Annwyl pawb

I'm trying something new at the end of this term - a video summary, to try and give you a sense of themes of the term. Please click here for my video summary of the term.

The festive atmosphere abounds at MCS this week - in particular, the Carol Service was an absolute highlight for me. Many congratulations to all those in orchestra, junior choir, senior choir, percussion ensemble, and cluster orchestra for your musical accomplishments - the whole audience really enjoyed your performances so much. Congratulations also to all of the readers, who Reverend Tim described as "the best set of readers that I have ever heard". Quite the accolade, and definitely deserved, because your oratory was exceptional. Many thanks also as ever to Ms Ritter and the whole Performing and Expressive Arts team, for your dedication to the Arts in our school.

There have been lots of other festive flourishes also - I saw a magical rendition of Fairytale In New York from our SRB Post 16 students (with some amended lyrics, phew), and I have seen (but sadly not sampled) gingerbread houses in Catering. I have even seen a bespoke MCS Christmas jumper being worn by one student, who designed and produced it himself. Quite incredible - you can see the creation in the picture below.

Some staffing news to share: the governing body have ratified the appointment of Mrs Mandy Davies to the role of Deputy Headteacher here at MCS. Mrs Davies will oversee all pastoral, wellbeing and safeguarding matters. Our other Deputy Headteacher, Mr Hampshire, is responsible for academic matters such as curriculum, qualifications and timetabling.

I wish you all a peaceful, restful and revitalising break. Nadolig Llawen, pawb. Merry Christmas, everyone.

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

Congratulations to Year 11 student Isabelle Ravenhill who was successful in her campaign to be Monmouthshire's candidate for the Welsh Youth Parliament.

The Welsh Youth Parliament is a youth model legislature established in 2018 by the Senedd.  It states that its purpose is to empower young people to make decisions and to provide them with a voice in Welsh politics.

A big thank you to everyone who voted for Isabelle.

Earlier this term, our Sixth Form mathematicians were hugely successful in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge. Angus Keown-Boyd, Isaac Thomson and Daniel Millington all qualified for the Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo round which they completed earlier this month.

All three students demonstrated their excellent problem-solving skills, scoring highly and each achieving a Certificate of Merit - awarded to the top 25% of participants in the competition. 

Archie Barrell progressed onto the British Mathematics Olympiad, a three and a half hour paper, focussing on problem-solving and proofs and also achieved a Merit certificate.

We are immensely proud of all you. Congratulations!

Monmouth Comprehensive School’s Bar Mock trial team have successfully won the Welsh heat, at Cardiff Crown Court, for the second year in a row.

On the day of competition, the team had to present the case of R v Hinton, a case relating to assault, for both prosecution and defence and then R v Speed, a case relating to illegal drugs in sport, for the defence. Barristers Jack Painter, Tomi North, Albert Kent and Mia Owen all demonstrated excellent knowledge of the cases and law proceedings and this, along with brilliant performances from witnesses Ewan Beard, Iona Thomas Macintosh, Greg Young and George Mather, ensured victory for the team. The team also consisted of a clerk, Sophie Hill, an Usher, Niamh Hunter, and several jury members, all of whom have dedicated months to preparing for this event and should be proud of everything they have achieved so far. A special thanks to our two reserves who travelled down with us but did not get to compete.

The team will now represent both Monmouth Comprehensive School and Wales at the National Finals on Saturday 22^nd March 2025 at the Royal Courts of Justice, London. If you are at all interested in sponsoring the team for this event, please contact Mrs Gaylard – dorrie.gaylard@monmouth.schoolsedu.org.uk

Law Reporter Competition

One element missing from the competition this year was the Young Reporter Award. Traditionally, students have been able to enter in a report relating to the cases delivered.  Sixth Form Reporter, Holly Bisson, was not deterred by the lack of formal competition and you can read her report below;

Clubs start back w/c 13 January.  The link to the updated schedule will appear in the first newsletter of the New Year.

Memorial bursary fund re-opens to help young people in Monmouth develop their career.

Bursary applications are open for Year 13 Sixth Form students at Monmouth Comprehensive School who wish to study a course at university or through an apprenticeship.

The Roddy Thomson Memorial Bursary Fund offers long-term financial support to pupils who may need financial assistance to continue their education and develop a successful career.  

The bursary is offered by Roddy’s former colleagues at M&G plc in collaboration with his family to honour his memory and continue his commitment to bringing out the best in those around him.  

Roddy was Chief Operating Officer at M&G plc, and before that at Prudential UK and Europe. Prior to M&G, he was Managing Director at OpenReach. He was also a director at Ernst & Young and worked at Accenture earlier in his career.  

The bursary supports students studying at Monmouth Comprehensive School where Roddy was Head Boy and left a lasting impression.   

Two students from Monmouth Comprehensive School who were successful in receiving an award are both encouraging Sixth Formers to apply this year for financial support.

Boris Hale, studying for an apprenticeship, said:

“The bursary provides unimaginable support and helps students with potential to advance themselves in an ever-developing world. Continuing your studies after school is a big change, and support financially is a rare opportunity.

The support has given me peace of mind, allowing me to fully submerge myself into my role as well as my studies.

The Talent Foundry support also helped with professional interview practice to prepare for interviews with potential employers.”

Cain Legg, studying at Swansea University, said:

"For anyone interested in pursuing further education but are considering the financial costs involved, then I would highly recommend you consider applying for the Roddy Thomson Bursary.

It has allowed me to pursue my interests, meet new people, and open the doors to a rewarding pathway at university. I am glad to hear that other students will be able to benefit from this bursary as it has been very beneficial to me while studying at university.”

Students who are interested in applying for the bursary of up to £2,000 per year of study for up to three years, should speak to Mrs Guest, Director of Sixth Form.  There will also be an assembly dedicated to this bursary when school returns in January.

The application form is available here:

https://zfrmz.com/NScssVHbXhoX6YSCBEOp

The deadline for applications is Friday 7 February 2025

As you will be aware, the School Nursing Immunisation Service visited the school at the beginning of December to administer the nasal flu spray.

If your child did not receive their vaccine in school, it is not too late, as they are holding regular catch-up clinics.

Parents/Guardians can turn up to any clinic with their child/children, no appointment is needed.

For a full list of clinics please visit: https://abuhb.nhs.wales/vaccinations/vaccination-pop-up-clinics/

The clinics are also available to any child/young person who is home-schooled or in alternative education provision.

If you would like to discuss the nasal flu vaccine or have any questions, please contact the School Nursing Service on 01633 431685.

Still thinking about it?  Go on, you know you'll enjoy it ! 

Tickets for the 2025 Upper School Production of Shrek, The Musical may be purchased from the link below.

The production takes place at MCS on:

Wednesday 29 January    7pm
Thursday 30 January        7pm
Friday 31 January             7pm
Saturday 01 February      2pm - less than 50 tickets left
Saturday 01 February      7pm - less than 50 tickets left

Demand for tickets is always high, and, as you can see, there are under 50 tickets left for each of the Saturday performances.  The Upper School performance is always amazing, so if you are looking for an ideal Christmas present for someone, this could be it!

Concessions              £10  (students/children/Seniors)
General Admission  £12

Tickets may be purchased from:

TICKETSOURCE