, Sports Leader) and the Sports Board which included Sam Costello, Rosie
Pope, Dan Morris, Jenna Dyckhoff, Megan Griffiths and Rhiannon Evans with
the help of Jack Harvey. Over £300 was raised for the school. Prior to then,
registration forms had got into the World Cup spirit having adopted a team
from the competition, decorating their classes accordingly and wearing their
team colours for the Fun Day. Rhys organised various competitions and
activities which included a penalty shoot out - Brazil would have been proud!
The winner of the registration form competition was LAW, the winner of the
penalty shoot out was Morgan Howells Yr9 with 3/3 vs Mr Thompson (goalie
extraordinaire!), winning a chocolate golden boot. The winner of the
Crossbar Challenge was Rhys Young with 1/3 hitting the bar, BUT the
Budweiser football goes to Dan Morris for his spectacular 'after-competition'
attempt! As you can see, Mr Thompson and Mr Pownall dressed up with great
enthusiasm for their respective countries, France and Honduras.
Ella Griffiths -Year 11 Evan Jones -Year 7
Megan Lewis -Year 7
Congratulations - promoted to Black Belt
in Tang Soo Doo Karate.
Charlotte Morgan - Year 11
World Cup Fever Reaches Pencoed
We had marvellous weather for an outstanding Sports Day this year. Pupils took
part in a whole range of activities on the playing fields supported by fellow pupils
and staff. Llywelyn House were the winners.
Summer Sports Day
Sports Day tug of war
Pencoed Comprehensive, in partnership with the WRU, are proud to
have appointed Dean Ronan as Pupil Support/Rugby Development
Officer from September 2014.
Players on the astro turf during Sports Day
Bruck Payne Presentation
6th form pupils valued the Bruck Payne event,
sponsored by Staedtler, UK. The aim was to
complete a self analysis using the Myers Briggs
self-awareness psychometric tool and a
programme of emotional intelligence workshops
designed to optimise pupil performance. If you happened to see some to see some
strangely dressed people recently between
Merthyr Mawr and Porthcawl you weren’t
imagining things. Thank you to all those who
donated towards 6th form funds.
Congratulations to Caitlin Jenkins on being
offered a place on the University of Oxford’s
UNIQ Summer school 2014. Over 4,000 students
applied for 1000 places. Caitlin studied English
for a week attending lectures & seminars by
Oxford academics, and was mentored by current
undergraduates. Caitlin also attended workshops
on interviews and personal statements, careers
events and social activities.
Lord Touhig met with sixth form students recently
to talk about the work and role of the House of
Lords. This was followed by a question and answer
session on various aspects of the parliamentary
process and life at Westminster generally.
A very successful
Strawberry Tea Party was
organised by Year 12 in aid
of Breast Cancer. Thank
you to all who attended and
donated. We are still
counting the money!
Lord Touhig’s visit to Pencoed
Comprehensive School as part of the
‘Peers in School’ Outreach
Programme
Sixth Form Uniform
Sixth Form Fancy Dress Walk
Congratulations Caitlin!
Strawberries Galore!
UCAS
During the term 6th formers visited the
University of Glamorgan for advice regarding
their UCAS applications and also an Oxbridge
Student Conference at the Liberty Stadium,
Swansea
Sixth Form News
Following consultation with pupils there will be
slight changes to the 6th form uniform from next
September. The black jumper is being replaced
by a dark grey jumper or cardigan, tipped in
maroon. The badge/shield on the embroidery
will also be replaced by the ‘tree’ logo in
maroon. The ‘new’ Year 13 pupils will have the
option of continuing with their existing uniform.
@PencoedComp
For your Diary
Tel. 01656 867100 E: [email protected]
www.pencoedcs.bridgend.sch.uk
August 14 - A & AS level Results Sept. 17 - FoPCS Meeting (6pm)
August 21 - GCSE Results Day Sept. 25 - Year 7 Literacy & Numeracy Framework Evening
Sept. 3 - 1st day of term for pupils Sept. 26 - European Day of Languages
Key dates for 2014/2015 will be distributed early September