2 Apr 2004 - Bryngwyn Matters 31 (Easter 2004)
Fond Farewell
At the end of the Spring Term Miss Ingrid Taylor will be moving on to pastures new as
she decides to take a break away from the teaching profession. Miss Taylor joined the staff at
Bryngwyn nearly eight years ago, and as a member of the P.E.department has been involved
with many of the girls' sports teams, particularly netball. We thank her very much for all her
hard work and dedication and wish her every success and happiness in the future.
Aid into Africa
After raising over £1800 in the annual Salvation Army Christmas Appeal, Bryngwyn pupils supported the 'Llanelli Star' Aid into Africa Appeal early in the New Year. Instead of raising money this time around, pupils were asked to donate anything of educational value for the underprivileged children in Tanzania. This included text books, novels, educational
games, and even pens, pencils, rulers and rubbers. The 'Star' were delighted with the generosity of our pupils and were looking forward to delivering them in person to this impoverished nation.
Dydd Gwyl Dewi
The weather did its best to disrupt our St. David's Day celebrations this year. At the end of February the school was closed for two days due to the heavy snow fall and ensuing icy conditions, thus preventing vital preparation time. However the determination to 'let the show go on' by the respective Heads of Year and pupils alike, made for an enjoyable day for all. Without the services of Dr. Huw Davies it was an opportunity for the 'new girl on the block', Mrs Karen Holland to take over the master or should I say mistress of ceremonies role. In the end it was a close run thing between Tywi and Cothi House with just a few points separating the eventual winners from the runners up. Cothi now succeed Morlais as the Eisteddfod winners for 2004. Winners of the Welsh and English chairs were Nathan Mullock and Rebecca Davis respectively, both representing Lliedi House.
I-DOT
The Welsh department was invited to take selected Year 11 classes to be part of the live audience for the Welsh language chat and pop show I-DOT. They attended two shows - on 11 February and 12 March. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience and many appeared on screen and on the programme website. Congratulations to Shelly Hiorns who won the I-DOT T-shirt at the end of the first visit.
More Early GCSE Success
After the successful pilot in 2003, the Maths department was keen to extend their early entry policy this year. Last year one maths set was entered early for their GCSE exam in November. With 100% success rate this was expanded to four sets last November. When the results arrived in January, 60 out of the 80 entrants achieved at least a C grade. For the successful candidates this now lessens the pressure considerably and allows them to concentrate on their other subjects.
Sporting Digest
British Champion
At the Llanelli Schools' Cross country Championships held at Pembrey Country Park we had some notable successes. Sean Youngman won the Year 7 boys' event with Elliot Dawe coming second. In the Years 8 and 9 age group Daniel Thomas came first and went on to claim second place in the Dyfed Championships.
Daniel decided to turn down his invitation to run in the Welsh Schools' Championships in order to take part in the British Clubs Championships. And what a wise move it was. Representing the Welsh team, he not only took the gold individual medal but also picked up a silver team medal.
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Sally Davies, Year 8, continues to excel in her chosen sport. Competing against Spain, Bulgaria, Germany, Switzerland and France at a recent European tournament held in Germany, she picked up a silver medal as part of a successful Welsh Junior Team.
Welsh Trialist
Based on her outstanding performance for West Wales in a recent match against Millfield, Lia Roberts, Year 9, has been selected to take part in the Welsh U'14 Netball trial in Cwmbran. We wish her every success in this last hurdle towards national honours.
Professional Footballer?
Kyle Letheren will shortly be following in his father's footsteps when he signs professional forms for Swansea City. Kyle was recently selected to play for the Welsh U'16 football team only to have his cap denied him by the inclement weather.
Swimming
At the Urdd National Championships in January, the School was well represented by Rhys Jones, Carwyn Jones, Carley Hughes and Tom Simms who had each qualified from the regional round in November. They all aquitted themselves very well by reaching their respective final and particular praise to Rhys who picked up two bronze medals in the 100m Freestyle and 100m Backstoke.
