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Llais PenglaisYsgol Penglais School newsletter

Dear Parents and GuardiansThe first half term of a year is always a busy one and this year is no exception. We have welcomed new staff and new Year 7 students; introduced new ICT systems and changed the pastoral systems into the Student Services team; we have introduced the new mobile phone policy and seen the whole school now smartly dressed in their new uniform; we have changed the order of the day so that the lessons start promptly at 8.45am and introduced a series of more focused activities during the new tutor time at 10.45am. The students have coped admirably with the new systems and policies showing resilience in their attitudes.

Our new Year 7 intake have settled in very well over the half term, being enthusiastic and showing ambition in their learning. Keep a look out on Twitter and Facebook for videos of some students talking about their experiences in the first eight weeks. Other year groups have also been working hard with Year 11 students already having sat two maths mock papers this half term. It was very positive to see so many Year 11 parents attend the meetings with the tutors to discuss the students’ goals, ambitions and agree strategies to achieve those. Year 11 students will now be focusing on preparing for their mocks which start mid-November and Year 12 and 13 on their mocks which start in December.

Students have been active in many other ways, as you will see from reading the newsletter. The sports teams continue to experience many successes and the music department is flourishing once again. Our students were great ambassadors at the Open Evening and have been in many other occasions within school and in the community. We are very proud of them. Please do make sure that you follow our Twitter and Facebook accounts so that you are kept up to date about our events and positive achievements of our students.Next half term is already promising to be a busy one with trips, events and visits already planned alongside the good learning that is ongoing. So it’s time to recharge the batteries over half term, ready for the next few weeks ahead.

Ms M.HughesHeadteacher

October 2018

p5New noticeboard for parents!

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WE ARE NOW ON TWITTERGo follow the school’s new Twitter account for school updates, students’ successes and more. @PenglaisSchool_

IMPORTANT DATES THIS TERMAutumn half term: 29th October to 4th November 2018INSET Day - 16th of November

Year 12 parents evening 22nd November

Year 10 parents evening 29th November

Christmas Fair - 1st of December Sixth Form Celebration 19th December Candles and Carols - 20th December Last day of term - 21st of December Christmas Break 24th December – 4th of JanuaryINSET Day - 7th of January

Headteacher’s surgeryHeadteacher’s surgery is your chance to meet with Ms Mair Hughes every Thursday during term time between 5pm to 6pm. No appointments are needed and everyone is welcome.

Penglais SENCo SurgeryIf you have specific concerns or issues related to your child’s additional learning needs then the SENCo surgery provides the opportunity for a chat or informal discussion. The SENCo surgery will run on a Wednesday from 3.15-4.30pm.If you would like to book an appointment to see Mrs Karina Shaw (SENCo) or Mrs Annabelle Lowe (Deputy SENCo), please phone Mrs Donna Lewis on 01970 621126 or via email LED@penglais.org.uk

p3 Unforgettable School

trip to the battlefields

Ysgol Penglais School @PenglaisSchool_ 01970 621110 admin@penglais.org.uk

Titus wins the Young cricketer of the year award!

Don’t forget the Ffair Nadolig - Christmas Fair!

School TripsJuly Beijing Trip 2018Here are some quotes from students’ diaries...

Before going lots of us had been busy with fund raising. We were really lucky that Mrs Erika Hughes approached local businesses to donate raffle prizes and are very grateful for their help and enthusiasm.

The journey to Beijing was long. We took the bullet

train from Shanghai, which was only 4 hours,

although we were crossing half of China. When we got

there it was worth it all, waking up in Beijing was the

best feeling ever….

Lessons were intense, three hours of immersion in Chinese, but I learnt so much about the culture and language. The teaching method was good as we only spoke and heard Mandarin.

I’m very happy to have had this

experience with the people who

organised this trip. I’ve never seen

such spectacular performances as in

the acrobatic performances. The boy

climbing the chairs scared me as I

didn’t know whether he would make

it without falling.

