Issue 11 • Summer 2015 e h

T Leader Learning to Lead our Lives

The Leader cellebrates the achiievements and experiiences of our students and chroniiclles the lliife of the schooll The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Student Design & Technology Work

Charlotte Edge Bronwyn Crabtree John Hamilton Lauren Isaacs

Caleb James Hunt Jack Bishop William Morgan

Joell Williams Amelia Ralphs Jake Davies Callum Wheatley

Jonathan Hilton Luke Whiting David Watkins Maizie Morgan

Will Meadmore Tom Buffin Will Fenn Robert Bowen

2 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Welcome Contents 2 Student Design & Technology Work In 1977, J. Alderton, the Headteacher of Secondary 3 Welcome School, wrote in the school “Celebration Magazine” about the 3 Editorial 4 A Year in the Life... opening of a new school on our current site and reflected: ”No one 6 Reflections on a busy year knows what the next 10 years or the next 25 will bring. We only 7 Student Art 8 Why would anyone row? know that there will be change and that change is life”. 12 Sporting Round-up 16 Clothes Show Live 2014 He also went on to write, “As one cycle 17 Literary Festival in the school’s life is completed 18 Summer Learning 2014 another begins, growing out of and 23 BBC Young Reporters’ Day drawing life from the experience of the 24 Ben Hopkins first and the contributions made by 25 The Duke of Edinburgh Award 26 April and September generations of teachers and pupils, 27 Three Peaks Challenge parents, governors and friends”. 28 Engineering Projects This edition of our school magazine 30 Charity Matters does exactly what Mr Alderton says, it 32 Ciaran Mann and the Army Cadets 33 Student Art draws together the threads of 34 Out of School Achievements experience at our school as we prepare 38 Mock Election at MCS over the next years to build a brand 39 A Capital Workplace new school. Mr Alderton’s words will 40 Sweet Success be with us all “there will be change 41 Learning with Friends and change is life” as shown in the 42 Belgium History Trip pages of ‘The Leader’. 44 MCS Eisteddfod 46 Behind the scenes of Sweeney Todd Vaughan Davies 47 Student Art Headteacher 2015 48 Musings at MCS 49 World Book Day 50 Greece Sports Tour 54 Madrid Football Tour 2015 56 Music at MCS 58 Ballad of Remembrance Editorial 59 Student Art 60 The Great ‘Eggsperiment’ 61 Eine reiche und erfu ̈llende Erahrung Time marches on, another year has passed and you have before 62 World Challenge Bolivia you the latest edition of The Leader. 67 Young Ambassadors 67 Fencing Academy 68 Monmouth’s Got Talent We have added a new destination to 70 Iceland Explored our repertoire this year – a group of 71 Sculpture Workshop our footballers visited Real Madrid over 72 5x60 / Academy Programme at MCS Easter and, I can quite honestly say, it’s 73 Restorative Award a long time since I encountered such 74 The Royal Marines excitement following a trip – from 76 Austria 2014-2015 both students and staff! Apparently, 78 Lower Sixth Interview Skills Workshop Gareth Bale drove straight past them, 79 Work Experience but I’m sure it wasn’t deliberate! 80 Notre Voyage Français! 81 French Debate As always, I send my thanks to our 81 Wolfstone Translation sponsors for their continued support 81 My experience at MCS of The Leader. Without their adverts, 82 Sports Literacy Competition we couldn’t produce The Leader and 85 Vocational 86 Living and Learning in a New School send it home for you all to read, free of 87 Student Design & Technology Work charge. 88 As I start... As I leave...

Wendy Baker School Photography by Des Pugh, Editor Official School Photographer 3 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 A Year in the Life...

Most important news first – no Luke Richards won Designer of the In December, our Y7 students ducklings! Year at the 2014 D & T Design Show transformed the Hall with their with a thoughtfully designed storage Christmas Fair and our Our Summer Showcase on 19 June unit for student accommodation. musicians took part in a brought to an end a fabulous year for This event is always visually concert at Dingestow Village the Department of Performing and stunning, displaying the exam work Hall and in the Monmouth Expressive Arts closely followed by of our talented students. Candlelit Procession. Reindeers Summer Learning Week and the appeared at the school, inaugural Monmouth Children’s Our Peer Mentors received their encouraging two strange Literary Festival. training and certificates during July elves to appear for a photo and our trips went out to The school welcomed authors and opportunity! Llangrannog (see page 45), Belgium poets to perform in the Summer and the Battlefields (see page 42) The pantomime trip, annual Marquee, entertaining students from and France (see page 80). Carol Service and Christmas MCS, HMSG and Monmouth lunch rounded off the term School. World Challenge set out for Bolivia and Y12 Physics students Lara in the summer, details and photos of Summer Learning saw our students Gordon and Megan Kinniment- which may be see on pages 62-66. ranging far and wide, working in Williams proved that Father It looks to have been a most amazing school and, in a voluntary capacity, Christmas really does exist for our experience for all involved. out in the . Details may Christmas Newsletter -something be found on page 18. Awards Evening brought a change of we were all very glad to hear. pace this year as Savage Skills We also welcomed Greg Woods from The annual Ski Trip went out just bounced around the Sports Hall on the WRU who presented the school after Christmas, with skiers and their mountain bikes in a stunning show with the WRU Schools for Rugby snowboarders having a fantastic time of strength and agility, emphasising Award. We were delighted to see (see page 76). to all there that hard work and some faces from the past for the dedication certainly pays off. presentation - John Phillips, John Evans, Stuart Baber and

January saw rehearsals steam ahead for Sweeney Todd, and without Jon Osborne - who have interruption from floods or heavy MCS student Felix Hales co- all supported rugby at MCS over the snow this year (although high winds composed a remembrance song, in years. did bring down the marquee!). Our tribute to the Bosley Brothers from Faculty of Performing and Expressive Our new intake visited us during the the Regiment, Arts took the audience by storm with first week of July for Welcome to which was played on Radio some stunning performances from Wales, their taster days and their on Friday 7 November. Felix’s the cast (see page 46 for more Welcome Disco, warming up ready thoughts on this, along with lyrics, details). for September. may be found on page 58.

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Twitter erupted with a deluge of well to hear that Josie had won that year but we are more than happy to deserved praise and audience Section, achieving over 200 more increase this figure – please follow us members bravely purchased ‘likes’ than the second placed entry on @LearnWithMCS to catch up on (see page 36) and winning the events at the school.

pies during the interval (it’s ok, they came from Marks & school a glass kiln from Spencer and Wigmores not Mrs Warm Glass UK. Lovett’s Pie Shop!!). Later in Our students took part in a Mock January we were delighted to General Election in May and, as we welcome The Band of Her Majesty’s go to press, Commando Training Centre Royal our winning Marines. It was a fantastic day for party is The students and staff, culminating in a Purple Party thoroughly enjoyable concert in the (see page 38 Sports Hall (see page 74). for more Our Geography/Geology students details of the visited Iceland in February (see page campaign). 70). Our Charity March saw us gazing to the skies Committee (safely, of course) as we viewed the has, as usual, partial eclipse, an exciting moment risen to the for those studying astronomy. challenge of fundraising at Easter trips included the Sports tour the school (see to Greece (see pages 50-53), the pages 30-31), Humanities trip to Munich (see page coming up 61) and the football trip to Real with a variety Madrid (see page 54). Tweets were of events for flying thick and fast as students had the students a wonderful time on all three trips. and staff to Josie Harrison, one of our Y8 take part in. students, entered the Glass Prize Our Twitter 2015 – School Section – with her followers have ‘Sword of Agincourt’. increased to Following a flurry of website and over 1,000 this Twitter activity, we were delighted

5 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Reflections on a busy year Emily Pardington Head Girl Michael Ellis Head Boy I'm told that all good things must come to an end and it This year has been the busiest year of my life, but also the certainly feels like that's the case as my time as Head Girl one I am most proud of. An exciting journey that I hadn’t reaches its conclusion. It's hard to believe that it's over a envisaged and one that has been totally breathless. We year since I was putting my presentation together, will all question our legacy and I do quite a lot - have I brushing up on my speech and standing with all the other made a difference? Have I really inspired younger nervous candidates waiting for my chance to speak to the generations? Were my speeches actually any good? The School Council. I'm sure that I wasn't the only person who fact is I don’t know and never will know. considered withdrawing my candidacy on the day but I'm I have enjoyed my time as Head Boy - I have done some glad that I didn't because the last year has been a fantastic amazing things, met some fantastic people, judged some experience and one that I've really enjoyed. extra-ordinary talent, worked with a brilliant team, I didn't expect to be selected as Head Girl, there were so attempted at least to make the place a happy more smiley many strong candidates that I didn't think I had a chance, place than it was without me and taken my place in a so I was more than a little surprised when I heard my warm and welcoming community. name called out! My surprise very quickly turned to joy At New Entrants’ Evening I made my first speech, which as I took the news in and then, if I'm honest, a little bit was a great time to do so as it was where my journey at of fear when I thought about the responsibility I'd taken on and the MCS began back in 2008. It was a great opportunity, to make hundreds of speeches I'd have to make. new members of our community feel welcome and as happy as I was made My first speech was at New Entrants’ Evening in July and it was a real to feel all those years ago. On Year Six Taster Days it was a pleasure to help out pleasure to speak to the new students who would be joining us in with CREW giving me the first feeling of responsibility in a school situation. September and share with them my memories of joining Y7. Coming to a As Head Boy I was very excited to be invited back to Overmonnow Primary new school is a daunting experience and I'd like to think that I helped them School to play a part in their Leaver’s Assembly and the investiture of their feel welcome and overcome any worries that they may have had. Our next new team of officials. outing was in September when we gave a speech at Awards Evening and Open Evening was an inspiring event which really showed off our fantastic had the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students throughout community spirit and being able to encourage more students to come to the school who excelled in a particular subject or sport or been recognised our oversubscribed school was a tremendous feeling. It was also an for putting in an outstanding effort. This was very much the biggest opportunity to answer real questions from real people, making a real audience that I'd ever spoken to and the biggest that we would speak to all difference. The evening was well organised with a lot of parents and, year, it was also the worst my nerves would be throughout the year too! I particularly, future students interested in our school. managed to get through my speech thanks to some controlled breathing and, by the end of it, realised that I actually quite liked speaking in public. Christmas is a special time of year and hearts filled with generosity as the From September onwards we were kept quite busy and we were fortunate School and Accuro Catering provided a free Christmas lunch for all students. enough to enjoy a meal with the Chairman of Monmouthshire County With much festive cheer, a sparkle of ‘Frozen’, some Christmas tunes and Council, lay a memorial wreath on behalf of MCS at the Remembrance Day reindeer antlers at the ready, the officials and prefects merrily served up, Parade in November, speak at the Open and Pre-Sixth Form Evenings as well tidied up and washed up for Christmas! Even if Y10 looked like they didn’t as speaking at various assemblies, writing articles for the school newsletter want to be there, we still kept smiling and attempted to make them smile and meeting with school governors. too. Reading at the Carol Service the night before had been a real honour and helping the younger Readers was also a pleasure. We developed, with the I think that the most important speech we made was to Y11 students when help of Chair of Governors, Mr McLester, a real team spirit. we spoke to them about the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification because they were concerned that it didn't hold value as a formal qualification. I really Our big event was Monmouth’s Got Talent which started at the auditions enjoyed explaining how interesting we'd found it and how universities were which were fun and we encountered some fantastic talent which we were making offers including Welsh Bacc so I was delighted when my own offer, able to showcase the best of on stage in March and at the Semi-Finals. from a university in England, came through recognising the Welsh Monmouth’s Got Talent Semi-Final ticket sales were initially quite low but, Baccalaureate. contrary to all expectations, an audience numbering more than one man We've had a lot of fun throughout the year too. Serving Christmas lunch to and his dog arrived to see our semi-finalists who left us with an impossible the whole school is an experience not to be forgotten and the smell of task. Who would go through? This was a decision making experience I hundreds of plates of dinner scrapings will live with me for a long time! wouldn’t wish on anyone else! However, the most fun that we had would have to have been helping to The Monmouth’s Got Talent Final was something I wasn’t looking forward organise Monmouth's Got Talent with our colleagues from Monmouth to but, in the end, the hard work of a big team of officials from the three School and HMSG, I really enjoyed getting to know our fellow Head Boys schools paid off. Exceptional talent, teamed with the best raffle we have and Head Girls. It wasn't easy to select just four acts from all the brilliant acts ever had, made it a sure fire winner in fundraising terms. that we saw and MCS put up some stiff competition on the night. Harry Although many thought the legendary Harry Lloyd should have been the Lloyd and his accordion wowed the crowd and we really did think that winner, taking the event by storm with his accordion playing, it was not to Lucinda Merrett had won the show with her amazing rendition of KT be and Monmouth School’s Max Weedon was a worthy winner and will Tunstall's ‘Black Horse and the Cherry Tree’ only to be beaten into second certainly stand out on the festival stage. place. The evening was a fantastic success and we raised over £2,500 for local charities. As I write this article, a full circle has turned as we interview for our replacements – helping to appoint those who would step on the More recently I've helped to select the new Head Boy and Head Girl and their tremendous merry-go-round that I, and the rest of the team, have been on Deputies for next year and I know that the school will be safe in their hands. this year. Interviewing for our replacements was difficult but I’m sure that My last duty will be the Y13 Leavers’ Reception when we'll remember the Philippa Parry and Reuben Pierrepoint will fare well and will probably write time that we've spent together and say goodbye to the school that has been better farewell letters than me next year! such an important part of our lives for so many years. I think that might be my most difficult speech. It will seem strange to leave and, to be honest, I don’t want to. I want to see the School grow and blossom in its new environment and to see the I've thoroughly enjoyed being Head Girl and working with Michael, Jack and new Head Boy and Girl do better than I have ever done. I hope to come back Thea to support the school. I've learned a lot and, hopefully, given a little soon but now I will return my head to its rightful place, which is in a back. Mechanics 3 past paper. I have some A-level grades to get (hopefully). 6 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Student Art

Charlotte Berrow Abigail Birchall

Isabelle Sadler Bailey Hopkins Dorothy Laidler

Tom Finn Chloe Tabberer Jeena Sriphan

Kayleigh Clarke Emma Arnett

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Why would anyone row?

g for t thin Rowing takes time to get Why the bes do you hat is ing? “It’s row? W ut row to be good, it’s very hard good fu ou abo ork” n with y teamw my frie ning & - Louis nds” ds, win physical work and the “It’s , Y10 “Frien , Y10 addictiv Sam M nds” e, I fin - ith frie weather can be awful, so tryin d mysel eding w g to fin f consta d succe d ways ntly king an 9 we asked the school’s and bet to get fa “Wor lake, Y d ter.” - E ster - B achieve “It mily D I have rowers why they do it... is a ver , Y9 eel like Y10 y stress ble to f - Tom, which I releasi Being a oing.” 9 really ng spor “ orth d ophie, Y Rowing is a lifestyle, it takes enjoy.” t, ething w g.” - S “I e - Mia, som winnin dedication and effort. Morning njoy ra Y10 ds and ons cing all th frien e Cowt count over th eing wi from th sessions before school and evening ry.” - T e “B ment om H, ood com sie, Y9 sessions. It takes hours of core “It mot Y9 “A g .” - Cas ivates m s golden , Y10 bette e to do i - Jacob workouts and ergo practice. r in sch even citing.” “I ool.” - A g is ex Nobody has a perfect stroke or t’s fun nna, Y “Racin and it’s 9 great f never has anything they can't - or my f n you Megan itness.” el whe improve on. You can only get faster , Y9 es it fe ow do crew? H ell in a g” and stronger and push your limits ow w atisfyin r ensely s every time you row. Wha nd imm t is it eaven a 0 like w Like h rlie, Y1 Everyone has bad days where they “I hen yo “ - Cha g has t’s like u fall trainin leave the boat club annoyed and a heart in? at your sinking reat th y, Y9 - C feeling t feels g - Moll wishing they did better but it only oby, Y1 ” “I essful” ractise “The 0 een succ rs of p makes that rower stronger and re is an b the hou impend like all 10 mocker ing sen le, I feel m B, Y more dedicated, to go back next y!” - H se of ncredib f” - Sa 9 arry D, “I paid of Rob, Y session and correct what went “Cold. Y11 have crew.” - I spea nd my exp k from of me a wrong last time. It takes failure erience much l proud lings.” “ !” - Ca “I fee best fee before you can succeed. Blisters I got a ssie, Y9 e of the rush of . It’s on pretty adrenal mazing Y11 aren't painful anymore, they are much ine. I a “A Eloise, roves liked it ctually - e and p more like battle wounds that show .” - Cha me smil rlie, Y1 makes rnings 0 time it rly mo you how hard you have worked “Every work, ea 9 e hard atie, Y that session, they don't hurt after a that th off.” - K Why d ers pay gainst o you nd blist tance a while they are just a living memory in get u a no resis the m p early here is Y9 that are reopened every time you “ orning ls like t - Jack, Because to ro “It fee at all.” I am d w? water e and push yourself to your limits. edicate the of prid “Row d.” - Ch a sense ing is arlie, Y ves you cy, Y9 The best parts of rowing is the fun, esp 9 “It gi .” - Dar sch ecially vement crew working together, the clicks ool.” - W before achie “It’ ulf, Y s one of 11 rt? of gates every time you take a the thi ds hu in row ngs you ur han stroke. The happy faces and ing an have t on yo y f d it’s m o do listers a troph or revis ore pra on’t b are also enjoyment after a successful race ing.” - H ctical D ut they to be arry B hurt, b ething or training session. It's the people “It , Y11 “They and som starts th rogress Y9 really e day your p ily S, saying we are crazy but they don't , really off of of” - Em “ well.” - proud k gross, understand what rowing means to Hard t Josh, hey loo o get ou Y9 o and t om a every se t of bed they d them fr us. It is past being just a sport to ssion fo , but w “Yes ell get r the p orth it ht as w , Y9 us, it's part of our lives. rogress ut I mig Millie made.” b enjoy.” - - DC sport I Olivia Wells, Y10

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Reading. I felt this was an amazing for our first race, our plans fell into place achievement in itself as I spent so long and we won our heat. Fantastic off the water with the floods at news…we had the fastest time in the Christmas, which the is so heats going into the final. well known for. I was able to stay within After a hard and fast start, we gained a the top ten girls throughout the entire small lead. Building our rhythm, we process. stretched out to a length’s lead at halfway The final trials were hard work with lots when the crews behind began to chase of head-to-head racing over four hard. Approaching the finish, we kept physically intense and mentally draining our cool and remained focused on the days. At the end, the athletes were left to goal. We won; relief, delight, exhaustion worry as the coaches had a summary overtook us all. My whole family had Training to meeting which went on and on. It was a travelled to France to see me race and to heart breaking moment for those who share my success with them was very Success didn’t make it. Finally, I had made it and special. I was ecstatic, with my Mum there with Standing on the podium with the It has taken hours and hours of training me to celebrate. I returned home for a national anthem playing was an in all weathers, but I have finally met my couple of days in order to pack, which experience I will never forget. It made all goal for the year. was followed by a three week training the training and major financial costs I have my first Great Britain cap, two camp in Marlow with my new crew. I worthwhile for my parents and me. lycras, a couple of shirts and a hoodie. lived with three wonderful and very After a summer’s rest, I am even more Not forgetting winning the gold medal! different families during this time away determined to do all the training and The journey started twelve months ago from home. trials again this year, but this time harder after winning the National Then the day came to leave; off to the than ever before with the goal of Championships. There was a lot of airport to fly to Bordeaux in France, competing and winning a medal at World training and my first GB trial in where we raced our quadruple sculling Junior Championships to be held in Rio November, cold and bleak in Eastern boat in the Coupe de la Jeunesse (The de Janeiro in August 2015. England. I managed to hold my own European Championships). After an Emily Richards against some very tough opponents, who opening ceremony and a nervous wait had a lot more experience than I did. I had done enough to win a place on the Great Britain potentials training camp in France just before Christmas. Staying away with people I hardly knew, these girls have now grown to become good friends through the trials and training throughout the year. Several more trials in February and April combined with the never ending land training of core strength circuits, weights and ergos to make for a long Winter’s preparation for the Summer season. This type of training is a key focus for the junior women as Great Britain Rowing push the triallists to raise their standards for international rowing. Then, I was finally chosen in the top 20 in the country for the finals trials at the Great Britain training centre near

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money for equipment; both purchase Captain’s Review and maintenance, race entries and many other running costs so fundraisers are of of the Year great importance. Over £300 pounds We began the 2014-15 season with the same determination and focus as in our previous years. I had been named Club Captain at the end of the summer season, a position that I was honoured to fully to the pieces (perhaps regretting the lack of exercise taken through the summer). Soon, the once gruelling sessions became just another part of our extensive training programme. The competitive season opened at our was raised at the Iceland Bag Packing local event, Monmouth Autumn Head. event in December with all the athletes This was a successful first event for the getting stuck in with a smile: a big thank club, with four crews bringing in medal- you to Sarah Bradley who kindly gave up winning performances. Lauren Waycott take after five years of rowing for the her entire day to help organise and run Club and as Vice-Captain the year things. This followed £180 from the before. Captain of the Club is a “Swish” event in September and a prestigious and important role, further £700 was raised at the Race especially with our membership rising to Night in January, and what a great over 75 athletes, the most we have ever evening it was. A big thank you to all had! those athletes and parents who helped with all these events, and especially to Mark King, the Chairman of the Friends of MCSBC, who organised and ran the Race Night evening. and Emily Richards both won their single scull races with Emily winning the title of ‘fastest female sculler of the day’, following on from her success with the Our year began as normal with winter Great Britain team in the summer. Our training. For rowers, winter is the time of second event was a new one for us. City year that involves cold, early mornings of Bristol Autumn Head is a 3,300m and long distance ergo pieces to build a race down the river and into the heart of foundation for the season ahead. The Bristol docks, rowing past the SS Great focus of this year was particularly on Britain. What with some very tight turns, and several bridges down the course Soon we were racing at Wycliffe. These combining with other boat traffic, it was races are held on a beautiful (if often a challenging but very rewarding course very (!) cold) section of the canal in - especially for J15 (Y10) boys Gloucester with the December event covering a distance of 2,000m and the following February event covering around 3,500m. In December, we had three wins from a large entry of 26 crews, including the Sixth Form Girls the 30 minute pieces which can only be Quad, Emily Richards in her Single and described as two minutes of powerful for myself and Seamus Cooper in a and focused rowing, followed by 28 minutes of ever-increasing exhaustion as the end draws nearer. Never the less, every single athlete applied themselves Sam Bainbridge and Louis Proctor who won their double sculls event, and for Sam Morgan who won his single sculls event. Well done boys. Soon after these came our first few fundraising activities of the year. Our club must be self-sufficient in terms of

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The Half Marathon fundraiser in March was a particularly strenuous event and, quite possibly, the most challenging in terms of mental strength. Nonetheless every single athlete in the club, from Year Graham Jephcote for organising provision of all the lifesaving drinks and snacks on the route and at the finish, and thank you to the many parents who gave Double, a further second place for Molly up their day to ensure our safety and the James in her Single and the two J18 Boys smooth running of the event. Currently, our summer regatta season is Quads who both came third in the 9 to 13, participated with a really underway bringing with it a new style of respective categories. It was also the first positive (and, in some cases, an racing new to those less experienced racing event for many of the new Y9 inevitably competitive) attitude. Nearly athletes in the club; side-by-side racing. squad members. In February, the WJ15 £10,000 was raised, which is a These ‘sprint’ races will be only 1,000m (Y10) girls octuple (coxed by Jacob phenomenal total, surpassing the or less in length for most events, but Sutton) came to a convincing victory previous years’ totals. This included Gift require athletes to reach the very peak of over their opposition. Good job girls and Aid which our charity, The Friends of their power, strength and mental Jacob. MCSBC, is able to claim. A massive toughness. Events at Birmingham, thank you to all athletes and I’ve got to Evesham, Shrewsbury, Monmouth, say, you guys did an awesome job with Nottingham, Ironbridge and Glasgow the sponsorship. A big thank you to beckon in the term ahead and I wish all crews good luck in their races. A final thank you to Mr and Mrs Cowton for providing such tremendous coaching and organisation for us, and for allowing us the opportunity to participate in the great sport that is More recently, the WJ15 girls (again rowing. It’s been a great year to be coxed by Jacob Sutton) picked up Captain! another win for the club at Avon County Ben Metcalfe Head, showing their increasing

development and excellent competitive attitude. This was again a large entry of some 17 crews from our club and whilst we didn’t all win, the atmosphere of mutual support was just great. Well done girls. The National Junior Sculling Head gave our athletes the chance to row on the Olympic Lake in Eton against the best crews in the country. Eight crews went to this event from all years and they prepared well and raced hard to perform well in their categories. This was a satisfying end to another successful winter season of training, fundraising and of course, racing.

