Online Brynteg News Newyddion Brynteg ar lein November 7th 2014 Dear Parents/Carers Issue No.13 Calendar: Brynteg School has a long tradition of staging great school shows but ‘Camp Rock’ must surely rank amongst the top productions we have ever produced. 11.11.2014 Armistice Service 13.11.2014 Year 11 Parents’ Evening 24.11.2014 Year 11 Mock Exams begin 03.12.2014 Year 12 Parents’ Evening 09.12.2014 Year 7 Parents’ Evening 15.12.2014 EBP Stock Market Challenge 16.12.2014 Carol Service 19.12.2014 End of Term Congratulations to all the cast, staff and students who played some part, whether on stage, back stage or front of house in the spectacular event we witnessed at the Grand Pavilion. The show was a triumph. Well done, you did us proud. David Jenkins, Headteacher ‘The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a good example’ Benjamin Disraeli Official Re-opening of the Upper School Gymnasium On Tuesday 21st October Brynteg welcomed several dignitaries including local councillors and representatives of Sport Wales to attend the official re-opening of the upper school gym. The school was keen to create a more up-to-date look in the gym to fit with its modern approach to physical education and promote fitness and well-being among its pupils. As a result two of the gym’s walls were turned into striking feature walls, one deep blue and the other purple in order to create a more vibrant look. Paint for the project was donated by Dulux Decorator Centres in Swansea as part of the ‘Let’s Colour’ Mission after head of PE Mr Adam Rosser nominated the school for the project online. The project itself was supported by BCBC and Sport Wales and the new Equipment was joint funded by BCBC, the WRU and Brynteg School. It is vitally important that young people get involved in physical education. With this in mind female students were asked their opinions and what was needed to make PE more appealing to girls. The Dynamix group [current Year 11 pupils] and the Girl’s First group made a lot of the decisions on what equipment would be put in the gym and the findings resulted in the modern and well equipped facility we have today. New strategies have been put in place to encourage all students and for them to take responsibility for their own health and well being. Emma Hobby & Samantha Currell Councillor Huw David addressing the gathering Two Brynteg students, Emma Hobby and Samantha Currell, opened the proceedings and then handed over to Headteacher Mr David Jenkins who gave a short speech in which he outlined the thought and philosophy behind the project. Mr Jenkins said, “Brynteg has a long tradition of excellence in terms of sport and physical exercise and it pays an important part in our curriculum. It is an aspect of our provision that has always been highly valued. Naturally we are proud of our achievements past and present; in particular the number of former pupils who have achieved international honours and Olympic success in a wide variety of sports is amazing. Mr Jenkins continued, “Like all successful institutions it is important for us to recognise the important role that physical activity can play in the lives of all young people while also recognising that their needs and wants change over time, the approaches and traditions of the past are not necessarily appropriate in 2014. Young people, in this case our girls, when given the opportunity can lead and contribute to changing the things that are possibly not as effective as they once were and can Head teacher Mr David Jenkins take ownership of their health and wellbeing.” “The importance of girls leading the design of opportunities, discussing options and making decisions has made this approach unique. Projects like this require a huge amount of commitment and resources and would not be possible without the effort and energy of a great many people.” Mr Jenkins concluded by saying, “On behalf of the school, its pupils and governing body I would like express our sincere gratitude and thanks to all of the partners that have given of their time, money and effort and have made today a reality.” Councillor Huw David receiving his‘Pass it on’ challenge Sport Wales Executive Adele Baumdgardt The two girls then challenged Councillor Huw David, Ms Alison Baumdgardt [Sport Wales] and Mr Darren Mepham [CEO of BCBC] with the new ’Pass it on’ iniative which requires them to encourage three more young people to take up more exercise. Ms Adele Baumdgardt [Sport Wales] spoke of her life-long campaign to get more girls involved in sport and she is delighted with the new provision in Brynteg. Emma and Samantha cutting the ribbon to the new changing room US Gymnasium official opening continued. Brynteg girls trying out the new equipment Bridgend Mayor Mr Gary Thomas & Mayor’s Consort Kay Jenkins