We visited the museum and sat around talking to people and making new friends, I enjoyed this a lot.

I’ve never seen somewhere as

incredibly beautiful as the Great Wall.

The Forbidden City had such great architectural detail, and I was amazed at how clean it was, with hardly any rubbish, considering the number of people there.

When we got to

Wangfujing (Beijing’s

Oxford St), we were free

to wander, some chose to

eat Chinese snacks, but

we went to Maccies and

ordered in Mandarin!

We visited Ritan School and met with students and took part in classes. They were just as happy to meet us, and we found them interesting. I was struck by how respectful they were. I wish I could have stayed longer there. We performed, and two six formers sang Calon Lân in Mandarin. Everyone was impressed by this!

I enjoyed visiting the Bird Nest Olympic

stadium, as we had seen it so often.

Having the opportunity to travel to China in year

10 has been amazing. The teaching in the lessons

were fun and effective, and most of the language

learnt was helpful during our stay. A lot of us

gained confidence and independence during the trip.

I’m really grateful for having had this opportunity and would like

to thank everyone at Hanban and the Beijing Union University

for making this amazing journey. I have loved every moment!

GERMAN EXCHANGE WITH THE ALTKOENIGSCHULE IN KRONBERG

During activities week in July we took Y10 students from GCSE History on our annual visit to the battlefields. After an early start from Penglais we arrived at Dover Castle and spent the afternoon taking in over 2,000 years of History from the Roman Lighthouse right the way through to the 20th century. After a calm sea crossing we arrived at out hotel in Ypres, Belgium for a good night’s rest. During the following two days we focused on the key battles of the First World War, by visiting the Somme, Vimy Ridge and Ypres. Whilst in Ypres, we attended the emotional last post ceremony under the Menin Gate, which commemorates those who died fighting to keep this small part of Belgium free.

We also visited some of the British and German trenches, which included the best preserved British position complete with trenches and underground tunnels. Here the students were provided with an authentic WW1 experience in the flooded, pitch black tunnels and there was even a sighting of rats to add to the atmosphere! Our students were able to visit Tyne Cot, the largest British and Commonwealth cemetery in the world, where they came to appreciate the human cost of war. We were even able to visit the graves of some local men, whose names are commemorated on the Aberystwyth War Memorial. On the fourth day we headed to Paris and spent a really fun day at Disneyland Paris. After being shaken up by Space Mountain and the Indiana Jones ride we then headed north and back to the UK. Our Battlefields tour came to a conclusion in Portsmouth, where we spent the day viewing some of the famous warships that are kept there, including the Mary Rose and Nelson’s famous flagship, HMS Victory. Our students were able to explore what it was like to work and fight aboard these great ships. Both students and staff arrived back at Penglais late on the Friday tired and happy after such an amazing week!

Back in July we welcomed a group of German students into our lives. This was the 50th year of the exchange with our twinned town Kronberg. You may wonder what it’s like to host a student. Surprisingly it was really fun. What I had expected was for it to be awkward, but it wasn’t. When I sent away my student I really sent away a new friend.

In August we returned the visit. During our one week stay we got to explore Frankfurt, we cruised over the river Main, took a ski lift over a beautiful vineyard, tasted Handkase (a local cheese) and other national delicacies. We each got to spend the weekend with our host family. The historical tour of Kronberg was particularly pleasant as the sites were plentiful and mesmerizing, in particular the Kronborg Castle.

Monday was certainly an experience when myself and the other students decided to venture into Frankfurt on our own. The trip to summarise was a funny and enjoyable disaster. In between the chaos of trying to find our way around, we managed to absorb some culture stumbling across a food market and exploring Senckenberg Natural History Museum. My most vivid impression of Frankfurt was being dwarfed by imposing skyscrapers, a stark contrast to our quaint Aberystwyth, which only heightened the thrill of discovery.

On our last night there, this alien, exciting city was lit by the most beautiful firework show I have ever seen closing a festival celebrating the museums of the city.

