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December 2015 MATTERS

Careers Fair Transition DofE The Big Sing Open Evening Sale Sharks FocusWORLD CHAMPIONS At High School National First for Eden Water Challenge Art in Science Sponsored Walk The Scheme National Football Girls Plus much more inside Spon sored walk

Congratulations to the Dymock sisters on their Netball success. Hannah in 8C was selected to play for Schools Netball Team while Bethan in 10B has been selected to play for the Denbighshire HUB Team. Well done girls! BTEC Sport students took part in the University Duke of Edinburgh’s of Chester Sport and Exercise Sciences Schools Award Conference. The pupils had On the days of the 17th and a taster of some of the subjects the 18th of September, I and 15 such as Biomechanics and others began our Bronze Duke of performance analysis, Sociology Edinburgh assessed expedition of sport, Exercise Physiology around the Clwydian Hills. After and Sport Psychology. They had having successfully completed the practice earlier the opportunity to take part in in July, we were more than prepared for what was a laboratory practical looking at to come, this time, with a better understanding of physiological responses to exercise map-reading, tent pitching and cooking on trangia while cycling. They also tested stoves. Unfortunately, despite this and my history their own reaction times on the of hill-walking and mountain climbing, I did get Dynavision board and debated my group lost on more than one occasion and as key issues in the media a consequence, faced ridicule at camp later that related to overweight night. As we walked on however, our skills soon people and drugs in developed and we found ourselves working more sport. as a team because of it. The expedition was spread over two days and was around 13 miles in total. Three year 9 girls have recently The journey took us from the outskirts represented and Clwyd and of , to the summit of Moel Famau, Gwyneth ACF in football. Megan Perry, down towards Llangynhafal, then back Lottie Jones and Dawn Jones were selected to up towards Moel Arthur the next day. play against Scotland, South East , North From there, we followed the Offa’s Dyke West and West Midlands. They had some exciting Path, along an old bridleway, passing matches and helped Wales to secure third place. through a few farms before walking Well done girls! down into . Altogether, the journey was moderately difficult, with some steep sections on the ascent to Moel Famau being quite straining. Despite this, our spirits were high throughout and our determination was sheer. At the end of the expedition, after a brief talk with our DofE assessor Gwydion, we found out that all of us had passed our Bronze Award. A fantastic end to a fantastic expedition. Ethan Harvey 11B

www.denbighhighschool.co.uk 2 Spon sored walk

1. 74 79 £2 See ALL for d the pictures c se ha e rai on our website riti W See also back Page for Elwy’s charity donation es Aled £1025.71 Elwy £796.42 Brenig £415.19 Clwyd £327.98 6th Form & Staff £176.49 Science Transition On Thursday 1st and Friday the 2nd October 141 primary school children came to Denbigh High to work as Crime Scene Investigators. There were pupils from lots of different primary schools including Ysgol Frongoch, Ysgol , Ysgol , Ysgol Pendref, Ysgol Esgob Morgan, Ysgol Bryn Clwyd and . The pupils spent a 2 hour session in the science department. The Scene was that there has been an outbreak of burglaries at Denbigh allotments. There were 4 different suspects including Queeny Luckless and Bert Toerag. The pupils’ job was to compare the evidence collected from each of the suspects with the crime scene. Some of the experiments they carried out included using universal indicator and chromatography. They also investigated fingerprints, but I think the number 1 favourite was carrying out flame tests. All the pupils seemed to really enjoy it and lots were successful in identifying the correct suspect. However the only school that all identified the suspect correctly was Ysgol Trefnant, so well done. A very positive experience enjoyed by the pupils, Miss Cooke, Mr Jones and Mr Baxter.

