Dear Parents/Carers,

Please find below our latest school update for June 2024. This month has been exceptionally busy with pupils in Years 10 and 11 completing their GCSE examinations, our school production of ‘Matilda’ is opening next week and pupils have been very busy rehearsing, and we have numerous enrichment activities running.

 

Year 10 GCSE Geography:

The Year 10 GCSE Geography class completed one of their field-trips to Barry Island on Thursday 20^th June. All pupils who attended this trip were a credit to our school and were incredibly polite and respectful when speaking to members of the public. Pupils behaved maturely and professionally when collecting data which will now be used in their controlled assessment, which is worth 20% of their grade.

 

Year 11 Prom

This week we celebrated our Year 11 Prom. A huge thanks to Mr Tom Longden and Mrs Victoria Thomas for organising a superb event and also a huge thank you to Bryn Meadows for a wonderful evening. Our pupils, as always, were an absolute credit to our school. Pupils enjoyed a three-course meal followed by an evening of dancing and making memories with their peers. Staff at Bryn Meadows commented on the outstanding manners and behaviour of our pupils. Well done Year 11.

 

English Poetry Competition:

We have had a selection of pupils who have entered a poetry competition and been chosen to have their work published, an incredible achievement: Harley Parkman, Rowan Moon, Charlie Daly, Saffir Hughes, Imogen Peart, Grace Davies, Harper Jennings, Charlie Holland, Tiana Byard and Isabella Phillips.

 

Opening of our new 3G Pitch:

Our Health and Well-being faculty were delighted to open the 3G pitch alongside Mr Mark Thomas last week by hosting some friendly fixtures between pupils in year 7-11. The games were extremely competitive, and the faculty were very impressed with the standard and performance of each individual. We look forward too many more fixtures and training on this fantastic facility in September.

 

Examinations:

Well done to all pupils in years 10, 11 & 13 who have completed all of their WJEC summer exams. We look forward to seeing everyone in the sports hall to collect their results in August.

Year 9 pupils have completed their mock examinations over the last 2 weeks. We have been very pleased with the maturity pupils have shown during the examinations, especially as it is the first time under full examination conditions. We wish them all good luck for when they receive their results in the coming weeks.

 

Dewar Shield:

We are very proud of five of our pupils who have been selected for this years Dewar Shield: Zak Blacker, Jac Hughes, Reo Mitchell, Dylan Lewis & Morgan Jenkins. The boys are currently training as a squad and are looking forward to the season starting in September.

 

Rugby:

The following article was missing from our May update, however on Saturday 11^th May the Pontypridd under 13’s rugby team faced Pontyclun in the Cardiff Blues defender cup at Cardiff Arms Park. I am told it was a fantastic game of Rugby and all boys played exceptionally well, the final result saw Pontypridd take the win 28-15. Within the team six players were from Pontypridd High School, Oscar Gray, Miles Butler, Carwyn Lloyd, Jack Morris, Hatley Freeman and Charlie Goodayle. Well done boys, as a school we a very proud of you and look forward to your future achievements on the pitch.

 

Work Experience

Forty nine year 10 pupils took the opportunity to experience a week in the world of work this week. Pupils organised the placements themselves in a business/field of their choice, including education, healthcare, construction, administration and retail. Feedback received has been very positive and we hope all pupils have enjoyed their placements whilst also gaining valuable skills and experience for their future career paths.

 

Memorial Service:

As many of you will be aware this year marks 130 years since the Albion Colliery disaster. I am aware that two pupils from Pontypridd High School took part in the memorial event on Sunday 23^rd June 2024.  Jac Morris in Year 8 and Riley James gave up their weekend time to help in the event, supporting in the setting up and laying of wreaths. I would also like to thank Mrs Victoria Thomas who present a beautiful wreath on behalf of Pontypridd High School.

 

Personal Mentions: Mrs Rees has asked for a personal mention for Frankie Head in Year 7. Frankie was recently selected to play for Wales in the North V South fixture.  The match ended up 2-2 but Frankie thoroughly enjoyed the game and the experience of representing his country.  His family and everyone at Ponty High are extremely proud of his achievements so far.  

Miss Skinner, Humanities has asked me to mention, Isobel Mardon Hughes in 7A- Humanities. She has been so enthusiastic throughout the year and even created her own project following the work of inspirational people. She has created this in her own time and it is fantastic. Isobel has consistently gone above and beyond to complete the work in lessons and made many positive contributions to the class. Da Iawn Isobel.

 

Parent/Carer Information:

As we move towards the closing of Pontypridd High School and the opening of Ysgol Bro Taf we are very much in the process of planning and preparing. All pupils will be issued with new books in September; therefore, we would like to encourage all pupils to take home their current school books at the end of this academic year to support any revision next year.

Next week we have our much anticipated school production of ‘Matilda’, the show will be on for two nights, Tuesday 2^nd and Wednesday 3^rd July. There are a few tickets remaining which can be purchased from pupil services.

As always, we value the partnership between school and parents/carers and thank you for the continued support.

Many thanks,

Mrs Kayleigh Oliver

Head of School