LeaderIssue 9 • Summer 2013 The Learning to Lead our Lives

“We can be anything that we want to be...”

TheThe LeaderLeader celebratescelebrates thethe achievementsachievements andand experiencesexperiences ofof ourour studentsstudents andand chronicleschronicles thethe lifelife ofof thethe schoolschool 1 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Student Art

Kirsty McIntosh Bronte Gwinnutt

Nicola Bowen

Adrika Farhid

Jed Tattersdill

Annabelle Aston

Jed Tattersdill

Zack Carey

Ross Burns Oriane PierrepointEmily Bennett Sian Morris

2 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Welcome Contents “You are going to be remembered 2 Student Art 3 Welcome for the things that you say and 3 Editorial do” - to continue with the 4 Leading with Learning from Bugsy Malone. Within ‘The 5 Engineering Scholarship Leader’, you will find many of the 6 A Year in the Life... 8 Reflections on a busy year ‘things’ that our students have 9 Recollections of France… ‘said’ and ‘done’ over the last 10 ’s Got Talent year. 12 Music 14 Charity Committee Every student is unique and brings to just a small chronicle of the lives of our 16 Work Experience our school that something special students. There is so much more. If 17 Student Art that makes for a dynamic and you follow us on Twitter and on our 18 An ‘Oarsome’ Activity 23 Student Design & Technology Work vibrant community. At Monmouth new website, you can find out daily 24 World Challenge 2012 Comprehensive, we focus on building how we are moving forward with our 27 World Challenge Bolivia 2014 on every student’s talents and learning. 28 Summer Learning interests. We achieve this by providing Once again, Mrs Wendy Baker, with 33 Language Clubs a curriculum and approach to learning 33 Peer Mentoring the help of her contributors, has that allows every student to grow into 33 Sprechen Sie Deutsch? produced an outstanding magazine the person they are and want to be. 34 The School Council’s trip to that is testament to the lives of our 35 Vocational Students The range of activities and success students and reflects the pride and 36 Bugsy Malone production contained within the many articles of esteem with which we hold every one sets new standards our magazine reflect our mission. I of them in leading their lives. 37 Splurge-tastic hope you enjoy reading about life at 38 Sporting Round Up Vaughan Davies 48 World War II Film Project our school. ‘The Leader’ is, though, Headteacher 2013 48 Community Fair 49 Community Participation 50 Monmouth Comprehensive School’s Eisteddfod 51 Cardiff Trip 52 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 53 Can a Raspberry Pi* monitor Editorial a car park? 54 English Update Welcome to Issue No 9 of The 56 Spain Sports Tour Leader. 60 Student Design & Technology Work 61 Year 8 Welsh Heritage Competition Well, here we are again, 12 months 61 All Greek to Me! on, offering you a taste of life at MCS 62 Learning with Friends during 2012/13. 63 An Interview with Professor Stephen Hagen Thanks to many parents, we can bring 64 My Five Months in Monmouth you an extra helping of ‘out of school’ 65 Cadbury World Trip activities in which our students are 65 Our trip to Alton Towers! those of you who are new to the involved. Please keep sending them 66 Out of School Achievements magazine - it is only because of you through to me at any time of the year 68 Student Design & Technology Work that we can provide this magazine to 69 MCS is made from Star Stuff! - I am always happy to receive them. parents and the community. 69 Monmouth’s Mission to Mars Thank you, too, to everyone who has 70 Postcard from Austria contributed to the magazine with So, please, read on and enjoy learning 71 Student Art articles and photographs. about life at our school. 72 Food Glorious Food! Thank you to all our sponsors - those Wendy Baker Front Cover: who have continued to support us and Editor MCS Bugsy Malone Production School Photography by Des Pugh, Official School Photographer 3 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Leading with Learning

Education provision and practice is changing constantly, so too is the World in which our students will live. At Monmouth Comprehensive, we are always looking to the future to develop our practice and provision to meet the needs of all learners. In planning the way ahead with learning, we are always researching papers on education for the 21st Century, reflecting on the requirements of our students and engaging in dialogue as professionals, with students, parents and the wider community.