3 www.denbighhighschool.co.uk >C>A>R>E>E>R>S >F>A>I>R There were 500 jobs up for colleges, the chance to showcase their opportunities.” grabs at the inaugural South job-creating potential to our year 10 and Assistant Headteacher Miranda Cookson Denbighshire Jobs Fair at 6th form pupils. said: “It is vitally important, especially Denbigh Town Hall. Mark Young said: “Denbighshire is full of in the current economic climate, for our It was attended by more than 100 talented, aspirational people. young people to be able to see the various teenagers who were able to find “This was a way for businesses to support job opportunities available in the near information on future careers. young people so they know what jobs are future. Major employers there included the out there. “Some of our young people will be Pendine Park care organisation, Ifor Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft also considering apprenticeships and this event Williams Trailers and civil engineering gave a massive thumbs up to the fair gives them the chance to explore the company Jones Bros. which his organisation sponsored. possibilities available to them.” The event at Denbigh Town Hall featured He said: “I think it’s very important to Gathering up plenty of information leaflets career advice from seasoned professionals promote the employment opportunities and mulling over job possibilities on the for young people between 14 and 18 and that exist in this area for young people. stand manned by Jones Bros of Ruthin job advertisements in the afternoon for Vale of Clwyd MP James Davies was an was Theo Halton from 7-10. people aged 16 and above. early visitor to the fair and also praised He said: “It was useful to have the chance It was masterminded by Mark Young, its value to the people of his constituency, to come here today and find out what sort who runs Denbigh Chocolate Shop and saying “I was delighted to see so many of jobs are available.” has just been crowned High Street Hero businesses and organisations coming in the food and drink category of a Welsh together to help young people in the area. Government competition. The event has helped to widen the The fair gave around 30 exhibitors, from horizons of those who came along manufacturing firms to further education in terms of jobs and further training

www.denbighhighschool.co.uk 4 >R >I >C>A >E>E>R>S >F>A >R Eden Gets a National First at the

In February 2015 I did the Welsh trials for the Pony Club fifth Northern Ireland. Then in October 2015 I rode for Wales in Mounted Games. Out of 32 riders, only 6 were selected (5 and Ireland. Competing against the same teams for only 2 days we a reserve). I rode for Wales in the Royal Windsor Horse Show came 3rd. First were England, second was Scotland, third Wales, in May. After 5 days of competing against Scotland, England, fourth Northern Ireland, and fifth Republic of Ireland. Sophie and Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland we came first. Second I also hope to qualify in February 2016, which is our last year. were England, third Scotland, Fourth Republic of Ireland and Eden Greaves 10A

Year 11 Options It was nice to welcome so many visiting pupils and their parents from our DC Consortium schools to the Year 11 Options Evening. Our Sixth form ambassadors were on hand to show them around the new study facilities now installed in DHS. There are 8 new computers and two new independent study areas for the exclusive use of 6th Form students. The Learning Resource A number of pupils and a member Centre has a further 12 computers which are of staff from Denbigh High School available to them throughout the day, except are treading the boards, supporting when they are being used for a lesson. and taking part in Denbigh The 6th form Common Room is where they Musical Theatre Company’s annual Pantomime, Aladdin. The Pantomime is can relax. They have a kitchen area with taking place during the last week of term microwave oven, fridge, a kettle and a toaster at Theatre Twm o’r Nant in Denbigh. It will so that they can top up their energy levels to feature Ffion Clarke as Princess Jasmine, ensure meaningful independent study when Becky Schule as Wishee Washee, Georgia not in lessons. Pierce as the Emperor, Bethan Davies Please see the- 6th form page on the school as the Policeman, Lydia Williams as Jasmine’s lady in waiting and many other website for options information. parts, Katy Macdonald as Tiddles and a