Parting was such sweet sorrow but we did leave hoping that other students will be able to appreciate the wonders of Kronberg as we did. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been part of the exchange, as it is an opportunity that other schools across Wales do not have. And who knows? We may visit again. But for now we’ll be content with our memories of the 50th year of the exchange.”

WRITTEN BY YEAR 10 STUDENT NEFELI BLOWS

Battlefields Trip 2018

Biology GCSE students have been studying human impact on the environment. Inspired by David Attenborough’s recent Blue Planet series on TV, Miss Edwards’s class have used plastic pollution as a case study. Students researched some simple everyday ways in which we could all make a positive difference to the environment. Here are Maddie Gwynne Hughes (year 10)’s top ten tips for reducing plastic consumption – we hope you find them useful and can adopt at least some of them.

S P O R T S News

Netball and Hockey Results against Penweddig on the 19th of September: our senior hockey team lost 3-0 and our Year 9 hockey won 2-0. Our Year 8 netball team lost 6-2 and Year 10 netball team lost 15-7.

The year 10 netball team (pictured) won 13 goals to 7 against Cardigan away on Wednesday 26th Sept. The senior hockey team also displayed excellent team work winning their game 1-0 and the year 9 hockey team continuing their winning streak with a 3-0 win.

On the 3rd of October Bro Teifi played Penglais at home, who always prove to be very tough opponents. The Year 10 netball team unfortunately lost 11-7 as did the year 8 netball but both hockey teams displayed excellent team work with the seniors winning their game 2-0 and the year 9 hockey team continuing their winning streak with a 4-0 win.

On Wednesday 10th Oct, another home fixture against Tregaron, the netball teams displayed their fighting spirit but lost their games: Year 10: 15 goals to 5, Year 8 losing 9-5. Senior Hockey won 5-2 and the year 9 team who are still undefeated drew 0-0.

Sports Ambassadors

Here are Penglais’ silver young ambassadors ready for UEFA Grassroots week.

Cricket awards Congratulations to Year 9 student Titus for winning 3 awards with Aberystwyth Cricket Club - Young Cricketer of the Year; Landmark Trophy (4 wkts in 4 balls); shared bowling wkts aggregate.

Penglais Football TeamsHere are the results for the Penglais football teams so far. Boys under 13, 14 and 18’s have gone through to round 2 and they will be playing Aberaeron over the next few weeks.

Under 12Round 1 Boys Aberaeron 4-1 Penglais

Under 13Round 1 Boys Penweddig 2-3 PenglaisRound 2 Boys Henry Richard 3-10 PenglaisRound 1 Girls Bro Teifi 2-3 Penglais

Under 14Round 1 Boys Bro Teifi 2-7 Penglais

Under 15Round 1 Boys Penglais 0-4 TywynRound 1 Girls Penglais 1-7 Henry Richard

Under 18Round 1 Boys Penglais 3-0 Bro Pedr

Penglais Music Department It has been a busy start to the year for the music department at Penglais – with a lot crammed into six weeks!

In year 7, students have been learning about the basics of both music theory and keyboard technique, as well as composing a piece of scary music – just in time for Hallowe’en! Meanwhile, Year 8 have been expanding their knowledge of blues music, learning about chord progressions and improvising. Finally, Year 9 have been inspired by the latest series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ – learning about montunos, and how they are used in cha-chas, mambos and salsas. They’ve also learnt (in passing) how to play songs by Lucas Graham and Sam Smith on piano, as well as the recent hit “Havana”.

Music Trip to Aberaeron Both GCSE and A Level classes recently went on a trip to Aberaeron, to participate in a workshop run by the Dyfed Young Musicians Scheme. London-based chamber ensemble “The Hermes Experiment” gave demonstrations of extended techniques available to composers on their instruments – whilst composer Lynn Ploughman gave students tips on how to write their compositions.

Having been commissioned, Penglais students are now writing for the ‘Hermes Experiment’ ensemble – who will be returning to Aberystwyth later in the year, to perform the new music. Watch out for details soon – in a Penglais world premiere!