So how are we leading the way forward?

Collaboratively - In a World where information and school so that students and teachers can work together. In understanding is changing exponentially; the financial classrooms, you will see learning being built together with resources to deliver learning are diminishing; the demands students and teachers. on young people to have transferrable skills are increasing Flexibly - Every student is unique and individual. In a diverse and the requirement for ‘ more for less’ means that schools World, which is constantly changing, our provision and will have to collaborate in a number of ways. At Monmouth practice has to be flexible to be able to respond immediately Comprehensive School, we are working with schools across to support learning. This year we have been able to invest in to provide a 14-19 Curriculum that can creating smaller groupings of students in the Core areas of provide for all learners. We have built a joint Curriculum with the Curriculum - Mathematics, English and Science. It has the 14-19 education establishments in Monmouthshire to allowed us to provide more bespoke learning and a timetable offer a curriculum of wide choice and diversity. With our that is responsive to needs as they arise. In our lessons, we Primary Cluster we have built a continuum of learning from are developing practices that build learning skills so that 4-19. Primary and Secondary teachers meet to share practice students can independently follow paths of enquiry and and assess students’ progress. We have also created more analysis to a high-level of thinking and creativity. Our opportunities for students to work across phases of learning Integrated Curriculum has been extended across the school so that the points of transition are made more readily and so that there is greater flexibility in ‘how’ and ‘what’ to learn smoothly. This year we have also started to work together on and allows teachers to deliver learning that meets the Facilities Management across the Cluster to share resources. enthusiasm and interests of students. Again, technology has Within school, our move away from separate Departments to supported us in delivering more flexible provision and Faculty structures has created more opportunities for practice. This approach has encouraged greater levels of teachers to plan and deliver learning together. It has allowed student independence. Over the last couple of weeks, skills to be built in a systematic way avoiding duplication but students sitting examinations have chosen to come into maintaining repetition. We have rationalised our provision school during exams to prepare and work independently. and shared our practice so that we can achieve more. In this Authentically - ‘Real Learning for a Real World’. In a world move forward for greater collaboration, we have started where knowledge and information increase and change at working with other schools. We have also visited a number the click of a button, it is essential that students can apply of schools to learn from them. In April, we visited their learning and know how to learn for themselves. At Cramlington Academy in Northumberland and we have visited, school, we are always looking to make learning authentic Cleeve School and Tewkesbury School, as well as many more. and support students in applying it to real world situations Our aim and our need to collaborate have been helped by and problems. The Individual Investigation, as part of the the huge investment in technology made by Monmouthshire Welsh Baccalaureate in Key Stage 4 and 5, is an extended County Council and Welsh Government. The school has been research project on ‘real life’ issues. The Investigation uses a given over 700 laptops that are used every day across the Master’s Degree structure to support students understand