Youth Speaks
Representing Bryngwyn at this year's Youth Speaks debating competition was our youngest team ever. Gareth Richards, Astrid Etherington and Katie Nurse of Year 9 competed against the rest of the Llanelli schools and debated the motion - 'Do ghosts exist?'. The Rotary Club were so impressed with their efforts, the team has been invited to lunch later this year.
Lord of the Rings
No, not the Oscar winning film but a new strategy game. Seven Year 9 pupils went along to a new club activity based in Al every Thursday between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Mr Simon Hopkins one of our regular supply staff and Miss Catrin Griffiths are on hand to support this new activity where pupils pit their wits against each other as they develop battle strategies in order to win. There is room for another eight pupils-so get there quickly!
Peace and Quiet
You will all have noticed the renovation work currently being undertaken in the school quad.
Thanks to 'Communities First' funding, accessed by Mr Paul Jones, the garden area is being completely revamped to provide a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of the typical school day.
Tesco Windfall
Mrs Alison Owen, by being the first person to use the cashpoint machine after a certain designated time at Tesco Stores, happened by chance to win 25,000 'Computers for Schools Vouchers'. Mrs Owen collected her windfall along with Kayleigh Davies, Paul Lewis and Leanne Owen from her Year 11 cohort.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
This extra curricular activity continues to be a popular choice with many upper school pupils.
As part of their service award twenty pupils have been working closely with WPC Lynne Melli and gaining an insight into law and order issues, and the weapons and different uniforms used by the police. They will be post coding mobile phones for pupils after the
Easter holidays.
Sian Musselwhite and Danielle Carter are working with a lecturer from Swansea University on criminology for the skills element of the course. Miss Helen Dagless is covering a first aid course and there are three separate teams undergoing their expedition training.
Guten Tag Saalbach
After their successful trip to the Italian Dolomites last Easter the PE department are off to Austria this year for the school skiing trip. We wish them well and look forward to their tales both on and off piste on their return.
At the end of the Spring Term Miss Ingrid Taylor will be moving on to pastures new as
she decides to take a break away from the teaching profession. Miss Taylor joined the staff at
Bryngwyn nearly eight years ago, and as a member of the P.E.department has been involved
with many of the girls' sports teams, particularly netball. We thank her very much for all her
hard work and dedication and wish her every success and happiness in the future.
Aid into Africa
After raising over £1800 in the annual Salvation Army Christmas Appeal, Bryngwyn pupils supported the 'Llanelli Star' Aid into Africa Appeal early in the New Year. Instead of raising money this time around, pupils were asked to donate anything of educational value for the underprivileged children in Tanzania. This included text books, novels, educational
games, and even pens, pencils, rulers and rubbers. The 'Star' were delighted with the generosity of our pupils and were looking forward to delivering them in person to this impoverished nation.
Dydd Gwyl Dewi
The weather did its best to disrupt our St. David's Day celebrations this year. At the end of February the school was closed for two days due to the heavy snow fall and ensuing icy conditions, thus preventing vital preparation time. However the determination to 'let the show go on' by the respective Heads of Year and pupils alike, made for an enjoyable day for all. Without the services of Dr. Huw Davies it was an opportunity for the 'new girl on the block', Mrs Karen Holland to take over the master or should I say mistress of ceremonies role. In the end it was a close run thing between Tywi and Cothi House with just a few points separating the eventual winners from the runners up. Cothi now succeed Morlais as the Eisteddfod winners for 2004. Winners of the Welsh and English chairs were Nathan Mullock and Rebecca Davis respectively, both representing Lliedi House.
I-DOT
The Welsh department was invited to take selected Year 11 classes to be part of the live audience for the Welsh language chat and pop show I-DOT. They attended two shows - on 11 February and 12 March. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience and many appeared on screen and on the programme website. Congratulations to Shelly Hiorns who won the I-DOT T-shirt at the end of the first visit.
