News from MCS

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This week saw the launch of Monmouthshire’s Autism In Schools project, which has brought together MCS staff and students with local authority staff, other educational practitioners, parents and carers, and the Autism Education Trust. We are delighted to have contributed to this new approach to improving education for autistic children and young people in the county, which will contribute to developing a truly inclusive educational system in Monmouthshire. The project embeds the voice of children and young people, delivers high-quality training and builds capability amongst all Monmouthshire staff. We are particularly proud that a number of autistic students from MCS have ensured that their lived experience and expertise is at the heart of the programme. They were also undoubtedly the stars of the launch event in Abergavenny yesterday.

A note on smartphones, and particularly on social media and groups such as WhatsApp groups: we have had a number of safeguarding and wellbeing incidents that have come from younger students being in unmonitored groups or having unfiltered access to social media sites. We strongly recommend that younger students do not have smartphones, and instead have more basic call/text phones like this one. The minimum age for any social media platform such as TikTok or WhatsApp is 13 years old. We also strongly recommend that if your child is in a Whatsapp group chat, or has a social media account, that you discuss and agree with them that you will check it regularly. The world of digital access is a really tricky one to navigate with your child, and we are happy to help wherever we can, including when things have already gone wrong online and you or your child need help. You can also read more about how to help your child keep safe online here, and check the appropriateness of a range of sites here. There is also a parent-led movement called Smartphone Free Childhood that I know a number of MCS parents are already involved with - click here to find out more.

All the best for the weekend ahead.

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

Have you ordered your school photos yet? Tempest advise that the closing date for free delivery back to school for Years 7/8/9/10/12 is Tuesday 1^st October 2024.  You can order through the Tempest website using your unique link or visit www.tempest-orders.co.uk 

If you need any assistance in ordering your photos, feel free to contact Tempest on 01736 751555 (option 3).

We should shortly receive the proofs for the Y11 individual/year group photos, the Y13 individual/year group photos and the group MCSBC photo.  As soon as we receive these proofs, they will be distributed to students to bring home.  Obviously, these do not fall under the 1st October deadline for free delivery to school.

Monmouth Comprehensive School Friends Association AGM is happening on Tuesday 1st October at 7.30pm at The Punch House, Monmouth. The AGM is a short meeting to elect officers and review our activities over the last year.

Afterwards, we plan to have a drink and celebrate with the new committee. Everyone is welcome and it's a great chance to meet committee members and fellow parents, and to chat about the work of the Friends Association. 

We hope to see you there.

It’s that time of year again! The book fair will be in school (main atrium) from 3^rd-10^th October, with over 200 fantastic books to choose from in a wide variety of genres and reading abilities, and every book that is purchased earns free books for our school. There are various ways to buy from the selection:

• In cash on the day
• With pre-purchased gift vouchers available here: Book Fair Gift Vouchers - Scholastic Book Fairs
• Through this QR code available throughout the week

  

• Online using this link: https://bookfairs.scholastic.co.uk/pay

If paying online at home, students can fill in a ‘wishlist’ available from the book fair.

Teacher of Business & Economics: Teacher of Business and Economics (eteach.com)

Closing date: Tuesday 8^th October at 12 noon

Please click HERE to access the MCC Admissions to Secondary School letter to parents, which gives you relevant information for a student starting in Year 7 in September 2025.

The MCC Starting Schools booklet may be found by clicking HERE.

Dear Parents / Guardians 

We are excited to invite you to an exclusive online parent event designed to provide valuable insights into how you can support your child in making informed career choices when they leave school. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn how to help your son or daughter gain a foothold in the world of work with the many major brands (mentioned below) from various sectors who will be joining us for the event.

This event will touch upon applying to corporate roles and the application process, commercial awareness and how young people can develop these skills as well as highlighting degree apprenticeships, what they are and key deadlines to make applications. 

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, 3rd October 2024
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Zoom

Agenda:

• 6:00 PM - 6:05 PM: Welcome from Young Professionals
• 6:05 PM - 6:30 PM: Skills Session – Commercial Awareness & Career Guidance
  Forvis Mazars, AICPA & CIMA, Wates, Mishcon de Reya
  Learn what employers are looking for in students, and how parents can help their child develop the right skills for the corporate world.
• 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM: The Recruitment Process
  PwC, Clifford Chance, Amazon, Experian
  Tips on how to prepare your child for online tests, assessment centres, and interviews to give them an edge in the recruitment process.
• 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Degree Apprenticeships Explained in full
  KPMG, BDO, Linklaters, Evelyn Partners
  Understand what apprenticeships are, how they can benefit your child, and how they compare to university. 

This event will provide you with an in-depth understanding on the career and work experience prospects out there for your child across sectors such as Finance, Data, Technology, Law, Engineering, and different Corporate Functions.

The whole session will be led by the direct hiring managers at these global firms  so you’ll learn from the very best on how to support your child as they transition from education to the professional world with leading brands.

We would encourage you to join this event with your child to get the most out of this session. 

Sign up below to secure your place:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YPYourchild-theirFuture

You're welcome to share this event invitation with any other parents who might find it beneficial.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Best Regards,

Dan / Young Professionals

Dan Miller
Founder and CEO |