Shwmae bawb

Today marked the end of our summer exam season, with the final exam taking place this morning. I am really proud of how assiduously the students have prepared themselves for all the exams, and how well they have applied themselves throughout. We wish them all the best for results days in August. Many thanks also to all staff for their role in preparing and supporting students, including, of course, our fantastic exam invigilation team, who have ensured once again that everything runs smoothly. I know as well that a lot of support has gone in at home, so thank you also for everything you have done to support their academic studies. The success of students is a team effort.

You all know how wonderful our school productions are, and some recent performances have won national awards. Les Misérables won Best Youth Production in Wales and Ireland, and, in addition, Harvey Brown and Freddy Potts each received an award for Outstanding Youth Performance in Wales and Ireland. Da iawn, bawb! There are full details, including other nominations that we received, later in this newsletter.

Finally, a reminder to everyone that the School is closed to students on Thursday and Friday next week due to INSET. The time is predominantly being spent on planning in response to the whole-school priorities that I set out in a recent newsletter video item. There is, in particular, a lot of work that needs to take place to continue with our planning and preparation for the new GCSE and BTEC qualifications. School will resume again on Monday 30th June at the usual start time.

All best wishes for the weekend ahead.

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

As the hot weather continues, we would ask that all students come to school with a bottle of water or refillable bottle to ensure they remain hydrated during the day.

Bottles of water may be purchased from the Food Hall, but parents may wish to ensure that refillable bottles are brought from home, to ensure student allowances are not eaten into by constantly purchasing them from school. Additionally, this reduces the use of single-use plastics at school.

As well as the water machines around the School, jugs of water are always available in the Food Hall to allow students to refill their bottles.

Recycle your School Uniform

MCS Friends would like to invite parents of children leaving the school to drop off their washed school uniform at the blue pods next to the school reception. 

We'll then be able to resell it at Magic Cottage and receive half of the proceeds, which will help all school departments.

Parent Power

We are delighted with our new banner, showcasing what we've spent funds on over the last year. It attracted lots of admiring attention at the three transition evenings for Year 6 students and their families and will be used at every opportunity! 

Designed by parent Sarah Pilkington and printed for free by parent Sally Wickens of Chilli Pepper Designs in Monmouth, we are extremely grateful for the expertise and time offered by our parents. 

If you have skills, time or money to donate to MCS Friends we would love to hear from you, please email us: moncompfriends@gmail.com 

The Confucius Institute is exploring the feasibility of establishing an online school for children, to operate outside regular school hours.  Based on the level of interest and participants’ preferences, the aim is to offer these classes over the summer and/or during the next school term.

We are sharing this amazing free opportunity with you.

If students are interested in learning Mandarin and discovering Chinese culture, please complete the expression of interest form below.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=MEu3vWiVVki9vwZ1l3j8vMbmKN0VQXpMsj-_2z3v-QdUM0dJT1M0MjJUS0Y0VThaWVgxQjMwTzRRSi4u

Monmouth Comprehensive School Shines at Prestigious NODA Awards

MCS is celebrating a sensational sweep at the recent NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) awards held at the Celtic Manor, after receiving multiple nominations and prestigious wins for their outstanding youth theatre productions.

In a strong showing in District 7 – covering Wales and Ireland – the school was nominated for Best Youth Production not once, but twice, for their exceptional stagings of Les Misérables: School Edition and Guys and Dolls Jr. These ambitious productions, led by dedicated staff and incredibly talented students, were praised for their professionalism, energy, and artistic excellence.

Several students were also recognised individually for their outstanding performances. Harvey Brown earned a nomination for Best Youth Performance in Guys and Dolls Jr., and both Freddy Potts and Sam North were nominated for Outstanding Youth Performance for their roles in Les Misérables. Tomi North also received recognition for his role of Sky Masterson for Guys and Dolls Jr., with Harvey Brown securing a second nomination from the regional councillor– a truly impressive achievement.