4 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 how to research using appropriate academic methods. The Students have to be able to work and learn with each other aim is to help them to live in a world where they will be in a wide range of groups and situations. At Monmouth bombarded with information and analysis, so that they are able Comprehensive School, we focus on building independent to find the truth or at least discern what is accurate, and and intra-dependent resilient individuals. This year our what is not! The Integrated Curriculum is also based around a School Year Councils have undertaken Action Research into series of real life investigations that draw in the local, national Wellbeing and about how to build self and emotional and international communities as Case Studies for learning. awareness. We have worked with the Welsh Government on understanding how schools can provide for emotional Personally - Knowing every student and knowing them well. intelligence. Every student has to be known for themselves and allowed to develop in a way that builds on their strengths and With Skills - for lifelong learning. Our students will work in a interests. At school, our Form Tutors follow and lead their global community where high-order transferrable skills will tutees through the school and teach them for the Integrated be a necessity. If our young people are to compete in that Curriculum. Teachers are able to have the time to know their World then they will have to be literate, numerate and IT students in depth and build their skills, knowledge and competent to a high degree. This year we have introduced attitudes in a systematic and deep way. We track every the Welsh Government Literacy and Numeracy Frameworks student’s progress through the school using a wide range of and have taken part in the national assessments. Across the learning data. At relevant points in a student’s learning, they curriculum, we have revised Programmes of Learning to work with their tutors on their tracking data and set targets support these new Frameworks. Our Literacy and Numeracy for development and future success. On a whole school Co-ordinators have worked across our Cluster schools to basis, we can analyse, evaluate student performance, and build a continuous programme of learning to support change learning programmes to support further progress. students’ progress. Our Integrated Curriculum focuses on making sure that students are able to develop and rehearse With Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence - In, an ever these skills alongside Faculty programmes of study. more complex World of changing patterns of communication and relationships it is essential that students The way ahead is clear and Monmouth Comprehensive is have the skills to be self-aware and be self-regulatory. determined to be leading the way. MCS Student Receives Prestigious Engineering Scholarship

Will Kemp was awarded a prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship at a ceremony hosted by the Institution of Engineering & Technology, Savoy Place, . The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships support young people from across the UK who have the potential to be industry’s future leaders in Engineering and Design. During their Sixth Form studies, Scholars receive £600 to support their technical courses and have access to a range of exciting opportunities to learn more about engineering, such as mentoring and company visits. The school also receives £400 per Scholar. Scholars are selected following a rigorous selection process comprising a detailed application form, a two-hour aptitude exam and an interview hosted at a top engineering university. The National Director of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, Dr Martin Thomas, commented: “This year’s assessment process was extremely tough. Any secondary school can become affiliated to enter students, and this year we had 1103 applicants competing for just 335 Scholarships. Will Kemp and all of our new Scholars have absolutely phenomenal potential for future careers in the engineering profession. Congratulations to Will!”

5 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 A Year in the Life...

Our summer concert was very well Cardiff - thank you to all you generous an authentic business context. This received and brought Summer parents out there. was followed by a trip to the Frankfurt Learning to a fitting climax - details of Christmas Market (a slightly longer Open Evening drew September to a which can be found on pages 28-32. day than was planned as the bus driver close, allowing prospective students got a little lost on the way out of Exam results were eagerly awaited in and parents a glimpse of life at the in the dark!) August when A Level students school. achieved the highest percentage of A* We were delighted to welcome Student Council hit the ground and As ever recorded at the school. Professor Stephen Hagen to the school running with busy first meetings in 136 students were entered for A Level to launch the Welsh branch of October, electing the members of the and BTEC Examinations this summer. Speakers for Schools, more of which School Council, Joint School Council The pass rate was 99%, with over 30% you will find on page 63, where he was and Eco Council and gearing up for achieving the very highest grades. The interviewed by some of our Business the busy year ahead. The History number of A* grades awarded was Studies students. Department arranged for Y11 students more than double the national average, to have the opportunity to speak to Mr The Y7 Christmas Fair was very with over 80% of students achieving Gilden, a gentleman who had been an successful, with budding entrepreneurs the top three grades. evacuee during World War II. vying to sell their wares to all and Following on from the highest ever A Everyone agreed his talk was warm sundry. Y7 made their annual trip to and As Level grades, GCSE students and humorous and gave them a the pantomime in Newport (oh yes also surpassed all previous records at greater insight into the impact this had they did!). Once again the students the school. 86% of students achieved made on peoples’ lives. and staff staged

