GwernyfedYsgol Uwchradd

High School

TBC

gwernyfed-hs.com

October 2017 - Issue 33

To Be Confirmed

We are rebranding the newsletter - See page 10 on how you can help!

PromArt Competition

Pg 11

Will the teachers stay at the top?Find out - Pg 12 & 13

Guess what these pupils are doing before you read - Pg 15

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Contents

All the information you need on our Senior Team - Page 4 & 5

Want to stay in the loop? Download Schoop - Page 6

Cardiff Art Trip - Page 7

Help us name the newsletter - Page 10

Gwernyfed Champions League - Page 12 & 13

Our future’s People - Page 17

Refugee Day - Page 18 Staff Volleyball - Page 25

They do sport and they do it well - Page 26 - 31

Messages & Notices - Page 35

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Message from The Head

Dear all/Annwyl pawb

Welcome back to a new year!

Our Year 7 have settled impressively with their hard work and application to learning. Volunteering at the well attended Open Evening, their enthusiasm on the Humanities trip and sporting efforts are promising great things.

We welcome new staff this term. Mr Simon Hanks has moved to teach in Dubai after 12 years at Gwernyfed, so Miss K Hughes (Art) is the new head of Lower School assisted by Mrs Millington. New staff include Miss Coleman, Ms Hughes and Ms Knight (English), Ms Lowther (Science) and Mr Pope (Maths). Mrs Sally Gower-Fox returns from a year travelling through Africa. Mr Ehi Ifidon now leads the Maths Faculty. Ms Bronnie Jones continues as an LSA and as a Welsh Rugby Union hub officer.

Discussions have continued regarding the refurbishment of Gwernyfed. We have decided to update the buildings we already have, to maintain the space available and continue to enjoy all the Mansion House has to offer. September 2019 should see the completion of works. Our website will keep you informed of developments.

The 2017 exam results were pleasing with significant individual achievements, plus evidence of successful introduction of new GCSE courses. We wish all students success in the future, be it jobs, college, Sixth Form or University. Thank you to all Year 10 and 11 Parents who attended the GCSE information evening this month as we prepare students this year.

One area the school must improve is its attendance rate. 62 pupils had more than 3 weeks absence last year. In many jobs they would be sacked! We will be sending regular letters home this year. If your child receives a red or amber letter, please work with us to improve their chances of achieving their potential by attending every day.

As usual the newsletter celebrates the achievements of our inspiring pupils, from volunteering to leadership, to sport and art. Well done all!

Thank you for your continuing support of Gwernyfed High School. Continue to follow us on Schoop, Facebook and Twitter.

Enjoy the half term break!

Thank you for your continuing support.

Mr J Williams Pennaeth/Headteacher

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Senior Team Fact Files

Name: Megan Emily GriffithsRole: Head GirlHouse: MynyddSubjects: Biology, Chemistry, French and MathsBest qualities: Confidence, determination and honestyFavourite teacher: Mr HughesFavourite movie: The Kingsman: Secret ServiceFuture ambitions: To become a doctor and Queen of the world. Hobbies/interests: Netball, rugby, eating out and spending time with friends.

Name: Ieuan David Phillips Role: Head BoyHouse: MynyddSubjects: Chemistry, Geography, Maths and PhysicsBest qualities: Hard working, organised and perseverance Favourite teacher: Mr JenkinsFavourite movie: Casino Royale Future ambitions: I am unsure at the moment, but I will work and give 100% to whatever I doHobbies/Interests: sport, especially playing and coaching badminton‘If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well and to the best of your ability’

Name: Rachel WilliamsRole: Student Pastoral Support Co-ordinator House: MynyddSubjects: Business Studies, Geography, Law and Sociology Best quality: ApproachableFavourite teacher: Mrs Morgan

Name: Will WorkmanRole: Head of SportsHouse: MynyddSubjects: Business Studies, English, Geography and Media StudiesBest quality: TalkativeFavourite teacher: Mr Hanks

Name: Menna MorganRole: Head of ArtsHouse: DyffrynSubjects: Art, Drama, English and HistoryBest quality: ConfidentFavourite teacher: Miss Hughes

Name: Rhiannon Hanniford-HanksRole: Sixth Form Communications Coordinator House: MynyddSubjects: English, French, Maths and SociologyBest quality: CommunicationFavourite teacher: Ms Jenkins