Girls’ PE teachers Miss Higman & Miss Welsford A happy Head of PE Mr Adam Rosser with Mr Jenkins and CEO of BCBC Mr Darren Mepham Dignitaries with some of the Brynteg students who will benefit from the new facilities The Camp that Rocked! The Brynteg School production of the Disney musical ‘Camp Rock’ proved to be a resounding success. The show was performed to packed audiences at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, for three consecutive nights before half-term. The show was brilliant, the acting and singing wonderful and the audience were enthralled and energised by the enthusiasm of the cast on stage. Audience members found themselves foot-tapping and hand-clapping along to the lively numbers and were treated to slick, professional performances by the talented young people on stage. It was a joy both to watch and listen to and the end of the show was visually amazing with pyrotechnics lighting up the stage. Cast members Emily March and Scott Jeffery were excellent as the main characters Mitchie Torres and Shane Gray and there were so many outstanding performances. Without exception every student gave their all to make the show a spectacular event. Delighted Head of Drama & Director Mrs Beesley and Musical Director Mrs Fender could not have been more proud of the young performers and praised their commitment and enthusiasm. Mrs Beesley also paid tribute to all the unsung heroes behind stage and front of house. To run a show like this takes so much work and dedication from so many staff and pupils but the end result was surely worth the effort of all those involved. For some of the younger pupils it was their first experience of taking part in a musical production and it was evident from the rapt look on their faces that they were completely enjoying every moment. The whole show was infectious and the cast received standing ovations at the end of each performance. Brynteg really has something to celebrate. Bravo everyone! [Scroll down to see more magical moments from the show] The cast wish to thank you all for the support given during the last year—without you it could never have happened. [Photographs courtesy of Mrs S Pearson and Morgan Rushmere of Year 13] The Cast of Camp Rock MITCHIE TORRES ………………………………….…….……..…………………………….…….………………………Emily March SHANE GRAY…………………………….………………………..…………………………………..………………………Scott Jeffery NATE GRAY ………………………………….………………………..………………...…….……………….……….…...Lewis Coster JASON GRAY ……………….……………….…………………………..………..……..………....…………….…………..Oat Jenner CAITLYN GELLER …………..………………….…………………………..………………….……………………………...Alice Stride TESS TYLER ……………………………………..….…………………………………...…………………………….....Emily Stimpson ELLA PADOR…………………….….…………….……………………………………...………………………………….Georgia West Lili Martin PEGGY DUPREE…………………………………..……………………………….……….……………………..……….Carley Millard Megan Howley ROSIE DAY……………………………………………….………………………………….…..………………….……..….Elize Maiden BARRON JAMES……………………………………..…..…………………………………….………….……..…………..Tom Friend SANDER LOYA………………………………………….…………………...…….………………………..………………......Harry Cox Josh Percival ANDY HOSTEN……………………………………………….…………..…………………….………………………….Dylan Thomas Lewys Davies BROWN CESARIO………………………………………………..………………………………….………..……..…….Harvey Jones AXEL TURNER…..……………………………………………………...……….………...……………..………....Owen-Rhys Evans DANA TURNER……………………………………………………………………..………….………………..……….Alana Walburn Nia Vaughan LUKE WILLIAMS…………………………………………………………………….………..……….………………....James Tiernan GEORGINA FARLOW………………………………………………………………….....…………..………….…….Chloe Bromley Camp Rockers Star Campers Maddy Brown Georgia Francis Natalia Green Chloe Griffiths Aimee Haines Niamh JamesCash Katie Lewis Abigail Linforth Tirion Loughran Deni Roberts Tom Roberts Ellie ThomasWilliams Danielle Blake Abbie Davies Megan Evans Megan Hooper Rhian Luckett Scarlett Marenghi Aimee Morris Lowri Rees Ben Rich Rosie Stride Rachael Stewart Aimee Tranter Samantha Vincent Chorus Jordan Ashman Parry Kirsty Jones Alex Curran Jessica Beecham Abigail Matthews Lara Davies Elizabeth Berry Shauna Mckernan Keenan Edmunds Jordan Blake Samantha Meadows Rachel Ellis Halle Bletsoe Megan Papp Huw Evans Joanna Bonney Hannah Pearson Niamh Evans Tegan Clarke Kirsten Perry Nicole Gannon Lucie Collier Mia Pritchard Danielle Jay Elizabeth Dowdell Molly Raybould Annie Llewellyn Megan Fairchild Teri Samuel Erin Morgan Kayleigh Granville Menna Vaughan Ruby Rice Lauren Hampton Nathan Alexander Seren Richards Ellie Harris Elsa Al-Shather Lucy Stimpson Tegan Hayes Emily Bowden Luc Thomas Lowri Howells Jorden-Leigh Cooper Morgan Tiernan Rhys Jeffery Alys Cox Camp Rock’s Unsung Heroes During the build-up to the show there were so many people were involved in the stage-set. The Art Department headed by Mrs Pearson and Mr Catton of the D&T Department, along with an army