NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI
Rhifyn 16 Rhagfyr 2013 Newyddion Rhosnesni
Issue 16 December 2013 Rhosnesni Newsround
RESPECT , HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
Message from the Headteacher
Welcome to the latest edition of 'Newyddion‟ which Croeso i‟r rhifyn diweddaraf o „Newyddion‟ sy‟n
is once again packed full of many wide and varied unwaith eto yn llawn o weithgareddau amrywiol
activities that take place at Ysgol Rhosnesni.
ac eang sy‟n digwydd yn Ysgol Rhosnesni.
YSGOL RHOSNESNI CAROL SERVICE
TUESDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2013
ST GILES CHURCH WREXHAM - 7PM
ALL WELCOME
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
NADOLIG LLAWEN A BLWYDDYN NEWYDD DDA
GCSE Performance – another „Best Ever‟ year at Ysgol Rhosnesni
Ysgol Rhosnesni is celebrating its „Best Ever‟ GCSE performance with 95% of
pupils gaining 5 or more GCSE passes and 76% achieving the Level 2 Threshold
(5 GCSE A*-C grades). This represents a further improvement upon the previous
„best ever‟ figure achieved in 2012.
'The school has made significant overall improvement in the standard of
achievement at numerous levels' said Headteacher, Mr Gareth Hughes. „I
therefore wish to extend my sincere congratulations to all the pupils who have
worked tremendously hard to gain their qualifications and to wish them every
future success‟.
„The results are a landmark figure in our drive to further raise standards. The
overall school performance has built upon previous successes and our goal is to
ensure that we continue to improve in the future. There have been some
outstanding results this year with some superb individual achievements. My
thanks are extended to staff and parents who have provided the support to enable
our pupils to do so well.' He added.
Pictured (top) Head Boy Callum Murray who gained 16 GCSEs and Monika Conti who gained 14
GCSEs. Also pictured (bottom) Joseph Boycott Year 9 who gained his GCSE in Mathematics and
congratulations to Sam Thomas Year 10 who achieved an „A‟ grade at GCSE Music
History Department News
At Key Stage 3 and 4 the programmes of study have been reviewed in order to ensure a highly successful start
to the new academic Year. Quality Assurance and work book scrutiny is in progress across the department
under the faculty umbrella.
Once again the „Hindsight Magazine‟ has been successfully promoted with Years 10 and 11 as a valuable
revision aid and the students will receive their first issue this term. Further issues to follow in January and April.
Year 10 students have welcomed the usage of their GCSE student work book in „Medicine Across Time‟ to aid
their learning in this topic. Year 11 will have a similar workbook later in the term for Germany 1929-1947.
A Year 10/11 Exam Busting Workshop in Manchester on 4th February 2014 has been arranged by Mr
Farquharson in order to aid exam performance at Key Stage 4.
The department had a successful Open Evening on 18th September 2013. We were visited by many
prospective students together with their parents and guardians and were encouraged
by their many positive comments.
Mr Farquharson has organised a historical study tour to Germany for Years 9 - 11 at
the beginning of the Easter Holidays in 2014 taking in the historical sites of Munich,
Nuremberg and the German Capital, Berlin. 41 pupils have booked and will be flying
from Manchester on 11th April 2014.
Mrs Walsh (Head of Humanities) together with the Headteacher, Head Boy (Simon
Bent) and Head Girl (Alice Jones) attended the Rememberance Service at the R.W.F
Memorial on Sunday 10th November 2013 (pictured left) to lay a wreath on behalf of
the pupils and staff of Ysgol Rhosnesni High School.
RESPECT , HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
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Wrexham School Pastors launched at Rhosnesni
A pilot School Pastor initiative has been launched at Ysgol Rhosnesni High School.
What is a school pastor?
A school pastor cares for and supports a 'school community'. They promote safety and aim to be positive role
models. School Pastors are there to talk to. listen, care and help young people to become good citizens.
What are the responsibilities of a school pastor?

To go on duty at times and locations agreed with the school.

To listen, be observant and look out for young people.

To build links with school community – young people, parents, school crossing patrols etc.

To observe school pastor principles, health and safety guidelines and to only work within the remit of the
role of a school pastor.
Other duties, as requested by the school, e.g. mentoring, attending special events.
Background Information on Wrexham Street Pastors
Wrexham Street Pastors began in 2006 with 13 Street
Pastors as the first Street Pastor scheme in Wales. They
have now grown to around 40 Street Pastors. They have
had a significant impact in the town centre night-time
economy helping to reduce anti-social behaviour and violent
crime as well as significantly helping many, many
individuals out of tight spots and difficult situations. During
this time they have become an accepted and deeply
appreciated part of the regular night-time economy.