Name: Megan Prendergast Role: Year 11 into 12 Transition Mentor House: Dyffryn Subjects: English, Business Studies and Photography Best quality: OrganisedFavourite teacher: Mrs Morgan

Name: Olivia GrantRole: Head of Student Achieve-ment House: MynyddSubjects: English, French, History and SociologyBest quality: Hard workingFavourite teacher: Miss Chapman

Name: Lene Bray Role: Sixth Form Events Co-ordinator House: Dyffryn Subjects: Biology, English and HistoryBest qualities: Time management Favourite teacher: Mr Webber

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Name: Morven BallRole: Alumni Liaison Co-ordinator House: MynyddSubjects: Maths, Biology, Physics and ChemistryBest quality: DeterminationFavourite teacher: Mr Aldworth

Name: Kayane ThomasRole: Head of ArtsHouse: DyffrynSubjects: Art, Drama, English and Media StudiesBest quality: CreativeFavourite teacher: Miss Hughes

Name: Sophie MatthewsRole: Year 6 into 7 Transition Mentor House: MynyddSubjects: Biology, French, Maths and PEBest quality: DedicationFavourite teacher: Mr Webber

Pupil Leadership Team

Role Student Responsible for:Head Girl Meg Griffiths School Council, Sixth Form assembly,

whole school assembly, Year 6 parents evening, Year 11 parents evening

Head Boy Ieuan Phillips School Council, Sixth Form assembly, whole school assembly, Year 6 parents evening, Year 11 parents evening

Sixth form Communications Coordinator

Rhiannon Hanniford-Hanks Article about Sixth Form for each news-letter, possibly B&R, co-ordinate with RS with regards schoop

Alumni Liaison Co-ordinator Morven Ball Contact and Liaise with Alumni - organ-ising speakers for KS4 and KS5 assem-blies. Publish articles in newsletter.

Sixth Form Events Co-ordina-tor

Lene Bray Liaise with MP for icebreaker with Year 12. Co-ordinate teams for Ball, Leavers’ Meal, Year Book, hoodies

Year 11 into 12 Transition Mentor

Meg Prendergast Liaise with LB for icebreaker with Year 12. Speak in Year 10/11 assemblies with RS. Liaise with RS re Sixth Form Pro-spectus.

Year 6 into 7 Transition Mento Sophie Matthews Liaise with Ms Hughes re Shadow Days, go with Ms Hughes to Feeder Primary schools. Liaise with WW to organise Year 7 inter-form competitions.

Student Pastoral Support Coor-dinator

Rachel Williams Liaise with ALN. Work with Heads of Year to improve mentoring/counselling service. Organise speakers for assem-blies.

Head of Student Achievement Olivia Grant Speak in Year assemblies, half termly visit to each form to gather info on students who have achieved in and out of school. Take photos/write brief article. Publish newsletter/possibly B&R

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Gwernyfed High School is proud to announce that it is now using an app for schools called Schoop. Schoop will improve the way we communicate with you and our school community. With your valuable involvement, your children’s education and the whole school will benefit.

If you have an iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet• On your iPhone or iPad click the App Store button• On your Android phone or tablet click the Google Play button• Search for Schoop and download the FREE app• Run the app and follow the instructions• Enter our Schoop ID 20507• Add the years and groups relevant to youThat’s it – you’re in the loop! If you have Windows mobile, Blackberry, PC or Mac• Go to www.schoop.co.uk• Enter our Schoop ID: 20507• Add your email address and choose relevant years and groups• Select your preferred language, if applicable.• Click CONFIRM, and you’re in the loop! Need help?No need to contact the school. Schoop will answer any of your questionsGo to: www.schoop.co.uk and click on Support, or send an email to support@schoop.co.uk

Stay in the loop

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Cardiff Art Trip

On Friday 22nd September year 10 Fine Art, Photography and Graphic Communication pupils went to visit the National Museum Cardiff, Craft in the Bay and the Poppies Weeping Window installation outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. Pupils were able to see a range of traditional and contemporary artwork from traditional painting, sculpture and pottery. During the visit, pupils were given the opportunity to create drawings, take photographs and analyse the artwork that they viewed. It is important for GCSE pupils to see artwork in a gallery/museum setting rather than just using the internet. During the trip, pupils were able to comment of the scale and display of the artwork within the galleries and inspire them to think about how their work could be displayed.

