News from MCS

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We  will be sending out a survey to students on Google Classroom, which has come from ASH, the anti-smoking charity. The survey is about vaping, which is becoming increasingly prevalent amongst young people, including our students. Aside from the appalling environmental impact of disposable vapes, there is a very significant potential risk to student health. The medical research on this is still emerging, but a meta-analysis by Harvard Medical School of the research published so far highlighted dangers related to ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs; flavourings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds; cancer-causing chemicals; heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead. Additionally, there is an abundance of disposable vapes in child-friendly flavours such as bubblegum and blue raspberry, and in brightly coloured designs with cartoon imagery. Some disposable vapes are also designed to look like highlighters, portable chargers or other more everyday items. Whilst we wait for promised legislation to ban disposable vapes, we will continue to confiscate permanently any that are found on students, and to inform parents and carers. Multiple occupancy of cubicles is linked to vape use in school, and we will issue sanctions when this occurs. Distribution or sale of vapes, or repeated use of vapes in school will also result in sanctions. As ever, collaboration between home and school is vital, so I ask that you have the relevant conversations with your child at home to discuss these issues.

In more positive news, we undertook our regular fire drill practice this week and it went very well – we were all out in under 5 minutes, which is very impressive given there are around 2,000 people in the building. Students were fantastic throughout. I suspect that they were also distracted/entertained by seeing the continued work on the new astro pitch, which continues apace, and which will be ready by next summer. A picture of the progress so far is further down this newsletter - Mr Hampshire has christened it "Monmouth beach".

I am told (by a colleague, not the Met Office) that the weekend weather will be sunny but cold - perfect conditions for enjoying this beautiful part of the world in which we all live. I wish you the best for the weekend, whatever your plans.

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

Last weekend, at Sports Wales in Cardiff, Max Swayne was presented with his Pennant and Badge for representing Wales in the 14U County Cup which was held in May, as they got into the Final.

Then, on Sunday, Max played in a Men’s G5 competition in Taunton and came Runner-Up.

Well Done Max!

On Friday we raised an impressive £430 from our bake sales and guessing competitions. In addition to this, as of Monday morning, a further £460 had been donated on Parentpay.

Thank you to everyone involved who helped us reach this amazing figure for Children in Need.

MCS Charity Committee

The Welsh Faculty is delighted to be able to offer 13 extra spaces for the trip to the Urdd Centre in Llangrannog in the Summer Term, Wednesday 17^th July - Friday 19^th July.

Students will have an opportunity to do a number of outdoor activities through the medium of Welsh, including: go-karting, quad biking, skiing, high ropes, climbing and many more.

There are 13 extra spaces for Year 7 and Year 8 students and places are, once again, on a first come, first served basis. The price is £177, to be paid in instalments, which includes all activities, travel by bus, accommodation and 3 meals a day.

These spaces will be offered at 4pm on Wednesday 29th November on payment of a £52 deposit on Parentpay.

23-24 MCSFA Paperless Christmas Raffle
To be drawn 13 December 2023

The 2024 Upper School Production takes place at MCS with performances as follows:

Wednesday 31st January - 7 pm
Thursday 1st February - 7pm
Friday 2nd February - 7pm
Saturday 3rd February - 2 pm and 7 pm (Saturday night - only 34 tickets left)

Tickets for this must-see Upper School production are now on sale at www.ticketsource.co.uk 

General Admission - £12
Students/Children - £9
OAPs - £9

Celebrating Success in the Performing and Expressive Arts Faculty

In our latest alumni feature, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the incredible journey of Josh Morgan, a former student who graced the Monmouth Comprehensive School stage in the leading role of "Made In Dagenham" back in 2017.

After leaving our school, Josh continued to pursue his passion for the arts by attending the prestigious Brit School for his Sixth Form education. His dedication and talent then led him to secure a coveted place at Mountview, a renowned Conservatoire for the Performing Arts.

This summer marked a significant milestone in Josh's journey as he graduated with First Class Honours from Mountview, showcasing not only his artistic prowess but also his commitment to excellence in his craft.

We are delighted to share the exciting news that Josh has achieved another remarkable milestone in his career. He has recently secured his first professional job in the West End and will be gracing the stage in the new musical, "Bronco Billie," at the Charing Cross Theatre starting from February next year.

Josh's success serves as an inspiration to current and future students of the Performing and Expressive Arts Faculty at Monmouth Comprehensive School. His journey from our school stage to the West End exemplifies the potential and possibilities that a foundation in the arts can provide.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Josh Morgan on his achievements, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing his stellar performance in "Bronco Billie." We are immensely proud to have played a part in his artistic journey and wish him continued success in his flourishing career.

As we continue to nurture and support the talents of our students, stories like Josh's serve as a testament to the impact of a strong foundation in the performing arts. Monmouth Comprehensive School remains dedicated to fostering the growth and success of our students in all their future endeavours.

Stay tuned for more alumni features, as we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates in various fields. If you have a success story to share or know of an accomplished alum, please contact us.

We had an amazing turn-out on Tuesday for our annual Year 10 Parents’ Information Evening. 
 

Led by Mr Owen, Head of Year 10, and Mrs Davies, Assistant Headteacher, over 300 parents and students heard how to be successful in Key Stage Four.  They heard from our four core subject leads, as well as more general advice on how to organise themselves, revision techniques and coping with the challenges ahead. 

If you were unable to attend the meeting, the presentation can be found on our website or by clicking HERE.

Work has commenced on the replacement of our Astroturf with the removal of the current surface.  When complete, this new facility will make an incredible difference to sport both at school and across the wider Monmouth community.