24 ❚ Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 • westerntelegraph.co.uk WTAd feature the_word2@STP

A word from the head And so we come towards the end of the academic year and await the start of the holiday with anticipation and relief! It has indeed been a busy year and one that has seen a number of changes. It is with such mixed feelings that we say farewell to those colleagues who will not rejoin us in September.Some of them are long established members of staff who have collectively contributed in excess of 210 years of service to the school. We wish you all well and hope that you will keep in touch with those of us who continue here at STP.

I wish all pupils and staff a well-deserved and safe holiday that is both relaxing and enjoyable. Joan Bessant School returns on Tu esday 2nd September and I look forward to seeing you all then.

Exciting Partnership Struck by the school in September for all of its Ye ar 12 pupils, as a cutting edge edu- Modern secondary education is all about providing young people with the cational initiative that adds a valuable new dimension to the subjects and widest possible range of learning experiences to prepare them for adulthood. courses already available.It combines personal development skills with exist- Providing a broad choice of diverse learning pathways is no mean feat and ing qualifications such as AS/ A2 levels to make one wider award that is valued requires collaboration with other schools and, increasingly, with local business- by employers and universities. es. A recent innovation for ’s pupils is an As part of the partnership,Murco has agreed to provide key speak- exciting partnership formed between the school and one of the ers throughout the year to address the year group on topical issues largest employers in the area, Murco, Refinery. such as health and safety,economic and technological change in Wales Murco is a subsidiary of the American based Murphy Oil and ethical trading- all key Welsh baccalaureate areas of study. Corporation which is a multi-billion dollar oil/gas exploration and It has also offered the whole year group a visit to the refinery and production company. It has refining and marketing operations in is sponsoring the prestigious STP Welsh baccalaureate student of the America and the United Kingdom and crude oil and natural gas year award. In addition, it will work closely with STP’s new head of exploration with production operations in Canada, Malaysia and Ecuador. chemistry, Dr Nicole Wayman, in providing advanced level students with an Murco owns, and operates, the former To tal refinery in Milford Haven, where invaluable practical insight into its chemical engineering processes. it can process more than five million tonnes of crude oil every year. STP is delighted with Murco’s support. It is an outstanding opportunity to Murco is keen to get involved in the local community by working with young work with a international employer to enhance the learning experience people and has seized the opportunity to work in partnership with STP on the for its pupils, whilst reinforcing the local context. Long may the partnership new Welsh baccalaureate.It sees the qualification, which is being introduced continue. STP's Deputy Headteacher Tim Williams and Murco's Human Resource Director Emma Murphy shake hands on an She keeps on winning! temperatures reaching 34 degrees, with the exciting new partnership. Helen Weatherburn, from Ye ar 10, Russians and Italians proving to be the strongest represented Wales in an countries on display. international Judo competition in St Etienne in France recently. Fighting Keeping up to date at STP in the under 63 kg category, Helen Improved communication is at the heart of all the fought French,Algerian and changes being Romanian opposition to win bronze introduced at and help Wales to victory in the STP.Along with Crundale Building, County Showground, team competition. On the following a 40 inch LCD Withybush Road, , weekend, Helen fought for her black screen in recep- Pembs. SA62 4BW belt, against adults, at the Kingsley tion, very kindly Tel/Fax: 01437 760 546 Hall grading in London. After win- provided by ning two fights, she had Vaughans of e-mail: [email protected] to beat a line-up of three Haverfordwest, constantly updating everyone on all players by the highest that’s going on in school, the website has also been score, fighting one after given a makeover. With such a pace of change going the other without a on, it’s good to know that everyone can keep up to Richards Bros break. date