GCSE and A level students are also looking forward to a trip to the Arts Centre on Thursday 22nd November, to enjoy a concert by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

The department recently took part in a Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 28th September, in the Sixth Form block. The newly formed jazz group performed (with Lisa Bucknor on keys, Sam Aitken on sax and Mr Budd on cajon), whilst regular Penglais band ‘Silent Youth’ also performed a set of songs. The event was hailed a success – and both bands got paid for the gig in cake!

Open Evening – Music Department The music department were also involved in the recent open evening on October 4th. We enjoyed live music in the department (courtesy of both GCSE and A Level students), which was decorated with fairy-lights in the style of an acoustic, chilled ‘gig’ venue. Lisa Bucknor provided background jazz piano, whilst ‘Silent Youth’ also played several sets. Thanks are due to Hugo Van Son (Y11) on guitar, Indigo Swift (Y10) on drums, Lucille Richards (Y11) on piano and vocals, Ilona Hoffman (Y11) and Angelina Burghardt (Y11) on vocals.

Throughout the open evening, Year 5 and 6 students were also able to have a go at African drumming, as well as taster sessions on ukulele and keyboard. Thanks are also due to Yoyo Baron (Y9) for helping around the department during the evening. The performers enjoyed pizza before performing (thanks to kind sponsorship from Dominos), as well as cake and sweets between performances. The department also ‘spread’ noticeably throughout the evening – as various musicians took to performing in the corridors, to entice people to visit the music department!

Musical Lessons Meanwhile, a record number of musicians are now signing up for instrumental lessons – so that waiting lists are now in force for some lessons. If you’re having lessons at the moment, don’t forget to attend your lessons! Thanks to our visiting peripatetic staff from Ceredigion Music Service, who work hard with our musicians to achieve excellent results.

National Youth Orchestra and Choir Many Penglais students are hoping to represent their country and have auditioned to be part of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. Others still have auditions for both the National Youth Choir of Wales and the National Youth Orchestra of Wales – we eagerly await their news.

Extra-Curricular Activities Meanwhile, weekly extra-curricular activities in the department continue to grow. The choir (now run by Mr Budd) regularly attracts over 50 students weekly, of a variety of ages – who are busily rehearsing for performances in November and December. In addition, a new ‘Rock Choir’ has been set up to cater for those who prefer singing pop songs. The Rock Choir will be making their debut this term, around the school – as well as appearing at the upcoming Christmas Fayre. A group of around 40 students attend – most of whom would have had no previous connection with singing or the music department.

In mid-September, details were announced of the new Penglais ‘A Capella’ choir. Auditions took place over three days – with over 50 students auditioning! With only eight places available, it was a very difficult decision to choose the final group. Congratulations to the new ensemble – who are now rehearsing for their upcoming debut performance.

In addition, at the time of writing preparations are also currently being made for a new chamber choir (singing 4-part repertoire), as well as a year 7 choir (to be part of the Christmas carol services) – watch out for further details on the school Facebook page.

