PPOBLOBLwww.penweddig.ceredigion.sch.uk PPENWEDDIGENWEDDIG

Pobl Penweddig is sponsored by the Association of Friends of Penweddig Spring 2011

Keeping the Memories Alive Remembering Iwan Llwyd “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for On Friday the 19th of November a session to their tomorrow, we gave our today”. The famous remember the poet Iwan Llwyd was held in words from the Kohima memorial were read as a Penweddig’s hall, as a part of a nationwide part of a special Royal British Legion service for poets tour of Wales. The inspiring bards were history students and some teachers at Penweddig on the 14th of October. The RBL raises money to give financial, social and emotional support to soldiers, ex-soldiers and their families. The target for 2010 was to raise £34,000,000 through private donations and the Red Poppy Appeal. This was the first time such a service was held in Penweddig and the main event was the memories of one of the ex-soldiers, Mr Iori lewis. Mr Lewis gave an account of his time in the army as well as showing a striking video of the battle in which he took part as a Colonel in the Desert rats - the second battle of El-Alamein. The battle lasted from the 23rd of October to the 5th of November 1942 and was a turning- point in the war for the Myrddin ap Dafydd, Meirion MacIntyre Huws, allies. Emphasis was Owen Owens, Twm Morys, Geraint Løvgreen placed on the horror and Ifor ap Glyn. There was a feast of various on both sides and the items: singing, snippets of film, reading of the loss of life for a strip bard’s work and poems composed by his friends. of land which Mr Lewis The performances succeeded in reaching out explained “nobody wanted to the audience of Welsh A-level students anyway”. The problems and from Penweddig, Tregaron, Lampeter and Bro difficulties soldiers face as Ddyfi and also some of Penweddig’s Yr 10 & 11 they adapt to life outside students. As the Head Girl of the school, Megan the army was explained, Lewis, said in her message of thanks, especially if they are “the pupils have had an excellent mentally or physically opportunity to gain a better scarred. understanding of the life and work As well as our guest of Iwan Llwyd and the poets succeeded speakers, the service was attended by members of in keeping his memory alive” the local cadets and soldiers of the present army. Iwan Llwyd’s poems are on the GCSE and A- A certificate for supporting the Legion was level Welsh syllabuses. The thanks were echoed accepted on behalf of the school by the by Dylan Jenkins, another member of Yr 13. A Headteacher, Mr Gwenallt Llwyd Ifan. School thrilling experience, varying from the lamentful services like the the one held in Penweddig are an and nostalgic to the very amusing! important part of the Legion’s work as they pass memories on to the next generation. Winter Fair Trip 2010 For the first time fifty pupils and teachers travelled to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair on an icy morning. The journey there was like travelling in a different country as the snow and fog covered everything. Everybody was excited as they prepared to visit the various displays. It was nice to see past-pupils who were showing animals and the parents who were pleased that their children had been given the opportunity to share the experience. A member of the sixth form, Dyfrig Williams, judged with the Young Farmers. Many congratulations to him on his success. By the end of the afternoon everyone was ready for the journey back to Penweddig. Many to the prom. This was an opportunity to have ice- thanks to the bus company, Mr Elwyn James of cream before starting again towards Aberystwyth Llangeitho, the bus driver, Alun, for his care and castle. Pupils from the sixth form gave a humorous to the Senior Management Team in Penweddig input on the exciting history of the castle before for their willingness for the trip to go. everyone walked back to Penweddig. At last, the year seven trip was over and despite the rain on Pendinas, everybody enjoyed. Playing for Wales Llyr ab Einion, 7T Many congratulations to Siân Evans Yr 10 on being selected for the Welsh football squad. She attended training between the 17th and the 20th Successes of January in Cardiff. Congratulations to Trystan Leyshon Yr 8 on coming 2nd in Wales in a motorbike competition and to Megan Haf Yr 11 on being selected as a member of On we go! the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales. In addition, Sioned Llywelyn Yr 13 came second in the Dyfed Young Musician competiton which was held in Ysgol y Preseli before Christmas.

The Harpist’s Talent Congratulations to Mared Pugh-Evans Yr 8 on winning the under-16 harp competition in Tournai, Belgium, before Christmas. She had ten minutes to perform three pieces from memory in the Felix Godefroid International Harp Contest. In addition to winning the first prize, mared won €250 and the On an autumnal day before the October half- opportunity to perform in England this year and in term, a group of Penweddig pupils and their Thailand next year. Good luck to her! teachers spent a day exploring Aberystwyth and the surrounding area. Eisteddfod House Captains 2011 This was the year seven cultural trip. Although the trip had been postponed many times due It’s with pleasure that we announce the house to the weather, Friday the 22nd of October captains for this year. Leading Bleddyn are Cadan promised to be a great day. ap Tomos and Efa Edwards with their deputies Elen Jones and Trystan ap Owen. Hywel will be the Pendinas Iron Age hill fort was the first port of responsibility of Rhiannon Hinks and David Phillips call. “Walking to historic places like this is far and their deputies Mari Rowlands and Rhydian ap better than just reading about them. The trip is a Owen. Rhun Penri James and Heddwen Daniel great way of getting to know the local area” said and their deputies Rachel Turner and Angharad Tomos Davies. Edwards will be looking after Llywelyn. After lunch on Tan y Bwlch beach the trip went on 2 ‘They, who went to ‘Glanllyn…’ On the last evening a number of competitions were held. The highlight of the night was seeing Penweddig Yr 13 pupils had a great opportunity Megan Lewis (Penweddig’s Head Girl) winning the to attend a Welsh A-level course in Glanllyn at chair and Elain Jones (one of Penweddig’s Officers) the end of November. The course was organised coming second. The pupils joined with pupils from Tregaron school to form a team that came second in the team competition. When the select group returned to Penweddig, their clear message to Welsh A-level students of the future was: “Go, if you get the chance! This was a great experience!”