11 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Sporting Round-up

the Y10 and 11 girls playing some Athletics Hockey outstanding hockey against some strong Towards the end of the Summer term competition. One of the main highlights 2014, MCS took four squads to the Girls Hockey was the Mayor of the City welcoming us Newport East Athletics Competition. Hockey is continually being played at a to their community and thanking us for Each squad, competing against five competitive level in MCS. Students in all promoting hockey in their area. other schools, had to finish in the top Year Groups have participated in the two in order to qualify for the South South Wales Hockey League and have Netball had numerous successes It has been a rollercoaster season for the in a number of fixtures. Y9 Netball Team, with two squads This has been evident attending training on a weekly basis they by all teams finishing demonstrated exemplary commitment. in the top half of each They started with a few tough games League table in all and were unlucky with the outcomes, respective age groups. but the season finished on a high with a Boys Hockey win - well done girls!!! Boys’ hockey is once The Y10 Netball Team had a again gaining in phenomenal season winning all their popularity with a games and coming second in the South number of boys both East Wales Netball League. The girls training and playing missed out on the League top spot on in competitive fixtures goal difference to a strong Bassaleg for the school. The team. The team has made fantastic U12, U14 and U16 progress since the start of the year and squads all represented we are sure they will go on to achieve Wales competition. The U14 and U16 MCS in the South Wales Tournament. greater accolades as a team and as boys squads and the U16 girls squad The U12’s and U14’s competed in individuals in their respective League finished third in their respective with the U14’s finishing in third teams. A big well done to Ellie Johnson competitions but the stand out place, only one place below being able to and Melissa Brooks for consistently performance on the day was from the qualify for the Welsh Final. The U16 playing with confidence and encouraging U14 girls who finished second, squad competed in Brecon and finished their team mates. qualifying for the South Wales a respectable third place against some The Y11 Netball team have demonstrated competition the following week. strong opposition. excellent team cohesion this season. At the South Wales competition there Focusing on their GCSE’s, the girls have were noticeable victories for Y7 students Greece Sports Tour been unable to train regularly, but Josie Harrison (Javelin) and Hannah A number of the hockey players went on despite this they have gelled together in Jenkins (1500m), competing against a tour to Greece where they undertook a competitive situations and won three out range of Y7 and 8 students. As the number of training sessions and played of the three games they played. Holly competition is a team event, every point two competitive fixtures. The level of Ainge led by example, giving 100% and place in each event mattered. The hockey on display was exceptional with every time she took to the court. girls went into the final event, the relay, in third place but a fifth place finish moved the girls down to fourth. All the girls tried their very best but narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Welsh Final. Squad: Harriet Kearsey 7SN, Josie Harrison 7PY, Hannah Jenkins 7SN, Darcey Maguire 7TR, Jess West 7KO, Natasha Makondora 7VE, Sophie Pope 7VE, Katie Kearsey 8NJ, Darcy Birkett 8NJ, Taryn Birkett 8AL and Sophie Richards 8NJ

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Dan Brain, Caerleon Callum Wood, Dan Jones, Dan Brain, were too strong and Lewys Bevan, Hywel Williams, Johnny MCS crashed out of Dunckley (Captain), Emyr Pullen, Zak the Welsh Cup with a Woods, Zak Morgan, Alex Doody, Tom 3-1 loss. To get that far Perks. in the tournament, Y8 had a brilliant season, winning 12 out however, was a fantastic of their 15 games played. They were achievement which unlucky to be knocked out of the Welsh raised their confidence Cup by Chepstow in a thrilling 5-4 in the Newport Cup. match with Chepstow going on to finish The first round of the 4th in the whole of Wales. Y8 also made Newport Cup saw a it to the Cup Semi-Final where Football strong performance v Llanwern with they again met rivals Chepstow who Girls football has had a fantastic year MCS finishing 5-3 winners. This was came out on top once again in another with high numbers attending training followed by a tense 3-2 Quarter Final close game. Y8 eventually got their each week. The U13s team represented win against Newport High. St Julian’s revenge by beating Chepstow 1-0 in the MCS in the Newport County Girls Cup provided stern opposition in the Semi Newport Cup Semi-Final making it to Competition. The girls went through the Final but MCS showed their quality with their first Final. Unfortunately, Y8 lost tournament undefeated, winning all goals from Dan Brain (2), Johnny Dunckley 2-1 in the Final to Newport High School seven games without conceding a single (2) and Lewys Bevan resulting in a 5-2 in a thrilling match. Ben Hopkins has goal and were crowned Champions. win. MCS then progressed to the been a standout player this year, scoring Hannah Jenkins and Amber Stamp- Newport Cup Final where they were vital goals throughout the season and Dunstan finished the tournament joint finishing top goal scorer. Captain Dan top scorers with seven goals each. The Keane has also had a fantastic season team went on to represent Newport making crucial saves and leading the County in the Area Finals in Exeter team brilliantly. Dan Brain and Ryan where they finished 5th overall. A Davies, both in Y7, have done brilliantly, brilliant effort from all girls involved. playing up a Year Group and becoming essential players for the Y8 team. Under 13’s Girls Newport Champions: GK - Cerys Hughes 8VE, Y8 Football Squad: Dan Keane (C), Honor Buckley 8KO, Holly Morgan 7MD, Ben Pilot, Theo Haycock, Jay Harris, Gabriella Doody 8VE, Natasha Makondora Ryan Davies, James Greaney, Matthew 8VE, Hope Woods 8PY, Hannah Jenkins Jones, Frank Pemberton, Ben Hopkins, 8SN and Amber Stamp-Dunstan 8VE. Ben Drinkhall, Dan Brain, Sam Williams, Ben Davies, Archie Hayward, Jacob The Y7 team have had an incredibly drawn against St Joseph’s, a team they Perrella, Scott Jackson, Callum Llanfear successful first year at MCS led by knew little about. The Final was played and Harry Newell. Captain Johnny Dunckley. The Welsh in great conditions which Cup started early in the season with suited MCS. It was a MCS winning convincingly 6-0 and 8-0 nervy first half but MCS versus Chepstow and West Mon managed a goal just before respectively. The next round led to half time; Hywel Williams tougher opposition in and with a neat finish from a only a last minute strike from Lewys Bevan cross. The Ryan Davies in extra-time saw Y7 second half saw MCS through to the last 32. MCS were drawn create numerous chances away against a strong Caerleon team hitting the crossbar four and, despite an early goal from times. St Joseph’s managed to pull a goal back with ten minutes remaining from a free kick but MCS had the majority of possession and Y9 are fast becoming the nearly men of were determined to find a winner. With MCS reaching three semi-finals in their just three minutes remaining, Dan Brain three seasons since joining the school. scored a low drive from within the six This season has once again been yard box to seal the victory and successful with good wins in a number MCS were crowned Newport Cup of games culminating in a narrow Champions! Well done boys! Newport Schools Semi-Final defeat to Y7 Football squad for Newport Cup Bassaleg. The highlight of the season was Final: Jack Watkins, Gabe Unsworth, Ryan the thumping 4-1 Quarter-Final win Davies, Harry Johnson, Hayden Morris,

13 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 over reigning Newport and Gwent run of play to make it 3-3 and take the performances this season, notably from Champions St Julian’s, away from home. game to extra-time. After just one Morgan Wainewright, Ollie Scriven, Jon Sean Swann finished as top goal scorer minute of the additional period, Caerleon Pearce and Harry Johnson who have also with a combination of pace, power and took the lead and, despite dominating represented the Y8 rugby team. In total, skill that proved too much to handle for the rest of the game, MCS could not find 38 students have represented the Y7 most opposition defences. Jordan Suttie the elusive equaliser and were knocked rugby team this year; hopefully next has made excellent progress over the last out of both competitions. Captain season we will be able to field two teams. season with Joshua Ellis once again a Callum Wheatley has led by example with During the summer term, the Y7 rugby stand out performer in goal. Greg Powell effort, determination and no shortage of players are developing their skills and also proved he can play pretty much any skill all season. George Baynes has held fitness in preparation for next season by position on the pitch with success. the defensive unit together but a special playing Rugby Sevens, a shortened form mention must go of the game. In late April, a Rugby to all the Y11s Sevens festival was held at MCS which who stepped up saw thirty MCS students make up three two Year Groups squads which took on teams from to represent the Bassaleg, Brynmawr and St Julian’s. Senior team and MCS A team went on to win the often be amongst tournament beating Bassaleg School 21- the best players in 19 in the final thanks to a last minute try any game. Samuel from Jon Pearce. Overall, Y7 rugby has Oxley, Jordan had an incredibly successful year and it Heales, Matthew is fully expected that this success will be Macdonald and continued next season. Good luck for Kieran Knight all next season boys! played regularly Y7 Rugby Sevens team; Callum Wood, in the Senior Johnny Dunckley, Troy Taylor-Morgan, team. Jamie Strachan, Jonathan Pearce, Lewis Y9 Football Squad: Joshua Ellis, MCS First XI: Morgen Jeffs, Matteo Richards, Oliver Scriven (Captain), Harry Jacob Dover, Rory Meredith, Kyron Smith, Merola-Scott, Kieran Knight, George Johnson, Bailey Nash, Beau Cole. Harrison Nash, Greg Powell, Larsson Baynes, Max Goodridge, Joseph Coombes, Y8 have had a much improved season Brown, Harry Williams, Liam Martin, Jake Coombe, Henry Corcoran, Alex this year, winning four out of the five Jordan Suttie, Louis McPherson, Andrew Cleaves, Ted Atkinson, Matthew games they have played. Cameron Beames, Sean Swann, Ben Jones. Macdonald, Oliver Franklin, Jordan Ogilvie, James Ashton and Jay Harris Y10 were unlucky with their defeats in Heales, Samuel Oxley, Callum Wheatley, have been standout players and were the Cup this season, where they Perys Pullen. rewarded with playing up a Year Group represented MCS in the Welsh Cup, in League fixtures. Ben Pilot and Gwent Cup and Newport Cup. Rugby Cameron Ogilvie have captained the Nathan Hawkins finished the season top The Y7 team have showed great promise side well this year with Hunter Guthrie goal scorer and was also MoM during a this season under the leadership of finishing top try scorer. The squad has thrilling penalty shootout win over Captain Ollie Scriven. Commitment to shown great potential this season but Chepstow in the Gwent Cup 4th round. training has been fantastic throughout must start attending more training Y10 Football Squad: Toby Lane, Tamer the year; even in bad weather there were sessions ahead of a tough season in Y9 Pullen, Ellis Brown, Luke Brooks, Bailey good numbers out in the mud, wind and as they will be playing in both the Hopkins, Tom Walker, Will Pritchard, Lewis rain! This has helped the boys gel as a District League as well as a Davies, Joe Pemberton, Robbie Atkinson, team and this has been reflected in their Quad Nations English League. Sam Vaughan, Nathan Hawkins, Joe performances on the pitch. In the ten Y8 Squad: Michael Van Den Bergh, Owen Bayliss, Jack Wear and Henry Williams. games played this season, MCS won Bishop, Josie Harrison, Cameron Ogilvie, seven, drew one and only lost twice. Ruben Wallace, Josh Hamblin, Jay Harris, Senior Football There have been some standout Joe Ridgway, Brian Rowlands, Ben Pilot, The long Senior football season came to Callum Lanfear, Hunter Guthrie, James an end with a match against old rivals Aston, Aaron Hickmans, Josh Lewis, Caerleon which doubled up as a Tom Bush, Isaac Cooper, Flynn Newport Schools Semi-Final and a Ruddiforth, Jonathan Pearce (Y7), Harry Gwent Schools Quarter-Final as the Johnson (Y7), Ollie Scriven and Morgan schools were drawn together in both Wainewright (Y7). competitions. Despite taking a 3-0 lead with goals from Samuel Oxley (2) and Y11 Rugby League Callum Wheatley, Caerleon mounted a This season’s Championship Schools spirited last 10 minutes and turned the Area Tournaments got underway game on its head completely against the throughout the months of November

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and James Mear Paris Thomas and Dan Whistance, both along with up and again converted by Brooks. Brooks then coming Y10 stars went over for our final try but failed with Ellis Brown and the conversion which would have Jack Wear. Once levelled the scores. Instead MCS trailed again, an excellent 28-30. MCS continued to pressurise the display of ferocious Pencoed defence, but MCS hearts were defence and clinical broken in the dying moments when attacking, led to Pencoed broke away scoring a converted MCS overcoming try to regain their Welsh School trophy St Joseph’s 28-14. with a 36-28 win. Monmouth travelled Squad: Jack Davies, Lewys Bufton, to Taffs Well on Alan Hawkins, Jack Wear, James Mear, the 7 May where Euan Gillespie, Dan Whistance, Paris they put in an Thomas, Nathan Brooks, Ellis Brown, and December, with MCS progressing outstanding performance in the Welsh Owen Walters, Jordan Heales, Michael convincingly through the tournament, Schools Final. MCS went into the Ridgway, Jack Moore, Kieran Knight, booking a place in the Quarter Finals. half time interval trailing 12 points Louis Macfarlane. The Quarter Final saw MCS travel to to 20 with all the Croeseyceiliog where they once again points coming recorded another convincing 50 points from our captain, to 6 victory with an excellent display of Nathan Brooks, Rugby League. converting from two MCS then travelled to St Joseph’s for the outstanding tries. Semi-Finals. The game showcased The second half was the talent Wales has in Rugby League played at a ferocious in the area with some outstanding pace and was end to performances from Nathan Brooks, end stuff. Further Paris Thomas, Euan Gillespie tries came from

15 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Clothes Show Live 2014

As part of our textiles GCSE course we visited the NEC in Birmingham to experience The Clothes Show Live exhibition. The event was highly educational, fascinating and fun all at the same time.

Not only did we practice our design everything to do with the fashion world. skills in the educational hall, we found We discovered new experiences and learnt inspiration from up and coming equally about the design process as well designers who were showcasing their as the production of the garments themselves. talent in the many catwalk shows found The day was full of learning and around the eventing area. experiences that we will carry through We took a particular interest in the our course with us and we can look back Julien MacDonald display as it was on as we proceed to design and make relevant to our current project on the more creations. Welsh Designer’s A/W14 collection as After wandering around all the stalls in elements of his work is being used to the Hall, we gathered together to watch inspire shift dresses that we are in the the main show. From the show we learnt process of making. that because the garments were designed Upon entering the Hall we had a chance for the catwalk and not everyday use, to capture our own perspectives on they can use simpler construction methods instead of a more couture approach, like the French seam. The designs varied from swim suits to luxury gowns for us to gain inspiration for our current and future designs. As we got onto the coach and travelled home the atmosphere was buzzing, everyone was discussing what they had learnt and just how much time and effort would go into each and every garment that was made. Everyone had a wonderful day and I’m sure that they will all be attending next year as we know we will be. Naiomi Armitage, Hatty Weaver, Alice Glen, 10RP

16 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Literary Festival

Students form MCS, Monmouth School and HMSG, united through their love of reading, organised a week-long event which has raised the bar for young peoples’ Literary Festivals.

The three schools collaborated to invite a diverse group of students from ten schools the chance to get involved and poets and authors to perform, speak and sign books in discover new writing as well as classic works. Students various venues across Monmouth. also took part in poetry writing workshops during the week using Monmouth as their inspiration. The inaugural Monmouth Young Peoples’ Literary Festival, held between 23rd and 27th June, gave more than 1000 On Wednesday morning, Daniel Morden, a professional storyteller and author of Tree of Leaf and Flame and Dark Tales from the Woods, chatted with students at Monmouth School and in the afternoon Philip Wells, more widely known as 'The Fire Poet', joined students in the MCS marquee. Mr Wells had stopped off during his epic 1,000 miles barefoot walk through England and Wales, from St Michael's Mount to Anglesey, followed the footsteps of Bards, Romans, Neolithic dreamers and, according to the legend, Christ himself. The 1,000 miles represents the 1,000,000,000 children living in poverty in the world. On Thursday Leo Aylen entertained students from the three schools in the marquee. Mr Aylen’s poems are miniature plays in a variety of settings and include riddles, puns, verbal acrobatics and audience participation. In no time at all he had the students tongue-tied and in gales of laughter! On Friday, students surprised members of the public with impromptu pop-up poetry performances outside Shire Hall in town, inside Waitrose and at Coffee #1. This will be an annual event at MCS and 2015 will see the Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy in attendance.

17 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Summer Learning 20 14

A Summer to Remember For Summer Learning Week, Y7 went on residential trips to a range of activity centres including Talybont, where my Form stayed for three days. The Year Group also got involved with many summer related activities on site. My Form were away for the first half of the week, having a great time at Talybont. We chose our rooms and who we shared with, and settled in. We then had tea at the centre - pizza or cheeseburgers - which was really tasty. The staff were all really friendly, gave us a warm welcome and we all settled in quickly. That afternoon we were split into activity groups and taken by minibus to a canal. It was very exciting to be out on the water with some of my friends. We paddled in pairs for a few hours, splashing and having great fun in the gunky water. We all jumped in and took some “selfies” under our upturned canoes. We returned to the centre for tea followed by a game of football. At 10pm we were told to go to our bedrooms and calm down after all the excitement of staying away from home. The following morning, after a full English breakfast, we had a room inspection - my room achieved a full 4 out of 10 (mum would be proud!) We then set off on a river walk which led to a waterfall which we had fun messing around in, followed by a refreshing lunch and change of clothes back at the centre, then another game of football. We went to get the bikes out of the shed at the centre, they were a bit tricky to get used to but we all managed to adjust to them. We did an obstacle course including a limbo which was a battle between my two mates - Aaron and Eloise - but eventually Aaron got the lowest possible bike limbo. After the

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obstacle course we went on a bike ride alongside the canal and Time for bed; we all settled down, had a chat and eventually up a hill; we did a bit of follow the leader during the journey. we went to sleep. We soon returned for tea, pasta and meatballs, it was great! The next day we went orienteering and roamed around the We had a good chat and caught up with what the other groups countryside looking for checkpoints, we met some friendly, had been doing; we all had an amazing day! wild ponies, which we were distracted by, but we got back on Outside after tea we joined in with a few activities and games, task and it was a great day for it. Sadly, we had to go home followed by another game of football, Mrs Edwards was our from a brilliant three days. We had such a great time! captain. A lot of people surprised us with their football skills. The rest of the week we were at school, off time table, getting involved with a load of activities we wouldn’t normally do. First we went to a tent to listen to a famous poet tell us his stories and rhymes as part of the Literary Festival. We also took part in Zumba, made piñatas, and lots more. I’d just like to thank MCS and Talybont for such a great week! Jay Hardy, 7VE Young Enterprise and Sense of Wales Monday - It’s A Knock-Out/ Orienteering On the first morning, all Y9s took part in It’s A Knock-Out with each Form Group working in small groups and experiencing different team building activities. Our group had an obstacle course which included approximately five activities. The best activity, crawling between hay bales while being underneath tarpaulin, was extremely hot as this was probably the hottest day of the year

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so far. Other activities included wellie throwing, guessing the Wednesday - Sense of Wales flags (which nations were involved in the World Cup)and three-legged football. We had fun, too, racing through tyre Y9 had a day off-site to experience different locations in South drills - doesn’t sound too hard does it? Well, you try it in water Wales. Our group was lucky enough to visit logged wellies! . We had a tour of the stadium which included going into the Welsh Rugby and Football changing Orienteering was in the afternoon - we stayed in the same rooms. We were surprised that they had a separate changing group as the morning and were given instructions to find our room for rugby and football. The player’s names are labelled way around Monmouth. Teaching staff were at checkpoints to on their clothes hooks and their shirts were on display. We sign your paper. The winning team had a prize - I think! were also allowed to walk through the tunnel to the pitch, it was huge! Other groups went to Millennium Centre, Welsh Assembly, Castle Coch, and Big Pit. Thursday - Walk Each Y9 student was able to choose which walk they would like to do. The Kymin, Skenfrith – Swan Walk or the Skirrid. The Skirrid walk was my choice. We were taken on two buses and dropped off at the bottom of the mountain. Another hot

Tuesday - Young Enterprise During our Integrated Curriculum lessons in Y9 we have been planning our Young Enterprise event. Working in small groups within our Forms, we had to set up our own business and sell products or provide a service to make the highest profit. The day was great fun and many stalls were able to display their products outside in the sunshine. Lots of cake and sweet stalls, ice creams sellers, tie-dye t shirt stalls, wooden plaques, Xbox FIFA tournament, guess the name of the teddy, and lots more. My team and I ran an Xbox FIFA tournament.

20 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 day, so lots of water was required to get us to the top. The walk started quite easy and then it suddenly got really steep. At the top the view was amazing, you could see for miles! Friday - Dragon’s Den In the morning Y9 Form Groups found out the results of Tuesday’s Young Enterprise. We were given an envelope with our profit. A group from each Form had to give a presentation on their business enterprise. The finalists were then able to present to the rest of the Year Group in the afternoon and the Dragon’s awarded the best group. It was a really fun week with lots of variety, my favourite Summer Learning Week so far. Henry Williams, 9PN

21

The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 BBC Young Reporters’ Day - Meeting the Deadline

March 19th was BBC Young Reporters’ Day, an event which gave young people like us a chance to shine. In our Forms, we created our own BBC style news reports.

Our Form reported on a range of subjects, from fundraising to keeping fit, and I was lucky enough to be involved in filming a weather report. Every member of the class played a key part in making the report. Some people used technology to film and enhance, while others were writing scripts or in front of the cameras. There was a brilliant atmosphere and not one moment was wasted in trying to make the 3pm deadline. However, it didn’t all run smoothly. We battled with noise from the dual- carriageway, problems with the light and low batteries on the filming equipment, but as a Form we overcame these obstacles and learnt from our mistakes. It was an inspiring and very worthwhile experience which we all enjoyed. I can guarantee that everyone next year will enjoy it too! Alice Barrell, 7MD

23 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Ben Hopkins

Sport is something I love, whether it be football or competing on my ponies, it’s something I always take seriously and always strive to be the best I can. I've learnt that to be a champion, you have to have highs and lows, you have to be committed and you have to always try your best.

I compete in two very different sports - ponies on our yard. In between playing I was selected to represent the Under football and Mounted Games. Both are football and school work, I can ride up to 14's at the Europeans, my younger team sports but both are very different. three ponies every day during the brother Sam, a Raglan Primary School Mounted Games is a sport that we, as a summer months. pupil, was selected on his pony, Elle, to family, are all involved in. My dad rode We start our season training in early represent Wales in the Under 12 for Great Britain and Wales as a child and November, as we have Welsh Trials in competition. I have since heard that not now trains the successful Monmouthshire February and March. Riders from all only will I be representing Wales in the Games teams and he is also the 2015 over Wales attend these trials, all whom team competition I have also been Welsh Team trainer. My mum, who also have been selected by their county in the selected as an individual too! competed at Mounted Games in her past. It involves many hours of cold Finally, the year was looking really good, younger years, now looks after my nights and frozen toes but this year this when the opportunity came up to possibly ponies and exercises them whilst I’m at all paid off! I attended the trial to go to the World Team Championships in school. I also have a younger brother represent Wales at the Royal Windsor the Under 17's competition. My dad who rides too. Horse Show which took and I decided to show Whilst Mounted Games isn't an place in May this year. some interest and, whilst Olympic Sport it is on the pathway and, We travelled to North not telling my mum, let the who knows, one day I may be at the Wales for the trial and selectors know I was Olympics! It’s now a sport that involves competed in a series of available for team selection 23 nations around the world and recently races in front of the panel to travel to Florida in Iran has joined our association. Due to of selectors who at the end November. I didn't think I the success of our ever-growing sport, selected myself and would be selected as this is we have the chance to travel the world Emma Lockyer, both from the older age group, but and meet people of all nationalities. 8CK, to represent Wales at my year got better when To be able to travel the world and the home of the Queen and myself and Emma Lockyer compete doesn't come easy, it involves Prince Philip. We are both were both selected! We hours of practice and a special really looking forward to representing will travel to Florida in the USA in partnership between horse and rider. I Wales at such a prestigious show, which November this year to represent Wales at have a very special pony - his name is is the chance of a lifetime. the World Team Championships! Merlin, he's 12.3hh and 19 years old. Once we knew we were going to Its going to be a tough year - I’ve moved My parents bought him for me when I Windsor, we set our eyes on trying to up an age category from 12's to 14's, I’m was eight years old and although it’s not make the European squad travelling to the reigning World Individual and World been easy, we have worked hard and Cluny in France this summer. Once again, Pairs Champion as well as British gained many international titles. Merlin a trial was organised and a series of races Champion with my county team, but all is well known all around the world, he took place and not only did Emma and I of my successes have only come with a currently holds eight World titles, a get selected, so did Erin Beach, who is great pony and a great support team. In European title and numerous British also a Monmouth Comprehensive student! the future I hope that I can take it all as titles. He is the most successful pony This is an amazing achievement for all a positive and develop a career involving there has ever been in Mounted Games. three of us, as riders from all over Wales sport in some way. I’m fortunate to be Whilst owning a superstar pony does came to the trial and for all three of us to able to travel the world and it’s all part of help in the quest for major titles, I train get in from one area is just unheard of. gaining experience that will hopefully daily not only with Merlin but with other At this point I also want to say that whilst help me as I develop a career.