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Health and Wellbeing Survey

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Year 5 Arts Workshop

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1 in 280

Two hundred and eighty local school children responded to the launch of ‘PromArt’ which is a new annual art competition set up by the Brecon Town Concert Band in partnership with Lumen Prize, The global for Digital Art. The work was displayed in Theatr Brycheiniog’s Andrew Lamont gallery throughout September.

The PromArt competition was devised to promote, celebrate and showcase the artistic talents of students studying in schools across Powys. The 75 short listed pictures were show on a digital screen above the stage at the Band Concert on Monday 11th September.

The band committee agreed to fund £180 in prize money for the competition. The winners of the three categories were announced at the band’s ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert. The winners of each age category were awarded cash prices: £70 for the years 10 & 11 winner, £60 for the years 8 & 9 winner and £50 price for the years 7 and younger winner.

We are proud to announce that Mia Gardner, Year 11 was the winner of the oldest age group category with her ‘Samuel Goldberg and Schmuyle’ Piece. Not only was it such a feat being the winner out of 280 other pupils but Mia has also bagged herself a cool cash price of £70.

Mia definitely lives by the School aims: Achievement, Excellence and Responsibility.

Well done Mia.

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Gwernyfed Champions League 2017

The annual Gwernyfed Champions League has returned with the Teachers, Year 13, Year 12A, Year 12B, Year 11 and Girls football teams battling it out for the title. The tournament is held at lunchtimes on the Astro-turf and has seen close games and big crowds to observe the competition. Headline results so far have included Year 12A losing 2-0 to year 12B and the teachers rolling back the years to produce a stunning 3-1 victory over the Year 13s. In the Golden boot race, Mr Evans (chemistry) is leading the way, with his regular goal hanging proving efficient to fire the teachers to the top of the table. The race for the golden glove is also exciting, with 3 goalkeepers currently tied in the lead for the highest number of clean sheets, however Mr Carter has made some stunning saves for the teachers to preserve their unbeaten record. The tournament will run until the end of November and will result in 2 semi-finals, where 1st will play 4th and 2nd will play 3rd. This will be followed by the all-important Champions League Final to decide the winners. The table currently looks like this:

We would like to thank Mr Carter, Will Workman and Mr Miller for refereeing the matches and also a big thanks to Will Workman for running such a successful tournament so far.

The upcoming fixtures are:

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Semi-Final 1: 1st vs 4th - Tuesday 28th November Semi-Final 2: 2nd vs 3rd - Wednesday 29th November Champions League Final – Tuesday 5th December

All fixtures are displayed on the whiteboard in the canteen- keep an eye out for any date changes!

There is also the opportunity for pupils from any year group to have a go at commentating over the microphone and conduct post-match interviews of these games. Report writers, pundits and photographers are also needed! If anybody is interested, please speak to your English teacher!

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Glasbury Arts AGM Concert

On Saturday 7th October musicians from Gwernyfed were invited to entertain Glasbury Arts members in the drama studio. Evelyn Cronin, Phoebe Jones, Tyler Morris, Molly McCarthy, Taylor-May Hammond and George Keylock played and sang a variety of pieces to a very high standard, and represented the school’s music department extremely well. So a huge well done and thank you to all 6 for giving up their Saturday evening.

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Heart Start

Year 7, 8 & 9 took part in ‘Heartstart’ which is an initiative to teach emergency life saving skills. Pupils all throughout the day where shown how to conduct CPR which included presses up and down on a casualty’s chest (in this case, a dummy with a clicker which let pupils know if they were doing it correctly) and rescue breaths which may help save someones life.

Pupils who attended where given a certificate of their achievement and the knowledge of what to do when it comes to saving someones life through CPR.

Thank you to Heartstart and The (BHF) British Heart Foundation for giving our pupils the potential to help others.

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Charity Successes

We made £42 profit from selling ice creams. The money will go to Welsh Air Ambulance.

Thanks to all for raising money for The British Red Cross Society Hurricane Appeal and hope you enjoyed the European Day of Languages at the same time!

We raised £85.40p

Merci Beaucoup!

