Shwmae bawb,

We had our Year 11 prom event on Thursday, held once again at Chepstow Racecourse. It's a real delight to see students arrive dressed in all their finery (not an untucked shirt in sight...) and via an incredible variety of transport. We saw supercars, vintage cars, a motortrike, and no less than seven tractors, some of which were driven by the students themselves. After some time mingling with families, the students headed to a buffet, prizes, speeches and then some very enthusiastic dancing. Everyone had a fun time in a very joyful and celebratory atmosphere. I wish all Year 11s and Year 13s all the best for the summer and their future plans.

It has, of course, been INSET over the last couple of days here, and staff have been focussing on development of resources for the new Key Stage 4 qualifications that are starting this coming year and beyond. This kind of shift is a huge piece of work nationally, in order to ensure that new courses are well planned and ready for delivery. Key Stage 4 Qualifications are one of our three whole-school priorities next year, alongside Literacy and Wellbeing and Inclusion Development. Details of these are in a video that I shared in a video - click here if you missed this and would like to view it.

And finally, in other news, the ever-popular annual visit of the Food Truck came around this week, and over 500 portions of loaded fries were served to enthusiastic students and staff - including an impressive 147 portions to Year 7 in 16 minutes. I am grateful to the catering team who run this popular event.

All the best for the weekend ahead. It will be warm again at the start of next week, so please send your child in with a refillable water bottle.

Diolch yn fawr iawn, bawb.

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

South East Wales School Ski Championships

Congratulations to Tom Fell (Y10) and Tomos Bisson (Y9) who represented MCS at the South East Wales School Ski Championships in Pontypool on Tuesday, competing alongside 12 other local secondary schools. Despite missing two of their core team members, they managed a very creditable 5th place in the open team race, with Tomos also winning an individual bronze medal in the U16 open unregistered race. 

If there are any other skiers amongst the students who might be interested in joining them to compete for the school at the Wales School Ski Championships in Llangrannog this October, please contact Mrs Baker who will pass your details on - BakerW7@monmouthshireschools.wales.

Welcome - we have recently launched a brand new NSEA Team at MCS.

We currently have a squad of 3 and are looking for new recruits. If you’re interested, please take a look on the website link below or speak with Mrs Peters in Science.

NSEA - Industry experts & providers of inter-school equestrian competitions

Please note that Friday 4th July will be the final day for uniform orders for free delivery to school before we break up. 

This option will switch back on during the second week of September, to allow deliveries to come through school again.

The uniform policy is available here on our website. It includes links to several retailers for suitable alternatives to our main supplier for generic items such as shirts and pleated skirts. 

As advised in a previous newsletter, during the last week of term (Wednesday 16^th to Friday 18^th July) we are planning a range of exciting experiences across the school as part of our Summer Learning week.  These activities are designed to offer students different learning experiences to those available within their usual timetable.  The Monmouth Comprehensive School Friends Association is kindly supporting some of the costs of these events.

Year 7 will be visiting the oldest and newest castles in Monmouthshire, becoming expert archers and orienteers and celebrating Welsh culture in their own Eisteddfod. 

Year 8 will be able to test their metal with outward-bound activities, including caving, canoeing or climbing and discover the wonders of the beautiful Wye Valley. 

Year 9 will be walking along the Wye to the Biblins, crossing the river before lunch and showing off their talents in their own Summer Showcase.

Year 10 will look forward to their future education and career pathways, experience a musical treat and enjoy a Monmouthshire countryside walk.

Year 12 will be exploring future pathways and looking forward to applying for university, college or apprenticeships, alongside developing some new skills. 

All students in Years 7 to 9 will also test their athletic skills and compete for their Form in our annual Sports Days. 

Students are expected to wear their PE kit for these three days and ensure that they have suitable footwear and outer garments for the activity and weather on the day.  Also they should come prepared with sun cream, hat and plenty of water.

Information letters may be found on our Letters page by clicking HERE.

However, you will receive an email directing you to logon to Parentpay to give your consent for the activities.

We are delighted to have several Year 9 pieces (and two pieces from last year’s Year 9) in the Cardiff Met Schools exhibition, which runs all next week at the Llandaff Campus.

The following students have artwork on display:

Elliott Appleton, Rudy Morgan, Lilly Cornish, Oliver Young, Jess Edwards, 
Sapphire Oram, Alice Gardner-Roberts, Phoenix Rowe, Neve Williams, 
Mali Stinchcombe.

When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys' expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what's right.

Monday 7th July – Thursday 10th July 2025 Time: 7:00 p.m. (Wednesday and Thursday particularly busy)

Book your tickets on the link below and support the incredible work of our young cast and crew.

www.ticketsource.co.uk/monmouth-comprehensive-school