24 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 The Duke of Edinburgh Award

The numbers of students participating in the Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold has increased steadily over the last four years with over 160 students involved this year.

The Award encourages students not only to become more independent, but also to learn new skills, learn the value of working in the community and to enjoy the great outdoors. The Silver and Gold Award students completed their practice expeditions at Easter in cool windy conditions in the Black mountains near Abergavenny. The Gold assessed expedition takes place in the last week of July in the in some of the most outstanding but arduous landscapes in the country, over four days with three nights camping with students covering 21km every day carrying everything they need for the duration. The Silver expedition takes place later in the Summer term in the Black Mountains over three days with two nights camping. The new entrants to the DofE Award at Bronze Level learnt camp craft, navigation and survival skills on their practice expedition in early June in the Wye Valley with an overnight camp at the Biblins campsite near Symond’s Yat. Their assessed expedition took place during the Summer Learning Week at the end of June, again in the Black Mountains. For some this was the first time they had walked with full kit in wild country and camped out overnight - needless to say they were very excited about it!

25 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 April and September

Year 8 student Ben Davies is an exceptional cricketing talent. The 2014 season saw him chosen to represent Wales in the Under 12 County Championship.

Ben’s appearances coincided with one of the best winning streaks Wales had for some time, culminating in a win over champions Yorkshire. Ben also made his debut for Monmouth CC first team, taking four wickets in his first appearance. Liam Stubbs is Monmouth Cricket Club’s Sunday League captain. Despite their age gap, Ben and staff member Liam Stubbs regularly featured in the same Monmouth Cricket Club team last summer. Here Ben and Liam talk about last season and compare notes from opposite ends of their playing days The interview starts with Ben and Liam discussing Junior presentation night at the club, where the awards were given out by ex-England player and coach Ashley Giles.

LS: Last Thursday, how good was that? Radleigh College. it’s a heck of a long time since I played first Were you nervous? LS: Tell me about playing at big stadiums team cricket! BD: I was, because I’ve always wanted like Gloucester. BD: I reminded myself that I’m playing to meet Ashley. When I found out he BD: It was my fifth game for Wales. In for Wales, so I had to convince myself I was coming I was excited! my first game I took one wicket, in my was good enough to be there. A good LS: I was nervous standing up and making second I took two, third I took three, batsman is always a good batsman at any my speech. I said to your Dad that I feel less fourth I took four! My Dad said: “I’ll level. You’ve just got to try to work them nervous playing! The only nervous time for give you £10 if you take five wickets in a out. me in the summer was at the start of my game for Wales”! LS: How do you do that? I was always innings against Whitchurch (when LS and LS: That was all over Facebook! told to watch a player’s feet. BD defied the league leaders for an hour BD: Yes! When I got my first wicket, I BD: I always bowl my stock delivery and denied them valuable bonus points). looked over at Dad and he held up a £10 first and I see how they play that. One Was that your best batting performance of note! I felt good. I knocked out a right lad in a county match came in at number the summer? hander’s leg stump by bowling it round 5 and loved to angle his bat. I kept on BD: No! I didn’t get many runs, but I his legs. I could see he was stepping trying to spin the ball, but it wasn’t had a good all round game for Wales – I across too far. It spun a lot. working. I bowled a quicker one that dropped a catch though! I didn’t get a skidded on and because of the angle, it LS: Big question is whether Dad gave you wicket, but in the first innings I went in squirted off his edge and was caught. So the tenner? He’s notoriously tight! at number 8 and made 15 before I was when I’ve played against first team bowled by a left-armer. BD: Yes! He also offered me £50 if I batsmen, it’s the same. You have to work LS: You batted well that day. George took 50 wickets in the summer! them out. (Williamson, Y11) batted well that day too. LS: He’ll learn not to do that, you’ll cost LS: As I’ve coached the Under 9’s, you can Between the three of us we managed to bat him a fortune! You played for the first team see that they all play the same way, the way for over half the innings against the league as well. Did you take a wicket on one leg? I teach them because they haven’t played leaders and stopped them taking the point. BD: No! enough cricket to develop their own style What was your best bowling of the summer? LS: I did when my calf muscle went! I yet. You get a lot of coaching input, but do BD: Taking five wickets in an innings finished an over coming in off one pace and you find that you have to work out your for Wales against Middlesex and fortunately the batsman hit it straight up in own game for yourself? getting [former England captain] the air! You played for the first team too, BD: I have one to one with Lee Herring Michael Atherton’s son out. That was at which is quite an achievement at the age of [Cricket Wales coach] whose son is the 12. Go on, talk me through that! Gloucestershire wicketkeeper. He has BD: It was pretty special. I bowled eight changed my batting and that has helped. overs and took four wickets. It felt like a It worked, but I’ve gone back to how I real achievement, not just to play but to felt more comfortable, and that has been do well - I led the team off the pitch at even better! the end [an honour given by teams to the LS: So there are times when you’ve ignored best performer]. your coaches? As a coach I would say there LS: What was the difference between comes a time when you have to do that. The bowling at first team batsmen and other coach isn’t out there in the middle with you, types of cricket? You’ll have to remind me, you’ve got to make those decisions. In the

26 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 last home game of the season I had to totally said “Right, let’s get working on that”. I change my batting stance to combat a lad went back and they were pleased with who was bowling unbelievably wide. You my improvement. played in that game. LS: I’ve got a theory about footwork – BD: I didn’t! cricketers keep doing well on Strictly LS: You did! I was fielding on the because we’re a bit lighter on our feet! boundary for you! BD: We’re always on the move! BD: Oh yes! LS: If someone from school wanted to Both [together]: Cow corner! follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give them? Where should they start? LS: So what about next year, when does Did you have a choice, given who your Dad cricket start for you? you look up to? is? My son didn’t have a choice! BD: The first training session for Wales BD: Josh [Grey, Monmouth CC vice BD: My Dad was very keen to get me comes up soon, Gwent training starts captain and former MCS student]. into cricket and I loved it. I remember after Christmas. There are always fireworks when he bats. getting my first helmet, gloves and bat LS: And Cricket at MCS will start again and being really excited. Fearnley gloves LS: And of course all the coaches…. after Christmas too. and a Slazenger bat! It can be difficult if including your Dad! BD: Of course. you don’t have the kit. BD: We’ve got some amazing coaches at Monmouth. We’re doing well as a Junior LS: You’ll be going up an age group next LS: Both the club and the school provide kit. Club now. year, what’s the competition like? BD: Yes. Just playing gives a buzz. I LS: The Under 11’s were runners up in BD: Hard. But I’m confident I’ve loved just being involved. I wanted to be their league and your team [Under 9’s] did bowled well enough to keep my place. I a wicketkeeper but I’m a bowler now. If well. know I have to work on things like you’re playing at a high level, they want footwork. My coaches are always telling you to work at all parts of the game, BD: Welsh cricket seems strong. We’d me where I need to improve. I came you’ve just got to play and work hard at it. never beaten many County sides before away from Wales’ sessions last season LS: True, even at my age, you keep but we won a lot of games this summer, and told my Dad what they said and he improving. I hit a fifty late on in the season beat a lot of strong Counties. and it was my best inning for donkey’s LS: I’m going to move this conversation on years. But I played in a really strong side before you mention beating Yorkshire! in the Midlands for a long time and didn’t BD laughs. get much batting opportunity because I was LS: Your Dad put it on Facebook and I seen mainly as a bowler. couldn’t bring myself to press ‘like’! What’s BD: It helps to play in a good side. the aim for next season? We’re strong at Monmouth, we’ve had BD: Promotion for Monmouth and players like Frazer Kilgour [New keep improving. Zealand professional]. LS: Which of the players you play with do

Three Peaks Challenge

We have always been interested in snow and ice at the top of Ben Nevis. We mountain climbing, but never did we had to change clothes after each think that we would have conquered the mountain as we were soaked to the skin Three Peaks Challenge in less than 24 even with full waterproofs. With our hot hours when we were just 13 years old. chocolate and porridge to keep us going, For this we had to walk up Ben Nevis in we pulled through the moments of Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and disbelief and lack of confidence, pushing Snowdon in Wales (the highest peak in ourselves to the top of those wonderful each country) all in 24 hours or less. peaks. Unfortunately we could not Despite the appalling conditions we all responsible for driving us between the appreciate the views due to it being dark completed the challenge within the three mountains, making hot chocolate or raining too much to see far! demanding time limit. and porridge when we finished each one. We finished within 23 hours with Emily In August 2014 we teamed up with Everyone found it tough as it rained and Luke and the adults completed it Emily and Luke Richards as well as three hard for at least 90 percent of the time. within 24 hours. parents, as the fourth parent was There were strong winds at times and Katie Kearsey & Sophie Richards

27 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015

Engineering Projects The computer will know if How do you move 700kg you sit in the wrong seat! in a confined space? For the fourth consecutive year, Engineers from General Meanwhile the other group chose a mechanical challenge. Dynamics UK have set our Sixth Formers problems to solve as GD have to install a huge amount of electronics into the new part of the Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW). vehicle, but it is a very cramped space for engineers to work GD has just won a huge contract to supply the army with in. They would prefer to assemble and test all the gear vehicles and gave us challenges related to this, though we outside in the comfort of the workshop and then install a could quickly think of civilian applications for our solutions. single complete rack. However, it weighs 700kg and needs Problem One was to create a system that could automatically moving and lifting inside the vehicle once posted through sense who was sitting in each seat of the vehicle and check the small door. if they were authorised. We could see this as also useful in For lifting, the team considered hydraulic rams, pneumatic large conferences, industrial control rooms, aircraft, or even balloons, screw threads and scissor jacks. Chris Moran hospital waiting rooms. After clarifying the brief with investigated a wide variety of ingenious methods for moving engineers on a visit to GD in October, the group set to with the device around. Megan Kinniment-Williams, Lara Gordon their research and development. Sam Winder dismantled and Annika Prince used their Further Maths A Level skills to some old electronic bathroom scales to see if they could be analyse forces, angles, stresses and stability. Megan modified to detect a person on seat; Rory Bennett researched produced a sophisticated animated 3D computer simulation radio tags similar to those used on items in shops; Lewis Bell of their chosen design. Bryn Bloodworth spent hours refining ordered an Arduino microprocessor and started programming; a complex powered Lego prototype. The team then wanted Oliver Hedges started writing code for the database and a more solid working model, so at Cardiff University they display on the base computer; Tim Ford worked on a radio headed for the Mechanical Engineering workshop. Aggie detector. Two days in the Engineering Department at Cardiff Morgan was soon foraging for suitable nuts and bolts. University in December saw the device progress from a Whilst the university technicians machined parts to order, a tangle of wires on a breadboard to a final package, with camera crew turned up wanting to film and interview young some tricky soldering required. Georgia Howe started engineers for the Welsh Government! drafting the 25 page professional report that would explain all the decisions the group had made. By February the Both groups had to hone their presentations, first for senior computer could definitely tell that you were sat on the demo engineers on a second visit to GD and then for the judges at “hotseat” and would identify you as “authorised”, “known the National Awards Ceremony at the Celtic Manor in March. but unauthorised” or as “a dangerous unknown intruder”. Their stands were busy all day and both groups were

28 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015

nominated for awards. As ever, thanks to GD UK, these projects receiver, radios, microprocessors and display panel whilst have given Sixth Form Physics students an insiders’ insight Kenzo Fagan taught himself how to program the base into real life professional engineering and demanded a computer that matched message to position. He was still committed team effort over several months. They have had to writing code, and Amelia Ralphs was still hacksawing metal explain their work on paper and display at a large public event. in the hotel room the night before the event, but it was finally all assembled and packaged, declared working, and The UK Big Bang Science worn with pride by Captain Rupert (or was it Pippa?). and Technology Fair This was Mr Green’s full size mannequin, more used to One of the EESW teams from last year was asked to present Roman armour than state-of-the-art electronics, but she/he at the National Exhibition Centre in March. General Dynamics attracted a lot of attention to our stand. generously agreed to sponsor the accommodation, travel to All the team, including Charlie Burge and Taran Goodband Birmingham and pay for parts to improve the device. had to deal with primary age children, computer experts The group had developed a device that would automatically from Google scouting for prizewinning ideas, and real life display relevant messages to soldiers, yacht crew in a race or soldiers keen to give us their opinion of devices they were stewards at a large festival, as soon as they entered a specific issued with. The Celtic Manor had been a big event, but this area. Miles Isted s’Jacob successfully integrated a GPS was huge!

29 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Charity Matters The Charity Committee hit the ground running this year. Only a few weeks back in school and Harvest was upon us. Our competition this year for Forms was for the best decorated box of food. This was won by 13PB, with their fantastic scarecrow designed box! The whole of the school responded fantastically to our requests of non-perishable foods, and Monmouth Food Bank, who we donated this year’s collections to, were ‘so impressed and thankful for the donations’.

At the end of September, we held our own Macmillan Coffee involved with the day. We Morning in the Meetings Room, where we had homemade decided that we would host cakes, biscuits, tea and coffee, that didn’t last long! A fantastic our own ‘Monmouth £184.50 was raised to support Macmillan which aims to ensure Comprehensive School Staff that no one faces cancer alone. Bake Off’, to get all the teachers involved. Our ‘Bake Off Champion’ judged by the panel at break time on the stage, including Michael, our Head Boy, and catering students. They came to the decision to crown Miss Mortimer-Davies as the champion for her literature inspired cake! Students were invited to take part in the ‘Design your own Super Hero Form Tutor’ competition, and then sponsored their Form Tutors to Our Monday breaktime meetings for the next couple of weeks, dress up as that were spent planning the first big event of the term on 17th superhero. The day October. As a Committee, we decide upon which charities we was a huge would like to support, and Clic Sargent was close to many of our success, raising a Committees’ hearts. It is the UK’s leading cancer charity for total of £1,180.47. children and young people, and also their families. They provide With the Christmas clinical, practical, financial and emotional support, to help them season dawning cope with cancer upon us, students and get the most and staff got busy making up their ‘Operation Christmas out of life. For this Child’ boxes. We managed to be ‘the biggest contributor’ event, we chose a from Monmouth area this year, with 127 boxes going off to ‘bright colours’ disadvantaged children, who themed non-school would have otherwise received uniform day. We nothing for Christmas. also held our ever Our Christmas Charity this year popular bake sale, was Home Start, a charity which in the hall at break has a base in Monmouth. Home time for students Start is a national charity that and staff to enjoy. We raised a total of £1,145.66 for Clic helps parents to build better lives Sargent, which we were very proud of. for their children. The school chose November was upon us, which only meant one thing - Children the theme for the non-uniform in Need! The national theme this year was ‘Superheroes’ which this time, which was the popular we made as our non-uniform theme. Students and staff got Disney film ‘Frozen’! The Charity

30 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015

Committee held a bake sale, which included fantastic snowmen knew that all our hard work had paid off. After counting all the and reindeer cakes. We raised an amazing total of £1,169.22. money we had raised on the day, it was incredible to realise our Thhe Neew Yaear sdtartedi onff wigth the total of over £1,300! This showed just how much our hard work Valentine’s Day delivery service in had paid off, raising the most amount of money for a charity February. This has been a tradition throughout the academic year. Comic Relief was our last big for several years, delivering heart event and it was certainty the highlight of the year. shaped chocolates, marshmallows, In May, came our last non-uniform event, raising money for the and roses to students and staff Velindre Cancer Centre which supports patients and their members. The delivery service was a families dealing with cancer, funds ground-breaking research, huge success, raising over £150 for supplies specialist equipment and the most up-to-date training Save the Children and their Ebola for staff. As this was our last event it was great to see everyone campaign. enjoy the day. This charity was chosen after the Head Teacher of After Valentine’s Day, the next big Ystrad Mynach Primary School contacted the school asking us to event was Comic Relief in March. Planning this event was a big participate in a fundraising target reaching across primary and task and we knew that in order to make the day successful and secondary schools in Wales. Their aim is to raise £100,000 – we raise lots of money, the day would have to go smoothly. We were the first secondary school to respond and were happy to started planning the day weeks before the actual event, join this community spirited mission! planning everything from live entertainment, to a ‘red’ non- In total close to £5,000 was raised this year for various charities, school uniform and we believe this reflects the effort every single member of the theme, to the bake Charity Committee has put in, alongside the efforts of all sale. On the day of students, staff and parents who get onboard and always give the event, it was generously. We wish all the very best success for the Charity great to see everyone Committee in the future, and look forward to hearing all about enjoying the live acts the wonderful events that happen next year. on the stage and Dorothy Laidler, Lizzie Price with the bake sale and Alex Davies selling out in under half an hour, we Joint Charity Committee Heads

31 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Ciaran Mann and the Army Cadets My name is Ciaran Mann from 10RP. This is my story about the army cadets and my visit to Belgium to witness the 100th Anniversary of the start of WW1 - I hope you enjoy reading it.

I joined the cadets in Monmouth in the regular soldiers. It was really January 2012, when I was 12 years inspiring to see how many people old. The cadets is a really good place were there. to learn new things and, in the last 2½ We also visited the German cemetery years, I have learnt first aid, fieldcraft, where every grave was a mass grave, how to fire a range of different rifles to save space. I found this quite sad like the I98 general purpose cadet rifle and outdoor navigation. I have been but, at the same time, I understood on a lot of weekend camps and two why the Belgium people needed their week summer adventure camps where land to farm after the war. We visited we do canoeing, cycling, rock climbing the Allied graveyard and it was a lot and go out on tracks where we dirt- different because there were no mass bike. We also do proper army cadet graves. There were some marked with exercises like outdoor expeditions Victoria Crosses and we were told their where we camp out and do long stories and how they got their medals. distance walking and practice on the A number of graves had other firing range. religious symbols such as the Star of Last year, in 2014, I was chosen from David. my detachment to represent them This trip was a really proud moment in during a visit to Belgium to take part in my life because I was able to represent the 100 year commemoration. my detachment. I learnt a lot which Whilst we were there, we paraded in made me more confident in my many different places but the main knowledge of the history of that time area was under the Menin Gate, where – I would like to repeat this visit in the we paraded with all the veterans and future.

32 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Student Art

Chloe Rushe Cameron Bradbury

Bethany Trotter

Charlotte Fisher

Jack Thomas

Hannah Pope

Johaze Basarte

Charley Bicknell Millie Sutton Harriet Woods

Kirsty McIntosh

Jeena Sriphan Kirsty McIntosh Maizie Morgan

33 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Out of School Achievements Parents have been in touch to tell us about the many and varied activities our students are involved in and I think we can safely say that you couldn’t find a group of prouder parents, and rightly so.

Miles Everett (7MD) came 3rd in his first Anna signed the official book at the Tyler Rymer (7FD) took up falconry over race - the Novice Class in the WYA Welsh Visitor Centre in Lynmouth, and was told the summer holidays - a very exciting Zone Championships at Milford Haven. she was one of the youngest to activity. Finlay Waters (8TR) joined Monmouth complete the walk. Charlie Breton (9MI) auditioned for a role Rowing Club in April 2014 and proved Laura Pritchard (10BG) cycled from her in a film, ‘Sing Street’, as the lead character that, even after only six months, success home in Llanishen to Chateauponsac in who starts a band. For the audition is possible. Fin, a Junior 13 sculler, France (a total of 515 miles) during the Charlie not only had to memorise lines competed at Monmouth Head in summer holidays. This involved many but choose and perform a song. September and managed to achieve hours of training, accompanied by her Elizabeth Walker (8JW) won first prize in second place at Junior 15 single sculls. In Dad, and her endeavours raised over Kington Agricultural Show in September November, he travelled to Stourport on £530 for Bridge2aid (a dental healthcare 2014 for her brownies. She also got Severn and entered a 2½ mile Junior 14 charity). They started their training in third prize for her Pizza. single scull race and won, overcoming April, slowly building up their daily strong opposition from three local mileage and adding weights towards the Ollie & Eddie Trumper’s ewes won Female competitors. Finlay loves the freedom of end of their training to simulate the Champion in the Yearling Ewe Class and being on the water and puts his success luggage they would need to carry. Overall Champion at Chepstow Agricultural down to eating far too many yoghurts! School finished on Friday and Saturday Show and Monmouth Show. Ollie was morning saw them on their way on the also crowned Champion Young Handler Sixth Form student Molly Brickley-Clark at Monmouth. They followed this up by sang with the National Youth Choir of three day journey to Poole where they crossed to Cherbourg. It took them nine winning Overall Breed Champion at Usk Wales in June at St David's Hall, in September. The boys work with the performing Brahm's Requiem with the days to work their way to the South of France, enjoying the spectacular scenery ewes, halter training them in the months BBC National Orchestra of Wales and leading up to the Shows then, trimmed BBC National Chorus of Wales. The and meeting many interesting and very friendly people along the way. and washed, the ewes are ready for their performance was broadcast live on BBC big moment. Both boys are in 10LM. Radio 3. Their next event was a One particularly memorable day was workshop in Llandrindod Wells followed spent cycling alongside the River Loire, Holly Jones (11BT) represented her by a summer residential course and enjoying the scenery and flying along at Young Farmers Club Raglan, in the concert in North Wales. The Choir then 18-20 mph. Their final mileage was an Gwent Field Day which is one of the performed at the BBC PROMS in July and incredibly 604 miles, door-to-door. many events Young Farmers hold. She August. won the Under 16s Floristry competition Y10 student Harry Dorey-Jones cycled an and, by winning this, she had the Anna Ward 9LG completed the Two amazing 600 miles in France and opportunity to go to Hillary’s florist in Moors Way with her Dad in July (in the Belgium with his Granddad in aid of the Abergavenny for an evening class which really hot weather). After boarding the Royal Marines Association raising helped her to prepare for Malvern. By train at Bristol they arrived at Ivybridge £2,025. Harry’s Granddad travelled up winning the Field Day, Holly went on to near and walked across from Devon especially for the Success represent Gwent at Malvern Autumn Dartmoor and Exmoor to arrive at Assembly at the beginning of the Flower Show where she came 16th out Lynmouth on the coast. They walked school year and enthralled Y10 with his of 32. Holly also competed at Llangattock 104 miles in four and a half days. They accounts of the bravery and Ploughing Match where she entered rough camped most of the determination of war heroes. The Royal both the U16s Floral Competition and way which meant that Anna Marines also gave Harry the bicycle the Adults. Holly came first in the U16s had to carry her share of the which was loaned to him for the fund competition, with her arrangement in a camping gear and rations in raising event. football boot. her rucksack!

