NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI
Working together with you to achieve success / Gweithio gyda’n gilydd i gyflawni llwyddiant April 2016/Ebrill 2016 Issue 21/Rhifyn 21
Lead Story Headline INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Message from the Headteacher Diana Champion 2 Volunteer Award As we come to the end of a very Succeeding In Exams with 3 busy spring term and embark Andrew Newton upon the summer term, I would like to take this opportunity to Workshops and 4-5 thank you for your support in Mr N Harrison Headteacher reward trips helping us to continue to raise the standards across our school. It is Business 6 always a pleasure to see so much I am pleased to inform you that happening in our school our Nurture, Engage and Well Epraise 7 community. Being Centre is nearly completed in readiness for September along Office Girls 9 Students and staff have been with an extra Flexible Learning working hard to ensure that Suite in the Science Department World Book Day 10 children are achieving their and our Music Department will be potential in their subjects and I am refurbished next term to provide Dance Festival 12 very pleased to see our students a creative and engaging working hard in so many areas of environment to develop our the school. There has been a musical talents. Sports News 13 varied and exciting programme of opportunities for students to With the examination season Exploration Easter 14 achieve and to enjoy their learning drawing ever closer and with only during the course of the last 5 6 weeks until the first external Attendance Awards 16 weeks. examinations, it is important that Secondary Story Headline we work together to maintain the Peer Mentoring 18 Wins Award Transition work with our Cluster of right balance in ensuring the right Primary Schools has continued to preparations lead to the best SCC Visit 18 provide children in our school achievements. community with the opportunity to Dates for your 18 work closely with a lot of different I look forward to working with you Diary subjects and to benefit from our next term and welcoming you to Twelfth Night resources and facilities. our school. 19 Productions
New School App 20 N D Harrison Headteacher/Pennaeth
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT
Page 2 NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI
Diana Champion Volunteer Award
On Friday 22nd April, 6 students accompanied by Mrs Payne visited the CBSO Centre in Birmingham to receive the coveted National Diana Champion Volunteer Award. It was a fantastic event and the organisers acknowledged the students contribution for giving their time to improve the lives of others and creating a happy learning environment at Rhosnesni High School.
Top Ten Pupils on Epraise Leader Board
Scott Jones 7R1 152 Points Sapphire Milestone Award Klaudia Jakubas 7Y1 151 Points Sapphire Milestone Award Cole Jones 8R1 137 Points Headteacher Milestone Award Wioletta Chmielewska 7Y1 136 Points Headteacher Milestone Award Dylan Jones 7Y1 130 Points Headteacher Milestone Award Sean Beckett 7Y1 126 Points Headteacher Milestone Award Aaron Jones 8R1 124 Points Platinum Milestone Award Isobel Owen 7Y2 122 Points Platinum Milestone Award Liam Roberts 10Y2 122 Points Platinum Milestone Award Chloe Morris 8Y1 115 Points Platinum Milestone Award
Watch out for the Prize Draws
There are some fabulous prizes to be won Work hard – earn your praise points and they could be yours. Log into epraise to see the full List of Prize draws available to you
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 2
April 2016/Ebrill 2016 Page 3
James Cleverley at Labour Conference in Llandudno
James Cleverley, Head Boy spoke at the Welsh Labour Party Conference in Llandudno on 20th February 2016. I have watched his speech to the conference and the maturity, command, presence and delivery for a 16 year old were exceptional. James is a true ambassador of Ysgol Rhosnesni and the young people of Wales.
“My speech was based on the importance of showing a positive campaign in order to energise younger voters in the upcoming Welsh Assembly Elections and attendees were extremely supportive of my message; the Education Minister later congratulated me on it a few hours later. I thoroughly enjoyed the conference.” - James Cleverley
Succeeding in Exams with Andrew Newton
On Thursday 17th March over 40 Year 10 and 11 students accompanied by their parents/carers attended a stimulating evening to help prepare for the forthcoming exam season. Andrew Newton is a highly experienced educational trainer and led a lively evening which focused on the following areas:
Revision Techniques Stress Reducing Tips Organisational Skills Parental Help Time Saving Tips
The evening was a resounding success and everyone who attended said they would recommend the event. One parent emailed school directly stating:
“Many thanks for organising last night's seminar. My daughter and I thought it was very beneficial…. it couldn't have been better timed for us. I got the impression during the group tasks at the end, that parents and students alike had quite enjoyed the evening and learnt something from it. “
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 3
Page 4 NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI
Hitler on Trial workshop
On Tuesday 23rd February The pupils found him guilty but 2016 The History Department not by a large margin! Hitler took Year 10 and Year 11 was then shot by an actor students to a Hitler on Trial playing a member of the exam busting workshop in audience and landed on Mr Manchester. After the exam Farquharson! The pupils busting session with a leading thoroughly enjoyed the Principal Examiner the pupils experience which will aid them played the part of the jury in in their quest for greater the trial of Hitler (can he be examination success. solely responsible for starting the Second World War?) Mr I. Farquharson History Department
Manchester United Rewards Trip
The latest rewards trip took place on Thursday 25th February 2016 to watch Manchester United play Midtjylland as part of the UEFA Europa League Round of 32. This trip was in recognition for pupils that had made significant progress in Geography and History. All pupils were very well behaved, and a credit to the school.
