21 Dec 2005 - Bryngwyn Matters 36 (Dec 2005)
Croeso Cynnes Iawn
A warm welcome is extended to a number of new staff who joined us in September: Dr Samantha Andrews as Head of Biology; Mrs Susan Stephens and Mr Anthony Thomas who joined the Science Department; Mr Gavin Heyes in the English Department; Miss Catrin Thomas in PE; Mr Oliver Craze, Music and Mrs Denise Thomas and Miss Rachel Cole in Technology. We hope that your stay in Bryngwyn is both enjoyable and rewarding.
Fond Farewell
Whilst a lot of new faces appeared in September two members of staff are leaving us at the end of term. Miss Rachel Cole who appeared in the welcome above as a part time teacher in Technology has decided to concentrate her efforts on her freelance work. We are sorry to see you leave us so soon but wish you every success with your business in the future. Also leaving us after many years of service is Mrs Alison Owen. Mrs Owen was appointed to the chemistry department in 1996. Not only will she be remembered for her sterling work in the science department and later as a Head of Year, but also as the person who has taken the Duke of Edinburgh scheme from strength to strength. Last Year 42 pupils successfully achieved the Bronze Award, the highest yet. Many pupils are indebted to Mrs Owen for stimulating their interest in the great outdoors with many continuing with the scheme when they have progressed onto further education.
Making the Grade!
Year 11 Bryngwyn pupils produced another set of fine GCSE results in August. As last year, the top ten pupils produced over 100 A* and A grades between them, with 59% of entries achieving 5 A*-C grades or better. Aime Williams achieved a staggering 13 A* grades at GCSE and an A grade at AS level, making her the School?s highest ever performer. Other notable results include Natasha Clark who achieved 10 A* grades, 1A and 1B plus an A grade at AS level, Kate Edwards who achieved 8 A* and 5 B grades and Lucy Jenkins who achieved 8 A*, 1 A and 2 B grades. These are results of which the school and pupils should be justly proud.
Prize Evening
The annual Prize Evening was held on the 11 October this year. As usual it provided the opportunity for the school to celebrate its success in a number of fields, ranging from the academic to the sporting; from the cultural to community linked achievements. Mr Mark Provis, the county's inclusion manager was our guest speaker and delivered a lively and thought provoking address both encouraging and congratulating our prize winners.
Anti-Drink Driving Campaign
Stephanie Clark, Year 10, showed great creativity and artistic flair to win second prize in the joint Carmarthenshire Road Safety and Dyfed Powys Police competition to design an anti-drink driving poster for their Christmas campaign.
Stephanie's reward was a cash prize of £20, a handsome plaque, a goody bag and a tour of Police H.Q. As an honoured guest, 'The day took a lot of beating', said Stephanie - proving that everyone should try competitions in school when they occur!
Day at Downing Street
Local M.P. Nia Griffiths put Bryngwyn pupils at the heart of government when she invited them to visit the Houses of Parliament.
In addition, the lucky trio of Nathaniel Williams, Richard Harries and Samantha Cooper, enjoyed a once in a lifetime opportunity of taking tea at 10 Downing Street with Cherie Blair.
All the pupils had been engaged in active citizenship at school, being involved in the mock general election, membership of the school council or were representatives on the Felinfoel Youth Forum.
The pupils saw many eminent politicians as they were guided around by Nia Griffiths, along with one 'surprise' visitor - the film star, Jacky Chan. He graciously posed for photographs with his delighted Bryngwyn admirers.
CEWC Conference
The debating chambers of Carmarthenshire County Council was the setting for a high powered U.N. Model conference.
Pupils from eleven of the county's schools and colleges participated in this spirited debate of eight millennium goals that are designed to be achieved by 2015.
Nathaniel Williams, ably assisted by Astrid Etherington, presented a well reasoned and passionate key note speech that outlined the perspective of India.
Gareth Richards and Samantha Cooper were quick to support the problems being experienced in the sub-continent as they outlined the rise in HIV infections in their country, China.
The debate moved rapidly between the other participating countries and fascinating exchanges ensued between these caring young people who were clearly deeply empathetic to the world's problems.