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Holly’s Work Experience took her to Section Swimming gala and came first in Indoor Championships. Alice shoots a Posies in Monmouth which she the 50m backstroke. Based on this result, recurve bow and showed true thoroughly enjoyed. “I learnt everything he was then selected to represent the enthusiasm for the competition even from button holes to hand ties, No1 Welsh section at the Regional ATC though she was a bit nervous. bouquets to arrangements and now gala at RAF Cosford. Ben swam against Matthew Ford (9NJ) swims with Monnow provide the flowers for MCS Reception” 15 year olds and came fifth in his Swimming Club and has entered two said Holly. individual backstroke event and was part Open competitions. The Red Rug Jazz Band - Dafydd John of the winning team in the individual relay. During the ATC Summer Camp he The Greater Gwent Fast Water (electric guitar), Dylan Sluiter (drums), Competition was held on 26th October Tom Morley (piano), Rory Gordon achieved the ‘Most improved Cadet’ and, on 30th November, Ben qualified as at the Newport International Pool and (trumpet) and Joe Archer (double bass) – saw Matthew competing in five races: performed at Abergavenny Jazz Festival a 1st Class Cadet after completing assignments and tests. 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly, 50m at the end of August. Breaststroke, 50m Freestyle and 200m IM In October, the Y11 boys were invited by Emma Lockyer and Ben Hopkins (both in (Individual Medley) where he achieved Mike Skelton, the Jazz Festival organiser, to Y8) was selected to compete in the the following results: 50m Freestyle - watch the Nigel Price Quartet. He wants World Individual Mounted Games. gold; 50m Backstroke - gold; 200 IM - to promote the band to play at his jazz Ben and Emma have also been selected gold; 50m Breaststroke - silver; 50m events in Abergavenny by supporting more to represent Wales U15s at the Royal Butterfly - gold. well-known bands then, hopefully, Windsor Horseshow at Windsor Castle in November saw Matthew competing in having their own jazz night. May, in front of the Queen. This event is the South East Wales Sub-Regional Tom, Dylan and Rory also took part in a a World Championship event. Competition, again at the Newport workshop at Ronnie Scott’s Club, Following this competition, Ben and International Pool. He swam in two following up as a support band in the Emma will travel even further afield to races, the 100m Freestyle achieving a evening. Florida to compete in the U17s World Bronze place and the 200m IM placing The Red Rug Trio - Tom, Dylan and Joe Team Championships. (See page 24 for 6th overall for his age group. Archer from Gwynllyw Comprehensive article from Ben). Liam Keating has helped raise over School - play monthly at Llansantffraed Alice Sullivan (8CK) is a scout with 1st £12,000 for the new skatepark in Court Hotel. Clearwell and Sling Scouts. In November Monmouth. He has been a member of Tom also had an audition at the Royal she gained the Scouting Poppy Award MOSP for three years and in those three Welsh College of Music and Drama and badge for work that she did for years he has helped raise money by has been awarded a place on the Jazz Remembrance Day. As well as completing helping PCSO Joe Facchiano serve up an Pathway in the Advanced Conservatoire. a number of set tasks such as researching Italian meal and helped with plant sales. In March, Tom performed at NACE in a family member who was in the First He collected sponsor money for his mum St. David’s Hotel as a member of Royal World War, she baked scores of cupcakes to do the second longest zipwire in Welsh College of Music Junior and decorated them with an iced poppy. Britain, made cupcakes and sold raffle Conservatoire. She then sold these cakes around her tickets at fundraising coffee mornings village and raised £128.99 for Coleford and a concert. The new skatepark was Our Art students got First and Third prize and District Royal British Legion. She officially opened in May 2015. in the Public Vote at the Penallt Art made more cakes with a friend and sold “Peg it Up” exhibition in October. One evening, in November, Y8 student these in Coleford town raising a further Georgia Mulvaney’s mum suffered Poppy Sproul (Y12) came First and £87. The Chairman of the Legion has Harry Sully (Y10) came Third. something called a Spontaneous Coronary written to Alice telling her that her Artery Dissection. This is a tear in the Kirsty Holford and Jess Worthing , have money will go towards the welfare of lining of a coronary artery, which causes been successful in achieving their Silver The Armed Forces Community, particularly a clot to form and a heart attack follows. British Gymnastics Award through the families of those whose loved ones It is fairly rare, affects more women in Monmouth Gymnastics Club. died in the defence of our country. In his the age group 35-55 and can be fatal. thanks to her, the Chairman invited Alice Ben Mills (9BA) continued his success Georgia called out to wish her mum to a presentation ceremony in April 2015 wih the Air Cadets (Abergavenny 2478 goodnight and immediately noted from where the Branch would like to honour Squadron) by representing Abergavenny her response that she was unwell. Dad her achievement. 2478 in the Welsh Wing Northern called an ambulance and whilst they Alice is a keen archer and is a member of waited for the paramedic teams to arrive The Bowmen of the Dean. On November she kept mum calm, talking to her, 30th Alice took part in her first helping to let the paramedics into the archery competition, the Junior County house, fetching things and relaying

35 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 messages. Mum and dad were very Supporting behind the scenes were Y11 student Erin Bryce gained selection impressed by Georgia’s mature attitude Michael Ellis and Jess Netherway . for the Welsh Youth Swimming Squad to the scene and her presence was Dan Jones (7AH) is a keen sports person (2015/2016 season). She also won two incredibly helpful to her mum. When and is involved in a variety of different ‘Welsh Champion’ places at the Welsh mum returned home from hospital she sports. He came joint first in his age Short Course Championships (held in helped to look after her and has tried group in his annual Swim Club Swansea just before Christmas) - the 15 very hard to keep her stress levels low. Championships in November 2014 & 16 year old, Backstroke 100m and Mum advises “We have discussed what where he competed in front crawl, back 200m categories. happened and what she would do if it stroke, breast stroke (all 100m), butterfly Strangely it was her 3rd place in the 50m were to reoccur and we were alone. I (50m) and the 100m IM (Individual Backstroke at this event which was feel confident that she will take the right Medley). special - the 1st and 2nd places went to action and will know what to do. It must Dan has been attending the after school 16 year olds, but her swim as a 15 year have been scary for her to watch it swim club on Thursdays and joined in a old put her in 2nd spot in the all time happening but she never faltered.” swimming gala with MCS Y8s at HMSG Welsh Rankings for 15 years old girls. Mrs Mulvaney added “Next year, when I shortly after joining the school. He has Ischia Day (7MD) had four works in an am a little further out from SCAD, I'd like also recently started Sport4life at exhibition of art in Chepstow Museum. to contemplate organising a fundraising Monmouth Leisure Centre and plays in This follows on from the exhibition ‘Sites event and I know Georgia will be a great the school football team as well as his of Inspiration’, which featured original help and an ambassador for the Charity.” local club. works by William Turner and Samuel Tae Kwon Do Academy - Jack Zsigo has Tom Berry (8HA) received his certificate Palmer, based around Tintern Abbey and reached his blue belt (4th Kup). for advancing to 1st Class Cadet in the the Wye Valley. She had two sketches of Air Cadets with Usk Squadron. the Abbey on show, plus a pencil Fencing - Welsh Youth Foil - drawing of an owl over the Abbey and a Iwan Hazlewood & Joe Smith (11PT) won James Hopgood and Joe Curtis (8TR) were print of a window arch. Ischia is a very the U16 Boys Bronze Medals. successful in passing their 2nd Star Tae- keen and talented young artist. Kwon-Do Black Belt grading exam, Alex Smith (7MA) took the U12 Boys Y11 students Daniel Whistance, Bronze Medal. involving techniques, patterns, sparing and Korean language and history. The James Mear and Euan Gillespie have Kellen Jenkins (9BA) achieved his senior exam took place in Cardiff in October spent the last year training with, and 1st Dan Black Belt on 6th December and means that they are now half way playing for, the Under 16's team 2014. The grading took place in through the four year syllabus to and attended a tour to Poland. Whitecross Sports Centre in Hereford. achieving their 2nd Dan Black Belts. Sam Bevan and Dan Whistance have Unfortunately Kellen sprained his ankle a Y8 students Cameron Ogilvie and Josh started training for this year’s Tug of War few weeks later which put him out of with Herefordshire Young Farmers, competing for a little while. Lewis have both been selected, from around 100 boys, to play in the U13 pulling for the club of Pontrilas. Last In February, several students from MCS Herefordshire County Rugby Team. They year they were winners at the rally and at were involved in a production of both travel to Bromyard RFC every The Three Counties Show and runners Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Monday evening to train and have up at national level. Dreamcoat, as part of Monmouth Music already beaten the Black Country U13s Harry Lloyd (12HW) achieved a Highly Theatre Youth. It was the Youth Group’s 49 - 0. Cameron’s position is flanker and Commended in the prestigious Nicholas first show since setting up, following Josh plays scrum half. Bacon International Relations Essay student involvement in the adult society competition. production of 'Oliver' last year. Harry Sully Ellen Coombe won her round at the played Joseph, Jay Hardy was the Abergavenny Eisteddfod, in the 11-15 Y8 student Josie Harrison entered The narrator, Jacob King and Josh Morgan years category. Glass Prize 2015 in the school category played Pharaoh, Lydia Harding played Philippa Parry (Y12), India Marshall (Y10) with an amazing glass sword called 'The Mrs Potiphar and Josh Ellis played Jacob. and Anna Thomas (Y9) have been Sword of Agincourt' and won, receiving Also in the cast were Anna Crossley, selected to represent Wales at the World over 200 more votes than her nearest Katie Mapp, Phoebe Sadler and Ted Scout Jamboree in Japan later this year. rival. Josie has won a glass kiln for the Rawlins . In addition to performing, they Philippa will be providing us with an Art Department, who are delighted! also contributed hugely to the update in next year’s Leader magazine, production, scenery and programmes. detailing their time in Japan.

36 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015

Sixth Form students Herman Bal, It has also been great to receive some that, no matter what you come up Alice Gable, Frances Dowle, updates from former students at MCS. against in life, there is always a chance Megan Kinniment-Williams and Ollie Alexander (Thornton when at that you will come up on top. If you Reuben Pierrepoint were all accepted school) has not only achieved success as don't get placed there is always another onto the UNIQ Summer School an actor, starring in, amongst other chance around the corner. You just have Programme run by Oxford University. things, The Riot Club and Sky Atlantic’s to have a little luck, and the right Sixth Form student Amelia Ralphs has Penny Dreadful but has also, with his moment to have your chance to shine.” been volunteering for the Tall Ship band Years and Years, scored a number Jessica Stephens , winner of the Susan Youths Trust for the last four years, one hit with their track ‘King’. The band White Award for Young Cook of the Year working with disadvantaged young also topped BBC’s Sound of 2015 list – 2014, gained a catering apprenticeship people from a variety of backgrounds all this before they have released their at Kate Humble’s Humble by Nature in and teaching them life skills through the first album. Penallt. conjugate of sail training, on their 72’ The group have already had a very Emma Hatton (Boyle when at school), has round the world racing yachts. successful year, playing coveted support had great success, landing a leading role Following this work, Amelia was invited slots with Clean Bandit and Sound Of in the West End as Elphaba in the to sail on these yachts for the Rolex 2014 winner Sam Smith, as well as musical ‘Wicked’. Fastnet Race and Campaign as a Watch performing at a number of UK festivals Leader of an all-female crew – a huge Zak Williams headed to France after including The Great Escape, Bestival and securing a professional Rugby League privilege for Amelia who will be the Latitude. youngest crew member. Amelia will be contract playing for La Reole. teaching 12 novices how to sail and race Heather Robertson left Monmouth Sixth Zak visited the school with his shirts the boats throughout the campaign Form in the Summer of 2014, to go to from representing Wales U19 and training weekend. Amelia’s future Holme Lacy College to study Agriculture Commonwealth, winning bronze, Great career goal is to work in sail training. but got in touch to tell us about her Britain Students XIII, and Wales U18 Suffolk Punch Heavy Horse, Yasmin. where Zak was vice-captain. Ollie Chilcott (8VE) has continued to play violin with Greater Gwent Orchestras. He “You may know that the Suffolk Punch is Oriane Pierrepoint has been awarded the has been selected to represent Worcester a rare British breed of Heavy Horse, with prestigious title of NADFAS RBA Scholar, Youths at waterpolo in the Midlands only 500 left in Britain today. I consider after having two pieces of work selected League. myself to be very lucky to own such a for the Royal Society of British Artists’ beautiful breed of Heavy Horse. This year (RBA) annual Exhibition. Oriane’s work Bethan Morgan (12AC) has been selected my Suffolk Punch, Yasmin, and I have was on show throughout February at the from hundreds of applicants for a travelled all three regions of Wales. Our RBA’s Rising Stars exhibition at Lloyds prestigious five day work experience first show was in Abergavenny, where I Registry Gallery in London. placement at the Royal Meteorological was placed first in Young Handlers and Office Headquarters in Exeter. Each year, the Monmouthshire third for Best Other Heavy Horse. Decorative and Fine Arts Society Y10 students Max Roberts, Jack Wear and Our second show was in West Wales. We (MDFAS) selects the highest level work Bret Thomas were selected to play Rugby were placed third for Young Handler and from local A-Level students to be League for SE Wales, claiming a 28-0 first for Best Other Heavy Horse or Shire submitted for this competition entry. victory at in May. Over 15 Years Old. This came as a Oriane was one of 19 students selected James Whittaker (12TY) successfully surprise as Yasmin managed to stand up and the only from Wales to have their completed the Wye Valley Warrior to a very well-bred Shire Horse (the work displayed alongside professional Cycling Sportif – a 79 mile event that Suffolk Punch is a lot shorter and artists. Her work portrays a window into took place in May. James is looking stronger than the Shire, and, most of the the effects of living with Alzheimer’s forward to taking part in his second time, a Suffolk Punch would be placed disease. Oriane is now studying art at Sportif in Cardiff in June. last in a class of Shires or Shire Cross university. James Phillips (11BF) was reappointed as horses, especially in Wales). Sarah Brice has successfully auditioned the Mayor’s Cadet in May 2015. Our third and final show of the season for the National Youth Theatre of Great Jack Whittaker (13CC) played the part of was in North Wales, a non-competitive Britain, joining the likes of Orlando Sonny in X-entricity’s May performance show, full of Heavy Horse breeds. Yasmin Bloom, Helen Mirren and Daniel Craig as of the musical Grease, in Ross-on-Wye. was the only Suffolk Punch at the show a member of one of the most prestigious In October they will take the musical to and she managed to win the hearts of Youth Theatre organisations in the The Courtyard Theatre, Hereford. many people, a firm validation of the country. Suffolk Punch personality. This goes to show

37 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Mock Election at MCS

On the same day as the General Election on 7th May, students at MCS took part in a school mock Election.

Planning for the election began back occasions, so had lots of wise in January, when students from Y7 to words to help us prepare our 13 volunteered to take part in this campaigns. democratic process. Some wanted to On General Election day, just as the When we returned from the Easter campaign on behalf of existing nation voted, so did we. Y7 to 11 cast holidays, we welcomed our local parties, but others argued that the their ballots during the Integrated candidates to come and speak to us. Westminster parties did not represent Curriculum lesson using real ballot Five out of the seven candidates their views, so they decided to set up boxes borrowed from the Council. fighting to represent Monmouth in their own. By polling day, a total of Sixth Formers voted in the school Parliament found time in their busy eight parties competed for the votes of polling station in the Hall. The school schedules to visit the school and take the school: Labour, Conservative, Lib prefects were our trusted election part in our hustings. They spoke officials for the day, guarding the about their policies before ballot boxes and carefully counting the answering our questions. It votes. was interesting to hear what they had to say, and try to pick With the votes counted, when we through their “politicians’ arrived at school on Friday 8th May, we responses”. tuned into the ‘School News’ to discover the result. The Election Result Before the hustings, those of Special broadcast was watched in us who were involved in the Form rooms across the school. school mock election had lunch with the candidates. It After a hard fought campaign, the was a fascinating experience, Purple Party emerged victorious. The school was won over by their ever- Dem, Green, UKIP, Purple, the Socialist giving us the chance to discuss and present propaganda posters and no- Workers Alliance and the United share our opinions and beliefs with the nonsense, neo-liberal policies. Justice Party. politicians who want to represent us all in Westminster. Mr Grant, who organised the school The first stage of the process for us mock election, explained: “It was great in the school Labour Party was to meet As the big day drew closer, election to see that democracy is alive and well up to establish our manifesto, and fever began to build. The candidates at MCS. Our students ran brilliant begin discussing what strategies to visited each Year Group to outline their election campaigns, capturing the use to win over the voters. Several of policies in special assemblies and we imagination of the school community. us took part in a discussion with began to cover the school with This year’s Green Party candidate for former Monmouth MP Huw Edwards campaign posters. The Labour Party Monmouth was a former student; I when he visited the school to talk to us set up a stall in the Hall each Thursday expect to see more of our students about his political career. Mr Edwards where we encouraged students to sign aiming for political careers in future.” won election to the House of our petition about the Education Commons on three separate Maintenance Allowance. Charlie Cooke, 10BG

38 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 A Capital Workplace After leaving Monmouth Comprehensive School in 2010, I opted to study Economics and Government at De Montfort University in Leicester, a four year course that included the opportunity to apply for a paid internship in year three.

I was successful in securing a graduate that time so that we could organise our Europe and at that time they were internship with Hewlett Packard, a global accommodation. At the end of the day advertising for a Procurement graduate! I.T. company, working at their UK I was in a shared house in Reading with I am now nearing completion of my first headquarters in Bracknell. Since five other graduates, all from different year working at Capital One, and it has graduating in 2014 and, after applying Universities and Departments within the really been evident to see why they are and going through the various stages of company. one of the best workplaces in the UK and graduate job application processes, I My year on placement left me with Europe. The work ethic and culture here secured a job in the Tech Procurement mixed feelings about life after university. is amazing!! Since starting in July 2014 team at Capital One (Europe) Plc in Throughout my study period I never I have completed two professional Nottingham. really knew what I wanted to do in terms qualifications working towards being a Leading up to my Internship, I did not of a career. Working in Procurement for member of the Chartered Institute of have a particular role in mind, so I a year gave me the opportunity to try Procurement and Supply and, in the applied for a number something new which short space of time I have been here, I of different positions I found interesting. have taken part in a FIFA competition that were available The overall experience (the winning employee won a PS4). at that time. My was invaluable, as it Capital One employees also raise money eventual role in gave me an insight for various charities which the company Procurement was into how large matches. This year, in aid of Children in achieved somewhat organisations operate Need, the company organised a Strictly by chance, as my both externally and Come Dancing and Red or Black original application internally. It was competition. I have recently taken part in to Hewlett Packard not, however, all a Swimathon to raise money for the was to work in their HR Department. plain sailing, and I experienced several Marie Curie Foundation, team building Unfortunately, I received a phone call high and low points throughout my time trips to Alton Towers, and I have also informing me that I had been there. Many of the tasks were very been lucky enough to go to a few unsuccessful in progressing to the next mundane and left me feeling that office Capital One Cup matches as well. stage of the HR internship but I was life was not for me. Training was often I don’t think there could asked if I would be interested in having carried out sat in front of have been a better fit of an interview for a Procurement a computer screen and company for me to work internship; the role that I was ultimately there was limited opportunity at than I have found successful in securing. to integrate with other working for Capital One. teams or Departments as The interview process for internships The job might not be there was little focus or varies from company to company, some exciting every single day attention paid to team (like my own) involved a number of or keep me at the edge of building days which give all telephone interviews, with others being my seat but the people employees the opportunity by way of on line psychometric tests and the culture here at to meet, regardless of leading onto telephone interview(s) Capital One never make position within the company. and then, if successful, to one or two coming into work a chore day assessment centres; taking part in My Internship experience or anything to dread on a group work leading to presentations to changed the way I went Sunday evening. The the panel and one to one interviews. This about applying for jobs in most important thing I proved to be a good grounding for the my final year of university. have learned in my very process of applying for real life jobs, as I realised that my number brief working life is, if like many of the techniques used are very one priority wasn't whether or not the me and probably many others, you don’t similar. job specification was the perfect one for have any idea on what you want to do as HP employed a number of graduates and me or if it was the one with the largest you leave school/university, finding a we all attended an “internship” day salary. I learnt that I valued more the company or environment where you organised by them, giving us an environment I would be working in and would be proud and happy to work, opportunity to meet each other. The day the further professional training regardless of the role, will make working consisted of a series of talks about the opportunities available. This led me to life all the more easier. company, and we were also given a list Capital One as it was voted one of the James Stitt of various properties available to view at best workplaces 2014 in the UK and

39 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Sweet Success

I have been making cakes for two years now and originally started off just making them for my close family’s birthdays. However, within the past year I have been making cakes for not only my family but also friends as well. My first fondant cake was for my Auntie’s 40th Birthday. I received some great feedback from the restaurant and this gave me the confidence to do more. I started making cakes for all the family occasions, trying out various techniques and designs. I have became very passionate about baking and decorating cakes and find it very rewarding. I am mainly self-taught, using hints and tips from the internet and guidance from a family member who works in a cake shop in Coleford. After completing my work experience at ‘Make a Cake’, and with the support of my family, I decided to go into business for myself. I have completed my hygiene certificate and registered with Forest of Dean Council and launched my facebook page Hollieejo Cakes on the 1st of April. I have made cakes for various occasions including baby showers, special birthdays and have been approached to do a wedding cake, which I am very excited and can’t wait to complete this order. Hollie Fuszard, 11SS

40 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Learning with Friends

The MCS Friends Association provides a valuable link between home and school. Its work actively contributes to the life of every student, not only by raising funds but also by harnessing members’ enthusiasm, skills and experience for the good of all. It aims to support parents and encourage a sense of community.

Many parents have supported the Friends during the year. A growing team has helped to organise a range of activities; many others have taken on admin roles they can do from home and helped out at events run during the year. The FA’s annual Quiz and Curry Night is held at the end of September, welcoming new families to the school. 2014’s ‘Heroes and Villains’ quiz was a great success and we are already working on ideas for this year. to anyone aged 10 years and over. One Comprehensive Friends Association at The FA has long aimed to establish parent has now trained to be an instructor www.easyfundraising.org.uk. regular First Aid courses in the school, and we’d love to have more on board. This year the FA has made a donation to for students and their families. Together Nearly 100 parents have attended the the Monmouth Literary Festival, to with Heartstart Monmouthshire, we are free weekend Parent Workshops run over support the committee of students running sessions every term. So far this the last two years. These have aimed to organising the event. year over 40 people have received training help parents communicate effectively The FA is due to hold its annual prize draw at MCS. This British Heart Foundation with their children, and to identify and in the summer term to raise valuable initiative aims to teach Emergency Life understand the varied approaches to funds for the school. We have also enjoyed Support Skills to as many people as learning, so that they are better able to supporting the Charity Committee’s bake possible. Courses are free and available support them. The workshops have been sales throughout the year and providing very well received. This year we have refreshments at both the school been able to offer free childcare to production of Sweeney Todd and the support parents wishing to attend. We Summer Showcase. This summer, for the thank staff from Puddleducks in Raglan second year, parents will further support for their fantastic support. We have new the school by helping the invigilators ideas for future workshops, and would during some of the busiest exams. welcome your input – so watch this We are pleased to be able to offer space! The workshops are free, funded parents the opportunity to buy good- by the monies raised by all who have quality second-hand uniform. We welcome signed up to support Monmouth all contributions of uniform, which can be dropped off at the school Reception. The Friends Association provides an informal, friendly but very direct way for parents and friends to support our school. Meetings are held once every half-term. Everyone is made welcome and business never takes that long! There are always refreshments – and often home-made cakes! If you can’t attend meetings, there are many other ways to support the Friends – look out for our Newsletters and emails, visit the school’s website, or chat to representatives at school events. All parents, guardians, teaching staff, non-teaching staff and governors are automatically members of the Friends Association. Please consider getting involved, in whatever way you can. It really will make a difference. We look forward to welcoming you and your ideas.

41 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Belgium History Trip

Taking the WW1 History trip to Belgium was a big step for me, as I know it was for a lot of people. One’s first trip abroad (excluding England) without parents is rather daunting for quiet country dwellers like ‘us Monmouth folk’. I know a lot of people were going for the 220,000 tonnes of chocolate produced every year, and even one who was going in hope of buying a hundred-year-old bayonet (I won’t name the specific teacher) but for me, the trip was a great chance to start enjoying history and all its splendours.