Mr A. Roberts Geography Department
7Y1 celebrate at Frankie & Benny’s Restaurant
Due to their excellent behaviour, attendance and progress, some of my 7Y1 form pupils were invited to celebrate their success at our local Frankie and Benny's restaurant. Together we took our school mini-bus and arrived (safe!) at Plas Coch to enjoy a lovely meal with scrumptious desserts. Myself and Mrs Jan Williams accompanied the children and it was a real delight to see how much the children enjoyed some well deserved celebration time!
Mrs F. Williams 7Y1 Form Tutor
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 4
April 2016/Ebrill 2016 Page 5
Year 11 PDC group visit to Caernarfon Castle
On Monday 14th March They learnt how the 2016 pupils who work with regiment won 14 Victoria North Wales Training on Crosses and heard the the Personal Develop- words of the famous ment Course visited the writers who served with Royal Welch Museum at the Royal Welsh during Caernarfon Castle. Pupils the First World War - were able to discover the Siegfried Sassoon, Robert story of Wales’ oldest Graves, “Hedd Wyn”, infantry regiment by David Jones and Frank looking at various and Richards. interactive displays. The Museum is housed in two towers of Caernar-
fon Castle. In it the group found a wealth of original exhibits, supported by film, sound and models, which tell the story of over 300 years of service by Wales’ oldest infantry regiment, in peacetime and in war, all around the world.
Mrs A. Taylor Learning Coach
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 5
Page 6 NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI
Business Class partnership
Ysgol Rhosnesni High School and Moneypenny have signed a significant 3 year partnership deal in association with Careers Wales. The Business Class initiative will see Ysgol Rhosnesni and Moneypenny working together on a variety of projects that are aimed at raising aspirations, providing up to date labour market information for pupils and staff, as well as opportunities to see how skills learned in school are transferrable to the world of work.
We are very excited to be working with such a forward looking and dynamic company and look forward to sharing the experiences as they happen.
Mr M. Jones Assistant Headteacher
Year 5 Science workshop - Borras Junior School
60 students attended a Science workshop on Thursday 17th March at Rhosnesni with Mrs Hasford and Mrs Cheetham.
Pupils conducted experiments linked to topics they had been studying in school this term. This involved how plants reproduce and make their own food. They were able to dissect a flower, learn the reproductive organs of a plant and they tested a leaf for starch and leant the importance of photosynthe- sis for plants and animals.
Mrs L. Hasford Science Department
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 6
April 2016/Ebrill 2016 Page 7
Rewarding pupils through Epraise at Easter As we draw to a close of our Spring Term at Rhosnesni High School our Progress Managers have been busy during their assemblies presenting Milestone Awards, rewards and revealing the winners of their Easter Prize Draws. Silver Milestone Prize Draw - All pupils who have achieved their Silver Milestone Award (50 Epraise Points) were entered into their year group prize draw. Pictured below is Jordan Parry and Katie Milton with their prizes.
Silver Milestone Prize Draw Winners Year 7 Karolina Krupinska 7R2 Year 8 Dylan Clayton 8Y1 Year 9 Jake Ashley 9R2 Year 10 Katie Milton 10H1 Year 11 Jordan Parry 11Y1
Top Form Group Prize Draw
Congratulations go to 7Y1 pictured below with Form Tutor Mrs F Williams who not only have the most points in Year 7 but also top the Epraise Form Group Leaderboard.
Year 7 7Y1 1744 Points Year 8 8R1 1350 Points Year 9 9R1 1005 Points Year 10 10Y2 836 Points
All pupils in the Form Groups listed above received an Easter Chocolate Reward . Top of The Form Group Prize Draw
Prizes were awarded to the pupil who had received the most points in their Form Groups across years 7-10. Pictured below is Year 7 Top of Form Group Winners with Deputy Headteacher Ms Brown .