Pictured with the Mayor of Wrexham are the Street
Pastor team who have recently completed their
training and who will now be working at the school.
Wales now has around 20 Street Pastor initiatives spread
across the principality.
London Literacy Experience
At the end of the first half term, 44
year 7 pupils went to London to
enjoy
the
London
Literacy
Experience for pupils who have
made the successful transition to
Ysgol Rhosnesni High School.
Pupils were given an English /
Literacy
workshop at Warner
Bros. Studio Tour London - The
Making of Harry Potter. During the
workshop pupils got to see the
costumes that had been worn
during the filming of the Harry
Potter films and the storyboards
directors had used to plan their filming. The trip was cross – curricular; students
benefited links with the History Department, as the trip also included a visit to The
London Bridge
Experience and the London Tombs which offered an exciting and
interactive educational experience exploring the horrible histories of London Bridge
from the Roman and Saxon times, and the Viking invasion of 1014 to the fire of the
Bridge in 1212, through to the modern day.
London Literacy
Pupil Comments
“It was really good, loved it.
I would definitely go again!”
- Jessica Jones 7Y2
“Amazing” - Casey
Edwards 7H2
“Funny, scary and fantastic.
I‟ve really liked it in London.
I loved it!” - Rio Carroll 7R2
“I would describe the experience as being fantastic
and I would rate it 10/10.” Joel Ryan 7R2
“Amazing and exciting. A
great trip!” - Isabel Stubbs
7H2
RESPECT , HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
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A Trip to Taizé
In October, 18 young people from 4 local high schools and from Coleg Cambria
spent a week in the Taizé Community in Burgundy in France. They joined with
young people from all over the world in the shared life of a Christian community
dedicated to reconciliation. At Taizé everyone joins in with; prayer three times a
day, Bible study and practical work as well as having plenty of time for fun and
relaxation. It is an amazing place of welcome and hope, where singing, silence
and shared food help people to grow in faith and friendship.
Two of the young people and one of the teachers involved in this trip were from
Rhosnesni High School, they participated with enthusiasm and gained a great
deal from the experience. They learned language skills, grew in confidence
through meeting new people, worked hard at practical tasks (including putting up
tents and cleaning the toilets!) and had loads of fun. Nathan Jones wrote about
the week: “The best bits for me included the diversity of people and
languages…. And I learned never to take the things I have for granted.”
Reece Jones said “The best thing I got from Taizé was meeting new people from different parts of the world and
making very good friends that I can keep in touch with… Also being able to slow things down and to spend time
alone and to reflect on your own personal life”.
It wasn‟t all easy-going at Taizé, some aspects of the common life there were quite challenging. Reece also
commented, “At first the reflection time was hard! After doing it over a few days it got easy and relaxing… Also at
first the food seems different but after a while you get used to what you are given and you can understand that
what we have here for some people would be a feast to them.”
All the young people (and the staff) had a great time in Taizé and learned so much from the experience about
ourselves, the decisions we face and about how we choose to live in a global community. The day after arriving
home several of us found that we were missing the bells calling us to prayer!
It is hard for me to sum up my gratitude to Ms Catrin Rowlands for all her hard work on this trip and to the school
for releasing her for this. Her patient and experienced input was invaluable, both for the boys from Rhosnesni
and for the trip as a whole. I do hope that pupils from Rhosnesni will continue to consider participating in this
experience next year. Reece has already offered to assist in leading an assembly on life at Taizé if the school
would appreciate this.
Thank you so much for your support with this endeavour.
Yours sincerely,
Rev‟d Mary Stallard,
Director of Faith Development, The St Giles’ Centre for RE and Faith
Development, Wrexham.
Year 7 Reaching Wider
25 year 7 pupils have been chosen to take part in the Reaching Wider Schools Programme, which encourages
children to think about what opportunities are available to them after they leave school, what qualifications they
need, and how to get them.
On Monday 11th November, Mrs C Hughes, Mrs J Roberts and 25 pupils visited Glyndwr University to watch a
second year BA (Hons) Drama students perform a play 'Changes', about the transition from Primary to
Secondary School. Pupils took part in an interactive workshop delivered by the Drama students. The workshop
encouraged self confidence in pupils and determined how individual perceptions can affect outcomes. After the
Drama session, the pupils were taken on a guided tour of the University campus and listened to a short talk on
the career paths available as a direct result of studying at university.
All pupils thoroughly enjoyed their morning session at Glyndwr. It is hoped that the Drama students will visit
Rhosnesni in 2014 to perform their play again to year 5 and 6 pupils from the feeder Primary Schools.