I could hardly say that I enjoyed the drained on the bus journey home. bus journey there however. Travelling But the teachers hadn’t finished with with forty-eight Y8’s and five History us yet, as we were rushed back out teachers almost killed me – and that again straight after dinner to go was just the trip to Reading Services! bowling! Had Mr Davies been there, But we made it to our hostel in I’m certain that we would have been Belgium (after countless Disney back much before half past ten and songs) with the help of Paul, our would have been sent straight to bed, outstanding bus driver. yet Mr Lewis insisted that we stay up The hostel was so welcoming – and socialise in the games-room until within the hour, we were all sat eleven before we were allowed to enjoying our three course meal and retire to our dorms! acting as if we were back at Monmouth, excited for the week The next morning, both of my roommates suffered a cold wet ahead of us. The cooks were lovely, but spoke Flemish – flannel to the face at a quarter to seven (5:45 standard British crushing my dreams of having a conversation with a French- time) when they refused to acknowledge the light pouring speaker in French (not that I would be able to say much more through the windows. I’m a morning person. Following one still than ‘hello’, ‘how are you’ and ‘thank you’). refusing to move, she had her duvet removed from her bed, On the second day, we set off into the town of Ypres (apparently much to her annoyance. I apologised for this, but it was mostly not pronounced ‘wipers’ but ‘eep’) and visited the Cathedral, deserved. the In Flanders Fields Museum, the Hooge Crater Museum and I think that it must have been told to us at least twenty times that café, the Bayernwald German trenches, Tyne Cot Cemetery, morning that it was essential for us to bring a coat on the trip Essex Farm, and the Langemark German Cemetery. The day that day, as it was forecast to rain all day and we were going to brought both laughter and tears, leaving us all a bit emotionally be walking a fair amount. Somehow, I managed to pack neither

42 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 - Summer Term 2014

a coat nor a jumper in my though, which is, I guess, all rucksack – and they were right: that really matters. it did rain all day. We walked On the last morning of our Vimy Memorial Park, Vimy stay, we all hurried to pack our Ridge, the Newfoundland suitcases before breakfast and Park, the Thiepval Memorial, found that what had once fit Mametz Wood, Tyne Cot into them was now spilling Cemetery (to lay a wreath at a over the edges. After much family member’s gravestone) and various other memorials that hassle and frustration though, we managed to thank the owner we decided to visit in passing. They were all very emotionally of the hostel and board the coach with all bags packed on the moving places, made even more sombre by the relentless way to our final destination: Bruges. downpour. By the time we returned to the bus, I was soaked If ever there was a place to buy gifts for family and friends, through to the skin and shivering like it was the middle of Bruges was that place. It had chocolate shops, souvenir stalls, winter. book stores, restaurants, fabric retailers, games shops – anything A warm shower fixed that, and we were all soon looking forward you could ever want. But all too soon, it was time to return to to the whole-day trip to Bellewaerde Theme Park the next day – Calais port for a 2.20 departure. The crossing was a little rough, apart from one teacher, who was very upset that she didn’t find and we didn’t make it back to Monmouth until the early hours her bayonet. of the morning, whereupon everyone was reunited with their The following morning, both my roommates got up as soon as families. I don’t think that the teachers could have been thanked I drew the curtains, having learnt from their mistake the enough for what they did for us. I mean – Y8’s aren’t exactly the previous morning. After we were all dressed and had breakfast, best people to spend the best part of a week with. But the trip is the coach set off for Bellewaerde. It was an amazing day out for still running, which is a good sign that they weren’t too scarred everyone (teachers included – I saw them on the swing by the experience. carousel!) and when we got back to the hostel, we all had to Overall, I don’t know one person that I have spoken to about the dress up in smart, casual attire before walking into Ypres town trip that hasn’t thoroughly enjoyed it. I even hinted to Mr Lewis to watch the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. We that I wanted to go on the trip again – with little success I might couldn’t really see much, but the atmosphere brought a tear to add. But I would recommend the trip to anyone who likes most people’s eye, including Mr Lewis’. history, and even those who don’t think they do. It has opened When we returned, a talent contest was held, with songs, my eyes to history and, more importantly, the world around me comedy acts, and even a table tennis demonstration with neither - a phenomenal experience. a table nor a ball. It was a very interesting evening to say the Cassie de St. Croix, 9NJ least, and we saw a lot more than was anticipated. It was fun

43 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Eisteddfod Ysgol Gyfun Trefynwy Mawrth 27ydd March 27th Monmouth Comprehensive School’s Eisteddfod

The Monmouth Comprehensive 2015 Eisteddfod was held on the 27th of March. It was a jam-packed day full of exciting events such as dancing, class songs, singing, fashion shows, music and, the most important part of the day, the Chairing Ceremony of the Bard.

Facing a sea of red, the official 2015 Bard was Katy Mather in 9GD (Dorris Jones) with the poem ‘Fy Arwr’/‘My Hero’ which discussed how authors were her heroes as they told her about things she may never experience in real life. Some performances that really stood This was the first Chairing Ceremony out were: Heidi Walliman on the piano using our new, handmade chair kindly and Bethany Piper (Y7) on the violin, donated by Mr and Mrs Clarke who Jay Hardy and Gabby Doody singing, are parents of past students. Mr & Mrs Scott Jackson performing a guitar Clarke donated the chair as a thank accompaniment to their song and you to the school as their daughters Livvie Davies from Y8 singing a Welsh performed on stage in the Eisteddfod song and playing the ukulele. We also a number of times. enjoyed Ella Young singing and Gracie Chadwick singing with her guitar, both The Welsh Faculty look forward to from Y9. Our Form performed on many more Chairing Ceremonies using stage for the second year running this beautiful chair but Katy has the which was really fun. We can’t wait honour of being the first MCS student until next year! to be awarded the Chair. By Daisy, Emily and Arwen. 8PY Miss Pearson

44 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015

Fy Arwr Ym mhedwar ban y byd, Mae llawer o awduron, Yn ysgrifennu am byd newydd. Maen nhw’n... Ddoniol a diddorol, Siaradus a swnllyd, Gwych ac anhygoel, Gyffrous a thalentog. Ond maen nhw’n... Dawel a hyfryd, Gyfeillgar a chefnogol, Dewr ac ysbrydol, Ddylanwadol a charedig. On the 14th of July 2014 a group Ym mhedwar ban y byd, of Y7 and Y8 students set off from food was also very nice; there was at Mae mil o awduron, school to the Urdd centre in least one hot meal a day. As well as Yn gwneud pobl yn chwerthin, Llangrannog. The activities that they this there were snacks throughout the Crio gyda thristwch, took part in included: dry slope skiing, day. Sgrechian gyda ofn, tobogganing, go-carting, quad-biking, Ac wylo gyda hapusrwydd! archery, walking, climbing, horse- We all highly recommend the Centre Rydw i’n dwli ar fy awduron, riding, high ropes, beach trips and because it is a great experience and Achos maen nhw’n gwneud fy eating the best ice cream in the world! opportunity for students in our school. mywyd yn well nag erioed. The surrounding area is picturesque, All of the staff were extremely nice and especially the beach nearby. Gan Dorris Jones all spoke fluent Welsh which really developed our speaking skills. The Daisy, Arwen and Emily, 8PY

45 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Behind the scenes of Sweeney Todd At the start of the school term being told that the school production was going to be ‘Sweeney Todd’ was an exciting yet daunting experience. It was a complete contrast to the previous school production of ‘Schools Will Rock You’, going from the highly energetic songs of ‘Queen’ to the macabre story of a murderous barber set for revenge.

realised the work we had ahead of us in order to successfully pull off this challenging production. With rehearsals picking up pace, the looming pressure of what we had all undertaken was apparent, but just seeing everything come together during the weeks leading up to the shows meant that all the hard work was paying off. My role as the Director’s Assistant allowed me to be a part of everything from the start to the very end, revealing just what goes into putting on your own production. Watching the final production, after months of work, was truly rewarding, and confirmed to me that what I had chosen to go to university to study was, indeed, what I wanted to go on to do in the future. I will (if all goes to plan) go to Aberystwyth University this year to study a joint course in Theatre Design Throughout my life I have been on stage in shows acting from and Drama and Theatre Studies, combining my love for drama a young age but, over the past years, discovering that there was with my passion for art and design. Being a part of this year’s more to drama than just acting led me to take on various roles school production has not only introduced me to what I may be backstage during ‘Schools Will Rock You’ which in turn led to doing on a larger scale in the future, but also given me the me discovering a new found passion for drama. determination to have a career being involved in something like I knew that for this production I wanted to be heavily involved this in the future after University. backstage, and being chosen to be the ‘Director’s Assistant’ was It was a sad feeling knowing that this was my last ever a role which I looked forward to fulfilling. Starting off with production I will be part of at school, but I have no doubt that auditions, it was wonderful to be heavily involved with the all the members of staff at Monmouth Comprehensive School casting of the show. With over a hundred people auditioning, it will carry on inspiring was gratifying to see the amount of talented people we have at students like me long after I Monmouth Comprehensive School. After casting was revealed, have left by successfully rehearsals were quickly underway. producing numerous shows Visiting London in October to see ‘Sweeney Todd’ was a highly in the years to come. inspiring trip which everyone thoroughly enjoyed, but we soon Dorothy Laidler

46 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Student Art

Sally West

Millie Sutton Merrydith Russell Merrydith Russell

Zoe Barrett Bradley Smith Kelly McGurk

Sarah Arnett Hannah Coburn

Cyd Rawlins

Charley Bicknell Thea Ward Kelsey Thomas

47 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Musings at MCS

In October Muse, the Creative Writing Club, were fortunate to begin a series of poetry sessions with nationally renowned Welsh poet Matthew Plumb. An ambassador for modern Welsh poetry, Matthew Plumb’s sessions allowed students to immerse themselves in poetry with a specialist, whose passion and dedication to the art was clearly evident throughout. As always, the students of MCS worked with determination and produced some of the most profound and thoughtful poetry Mr Plumb had seen in students their age.

The ultimate aim was to produce pieces Tintern Abbey’ (see photograph). of poetry for a national project called Matthew Plumb commented: Cyfoeth Cymru Gyfan, ‘Sharing Treasures’, “To engage with learners and staff at which is a government backed scheme Monmouth Comprehensive was an from Amgueddfa Cymru, National absolute joy. The commitment shown by Museum Wales. This scheme culminated students to attend what was effectively a in two exhibitions of work in class out of school hours (although I do Abergavenny and Chepstow Museum, try to make my workshops fun) is a real which ran until the end of September. testament to a willingness to excel which The museums hung students’ writing is clearly encouraged by a committed and alongside artwork inspired by the Abbeys popular staff. at Llanthony and Tintern, by artists such ‘Sites of Inspiration’ was a tough project. as the Buck brothers, Palmer, Turner, To write poetry inspired by Romantic Hodges, Sandby, Tudor, Grimm, Buckler, painting was not easy. The end result, the Craxton, Gill, to name a few. Also beautiful display at Chepstow exhibition, featured was the work of Walter Savage was a show-case not just of excellent Landor and William Wordsworth. poetry by students, but the school as a These exhibitions were a huge cultural whole. It was a real pleasure to talk with event for Monmouthshire and students members of the public about the pieces, worked with dedication to produce the pupils, and the school, and the work that reflected the seclusion and collaboration of school and museum beauty of the once remote valleys of created a really sweet vibe. Monmouthshire. I shouldn't have a favourite, and I Particular congratulations go to Rhianna definitely cannot name names, but I am Roberts (8KO) and Finty Evans (10CG) convinced one of the group is a sure-fire who had their poem ‘Fragile’ displayed star of the future. Everyone keep writing.” next to JMW Turner’s work ‘Interior of Mrs M. Mortimer-Davies

48 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 World Book Day

World Book Day in March resulted in some stunning book themed cakes. There was considerable baking and decorating talent on show which resulted in a great deal of deliberation before the joint winners were announced - Eve Rawlings with a Willy Wonka cake and Kyle Handley-Jenkins with a Lord of the Rings offering.

49 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Greece Sports Tour

Rugby

The opportunity that we were given to play rugby in another country was brilliant and the facilities were amazing. We had our training sessions on the 4G pitch at the sports camp and we played our first fixture on it. Our first game was difficult because we had never played together before, it was a team put together just for Greece but that didn’t stop us and we had a convincing win against the local team. We had more training sessions on the 4G pitch back at the sports camp to prepare us for the next game so we went to our next game feeling very confident Netball as we had already beaten the team before. We had many changes to our team due to injuries but, once During our week away in again, we came back with a massive result putting Loutraki, Greece, we took part in 15 tries on the opposite team. The opposition were three days of sports. I, along with great as they never gave up and they all had a great many other girls, took part in attitude to rugby. netball which was coached by Christine; Christine has had over The U16 team also won both of their fixtures 25 years of coaching experience and against the local team with many different aged boys we were very lucky to have her join playing from Years 9, 10 and 11. Overall, the rugby in Greece us again for the third year. Christine was outstanding, coming back with a win from every game. built upon our netball Harry Jenkins, 9LD knowledge and skills by leading drills and games. Throughout the week our netball improved and we were then able to demonstrate this in the netball tournament at the end of the week. The teams were fairly matched and this led to a very interesting few matches, the results were amazing and the experience was extremely beneficial. All that we learnt will stay with us for a very long time and we are now able to apply it all to our netball back in the UK. We would all like to say thank you to Christine, Miss Phillips, Mr Devonald and Mr Jones for building our confidence, netball skills and giving us a very enjoyable few days on the Sports Tour. Ellie Johnson, 10RP 50 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015

Dance My older sister went on the Spain Sports Tour in 2013 and thoroughly enjoyed it so when the letters came out and the new destination was Greece I decided to put my name down. Throughout the week I took part in dance - there were five 90 minute training sessions which were run by a qualified dance instructor. She taught us many techniques which we could use in dance and this helped brilliantly when working on the choreography she had prepared. This was very tiring but learning and performing the dance was a lot of fun! Dance was supported by Miss Owen and Mrs Egan and they got stuck in and performed the dance with us which was great. We did a lot during the week and visited many places, including visiting a theme park, the Acropolis in Athens, Mycenae, Epivardos and Loutraki beach. As well as all the trips, the teachers organised a quiz and a disco. Overall, I had an amazing week and I’m sure everyone else who went did as well. The whole Sports Tour was a great experience, it was so lovely to spend time with friends and meet new people outside of school. The teachers were also great and organised so much for us to do. I highly recommend this Tour so if you’re thinking about going, you definitely should! Ellen Williams, 9GD

51 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015

Hockey This year’s hockey teams showed a great deal of skill and improvement from the beginning to the end of the Tour. Both the A and B teams put a lot of effort into each training session and into the fixtures held against the Greek teams. We each had a chance to play with people we do not normally play with in school and the Greece Sports Tour was a great experience for both those who are familiar and unfamiliar with the sport. Even though not every hockey fixture went the way we Greece 2015 was a trip to remember. The weather was so hot had hoped, each member of the A and B teams experienced and sunny, it was hard not to catch a tan! Day 1 at the theme playing against someone who was either younger or older than park was so exciting (regardless of the lack them, helping develop their skills as an of sleep). The rides had a lot to live up to but individual. they rose to the occasion. In the matches played on the Greece Day 2 saw us begin our training and on Sports Tour 2015, there were some Wednesday we travelled into Athens to fantastic goals scored from both our explore the Acropolis. The views from teams and, even though the matches there were breathtaking and I would didn’t always result in victory, MCS definitely recommend a visit. didn’t go down without a fight! On Thursday we were back at training, Everyone played extremely well for MCS, playing volleyball in our spare time. We despite the hot weather that was sometimes visited the ancient site of Mycenae and off-putting and everyone tried to the best the Theatre at Epidaurus on Friday, of their ability during the fun training finishing off the day with a trip to the sessions and in the competitive matches. beach. It was a bit wild and windy but worth it! Monmouth came home feeling very proud of everyone who On Saturday we woke up feeling sad – today we were leaving played hockey on the tour as everyone improved their individual for Heathrow and the UK. Greece 2015 – what a Sports Tour!! performances as well as playing for a team. Alice Livesey, 10WM We look forward to seeing the results from the hockey players on next year’s Sports Tour of Spain and Gibraltar as this year’s was truly fantastic! Bethan Mayo, 10WM

52 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015

Students Holly Ainge, Samuel Andrews, Phoebe Bailey, Ryan Bamford, Thomas Bamford, Olivia Barber, Emily Barker, Victoria Barker, Yolanda Beetge, Georgia Bevan, Joshua Bicknell, Eric Blair, Nicole Bradshaw, Mae Brickley, Nathan Brooks, Eloise Brown, Leah Brown, Karrie Browne, Rhiannon Burchell- Haslett, Bethan Carlton, Tia Childs, Lauren Compton, Rhya Cooper, Bronwen Crabtree, Owen Craddock, Francesca Crilly, Natasha Daly, Emma Davies, Thomas Davies, Hollie Dawson, Angel Donaldson, Caitlin Edwards, Tori Edwards, Football Joshua Ellis, Becky Embling, Lilly- Mae Etheridge, Charlotte Fisher, After arriving at the sports camp in Greece Katherine French, Hollie Fuszard, Emily George, Euan Gillespie, on Saturday, we spent Sunday at a theme Samantha Gittings, Hunter Guthrie, park before heading back late afternoon to Amy Hallam, Joshua Hamblin, watch two very entertaining games of rugby. Sophie Hardy, Jay Harris, Josie First thing after breakfast on Monday morning we took part in a relatively easy session Harrison, Nathan Hawkins, to get us ready for that night, the first game of the tour. All throughout the week we Charlotte Heath, Aaron Hickmans, played on lovely 4G surfaces, which were on site at the Sports Camp. Benjamin Hopkins, Jamie Hosford, Hannah Hough, Amy Howells, Cian After making our way down to the 4g pitches, we had another gentle 10 minute warm Hutchinson, Alice James, Darcie up to get us ready for the game ahead of us. Before the start of the game, the ref made James, Emily James, Tasha James, us walk out to the edge of the pitch and give a little wave and a clap to everyone Meggie Jarrold, Hannah Jenkins, watching – a really nice touch, I thought. Harry Jenkins, Eleanor Johnson, From minute one we struggled to get a foothold in the game and that showed as we Adam Jones, Coby Jones, Harriet Kearsey, Katie Kearsey, Codi Kindy, went into half time 4-0 down. With morale low, we picked ourselves up heading into Molly Large, Jessica-Mae Light, the second half - only for it to be knocked back down by two very fast goals, 6-0! After Olivia Light, Elsa Lilly, Alice Livesey, this we managed to keep them out for a good period of time before they snuck in one Amber Love, Charlotte Marchant, more goal just before the final whistle. This was to be cancelled out at the last minute Kirsty Maylin, Bethan Mayo, by a lovely header from Ryan Mills, beating both defender and keeper, assisted by Georgina Mayo, James Mear, Rory Nathan Brooks. Meredith, Lucinda Merrett, Eloise Moreby, Ellie Murtha, Serena Natt, After a few rest days where we did various activities out and about in Greece we had Emma Norman, Regan Paddock, another training session, trying to work on playing as a team. On the Thursday we took Georgia Parry, Kaitlyn Phillips, to the field again. Within five minutes we looked to be playing well and we got a goal Freya Pierrepoint, Ben Pilot, Sophie to show for our efforts - another assist from Nathan Brooks, setting me up for a simple Pilot, Cara Powell, Fenella Price, tap in. After this, goals came from Nathan Brooks and Ben Hopkins. Unfortunately we Lauren Price, Callum Pritchard, gave away a late penalty which allowed Alice Richards, Sophie Richards, them to snatch the draw. Scarlet May Richings, Michael Ridgway, Rhianna Roberts, Lara We finished off the week with one last Schandlinger, Tazmin Scoles, training session where a wide range of Annika Scrivin, Beatrice Smith, people on the tour joined in and played Lauren Smith, Lydia Smith, Lewis a tournament. Snell, Ross Sykes, Chloe Tabberer, Overall the tour was a great laugh, the Matthew Terrell, Rhoddi Thomas, sports camps’ facilities were very good Jesica Tingle, Keanna Townsend, Charlotte Uttley, Frances Vaughan, and the days out were brilliant. It's a Grace Elizabeth Wainewright, tour I’d recommend to anyone! Reuben Wallace, Olivia Wells, Nathan Hawkins, 10BG Elizabeth Widdicks, Dominic Williams, Ellen Williams, Harry Williams and Molly Williams. Staff Emma Biddle, Dan Devonald, Dave Egan, Louisa Egan, Carly Hagerty, Pete Jenkins, Alyn Jones, Rowan Jones, Ryan Mills (former student), James Murphy, Ricky Newman, Jon Owen, Kate Owen and Aimee Phillips. 53 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Madrid Football Tour 2015

Our first day in Madrid saw us on a Building up to the tour, the excitement of both the players full tour of the Santiago Bernabeu and the staff was palpable. From the kit fitting to the early where we revelled in awe at the sheer enormity of a stadium draped in a morning meet at the bus bay, everything was building up to century of footballing history. Even a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the prestigious Valdebebas in an empty stadium, every student training facility of Real Madrid C.F. felt the powerful atmosphere that the Bernabeu generated. The changing rooms and the hundreds Game day one had arrived; everyone prospect of playing two fiercely of professional trophies were truly was giddy with anticipation at the competitive teams faced us. The inspiring to our players and every prospect of finally playing a match. pressure of game day two was player was eager to take to the pitch So, after a mornings preparation at astronomical in light of the necessity themselves to show off their ability; Valdebebas, we travelled to our first to match up to our first match but not before the evening’s fixture and after inspirational performances but every single entertainment! speeches from Danny, Mr Penny, player showed the heart and passion We were lucky enough to be in town Mr Michael and Mr Williams we for the game that had brought them for a professional basketball match, were ready to play. to Madrid in the first place. Match a local derby nonetheless. Real day two kicked off in a far more Madrid faced off against local rivals heated manner on the back of a Movistar Estudiantes in the fiery motivation speech from Barclaycard Centre in downtown Mr Williams. The competition was Madrid. The electric atmosphere fierce in game one and Team A had and exciting play charged the team’s to fight with all their energy to competitive spirit ready for a hard record a well-earned 2-1 victory week of training. behind another fantastic performance from Matt Macklin with goals from Seb Harvey and an unstoppable Jack Mayo. The second match had The first match was preceded by a all the prospects of a hard battle, great show of sportsmanship from prospects that were realised within both sides with each team enjoying minutes of kick off. Both teams the competitive spirit. As kick off fought and fought well but, despite a came, Team A was ready and, standout defensive performance despite some initial woes, the team from Matteo Merola-Scott, the team were steadfast and were propelled by could not hold on for a second victory. the likes of Matt Macklin, Before we could leave there had to Jack Mayo, Henry Corcoran and be an Awards ceremony. By Sam Oxley to a 6-2 victory; Oxley unanimous decision Matt Macklin grabbing a world beating four goals. was voted the Player’s Player of the The second game brought even Tour, Tour Captain Callum Wheatley more excitement with an impressive was awarded the Coaches Player of performance from all players, namely the Tour Award and Sam Oxley took home the honours as Top Goal Stepping off the coach in Valdebebas Sam Oxley who scored another Scorer with six goals in two games! felt like a dream we were waiting to brace and, from the spine of the wake up from. The facility stood in team, Alex Cleaves, George Baynes Amidst the competition and front of us, at our disposal for a and Callum Wheatley who were fierce football, a fantastic squad of team- whole week. We were guided in our in the face of a very athletic team; mates was formed. The whole trip football by our assigned coach, Charlie Rodgers also put in a huge was truly inspirational and every Danny, who sought to improve our performance to see his team through. person formed relationships and ability as individuals and as a team. Another day of training helped us bettered themselves both as people Playing and learning in the learn even more than we had before and as professionals. Everyone scorching heat forged together two from Danny and a tour of the thoroughly enjoyed the trip and it teams to be reckoned with - all that Valdebebas facility fuelled our was an experience that will stay with was left for our teams was to prove passion to become better. As game all of the students and staff forever. themselves. day two approached, the daunting Ben Colewell, 12DM

54 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015

The tour was supported by a number of local businesses who helped make the tour a reality through sponsorship. Sulzer supplied tracksuits for the players to travel in and look the part around the hotel, training ground and city with Mokos Mexican restaurant and Chris Webbley providing training kit for the six sessions at Real Madrid. Celandine supplied the team with new playing kit which will be used over the coming years by MCS football teams. Many thanks to all these sponsors who helped make the trip the experience that it was.

