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News from MCS

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Annwyl pawb

As we reach the Christmas holidays, I want to say thank you to everyone for their redoubtable efforts through the term. I visited a large number of lessons yesterday, and I was struck by the continued focus and efforts from students. Many thanks also to all of the staff, whether teachers or support staff, for everything that they do to provide an exceptional education for all of our students.  We pride ourselves on being both entirely inclusive and wildly aspirational, and that continues to be evident throughout this final week of studies.

Diolch/thank you in particular to everyone involved in the Carol Service long Wednesday night. Our students were superb – what a talented group of musicians and readers they are. Thank you also to our Performing and Expressive Arts team, to Mr Jones for organising the readers, to our Primary Cluster Orchestra and staff, to Rev. Haynes for hosting us, and to you as our audience and support. I always feel proud of our school community, and I felt particularly proud at the service – what an uplifting and joyous occasion.

A brief video message here – I will warn you that I am wearing an alarmingly festive jumper on the video, as it is after all Festive Flourish today.

Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda – Merry Christmas and a happy new year. All the best to you and your family.

Cofion cynnes/Kind regards,

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

Student Success

Well done to Nanci Edwards, who went to the Senedd last week to receive her prize for coming third in the WJEC Innovations Awards 2023, for a wearable item raising awareness of the important issue of protecting our oceans.  Nanci tells us

"It was a really exciting opportunity to be invited to the Senedd for the award ceremony.  It was also really interesting to see all of the other prize winner’s designs.

When designing my piece in Year 11, I was inspired by our impact on the oceans and how we are harming aquatic life but I also wanted to bring in many of the techniques that I had taught myself. During lockdown, I taught myself to knit and crochet, so I thought that it would be a good use of my skills to incorporate this with the sewing elements. I am now currently doing A-Level textiles and I hope to continue with fashion design at university."

Monmouth’s annual Santa Fun Run organised by Spirit of Monmouth Running Club saw Y10 students Will Chalk and Emily Forde achieve 1st male and 1st female positions. It is 2.5k course seeing many participants dress or accessorise themselves as Santa.

Both students have shown a real passion towards running and deserve the recognition for their success in this event.

Many students from the school also took part, either with family members, friends or as part of club teams, so well done to all.

(Photo by Des Pugh)

Social Sciences Faculty

After an exceptional term, with multiple nominations to review, the Social Sciences Faculty are pleased to announce their ‘Students of the Term’. These students have been awarded for their excellent attitude to learning and dedication to their studies. Congratulations to:

Year 13

Ella Davies (Law/Criminology) and Chloe Long (Criminology)

Year 12

Amelia Height (HSCCC/Criminology) and Phoebe James (Psychology/Criminology)

Year 11

Darcey Young (Psychology) and Katie Garey (HSCCC)

Year 10

Gethin Rose (Psychology) and Amberley Mason-Duddridge (HSCCC)

Champion Reader

A very big da iawn to Corey Thomas, who read so many books this term that he’s received a prize! Corey comes to the library to pick up a new book almost every week, his favourite authors being David Walliams and Roald Dahl. Well done Corey, we hope you enjoy your own copy of The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me over Christmas.

We have a huge selection of books for all ages available to borrow for up to two weeks. Ask Miss Barnes in the LRC if you’d like a recommendation!

Year 10 Success Assembly

The Year 10 Success Assembly for Term 1 took place this week celebrating Year 10 success in all subject areas. The following students won the awards for each subject:

Maths – Annie Hill 10MR and Joe Ray 10TW

English – Evan Leek 10GA and Isla Stockwell 10RE

Science – Gwen Griffiths 10GA and Frankie Stevens 10BL

MFL – Spanish – Isaac Helm 10RE German – Oscar Evans 10MR and French Hannah Roberts 10MR

PE – GCSE PE – Emily Forde 10BL and Sam Deighton 10TW Sport Science Joe Ray 10TW and Ava Powell 10MR

Welsh – Nissi Thabane-Bedford 10MR, Amelia Holt 10MR and Isla Stockwell 10RE

History – Rowan Mills 10CR and Annie Hill 10MR

Humanities – Seb Crane 10TW and Maya Cornfield 10MC

PEA – Music – Sam Deighton 10TW, Drama – Abi Farr 10RE, Art – Megan Baker 10LN

Social Science – Gethin Rose 10LN and Amberley Mason Duddridge 10TW

There were also certificates for students who had 100% attendance for Term 1.

Congratulations to all Year 10 Award Winners.

Sporting Update

Under 13 Girls Utilita Cup Tournament

Monmouth Comprehensive School U13s were once again invited to participate in the Utilita Tournament run by County in the Community. As MCS have a number of budding young footballers, we were able to field two teams in the competition.

The tournament saw both teams play in the first fixture, coming away with strong wins against John Frost and Newport High. The next fixtures were more closely contested but both MCS teams demonstrated resilience and strong performances from all players meant both teams claimed another victory.

The winning streak continued against Llanwern, Lliswerry and Croesyceilog with a draw for one of the teams against John Frost. The set of fantastic results from our teams gave them both a place in the semi-finals. Pitch one hosted Monmouth versus Lliswery, with Monmouth defeating their opposition 2-0, and pitch two hosted Monmouth versus John Frost where they unfortunately lost 1-0 after having most of the possession during the game.

The final was set with MCS playing John Frost. The team were successful, beating their opposition 6-0. Winning the final means they will now represent MCS and Newport County at the Utilita Girls Cup Area Finals in January at Bristol.  Good luck in the forthcoming matches.