of staff and students, worked tirelessly to create the fantastic spectacle we saw on stage at the Grand Pavilion. Therefore we thought they should have a mention too. Art department staff, sixth form art students and pupils from years 7,9 and 10 who all worked hard to produce the stage set for the Camp Rock Production by Brynteg School in the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. A full day during skills week in the summer term kicked off the art works and open evening for the Year 6 pupils was another valuable time spent painting the set. The final details and piles of glitter finished the camp star and camp rock details during lunchtimes and art club. The final details and piles of glitter finished the camp star and camp rock details during lunchtimes and art club. Special thanks to Mrs Godwin for her ongoing efforts with this, to Mrs Topham for drawing up most of the works and to Mr Catton for the brilliant wooden panel backdrops. The artworks looked fantastic and very effective on the stage. It was a real team effort! Diawn pawb! More of the ‘Unsung Heroes’ at work Mrsome Catton his band of D&T students the stage stage-set. Mr Catton and of and the D&T students erecting theerecting Camp Rock set at the Pavilion Health and Social Care News Newyddion Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol Become a Dementia Friend…. As part of their AS Health and Social Care course students have been learning about different challenges people may meet in life. One such challenge is Dementia. Kerry Phelps from the Alzheimer’s Society came into school to raise awareness of the condition with a very interesting and informative talk. She was also in school to promote the ‘Dementia Friends’ Campaign. Students were given pin ‘Forget-me-not’ badges and information about action they can take to assist someone who may be struggling with Alzheimer’s. More information can be found about this on www.dementiafriends.org.uk Pwyslais Llythrennedd ar gyfer Tachwedd Each month as a school we have a specific literacy focus to improve literacy skills and help pupils gain a better understanding of different grammatical points. You can help to reinforce each literacy focus at home by:  testing your child on the definition of each literacy skill or grammar point.  asking your child to give you examples of sentences where they would use a particular literacy skill / grammar point.  asking your child to give you examples of lessons where they have used each literacy skill / grammar point. Year 7- Commas Commas are used in the following ways: To separate items in a list. 'I'd like the steak, chips, onion rings and peas please.' To separate direct speech from the words that introduce it or follow it. Mr Blogg said, "You did really well in your test" To indicate a pause between parts of a sentence. 'While John was eating his dinner, the phone rang' Year 8 and 9 - Simple sentences A simple sentence has one complete verb. A simple sentence has a subject. The subject tells us who or what the sentence is about. The subject often appears at the start of the sentence. The subject usually appears before the verb. The subject can be one word or a group of words – a phrase e.g. Tim played tennis for Great Britain Tim is the subject of the sentence - played is the verb Numeracy Focus for November Pwyslais Rhifedd ar gyfer Numeracy Rowing across the river James and John are on the two opposite banks of a river. They both have a rowing boat. They both start at the same time towards the opposite bank. They pass each other at 180 meters from the bank where James departed. When reaching the opposite bank, they both take a rest for the same amount of time before they return. On the way back, they pass each other at 100 metres from the bank from where James returned. James and John both row with a constant speed, but John rows faster. The Question: How wide is the river? Answer at the back of the bulletin Brynteg Pupils’ Poems published in ‘War of Words’ As promised in the last bulletin here are the four poems as written by four of our pupils that have been published in the ‘Young Writers’ publication War of Words War Explosions and gas attacks start once more, Screaming and shouting, this must mean war. Men are walking thousands of miles, Commanders and captains, flicking through files. Air raids and rations come as they did before, Loving and leaving this must mean war. Families and weeping, tears in their eyes, Kissing and hugging, pulling on ties. Planes and bombs fly once more, The sounds of the sirens, this must mean war. Pilots are fleeing, and storms hit the skies, A cold winter morning, saying their goodbyes. The old steam train, on the crowded platform, Grey cloudy skies, this must mean war. Escape to the country, means what it sounds, No more big