YSGOL Y GRANGO NEWSLETTER MARCH 2018

Email: mailbox@grango-high..sch.uk Telephone: 01978 833010 Website: www.grango.co.uk

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We celebrated World Book Day this year with a week of activities around the school for students to participate in. ‘Guess the Teacher’, had students guessing which teacher was hiding their face behind a book on posters around the school. ‘Drop It and Read’, involved students dropping whatever they were doing during tutor time and read a book. ‘Book Intros’ was a chance for teachers across all subjects to introduce a new book to their classes by reading to them at the beginning of every lesson.

After a snow related delay, we finished our World Book Day activities with a Dress-Up day on Friday 09 March. Staff and students alike dressed as some of their favourite characters from literature. We had everything from Matilda’s Miss Trunchbull and The Hunger Games’ Katniss Everdeen to Harry Potter’s Professor Snape and Alice in Wonderland’s Queen of Hearts.

Students paid £1 to join in and we managed to raise a fantastic £266, which will go towards reading resources for the school.

On Friday 23 February, seven Year 9 students had the exciting opportunity to attend the University of Chester as part of Ysgol Y Grango’s More Able and Talented Programme. During the day, students had the opportunity to learn about and explore various interview tips and tricks in preparation for university. Students also had a guided tour of the university campus where they were able to ask questions about university life. Throughout the day, guest speakers and presenters commended Ysgol Y Grango’s students for their engagement and enthusiasm. It was excellent to see the students’ confidence grow throughout the day as they compared a variety of mock interviews, taking on board the tips and tricks recommended by the presenters and guest speakers. Ysgol Y Grango hopes that following this event, students take into consideration the possibility of attending university in the future.

Students took part in a host of activities designed to help them become more aware of personal safety. The multi-agency ‘Crucial Crew’ day for Year 7 students is an annual event at the school. It is designed to equip students with the vital knowledge to enable them to recognise and avoid potential safety risks.

This year representatives from North Fire and Rescue Service, British Transport Police, The Food Standards Agency, Dogs Trust, RNLI and Women’s Aid took part in the event. Students were put into groups and they spent thirty minutes with each organisation, listening to talks, watching presentations and participating in interactive sessions.

Mrs Harris, Progress Leader for Year 7, helped to co-ordinate the event, she said: “The Crucial Crew event is an excellent approach to education children about personal safety in a fun, interactive way. Each year we ask the children to fill in feedback formsand the overwhelming response is that they never realised how important safety is. It is something they have not generally thought that much about. It is also a great opportunity for them to gain a glimpse into situations outside of home and school, it makes them think outside of the box. They all really enjoyed the event and, once they learn these important life skills, they remember them.”

Pete Walsh from the Food Standards Agency Wales said: “This is such a valuable resource to us as it enables us to see the whole of Year Seven and deliver our vital, potentially life-saving safety messages in fun and well organised sessions. The students have been so receptive and engaged and it has been incredibly worthwhile.”

Caring for ‘real life babies’

A group of Year 10 girls took part in a residential at Chirk Bunkhouse, learning how to care for ‘real life babies’ and living independently overnight. The group was responsible for planning and shopping for the visit and tasked with responsibilities during the visit such as cooking and cleaning whilst looking after the babies. This experiential learning is part of the ‘That’s Life’ Programme facilitated by the Youth Workers in Ysgol Y Grango which explores a wide range of issues from relationships, domestic abuse and becoming a parent. The residential is an opportunity for young people to care for babies in a real life situation such as running a home.

On completion of the course, the young people will receive accreditation through the ASDAN PSE short course and can be included in their record of achievements when their leave Ysgol Y Grango. #BusinessClass

In November, forty Year 9 students took part in a competition which was run by the government initiative CRE8, alongside British Gas and our Business Class partners Principality Building Society. On the day, students in their groups had to solve a design challenge given to them; they had to design and model a product which used renewable energy, and would be able to be used either in a house or school. Only one group could win, and then go through to the final in the Catrin Finch Centre in Glyndwr University. The winners were the group called “Wizz Kidz”, which included Kyle Preston, Alfie Owens, Billy Wynne, Chloe Roberts and Kayley Williams. The group then created a more detailed model of their idea, and a presentation to go along side it. They presented their product to a panel of judges, a Welsh Minister as well as the large room of people. The group did exceptionally well, and received high praise from the judges. They came away with the award of “Best Presentation”. Da Iawn “Wizz Kidz”!!