55 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Music at MCS

Music For Youth Performers at MYF: Ryan St Amand, Rhiannon Birchall-Haslett, On 6th March, 10 school music Ellen Coombes, Lily Jacks, Dylan ensembles and nearly 70 students Sluiter, Tom Morley, Natasha attended the Regional Festival of Music Chandra, Annika Prince, Finty For Youth hosted by Gwent Music Evans, Josie Evans, Joe Phelps, Cyd Service at Newport Centre. Awards for Rawlins, Frances Dowle, Elsa Lilly, Students had been working hard in Charlotte Edge, Jess Netherway, preparation for their 10 minute Tom Morley and Megan Kinniment-Williams, Simeon performance recital, with many Dylan Sluiter Jones, Luke Hartley, Reuban students performing in several groups. Pierrepoint, Jamie Barker, Pippa The groups included; Orchestra, Wind Morgan, Lucinda Merrett, Felicity Band, Brass Quartet, Jazz Band, Glee Walsh, Hannah Pope, Mabli Powell, Choir, Gospel Choir, Folk Band, Harry Sully, Dan Follows, Alice Musical Theatre Ensemble, Cello and Bass Gable, Sophie Pope, Gracie Follows, Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. Bethany Piper, Heidi Walliman, Arhonwen Evans, Lucy Powell, Lucy The performances were fantastic and George, Daisy Lester, Bronwen the feedback received from the Music Davies, Amber Snaith, Cassie de st mentors was very positive, with many Croix, Ollie Chilcott, Ella de st complimentary comments and support Croix, Holly Ikin, Ted Rawlins, Molly to help improve as Musical ensembles. Hole, Josh Morgan, Mike Slack, It was an afternoon of Music by MCS James Askew, Jospeh Scott, Lucy and the mentors said they thoroughly Hale, Josie Harrison, Ischia Day, enjoyed it, as did our students and staff. Anna Moore, Alex Fielding, Arwen For more information about the festival Van der Horst, Amelia Lane, Freya visit www.mfy.org.uk; photos of the Pierrepoint, Eliza Mayo, Katherine event can be found at the official Gunter, Eabha Strong-Wright, Harry Gwent Music Service Facebook page. Morgan, Rhys Walters, Cameron My Day at Pardington, Zach Salmon, Eleanor Nicholson, Louisa Hasler, Molly Music for Youth! Brickley-Clark, Florence Mayo, Bethan Morgan and Owen Warner. On Friday 6th March 2015 Monmouth Comprehensive School went to Newport to perform at Music for Youth. We took lots of different groups including Orchestra, Wind Band, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Senior Choir, Percussion and Glee Choir. We had great success there and the judges were very impressed, they said, “In the afternoon Monmouth Comprehensive School took over the place!” However they said that they very much enjoyed our performances and they wished us success in the next round. Now we will have to wait and see whether we get through to the next round! Katherine Gunter, 7MA

56 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015

Lucy George, Rhianna Roberts, Grade 3 Alice Sullivan, Bronwen Davies, Taryn Birkett Flute Harry Sully, Gracie Follows, Emily Brown Flute Merrydith Russell, Mabli Powell and Katie Edmunds Clarinet Dan Follows. Josie Harrison Clarinet Friends of Dingestow Daisy Lester Violin Gabriella Students once again provided an Middleton Flute afternoon concert for the Friends of Rhianna Roberts Piano (Merit) Dingestow group at the village hall this Charlotte Uttley Flute Greater Gwent Christmas - well received by all. Heidi Walliman Harp (Merit) Youth Brass Band Twinning Association Grade 4 Arhonwen Evans Flute Hannah Pope, Jessica Netherway, As part of the Carbonne/Monmouth Rachel Geen Violin Natasha Chandra, Annica Prince, Zoe Twinning Association 40th Anniversary Casey Kwok Piano McCarroll and Becky Welton all Celebrations Musicians and Linguists Katie Mapp Trumpet performed in the Greater Gwent Youth hosted a Concert at St Mary's Church (Distinction) Brass Band this year. They were on Friday 1st May. A large audience Eliza Mayo Viola awarded 3rd place at the National was in attendance and students Cameron Youth Brass Band Championships and provided an informal evening of varied Pardington Drum Kit will also perform at the National musical performances including Choirs, Mike Slack Drum Kit Festival of Music for Youth in Chamber Orchestra, Folk Ensemble, Ioan Williams Tuba (Distinction) Symphony Hall Birmingham in July. Jazz Ensemble, vocal/instrumental duets as well as several soloists. Grade 5 Commemoration Ollie Chilcott Theory The evening was a great success and of WWI Beth Kinniment- was well led by the confident A Level Williams Cello When Felix Hales, heard the true story French students, providing excellent Elsa Lily Theory of the Bosley Brothers from the compering for the concert. Anna Moore Flute Monmouthshire Regiment, his Anna Moore Theory response was to write the music to Anna Moore Violin this ballad of Remembrance for both Georgia Parry Clarinet (Merit) the Bosley Brothers and to all the Music Gradings Cyd Rawlins Clarinet extraordinary young soldiers who Cyd Rawlins Theory Grade 1 shared and still share today, the final Dylan Sluiter Drum Kit moments of life with each other in Joe Arnold Drums (Distinction) Grade 6 battle. More details may be found on Ischia Day Piano (Distinction) Oliver Chilcott Violin page 58. Amy Howells Violin Cerys Hughes Piano (Merit) Charlotte Edge Cello Eloise Moreby Violin Kerry Kwok Piano Alice Powles Flute Reuban Pierrepoint Cello Grade 2 Amber Snaith Cello Emily Bowley Clarinet (Merit) Lauren Waycott Cello Emily Bowley Piano (Distinction) Ella Young Violin Charlie Cooke Rockschool Guitar Grade 7 Sophia Fenby Violin Frances Dowle Clarinet Alice Hancock Flute Zoe McCarroll Tenor Horn 1000 Voices Concert Jamie-Lee Lewis Alto Saxophone (Merit) (Merit) Jessica Netherway Euphonium MCS students performed at the 1000 Tristan Nicholas Rockschool Guitar (Merit) Voices Concert at the Motorpoint Rhianna Roberts Violin Bethany Piper Violin Arena in December in aid of the Kalil Rodgers Cornet Hannah Pope Baritone Noah’s Arc Appeal. Daisy Lester, Oliver Rowlands Tuba (Distinction) (Distinction) Lucy Powell, Cassie De St Croix, Annika Scrivin Clarinet Becky Welton Tenor Horn Molly Hole, Ella De St Croix, Sam Williams Violin (Merit)

57 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 WW1 At Home: Monmouthshire Regiment Ballad of Remembrance

When Felix Hales, a Sixth Form student from Monmouth Comprehensive School, heard the true story of the Bosley 1914 The Great War Brothers from the Monmouthshire Regiment, his response was to write the music to this ballad of Remembrance for both Me and the boys of Monmouth leave for the cause the Bosley brothers and to all the extraordinary young soldiers We wear smiles of love, smiles of hope who shared, and still share today, the final moments of life with My brothers strong heart pulling my rope each other in battle. We marched through the darkness In September 1914 the Bosley brothers joined the Sailed through to the dawn Monmouthshire Regiment. In 1915, after a short stay in For each other and the land we called home Ypres, the battalion were back on the front line on April 17th. Remember the stones we used as grenades Here they were to stay, without relief, for the next 17 days. On The branches we snapped and the rifles we made the afternoon of May 2nd, 1915, a shell landed among the The cries of laughter carry through the trees machine gun section. Corporal Thomas John Bosley (Tom), As we race through hills to fight in the fields of Tredegar had to write to his parents at home in Wales where You wounded in battle I fought on alone they lived at No. 9 Park Hill, Tredegar, informing them of the Until dusk settled and mum called us home death of his beloved older brother and their son, Frederick The sweet voice of our mother calling us home William Bosley (Fred): I’ll stand beside you, I’ll carry your name “I do not know how to write this letter, which is to convey such bad I’ll wait beyond forever, I’ll carry the flame news and to give you all such a blow. Poor Fred was killed by a I’ll write letters to heaven, pin wishes to stars shrapnel bullet at about 4 p.m. on Sunday May 2nd. He died Follow the rainbow till I’m back in your arms instantly. He and Lieut. Martin were killed by the same shell. I’ll count every blessing turn every stone They buried them in an open space by a wood and I followed his last remains to the grave where the Colonel read the burial service. I’ll light every candle, until you come home I cannot write anymore” Tom. Staring at a cross - granite and pearl “Imagine seeing your own brother killed in front of you and Your name in flowers, your flag neatly furled then imagine the strength it must have taken to bury him” said In the half-light of the evening I’m asking My Lord 18-year-old Felix who is studying Music and History A Levels. Why the shadow of a cross looks like a sword? “I have an older brother and it must have taken extraordinary No songs, no hymns, just the memories we own courage. When I read the letter Tom then had to write home And the voice of your mother calling you home to his parents informing them that Fred had died, I really Remember the stones we used as grenades wanted to do justice to the letter. Also to the love Tom had left The branches we snapped and the rifles we made behind, whose perspective the song is also written from”. The cries of laughter carry through the trees The Monmouthshire Regiment had been formed in 1908 as As we race through hills to fight in the fields the Territorial Army unit for the county and was made up of You wounded in battle I fought on alone three Battalions drawn from different areas of the county. Until dusk settled and mum called us home Abergavenny was the headquarters of the 3rd Battalion (‘3rd The sweet voice of our mother calling us home. Mons’) which included two companies from Abertillery, one each from Blaina, Sirhowy, Tredegar, Ebbw Vale and Cwm Location: Tredegar War Memorial, Bedwellty House and one company from Abergavenny. and Park, Morgan Street, Tredegar, NP22 3XN Tredegar War Memorial, where Frederick Bosley is Music written by Felix Hales and performed by remembered, is situated in the lower end of the grounds of Felix Hales and Isabel Bridgeman. Bedwellty House and Park, Tredegar. The house and park Lyrics by Felix Hales and John Birch. were constructed in 1818 as the home of Samuel Homfray, the Ironmaster at Tredegar Iron Works. The land on which it is Many of the men whose details appear in the various situated was owned by Lord Tredegar and was later given to pages of the Tredegar Memorial section were members the people of Tredegar (all apart from a small section). The of the Monmouthshire Regiments and have no known war memorial was unveiled on the 14th December 1924, by graves. Most are commemorated on the wall panels of the then Lord Tredegar. the Menin Gate at Ypres.

58 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Student Art

Johaze Basarte

Jeena Sriphan Beth Tudball

Emily Bagshaw Johaze Basarte

Sarah Hunt

Maizie Morgan

Olivia Blanch James Whittaker

Sarah Hunt

Sally West Emily Bagshaw

59 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 The Great ‘Eggsperiment’ This term, Year 7 have been set a complex challenge during their Integrated lessons. They have to design and build a catapult which can fire an egg up to two meters. Sounds easy? Not when they are judged on accuracy!

In order to win the challenge, and the chocolate, the winning team will get to fire a real egg into a frying pan to hit the centre of the target, with one shot! How are 7MA feeling so far?

“It's great to do something new...it's like engineering ....learning about forces, angles and variables.”

“I love the competition, it gets us all stoked up to win!”

“It’s hard just using set equipment. Our first design wasn't very good but we kept going and now have a working one!”

“I like working in a team to solve a problem because we all get ideas from each other.”

“This challenge is fun, I am learning the different stages of a Science experiment and using numeracy in a real way to help us win.”

7MA are very enthusiastic about the project and are developing a wide range of skills. Will they win the chocolate?... we will have to wait and see!

60 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Eine reiche und erfüllende Erahrung

The first day we arrived I saw history The highlight of the trip for me and lots Of course, we ended at the famous come to life with a guided tour around of my peers was driving up into the Alps Hofbrauhaus to have our traditional Dachau concentration camp. The whole to get to the Obersalzburg Documentation German meal which was for starters salty group were tired after our non-stop Centre. The bus drive alone was beautiful. pea and bacon soup, pork and travel from school to the airport but The peaks of the mountains were covered dumplings for main and a beautiful berry this didn’t stop us from feeling in snow but it was a lovely sunny day. pudding. The building itself was completely overwhelmed and emotional The snow surrounded Documentation incredible and unimaginably vast. from the experience. Our tour guide Centre was useful in consolidating my Overall this trip left us not wishing to was tremendous; the atmosphere knowledge of the Nazis in Germany; it leave for another four days! We saw so surrounding us changed dramatically as was easy to absorb the stream of much in such a short space of time but it soon as he started speaking about the information from headphone speakers definitely left us wanting more; which in reality of the camp. Everyone was and images as we moved around the my opinion is what defines a successful definitely shell-shocked and speechless Centre. We walked through the Centre trip. This was a great excursion that I will for the bus journey back. as if walking through history. There was never forget - an eventful and fulfilling I also had so much fun in our ‘down an added, unexpected experience of experience. going down into the gas chambers that time’. I grew to know and become closer Leonora Ellis, 10HF to lots of people on the trip which added were beneath the building, a spooky to the experience. We had a lovely time walk for everyone. Earlier this term we went on a trip to relaxing in the evening at our hotel, it We were able to absorb the information Munich. I really enjoyed it, though it wasn’t all relaxing though! We spent we had received on a balcony area on would have been a better start if the one of our nights travelling in to the city the side of the Centre. There was a buses had turned up to take us to the centre on trams - this was exciting fantastic view of the Alps, we could also airport; but one taxi trip later, we were enough for everyone! A couple of hours see the ‘Eagles Nest’ (Hitler’s retreat high ready to set off! My favourite parts of were spent exploring the area and then up in the mountains), also surreal to see the trip involved our visit to Nuremburg we sat down to have some food; it was in real life. Everyone took lots of photos and exploring the bunker near the interesting to see the city from a and then we finished off with an ice- Eagle’s Nest in Berchtesgaden. If I had different perspective at night when cream in the local town. the chance, I would do it all again! everything was buzzing. On the whole The last day was incredible. We had a there was a good balance between walking tour around Munich using trams Owen Warner, 10HF leisure activities and the historical to get around. Our tour guide retraced pursuits. the steps of the Nazis through Munich, we The Munich trip was very enjoyable and saw places like Munich University (which we crammed as many activities as we the White Rose Group - a non-violent possibly could into what time we had. intellectual resistance group - attended), My favourite thing that we did was visit a view that Hitler painted as a youngster, Nuremburg because it showed a timeline and the cathedral Frauenkirche. of History that we have learnt in school. I really liked the fact that we were able to go down into the bunker system on the trip. Tom Brice, 10HF

61 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 World Challenge

Follllowiing the successss ooff tthhee 22001122 WWoorrlldd CChhaalllleennggee eexxppeediitiion to Northern Morocco,, I soon found mysellf searchiing for a new destiinatiion and a new challllenge forr aa tteeaamm ttoo eemmbbaarrkk oonn.. BBoolliivviiaa sseeeemmeedd ttoo ooffffeerr tthhee ppeerrffeecctt mmiixx ooff pphhyyssiiccaall cchhaalllleennggee ((tthhee wwhhoollee eexxppeeddiittiioonn wwaass aabboovvee 33,,000000mm sseeaa lleevveell,, aanndd ttrreekkss ooffffeerreedd ssuummmmiittss ooff 55,,550000mm)),, vvaalluuaabbllee ccoommmmuunniittyy wwoorrkk,, ccuullttuurraall ddiiffffeerreennccee aanndd ddiivveerrssiittyy,, aanndd ssppeeccttaaccuullaarr sscceenneerryy.. OOnn nnoo lleevveell ddiidd iitt ddiissaappppooiinntt..

The students who embarked on this challenge were incredibly brave and committed from the start. Their fundraising ideas were unique and successful; from a ‘Night at the Races’ to polishing the school silverware in preparation for Awards Evening, the team put in the hard graft. They earned every penny and had already achieved incredible feats before even stepping on the plane. Whilst on expedition, there was challenge and reward around every corner – altitude hurts, but gives breathtaking rewards (pardon the pun!). The challengers were a pleasure to share incredible Bolivia with. I will always remember crying with laughter on an overnight train, huddled in my sleeping bag, the genuine bonds formed at the orphanage we spent time at, and I have definitely returned home with a new found respect for tarmac. I cannot overestimate the value of participating in a World Challenge Expedition. Beyond the obvious benefits of how it looks on a CV, and how jealous the pictures make people on Facebook, these expeditions make you grow as a person. Even Mr Murphy and myself came back knowing more about ourselves than we knew when we left. I am endlessly proud of our young people, who are motivated by the challenge of fundraising, not phased by the thought of not showering for a few days, and excited by the prospect of diving into the unknown and embracing a new culture. Each challenger is responsible for leading the expedition for a day. On this day, they are responsible for organising transport, booking accommodation, budgeting and generally running a tight ship! Below are the reflections of Mr Murphy, and a selection of those young people who took on ‘Bolivia ‘14’. Miss Feldon

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I nominated myself to be leader on the first Trek. Claire ordered another one, and decided to name and adopt as our own. day of expedition! Everyone arrived very Mr Murphy, Claire and I waited at the When we finally got onto the boat and the early, with a mixture of excitement and hostel for it to arrive. We were soon all skies began to clear, the challenges we faced anticipation, at school ready to board the together again in the right place at the in the morning were forgotten. The entire bus to the airport. Whilst at the airport, right time! hour journey was spent singing along to Richard, our Expedition Leader and I On the long bus journey, we had a short Chloe’s ukulele which even made the driver stop, where we had to get off of the bus, smile. Singing often lifted spirts throughout to board a boat to take us across a short the expedition and became a great way to stretch of Lake Titicaca. At the ferry interact with the locals. port, several members of the team posed Once we arrived, we set off walking and for their photo with... a llama! After the exploring some of the island, carrying our boat journey, we got back on the bus, before arriving at Copacabana and finding a nice spot on the beach to headed to the currency counter to collect our camp. Miss Feldon $10,000 for the trip!! We boarded the plane decided it would be and, after a short stop in Miami, 16 hours a good idea to teach of flying later we landed in Bolivia!! us all some Latin We witnessed first-hand how dodgy(!) the American dancing! Bolivian driving was, but we made it safely So, catching the eyes to our hostel in La Paz with help from Dan of the locals, we and Sophie, our Spanish speakers. We then danced some Samba spent the rest of the day acclimatising to the on the beach, before very high altitude and exploring the city - taking a swim in the freezing Lake main packs, food for the three day trek, and trying not to get lost!! Titicaca. After the boys fetched some tents, cookers – the lot! Many struggled with Stephanie Davies firewood, and some members of the our first experience of the altitude. Despite team went to the market, we had a this, we stuck together, took it slow, and After yet another early morning start, we barbeque on the beach to the backdrop enjoyed the amazing views above Lake soon faced the difficulty of not having of a beautiful sunset. Then, despite the Titicaca, giving us great photo enough Boliviano’s to pay for the Hostel, thunder and lightning, many of us stayed opportunities! Camp for the night was one as we hadn’t changed all of our dollars up for a little sing song under the stars, of my favourite locations – we arrived at a yet. After a little bit of bargaining and before going to bed, pretty early pristine sandy beach and we were invited to negotiating the exchange rate, we (again..). stay in a local’s back garden. We had plenty managed to sort it. Then, because Chloe Mansell of time before bed, therefore many brave nothing could ever run that smoothly in challengers took no hesitation in taking the Bolivia, we realised we were actually one Waking up on Copacabana Beach to a opportunity to have a swim in Lake taxi short, to take us to Cemetario (what morning thunderstorm presented my first Titicaca - not many people can say they challenge as leader for have done that! The lake was freezing the day. Having though… breakfast and packing Some gooey rice for dinner didn’t dampen up our tents in the anyone’s mood that evening – especially the rain felt like too much boys who made it very clear they were fed effort this morning up of carrying it and just wanted it eaten! and, to add to the The evening was spent laughing at old fun, I have a fear school memories and talking about our of thunder and lightning! Richard, our Expedition Leader, had to take some time to decide whether it was safe to take the boat over to the island where we would do was basically one very large cemetery) our Isla Del Sol Acclimatisation Trek. As we where we would catch our bus to take us waited, we were joined by some very to Copacabana and our Acclimitisation friendly but wet dogs that Sean and Lewis

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the jeep drivers for some in-car heat. I remember this day waking up wishing I had just hidden away from the leader role but as it turns out it was actually quite an enjoyable day. The drivers were wearing thin fleeces and were singing/dancing as they mounted the rucksacks onto the roof of the jeeps. Our driver, Des, had mentioned earlier in the journey that he had spent ‘much money’ on his in-car speakers and so he was keen to provide a showing of them at any given time - even at 7am in weather that constantly reminded you to always leave space in your water bottle overnight. We set off and headed for the Sol de Mañana Geysers where hot springs awaited us. We all stripped down to bathers, still at minus temperatures and entered the hot springs that bubble at temperatures of around 40ºC – a massive relief after the cold nights that Bolivian experience so far. We had so much destination, we all sat down and the boys we had been experiencing. We had to talk about even at the early stages of our went off to explore whilst the girls sat allotted ourselves around 20 minutes of expedition. Sunrise the following morning around singing, with Chloe playing her time to relax in the ‘hot tub’, however was a beautiful sight to wake up to. I wish ukulele. We even started to write our own inevitably this ended up being closer to I could be back and experience it all again song, based on our experiences so far. It 40 minutes, obviously. As we plucked up with the new friends I made a long way. wasn’t long before our singing attracted the courage to exit the relaxing water, we attention and some of the little girls in Claire Baker readied for our next destination – Uyuni. the village came to sing with us, their I was leader on the second day of the favourite was the hokey cokey. We even We arrived in Uyuni in the dark and as Acclimatisation Trek. We set off at 9am used our phrase book to learn heads, the night drew to an end we settled down and walked for about three hours heading shoulders, knees and toes in Spanish! in the luxury(?) of a local hostel, which towards the south of the island. The walk Although the walking was hard, getting featured two (intermittent) toilets and a was hard with one particular steep to spend time with children from the shower which provided some water. local village made it so worthwhile! Now I come to think about it, maybe the plumbing between the two were linked? Sophie Macklin (I’ll leave you to think about that.) I was leader on August 2nd, which was the Tomorrow’s task: Find alternative day of the festival in La Paz. It was one of accommodation. the more relaxing days, but I still organised Lewis Chapman a few meetings to discuss the team budget and what we were doing for our final meal. I think my day as leader went quite well overall, although it was quite difficult to get a big team, with lots of ideas and excitement to listen sometimes. I feel the day was quite organised and we all had a good time either incline and we had to take regular breaks watching the festival or out shopping. The due to some aches and pains within the festival began in the morning and went on team. We accidentally annoyed a until gone midnight, an endless (televised!) Bolivian lady when we stopped in a procession of live music, dancing and people square in a little village without paying wearing the most elaborate costumes. We her, safe to say we left quickly when she were really lucky to catch this annual event was shouting at us! One of the highlights and I will definitely remember it! for me of the day was Evie’s excitement Louisa Hasler at a tree that looked like a llama, I think the majority of the group got a photo of Waking up at 6:55 in -14ºC weather it. When we had finally reached our wearing five layers, the group stumbled to the jeeps narrow-eyed and begging

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It was my day as leader today. The any names) may have previous evening I arranged with everyone decided that they to meet down at the orphanage at 9 o’clock, too needed a splash of having brought their own breakfast on the blue paint! I must way. Everyone seemed to be on time today admit, I found it surprisingly, maybe that was down to the quite stressful making individual door knocking that I had to do to sure everyone had make sure everyone was awake! something to do, as When we arrived, I split everyone into there were lots of little groups. I got out the blue paint and some jobs today to people finished off painting the outside complete, rather than walls. Some others carried on with the one main task, but sanding of the white walls; whilst others everyone seemed painted the sanded white walls. I sent a happy and got along group of four challengers, led by Steph, to go really well which made it easier. We stopped for a well The cookies were delicious. After tea, deserved lunch at 12.30pm, where we everyone was tired so we packed everything had soup and then an amazing main away. For our evening meal, everyone sorted course. The children gave out salad, themselves out with their share of the group vegetables, mayonnaise and ketchup money so the responsibility for spends was for the centre of each table. Then we each got given a plate with a massive piece of breaded chicken and rice. We were also treated today with Fanta and Coke for drinks! Due to this treat, we were all a bit scared that they out and buy some coloured oil paints, so we may have thought today was could start painting over the floor markings our final day at the orphanage, which of the sports courts in the courtyard area of it wasn’t! After lunch, we carried on the orphanage. We could use one section of working until tea which was supposed the white wall to paint a mural, to include to be at 4.30pm. After waiting for a whatever we wanted, so paint was brought while, we were told that it would be shared. Overall, I feel that I managed as for this too. Sean led the mural team, and another 20 mins as the children were leader, but was definitely ready to pass on they cracked on with a great design which making us cookies! I asked Alan, the child the leader pack to Leah by the end of the reflected the key features of Bolivia. Another psychiatrist who spoke English, what he day! group started to wipe down the window wanted us to do tomorrow, to check they frame edges where some people (not naming knew we were coming for one more day! Lizzie Price