Bands The school brass band (run by Mr Hassan) continues to flourish, whilst the wind band (conducted by Mr Budd, supported by Miss Harries) is also rehearsing steadily. The string group (run by Mrs Hassan) meet on Thursday lunchtimes, and have recently taken on the music from ‘Mamma Mia’ (in tribute to the recently released film). A number of bands have also been set up over the last few weeks – making use of the new PA system, kindly loaned by Ceredigion Music Service. Honourable mention should be made to one of the Year 7 bands (Reggi Hayward on cajon, Mackenzie Lawlor on vocals and Ivan Rukov on guitar), who have rehearsed almost every lunchtime! They can often be seen rehearsing in the practice rooms (acoustically), or in the classroom (plugged in, with the amps and drumkit). They are enjoying learning a variety of different songs, from artists such as Ed Sheeran and ‘Imagine Dragons’. Recently, a number of ‘singer/songwriter’ type acoustic musicians and duos have also appeared ‘out of the woodwork’ in the music department – which is wonderful to see. Lots of students have been trying the craft of song-writing, as well as playing more well-known covers. There has been a lot creativity, both inside and outside the department. Recent lunchtime ‘drop-in’ sessions in the music department have also attracted large numbers of students to try taster sessions on guitar, bass or drums. The music technology suite has also been busy with composers, with a variety of ages using the composition facilities. In view of demand, a new Penglais Folk group has been set up too – involving performers on accordion, melodion, acoustic guitar and vocals. Thomas Cowhigg (Y13) has been a lynchpin of this group, along with various other students too - anyone playing whistles, flute, fiddle, bass or drums would be welcome to join. The band are certainly enthusiastic – and can sometimes be heard rehearsing at the bus-stop close to Penglais, whilst waiting for their respective lifts home! The folk band are looking forward to the visit of renowned revivalist Welsh folk band ‘Calan’ to the Arts Centre on Thursday 8th November and are excited to hearing old tunes presented in fresh ways.

Rotary Young Musicians Outside of school, many of our students are involved in exciting projects in the Arts Centre on our doorstep – as well as further afield. Several of our students will be entering the Aberystwyth Rotary Club Young Musician Competition 2019, whilst others support the various local ensembles around the town. It is pleasing to see a number of our musicians representing Penglais in the Aberystwyth Silver Band, as well as the many different shows and productions in the Arts Centre.

Looking ahead Musicians from the department will also be involved in the community tea at Penglais on Thursday 9th November, commemorating 100 years since the end of the Great War. We will also be playing a large part in the upcoming Christmas Fayre on Saturday 1st December, organised by the Penglais PTA. The Rock Choir will be making their public debut, whilst a number of other musicians and ensembles will be performing throughout the afternoon – come and be part of it! Finally, musicians from all school ensembles (as well as singers) will be taking part in the annual ‘Carols by Candlelight’ service at Llanbadarn Fawr church on Thursday 20th December. The service will include congregational carols, as well as short performances – and will last around an hour. Put the date in your diary! Looking further ahead, preparations are also currently underway for ensembles to be part of the regional ‘Music for Youth’ competitions in January, as well as the Urdd Eisteddfod (in collaboration with Miss Davies in the Welsh department). All are welcome in the music department, whether experienced or not - there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. We look forward to seeing you this academic year!

Celebrating Languages WeekAlong with many other schools across Britain, Penglais had an active programme of events to celebrate Languages Week (24-28 September). The Confucius Classroom organised a lantern workshop where many students and staff came along to create intricate lanterns to celebrate the Chinese Moon festival. Falling on the 15th day of the 8th month according to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival is the second grandest festival in China after the Chinese New Year. It takes its name from the fact that it is always celebrated in the middle of the autumn season. The day is also known as the Moon Festival, as at that time of the year the moon is at its roundest and brightest.

Sixth form language students put on special assemblies for KS3 students to highlight the importance of bilingualism and how it directly links to employability. They explained their hopes to study languages at university and travel abroad. In the words of Nelson Mandela: ‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.’

Mrs Carver took a group of high achieving Year 11 Spanish students to a languages event put on by the RAF at Carmarthen University. Personnel from the RAF trained the students in language skills that are required for operational duties. Students received Russian tuition and had to use their Spanish language skills in order to create a presentation in the target language to a panel of judges. 12 different schools from all over Wales entered teams of 6 students. Mrs Carver, along with all the other teachers, was taken hostage and was the third teacher to get rescued! Her release was down to the Penglais students’ ability to code-break and barter in Spanish. Viva la Tijuana Cartel.

NEWS

URDD Last call for swimmers who are interested in taking part in the swimming gala. Come to A5 to register.

£1000 DONATIONWe would like to thank the local business who would like to remain anonymous, who has kindly donated £1000 from the sale of their 5p carrier bags

YEAR 7 WALK(FIRST LANGUAGE STUDENTS)A letter has been sent to parents of first language Welsh pupils about our walk around town. We are studying various aspects of local history and culture this term and this is a chance to learn more about the town. Remember to return the permission slip before the end of the week.