cities, instead small, rural towns. A mother’s love, never seen before, Many will die, this must mean war, Wagons and horses, up the big, steep hill, The children all frozen, their minds are kept still. Finally fields, filled with poppies once more, Dead bodies lay not moving, this must mean war. Gravestones and loyalty, we love them all, Though men are reminded of how others fall. Soon they carry on living their lives, Though others are trapped, surrounded by flies. Elizabeth Dowdall Brynteg Lower School, Bridgend War Poem The Memories we have, the pictures we take, The type of ones no one can break. They are forever in our hearts Even if we’re far apart. Their guns at the ready, The soldiers, prepared and steady, Standing by for what could be the end, Waiting for them just around the bend. The poppy beds that lay upon the fields, The wounds that have not healed. The life they lived, Our hearts thrives with memories we have. Abigail Matthews Brynteg Lower School, Bridgend War of Words (continued) War Torn Land The sun rises on the war torn land, Shining down upon the blasted sand, Ten hundred more we send to their deaths, Knowing they’ll fight to the very last breaths, Marching on, through trenches black, Holding off the enemy’s attack, Men become monsters, taught to end life, Families destroyed because of this strife, The greatest conflict of our time, they said, The great World War, thousands dead, Tension rising, a loaded gun, Order bellowed, setting sun, We charge for our home, our families and friends, On our courage, our country depends, Shots are fired, men are killed, Corpses fall, but their places are filled, Outnumbered, at least three to one, Hoping for help in the final rays of the sun, Planes fly over, as angels of doom, The enemy retreats under the bright full moon The day is won, but count the lost, Five hundred dead, in winter’s frost, The darkest hour comes before dawn, Five hundred families begin to mourn, So many men, sent to their doom, In the barren deserts of wartime Kharoun. Dylan Thomas Brynteg Lower School, Bridgend Emotion Emotion means caring, loving and strengthening. It also means treasuring every moment of life hand by hand and making the most of your own space and freedom because someday your life will change, people will die for doing the right thing. So why try and make it fair because someone will die out there! Kayleigh Granville Brynteg Lower School, Bridgend [Above L-R: Abigail Matthews, Elizabeth Dowdall, Kayleigh Granville and Dylan Thomas] War of Words published by Youngwriters. [Edited by Vicki Skelton] ISBN 9781784432492 Challenge yourself to read different You could earn R NZE, SILVER, 5 library books from each term or P AT NUM BRAG certificates for your progress file and prizes if you reach the PLATINUM standard! m News from the Art Department Gwybodaeth Yr Adran Celf Last half term was a busy one for the Art Department and alongside doing the stage set for the Camp Rock production in Porthcawl Pavilion we have also been involved in trips and exhibitions. Once again our 6th form art students were involved in the popular ‘Made in Roath’ Arts Festival in Cardiff on the weekend of the 18th and 19th October. 40 pupils produced work for the exhibition and the year 12 students held printmaking workshops with visiting members of the public. They were also able to visit a number of the neigh- bouring art exhibitions themselves. This was a busy and successful event and feedback from visitors was excellent. The pupil exhibition is part of the open house programme. Twenty-seven houses in Roath opened their doors to the public to exhibit artworks. Last year’s event attracted over a hundred Visitors. [Above: Visitors taking part in the art workshops] [Some of the artworks on display] [Above: Three of our Year 12 Art students helping out with the workshops] Article and photos supplied by Mrs S Pearson. Art Department News - Newyddion yr Adran Celf On Tuesday 21st October our GCSE art students in Year 10 had a fabulous, productive day out at Cardiff Museum drawing from the Animal and Art exhibits as part of their coursework portfolio. On the steps of Cardiff Museum Geography Department News Newddion yr Adran Daearydd Expedition Nepal 2015 update In July 2015 seventeen students from Years 12 and 13 will undertake an 18 day expedition to Nepal combining work to improve life in small rural communities, learning about the variety of international aid organisations and the physical challenge of Trek and white water rafting. The team had a workshop with the expedition leaders on Friday 3rd October to learn about various different aspects of life in Nepal that relates to the work that will be undertaken during their visit. L—R: Alex Fox, Tom McArdle and Dan Butlin presenting their group findings about life