The school council has got off to a great start with two successful meetings being held on 13/07/17 and 13/10/17. This year each form has elected two representatives, one boy and one girl and their role is to represent the views of their form groups and feedback information to them effectively. We have intro-duced a new feedback process for the school council this year through a feedback form, to ensure that all key information from the meetings is clearly relayed back to the pupils, and everyone is given a chance to make suggestions about the key topic areas discussed. Every form representative must complete a feedback form after each meeting or they will be re-elected. Examples of key topics being discussed at the moment include:• Location of bins around the school site to minimise litter.• Rewarding and encouraging high levels of attendance.• Improving careers advice for pupils.• School refurbishment plans.

We would like to thank the school council members for their continual commitment in attending meetings, giving their honest views and feeding back to their form groups effectively. If anyone has any suggestions for the school council, please speak to your form reps.

School Council

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Our Future’s People

As part of a project being run between Severn Wye Energy and Gwernyfed High School, a team of pupils has been selected to run an energy efficiency awareness project within the school. As part of the selection process pupils were required to complete an application form to apply for various posts within the team structure. They were then interviewed by Mark Stead from Severn Wye and assigned roles and responsibilities suited to their skills and talents. Pupils now begin the process of auditing the current situation of the school and identifying areas that can be improved upon immediately. Pupils will also attend an event in Llanelwedd where all other South Powys schools will share their ideas and strategies. Upon completion of their report, pupils will present their findings and suggestions to the governing body so that some/all of these strategies can be implemented in our school environment. This project is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to develop their environmental awareness as well as improve their confidence in working as a group and presenting to adults. The management structure for the project is shown here.

Mr S JenkinsAssistant Headteacher

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GHS Host HBTSR

On Sunday 15th October Gwernyfed High School opened its gates to Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Town Of Sanctuary Group and held a day filled with activities and opportunities for asylum seekers to experience what South Wales has to offer while hopefully helping them feel like normal people and families again.

There was sport played in the morning which included badminton and football (whilst some opted to chat) followed by what sounded like some lovely food (Curries & Chilli & Jacket potato) served by some of the students in the hospitality department of the school. Dessert was a choice of apple crumble and custard or Ice cream and Eton mess which is making all of those unable to attend, very jealous right now.

A walk around the grounds, henna tattoos and more football concluded the time here and before leaving people wrote messages on post it notes for everyone to see what a good day it had been.

HBTSR supporters are grateful to staff and pupils of the school for such a warm welcome, wonderful food and for giving up their Sunday to help with the day.

The day and atmosphere at Gwernyfed could be summarised with this quote left by M from Syria:

“My life has been very bad but today has been a high point. It will help me and my family cope with the bad times better” - well M from Syria, we hope Gwernyfed has shown you our core belief of perseverance and you take this with you wherever you go.

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Sixth Form Workshops

The sixth form art group have been working on higher education style workshops this half term. They have explored drawing with food and spices, a visit from Chinese artists, building sculptures and creating installations in the photography studio. All out of their comfort zone, but have produced fantastic and thought-provoking pieces of work. Well Done! more images are available on twitter: Miss Hughes @gwernyfedART

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Baby and Toddler Visitors

On the 17 of October 7 young children and babies attended our child development session with their mums. They arrived at 9.30 in the morning and spent some time with our class in the drama studio. We watched how they interacted with each other and with us. We learnt information displayed through the children playing. Sacha invited her mum and baby sister in Katie invited her cousins in and Mrs Morris invited the rest. We all enjoyed it and we hope to do another one.

Congratulations Ella

Congratulations to Ella Price Year 10 for being selected for the South Powys Girls County Football Squad on the back of the South Powys School Girls Football Tournament last month, they are undergoing training session over the next three weeks ready for a North Powys match and future tests, Good Luck Ella.

If local clubs would like future involvement for girls football please do get in touch, with Nicola Jones CSDO Gwernyfed & Crickhowell, nicola.jones1@powys.gov.uk

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Call The Midwife

In September we received a visit from a local midwife Louise Bishop, who gave us an insight into the role of a midwife. This visit allowed us to explore the uses of particular equipment such as the stethoscope, a blood pressure monitor and a device that a midwife would use to measure the babies heart rate.

Louise even brought in a specialised doll and placenta. Overall this session was extremely interesting and enjoyable and we picked up lots of useful information on the way too. On behalf of our child development class we thank Louise very much for her time and knowledge.