Pupils had an opportunity to showcase their creative skills and business acumen as part of a Dragons’ Den-style challenge. One hundred Year 10 students took part in a series of enterprise and employability pitches as part of the first challenge to gain the skills challenge certificate for the Welsh Baccalaureate, Key Stage Four national/foundation qualification. The pitch involved a presentation about a Christmas confectionary product the pupils had created and evaluated from a marketing development perspective.

Working in teams, each pupil took on a specific role that they had applied for based on a skills audit. They then had to consider the five Ps of marketing - product, price, place (distribution), promotion and people - to make a business case to present to the judging panel.

Judging the pitches from Ysgol Y Grango were Assistant Headteacher, Mrs C Corbally, Senior Teacher, Mr N Thomas and four representatives from the Principality Building Society. Mr Thomas said: “All the students worked exceptionally hard and many of the pitches were outstanding. Staff were incredibly proud of their efforts and the representatives from Principality Building Society were very complimentary about the standard of work produced and the professionalism of the pitches.”

The teams were required to give a ten minute presentation using visual display boards to show their work and props in the form of mock packaging for their products. Teams who delivered stand-out pitches were Go Confectionary, R&W Chocolates, Seasonal Treats, F.R.E.A.K.S., Wonderful Winter Chocolates and Naughty or Nice?

Principality

@PrincipalityBS #BusinessClass #BusinessClass

Throughout March, staff from local branches of the Principality Building Society have been teaching money skills sessions as part of their PSE curriculum. The focus was very much on the importance of educating young people about money including budgeting and savings. An action packed lesson!

How smart does the Netball team look in their new Netball dresses?

We would like to thank Principality Building Society for generously sponsoring the school Netball kit. We are over the moon with the designs and the girls felt proud representing Ysgol Y Grango in their new kit!

Catspaw Theatre Company visited Ysgol Y Grango on 28 February to run a theatre workshop on the sensitive topic of rape and sexual assault, as part of the Year 9 PSE Curriculum. The intention of the workshop is to ensure young people are educated on how the law stands with regards to sexual offending, along with highlighting what support is available for victims of sexual assault.

Feedback from students and staff present for the production was overwhelmingly positive.

Primary school students enjoyed a fascinating day of experiments and fun in a science transition day. Around eighty Year 6 students from feeder primary schools including Ysgol Yr Hafod Johnstown, Ysgol Maes Y Mynydd, Ysgol Rhostyllen, Ysgol ID Hooson, Ysgol Rhosymedre, Ysgol Maes Y Llan, Ysgol Bwlchgwyn and Ysgol attended the event at Ysgol Y Grango.

Ysgol Y Grango teamed up with Techniquest Glyndwr to deliver a range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activities designed to give the young students an insight into life at secondary school and help to prepare them for the move up from primary school in September. The students were put into teams and Year 7 students, who had attended each of the feeder schools involved, were chosen to help the students during the day. Activities included a hands-on “Biology Basics” workshop which involved extracting DNA from strawberries using chemicals and lab equipment, and an exploration of the engineering processes involved in freewheeler vehicles during a “Wheels in Motion” session. The students used their knowledge of forces to design and build a Lego vehicle to try out on various surfaces, working out which could travel the furthest.

Other transition activities were organised for the students during lunchtime such as playing bench ball in teams, interactive computer-based exercised and a variety of problem solving activities in the Library.

Mrs Harris, Progress Leader for Year 7, helped to coordinate the day with the team from Techniquest Glyndwr. She said: “It was fantastic to have so many students attend the transition day and to see them having such a great time. Some were a little apprehensive when they arrived but after out ‘ice breaker’ of dance moves to ‘Shake It Off’ by Taylor Swift, they soon forgot their nerves. The students were very polite, well behaved and participated in all the activities with real enthusiasm. It was lovely to see their smiling faces. I would like to thank the team from Techniquest Glyndwr for delivering the sessions and showcasing science in a fun and interesting way. It’s been an extremely successful day and has given the students a chance to experience the exciting learning opportunities that await them here at Ysgol Y Grango. I’m looking forward to welcoming them all when they join us in September.”