Year 7
7R1 Scott Jones 7Y1 Klaudia Jakubas 7R2 James Gaulton 7Y2 Isobel Owen
Mrs K. Price
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 7
Page 8 NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI
Light Fantastic Workshop Year 5 and 6 pupils from Haford Y Wern Primary School attended the Physics Light Fantastic workshop run by Miss Smith and peer mentors. Pupils learnt and experienced how light travels in straight lines by taking part in various activities. All pupils were able to have hands on experience using ray boxes to carry out an investigation to find out how light travels. The workshop allowed pupils to problem solve, develop literacy, communication, working together and practical skills. We would like to thank all the pupils and staff of Haford Y Wern for a fun filled session. It was enlightening for all involved and we hope to hold many more workshops in the future.
Crime Scene Investigation Murder in Miss Smith’s Science lab was the talk of Rhosnesni in the week of the 7th December. Pupils had the chance to take part in a crime scene investigation and become crime scene investigators to find out who had killed the victim and explain and discuss what their motive for the murder was. Groups of pupils were given the challenge as a problem solving activity where they had to use crime scene evidence
such as DNA, finger prints and hair samples to identify the murderer. This has allowed pupils to use information and skills they have learnt in lessons to access this opportunity. It gave pupils the experience of a real life event and showed how detailed an investigation can be. We would like to thank all pupils involved, they were all true crime scene investigators and enjoyed seeing and experiencing how a crime scene is dealt with in real life. Watch this space for our next crime scene investigation at Rhosnesni.
Chemistry At Work at Techniquest Glyndwr Pupils from Year 10 and 11 attended a Chemistry At Work event at Techniquest with Miss Smith on 13th October. The event introduced our pupils to the local chemical industries and demonstrated how the chemistry which they are learning at school is used by a variety of people in their work. The industries involved in the event were Coleg Cambria, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Dwr Cymru, Natural Resources Wales, Science2U and Techniquest Glyndwr. Pupils took part in various workshops throughout the day, which included working out their own carbon footprint, making
bath bombs, air quality survey, four drinks for the price of one and the network challenge. All workshops and presentations on the day were educational and all pupils enjoyed the day. We would like to thank all of the organisations involved and look forward to the next event.
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 8
April 2016/Ebrill 2016 Page 9
Office Girls sing out a positive message to our students
On Tuesday 15th March our Year 7 and 8 students were treated to a performance from the Office Girls who have supported Ella Henderson and Conor Maynard on tour.
The group sang their 2015 single, along with a medley of covers to our students.
The group also had an important message to deliver regarding online safety and cyber bullying. The group spoke about their own experiences of social media account hacking and how it affected them personally and as a group.
The message was strong and our students joined in the discussion, coming up with ways to protect themselves online. 1 in 5 of us are bullied or cyber bullied at some point in our lives and the group were keen to remind our audience of the damage thoughtless messages can cause others. The girl band talked through what to do if you became a target of cyber bullying. Their advice was:
1. Don’t respond to hurtful messages 2. Record the message(s) and take screen shots of Student feedback: everything “Hey, thanks for coming to 3. Block the bully Rhosnesni today! 4. Reach out to a friend, parent, teacher or phone Child line You were amazing. We – do not suffer alone really loved you. Please 5. Report it to the police – they can and will prosecute come back! Your singing was amazing and your The pupils had a fantastic time - thank you to the Office Girls cyber bullying talk was for visiting us and reinforcing an important message to our really inspiring. When is students. your album coming out? I will definitely be buying it! “
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 9
Page 10 NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI
World Book Day
World Book Day was great fun with some staff dressing up as their favourite book characters.
Mr Harrison chose the winner. 1st prize going to Maleficent Miss Sian Howell and runners up were Gangster Granny—Miss J Davies and Sister Maria Miss C Rowlands.
With it being such a success hopefully next year all of Rhosnesni staff and pupils will take part.
Mrs S. Jones Librarian
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 10
April 2016/Ebrill 2016 Page 11
Students meet amazing pet
We are delighted to have P.A.T. (Pets As Therapy) in school every Friday until the end of this term. Thanks to Helen, she has kindly given us her time free of charge to come in with Tye her amazing dog.
Tye sits and listens to the children read, talk or just gives them 5 minuets of peace which some of our lovely pupils need.