A range of resolutions were passed, including those supporting fair trade, universal child education, improved sanitation and empowerment of women.
Bryngwyn Youth Zone
Bryngwyn's recently introduced Youth Zone is proving to be a big hit with both pupils and parents alike. Activities from 2:50 to 4:15 pm., cover a wide range of interests from Karate to Samba. The leisure and learning zones have something for everyone and the school is very grateful to Mrs Ellana Thomas our Communities First officer for her vision and enthusiasm in getting many of these activities off the ground.
There is so much news being generated that a colour magazine has been published. The first edition is now available at the cost of 50p.
Mince Pies and Music
On the 5th December the school orchestra and vocal group supported by a local choir called 'Sounds Original' put on 'An Evening of Mince Pies and Music' in the Calsonic Kansei Club.
The evening was a sell out with everyone in the audience impressed by the many talents on show. The first half of the programme featured items by the orchestra, windband, brass group and string chamber group, as well as solos by Ross Williams on the saxophone and Jemma Jones on the piano. After the mince pies the audience were entertained by the vocal groups singing modern and traditional Christmas songs from around the world, led by Ben Williams as the narrator.
The school's vocal group will be giving two further performances in the last week of term - one in Caerffair Residential Home and the other in Ward 9's Christmas Party in Prince Phillip Hospital.
Salvation Army Appeal
In the latter part of the term, our pupils were once again busy raising money to buy Christmas presents for the underprivileged children in the locality.
Registration groups raised nearly £1400 and Major Cooke and Mr Stephen Hopkins of the Salvation Army were delighted by the generosity and hard work of our pupils in raising the funds and buying the presents.
Busking for Charity
On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December three of our Year 11 pupils, Lucy Schmidt, Lindsay Williams and Ross Williams gave of their free time to play their musical instruments in the streets of Carmarthen and Calsonic Kansei Club respectively. The Cancer Radiotherapy unit in Singleton Hospital are now £570 better off as a result of their efforts.
The X(mas) Factor
On the last day of term the school will see pupils and staff battling it out in some friendly competitions to win the coveted Xmas Factor trophies. Good luck to all the acts.
A warm welcome is extended to a number of new staff who joined us in September: Dr Samantha Andrews as Head of Biology; Mrs Susan Stephens and Mr Anthony Thomas who joined the Science Department; Mr Gavin Heyes in the English Department; Miss Catrin Thomas in PE; Mr Oliver Craze, Music and Mrs Denise Thomas and Miss Rachel Cole in Technology. We hope that your stay in Bryngwyn is both enjoyable and rewarding.
Fond Farewell
Whilst a lot of new faces appeared in September two members of staff are leaving us at the end of term. Miss Rachel Cole who appeared in the welcome above as a part time teacher in Technology has decided to concentrate her efforts on her freelance work. We are sorry to see you leave us so soon but wish you every success with your business in the future. Also leaving us after many years of service is Mrs Alison Owen. Mrs Owen was appointed to the chemistry department in 1996. Not only will she be remembered for her sterling work in the science department and later as a Head of Year, but also as the person who has taken the Duke of Edinburgh scheme from strength to strength. Last Year 42 pupils successfully achieved the Bronze Award, the highest yet. Many pupils are indebted to Mrs Owen for stimulating their interest in the great outdoors with many continuing with the scheme when they have progressed onto further education.
Making the Grade!
Year 11 Bryngwyn pupils produced another set of fine GCSE results in August. As last year, the top ten pupils produced over 100 A* and A grades between them, with 59% of entries achieving 5 A*-C grades or better. Aime Williams achieved a staggering 13 A* grades at GCSE and an A grade at AS level, making her the School?s highest ever performer. Other notable results include Natasha Clark who achieved 10 A* grades, 1A and 1B plus an A grade at AS level, Kate Edwards who achieved 8 A* and 5 B grades and Lucy Jenkins who achieved 8 A*, 1 A and 2 B grades. These are results of which the school and pupils should be justly proud.