Mrs Harris is currently organising another transition day after half term for those students who missed the event. There will be some science based activities as well as a treasure hunt around the school using iPads, and a “Catchphrase” style quiz. Information will be sent to all the primary schools in due course.

Monday 09 April—Staff Training Day

On Friday 16 March, Powys House Captains, Crystle Hughes and Tuesday 10 April—School opens for all students at 8.50am Harry Bowen, hosted the latest House competition. Over thirty Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 April—Year 11 Art exam students took part with various acts including: dancing, singing and instrumental performances. After some really high standards in the Thursday 12 and Friday 13 April—Year 11 Digital Photography ex- auditions, six acts made it through to the final. It was a vey tough am choice with all acts performing superbly and with really tight scores, Wednesday 18 April—Parent Focus Group recommences at 3.30pm but in the end, Abigail Deary-Furber took first place gaining 30 points for Morgannwg House. Second place was taken by Katy Monday 07 May—Bank Holiday (school closed) Stewart (Powys) and third place was a duet by Nia Gregson and Julia Friday 25 May—School closes at 3.20pm for half term Blaskiewicz (both Powys). It was a fantastic day for all involved and we are looking forward to the next House competition. Monday 04 June—School opens for all students at 8.50am Thursday 14 June—Year 8 Parents’ Evening

Thursday 21 June—Year 7 Parents’ Evening

Friday 20 July—School closes at 3.20pm for summer holidays Follow us on Facebook;

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Last year, the Art and Design Department at Ysgol Y Grango had the opportunity to work in partnership with Coleg Cambria to undertake a Mentoring Programme to raise GCSE standards for our students under taking Art or Digital Photography. It proved to be very successful with each student showing an improvement of at least one GCSE grade.

Ysgol Y Grango are privileged to be invited back again this year with twenty-four students being given the opportunity. Coleg Cambria’s Level 3 Art and Design students will again have the opportunity as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate to utilise the skills that they have acquired on their course to coach our Year 11 GCSE Art and Design / Digital Photography students. They will provide support, develop and nurture our students to challenge further and give them opportunities beyond the already innovative programme of activities offered in the classroom.

Headteacher, Mr Garthwaite and Learning Leader for Art and Design Technology would like to thank Coleg Cambria staff and students for all their help and support, we look forward to another successful programme.

Luci Melegari, Deputy Director for Art and Design and Dramatic Arts commented that “Coleg Cambria are pleased to be able to support this initiative again this year, as it is a very rewarding project for all concerned.”

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Glass Artist, Wendi Trasmundi, delivered a glass workshop to Year 10 GCSE students. This workshop was made possible by funding through EDAU Cymru.

Art and Design, Grango

On Monday 26 February, the Year 11 Food group visited the Ramada Plaza, Wrexham. They enjoyed a full Welsh breakfast and had the opportunity to meet the team at the Ramada to ask questions regarding research for their controlled assessment.

Da iawn to all Year 11 students on their NEA2 practical cooking exam, some excellent dishes created and a variety of high skills demonstrated. A very well done to all students!

Elwen Roberts from Hybu Cig Cymru visited the Year 11 Food and Nutrition group to demonstrate meat cooking skills and also to develop students knowledge and understanding of meat. Students are required to know a vast amount of scientific knowledge about meat for their written exam, this was clearly explained and demonstrated by Elwen, a very interesting morning enjoyed by all.