Mrs S. Jones Librarian
“Readathon are wizards.
Read athon took Spreading their book magic and place be- inspiring the love of reading.”
Chris Riddell Children’s Laureate 2015 -2017
Readathon took place between 22nd February till 23rd March and involved year groups 7-8.
Pupils read for ten minutes a day and asked family and friends to sponsor them. All monies raised go to Children's Hospitals. Due to our fantastic pupils’ response we are still being inundated with sponsorship money so our grand total is to be announced next term.
Mrs S. Jones Librarian
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 11
Page 12 NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI
Dance Festival
Well done to the Year 8 girls involved in the NEW WREXHAM W’HAM dance show. The group had practised for several weeks to create a dance based around the theme of African Literature. They performed at the Stiwt Theatre, Rhos, in front of a packed audience .
Ryleigh Blakeley, Ellie Ditcher, Alissa Edwards, Libby Edwards, Aaliyah Ford, Charlotte Jones Erin Lovett, Libby Mackenzie, Ebonny McDermott, Chloe Morris, Jessica Phoenix, Ellie Porter-Ames, Kacey Rowlands, Milly Stokes and Ffion Stringer
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 12
April 2016/Ebrill 2016 Page 13
Sports News
Well done to the Year 8 girls who were selected to represent the Year 8 Netball Team at the Rhosnesni Wrexham County Tournament. The team finished joint 4th overall.
Libby Edwards, Erin Lovett, Libby Mackenzie, Ebonny McDermott, Ellie Porter-Ames, Charlotte Davies, Milly Stokes, Izzy McCarthy, Lainey Evans
Year 8 Netball Team
Well done to the Year 7 girls who were selected to represent the Year 7 Netball Team at the Rhosnesni Wrexham County Tournament. The team finished 2nd overall.
Amy Finn, Amy Foulkes, Ffion Hunter, Amber Lowe, Holly Oldham, Isobel Owen and Josie Sanders
Year 7 Netball Team
Miss D. Edwards PE Department
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 13
Page 14 NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI
Exploration Easter 2016
Year 7 pupils have been taking part in Pupils had the opportunity to explore an ‘Exploration Easter’ event at the the big story of God’s purpose for the local Methodist Church, Rhosnesni world, and make connections with our Lane. relationship with and responsibility The focus of the experience was the Easter story and pupils engaged with towards the created world. Pupils also four biblical gardens; Garden of Eden, received refreshments of hot-cross Garden of Gethsemane, Garden Tomb buns. and Garden City. From left to right: Maciej Wichary, Wioletta Chmielewska, Klaudia Jakubas, Teagan-Jay Rowlands, Hollie Beck and Cian Kavanagh 7Y1. Pupils enjoying sharing their thoughts and ideas about how they imagined
the world would be if Jesus returned and the whole world had been newly created.
“Easter is more than just having Easter eggs, it’s about crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.” From left to right: Roberta Stoian Aimee Breton 7Y1 and Alexandra Ivan (7Y1) completing a literacy task on how they think God would feel about today’s world.
Standing from left to right: Rev. Chris Lawton, Klaudia Jakubas, Teagan-Jay Rowlands, Maciej Wichary, Wioletta Chmielewska, Hollie Beck and Rev. Sarah Errington. Kneeling from left to right: Nikodem Pinczewski and Cian Kavanagh Pupils collected stickers as they visited each of the four gardens. These Year 7 pupils are showing off their ‘Pilgrim Passports’ after they had completed the workshop.
Mrs C. Rowlands RE Department
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 14
April 2016/Ebrill 2016 Page 15
Year 7 visited Wrexham Football Club
7Y2 and 7R2 visited Wrexham Football Club on Tuesday 22nd March and Wednesday 23rd March to complete their Literacy and Numeracy Programme. The pupils have taken part in theory and practical lessons, where Literacy and Numeracy has been the key focus.
The pupils thoroughly enjoyed their experience, and we would like to say a big thanks to Rob Morris, Sport Development Officer at WFC for coordinating the programme and visits.
Mrs C. Hughes Transition & Progress Manager Year 7
Attendance awards
Girls group 100% attendance for the Year 11 weekly awards Spring Term Kayley Gibson -Pandora voucher Liam Griffiths -Giant Easter egg Emily Byrne - Chocolate basket Preston Williams -Odeon tickets Jessica Davies -Easter hamper
End of term tutor group Easter eggs went to 11S2 95.59%, sweets/chocolates went to 2nd place 9Y2 94.73%, 3rd place 9H1 94.42% Interesting fact -11S2 are our most successful tutor group. They have won 2 Spring Term, 2 Summer Term, 1 Autumn Term and 1 Academic Year Awards in succession.