RESPECT , HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
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Peer Mentors Anti-Bullying Week Presentation
Anti-Bullying Week for 2013 was the 18 th to 24th November and the focus this year was about using technology
safely and responsibly. The Anti-Bullying Alliance sent the following message to everyone:”This Anti-Bullying Week we call on children and young people to take the lead on creating a future
without bullying - using new technologies to promote positive communication rather than being held
back by cyber bullying.” ABA 2013.
The Peer Mentors put together a powerful presentation which echoed that message perfectly. They delivered
their presentation to each year group in school during morning assembly for the whole week. The presentation
explained what to do and where to go if you found you were being bullied on line or by text messages,
however, it also explained that you should not be a cyber bully either.
A very plain and simple message that was given:
STOP talking to the person who is bullying you
BLOCK that person from your phone or on-line
TELL your Mum or Dad or another adult what has happened.
In the previous week, on the 14 th November, during our „Inclusion For All‟
afternoon, the Peer Mentors displayed the anti-bullying message to the parents,
pupils and visitors to our school.
The Peer Mentors also sold Anti-Bullying wrist bands; part of the money raised
will support the Anti-Bullying Alliance and the work that they do to fight bullying.
Part of the money will go to supporting the school in supporting students and
strengthening our Anti-Bullying message.
If you would like one of our wristbands to show your support and send a strong
message about unacceptable bullying, please see Mrs Payne.
Thank you to all of the Peer Mentors who took part in our anti-bullying week
presentation and sending this very important message to all of our pupils.
Remember, stay safe on the internet, report any incidents of bullying and think
about our simple message; STOP – BLOCK – TELL.
Make sure you think before you send anything on the internet or by phone, don‟t
become a cyber bully yourself!
Text Someone
During Anti-Bullying Week, the school officially launched the new text service for pupils called „Text
Someone‟. We are the first school in the North West to support this service. The aim of this service is
to provide pupils with the opportunity to text the school in confidence to alert staff of their concerns
regarding any incident of bullying. This service enables us to act upon incidents as soon as possible.
The number to contact is:
Text 21041 and your message to:
0778 147 4660
Or contact by phone or online at
0845 225 8230
www.textsomeone.com
RESPECT , HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
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Reece Jones - Champion Young Person Finalist
Reece is an exceptional young man. He has over come so many
difficulties in his young life by his strength and determination to
succeed.
Near the end of year 9 Reece decided to apply to be a peer mentor
and completed the training to a very high standard. He became
one of the most active members of the scheme throughout year 10
helping and supporting many younger students. They looked up to
him and felt safe with him which is just what many of them needed.
At the end of year 10, Reece applied to be part of the senior team
of peer mentors and was so impressive in his interview that he
Reece is pictured receiving his award from Mr secured the position of Head Peer Mentor and what an amazing
Roy Jones MBE, Scottish Power
Head Peer Mentor he became.
He often welcomed visitors to the school and acted as a guide, his maturity and confidence grew and he was a
powerful voice and figure in the peer mentoring team…powerfully kind! He delivered countless presentations to a
variety of visitors to the school and outside of school. He took an active part in the Wrexham anti-bullying
strategy, led by Head of the Educational Psychology Service, Joy Mitchell. He, along with his fellow senior team
mates, delivered a presentation to a group of visiting Italian teachers and students, but Reece took it upon
himself to learn a little Italian to make them feel at home. Reece is a natural when talking to people, he very
rarely uses notes in his presentations and his passion for what he does shines through.
Reece took part in a first ever and very important Peer Mentor conference in January 2013, which looked at full
circle Peer Mentoring right through from primary school to high school, college and university. The conference
was attended by pupils and staff from all areas of education, including past Peer Mentors. Reece and the other
members of the senior Peer Mentor team delivered a presentation to everyone in attendance about the work that
they do. It was probably the most nerve wrecking presentation ever, as a lot of the audience was made up of
past Head and Deputy Head Peer Mentors who had given presentations themselves. Reece was naturally calm,
professional and confident; he carried out the presentation perfectly.
I am delighted to know him and had a small part in his many
successes, but the biggest part played in his route to success, was
by Reece himself. We are very proud that Reece made it into the
final seven for this prestigious award out of contestants from the
whole of North West England and North West Wales. Well Done!
Thank you
Denise Payne
Student Well Being Coordinator
Peer Mentor Coordinator
Rhosnesni High School recently received the
Sport Wales Active Mark Award as part of the
Healthy Schools Celebration.