The creative and technical teams behind the productions were equally celebrated, with Les Misérables earning a nomination for Outstanding Set Design and Production Support, recognising the exceptional work behind the scenes.

In addition, Les Misérables received a Regional Councillor Nomination for Outstanding Youth Production, and Harvey Brown was also nominated regionally for Outstanding Youth Comedy Performance.

Monmouth Comprehensive School’s night of success culminated in three major wins:

- Harvey Brown and Freddy Potts both received the award for Outstanding Youth Performance in Wales and Ireland, District 7.

- Les Misérables won Best Youth Production in Wales and Ireland, District 7.

Mr Hutchison shared his pride, saying:

“We are absolutely thrilled to see the hard work and passion of our students and staff recognised at such a high level. These awards are a wonderful reflection of the creative spirit and teamwork that drive the performing arts at Monmouth Comprehensive School.”

Upcoming Performances

🎭 Summer Showcase – Monday 24th June, 7:00pm
An evening of music, drama, and dance at MCS.
🎟️ Tickets available now at TicketSource - book here

📰 Disney’s Newsies Jr. – Sunday 7th to Wednesday 10th July, 6:30pm
Join us for this high-energy, toe-tapping musical at MCS.
🎟️ Tickets available on TicketSource - book here

🎭 Monmouth Carnival - Sunday 29th June, 4.30pm
The annual carnival ends with Music on the main stage from MCS Students and other major names.
🎟️ Free of charge.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the next chapter in this award-winning school’s performing arts journey!

Parents of a Year 8 student, Brian and Sarah Swann are offering our community the chance to see solar panels and battery storage being installed on their house.

"Since Brian has worked in the industry for many years, we thought it would be a nice idea to open our home for the day that the installation is taking place so that people can come and have a look at what we are doing. We thought this might be of particular interest to any students that participate in the Eco group or any students thinking of a future in the renewables industry, since they can visit with their families, on the day and see the panels being installed. Brian will be around to answer any questions and, of course, the engineers will be there installing the panels and battery storage. Maybe it might even inspire a career in science."

Solar PV Open House,

Friday 27^th June, midday until 5pm

100 Ternata Drive, Kingswood Gate, Monmouth, NP25 5UY

At Monmouth Comprehensive school we offer a wide and varied Art and Design syllabus. 

At GCSE and ‘A’ Level all students follow an Art and Design course that allows the students to explore their ideas through a rich variety of media and processes. Digital artists sit with painters and sculptors, ideas are translated through installations, video, textiles, glass, ceramics and many more techniques and processes.

When they leave us in Year 13 they have become ‘’independent artist, thinkers and makers’’ In this exhibition we have selected a variety of work from past students reflecting a small sample of the preoccupations and investigations of their self-determined themes.

The student work will be on display at The Bush Inn, Penallt from 6th July until 25th August.

Tickets for the main Art in Penallt Exhibition - 23rd - 25th August- may be purchased on their website:

Art in Penallt

MCC - Monmouthshire Residents Survey 2024

During the Autumn of 2024, Monmouthshire County Council conducted a residents survey on everyday life in Monmouthshire.

Hosted by Data Cymru, the survey was part of their National Residents Survey, designed to support local councils in increasing their understanding of performance and perception.

Residents were asked about their experiences in the local area, their views on the council's services, and how we, as a council, can improve things.

Thanks to the engagement from residents, we received 1,465 responses. The survey is one mechanism to help us understand residents' views, alongside a range of feedback collected across services, which will provide a more detailed understanding of the council's services. We plan to run the survey again in the Autumn. 

If you have any questions about the survey, contact Richard Jones, Performance & Data Insight Manager at richardjones@monmouthshire.gov.uk 

You'll be able to find the report HERE

Teacher of Expressive Arts

https://www.eteach.com/job/teacher-of-expressive-arts-1493860

Closing date: Monday 30^th June at 12 noon

Interview date: Friday 4^th July