Shwmae bawb

I hope that you have had a good week, and I am sure everyone is looking forward to the drop in temperatures. With the forecast as it is, we will return to normal summer uniform next week (which entails no blazer required).

As you will hear from my video this week, we have been spending our training days this week reviewing our school priorities this year and looking forward to next year. Next year, our whole-school priorities will be:

1. New GCSE and BTEC qualifications. This continuation from this year is reflective of the national focus on this major reform project. There is a really significant amount of planning and resourcing work for us to do for all the new qualifications.

2. Literacy. Again, we have had this as a priority this year – literacy in all classrooms, targeted interventions such as Lexia, and being a Reading School. For example, our wonderful Reading Ambassadors – please click here to watch the recruitment video for Year 12 Reading Ambassadors, featuring a number of our students and staff.

3. Attendance and engagement. Our overall attendance is above national averages, but can still be improved, especially in some groups. In order to get the most out of their education, students must be here every day, otherwise we can't teach them or support them. We also want to increase our contact with parents and carers, and so this will be a priority for all staff in order to support and develop the continued partnership between home and school.

More details and musings on this in my video on all of these - in the meantime I wish you a restful weekend.

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

Year 8 student Ella Cooper joined Ross & Monmouth Sea Cadets in March 2025 as a way of meeting new people and having new experiences.

In recognition of her exceptionally high standards of dress, personal discipline, and commitment to her own development, Ella was selected as the Mayor's Cadet for Monmouth. This prestigious role will provide her with opportunities to meet local dignitaries, represent young people within the community, and gain a greater understanding of local government and the work of the Town Council.

Ella's Commanding Officer tells us "Since joining the unit, Ella has embraced every opportunity available to her and has consistently exceeded expectations for a cadet in their first year within the organisation.

During her time with the Sea Cadets, Ella has achieved a wide range of qualifications, including First Aid, Marine Engineering, Communications, rowing, kayaking, and participation in an offshore voyage. She has also volunteered at numerous community events, helping to raise funds for both the unit and local charities.

Ella approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and determination, giving 100% effort in everything she undertakes. She is always willing to step outside her comfort zone and try new experiences. Through her commitment, self-discipline, and positive attitude, she exemplifies the core values of the Sea Cadet Corps and has represented the unit at several competitions".

Congratulations, Ella.

If your child is in Year 8 or Year 10 and missed the Taste Wagon Truck on Wednesday 24th because they were absent, they will be able to take their food ticket to the till point the next time they purchase food and use the ticket to purchase their items to the value of £2.15.

Only 23 tickets available for the final performance - 13 JR Tickets are available from :  www.ticketsource.com/monmouth-comprehensive-school or by using the QR code above.  

Meadow Mania, Friday 3 July, 7-9pm, Trellech Wet Meadow - Meet at the small children’s park at Roman Park View, Trellech ///knots.fracture.wealth

Join us for a delightful evening meadow walk at Trellech Wet Meadow. The walk will be guided by professional ecologist Helena Ronicle. There will be opportunity to learn about the meadow, or simply relax and connect with nature.

Parking is on Roman Way or Roman Park View.

This walk is a Transition Monmouth event and is part of a series of Nature Connectedness experiences, supported by Monmouth Town Council and in association with ACE Monmouth.

Resources will be provided (please dress appropriately for the weather). The event is open to all ages including accompanied children. Well behaved dogs on the lead are welcome.

The site at Trellech Wet Meadow is owned by Monmouthshire Meadows Group –monmouthshiremeadows.org.uk

Please email to register your interest in this event mail@transitionmonmouth.org

A Wilder Summer — free outdoor experiences for ages 11–18

Wilder Connections, a local charity led by a Clinical Psychologist, is offering free outdoor experiences for young people aged 11–18 this summer at the Grange Project, an 80-acre rewilding site in Monmouthshire.

There's a photography and nature day workshop on Monday 20 July, plus two family camps in August (one night, 3–4 August; two nights, 17–19 August). Activities range from survival skills and foraging to creative workshops, games and quiet time in wild nature.

The events are free, with donations welcomed, and the charity can help with tents and transport costs if these would be a barrier.

Find out more and book