an amazing Carol Service at St Mary’s the core indicator of 5A* to C grades, Secret training took place at the Church - it seems to get better and with over 45% of all grades being the two Leisure Centre for Victoria Pendleton better each year. School ended on 21st highest. As you can imagine, there were and Brendon Cole, who were kind December with Christmas lunch for lots of very happy faces around the campus. enough to let our Dance students everyone, a lovely way to end the term. watch and critique their dance routine The 7th September saw us become January saw the launch of our new for Strictly Come Dancing. A group part of the Twitter family, when we website to critical acclaim (well, of our sporting students then made up tweeted for the first time - follow us on everyone seemed to like it anyway!) part of the audience at Ms Pendleton’s @LearnWithMCS to find out what is www.monmouthcomprehensive.org.uk book signing interview at the Blake going on at the school. Theatre and had the opportunity of And then came the snow - Bugsy Awards Evening was a wonderful being photographed with Ms Pendleton Malone rehearsals struggled on with event, when students (and parents) and holding the Olympic medals she parents stepping up to the plate to past and present joined in the had won at London 2012. ensure students got to school and Mrs celebration of life at the school. Phillips stayed up into the early hours, In November, Y9 visited the London stitching away at the costumes - where Harvest was celebrated and the huge Olympics site and a group of Y11 are the elves when you need them, Mrs amount of donations was distributed German students visited a Newport Phillips! to town and the Wallich Clifford in business to see how German is used in

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Bugsy was a tremendous success, know the busy year ahead of them, or sold out on every night with amazing how quickly the year will fly by! May performances from the entire cast. also saw us bid farewell to our Y11 and The Bugsy review may be found on Y13 students as they prepared for page 36. exam season - we look forward to seeing them all in August for their results. Students took to the stage for the Eisteddfod, with the usual fierce Our Rowing crews, under the tutelage competition between the Forms. Page of Mr & Mrs Cowton have gone from 50 gives you all the details strength to strength, culminating in 10 wins at Monmouth Regatta, giving Students from Y11SB visited Planet them 38 wins this season. Details of their Ice at Cardiff, taking up their year may be found on pages 18-22. recycling prize from Y9, saved for one last trip out together as a Form The Charity Committee have worked Group. They were ably assisted on the hard throughout the year, raising funds ice by Miss (no, you can’t have a for various charities, see pages 14-15. penguin, they are just for the children) MCS Senior Rugby Squad had a Brooker, Miss Hammersley and phenomenal season - with Ted Senior Mr Millar who stunned them all with and Cam Watson Boycott reviewing his skill on the ice, executing a perfect the winter on pages 44-45. triple salko with toe loop, flat on the back combo. As you can see from the Students from Years 7, 9 and 11 have picture, Miss Brooker attempted to enjoyed their lunches with Mr Davies, show everyone on the rink how well he our Headteacher,

giving them the opportunity to talk had done by pointing it out! The informally about life at school. school was delighted to receive a bag of kit for our U13 cricketers from the Our new information screens around Lord’s Taverners, with a contribution the school have proved invaluable from Monmouth Club - the during the school year, giving details cricket coaching, run by Mr Stubbs of events about to happen and has proved very successful this year. congratulating students on their Please see page 38 for more details. achievements - we have even managed to give score by score accounts of The Spain Sports Tour took place rugby matches - eat your heart out during the Easter Holiday, details of Radio 5 Live! which can be found on page 56. And finally... we bid a fond farewell to Charlotte Edwards, the England five of our teachers this year who, Women’s Cricket Captain, visited the between them, have clocked up over school in April, promoting her sport 100 years at the school - Mr Osborne, and impressing students and staff with Mr Sims, Mrs Hassell, Mr Price and her enthusiasm. Mrs Bradley. We wish them good May saw our new Sixth Form Officials health and happiness in their future elected for 2013/2014 - little do they exploits.