Year 9 pupils were presented with the award by
the Mayor, Mayoress and the High Sheriff of
Clwyd.
Pictured (l-r): Tushar Bhatia, Jessica Davies,
Lauren Shoemark and Harry Lucas-Jones.
RESPECT , HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
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The Hub
During 4th November – 8th November, „The Hub‟ took up residence in school. Working in partnership with
Theatre Clwyd, between 10-16 musicians, dancers, singers, actors and designers presented dramatic
responses to the pieces of literature written by pupils either as part of a writing workshop or left in „drop
boxes‟ around the school. Performances took place in corridors, between lessons, on the way into school,
leaving school, in the canteen, in lessons and outside. A multitude of exciting and engaging works of art were
produced which all had one thing in common – the creative and artistic responses of Rhosnesni High School
pupils. The finale was a performance to 500 pupils at the end of the week. This was an exciting and valuable
arts experience for the whole school. We were grateful to Scottish Power for their kind and generous
sponsorship of „The Hub‟.
Rhosnesni High School Welcomes
Author / Writer in Residence
We are proud to welcome celebrated children‟s
author Jon Mayhew, author of „Mortlock‟ and also
„The Demon Collector‟ to the school as the
2013/2014 Writer in Residence. Jon is working
together with pupils to develop a love of writing and
reading. Jon worked with Year 6 and 7 pupils in
July as part of a transition summer school with a
focus on literacy. In November, Jon worked with all
Year 7 pupils to encourage reading habits. All Year
7 pupils have been issued with a copy of one of
Jon‟s books, personally signed with a message
from Jon. In December, Jon worked with more able
and talented pupils from across the school to
develop creative
writing skills - we
look forward to the
writing produced in
partnership
with
Jon Mayhew.
Charitable Contributions
Rhosnesni staff and pupils have started a knitting
club in our library every Monday. We are making
Christmas tree decorations which we are selling at
our staff coffee morning on the 12th December. All
proceeds will be donated to Age Cymru. Also we are
knitting blanket squares for Nightingale House we
are very busy!!!
RESPECT , HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
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PE Teams
Under 13 Athletics Team 2013
Josh Povey, Robert Reynolds, Gugu
Ndlovu, Alex Buxton, Owen Fernley
(District Champion: 300m), Harri Lovett
(District Champion: 1500m), Jordan
Foulkes, Tushar Bhiatia, Harri LucasJones (District Champion: long jump),
Evan Price
Under 13 Athletics Team 2013
Weronika Swiderska, Georgia Whitley,
Megan Lucas-Jones, Rozhina Razaei,
Chloe Thomas, Georgia Burton, Kiera
Jenkins, Megan Hunter, Ruth Tierney,
Melissa Williams, Sasha G Davies. The
Under 13 Athletics Team came 4th in the
Wrexham Championship
Year 8 Athletics Team 2013
Year 7 Athletics Team 2013
Seren Edwards, Weronika Swiderska,
Georgia Whiteley, Megan Lucas-Jones,
Georgia Burton, Kiera Jenkins, Chloe
Thomas, Rozhina Razaei (District
Champion: javelin)
Megan Hunter, Cassie Daniels, Annie
Pumford, Molly Skimmings, Chloe Griffiths
(District Champion: shot), Ruth Tierney,
Eve Sharples. Year 7 Athletics Team came
3rd in the District Championship
Under 15 Athletics Team 2013
Lucia Hughes (District Champion: long
jump) Katy Whitley (District Champion:
shot/javelin & discuss) Alice Jones,
Sally Jenkins, Ashleigh Evans,
Rebecca Hughes, Natalie Roberts
Year 9 Rounders Team 2013
Hannah Rouse, Lauren Roberts, Katie
Prince, Chelsea Davies, Sara Mirrabasi,
Kat Morris, Elisha Daniels, Katelyn
Hughes, Rachel Evans, Ellie Jones
Young Enterprise Masterclass
Year 7 Rounders Team 2013
Holly Maddocks, Ruth Tierney, Chloe
Howes, Caitlin Davies, Maddie tella,
Bethan Bloor, Cassie Daniels, Maddie
Davies, Megan Hunter, Annie Pumford,
Chloe Griffiths, Wiktoria Przekora. Year 7
Rounders Team were semi-finalists in the
Wrexham Championship
July saw the return of Young Enterprise for the 4th year to Ysgol
Rhosnesni High School for the "Airline Masterclass". The event is funded
by Scottish Power and involves pupils from year 9 taking part in a variety
of group and individual tasks, before eventually working as a team to
create and run a mock airline. Pupils are required to allocate each other
roles within the airline business that focus on their individual strengths.