with the considerable amount of news STP - developing international links generated by accessing STP’s homepage on LUXURY COACH PROPRIETORS In achieving this she Recently, a party of 12 Zanzibari teachers visited Sir became,at 15 years old, www.stp..sch.uk Parents can also Thomas Picton School as part of a shared education Telephone: CARDIGAN (01239) 613756 one of the youngest black access a wide range of information including school NEWPORT (01239) 820751 project funded by grants from the British Council belts in Britain. Helen’s policies, uniform specifications, contact details and Fax: (01239) 615193 and the General Te aching Council of Wales. The next stop was Belfast term dates, including whether the first day back project has already developed shared teaching where she took a bronze after a holiday is indeed an Inset day! MOYLGROVE GARAGE, PENTOOD ENTERPRISE PARK, resources and the next phase is moving into creat- CARDIGAN, CEREDIGION,WALES, UK SA43 3AG in the under 18 section ing pod-casts of work done by pupils, supported by of the Connie’s another STP 12-57 Seater luxury coaches always available.Depots at: an Internet space for teachers from both countries. Newport (Pembs) & Cardigan Open, fighting the top 18 Hall of Fame member Tw o teachers from STP,Mrs Helen Llewellyn and year olds in Britain. Sir Thomas Picton School has a Mrs Marilyn Webster,have already visited Zanzibar Finally, Helen fought at Venray in Holland going out long tradition of producing as part of the exchange.Atruly amazing experi- in the quarter-final through injury. STP is confident artists who have gone on to ence was gained, providing invaluable insights into that we’ll be hearing a lot more about Helen win- perform on national and even not only the difficulties the Zanzibari teachers face ning national honours in the future. international stages. in their daily lives and in their teaching but also into Connie Fisher started at STP their positive attitude and upbeat approach to life. in 1994 and quickly established herself as a For most of the Zanzibari teachers, the visit to International vest for performer who fully embraced the music and drama Wales was their first trip outside their country and Matthew opportunities she was offered. Her friends they were eager to meet our pupils, see our Unit 6, East Estate, Withybush Park, Haverfordwest Matthew Richards from Year Te n affectionately nicknamed her Paperboy and staff schools and observe our teaching methods. As part recently gained his first remember her fondly as someone who always had a ACCIDENT REPAIRS,INSURANCE WORK, of the visit, the project was used as the flagship PANEL BEATING,COMMERCIALS international vest. Matthew smile on her face and who loved to perform when- study during the prestigious UNESCO Associated competed for the Welsh under ever she could. She learned to speak Welsh and was Tel:01437 762642 Mobile: 07966970250 Schools seminar held at the Botanical Gardens. 17 athletics team in an interna- encouraged by her grandmother to compete in tional youth Mountain Running eisteddfodau. Connie was a member of the National challenge in Susa, Italy. The Yo uth Theatre from 1999 and 2002 and, following For The Best Selection of current Dyfed Schools’ 1500m several musical competitions in Wales and appearances in amateur productions, she won a full Sir Thomas Picton Uniforms steeplechase scholarship to the Mountview Academy of Theatre and 1500m Arts. It was from here that she graduated in 2005 Visit champion, with a first-class BA Hons in . Matthew was During her weekly television appearances on How the youngest do you solve a problem like Maria?, all at STP were member of behind Connie and willing her to win. The head- HYLTON JOHN the team and teacher regularly updated the whole school during finished a each Monday morning assembly and everyone was Open Monday-Saturday 9 til 5.30pm creditable extremely proud when she landed the lead role of Open Monday-Saturday 9 til 5.30pm 36th out of a Maria in . field of 46. The latest news is that Connie will star alongside Castle Square, Haverfordwest The compe- TV funnyman Alistair McGowan in They’re Playing tition saw Our Song at the in ten nations London from July 25 to September 28.All at STP 01437 762706 competing in wish her continued success in her glittering career. WTAd feature ❚ Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 • westerntelegraph.co.uk 25