reciting in local eisteddfodau and creative writing. Much of my time is spent with the YFC. I’ve been a member of the Trisant club for five years and I enjoy socialising by being a member of the cast of the annual production. Indeed, my life outside school is a hive of social events and activities, which occur through the medium of Welsh. by the Urdd and Bangor University and they held useful lectures and workshops on specific topics 4. You were elected of the course. Some pupils had an unforgettable Head Girl this opportunity to vist ‘Yr Ysgwrn’, Trawsfynydd, year by your Hedd Wyn’s home. And the icing on the cake contemporaries was the thick snow on the ground. and teachers. Yes, the pupils’ education was enrichened. Yes, What types of there were opportunities to co-operate with activities / duties schools from across Wales and yes, there was a do you have to lot of fun. undertake? It was a great honour Getting to know a pupil: Megan Lewis to be elected. I’m always happy to help with school services. 1. Can you give us some information about I represent my fellow pupils on the School Council yourself? and I’m ready to lend an ear at any time. I live on a farm called Sarnau Fawr near the village of Llanfihangel-y-creuddyn. I love life on 5. You won the chair among pupils from across the farm and being called ‘Megan Sarne’ gives Wales in Glanllyn. What exactly did you have me great pleasure as our family has farmed here to do? for six generations. I was a pupil at Llanfihangel- I took advantage of the golden opportunity of y-creuddyn primary school and that had a attending the course. During the two days we had positive effect on me as the community within brilliant and interesting lectures by lecturers from the school walls was so close and familiar. Small Bangor and we met authors such as Caryl Lewis as country primary schools are valuable treasures she discussed her novels. Competitions were held and that small family gave me a solid foundation. on the second evening and I composed a poem on the subject ‘Waves’. In contrast to traditional 2. What subjects are you studying this year eisteddfodau, there was a little more fun in the and what is your intention next year? atmosphere that night, and healthy competition As well as the Welsh Baccalaureate I’m studying between schools from the south, the north and Welsh, Religious Education and Geography at A- mid-Wales! level. I hope to continue with my study of Welsh at one of the Welsh Universities next year. 6. How did you feel when you heard that you had won? 3. What are your interests? One word. Shock. I had a bit of a shaky moment as One of my main interests is sport and I love I hadn’t been warned beforehand. I had trouble playing hockey. I enjoy cross-country running standing because I was shaking so much. But after on the country roads in my area. I also enjoy hearing the cheering and support of my fellow-

3 pupils and the whole audience I started to relax and felt extremely proud and excited. Ceredigion Cross-country The competition was held on Tuesday the 1st 7. You are also very active outside school February at the Urdd Centre, Llangrannog. The and have been chosen as ‘Young Member support for the Penweddig teams was excellent, of the Year’ with the YFC. Quite an with full teams all-round . The day proved to honour! Explain what you had to do to be very successful with many representing the be chosen and what does the honour school in the Dyfed championship. mean? Boys Results This is a position for any member under 16 years of age from within the county who has Yr 7: Fergus Pitcher, 8th contributed significantly to their club and who Kieron Owen, 7th intends to contribute more in the future. I had to present a portfolio introducing myself and my Yr 8/9: Dylan Jones, 1st work for the movement over the past year. I also Dilwyn Harries, 6th had an interview by a panel of judges who asked Tomos Watson, 4th bilingual questions to me. I’ve greatly enjoyed Steffan Thomas, 8th my year and I’ve seen the movement from a Yr 10/11: Iolo ap Dafydd, 2nd completely different perspective and I’ve realised Alun Morgan, 8th its importance in all areas, not to mention the life-long friends I’ve made. My duties include Senior: Liam Jones, 1st leading during the movement’s events e.g. the Morgan Roberts Young, 2nd eisteddfod, public speaking and the County Llyr Thomas, 3rd Entertainment Week. I also write a column on the movement’s activities for the local newspapers. Girls Results 8. What is your message to Penweddig Yr 7: Ffion Evans, 1st pupils? Yr 8/9: Catrin Ansell, 8th Be true to yourself and take advantage of Yr 10/11: Megan Turner, 1st opportunities. Perhaps you won’t be successful Anwen Thomas, 3rd every time but with perseverance you’ll have Megan Haf, 5th unforgettable experiences. Lisa James, 8th Senior: Aoife Mahon, 2nd School Calendar Heddwen Daniel, 3rd Remember to check the school calendar on our Congratulations to all pupils for displaying website for important dates! Penweddig’s commitment at its best. www.penweddig.ceredigion.sch.uk Sweet teeth! The Yr 10 GCSE catering group and their cookery work for the ‘Cooking two things suitable for a Cake Stand’ task.