lady in waiting, Holly Pierce as a villager Carfanau Dyffryn Clwyd Blwyddyn 12 / Year 12 Dyffryn Clwyd Options 2015-16 Carfan / Option A Carfan / Option B Carfan / Option C Carfan / Option D Carfan / Option E Llun yb Mercher yp / Mon am Wed pm Llun yp Gwener yb / Mon pm Fri am Mercher yb Gwener yp / Wed am Fri pm Mawrth yb Iau yp / Tue am Thurs pm Mawrth yp Iau yb / Tue pm Thurs am Denbigh High School Performing Arts * must also choose in D Government & Politics Applied Science French Geography History Applied Business Physics Maths Sports * must also choose in C and chorus and Mrs Debbie Pierce as a Biology Health & Social Care Sports * must also choose in E Performing Arts * must also choose in A English Language Food Technology Religious Studies Welsh Baccalaureate Art & Design Product Design Ysgol Uwchradd Brynhyfryd Biology Physical Education Welsh Maths Chemistry History Daearyddiaeth Cymraeg History Geography Slave of the Ring. The cast also consists Hanes English Literature Economics Physics Media Studies Italian Maths Religious Studies Psychology Music Psychology ICT Art Design & Technology (Textiles) English Literature Celf Design & Technology (RM) Astudiaethau Crefyddol Dylunio a Thechnoleg (DG) Dylunio a Thechnoleg (Tecstilau) Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd of many ex-pupils and children from our Maths Maths Celf Cymraeg Bioleg Electroneg Seicoleg Addysg Gorfforol Dylunio a Thechnoleg Busnes Hanes Cerdd Cemeg Ffiseg Drama Cyfryngau Iechyd a Gofal TGCh Saesneg Llên Daearyddiaeth Ffrangeg Peirianneg Gwyddoniaeth Gymhwysol Astudiaethau Crefyddol feeder primary schools, and promises to be St Brigid’s High School Computing History Chemistry Sociology Maths English Literature Physics Spanish Biology Religious Studies Psychology Drama Business Studies Photography Coleg Llandrillo Dinbych Music Technology Health & Social Care Accounting Public Services (Uniformed) good fun and a lovely start to the Christmas

GCSE English (Wed am only) GCSE Mathematics (Wed am only) Coleg Cambria Llysfasi Agriculture Forestry Amaethyddiaeth Coedwigaeth festivities. Animal Management Countryside Management Rheolaeth Anifeiliaid Rheolaeth Cefn Gwlad Health & Social Care Agricultural Machinery Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol Peirianneg Amaethyddol

Break a leg everyone!