By Libby & Meg Year 11 Child Development

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Exhibit About Wallace by Layla Shaw

Someone spotted a very nicely produced exhibit about Wallace and Sarawak by Layla Shaw, aged 11, at the Amateur Entomologists' Society's annual Exhibition in September 2017. Layla visited Sarawak with her naturalist parents earlier this year and saw some amazing insects and other things. It must have been a fantastic experience and well done to Layla for what looks like a beautiful exhibit.

Scan code to see more pictures

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Hockey Leaders Delivery Success

Ten pupils from Gwernyfed High School were selected to undergo a hockey leaders course with Hockey Wales in September, since their course they have been out in the primary cluster schools planning and co-ordinating fun inclusive sessions for KS2 pupils with many of the leaders linking with the delivery at the local Gwernyfed Hockey Club. The transition from school to club has been a positive experience with many new members joining hockey in the past months from the delivery within the local schools and gaining a knowledge and passion for the game.

Thursday 19th October all primary cluster schools were invited to attend a final hockey festival delivered by Community Sports Development, Welsh Hockey and NPTC, for fun skill stations, tournament games and the celerbration of the game of hockey and physical activity, where much fun was had by all.

For more information regarding the club sessions, volunteering or coaching please get in contact with Nicola Jones CSDO Gwernyfed & Crickhowell, nicola.jones1@powys.gov.uk

Pupils who did a fantastic job of leading the day: Leah Briggs, Thea Harrhy, Ella Price, Becky Bowen, Ceryl Phillips Gracie Jenkins, Niamh Mills, Ellie Platt, Hannah Davies & Izzy Hood.

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School Prefects

Gwernyfed High School is proud to announce that first ever Year 11 school prefects have been elected.

The pupils from Year 11 have shown:• Strong leadership potential and the willingness to take responsibility;• Reliability - Good attendance and punctuality;• Presentation - Wearing full school uniform (shirt, tie, footwear, school jumper, blazer etc.)• Also, adherence to school expectations of jewellery and make up!• Good conduct - positive and co-operative conduct in all lessons;• Respect - Positively acknowledging the authority of the school at all levels;• Organisation – Coursework and homework being completed within the set timescales;• Ambition/Aspiration – Positive progress reports.

Mia GardnerLewis BallNiamh MillsHarvey DraperJoe LantosJordan Griffiths-Powell

Rhys AnsteyAlice AtkinsBeth JonesGeorgia AllenBailey JonesAmy Argent

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Staff Charity Volleyball

The Young Ambassador’s latest staff sporting event was volleyball. At lunchtime on the 16th of October, a large number of competitive staff participated in a sport that was new to all of them and did surprisingly well! In front of a large crowd of pupils and a good atmosphere, 3 teams were randomly selected:

Congratulations to Team C who won the event and got to choose the charity that the funds raised went to. Therefore the £100 raised was sent to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Thanks to all staff who competed and to everyone who helped organise the event!

Games were played to 11:

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High Sporting Achievers

Carwyn Lavis – Welsh Performance Kayak Slalom Squad:

Age: 17 Year: 13

Achievements: • U16 Welsh Champion• U18 performance squad• Premier Division• Top 20 in Junior UK ranks and top 50 in UK senior ranks

How did you get into kayaking?

At the age of 12 I joined Brecon Canoe Club and learned the basics of kayaking in the pool. I quickly went into competitions in slalom on rivers and white water courses and started progressing through the ranks by the age of 14.

What progress have you made since?

By the age of 15 I was promoted to Division 1 and selected for the Welsh squad to compete in the Pan Celtic Cup. This has meant that I have the chance to travel around Britain and Europe training and racing. On 1st May 2017, I was promoted to Premier Division, which is the highest slalom racing division in the UK, which includes both junior and senior and includes Olympic Gold Medallist Joe Clark.

How often do you train and where?

I try to do 1000 minutes a week (16.7 hours) and normally travel to Cardiff White Water Centre 3 times a week for training. On weekends, I regularly train and race with the Welsh team in places such as Tryweryn and Bala (North Wales), Nottingham and also on the London 2012 Olympic course at Lee Valley, London.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to progress to top 10 in the UK rankings and make the GB team next year.

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Iwan Lavis – Welsh Kayak Slalom Squad

Age: 16 Year: 11

Achievements:• Getting onto Welsh talent pathway.• Getting into Division 1 slalom.• Top 20 in Wales for kayak slalom.

How did you get into kayaking?