Netball

The MCS netball teams have had a really strong start to the season, with over 40 girls in Year 7 and 8 committed to attending training on a Tuesday and 25 Year 9 and 10 training on a Thursday.

All teams have taken part in competitive friendly matches against Caldicot, Caerleon and St Joseph's. There were stand-out performances as both Year 10 teams won their matches against St Joseph's.

All teams have been training hard and building on preparations for the League matches starting in January! Good luck in the League.

Spring Term Extra-Curricular Schedule

Please click HERE to visit our website for the Spring term extra-curricular schedule which will begin on Tuesday 8th January and run for the whole term.

Rotary Youth World Affairs Seminar 2024

Since 1976, the Rotary Youth World Affairs Seminar has provided a unique forum where nearly 40,000 future leaders from 30 different countries have debated some of the most complex global problems in the stimulating environment of Carroll University, Wisconsin.

Over the last few years, several of our Sixth Form students have progressed through the interview process and found their stay in America at the Seminar hugely beneficial.  To find out more about the whole process and for details on how to apply, Year 12 students should click HERE.  Closing date for applications - 2nd January 2024.

Bursary Opportunity for Y13 Students

Memorial bursary fund re-opens to help young people in Monmouth develop a career in business. 

Bursary applications are open for Sixth Form students at Monmouth Comprehensive School who wish to study a business studies course at university or through an apprenticeship.

The Roddy Thomson Memorial Bursary Fund offers long-term financial support to pupils who may need financial assistance to continue their education and develop a successful career in business.  

The bursary is offered by Roddy’s former colleagues at M&G plc in collaboration with his family to honour his memory and continue his commitment to bringing out the best in those around him.  

Roddy was Chief Operating Officer at M&G plc, and before that at Prudential UK and Europe. Prior to M&G, he was managing director at OpenReach. He was also a director at Ernst & Young and worked at Accenture earlier in his career.  

The bursary will support students studying at Monmouth Comprehensive School where Roddy was Head Boy and left a lasting impression.   

Two students from Monmouth Comprehensive School were successful in receiving an award last year. Both students are encouraging Sixth Formers to apply this year for financial support.

Boris Hale, former Head Boy, and now studying for an apprenticeship said:

“The bursary provides unimaginable support and helps students with potential to advance themselves in an ever-developing world. Continuing your studies after school is a big change, and support financially is a rare opportunity.

The support has given me peace of mind, allowing me to fully submerge myself into my role as well as my studies.

The Talent Foundry support also helped with professional interview practice to prepare for interviews with potential employers.”

Cain Legg is now studying at Swansea University and said:

"For anyone interested in pursuing further education but are considering the financial costs involved, then I would highly recommend you consider applying for the Roddy Thomson Bursary.

It has allowed me to pursue my interests, meet new people, and open the doors to a rewarding pathway at university. I am glad to hear that other students will be able to benefit from this bursary as it has been very beneficial to me while studying at university.”

Students who are interested in applying for the bursary of up to £2,000 per year of study for up to three years, should speak to Mrs Guest, Director of Sixth Form.

The application form is available here: https://zfrmz.com/PAA0AbZ1KYHPOfpv2ToT

The deadline for applications is Monday 5th February 2024.

Les Miserable - still time to book your ticket!

Rehearsals are proceeding full steam ahead for our upper school students as they prepare for their moment in the spotlight (or behind the spotlight) but there's still time to purchase your ticket.  We only have 9 tickets left for Saturday night but you still have four other performances to choose from.  Please don't miss out - once they're gone, they're gone!

Wednesday 31st January - 7 pm
Thursday 1st February - 7pm
Friday 2nd February - 7pm
Saturday 3rd February - 2 pm and 7 pm 

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

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

School Immunisation Team

If your child missed their flu immunisation in school, they can have it for free at on of our drop-in flu clinics:

Thursday 28th December, 09:30 - 15:00

Ebbw Vale General Offices (Vaccination Centre), Steel Works Road, Ebbw Vale NP23 8UW (Reception-Y11)         

Friday 29th December, 09:30 - 15:00

Newport Vaccination Centre, Friars Walk, John Frost Square, Newport NP20 1EA (Reception-Y11) 

Wednesday 3rd January, 09:30 - 15:00

Cwmbran Vaccination Centre, 8 North Walk, Cwmbran Centre, NP44 1PR (Reception-Y11) 

Thursday 4th January, 09:30 - 15:00

Blaenavon Resource Centre, Middle Coed Cae Road, Blaenavon,
NP4 9AW (Reception-Y11) 

Friday 5th January, 09:30 - 15:00

Risca Health Centre, Risca, Newport  NP11 6YF (Reception-Y11) 

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Wellbeing

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Further Education

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Vacancies at MCS

If you think you might be interested in joining the teaching staff at MCS, we have the following vacancies which both close on 8th January 2024:

Teacher of Welsh:

Athro/Athrawes y Gymraeg (eteach.com)

Teacher of Physics:

Teacher of Physics (eteach.com)

Community

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Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water would like to spread the word of their financial support this Christmas.

There is lots of information and support available on their Cost Of Living Page  - https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/cost-of-living-support

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Dates to Remember

TERM ENDS
All Day
21
December
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
All Day
From 25 Dec until 05 Jan
25
December
INSET DAY
All Day
08
January
TERM STARTS
All Day
09
January
Y9 Parents' Evening
All Day
11
January
Sixth Form Open Evening
All Day
18
January
Y7 Parents' Evening
All Day
25
January

A Week in Pictures

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Website: www.monmouthcomprehensive.org.uk | Twitter: @LearnWithMCS