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tasty. I really enjoyed my time at the orphanage, teaching them games and even losing to them at sport! Our final day with them was particularly special when they taught us During my day as team leader we were a dance, and volunteering at the orphanage in Uyuni. performed a show The day before we started to paint the for us which they walls of the orphanage so during my day had prepared. After we continued to do so whist the children the show, we all were at school. I also had the job of danced together for buying train tickets for all of the team to a while, sharing our different dance For our dinner I gave the team a set get back to La Paz at the end of the moves! amount of money to spend each and we week. Whilst the team were painting, ate out in a restaurant in Uyuni. I was myself and a few others went to the train nervous at first to lead the team, but station to buy them. On one of the walls when I did, I was happy that it wasn’t as was a series of different murals and as a hard as I thought it would be and I was team we sanded them down and added a proud I had done it. The experience of design of our own. Later on when the leading, along with the whole expedition children had finished school they has improved my independence a lot, prepared and served us our lunch which and I look forward to travelling in the was very kind. The most common dish future. was chip soup which was surprisingly Leah Bradshaw

For all of us who embarked on taking on Bolivia In the take off on the flight back to Miami. The strong summer of 2014, our World Challenge started long before indigenous culture runs right through the very fabric of we boarded the plane at Heathrow. It started way back in Bolivia - it is a rich tapestry of history of the ancient January of the previous year when all challengers started civilization combined with its 21st century title of a global to take ownership of their expedition by attending city. The itinerary we undertook in Bolivia was, literally, destination and itinerary meetings and planning the finer incredible - from the hustle and bustle of La Paz, to the details of exactly who, what, and where we, as a group, vast expanse of Lake Titicaca, the breath-taking Salts Flats would visit in Bolivia. Ideas then quickly turned to to the south, the Bolivian desert and the very humbling planning and organising fundraising activities to pay for experience of working in an orphanage in Uyuni, meeting things like transport to and from the airport as well as the amazing children who called it home. For me, the individual fundraising activities to help cover the cost of highlight of the expedition lay in the spectacular vistas of the expedition. Preparation also took the form of spending mountains, glaciers and lakes as we trekked along the a night in -5 degrees Celsius in the middle of the Forest of Cordillera Traverse's high-altitude trails, and I was lucky Dean in mid-February as part of our preparation enough to be part of a team of challengers who scaled Pico weekend! This camping experience encouraged team Austria, and took in uninterrupted, panoramic views from bonding and developed the essential practical skills for its 5,335m summit. expedition life like risk management, hygiene, safety As a team of challengers, everyone conquered their scenarios, cooking and camp craft. The days until summit. For some it was raising the substantial amount of departure literally flew by and before we knew it ‘Build up funds needed to undertake such a trip and for others it was day’ had arrived and only 24 hours remained until we being challenged both physically and mentally in ways that boarded the plane at Heathrow, ready to take on one of the many had not anticipated, but one thing is for sure it is a most amazing destinations in the world. trip that will live long in the memory of students and staff Bolivia is a country synonymous with adventure and this alike, and one that I am immensely privileged to have been was true from stepping foot off the plane in La Paz (the a part of. world’s highest capital city 3,650m above sea level) until Mr Murphy

66 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Young Ambassadors

This year at MCS we have launched the Young Ambassador Programme with the aim of supporting the Sport Wales mission to get ‘Every child hooked on sport for life’.

• Increase healthy lifestyles and participation in physical activity in their school • To promote the positive values of sport in and through sport • To be an ambassador and role-model advocating PE and school sport • To be the young person's voice on PE and school sport in our schools and communities • Bring the inspiration of major sporting events to schools and communities e.g. London 2012, Glasgow 2014 • To get every child hooked on sport for life! The Programme at the school aims to empower and inspire young people to become role models and leaders through sport, They have recently conducted a school survey where it become by developing their confidence and skills in order to increase evident that disability Sports are not promoted in the School. As physical participation in others. This approach will empower a result they decided this would be their focus for the summer young people to make their own decisions through term. consultation, leadership and ownership. They have attended a Disability Sport training Course, and The students were selected following recommendation by their applied for a £500 grant to spend on equipment. PE teachers for showing excellent leadership and Olivia and Bailey presented to a Dragons Den style panel for the encouragement in lessons and extracurricular activities. money, they were persuasive and emphasised how they would Our Young Ambassadors (Luke Rees - South East Wales Platinum use the money in an inclusive Sport festival to promote and Ambassador, Ellis Brown, Olivia Wells, Ellie Johnson, Jake Coombe, encourage sports such as Boccia and Archery. Alice Livesey, Bailey Grant, Natalie Davies - Platinum Ambassador They will be running inclusive sports clubs in the Sports Hall at and YA Intern) are now working towards the following agenda: break times.

Fencing Academy

Monmouth Comprehensive School Fencing Academy has had a very positive year. Numbers have remained steady at around 14 members, with five of those attending Team Melia Cymru FC outside school for extra training. Of these, four have competed at Welsh Events throughout the year.

Joe Smith attended a pre-season training British Youth Championships Regional Qualifiers camp in France - La Rochelle - and at both Foil and Epée, where Iwan won the thoroughly enjoyed his second trip, stepping Epée competition, qualifying for the Finals in up as one of our seniors and really improving May, and came 5th in the Foil, losing to the his standard through the week. silver medallist. He was the only MCS fencer The season’s results from the competitive to attend these two competitions. We wish him fencers have been pleasing this year. At the luck at the BYC Finals in a few weeks. Welsh Youth Foil 2014, Joe Smith and Iwan Iwan also attended a refereeing course and is well Hazlewood took Bronze medals in the U16 on the way to qualifying as a referee this term. Foil, whilst Alex Smith took Bronze in the This summer, there is an opportunity for the U12 Foil. In the Welsh Youth Epée, Iwan took fencers to attend a training camp in Hungary, a Silver Medal in his new discipline. and to train with Olympic Silver Medallist The Spring Term of 2015 saw us entering the Alaaeldin Abouelkassem.

67 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Monmouth’s Got Talent & Junior Monmouth’s Got Talent

Fundraising for Home-Start and The Monmouth Defibrillator Fund Thea Ward and Jack Whittaker

An important part of the whole process running School and HMSG and the Mayor, Jane Gunter. up to the MGT Final was Junior Monmouth’s The evening of the JMGT Final was busy, Got Talent. Students from Monmouth’s exciting and very entertaining. Talents ranged primary schools - Kymin View, Overmonnow, from singing and dancing to rapping and circus Osbaston, The Grange and Inglefield House - skills! The winners of Junior Monmouth’s Got took part in the contest, before the Senior Final Talent - a group of students from The Grange, took place in March. The Final of this event who impressed us all with their circus skills - was judged by two MCS Sixth Form Officials, went on to perform on the stage at The Blake the Head Boy and Head Girl of Monmouth Theatre at the Final of Monmouth’s Got Talent.

Having been to Monmouth’s Got Talent in previous years, we all knew how much work was needed to plan and put on such a celebrated event in Monmouth’s calendar. The challenge of putting on an event as large and as well-known as Monmouth’s Got Talent was more than worth it, knowing that the money raised would make a significant and lasting difference to many people’s lives. Our search for talented students began before Christmas, and we were very impressed with the amount of interest we received. Our sign-up up sheet showed that we had an exciting and We saw more than twenty people at the Baynes and Taylor Brown and accordion interesting set of auditions ahead of us, audition including singers and musical player Harry Lloyd, who went on to with a very difficult decision to be made duos and, for the very first time in this compete against eight acts from at the end of them. The audition process competition, an accordion player. We put Monmouth School and HMSG at the revealed a wide range of talents hiding through 12 musical acts to the Semi- exciting final at the Blake Theatre. among our school’s students. Final, which took place at MCS. To Thea make the tough decision on who to put through for the Final, the four of us Whilst the evening didn’t start at The (Michael, Emily, Jack and myself), were Blake Theatre until 7pm, our work joined by guest judge, Holly Hall, started at 3pm, setting everything up. Deputy Head Girl of Haberdashers During this hectic time we needed to Monmouth School for Girls. host a technical rehearsal for the acts, The Semi-Final performances were ensuring that the acts were comfortable beautiful, moving and accomplished, with performing and the audio levels making the final decision very difficult were okay. We were then hard at work and bringing the judges to the brink of organising the raffle, reserved tickets, an argument as we chose our four acts. and refreshments to ensure the evening went as smoothly as possible. Showtime The MCS finalists were singers Alice arrived and The Blake was packed with Gable and Lucy Merrett, duo George people, all eager to see the high calibre of

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The intermission brought a flurry of Runner-up was another MCS student, sales of refreshments and raffle tickets Lucy Merrett, who the judges said with every penny increasing the total created ‘her own innovative music’. The raised. winner was announced as Max Weeden, As everyone settled back into their seats, from Monmouth School whose medley the second half was underway - again I of intricate and complex guitar pieces, only managed to spot certain acts, but from the Flight of the Bumblebee to the highlights included Harry Lloyd (whose Family Guy theme song, led the judges pop melody on the Accordion left the to summarise his performance by audience totally speechless after such a claiming that ‘He could play that Guitar!’. display of unorthodox, high quality I feel all of the acts should be proud of talent) and Alice Gable (whose unique themselves, especially those from MCS, talent that was on show. To start the voice and guitar style left a lasting who not only managed to secure second show, we had the winners of Junior impression on the judges and the and third in the main competition, but Monmouth’s got Talent, a group of boys displayed the high standard of talent that from The Grange, performing with our school can produce. Diablos and Unicycles. The performance Jack was very interesting to watch and we hope the talented group of boys carry It was decided by the Committee that the their success through to secondary school! money raised by MGT would be donated to Before we could get started with the two incredible causes; Home-Start main event, it was important to Monmouth and Monmouth’s fund to equip introduce the judging panel; a former the town with two defibrillators. Home- Monmouth Girl’s school student who Start works with volunteers offering went on to study dance, Mrs Gunter, friendship and practical help to families Mayor of Monmouth, Mr Les Modget, struggling to cope with day-to-day life and Monmouth Festival Chair, and have at least one child under the age of five. Mrs K Hagg, the Head of the audience). With the second act over, the Ticket sales and the raffle raised around Home-Start branch in Monmouth, who judges left to deliberate over the talent £2,300 pounds for the chosen charities. took the opportunity to play a short they had seen, and video showing how Home-Start come to a conclusion supports local communities. on who was to win the grand prize of playing The curtain rose on the first half and, as at Monmouth Festival. Deputy Heads, we took turns going into Whilst they were hard the theatre to watch the performances, at work trying to make a ensuring that everything was in order for decision, it was up to us the intermission, including refreshments to announce the and the raffle. Personal highlights from winners of the raffle. the acts I managed to sneak a peek at With all of the prizes included the interesting and full donated by businesses sounding solo performance from Lucy in town, including a Merrett on her guitar and loop pedal, tray of no18 brownies which really brought something else to and four bottles of wine the competition. The duo of George courtesy of Prego’s Baynes and Taylor Brown also stood out Italian, it was nice to see in the first half, with their soulful and the local businesses in melodic rendition of ‘Better together’ by Monmouth supporting Jack Johnson bringing a positive the event and making a atmosphere to The Blake. few lucky audience members very, very happy. After the raffle, the judges were ready to make their final decision. In third place was Alice Gable who, the judges said, MONNOW CYCLES impressed them with Bicycle Service & Repairs her ‘strong voice and guitar combination’.

69 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Iceland Explored Day 1 Our journey began at the eye watering time of 3:30am, joining the other students and waiting for the teachers and the bus at the bus bay. We loaded our gear onto the bus and waved goodbye, full of excitement for our adventures ahead. When we arrived at the airport, we checked in and made our way through security, stopping to have breakfast where Mr Curnow dropped his coffee all over the floor! This, and the fact that Dr Connern was absent, made us late to the plane as the final call was being made! After this drama, and a three hour flight, we safely dinner where there was a wide range of traditional Icelandic lunch. Jago arrived at Keflavik airport where we food on offer. After dinner, we had managed to cut his finger with a butter met our tour guide and bus driver for some free time where we could chill in knife! After lunch, we drove to the the duration of our trip. We then the hotel, before heading to bed, which geysers, a spring of water characterised proceeded to travel to the Blue Lagoon, was well needed. by a huge discharge of water. We spent a geothermal spa, admiring the Day 2 time wandering around, observing the stunning scenery on our way. It was an Geysers in action. Following this, we amazing experience and we didn't want After waking up and heading to went to a crater where we collected to get out!! breakfast, we proceeded to leave to tour volcanic rock. Our final stop of the day Once, out, we had lunch in the posh around the Golden Circle. First stop found us at Hellisheidi Geothermal restaurant. It was awesome! Wrapped was Thingvellir National Park, where Power Plant where we saw a video on up warm, we made our way to the bus you can see the plate boundaries of the geothermal energy in Iceland and the to go to Reykjavik, the capital city, for North American and Eurasian plates. inside of the power plant, where it stank shopping. There, we enjoyed some tasty We walked through the plate boundary, of sulphur! Driving back to the hotel, ice cream before heading to our hotel, taking in the outstanding views. Next we stopped off at the local hospital for Hotel Cabin. On arrival at the hotel, we stop was Gullfoss, a massive waterfall, Jago and then it was back to the hotel, found it to be packed with other where two waterfalls meet. After where we had dinner and chilled in the schools. We checked in and headed off absorbing the beauty of such a site, we hotel. After our busy day, we went to to our room to sort ourselves out before headed to lunch there where we had a bed and stayed up late chatting. Day 3 After waking up 10 minutes before breakfast, we rolled out of bed and went to breakfast in our pyjamas. We sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Jess as it was her 18th birthday and then found ourselves locked out of our room as we had locked the keys inside! We quickly prepared ourselves for the wet and rainy day ahead and left the hotel for Skogar, one of many waterfalls. Mr Curnow almost fell over on the ice leading to the waterfall. It was hilarious! From Skogar, we travelled to Reynisfjara, a black sand beach with

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famous volcano Eyjafallajokull, where Day 4 we saw a video on the famous eruption This was a sad day for all involved. of 2010 and the effect on a family who After getting up for breakfast at 6.30am, lived in the vicinity of the volcano. We we ensured that everything was packed spoke to a woman who witnessed the and headed onto the bus, where certain eruption. Following this, we went to members of the group slept all the way Seljandsfoss waterfall, where the to the airport. We had plenty of time to weather took a turn for the worse, but spend our last Kronas and head to the that didn't stop us admiring the gate. We boarded the plane set for waterfall. home. The arrival in the UK was a sad Driving back towards Reykjavik, we moment as we realised our adventures stopped at a shopping centre where we in Iceland had come to an end. After went in an earthquake simulator, which regaining the back of the bus we settled simulated an earthquake of 6.5 on the down for our journey back to Monmouth, Richter scale. It's safe to say we looking through the many photos we screamed, a lot, in particular Becky! had taken. Our parents were there This was not the end of our day. We greeting us on our arrival back at school. arrived back at the hotel to get ready for We only wished the trip was longer but bowling that evening. At the bowling it was an unforgettable four days alley, we had pizza, ice cream and cake. exploring Iceland. We would love to go Bowling was very competitive, back for more Viking adventures! especially amongst the teachers; Thank you Mrs Fry, Mr Curnow and Brother Curnow, Sister Fry and Papa Dr Connern for organising this incredible Connern! Back at the hotel, we had basalt columns. Not going to the sea, we experience!! We are gutted we will not time to chill and start to pack. We observed this wonderful phenomenon. be here for next years trip to Italy!! We traveled to the local town of Vik for skyped members of our families and lunch and shopping then on to the proceeded to go to bed. Becky Large, Sarah Arnett and Jess Scrivin, Y13 Sculpture Workshop

“Participating in the Sculpture Workshop was the most “The Sculpture Workshop was a whole new and very different enjoyable art lesson I have ever had at school because we were style of art work that really allowed us to express ourselves.” allowed to express our style of art work in our own way.” “The Sculpture Workshop was amazing. “Making the art sculptures allowed us to design and express It opened my eyes to a weird and wonderful new art form our style individually; it was nice to see how classmates’ I had no idea existed. The activity was fun and final outcomes differed in style.” I learnt a lot because of it.” “A very different and modern way of working opened our eyes “The Workshop was a refreshing break to the normal working as to what art means to other people outside the classroom.” dynamic. Expression, experimentation and individualism shone “Creating the sculptures allowed us to explore using a different through, amounting to creative final pieces. way of working whilst expressing our own individual styles.” It was a fun, enjoyable experience.”

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5x60 / Academy Programme at MCS

Monmouth Comprehensive School runs a thriving programme of extra-curricular sporting activities which is delivered as part of the PE Department, 5x60 and Academy programmes. The 5x60 and Academy programme aims to provide a wide range of opportunities for all students within the school. As a national programme through Sport Wales, 5x60 tries to expose students to activities that traditionally will not be found in the curriculum and focuses on increasing participation to get young people ‘hooked on sport’.

The details below show how the programme has grown over recent years and how many more students are now participating in at least one of these sessions every week. We are well on track for record attendances this year with the Summer Term attendances still to be recorded.

Academic Year Total Number of Attendances % of Students taking part in a 5x60 / Academy Session

2012-2013 8,499 32.69%

2013-2014 11,458 40.19%

2014-2015 9,751 41.41% (Autumn & Spring Term Only)

Introducing activities such as Kayaking, Indoor Rowing, Handball, Table Tennis and Virtual Spin has seen more students taking part and enjoying sport which is our primary aim. Add to this specific Academy sessions such as Fencing, Water Polo, Tae Kwon Do, Street Dance and Equine and there really is something for everyone. Students will be completing a School Sport Survey during the summer term based around their opinions on school sport. Following completion of this, the 5x60 and Academy programme will be looked at to see if there are any sports our students want to do that we are not currently offering. This ongoing programming is essential to keep students engaged, enjoying what we can offer and supporting the fantastic work the PE Department do. The 5x60 programme has also seen students in the school delivering activities, gaining experience and coaching qualifications. This leadership is essential to provide wider skills and develop excellent student links. Our Young Ambassador Programme will support this and continue the work that has already been implemented. If you can think of any activities that are currently not offered by the school or you are interested in volunteering in sport please contact our Community and Sport Development Officer, Paul Sullivan ([email protected]).

72 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Restorative Award On Tuesday 9th September, Monmouth Comprehensive School was paid a visit by some special visitors: and Crime Commissioner, Ian Johnston, the Chief Executive Officer of the Restorative Justice Council and the Welsh Assembly Member for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay.

and staff, allowing us all to develop and succeed - academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Students have been asked to take into consideration the ways in which their actions can have an effect on the teaching staff. Together, as a school, we have been able to strengthen the have strengthened and some restorative approach and become a relationship breakdowns, which some tighter community as we begin to believed could never have been restored, This was to be a very important day for understand one another. have been put back together. MCS as we were going to be the first The restorative process has gone from The restorative approach has had a secondary school in the UK to be strength to strength and although there hugely positive effect on the school as a awarded the Restorative Justice Council’s were worries at the beginning, we have whole, and together we hope that we Quality Standards Mark. now come to the point where we are can continue this and make our school The award is to recognise the work done able to use the approach in a classroom even better. by the school to ensure that we have a setting as well as in our own personal strong relationships between students lives. Across the school, relationships Bethan Edwards, 12TY

73 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 The Royal Marines

Earlier this year, Monmouth Comprehensive School was delighted to host the Band of Her Majesty’s Commando Training Centre Royal Marines.

The day was a huge success, with over 150 students taking part in workshops throughout the morning. It was the experience of a lifetime for students to be able to sit alongside the Marine’s Concert Band, String Quartet and Function Band. The feedback about the MCS young musicians was incredible with the Sgt in Charge of Strings commenting that they had not seen a String Orchestra like it on all their school visits and compared them to the elite from across schools in England. He commended their ability, their ensemble skills and focus. It really was a pleasure to watch.

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To see all in the Dining Hall dancing to the Marine’s were invited to perform in the concert band - Rory Gordon Function Band over lunch was fantastic, with both staff and on trumpet and Josie Evans on trombone - which was a students enjoying the music. To end the day, close to 400 wonderful experience for them both. students were given a talk on the career opportunities available through the Royal Marine’s Commando Training Mrs Ritter, Subject Leader for Music, took the opportunity to Music School and Band, inspiring many students to decide to thank the Band of Her Majesty’s Commando Training Centre follow music further as a career. Royal Marines for giving students this wonderful opportunity The concert that followed was superb - students and staff to work with professional musicians - “It was a fantastic day” were blown away by the Corps of Drums and left school she said “Our students were inspired and motivated by this with a big smile on their faces. Two talented students experience”.

75 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Austria 2014-2015

This was the second time I have been to Austria with MCS and it was the best week I’ve had in ages. I was in the advanced ski group but the trip provides for all levels of skiers/snowboarders. Our days out on the slopes were amazing and a lot of lessons were learned over the week by everyone but I think the hardest thing was to get enough sleep at night to ensure we woke up early to start the next day! The evening activities were great and we all laughed our heads off every night. I would definitely go on the ski trip again and I recommend it to anyone considering it for 2016. An amazing trip overall and I would like to send a massive thank you to Mr Williams and the rest of the staff who came with us. Ellie Williams, 10HF

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77 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Lower Sixth Interview Skills Workshop - Summer Learning Week

On the Tuesday of Summer Learning Week, we were visited by a group of lecturers from Cardiff Metropolitan University, who taught us a variety of essential skills and tips to use for interviews.

This, in turn, helped us gain an even more detailed insight into the interviewing process. In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to put what we had learned into practice in a mock interview held by the lecturers. To all intents and purposes, this mock interview was treated just like a real interview. All of us were respected and considered as adults, and the lecturers were informative, direct and honest. We thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, and we can definitely The day began with a series of activities relating to the say that it's helped prepare us for real interviews, whether it's courses we wanted to pursue, as well as touching on the for university or a job. subject of our strengths and weaknesses which proved challenging. It also shed light on the workings behind We would like to thank the lecturers of Cardiff Metropolitan interviews such as looking at the three main points to take University for an informative day - they been a great help to into consideration in an interview; our strengths and all of us who were involved. We would also like to extend our weaknesses, open-ended questions and questions for the gratitude to everyone else involved in the organisation of the interviewer. For our strengths, we chose from an array of workshop. adjectives, three that we thought best described us. We followed this up by analysing each and their relevance as a Today has been a huge success and will only strength in an interview. After that, we did the same for help us in further interviews. weaknesses, however we were to choose a negative adjective Callum Wheatley and 'flip' it - making a positive out of a negative. For example, if we chose the adjective 'indecisive', then we would 'flip' it so I feel that this day has enlightened me. that instead of being unable to make a definite decision, it Michaela Bowen would mean that we would look at all options available and It’s helped me feel more prepared for University. weigh them up. Chloe Miller To round off the morning, the lecturers presented us with a It has really benefited me for the future and I'm really multitude of example questions which we had to sort grateful for being able to take part in this workshop. through and decide which were ideal to ask in an actual Annie Pell interview. There were also several 'bad' questions, such as: I think that it was a great opportunity for students to have ‘I'm worried I might struggle - how many people fail?’ a very realistic formal interview and then be able to discuss In these cases, we then changed them into more suitable and evaluate their performance so that when they do it for formats, while still retaining the original intention of the real, they can give their best possible interview. question, for example: Mr Price, Metropolitan University ‘What support do teachers offer in case I feel like I'm struggling?’

