News from MCS

What a fantastic half-term we have had - a particularly long one but one in which I have been so impressed with how students have applied themselves so diligently to their learning. Year 7 have settled in fantastically well, and staff regularly comment on the progress they have made. Our exam cohorts continue to apply themselves diligently in lessons and other activities as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Year 8 and Year 9 meanwhile continue to impress in their progress through our broad and balanced curriculum. All students have also taken on our new routines very well, from Do Now activities to SLANT, alongside taking their Ready To Learn responsibilities very seriously. Additionally, participation in School Councils has been very impressive indeed, and the initial meetings have been very productive. Head Students will report back to you and to the school next half-term. There is always more to do, more to discuss and more to continue to improve. As one student said to me this week, "Imagine what is possible!"

Please do also take note of the wider support available from Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) and associated agencies, which is noted below on this newsletter. We have asked that MCC work with us to provide a cost of living drop-in advice session for all families, and we hope to announce details of this shortly.

I wish everyone a restful and restorative half-term break, and we look forward to welcoming students back on Monday 7th October.

All best wishes,

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

The Maths Faculty is proud to share the news that Year 13 mathematicians Kate Rogers and Jessica Maylin have achieved a Certificate of Distinction in the UKMT Mathematics Olympiad for Girls (MOG), identifying them as within the top 25% of all students nationally, who completed the Olympiad.  

The students sat the two and a half hour paper, which comprises of five challenging problems, in October.

If you’re feeling brave enough to put yourself in the students’ shoes, you can find the paper they sat here.

The emphasis of the Olympiad is on advanced mathematical problem solving where the explanation of the answer is as important as the answer itself. 

Well done to you both!

Diwrnod Shwmae Su’Mae

Staff and students across KS3 and KS4 came to celebrate Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae in the Faculty. The event was started to help promote the idea of starting every conversation with shwmae, su’mae or shwdi! The event aims to show that the Welsh language belongs to us all – fluent speakers, learners or those shy about their Welsh!

Students celebrated by creating keyrings with some of their favourite Welsh words on them, listening to Welsh music and creating some Welsh signage and bunting! And, of course, started every conversation during the day with Shwmae! It was lovely to see so many students come together to appreciate the Welsh language and learn more about it’s history and culture.

As a Faculty, we appreciated the effort that so many students put in to starting their conversations in Welsh that day – and every day since!

As you are aware, the School operates a cashless system (ParentPay) which allows parents to pay for items online.  Each student has an individual account.  Using this system reduces the need for students to carry money to school each day.

An email was sent home on Wednesday, giving parents and carers useful information to ensure your child has a positive experience in our Food Hall.

In case you missed it, you may also read the letter by clicking HERE.

Max Swayne and his partner Will Adams, who both train at Usk Tennis Club with Head Coach Sean Jones, played in the Cardiff Met. 14U Doubles.

After some tough matches with numerous tie breaks, they managed to stay focused and go on to win.

Well done!

Further to our newsletter item a couple of weeks ago, unfortunately we are down to our last four bats - for three table tennis tables.

Some students have started to bring their own bats and balls in, which is working really well, but it looks like anyone who wishes to play after half-term will also need to supply their own equipment to keep these lovely tables in play.

Please make sure you include the following information with your pictures:

1. Your name
2. Your age
3. Your address
4. Your telephone number
5. Parent or school email address
6. If entering with a school, please include your Headteacher's name and your school name and address details.

Please send your entries to:

FAO The National Chairman
The Royal British Legion Women's Section
The National Pin Badge Design Competition
Haig House
199 Borough High Street
London   SE1 1AA

Closing Date: Wednesday 30 November 2023 but early entries welcome.