Farewell to the maestro STP take Normandy by storm!! Best set of results at The end of term sees the retirement of, amongst Vingt neuf (29) year eight and nine pupils from Sir Welsh national athletics level others, Sir Thomas Picton’s director of music,Mr Thomas Picton have just returned from a four day Brecon was the venue for the Welsh schools’ track Richard Noyce.Starting in 1981, he quickly estab- adventure in Normandy.The visit was organised to and field championships recently. Six pupils from lished STP’s reputation as a school that excels in provide an opportunity to absorb,at first hand, STP competed and produced probably the best performance - from French culture and language. ever set of results for the school in these national classical music to jazz finals. Ben Charles (Year 13) finished fourth in the and pop.While Mr senior boys’ triple jump.Also placed fourth, was Noyce has been at the Lawrence Hancock (Year nine) in the junior boys’ school, many pupils high jump and Matthew Richards (Year nine) helped have gained national the Dyfed relay team gain a bronze medal. honours with the Excellent results indeed but the highlights of the National Yo uth day were four gold medals won by STP.Heather Orchestra, brass band, Lewis (Year nine) comfortably won the junior girls’ choir, wind band and 1000m walk, while Jonathan Stowell (Year nine) jazz band of Wales. In took the hammer title.In the middle boys’ section, addition, the full Matthew Richards (Year ten) won the 1500m the_word2 school orchestra, steeplechase by 70m and Ricky Watts (Year 11) string orchestra and held on to win a thrilling 400m final. Matthew and small ensembles have been successful in represent- Ricky will now go on to represent the Welsh @STP ing Pembrokeshire at the National Festival of Yo uth Schools’ U16s’ Te am in the Home Schools’ Music at the Albert Hall, and the respective International in Bedford on July 19th. Symphony Halls in London and Birmingham. Mr Noyce has encouraged all pupils to achieve their full potential by making music at a high stan- NEWS... NEWS... STP’s innovative Film Club is going from dard. One year eleven pupil said,“He has always strength to strength. Audience numbers are been enthusiastic about music making and has given STP is pleased to announce that Year 11 pupil growing and after-school performances are us many exciting opportunities to perform a The highlights of the visit, which were many, John Power has recently been named PRIDE being arranged to keep up with the demand. diverse range of styles.We’ll really miss his sense of included the Mademoiselle Lalo Apprentice student of the year by Pembrokeshire College. This week’s showing is Ratatouille and recent humour!” Challenge 2008. Te ams were given five Euro in This award was presented in recognition of films have included Transformers, Stardust and It’s not all bad news though.Mr Noyce’s retire- Rouen Sunday market and asked to speak in French John’s level of effort in, and positive attitude The Golden Compass. ment does not signal the end of his musical links to negotiate the purchase of a list of items from towards, his welding course.Well done John! with the school. His plans are to continue working the stallholders.The teams demonstrated excellent The English department has just returned with pupils and adult musicians in a community negotiation and teamwork skills and threw them- School breaks up for the summer holidays on from a one-day visit to London. A party of 28 orchestra that will rehearse and perform at the selves into the challenge,returning with some of Friday 18th July.Pupils return to school on students from the AS English group travelled school. Hopefully, he’ll continue to pace the corri- the smelliest cheese ever. Tu esday, 2nd September 2008. to the Globe Theatre to see a performance of dors with his baton for many years to come. On a more serious level the group visited the King Lear.The ‘al fresco’ theatre forced the Nearly 40 dancers from Sir Thomas Picton group to stand in the rain to watch the per- School recently took part in Pembrokeshire’s formance- just like the peasant audiences from first 5x60 Inter School Dance Competition. centuries ago. The ‘5x60’ initiative aims to get young people taking five hour long sessions of exercise a The Welsh department recently held its annual week. Pupils from STP performed brilliantly trip to the Urdd Camp at Llangrannog for 43 on the day, demonstrating the time and effort Year seven pupils and several sixth-form put into choreographing and practising their “swogs”. Along with gaining invaluable expo- routines. Their efforts were rewarded by sure to Welsh culture and language,the full winning three of the four