I started kayaking when I was 10 in Pembrokeshire and then we moved to Brecon and was interested in the sport so I joined Brecon Canoe Club and thoroughly enjoyed it.

What progress have you made since?

When I was 13 I entered my first Division 4 competition and in my first race I got promoted to Division 3. I spent a season in Division 3 and then got promoted to Division 2 when I was 14. Since then, I have improved a lot and got up to Division 1 in 2016, meaning that I race in places such as Scotland, Yorkshire and North Wales. In 2016, I was also selected for the Welsh squad and am hoping to get up to the Premier Division soon.

How often do you train and where?

I train 3 times a week at Cardiff White Water Centre, and more locally in Brecon on the other days. On weekdays, when I’m not racing I train either in Cardiff or on Brecon canal, however I am often away racing around the UK.

What are your hopes for the future?

I am hoping to get to the Premier Division and move onto the GB squad in the future.

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Sophie Matthews – Welsh Athletics Squad

Age: 17 Year: 13

Achievements:• Representing Wales at Celtic Games in Dublin, August 2017.• Representing Wales at international indoor and outdoor championships.• 5th in Wales for U20 Women’s 100m (PB of 12.61 seconds)• 3rd in Wales for U20 Women’s triple jump, 70th in UK. (PB of 10.4 metres)• 8th in Wales for U20 Women’s long jump (PB of 4.93 metres)• 14th in Wales for U20 Women’s 200m (PB of 26.69 seconds)

How did you get into athletics?

I started athletics in Year 8, at Brecon Athletics Club. I started because I enjoyed athletics and because I am naturally fast. I developed a correct running technique and my times got better.

What progress have you made since?

I started competing at events in 2013, running the 100m, 200m and long jump. Initially, I didn’t like the long jump, but then after training hard at it I became really good at it and now love it. In 2015, I started medalling at competitions, and that made me realise that I was making huge improvements. In 2016, I took up triple jump and have been really successful at this. Throughout 2016 and the start of 2017, I continued setting really good times and distances and after competing at the Welsh Schools Games in Cardiff I got selected for to compete for Welsh Schools at Internationals and Wales at the Celtic Games in Dublin. Since I started in Year 8, my 10¬0m time has decreased by 3.5 seconds, which is enormous for this event.

How often do you train and where?

I now train 5 times a week, twice at Brecon Athletics track and 3 times at home where I focussing on fitness. I also occasionally train with the Welsh team before competition, this is often focussed on relays.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to carry on with athletics in the RAF and my dream is to compete in the Commonwealth Games.

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Brychan Price-Davies – Welsh Athletics Squad

Age:16 Year: 12

Achievements:• Representing Wales at Schools International Athletics Board Competition, Dublin in 2017.• Represented Wales at London mini-marathon in 2014.• 3rd in Wales for U17 steeple chase.• 8th in Wales for U17 800m.• 15th in Wales for U17 1500m.• 6th at 2017 British Championships in U17 steeple chase.

How did you get into athletics?

I started athletics in 2011 because I wanted to fill up my spare time and improve my fitness. I started in U11s in Brecon Athletics Club and my favourite event from the beginning was 800m.

What progress have you made since?

The 2012 Olympics inspired me to want to achieve more in athletics, especially Mo Farah, because in my mind, anything they can do I can do. Since then I have taken my training more seriously, and started training twice a week. At the start of the 2013/14 season, I did my first set of heavy mileage before the season started and that allowed me to reach 4th at the Welsh cross-country championships. This earned me qualification for the London mini-marathon squad. Since then, I’ve been driven not to let go at what I’ve got and have worked extremely hard to try and do as well as I can. However, things haven’t always worked out, with 40 months between earning my first and second vests for Wales and finished one place outside the Welsh qualification spot 6 times. I’ve always had problems with my mentality when racing and often doubt myself, but have had many hours sitting down with my coach discussing what I need to do and disengaging my mind from the race. This has made me mentally stronger as I am now not worried about what other people do and only worried about myself.

How often do you train and where?

I train between 5 and 6 times a week, twice at Brecon Athletics Club and the rest on my own. Club training is mainly strength and conditioning work and training at home is pure running!

What are your hopes for the future?

My ambition is to represent Wales at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and hopefully represent GB at some point.