More Early GCSE Success
After the successful pilot in 2003, the Maths department was keen to extend their early entry policy this year. Last year one maths set was entered early for their GCSE exam in November. With 100% success rate this was expanded to four sets last November. When the results arrived in January, 60 out of the 80 entrants achieved at least a C grade. For the successful candidates this now lessens the pressure considerably and allows them to concentrate on their other subjects.
Sporting Digest
British Champion
At the Llanelli Schools' Cross country Championships held at Pembrey Country Park we had some notable successes. Sean Youngman won the Year 7 boys' event with Elliot Dawe coming second. In the Years 8 and 9 age group Daniel Thomas came first and went on to claim second place in the Dyfed Championships.
Daniel decided to turn down his invitation to run in the Welsh Schools' Championships in order to take part in the British Clubs Championships. And what a wise move it was. Representing the Welsh team, he not only took the gold individual medal but also picked up a silver team medal.
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Sally Davies, Year 8, continues to excel in her chosen sport. Competing against Spain, Bulgaria, Germany, Switzerland and France at a recent European tournament held in Germany, she picked up a silver medal as part of a successful Welsh Junior Team.
Welsh Trialist
Based on her outstanding performance for West Wales in a recent match against Millfield, Lia Roberts, Year 9, has been selected to take part in the Welsh U'14 Netball trial in Cwmbran. We wish her every success in this last hurdle towards national honours.
Professional Footballer?
Kyle Letheren will shortly be following in his father's footsteps when he signs professional forms for Swansea City. Kyle was recently selected to play for the Welsh U'16 football team only to have his cap denied him by the inclement weather.
Swimming
At the Urdd National Championships in January, the School was well represented by Rhys Jones, Carwyn Jones, Carley Hughes and Tom Simms who had each qualified from the regional round in November. They all aquitted themselves very well by reaching their respective final and particular praise to Rhys who picked up two bronze medals in the 100m Freestyle and 100m Backstoke.
Youth Speaks
Representing Bryngwyn at this year's Youth Speaks debating competition was our youngest team ever. Gareth Richards, Astrid Etherington and Katie Nurse of Year 9 competed against the rest of the Llanelli schools and debated the motion - 'Do ghosts exist?'. The Rotary Club were so impressed with their efforts, the team has been invited to lunch later this year.
Lord of the Rings
No, not the Oscar winning film but a new strategy game. Seven Year 9 pupils went along to a new club activity based in Al every Thursday between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Mr Simon Hopkins one of our regular supply staff and Miss Catrin Griffiths are on hand to support this new activity where pupils pit their wits against each other as they develop battle strategies in order to win. There is room for another eight pupils-so get there quickly!
Peace and Quiet
You will all have noticed the renovation work currently being undertaken in the school quad.
Thanks to 'Communities First' funding, accessed by Mr Paul Jones, the garden area is being completely revamped to provide a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of the typical school day.
Tesco Windfall
Mrs Alison Owen, by being the first person to use the cashpoint machine after a certain designated time at Tesco Stores, happened by chance to win 25,000 'Computers for Schools Vouchers'. Mrs Owen collected her windfall along with Kayleigh Davies, Paul Lewis and Leanne Owen from her Year 11 cohort.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
This extra curricular activity continues to be a popular choice with many upper school pupils.
As part of their service award twenty pupils have been working closely with WPC Lynne Melli and gaining an insight into law and order issues, and the weapons and different uniforms used by the police. They will be post coding mobile phones for pupils after the
Easter holidays.
Sian Musselwhite and Danielle Carter are working with a lecturer from Swansea University on criminology for the skills element of the course. Miss Helen Dagless is covering a first aid course and there are three separate teams undergoing their expedition training.
Guten Tag Saalbach
After their successful trip to the Italian Dolomites last Easter the PE department are off to Austria this year for the school skiing trip. We wish them well and look forward to their tales both on and off piste on their return.