5 www.denbighhighschool.co.uk WORLD CHAMPIONS The grid for the F1 in Schools World Finals ordinate the team efficiently and oversee different countries and varying in ages. 2015 held in September in Singapore was all processes and communications; Katie the biggest in its 12 year history, with 47 Rowlands worked as Resources Manager We felt we were most successful on the teams competing. Resort World Sentosa and was in charge of the logistic side of the third day, in which competitors are given 2 hosted over 300 students and 200 supporters competition, as well as the sponsorship and hours to assemble their pit displays - whilst for the event just prior to the 2015 FORMULA marketing of the team; Holly Roberts, Design being marked on the overall assembly by the 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND Engineer, was accountable for the general judges. Noticeably, we scored full marks for PRIX. running of the car and worked tirelessly this section as we had used an innovative solution which only took This year’s F1 in Schools 15 minutes to put up, World Finals event was and therefore profoundly contested by teams from impressed the judges. 23 countries, with Vietnam and the Netherlands On the fourth day, we competing for the first performed our verbal time, having recently presentation, which introduced the F1 in was another area we Schools programme into scored extremely high their countries. Since in. Also, we attended its launch in the UK in the engineering judging, 1999, the F1 in Schools where highly trained programme has seen judges would analyse phenomenal growth and our car and portfolio and is now operating in 44 challenge us with difficult countries. questions. However, we remained calm As the initiative expands the competition creating innovative designs which helped and collected throughout the session and for places at the World Finals has increased to speed the car; Jessica Briody-Hughes, managed to score very high marks. and each year the students achieve higher the Manufacturing Engineer, ensured that standards of work. Below we hear from the all of the car’s materials were ordered on On the fifth day, we raced our car and Welsh team, sponsored by Qioptiq. time in order to assemble the car, as well as managed to improve our score from the time scrutineering the car to ensure all regulations trials. However, unfortunately due to the We are Team Tachyon, an all-girl team from and measurements were correct. A vital part quick times from the other teams, we did not Denbigh High School who have competed of the competition was to follow strict F1 like make it into the knock out trials. in the world finals of the F1 in Schools regulations. Technology Challenge held at the Singapore Grand Prix during September 2015, We arrived in Singapore on September 10th On the 6th day, we were feeling rather representing Wales. Before the World finals 2015. The competition itself took place in anxious, as the award ceremony was held we already had Welsh Champion status, the Resort World Convention Centre - the that evening and we were nervous to see as well as the Women in Motorsport award largest convention centre in all of Asia. We if our months of hard work would pay off. under our belt. Notably, we returned from spent our first day relaxing after a very During the ceremony, we sat on a table with Singapore with the ‘Best Sponsorship and long and tiring journey. However, upon our employees from Williams F1- who told us Marketing Award’, as well as a multitude of second day we were required to sign in: this that we were perfect candidates for their acquired skills and memories that will last a entailed handing over our car to the judges ‘Randstad Williams Engineering Academy’ life time. ready for scrutineering, as well as receiving and should consider applying next year. our timetable for judging. In the afternoon, Throughout the ceremony we felt on edge, Our team consists of four Year 9 students: we were escorted to the network lunch, watching as the other teams went up to Amy Martin (daughter of Donna Martin, where all the teams are allowed to mingle pick up their awards, not knowing whether Holography Technician, at Qioptiq UK and exchange business cards and are also it could be us next. As they began to get Limited, site), who worked as provided with some traditional Singaporean to the last awards, we began to lose hope. Team Manager, whose job was to co- cuisine. There were over 40 teams, all from However, as they read the nominees for www.denbighhighschool.co.uk 6 the best sponsorship and We would like to thank marketing award, we were all of Qioptiq UK Limited, shocked to hear them say whose contribution “from Wales, Team Tachyon”, has been invaluable and therefore we were and has allowed us even more shocked as they to be so successful in announced us as the winners. the competition. They We felt very proud walking manufactured prototypes up onto the stage, especially for us including our being the only team in the chassis, nose cone and entire UK to win an award. rear wing. Qioptiq’s high standard of production The award itself was enabled us to get through sponsored by Manor F1, both the regional and which meant that during the national finals, as well pit lane walk the day after- as allowing us to be we were allowed into to their extremely successful at pit and see them adjust their the world finals. cars. In addition, we were also The competition can only be described as invited to afternoon tea with the British High a once in a life time experience, and has Team Tachyon have high aspirations for Commissioner, who congratulated us on our enabled us to consider a future career in the next phase and have already began successes. engineering. preparations for next year’s competition which will be held in Austin, Texas. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter- @team_tachyon.

We raised £420.89 - an excellent effort. We phoned this through to BBC Wales so that it was shown on the on-screen messages during the nights appeal show. Pupils and staff dressd up/down for a pound or more each !

7 www.denbighhighschool.co.uk Hendre Fourie swapped the pitch for the The programme uses the power of rugby to classroom to deliver a day of engaging help young people learn more about money sessions combining the sport of rugby with children taking part in lessons on income with basic financial education with Number and expenditure; balancing needs and wants; Cruncherz. The South African-born England budgeting; and playing touch rugby with the international was joined by Jack Leech and help of Sale Sharks’ Coaches. Andy Broadhurst, Sale Sharks Community Mrs Cookson, Assistant Headteacher, said: Trust coaches on the 17th November 2015 to “This has been a great opportunity for our work with our Year 7 pupils. pupils to experience number and finance in a different way thanks to the Sale Sharks umber Cruncherz is a free financial N Number Cruncherz initiative. The day has education programme developed by Chester- been a great combination of sport and maths, based financial services company MBNA and and that’s what makes it interesting and Sale Sharks. memorable for the pupils. The whole year had a fantastic time and we’re hoping to get Sale Sharks back again next year for another day of activities.”