Prize Evening
The annual Prize Evening was held on the 11 October this year. As usual it provided the opportunity for the school to celebrate its success in a number of fields, ranging from the academic to the sporting; from the cultural to community linked achievements. Mr Mark Provis, the county's inclusion manager was our guest speaker and delivered a lively and thought provoking address both encouraging and congratulating our prize winners.
Anti-Drink Driving Campaign
Stephanie Clark, Year 10, showed great creativity and artistic flair to win second prize in the joint Carmarthenshire Road Safety and Dyfed Powys Police competition to design an anti-drink driving poster for their Christmas campaign.
Stephanie's reward was a cash prize of £20, a handsome plaque, a goody bag and a tour of Police H.Q. As an honoured guest, 'The day took a lot of beating', said Stephanie - proving that everyone should try competitions in school when they occur!
Day at Downing Street
Local M.P. Nia Griffiths put Bryngwyn pupils at the heart of government when she invited them to visit the Houses of Parliament.
In addition, the lucky trio of Nathaniel Williams, Richard Harries and Samantha Cooper, enjoyed a once in a lifetime opportunity of taking tea at 10 Downing Street with Cherie Blair.
All the pupils had been engaged in active citizenship at school, being involved in the mock general election, membership of the school council or were representatives on the Felinfoel Youth Forum.
The pupils saw many eminent politicians as they were guided around by Nia Griffiths, along with one 'surprise' visitor - the film star, Jacky Chan. He graciously posed for photographs with his delighted Bryngwyn admirers.
CEWC Conference
The debating chambers of Carmarthenshire County Council was the setting for a high powered U.N. Model conference.
Pupils from eleven of the county's schools and colleges participated in this spirited debate of eight millennium goals that are designed to be achieved by 2015.
Nathaniel Williams, ably assisted by Astrid Etherington, presented a well reasoned and passionate key note speech that outlined the perspective of India.
Gareth Richards and Samantha Cooper were quick to support the problems being experienced in the sub-continent as they outlined the rise in HIV infections in their country, China.
The debate moved rapidly between the other participating countries and fascinating exchanges ensued between these caring young people who were clearly deeply empathetic to the world's problems.
A range of resolutions were passed, including those supporting fair trade, universal child education, improved sanitation and empowerment of women.
Bryngwyn Youth Zone
Bryngwyn's recently introduced Youth Zone is proving to be a big hit with both pupils and parents alike. Activities from 2:50 to 4:15 pm., cover a wide range of interests from Karate to Samba. The leisure and learning zones have something for everyone and the school is very grateful to Mrs Ellana Thomas our Communities First officer for her vision and enthusiasm in getting many of these activities off the ground.
There is so much news being generated that a colour magazine has been published. The first edition is now available at the cost of 50p.
Mince Pies and Music
On the 5th December the school orchestra and vocal group supported by a local choir called 'Sounds Original' put on 'An Evening of Mince Pies and Music' in the Calsonic Kansei Club.
The evening was a sell out with everyone in the audience impressed by the many talents on show. The first half of the programme featured items by the orchestra, windband, brass group and string chamber group, as well as solos by Ross Williams on the saxophone and Jemma Jones on the piano. After the mince pies the audience were entertained by the vocal groups singing modern and traditional Christmas songs from around the world, led by Ben Williams as the narrator.
The school's vocal group will be giving two further performances in the last week of term - one in Caerffair Residential Home and the other in Ward 9's Christmas Party in Prince Phillip Hospital.
Salvation Army Appeal
In the latter part of the term, our pupils were once again busy raising money to buy Christmas presents for the underprivileged children in the locality.
Registration groups raised nearly £1400 and Major Cooke and Mr Stephen Hopkins of the Salvation Army were delighted by the generosity and hard work of our pupils in raising the funds and buying the presents.
Busking for Charity
On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December three of our Year 11 pupils, Lucy Schmidt, Lindsay Williams and Ross Williams gave of their free time to play their musical instruments in the streets of Carmarthen and Calsonic Kansei Club respectively. The Cancer Radiotherapy unit in Singleton Hospital are now £570 better off as a result of their efforts.
The X(mas) Factor
On the last day of term the school will see pupils and staff battling it out in some friendly competitions to win the coveted Xmas Factor trophies. Good luck to all the acts.