An action-packed week again at MCS - you can see some of the highlights of the range of activities and learning in this newsletter, and of course there is much more besides (there are almost 60,000 instances of a student in a lesson every week here - so many opportunities to learn). As always, if you have questions about your child's wellbeing or progress then do contact us, either via the main contact details or straight to their Form Tutor or the relevant Pastoral Support Officer.

We must mention the phenomenal success that was our school production of Grease. Many congratulations to the whole cast, crew and our magnificent Performing and Expressive Arts team for a superb set of performances, which were all sold out. Thank you also to the support shown by families, and for the lovely messages we have received since. It really does mean a great deal to students and staff. Our next project will be the lower school production later this year.

Finally, congratulations to Mrs Davies and Mr Pearson, who have both been appointed as Assistant Headteachers here at MCS. We had a huge amount of interest from our national adverts, and almost 50 people applied to us for these vital senior roles.

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

Year 13 have put on an exhibition of their ‘gallery ready’ interim pieces.

At A Level, our aim is to develop individual makers, thinkers and artists.  Each student is able to explore a wide range of art such as film, graphics, painting, printing, drawing and photography, all of which are on the same course.    These pieces of work are a halfway point in their individual project. It’s always with such pride that we exhibit the work as close to Gallery conditions as possible, as it creates an authentic experience for the students.  Seeing their work away from the art room and their sketch books gives them a different perspective. The process of a group critique (degree level discussion) allows their work to be examined and explored from the viewer's eyes.  These discussions will form the bases of an evaluation allowing the students to move forward with their projects, ready for the final pieces. 

Watch out for the next exhibition of the Year 12 Interim pieces after half-term.

Science Club

This week, students in Science Club made constellation wheels.

The constellation wheel is a simple tool for seeing which stars and constellations are visible in the sky at a given date and time. ... The oval in the centre of the star wheel shows the stars above the horizon at the designated date and time and also displays the compass directions.You can move the wheel to a set date and time. This allows you to see which constellations will be visible.

Year 7 Chemistry

Daniel Grey has produced an outstanding website as part of his work in the Year 7 Chemistry Crude Oil unit of work. 

Daniel’s research was exceptional and that enabled him to write with detail of the impact of oil spills on biodiversity hotspots, using quotes and data to illustrate the problem on island communities like Mauritius.  Reading Daniel’s work on the lessons we should have learned from past oil spills was very informative. 

Daniel is clearly a bright young man with outstanding prospects in Science.  As a department we are delighted with his progress in Science and Daniel is already marked out as an A Level student for the future.

Take a look at Daniel's website by using this link  OIL SPILLS

The Year 9 Parents' Evening and Options Presentation took place this week.  Full details of the presentation and information video are available on our website by clicking HERE. 

We encourage you to discuss GCSE Pathways fully with your child and ensure the Options form is returned to school by 4th March.

Y10 & Y11 Ceramics

A rolling exhibition of ceramics from the GCSE groups is on display on the wooden shelves in the atrium.

The kiln is up and running again!  Year 10 and Year 11 have been working on ceramic outcomes for their projects.   During the autumn and spring term clay has been rolled, slabbed and formed into some stunning pots and sculptures. 

Year 10 have been inspired by natural forms such as seed heads, shells and leaves. Developing their ideas in their sketchbooks they have drawn, planned and tested out prototypes. 

Year 11 have used two artists as their inspiration, Iain Macarthur and Peony Yip, both modern contemporary artists. 

Outcomes such as the double tank head, blue horse and cherry blossom tree, have been rendered with oxide in a second firing. The other surface decoration they have used is glaze, both coloured and clear - this is quite a challenging process as the results can be difficult to predict.

Thanks to our new creative technician Mrs Kelly who has enabled us to get firing again!

There's still time for students to submit their audition tape for this year's Monmouth's Got Talent competition.  As indicated below, the video should be no more than 5 minutes and should be sent to WildeR1@hwbcyrmu.net for a chance of reaching the Final which will take place at the Blake Theatre on Thursday, 3rd March.

We have been asked by Monmouthshire County Council to advise families of the new Winter Fuel Payment Scheme which has been introduced by Welsh Government.  They are trying to ensure that the details of the scheme are made available to as many people as possible in order to maximise take up and in particular to reach as many vulnerable families with children. 

Please click HERE for further details.

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