categories available: itinerary of activities gave pupils (and staff) the Solo (Year seven and eight) winner - Monique chance to experience skiing, tobogganing, go- Parsley Solo (Years nine,ten and 11) winner - karting, team games, trampolining and archery. Laura Venables Groups winner - ‘Unison’ A fantastic time was had by all. (Chloe Davies, Louise Bellerby, Amy Hewett, Eleri Buck, Emily Griffiths). If you would like The English and media departments have any further information about the ‘5x60’ pro- recently collaborated to produce an innovative ject please contact Matthew Freeman on compilation of stories about recycling and 07920 723411. sustainability issues recited by Year eight pupils. Copies of the professionally produced An STP Folk Duo,made up of Siobhan CD entitled Green Stories, are available from O’Sullivan (violin) and Harry Thomas (guitar) the school. performed in the finals of the National festival of music for youth at Birmingham Symphony At the recent Welsh Schools’ U18 Golf sixth_form@stp sites of battles, ancient and modern; the Bayeux Hall on July 10th. One of the pieces per- Championships, Sophie Rees and Callum The sixth form certainly hasn’t escaped STP’s cli- Tapestry; D Day Landings at Arromanche and a very formed was be a GCSE composition by McDougall (both Year 12) gained selection for mate of change.One of the most radical develop- poignant visit to a Second World War cemetery at Siobhan, 30 April 2008. the Welsh Schools’ team and will now ments in the school is the choice of advanced level Ranville to pay this generation’s respects to a local compete in an international against England in qualifications now available to pupils. Gone are the Pembrokeshire hero who died on June 6th 1945. STP is delighted to confirm that two students August. days when young people’s life choices were poten- All participants really enjoyed the experience and following the AS drama course are current tially limited by the courses on offer and teacher are already looking forward to the next. members of the National UK Yo uth Theatre. expertise available within a chosen school. Pupils Sophie Dobson from STP is in her second can currently choose from a menu of more than 35 Healthy on the Hill term working with costume and design whilst AS and A2 subjects, some of which are delivered STP has its very own School Nutrition Action Georgia Coles-Riley, a Pembrokeshire College through the local federation set up between Sir Group (SNAG) which has had a very successful student, is a performer. Thomas Picton School,Tasker Milward School and year.The group and school have recently been Pembrokeshire College.This innovative collabora- assessed by Mary MacDonald, Pembrokeshire coun- tion ensures maximum opportunity for individuals ty council’s senior public health and gained the Western Tangiers, Fishguard Rd to follow their chosen combination of subjects and the phase five Health Promoting Schools award. Haverfordwest movement between the three centres is provided STP was the first secondary school in the county by a free regular bus. to receive this prestigious award and Mary _w Tel: 01437 779977 Of course,it’s not just about the work. The value commented recently how pleased she was that the www.powersafe.co.uk of the sixth form lies not only in the courses school was one of the most healthy in Wales. ord offered but also in the development of informal SNAG is a group of representatives from each relations with fellow students and staff, whilst at year group that have formed a committee to the same time making contacts with people in the discuss healthy issues relating to the school. 2 wider world. This sits comfortably with the think- Projects have involved the group being involved in

ing behind the Welsh baccalaureate qualification discussions around the new cold snack serving @ being introduced for all STP Year 12 pupils from hatch, new seating areas for lunch time use and this September. marketing of the school’s menus. They also sold 6 Bridge St STP Although there are inevitably a number of rules, fresh fruit and water during the recent sports’ day there are also many privileges to be enjoyed, not event, selling out within just a couple hours. Crisps Haverfordwest least the use of the ‘awesome’ common room, the and chocolate have been added to the school’s list enrichment activities on offer,the ‘amazing’ social of frowned-upon items, along with the likes of life and the ‘glitzy’ sixth form ball. mobile phones and MP3 players! 01437 762750

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