Thank you to all who took part in the Year 7 Countryfile Children in Need Ramble on Sunday afternoon. We had lovely weather and a chance to meet and chat. If you’d like to donate there is still time using our fundraising link through the Facebook Event. Thanks again to all who came along.

PENGLAIS RAMBLE FOR COUNTRYFILE CHILDREN IN NEED

MATHS - TTRockstars board

We will be having a competition for who can reach 100000 correct answers first! More details to follow…

Remember to check the leaderboards on the walls in the mathematics department for top achievers in the month of October!

1 Owen Harris

2 Jin Shen

3 Ella Edwards

4 Catrin Morris

5 Paige Daniel

6 Jack Abraham

7 Emma Jones

8 Nana Tagoe

9 Anushka Khan

10 Hamza Al-Shakarchi

Owen Harris Year 8

Jin Shen Year 10

Paige Daniel Year 8

Ella Edwards Year 11

The following students have achieved thousands of correct answers to date. This is our top ten leaderboard for most correct answer to date.

The following students can answer any timestables questions in less than 1 second!

SCHOOL GARDENOn the 12th of October Penglais students took part in the Big Soup. The students cooked soup using vegetables they’d grown themselves and then sold it to raise money for more seeds and equipment for the school garden. This will also go towards our RHS Level 4 award!

Here at Penglais, students are welcomed from all over the world, speaking 21 different languages. We enjoy celebrating the diversity of culture and traditions of our students.

Hamza Aljawari (year 11) has written an account of EID, a most important festival in the Islamic faith.

EID Eid is celebrated twice a year in the Islamic faith. The first one is called Eid al-Fitr and the second one is called Eid Al-Adha.Eid al-Fitr is like a gift from God after Ramadan because of all the fasting Muslims did during Ramadan. Eid al-Adha is celebrated remembering when the prophet Abraham was asked by God to kill his son (as a test) to see if Abraham would listen to him, which he did. Every time Abraham put the knife against Asmail the knife flipped so Abraham wouldn’t kill him, then after multiple tries, God sent a goat from heaven, so Abraham and his son could enjoy the meat.There are 4 days of Eid. On the first day people go to the mosque and pray. Afterwards, people go and visit family, and eat “Harees” a special meal made of slow cooked lamb, then after visiting a few houses you go back to your house and greet people who visit you.On the second day people get up early and slaughter a cow and a certain percentage of that cow is going to be donated to poor people and the rest is shared between the family. The meat from the cow is the meal for the reminder of Eid: some of the meat is put in a sack, mostly the head and a few parts of the leg, and thrown underground in a pit full of charcoal, which is hot, and left there till the last day. The rest of the meat is chopped up for the third day for the BBQ.On the fourth day which is the last day of Eid, people get the meat from the hole underground and eat it in celebration together as a family.

Zaid Ali Khan Year 12 has written a poem about his homeland.

PakistanTremendous ranges of volcanoes and naturally occurring reservoirs Fields brimming with tomatoes which have sunned beneath the summer skies crowded with north stars Including ostentatious provinces with luxurious green plains including five rivers Each with its own appeal and promises and a deep sea that might give you quivers But it’s a damaged paradise taken advantage by the rebels Its beauty taken like drift ice paradise changed into a raising hell She has survived for years and will for years to come the wonderland will outcome Many thanks to all who bought copies of The EAL poetry book ‘Homelands’

All one hundred copies were sold raising £200 which was donated to the charity ‘Medecins sans frontieres,’ Doctors without borders.

NEWS from the 6thform

Our visit to Oxford UniversityMolly Isherwood Firstly, we want to say a huge THANK YOU to Mrs Donnison, who took the time out of her busy schedule to take us, 8 eager Penglais students, to Oxford University’s open day on the 27th and 28th of June.