Young Carers Easter pizza lunch (Pizza and Easter eggs - the perfect combination!)
Young Carers end of year trip - venue tbc
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 15
Page 16 NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI
Current attendance initiatives at Rhosnesni High School are
100% Attendance All pupils with 100% for the school year will be entered into a raffle to win an android tablet.
100 Club All pupils achieving 100% attendance during each half term will be entered into a raffle to win a Kindle. There are 6 chances for your name to be entered into the raffle.
Attendance Award Trip All pupils with 98% attendance and above from Monday 22nd February to Wednesday 4th May will be eligible to go on a visit to Liverpool Football Academy.
Improve Your Attendance Award All pupils with 98% attendance from Monday 22nd February to Wednesday 25th May will be entered into a raffle to win a £40 Xbox voucher.
Girls’ Attendance Competition All girls with 98% attendance from Monday 22nd February to Friday 20th May will be entered into a raffle to win a No7 makeover.
Boys’ Attendance Competition All boys with 98% attendance from Monday 22nd February to Friday 20th May will be entered into a raffle to win North Wales Crusaders’ tickets.
End of Year Attendance Trip All pupils with 98% attendance will be eligible to go on a trip to the Trafford Centre.
Girls’ Attendance Group All target group girls with 98% attendance from 7th March to Wednesday 25th May will be entered into a raffle to win a Starbucks and Pandora treat.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS—ATTEND TO ACHIEVE
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 16
April 2016/Ebrill 2016 Page 17
Year 11 Attendance Initiatives
Prom All pupils with 100% every fortnight from 3rd September to 29th April will be entered into a raffle to win their Prom ticket. Attend every day and that’s 14 entries into the raffle.
Prom Queen All girls with 98% attendance and above from 4th January to 27th May will be entered into a raffle to win a Prom makeover.
Prom King All boys with 98% attendance and above from 4th January to 27th May will be entered into a raffle to win a Topshop voucher.
Attend to Achieve awards Every week from 29th January to 13th May there will be an attendance award given to the pupil with the best attendance—cinema tickets, Pandora voucher, Starbucks gift card, Nando’s and other prizes up for grabs!!
All pupils who win a prize will be entered into a raffle to win a
ATTENDANCE MATTERS—ATTEND TO ACHIEVE
Mrs J. Evans Attendance Officer
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 17
Page 18 NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI
Year 11 Peer Mentoring Win National Award
Congratulations to our Year 11 Peer Mentoring Team! We are delighted to inform you that our nomination for Ysgol Rhosnesni Year 11 Peer Mentors for the Diana Award has been successful. This is a fantastic achievement and we are so proud of our mentors and we wanted to share this and celebrate this with our The awards ceremony is in April and we school community. look forward to our hard working team receiving their award for their volunteer- ing services to the school community.
SCC Visit
On March 22nd, we were joined by Headteachers from 4 North Wales Schools who are part of the Schools Challenge Cymru programme, Challenge Advisers and colleagues from GwE (the regional school improvement service) to hear how Ysgol Rhosnesni had made improvements this year. The team were particularly interested in how we have used Student Voice, Peer Mentors, the Student Lead- ership Team and the School Council to help make improvements to the school community. Mr Harrison was very proud of the students who presented to the conference and our visitors were impressed with the outcome of the day.
Dates for your Diary:
18th-19th April - Borras Juniors D&T WW2 Shelters 30th April - Year 10 Trip to Cardiff 2nd May - May Day Bank Holiday 5th May - Hope House Year 10 Assembly 11th May - Attendance Trip Liverpool Football Academy 27th May - Half Term Close 6th June - Half Term Open
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 18
April 2016/Ebrill 2016 Page 19
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 19
NEWYDDION RHOSNESNI April 2016/Ebrill 2016
Try the ‘OurSchoolApp’
Ysgol Rhosnesni High School Rhosnesni Lane Wrexham LL13 9ET
Phone: 01978 340840 Fax: 01978 34 0841
E-mail: mailbox@rhosnesni- high.wrexham.sch.uk
Web site: www.rhosnesni- high.wrexham.sch.uk
Follow as on Twitter: @RhosnesniHigh
RESPECT, HONESTY and SUCCESS / PARCH, GONESTRWYDD a LLWYDDIANT 20