in Nepal Small sub-teams considered one main challenge that the rural population face in Nepal including food provision, education of girls, opportunities for employment and managing natural disasters. Students them fed back to the whole group with a variety of realistic strategies that they felt would be appropriate to overcome these difficulties. The strategies had to be appropriate for the community as well as being sustainable. On Sunday 12th October, the team were bag packing in Sainsbury's Bridgend, to raise funds and awareness about the excellent work they will be completing on their expedition. Throughout the 6 hours they raised over £850 towards funding their visit. We are hoping to arrange further bag packing sessions in the New Year and thank Sainsbury’s and their customers for their support in fund raising for the expedition. In the coming months, the team are planning to undertake various fundraising activities and hope that the Brynteg community will support them in their preparation for this 'once in a lifetime' opportunity and worthwhile visit. L to R: Alex Fox, Megan Morgan-Jones & Callum Griffiths The fundraising plans include a Year 7 Christmas Disco, a duck race and sponsored rock climbing. The team are also planning to climb the Welsh 3 peaks in Spring 2015 as part of their training for their trek as well as gaining sponsorship for this endurance event. Watch this space ... Mrs K Perna (Head of Geography) More news for the Geography Department Year 12 Geography Students at Dale Fort, PembROKESHIRE Year 12 Geographers visited Dale Fort in Pembrokeshire to complete investigations to form part of their AS level work from 14th – 16th October. Students completed physical geography investigations in surface runoff and infiltration rates as well as flood management strategies used in Haverfordwest. They also researched into rural settlements and how population numbers and service provision vary with distance from major settlements. Students will follow up the results collected in the coming weeks in lessons and will answer questions about these investigations during their AS examinations at the end of the year. All students conducted themselves in an exemplary manner throughout the visit and were very dedicated whilst working for long hours and in sometimes testing weather conditions! A big thank you and well done to all students and accompanying staff. Mrs Perna (Head of Geography) Sports Department News Newyddion yr Adran Chwaraeon Sports Results Netball News—Newyddion Pel-Rwyd Congratulations to Chloe Dyke and Meghanne Davies (Year 12) for their selection to the Welsh Netball U17 long squad. Cross-Country Championships Results Huge congratulations to Isobel Dodd for coming 1st in the South Wales Regional schools cross-country championship 2014, and Zoe Hamm who came 13th. Also Hollie Mullan who came 11th and Molly Ridge 162nd. Good luck representing South Wales in Builth Wells. 'Shelter Cymru' School/Club Golf Championship Congratulations to Nathan Alexander (Year 9) and Jordan Oliver (Year 8) for coming 5th in the 'Shelter Cymru' School/Club Golf Championship during half-term at the Celtic Manor. Also congratulations to Ronan Oliver (Year 10) and Lewis Miller (year 11) who came 11th in the competition. Brynteg Homework Club Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils are invited to join Brynteg Homework Club in the Lower School Library after school each Tuesday and Thursday. You will have access to all of the usual facilities within the Library, including refreshments . The Librarian will be on hand to assist with any queries you may have. We have on offer :Sixteen 6 I-pads with internet access PC’s and printer Thousands of Factual and Fiction books Magazines, Newspapers and Periodicals Every Tuesday & Thursday 3.20—5pm Thought for the Week Meddyliad yr Wythnos ‘BE RESPONSIBLE. ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES’ Answer - Numeracy Challenge Call the requested width of the river r. The first time that James and John meet, the total distance that they have travelled together equals the width of the river, or r. The second time that James and John meet, the total distance that they have travelled together equals twice the width of the river plus the width of the river, so 3 x r. Because James and John row with a constant speed, it also holds that the distance that James travelled in total at the second meeting, equals 3 times the distance he travelled in total at the first meeting. The distance that James travelled in total at the first meeting is 180. The distance that James travelled in total at the second meeting is r + 100. When we combine the above, we get the following equation: 3 x 180 = r + 100. When we solve this equation we find that r = 440. Therefore, the river is 440