78 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Work Experience

For my work experience placement I went to Total Look Salon, Monmouth. Total Look don’t normally take students for work experience but I went in and asked and I had a mini interview with one of the stylists, Beccie. Coast then down the coast and back across A few weeks later they got in touch with the US. me and asked me to take in a CV, saying Euan Gillespie, 11JM they would contact me again. They said that I would have to go for two interviews I spent a week at Nimbus Records, the as they were treating it as if I was applying 200 bales of hay from the fields and got music recording company in Wyastone for for a job. I handed my CV in and, two acquainted with the horses. my work experience. weeks later, I had a letter asking if I would The first three days of work experience While I was there I was able to work in the like to come in for an interview which I saw me getting up at 6am and joining my main office as well as visit the recording did, following up with a second one a week cousins feeding the horses, studios and help out, making and later. cleaning out the stables packaging CDs. The whole They asked many questions such as what and working out in the workplace was completely chilled my hobbies were, why I was interested in fields. with a lot of really friendly people hair and beauty and why I would be We visited a horse show in and an office dog – plus there was suitable for the job. Finally, they said I Edmonton where my unlimited tea! could go to Total Look for the week to do cousins both competed in Of course, some days did consist my work experience. a dressage competition. of simply inputting data into It was great there - I got to do a lot more Michelle won her category spreadsheets but on other days I than I had expected such as shampooing, and her daughter Megan was able to help out in helping with perms and taking colours off came second in hers. extraordinary situations. I spent as well as simple things like sweeping up, The rest of the work one day in the manufacturing taking phone calls, arranging appointments experience was taken up with exercising Department where I was shown and taking money! the horses, both the show horses and the how to make and shrink wrap CDs and the next day I was able to go down to the After my work experience finished they horses on livery at the ranch which meant concert hall and play a Steinway piano! offered me an apprenticeship and I have three of us taking out a total of 45 horses now been working at Total Look for a few each day. Every day three of us had I think the best day I had was when I was months and it’s been brilliant. In the to groom the horses for 20 minutes able to sit in and listen to holidays I work full-time and during term and then clean the saddles and an actual live recording time I do Friday evenings and Saturdays. I bridles after each riding session – that took place in the now have my own training head and fortunately it was usually one saddle studios. I spoke to the tech combs; also I have started blow drying and per five horses or we’d have been in crew as well as the natural drys. Pat, my boss, is very the stable all night! performers and I encouraging and the other girls who work Calgary is the home of the Calgary experienced the music there are lovely and loads of fun! Stampede which takes place every first hand. It was incredible. I really did I will be leaving school this year and going July and although this was August, I learn a lot from my week straight there to start my training in cutting still saw cowboys in full attire in the at Nimbus Records, it was and, hopefully, be going down to London local Walmart – Stetsons and all!! an amazing experience. to Sassoon’s, just like the other girls, if I am At the end of the two weeks, we lucky! visited Bamf, taking a four hour Charlotte Edge, 11SL Phoebe Bailey hike to the top of Johnston’s Canyon in Other interesting I was lucky enough to visit Bri-mel Farm in Bamf National Park – the second highest Okotoks, near Calgary in Canada for my point of the Rockies – which gave us an placements included: amazing view. Surprisingly, there was no work experience. The Farm is owned by James Oubridge - Abu Dhabi snow on our route but plenty relatives so this was a great National Hotel Group opportunity for me to carry out my to be seen on the peaks work experience further afield. I surrounding us. Georgia Savoie - runner for Films@59 couldn’t go in the usual work I didn’t suffer too much from Wulf Scouller - The American History experience period in November as jetlag in Canada but on my Museum in Britain Okotoks would be knee-deep in return it took me about four Dan Waterstone - building a robot at snow, so I went the last two weeks in days to adjust - including a August 2014. full 16 hour period of sleep !!! Sheffield University Robotics Lab Leaving Heathrow at 1 pm, I arrived I had an amazing time for my Caleb England - brewers assistant at in Calgary 11 hours later, straight in to a work experience and look forward to going Kingstone Brewery full day of work, having gained eight hours back after my time in Sixth Form. I would Georgina Haycock - horse behaviour on the way. Whilst at the Farm I learned like to work my way from the East side of training at Your Horse & Pony Matters how to drive the tractor, helped clear up Canada, over to Vancouver on the West

79 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Notre Voyage Français! Bonjour my fellow students! In this article I will be telling you about (Our French Trip!) Year 7’s “fantastique” French trip. By Adam Arnett

front of the other, we were had shown us how to make it so tired! We went into the (and cleaned up our saliva food hall (slowly) where we from the floor) he led us into were greeted by the fresh the gift shop where we were delicious smell of FBC, greeted by rows and rows of (freshly-baked-croissants). chocolate! There were also We were all ravenous so we some cocoa beans in the ate with gusto! We had corner, which we could take barely any time to lick the for free and try. No one liked pastry from our fingers them at all, even though they before we all got whisked had only had a nibble! The Going on the French trip was a very out to listen to stories from only person who liked them exciting opportunity for everyone to learn our guide. Personally, I was my brother, who gorged new things, taste new food and get to grips adored the stories and was on them and took some with French culture and tradition. captivated by all of them, unfortunately my home, (typical!) The lodging that we were staying at was a fellow group just wanted to go to the Now we move onto our last activity of the grand building called Le Château! To reach market (the notion of some people!). We day, The Snail Farm! As we rushed off the Le Château we had to get on a coach, finally got to the Rue Market and my bus we were greeted by a quaint little café which would take us to a ferry (six hours) group were squealing with excitement at all with a women standing in front of it. The to go across the channel (a further hour the assorted goodies ‘cough’ loom bands woman was very nice and took us around and a half) to France. When and sweets ‘cough’ While the back to take a look at the ‘escargots’ we finally got to Le they all squabbled about *ahem* snails in their pen. There were Château we were all who got sweets first, I took huge planks of wood on the ground and exhausted from travelling this opportunity to buy underneath were hundreds and hundreds for such a long time and we some honey for dad and of snails; the snails were encircled in a wire thought we could relax in some cola for myself! But mesh with electric fencing around it (just our room for a while… but enough about me, let`s get we were wrong as we were on with the second activity! dragged out to do activities The second activity was (oh, the horror!). very exciting, as we all piled Our first full day at Le into the coach to go to our Château was very exciting second destination, the but it started off chocolate factory! When we sssslllloooowww… We crawled out of our got there, we were welcomed by the sweet dorms but there was no time to throw aside smell of chocolate, wafting from the little the covers and greet the day with a smile wooden building in front of us. We because we were all desperately crowded down the walkway to this big, concentrating on how to put one foot in white room filled with chocolate! White chocolate, in case there was a mass snail breakout!) dark chocolate, milk We found out the snails loved rhubarb and chocolate, you name only moved around a lot at night. She then it, it was there. A took out some snails for us to hold - they French man came in were really slimy and icky! We were then to explain to all of us shown a slideshow on how the snail dishes how they make were prepared - turns out they made snail chocolate and give us biscuits, snail pate and snail jam. We then a few facts, e.g: got to the best bit of the visit, TASTING! dark chocolate is They all tasted really nice and I would have extremely good for bought some if I hadn’t forgotten my your arteries. After he wallet!! Oops.

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The next day, we were told to get up bright rides, loop-the-loop rides, wooden rides and early to get to the last activity I’m sure and chute rides!! We had a healthy four everyone was looking forward to, Parc hours of rocking rollercoasters before we Asterix! The biggest, some might say best, had to go back to Le Château for dinner, theme park in France. When we got there, (which was steak with a side serving of we were gobsmacked at all the rides; water frogs legs and snails!) Next morning we packed up our stuff and clambered onto the bus to go back home. It was, in my opinion, the best school trip ever! Here are some other opinions from Ellis and Harry: Harry, “I really enjoyed the French trip, my All in all it was an amazing experience and, favourite activity was Parc Asterix with all before I go, let`s give a round of applause those fantastic rides and attractions!’” to all the teachers who helped arrange the Ellis, “I loved the French trip, my favourite trip, they must be exhausted. activity was Parc Asterix!” This is Adam Arnett, signing off!

French Debate Three of our Y13 French Students Ellie Clutton, Annie Pell and Kelly Dixon, were runners up in a debate on “Reality TV” competing against Crickhowell, HMSG and Monmouth Boys. They were victorious in their 1st round against Crickhowell and represented the school with confidence, fluency and convincing arguments. Well done girls! Wolfstone Translation In February, a Y9 MFL group participated in a translation workshop provided by Silke Lührmann of Wolfestone Translation Ltd. Students were asked to watch an advert in German and translate the meaning and then attempt to rebrand this company in English. All students found the experience motivating and cannot stop singing the advert for a German supermarket ! The Faculty look forward to inviting Silke to work with our Sixth form linguists on translation too, in preparation for their exams. My experience at MCS My name is Susi Schult and I work as a teacher in Celle which is located in Northern Germany. I had the great pleasure of being a guest at Monmouth Comprehensive School for two weeks in March. The purpose of my visit was to get new ideas for my own school as well as the development of the school system in Lower Saxony in general. My impression is that Monmouth Comprehensive is an exceptionally good school as far as school structure and teaching approaches are concerned. I really do like the idea that `everyone matters’. Teachers are very dedicated and professional in dealing with mixed- ability groups. I had the opportunity to talk to a lot of staff as well as students, who explained to me how the school works. I was also able to observe a variety of different lessons and talk to different teachers. I would like to thank everyone who gave me the opportunity to get an insight into the school. Everybody I met made me feel very welcome. Very special thanks go to Ms Snook who was looking after me very kindly and to Mr Davies who is the most amazing Headteacher I have ever met (sorry Mr Davies, I know this has embarrassed you!) I can’t wait until students visit my school in Celle. Auf Wiedersehen and Tschüss. Susi E. Schult

81 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Sports Literacy Competition

Newport Dragons Visit by Benedict Pask-Williams, 7AH On Wednesday 17th December I went to Newport to interview the Dragons Rugby team where I met Owen Evans. Owen Evans is a prop in the Newport Gwent Dragons. We were able to interview him and ask him some questions. One of the first questions that I asked him was “What is your most memorable moment and why?” He said that his most memorable moment was his first game when he scored two tries. I also asked him who he was friendly with on the team and he said “Nathan Buck”. Evans was also asked whether he has any superstitions and routines that he follows when playing rugby. He said that his superstition is that he always puts his rugby boots on in a MCS Visits Newport County certain order; right boot on first, then his left boot and then by Katie Kilbourne he ties his right laces and then his left. Recently I entered the Monmouth Comprehensive School Evans described his worst injury as the time that he tore a ‘Sports Literacy’ competition. For this I had to write a ligament in his knee and his leg was just hanging loosely. He biography on a rugby or football player of my choice. I chose said that one of the most embarrassing moments in his to write about a woman called Casey Stoney, Captain of the careers was when he had his shorts pulled down on the women’s England football team. I thought she would be an rugby field! interesting and different person to write about because a lot of people think that most sport stars are male. I like to see I learnt that Owen Evans started playing rugby when he was things from other points of view. eight years old. He originally wanted to be a football player but he kept getting sent off for tackling, so his dad got him I found out that I had won the competition: two tickets to to play rugby instead. see Newport County play and beat Stevenage on Saturday 13th December. I felt very pleased with myself as I wanted to The one thing that Owen Evans said that happens to all try something new and I succeeded. rugby players is that they all develop a superstition and that nerves affect them all. Newport County played very well; they scored two goals in the first half by striker Aaron O’Connor and defender, Darren FACT FILE Jones. Aaron was sent off for a late challenge in the last five Name: Owen Evans minutes of the game. The final score was 2-0. Weight: 119kg / 18st. To my surprise, a trip had been organised for the Monday Age: 25 after the weekend Height: 188cm / 6ft 2 match. It was to meet Born: 19/02/1989 and interview professional football Clubs: Cross Keys players from Newport Llandovery County AFC. Together Llanelli with the other Newport competition winners Honours: Wales U20 from various years, we went to Newport Stadium for the day. We were given a tour

82 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 of their changing rooms, eating area, rehabilitation centre interviewed them, had good conversations and learnt a lot and games room. After the tour we went over to the about the players. It was a really good experience and I’m Velodrome and had lunch. The Velodrome is an arena for glad I went. I can see you can achieve anything when you put track cycling. It was massive and there were seats all around. your mind to it! The trip was a new exciting experience for me. After we ate, all of us went back to the Footballer’s relaxing I suggest everyone should enter competitions, not necessarily room and three of the players from the team joined us - Yan for the prize but for the experience. Try something new you Klukowski, Aaron O’Connor and Andy Sandell (captain). We never know what could happen!

Interviewing the players: Q: What hobbies do you have apart from football? Newport County Aaron O’Connor A: I enjoy playing different sports. I’m Interviews Q: How do you feel always trying different ones out.” by Daniel Keane about women in Q: How do you feel about women in football? football? Aaron O’Connor A: I think it’s good. A: It’s grown a lot! There are some Q: Who was your inspiration when you They get more fantastic players and the games now were younger? recognition now have good T.V. exposure. A: Paul Gascoigne. It is a shame that his than they used more recent behaviour means that he to get. I think everyone should have Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t a footballer? is not really an inspiration for equal rights. youngsters today. A: I always enjoyed school so I would Q: Have you always wanted to be a Q: What are you and your team’s football player? probably be a teacher, maybe P.E. My wife is a P.E. teacher. Education ambitions this season? A: Yes I have, I never really thought has always been important to me. I A: We definitely think that we can get about being anything else. made sure that I got my degree just promoted into League 1. We are Q: What subjects did you enjoy at in case football didn’t work out. currently sixth in the table which is in school? the play-offs. We are three points off A: P.E, I.C.T, English – I really enjoy Andy Sandell automatic promotion so there is a reading. It was always important Q: What hobbies real belief that we can do it. for me to get an education just in do you have? Q: What advice would you give to case football didn’t work out. A: I enjoy boxing, young people who would like to be Q: Have you got a favourite book to cricket, looking professional footballers? read? after my horses A: I would just say to make sure that and watching A: I like sports related books, so my all- you try and give one hundred per sport on T.V. time favourite is ‘Gazza: My Story’, cent in every training session and which is Paul Gascoigne’s Q: Have you always wanted to play matches, and don’t give up. If you autobiography. professional football? are rejected by a club, don’t let your A: No actually, when I was younger I confidence go but prove them wrong. Yan Klukowski wanted to be a marine but I wasn’t Q: Where is the best stadium that you Q: Favourite allowed because I had asthma!! have ever played at? premiership Q: What were your favourite subjects at A: Wembley: we were promoted into team school? the Football League in the play-off A: , A: Of course I liked P.E, I also enjoyed final against . We beat haha!” doing Drama. them 1-0.

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At the club the food they eat a lot of is pasta and potatoes. Yan is Polish. Andy Sandell Fact-file He is the Captain. The biggest stadium he has played at is Wembley. The best player he has come up against is Didier Drogba. Andy Sandell He is a defender. Q: Do you like the fame of being a footballer? He has been at the club for three years. A: No, not at all. I hate it when I’m doing my shopping and He drives a BMW. people want autographs and selfies. It makes me feel really He wears Hypervenom boots. awkward. Andy played for Bristol Rovers and he got £17.50 and one pint Q: How long have you been at Newport? per week. A: This will be my third year at the club. The worst injury he has had was a broken foot. Q: How do you feel before a match? Diego Maradona was the player who inspired Andy. A: I get nervous like everyone. Being nervous is normal; it just At the club his best friend is Yan Klukowski. shows how much you care about the game. His wife has a horse business so when he retires he will work Q: Who’s the best player you’ve ever marked? with that business. A: Adnan Januzaj, who plays for Manchester United, he is a His favourite subject in school was drama. tremendous talent and one to watch for the future. One of his hobbies is cricket. Yan Klukowski He supports Tottenham Hotspur. The hardest team he has played against is Chelsea. Q: Who’s got the worst taste in fashion on the team? A: Probably Andy Sandell. He wears these baggy jeans and old man jumpers. Q: Who’s the best at FIFA in your team? A: Haha – probably Ismail Yakuba. Q: What would you say to do if we make a mistake on a football pitch? A: Just put it to one side and forget about it. Even the best players on the planet make mistakes; you wouldn’t be normal if you didn’t make them. Q: What formation do you and your team play? A: We play 3-5-2 which is the formation that Manchester United play. This allows us to play wing backs. This formation hasn’t been very poplar over the years but now top teams are using it.

Player Fact-files by Hayden Morris Yan Klukowski Fact-file Yan played for Southampton Academy. He started football at six years old. His best friend at the club is Andy Sandell, the Captain. At school Yan’s favourite subjects were P.E. and science. Steven Gerard inspired Yan and it worked. When Yan has retired he wants to be a teacher. He wears Hypervenom boots. The biggest team he has played against is Man United. The hardest player Yan has gone up against is Adnan Januzaj.

84 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Vocational As exams draw near and we come to the end of another successful round of Vocational provision with Coleg Gwent and ISA Training, it is time to celebrate the wonderful achievements of our Year 11 students.

Having worked so hard, and flourished For many of our students, the slightly different, having successfully in the practical environment, we are opportunity of attending these completed their Hair and Beauty proud to be able to say that all those vocational courses has enabled them to qualifications in working salons. The make informed choices about their reports for these girls have been pathways after Y11 at MCS. Through the enjoyment and enthusiasm for the Construction Course, several students have gone on to apply to further their skills in the construction trade come September. One such example is Jack Moore, who has already been offered a place on the Bricklaying course at Hereford College. This enthusiasm is mirrored in our Animal Care and Motor Vehicle students, with completing the course this year will Daraywn Skidmore, Verity Harris and outstanding, with both girls hoping to leave having passed their relevant Emily Gleed all deciding to return to follow up apprenticeships in the industry qualifications. A special mention should Coleg Gwent for Animal Care and next year. go here to Lewys Bufton and Agriculture courses with Connor Brine We are very proud of the achievements Ben Philpotts, who are leaving their pursuing an apprenticeship with Audi. of our vocational students this year, and Public Services course with no less than a For Stacey Jeffs and Daisy Biggin, the wish them every continued success in the distinction. Well done boys! vocational learning experience has been future! Well done everyone!

85 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Living and Learning in a New School

“The change from the old school could certainly not go unnoticed. We had moved from an old building which had survived two World Wars to a very new, modern concrete building which was to be a typical scene of the sixties and seventies. It was one of the first buildings of its kind in Monmouth and, most certainly, the largest and it was the centre of attention. Everyone was talking about it and my friends and I were no exception. I couldn’t wait to start there: Monmouth Secondary School could be really proud!” The Monmouth Secondary School Celebration Magazine of 1977

In 1977, Monmouth welcomed a new school building for its students. In 2015, at the time of writing, we are just weeks away from the ‘ground being broken’ announcing the commencement of the construction phase of another brand new school. Some might see this as the start, but to misquote one of our more famous elder statesmen, ‘it’s not the start but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning’. This year we have seen our community’s aims, values and vision ‘morph’ into architectural plans, Sheen on how this once in a lifetime of core transferable skills that will be artists drawings and computer aided venture will enhance opportunities for examined and assessed through a ‘fly throughs’. The School Council has young people and their families in broad range of new qualifications and led a range of consultation processes Monmouth, now and for decades to settings. The Welsh Baccalaureate and within the school and has been come. the new suite of GCSE’s will develop independent thinkers and problem instrumental in ensuring that every In mid-April the Local Authority solvers. A range of authentic learning student has had the opportunity to received final confirmation from the environments are required if students have their point of view heard and Welsh Government that funding was are to develop, achieve and flourish. been able to comment on the now in place in the form of a letter Presentation and performance spaces, constantly developing plans; from from Huw Lewis, the Minister for independent learning spaces as well as dining to drama, learning to library Education and Skills. An extract from IT rich and traditional learning and from toilets to technology. our deposition to the minister best environments need to be available encapsulates our vision for learning, Teaching teams, parents and flexibly if we are to continue to raise living and achieving in a new school. governors have all enjoyed engaging achievement and respond to students needs within the school and their wider community. The walls separating classrooms need to be broken down, both metaphorically and literally if we are to prepare students for learning and living in the 21st Century and with the Monmouthshire County “The developing curriculum and beyond”. Council 21st Century School Team led reviewed national qualifications are So, hard hats and high vis jackets at by Mr Simon Kneafsey and Miss Cath designed to support the development the ready, let the build begin!

86 The Leader Issue 11 - Summer 2015 Student Design & Technology Work

Amanda, Laura, Jay, Jamie Alex, Luke, Grace

Alice, Caitlyn, Henry

Ben, Alice, Max Jacob, Nicole, Abbie Charlotte, Louis, Olivia

Cameron Bradbury Iwan Roberts Flo James Seth Barrett

Hazel Facey Hannah Youngmark Bradley Smith Hannah Kay Bradley Smith

87 As I start... As I leave... This year I am reporting a little differently for the final item. I have interviewed students as they start in Y7 and leave in Y13. A. Hack My first year at MCS has exceeded all my expectations. At Moving school isn’t easy for anyone, especially during the first I was a bit intimidated but now I really feel like I fit in. transition from secondary school to Sixth Form. Joining a year I’ve enjoyed making friends and taking part in exciting group of 150 students who are brought together by a five year events such as the school’s mock General Election. I have friendship is even more challenging. Every single student and every relished the freedom and the opportunity to take single teacher was as welcoming as the other. Within weeks, a friend responsibility for my own learning and I have learnt of mine said to me “James, I forgot you joined at Sixth Form; it feels resilience to face every challenge. like you’ve been here since day one!” Alice Barrell, 7MD James Hawkins, 13DA

I was excited but a bit apprehensive because I didn’t During my time at MCS, I’ve experienced things that I wouldn’t have know many people and there were loads of really tall done otherwise, such as traveling to Bolivia and developing who I am as people. I have fond memories of doing Sweeney Todd a person. Due to the support and opportunities that I’ve been given, my where I made friends from Y7 to Y13. I made really lasting impression of MCS is of a school that gives continuous support good friends with Cassie who I do Celtic Group with allowing you to be the best that you can be. and run Fold Group with. We do lots of concerts and I am the leader of the orchestra. I have really enjoyed my Chloe Mansell, 13DA first year at Monmouth Comprehensive School. Seven years. All started with a kid; ankle bashers, high strapped bag Bethany Piper, 7TK and a fear of his head being flushed. Now, a young adult with confidence on his side. As the last Bowen to walk the corridors, I When I first started at Monmouth Comprehensive School, say thank you. I was very excited. My first lesson was Physical Education – it was amazing because I love doing football, rugby, Robert Bowen, 13EC basketball, athletics, longball and rounders. My first friends As the end of my seven year attendance at Monmouth Comprehensive were Will and Toby. Since I started maths, I have learned comes to an end, I am sad to say goodbye. This school has let me grow as rotational symmetry. a person and to become who I am today. To achieve all that I thought I Thomas Endicott, 7PK could, and strive for the success that I deserve. Along the way I have made many friends, not only with the students but the staff here. They As I have an older sister who came to the school two have supported me throughout my learning and taught me many things, years before me, I knew more about MCS before I not only in lessons but through their friendship and advice on life. So as joined. I was most excited about the PE experiences I prepare for my next adventure into the world, and say my goodbyes to and I was right to be. During the time I have spent at the school, my lasting is impression is that I am leaving behind a good Monmouth Comprehensive School I have enjoyed so friend in which the people will always hold a special place in my heart. many of my PE lessons including gymnastics, swimming rugby, cricket and many more. My first Paige Lewis, 13CC impression of the school was welcoming but slightly daunting. I felt more confident coming up to the school This school has taught me that hard work pays off. It has shown me because I had a lot of my primary school friends with how to be successful by working independently whilst remaining me in my Form. part of a larger team. My lasting impression of the school is that it is a warm and safe place. I will always remember my time here. Grace Shields, 7JH Tilly Greenstreet, 13CC When I started Y7 lots of thoughts came through my mind. As I met Mrs Gardiner for the first time, I was amazed to My journey has been a real rollercoaster ride. Monmouth see someone so willing to help everyone that needed it. I met Comprehensive School has been an exciting and enjoyable environment my friend Joe here and he was so polite. My favourite and without a doubt a school community I would call ‘home’, where I subject is music and my music teacher is Miss Manners. have made lifelong friends. Although some would say cliché, it has really She is helping me to apply to Britain’s got Talent. given me the incredible tools and valuable experiences for my future, and it will definitely be hard to leave. Alex Dart, 7TK Juliette Hagg, 13JB