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After being crowned Wrexham Area Indoor Athletics Champions earlier in the year, the Year 10 girls team went onto North East There have been some fantastic individual and team Wales finals at Deeside. The girls took part in various jumping, performances during this term. The number of throwing and running events with some outstanding games has been reduced due to the poor weather performances. A special mention must go to Caitlin Probert for and lack of light but when the boys have been able winning the six lap race showing superb determination to hold off to represent the school they have done superbly. the other competitors. The girls finished in third place overall which was a fantastic achievement. Well Done girls!! The Year 11 team took a side missing a few key members to a local derby against Ruabon. It was a fairly even game and when Ysgol Y Grango scored to go 2-1 up with three minutes remaining, it seemed On Friday 23 February, the Council like a victory was on the cards. However, Ruabon Sports Awards 2018 took place at Brymbo Sports and Social responded and were able to score with seconds to Complex. The prestigious event, hosted by the Active Wrexham go to force a draw. The boys are looking forward to (formerly Sports Development) Team highlights and values the a rematch in the coming weeks. excellent work of local people in local communities in and around Wrexham and recognises and honours the achievements of A special mention must go to the Year 7 team who athletes, coaches and volunteers looking to achieve sporting have made vast progress over the course of the year excellence. which we will continue to build upon in the coming months. Year 11 pupil, Leah Kirby, was nominated and shortlisted for the Junior Sports Personality category. Leah’s achievements include being selected for the Welsh Under 17’s Netball squad; complete over 50 hours volunteering as part of her 5x60 Leader/Silver Ambassador role and breaking the Year 10 record in the High Interested in joining an extra-curricular Jump and 100 metres at Ysgol Y Grango Sports Day in July 2017. club/activity with the PE Department? The PE Department would like to highlight the fantastic Please speak to Mr Cathrall, Miss achievement of Leah in being shortlisted for this award. Despite Edwards or 5x60 Officer Rob Darlington being pipped to the overall award, the school as a whole is for more information. immensely proud of Leah and wish her great success in her future. Congratulations and well done Leah!

Pictured left is Leah in the Goal Keeper position.

Well done to all the girls from Ysgol Y Grango who represented their clubs at the U13 North Wales Regional Qualifiers at Deeside. A massive congratulations to the girls listed below who qualified along with their teams and will be going forward to the Welsh Netball National Finals in May:

Freya Evans, Charlotte Ellis , Carys Woodall, Elisha Hughes and Tesni Williams Amazing to see so much talent in the Wrexham area, Good luck girls! During this term, Year 11 have completed the community aspect of their skills lesson. Many students have used sport in order to access this. This has involved the Year 11’s teaching Year 7 students during their PE lessons. It has been fantastic to see the relationships between the Year 11 and Year 7 students. A massive congratulations to the Year 11 students for their superb effort and thank you to the Year 7’s for being so well behaved and putting in a great deal of effort.

Wrexham Schools Netball Champions!!!

Congratulations to the Year 8 team who went undefeated in the Wrexham Schools Netball Tournament and were crowned champions for the second year running. They have played some outstanding Netball throughout the season and thoroughly deserved their win at this year’s tournament. Well done to Charlotte Ellis who was chosen as Ysgol Y Grango’s Year 8 player of the tournament.

Well done to the Year 7 girls who performed superbly and finished joint second with Ysgol Morgan Llwyd. The PE Department are very proud of how far they have come this year and who knows what next year will bring! Well done to Moli Davies who was chosen as Ysgol Y Grango’s Year 7 player of the tournament.

Well done to all of the girls! An outstanding performance by all. You did Ysgol Y Grango proud!

How smart do they all look in their new Netball dresses? We would like to thank Principality Building Society for generously sponsoring the school Netball kit. We are over the moon with the designs and the girls felt proud representing Ysgol Y Grango in their new kit!

On Monday 05 February, a Year 3 and 4 football tournament took place at Cefn Druids AFC with give local primary schools attending. This followed on from a Year 5 and 6 tournament the week before, with the final games taking place on Thursday 15 February before a Welsh Under 18’s schoolboys fixture v Northern Ireland.

Regan, Tom, Morgan, Charlie, Cai and Dion from Year 10 all helped to referee the games on a very cold morning! They were a real credit to the school. Well done!

Well done to 7HS who won the 5x60 Year 7 inter-form Benchball tournament!

The girls football team took part in a Wrexham Secondary Schools Tournament which took place at Colliers Park. This is following on from the sessions delivered after school every Thursday by coaches from the Wrexham FC Racecourse Community Foundation as part of the 5x60/Extra-Curricular programme.

Nine girls from Year 7 and 8 took part in the tournament; Maci Jones, Jessica Evans, Ella Harrison, Emma Birch, Alisha Ithell-Jones, Gabrielle Jones, Lily Gwilliam, Sienna Davies and Atlanta D’Souza. The girls played very well winning two games on the way to a forth placed finish!

Girls football sessions will continue after Easter on a Thursday 3.30-4.30pm, all girls are welcome!

The Headteacher, Staff and Students of Ysgol Y Grango wish you a Peaceful and Happy Easter!