7 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Reflections on a busy year Jess Barradale Smith, Headgirl Ted Senior, Headboy Time has flown by since Ted and I discovered our place It only seems like yesterday that I was appointed on the official team and the excitement and Head Boy and was asked to carry out my first duty, anticipation felt at that moment has been mirrored in along with Jess and our brilliant Prefect Team. This every aspect of my experiences as Head Girl. was to help out at the Year 13 Leavers’ Reception, The year kicked off with Monmouth Comprehensive serving drinks to emotional eighteen year olds and School’s annual Awards Evening in September catering to their needs when they asked, “Can recognising students’ success throughout the year, someone pass me the Kleenex please?” Now, I am from academic achievements to sporting triumphs. I’m being asked to carry out my final duty in writing still not sure how one room could contain so much this article, having already appointed next year’s talent and hard work. The event also marked our first officials who will be serving me one (or maybe a few more) glasses of champagne official speech which seemed a daunting prospect, but at our Leavers’ Reception. This year really has flown by! a challenge overcome and enjoyed. It prepared us for Jess and I were warned that this year would be a challenging one and a bit of a many more speeches to come. juggling act. Trying to balance my school work and Head Boy duties whilst I have felt extremely proud to represent Monmouth attempting to hold on to some kind of social life was tough but it was a challenge Comprehensive School; both on campus and in the I most certainly enjoyed. That said, without a doubt being Head Boy made this final wider community events - I have also enjoyed year even more special than it would have been. I would like to thank everyone at promoting the school values. Preserving and the school for this opportunity, in particular the staff who give up their time to developing the five values has been strengthened ensure our success and development. through our ‘Wellbeing Action Research’, which was Throughout the year, Jess and I have organised and participated in a number of undertaken by the students themselves; the process events, not only in our school community but in the wider community as well being supported by many Sixth Form representatives. including; speeches at Awards Evening, dinner with the Mayor of Monmouth, Year Being involved in this experience in a ‘big sisterly’ role Six Entrants Evenings and the notorious Monmouth’s Got Talent. All of these have highlighted the family way we support and encourage been amazing experiences to be involved with, even when, less than a week before each other and also rooted the value of respect of each the final of Monmouth’s Got Talent, we still didn’t have a confirmed judge! But, individual student. for me, there have been two stand-out moments this year which epitomised our As Christmas approached, the excitement particularly school philosophy and values and made me feel so proud to be Head Boy of such brought the Christmas spirit out of the officials and an outstanding school. These were my inclusion in the School and Year Councils as prefects who helped out at the Christmas dinner. It was well as the interview process for next year’s Heads and Deputies. School Council a fantastic way of helping out the staff feed an army meetings always took place first thing on a Wednesday morning and each time I was of mouths (also giving us the chance to dress up!). astounded by such an intelligent, well-spoken and moral group of students. Our main focus this year, as School and Year Councils, was to construct questionnaires I know many of my experiences, the fun and the which would give us an insight into well-being within our school. By the end of the challenging alike, will define many of the memories I year, we had collated data across every Year Group in the school and to see this will have of Monmouth Comprehensive School. The process, led by students as young as 11, filled me with great confidence that this busy month of March witnessed a time of intense school is achieving brilliant things and really helping students lead their lives. preparations for the momentous ‘Monmouth’s Got Talent’. The event provides the opportunity for HMSG, A similar feeling of pride was felt on the day Jess and I, along with George (Deputy Monmouth School and Monmouth Comprehensive Head Boy), Sophie (Deputy Head Girl), Mrs Dean and Mr Davies, elected the School to join together to showcase a variety of talents students who were going to kick Jess and me out of office! All the applicants and compete for prizes. Although we just missed the showed a passion for our school, an enthusiasm for learning and a determination top prize of vouchers for shows and concerts in the to better themselves as people. As brilliant as this was, it made our decision much Millennium Stadium, we bagged second, third and tougher! As I said earlier, the Councils and interviews were the highlights of my fourth place! Diolch yn fawr iawn to all the year because to have been able to experience firsthand the remarkable things contestants; Monmouth certainly does have talent! taking place at MCS, and to see our core values personified in students destined for greatness, knowing I have made a valuable contribution to their It truly has been a development, is the exact reason I applied to be Head Boy in the first place. wonderful experience I’ve had the honour My time at Monmouth has been better than anything I could have ever of sharing with dreamt of, making friendships and developing memories I know will last Ted, George (Deputy me a lifetime. Another highlight this year was the success of our Senior Head Boy) and Rugby Team which went unbeaten all season. To have done this in the final Sophie (Deputy year with a group of mates who have been to Italy, Ireland (and not Head Girl). If this forgetting Wigan) together really topped off what has been an year is anything to unbelievable year. It still hasn’t sunk in that I will be leaving here in a few go by, I can weeks but not actually coming back six weeks later! Hopefully I will be at guarantee the three Bristol University reading Biology, having the time of my life, meeting new of them will be people and learning to cope without my mum! successful in all of I would like to take this opportunity once again to thank everybody their endeavours. I involved in this school community for making my time here so special and will be sad to leave in a short matter of weeks, but I I urge every student who puts on the blue polo shirt or wears the Sixth Form tie to would like to thank Monmouth Comprehensive School enjoy themselves here because it is all over far too quickly. Thank you MCS. Now for shaping me as a person. it’s my time to ask, “Can someone pass me the Kleenex please...?”