Welsh Water Challenge Over the past months our year 12 product design class have been working on a project that involves the company Welsh Water. Last month three members of the class attended a meeting in Bangor University where they were set a problem by two Welsh Water representatives that we needed to solve by March 2016. During this time we would have to create a portfolio showing our designs and the manufacturing process we have gone through in order to solve this problem, this will then be marked by a panel of judges. So far we have met with Sean, a Welsh water employee and gone through many solutions to our problem with him. After taking a trip to the local Welsh Water plant we are well on our way to solving this problem. The next stage for us is to once again visit Bangor University in the middle of December in order to make a prototype for the end exhibition. Our class is looking forward to this visit. www.denbighhighschool.co.uk 8 Shake,Shake, RattleRattle andand RollRoll This term Y9 have been studying volcanoes and earthquakes as part of the topic ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’. The home learning task gave all pupils an opportunity to show their understanding of the structure of a volcano. Harvey was able to demonstrate the internal structure of a volcano by creating a cross-section within his 3D model. Well done Harvey! The Geography Department would like to thank all Year 9 pupils for their efforts.

He has received a letter and Year 10 Student certificate from the Society of Commended in ART in Science Biology as well as a full set of National Science high quality water colour pencils Art Award, for his efforts. Science is sometimes Phil had the following to say, thought of as a “Entering the award is stress-free discipline with and fun, Mr Baxter approached no room for me and told me about the award artistic flare- this and I was keen to enter. I had to could not be create a drawing of a biological further from the specimen, I decided to go with truth. Often having a tonal Spinosaurus aegypticus a creative mind-set with as it is a prehistoric dinosaur a good sprinkling of that is widely known and is very artistry is just what is interesting as a species. Firstly it needed to; get to the was fun to do, I enjoy drawing bottom of a problem; and I am keen on the subject create a scientific theory; of palaeontology, it also is a explain and model a confidence boost and you can complex system; and/or use the award in your CV when help guide people to the applying for a job. It is open logical conclusion of an to enter again next year and investigatory process. there are prizes for the top 10, for anyone interested talk to Mr rtistic skills are, A Baxter ”. more often than not, associated with We, in the science faculty, biology, the science of have already spoken to the art living things. This is department and plan to enter not without merit as a larger collection of students all university biology work for the 2015-16 round of students are expected the competition, and hope for to have understanding even more positive outcomes of, and experience in, for our learners. Every success the creation of biological a student has helps them grow drawings. Whether it be several cells drawn and annotated from the both personally and academically and it is with this in mind that we field of view of a microscope or the production of whole organism congratulate Phil not only for his achievement in this prestigious drawings from live or preserved specimens, skills in art are paramount award, but also for him making efforts and headway in creating more to high level success. opportunities for his future! By making the most of opportunities like these students can ensure they stand out from the crowd when in a t was with that in mind that the Nancy Rothwell Award was created I job or university interview (etc.) and show the world what amazing, in order to celebrate specimen drawing in schools and highlight the creative and skilled people they are. At Denbigh High School there benefits of combining art and science. This annual competition is are lots of clubs to offer our students chances to support, further and coordinated by the Society of Biology and, as members, we try to widen their school experiences including science club, mandarin club, get involved whenever we can. In the 2014-15 competition a Year extracurricular PE (and 5x60) and many more. 10 Denbigh High Student, Phillip Cuckson-Williams, entered the Congratulations Phil, we look forward to what achievements your competition with a great outcome. Out of 300 entries, Phil landed the creativity will lead to this year! highly respected position of being in the Top 10 Highly Commended.