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Rhys Anstey – Cardiff Blues U16 Captain

Age: 15 Year: 11 Achievements:• Playing for East Wales• Winning South Powys shield• Captaining South Powys• Selection for Cardiff Blues U16.• Captaining Cardiff Blues U16.

How did you get into rugby?

I started at Gwernyfed RFC at U10 level because I wanted to meet new friends and had a really keen interest in sport.

What progress have you made since?

From playing games for Gwernyfed, I was selected for South Powys at U15 level following a trial. When I reached U16 level, I was lucky enough to be nominated by my coach for a Blues trial and then went through a 6-8 week selection period, and I was successful. I now captain the Blues at U16 level and am going with the team to Georgia in February half term on tour. Both Gwernyfed school and rugby club have been a massive help in supporting me through the process, and I am very grateful for this.

How often do you train and where?

I train 3 times a week, twice at the Wern, Merthyr and once at USW Sports Park, Pontypridd.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to play rugby at the highest level possible, whilst balancing this with my education to try and achieve the best education possible.

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Tyler Morris – Cardiff Blues U16

Age: 15 Year: 11

Achievements:• South Powys rugby• Blues U16 squad• Grade 7 saxophone

How did you get into rugby?

I started playing at the age of 8 at Gwernyfed RFC due to my keen interest in sport and in particular team sports.

What progress have you made since?

I played for Gwernyfed at different youth levels, but my first major progression was selection for South Powys. My development since has led me to nomination for a trail with the Cardiff Blues the selection period I was selected for the U16 squad.

How often do you train and where?

I train 4 times a week, 3 times with the Blues and once a week for Gwernyfed.

What are your hopes for the future?

My next target is to get into the Blues U18 squad and keep developing.

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Library Monitors

Food Hygiene Certificates

Gwernyfed High School would like to introduce our new library monitors this year:

Roxanne Shaw and Amelie Williams

Pupils will be allowed to obtain library passes if they wish from:

Miss Christine WilliamsHead of KS4

Congratulations to the students below who have achieved the Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.

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Macmillan Coffee Morning

On Tuesday 3rd October, we took part in the World’s Biggest Coffee morning, in order to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The Sixth Form organised the event and with help from the staff, bundled together tables full of cakes, from raspberry marble cake, to gluten free chocolate sponge.

The event was a total success and we managed to raise a massive £180 for Macmillan!

Thanks to everyone that took part and support the cake sale, all efforts were greatly appreciated!

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On 17th October, year 10 GCSE music group was visited by HMS Morris, a group of musicians who were going to help us to produce a professional sounding song in the two hours we had for lessons. First of all, we were given a few starting tracks to give us some inspiration and chords to base the song on, as coming up with something completely original can take a while. There were multiple themes like indie, European folk and ballad. After choosing ballad and being given a set of chords, we all worked on our own parts of the song, finding a melody, and some of the singers creating a set of lyrics. We were given assistance and all discussed what we were doing with the musicians, who helped. By the second lesson, everyone had organised the components of the song. After lunch, we started recording, even bringing in instruments like the maraca to add to the texture of the song. We’d record individually mostly and it was very interesting to see how the software and recording equipment was used, and by the end of the day, we’d recorded everything needed to create a song. HMS Morris will compose it and send it to us. It has been a fantastic experience and very useful. It has taught us about producing music, creating melodies from chords and also has helped our confidence in our various musical talents. The group really appreciate the musicians from HMS Morris having come to help us teach us about different aspects of musical composition and thank HMS Morris for this opportunity.

by Amelie Williams (Year 10)

HMS Morris

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Message from head of year 7

A huge well done to year 7 who have settled in at Gwernyfed extremely well and have all worked very hard this half term

Miss Hughes - Head of Year 7

Messages & Notices

DofE

Quiz in aid of D of E at The Old Barn Three Cocks - 10th November - 8 o’clock

PTA 100 Club

Summer Draw Winners 1st £50 - Ruth Jones 2nd £30 - Sally Harris3rd £20 - Gwyneth Jones

if you wish to join the 100 Club then please download a form from the school website & return it to the school office.

Old Pound Coins

Please note the school no longer accepts old style pound coins. Thank you.

Mrs Gardiner - Finance Officer

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Artwork of the Month

First image is art history homework by Noah Smith in year 8 and the second one is by Seren Burnett in year 8. The works are currently hanging from Miss Hughes’ ceiling in her classroom. Well done, fantastic effort with your homework