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In July 2012, Year 7 students went to Northern France.

After six hours on the bus to Dover, we caught the ferry to Going on the French trip was amazing and everyone was so France, followed by our final leg to the Chateau, driven by our friendly and helpful but the best part was definitely the trip to awesome bus driver, Dave. When we arrived we were shown Park Asterix. It was huge and had loads of cool rides and around and told where we would be eating and sleeping (in the activities including roller coasters, water rides and merry-go- old stable block!). rounds -everything! They even had shops and picture points. After dinner we went outside where we were split into teams and Everyone had so much fun, even those who got lost! played Chateau Olympics. After our ‘Olympics’ we all went French trip = Awesome ? to bed. Alice Livesey, 7WM During the week we visited When we went on the school trip to France during Summer a snail farm where we 2012, it’s safe to say that we were all buzzing but words cannot learnt all about them and describe what a great time we ended up having. even got to try some! We One of the highlights was definitely Parc Asterix where we all also went to a enjoyed a great time on all the rollercoasters and rides. But for CHOCOLATE me, the best thing was just getting to know everyone and FACTORY (!) where we making so many great new friends everywhere I went. I am were shown how it is made sure that the memories will stay with us all forever. and, more importantly, had the chance to buy some. Stephanie Painter, 7WM We went shopping to the local market, went to the seaside (in the rain, when else?) and visited the Parc Asterix theme park, where we were let loose on the rides and candyfloss. Our final trip was to a local supermarket. Rose, 7JD RecollectionsRecollections ofof France…France…

9 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Monmouth’s Got Talent (MGT)

On the 14th of March this year, students from HMSG, Chloe and Becky and Monmouth Comprehensive, came together in the Blake Theatre to take part in the final of Monmouth’s Got Talent.

Monmouth’s Got Talent started Ryan Lee packed! Not just with with an idea from the Head people but with nerves Boys and Head Girls of the and excitement. The three Monmouth schools, as an acts were nearly all attempt to bring the schools singers, some solo and together and to raise some some duets and all of money for charity. This year the competitors were of each school conducted auditions, a very high standard. and there were plenty of acts to The judges did comment on how difficult a choice they had choose from. The winners of to make. I know that this is a bit of a cliché but I actually feel the auditions went through to a that in this case it was true - there was a lot of talent on stage school final, with the first three and I would not have representing their school in the Finola O’Sullivan wanted to make the overall finals. decision myself. But As a music lover I decided to enter, and I was spurred on in the end the judges because I had been in a similar competition at Cross Ash had to make a Primary School and I had found the nervous excitement choice. Katie a strangely addictive, especially when I won! I thought of doing dancer from HMSG a song that I had sung previously but in the end I sang a took a well-deserved new song for first place, singers Molly and Harry every round of Chloe and Becky the competition; from Monmouth Comprehensive came second and ‘Mr Rock and Freddy Whaley and Rhys Rasmussen from Monmouth Roll’ by Amy Comprehensive came third with an amazing display of bin MacDonald for drumming with fluorescent sticks. the auditions, Monmouth DOES have ‘Mr Medicine’ by Bronwen Davies talent, and Monmouth Eliza Doolittle Comprehensive certainly for the semi-final has plenty. Thank you to all and ‘Upside Down’ by Paloma Faith at the final. At the semi- of the Head finals I had a bit of a Boys and hiccup when my backing Freddy and Rhys - Stinking Garbage Head Girls for track went missing; their idea and fortunately Mum had time organisation, it to go home and burn was great fun another disc but the delay and would be did nothing for my nerves. good if this Luckily this did not seem became a to affect me too badly as I regular fixture. was selected for the final. Bronwen Davies, 7BI On the night of the final, (one of the Finalists) the Blake Theatre was