9 www.denbighhighschool.co.uk Focus Day provided pupils with a great range of activities on 5th November

On Tuesday 6th October, Heart radio came to Denbigh High School to film Heart Radio the choir taking part in “Oli’s Big Sing” project for the charity Make Some Noise. Oli travelled around North & Mid Wales singing Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk with choirs and singing groups, and Denbigh High School were fortunate enough to have been picked as one of these choirs. Global’s Make Some Noise is a charity that helps amazing small projects in North & “Big Sing” Mid Wales and throughout the UK. These projects support youngsters affected by illness, disability or lack of opportunity and are often run by groups of volunteers who have few resources but are passionate about making a difference to children’s lives. Mrs Williams felt very proud watching the choir sing their hearts out to raise money for such a worthy local cause…well done everybody! To watch the performance visit: http://www.heart.co.uk/northwales/charity/make-some-noise/olis-big-sing-for-make-some-noise-2015/#PkX54BfwFxYfq075.97 www.denbighhighschool.co.uk 10 OPEN SUCCESS On the 13th October, ‘The Scheme’ The Open Evening was came to Denbigh High School. again a great success. They performed three songs for The Sixth Form Ambassadors were years 7-10 and delivered a Drug on hand to welcome and show Education and Life Skills message. around prospective pupils and their Luke Bowen year 10 said “it changed my mind parents to Denbigh High. about drugs and alcohol. They explained how taking As always the history Pirates were drugs can ruin your lives.” kept busy all night and our World The main message of The Scheme have been Champion Tachyon girls did a defined by Radio 1 as “the band to watch.” Notching great job of trying to recruit future up over 400,000 hits on their YouTube video, Kris, Racing car engineers in the DT Kyle and Aleksey are about to break the music department. industry. The band write all of their own music and A sense of carnival added to the have already supported The Script and Lawson on proceedings thanks to the Music tour. department who sent percussion bands around the corridors led by our peripatetic musicians playing brass instruments. It is always a special evening welcoming the new year 6 pupils and their parents to our school. It was a succesful evening enjoyed by all, when the Staff of DHS show off their departments to their best and enjoy welcoming new faces to the school. A great deal of effort is required to make the evening a success.

Denbigh High School hosted the Denbighshire Schools Cross Country event on Thursday 19th November. Pupils from years 7 to 11 represented the school with David Lawson- Cooke 11B qualifying for the next round. Well done David!

11 www.denbighhighschool.co.uk Have a for the Homeless On Thursday 10th December the DHS 6th form students were delighted to be part of the HEART RADIO ‘ Have a Heart for the Homeless This Christmas’ Appeal. There is an 11% increase in the number of homeless people in Wales this year, many of whom are victims of extremely sad circumstances. They have had everything taken from them. So 260 bags were packed with necessities including thermal gloves, scarf, socks, shower gel wet wipes and dental products and a big dose of goodwill. Christmas is a time to reflect on the good things in our lives and to actively help others who may not be so lucky. Thank you all who helped this project.

Good Luck wishes from DHS payed off for Denbigh Town FC on November 18th when 487 spectators descended on Central Park to watch them progress through to the Final of the Word Cup to be played in Llandudno on January23rd. Many thanks to DHS 6th form volunteer stewards for their help.

Elwy

gives to M McMillan a e d r Members of Elwy r D House giving y

Eleri Jones from d C McMillan Cancer d h y support a Cheque r i of eight hundred w s e t pounds. The m N money was raised a by members of n i from s Elwy House who d a d took part in the Mr Molloy n y annual school d walk. (see page 3) w l and all staff a Photographed are B the House Reps: at h a a

Tom Lewis and p n Jessica Jefferson Denbigh p e and with the school y w High School reps, Cameron N a l Bacon-Bell, e L Melissa Griffiths w and Eden Van g i Den Broeck who l Y between the three o e d a of them raised a r close to £250. N

This newsletter is available as a PDF on our website : www.denbighhighschool.co.uk