Sweet teeth!

4 5 x 60 Dance Show - Wednesday 15th December 2010 With dance groups from every secondary school in Ceredigion gathering in the Arts Hall of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David for the 5 x 60 show, this was an opportunity for the girls to display their skills in front of a live audience. Following months of practice in 5 x 60 hip-hop sessions, the group performed two street dances and also three individual dances during the day. The aim of the day was to produce a DVD which would display the talent within the county. Congratulations to you, girls!

New Sixth Form Prospectus

The new sixth form prospectus has been published and it explains the subjects which can be studied at the school from September 2011 onwards. A copy of the prospectus can be found on the school website.

Gettng to Know a Pupil: Tomos Dafydd team in the Millennium Stadium. Friends are very important and there’s nothing better than Introduce yourself. Where do you live? socialising and sharing experiences in my area. What’s important to you? This is why I’ve started singing in the Ger y Lli This is me: Tomos Dafydd, choir, to enjoy music from different backgrounds. Penweddig’s Head Boy I support the GYTS club because Welsh is what for 2010-2011. I live makes us different as a school. in Bow Street, one of three children who have How did it feel to hear that you had been received their education elected Head Boy? at Penweddig. I see it as When I heard I’d been elected Head Boy I felt a privilege to be Head shocked that my fellow-pupils had entrusted Boy in a Welsh school. I this responsibility with me. The fact that the must admit that there teachers elected me as Head Boy brings me much are some things that are confidence and pleasure. I’m a member of the very important to me. Firstly, I’m a Welshman and school council which plays a prominent part by the Welsh language is very important to me. I’m offering suggestions to the school management very interested in the world of film and I hope to team. I try to set an example to the rest of the follow a course in this field in the future. I enjoy school and support the management team in rugby very much and like going to support the the day-to-day running of the school. I try to 5 influence my year to put the school first and to The next step: appreciate the education they receive. The next step in my life after the exams is to travel Valuable experiences: around Europe with friends. I’ll be travelling to every corner of the continent. I’ll return to the I was privileged last year to receive three first National Eisteddfod and to ‘Maes B’ and the gigs. prizes in the Urdd Eisteddfod as a member of Following this, my ambition is to follow a course in Penweddig choir. This has given me confidence Film Studies, either in Cardiff, in the ATRiuM or at to continue singing and performing. Writing and John Moores University. performing the ‘Awr Fawr’ was an opportunity to raise money for charities during the philanthropy Message to Penweddig pupils: week. Playing for the rugby team is enjoyable and The last seven years have flown an honour that will stay in my memory for a long but I don’t think I could have time. I had many opportunities to perform with received my education in a the school drama company ‘Cwmni Brolio’. There better school. The message were many productions namely ‘Agi, Agi, Agi’ and to pupils of the future is to ‘Plas Du’ – these gave me the chance to perform in enjoy your time in school. front of an audience and led to my being chosen Remember that you will make to be a member of the cast of the Urdd National friends for life and that you can Company which performed ‘Plant y Fflam’ in influence the future of the school. the National Eisteddfod in Dyffryn Aeron – an There’s no point in worrying, make the best of unforgettable experience. your opportunity.

Penweddig’s MC Y L l i n e l l Sam Ebenezer Yr 11 was in Cardiff in November Congratulations to Glyn for an interesting event that was arranged by Dodd, Gwion James the Welsh Assembly Government to promote and Jacob Prytherch positive images of young people. He had to Yr 13 on winning the welcome everyone to the Senedd and introduce PICS Film Awards which guest speakers, including the Deputy Minister was held in Galeri, for Children. Other tasks were announcing Caernarfon. PICS is a the winners of the Assembly competition and national film festival interviewing young people during the day before for young people and closing the event at 3pm. the challenge was to create a 3 minute film PSE Day in Welsh or without We had an entertaining day on the 1st of speech. Along with February with a number of interesting Arad Goch and under activities including road safety, the dangers the leadership of Elin of drink-driving, citizenship, sign language, Vaughan Crowley, entrepreneurship and study skills. Thanks to all Reaching the Heights staff and guest speakers for their work. Community Worker at Arad Goch, they took advantage 8J making a of Gwion’s healthy meal parkour skills and freerunning to create the film ‘Y Llinell’ in Aberystwyth.

To watch ‘Y Llinell’ go to : 11B in the self-defence session www.youtube com/watch?v=vgzIAmIhLWk 6