These include Marketing, Finance and Sales. Pupils then complete a
series of tasks throughout the day. These include designing a company
logo, designing and making the company uniform and aircraft livery, to
more technical tasks like obtaining flight licenses, buying a suitable
aircraft and costing seats. Pupils then sell available seats to travel agents
with a view to maximising profit. The
final task is for pupils to present their
experience to everyone present and
evaluate the performance of the
group. All pupils thoroughly enjoyed
the experience, which will contribute
towards their Welsh Baccalaureatte
in year 10.
RESPECT , HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
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Rhosnesni‟s Got Talent
This year the pupils and staff showcased their talents by taking part in Rhosnesni's Got Talent for „Children In
Need.‟ The event was very successful and all pupils and staff who took part or helped had a incredible time.
Rehearsals, auditions and semi-finals were held throughout lunch time in the lead up to the final show. The
final show was held in the School Hall on Wednesday 20th November at 7pm.
The night was filled with a variety of acts to entertain all, from singing to dancing, magic and karate. The
evening had special guest acts who sang as part of the event, these consisted of Rhosnesni's School Choir,
Choral Variations and Kate Parkes. The judging panel consisted of Mr Gareth Hughes Headteacher, Mr Tim
Baker Director and Playwright, Miss Kate Parkes a Past Pupil and Mrs Denise Payne Inclusion Pathway
Coordinator.
The night ended with a surprise act, a band consisting of Mr Gareth Hughes on guitar, Mr Mark Jones on
drums and singing, Mr Kevin Whitley on piano, Mr Lance Nicholls on bass guitar and we cannot forget the
wonderful backing singers: Mrs Hilary Lloyd, Mrs Jan Williams, Mrs Jan Ashley and Miss Katharina Froede.
We would like to thank all our special guests and judges for taking part in the occasion, we could not of done
it without you all. The event raised £160 for the charity Children In Need, many thanks to all who contributed.
We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Finalists
Solo: Elis Cliffe, Rebecca Butler and Katelyn Hughes. Duet: Chloe Jones and Steph Phennah.
Group: Katie Milton, Courtney Griffiths and Megan Wright Variety: Chris Butler, Ryan Wilcox and Daniel Davies
Winners
1st - Rebecca Butler singing A Thousand Years - Prize
electronic tablet and gift token.
2nd (Joint)- Ryan Wilcox dancing to Back in Time - Prize
electronic tablet.
Daniel Davies - The Great Dandeanie Magic Act - Prize
electronic tablet.
3rd - Chris Butler karate to Eye Of The Tiger - Prize two gift
tokens.
All acts who got through to the finals received a gift token.
‘Inclusion For All’ Event
A very successful „Inclusion For All‟ event was held at our Progress Afternoon in November. Over twenty
external agencies attended this event and we are extremely grateful for the support and the positive
feedback. This is now a well-established annual event which grows each year and is an excellent opportunity
for networking as well as sharing good practice.
RESPECT , HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
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Rhosnesni Supports Burmese Refugee Children
In July Mrs Sue Jones (Geography) visited a Burmese Refugee
Orphanage and Village in Thailand, to deliver aid raised in Rhosnesni by
year 10 pupils selling cakes. The £ 68 raised bought 60 large bags of
rice, 100 tooth brushes , some footballs and small toys. Some of the aid
was distributed at the orphanage then Mrs Jones with a team of doctors,
nurses and other „Jungle Aid‟ volunteers set off on a 3 hour off road drive
into the jungle to the Burmese (Myanmar) border to an isolated refugee
village. Ban Luk.
“It was an exciting, yet heart breaking experience. We spent 3 hours in
the village doing medical checks and giving advice. Some the children
were suffering from Malaria, Dengue fever, Rickets, Malnutrition and
Dysentry. Yet they all had smiles on their faces when we arrived.”
The aim of Jungle Aid is to educate the villagers on basic health needs
and provide support to help them to be more self sufficient. We also try to
find sponsors to help support the education of the older children.
“I am planning a return visit to the orphanage in April to take more food
and clothes. “
CHANGE OF DETAILS
Please use this slip to inform us of any
changes to personal contact details,
telephone numbers, addresses etc.
Name of Student:
Tutor Group:
Emergency Telephone No:
Achievement to Celebrate
Please use this slip to inform us of any
achievement, whether in or out of school,
of which you are proud and would like
celebrated in the school newsletter.
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Nature of Achievement:
N.B. CAN ALL SLIPS AND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE BE RETURNED TO
MISS CLAYBROOK IN RESOURCES.
RESPECT , HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
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RESPECT , HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
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