After a long and very hot train journey, we were all so glad to be arriving in Oxford! We stayed in the beautiful Christ Church campus and then were given an interesting tour by Mrs Donnison around the city, visiting places such as the Oxford colleges’ boat houses, the botanical gardens and many of the places where filming for the Harry Potter films took place.

Then was a night of either sitting under the stars or watching Love Island with people from all parts of the world.

Thursday started in the best way possible, with a full English breakfast in Hogwarts’ great hall. A busy day followed, full of lectures and displays of the numerous courses on offer. Many of us also took the chance to get a better feel for Oxford by visiting the fantasy inspired places, Will and Lyra’s bench from Phillip Pullman’s Northern Lights, the (now unfortunately cut down) tree that inspired Treebeard the Ent from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy and St Mary’s passage that inspired C.S.Lewis with various elements in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We were all completely fascinated by everything Oxford had to offer!

As our train pulled into the platform, many of us were sad to leave, especially as we felt there were many unseen places still to visit!

We all had an incredible couple of days and are ever grateful for the awesome experience of being Oxford students (at least for two days)! A huge thank you to everyone who came and to everyone who helped out, and an especially big thank you to Mrs Donnison. We couldn’t have done it without you! We recommend everyone to take any similar opportunity that is on offer, as it is a great and unforgettable experience!

Ceredigion Seren Network LaunchThe Ceredigion Seren launch was held at Penglais on Oct 4th. The Seren network was established to ensure Wales’ brightest students get the right support to make the most of their academic interests. Marly Harper-Lawlor from year 13 shared her experiences of visiting Yale university this summer which was made possible by being selected to be in the Seren group.

Macmillan Coffee Morning On Friday September 28, our Sixth formers and sixth form team organised a fantastic Macmillan Coffee Morning where they raised £220. From fantastic cakes to the outstanding musical talent the morning was enjoyed by sixth form students and staff.

Summer School at Aberystwyth University – Willow CarrowThis is a great opportunity to get a good feel of whether university would suit you or not, it allows you to try out different subjects. For example, these were the subject I chose to study over the six weeks law, criminology and international politics. All the tutors were helpful and gave great advice, and it was so much fun to move out of home for six weeks. I really believe that it gave me more confidence and more enthusiasm as I truly knew what I wanted to do. I feel that the worst part was realising that I would have to wait a year to do my subject. In the summer university I got to meet loads of amazing people that I believe I will remain friends with them for a long time.

PTANEWS

The PTA works to raise extra money for the school and to provide volunteers to help in the school in various ways. Recently we have campaigned for more funding from the LEA for the school and for more money to be spent on education nationally, this work is ongoing!

COMMUNICATIONS As well as new link on school website there is a Penglais PTA Facebook page and Penglais Parents Facebook page (more informal) also.www.facebook.com/PenglaisPTA/

DATES FOR DIARY

Christmas FairThe Christmas Fair which will be on Saturday

1st December at 10am, thanks to Wendy

Griffiths for agreeing to head a small group

to organise this event.

VOLUNTEERINGIf you wish to be added to an email list solely for information updates and opportunities to volunteer (such as serving tea and coffees, helping at Christmas Fayre or being involved with other fundraising events such as a Fashion show) please e-mail PenglaisPTA@gmail.com. Finally, if you are in the 6th form we’d love a representative to be co-opted onto our committee, please email Mike Pitcher as above.

PTA NEWSThanks to the 14 people who attended our AGM recently. We elected the 4 posts of Chair (Heather Cox), Vice-Chair (Mike Pitcher), Treasurer (Cathy Beckham) and Secretary (Artemis Gratsea) with Paul Williams as Governor member and Julie Davies as staff representative with Head teacher Ms Mair Hughes as President. Main meetings are held once a term with smaller groups meeting for extra events. If you ever come to a meeting you will be very welcome and included and your voice (and vote if needed) will count. Minutes of meeting and financial report should appear on school website PTA linked page soon.

New PrefectsHere are Penglais’ Prefects and Senior Prefects for the 2018 – 2019 year.