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11 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Music

The following students have been successful in achieving a Grade Examination this Academic year: Grade 8 Mary Hamilton Flute Emily Harris Flute Lara Gordon Violin Rory Gordon Brass Dylan Sluiter Percussion Rachel Tucker Viola Grade 7 Finchley Harwood Alto Saxophone Louisa Hasler Flute Louisa Hasler Violin Elizabeth Price Flute Grade 6 Frances Dowle Clarinet Huw Jones Double Bass Grade 5 Charlotte Edge Cello Musical Many of the principal seats in the Eloise Grundy Flute ensembles are occupied by students Jasmine Hurley Theory Achievements from Monmouthshire - they will be Zoe McCarroll Tenor Horn Another fantastic year of achievement greatly missed as they move on to Bethan Morgan Theory for Monmouth Comprehensive students university and music college places but Hannah Pope Brass who participate in Greater Gwent we wish them the very best in their Amber Snaith Cello ensembles. 2013 saw students taking further academic pursuits. Lauren Waycott Cello part in Combined Centres Orchestra, Elastic Band - Jessica Netherway, Grade 4 School Orchestra, Youth Orchestra, Natasha Chandra, Zoe McCarroll, Bronwen Davies Flute Symphonic Winds, and Cello and Bass Hannah Pope, Emily Harris, and Rebecca Geen Flute Ensemble as well as Brass Band and Matthew Suttie. Beth Kinniment-Williams Cello Greater Gwent Percussion Ensemble. Youth Orchestra - Matthew Brown, Elsa Lily Flute Almost every student in the school who Rachel Tucker, Louisa Hasler, Mary Grade 3 learns an orchestral instrument now Hamilton, Corin Dennehey and Emily Anna Moore Flute attends North Monmouthshire Music Harris. Cameron Pardington Percussion Centre which operates on a Friday night Merrydith Russell Brass from 4.45-6.45pm. As well as some Youth Strings - Matthew Brown, Reuben Pierrepoint, Amber Snaith, Michael Slack Percussion excellent concerts throughout the year, Ioan Williams Brass they have also performed in the regional Rachel Tucker, Louisa Hasler and Mary Festival of Music for Youth. Hamilton. Grade 2 GG Percussion Ensemble - Cameron Emily Brown Flute Many Monmouth students are now Abigail Chandra Flute progressing to perform at the prestigious Pardington, Dylan Sluiter, Simeon Jones and Rhys Rasmussen. Kirsty Holford Flute Symphony Hall Birmingham for the Gabrielle Middleton Flute Bottom Heavy - Matthew Brown, National Finals. The Youth Strings and Archie Oubridge Brock Alto Saxophone Reuben Pierrepoint, Amber Snaith, Orchestra did an outstanding concert at Edward Trumper Percussion Charlotte Edge, Lauren Waycott and the very glamorous Celtic Manor this Oliver Trumper Percussion Beth Kinniment-Williams. year, performing their most challenging Charlotte Uttley Flute programme yet, which included Brass Band - Natasha Chandra, Zoe Tchaikovsky 6th Symphony. McCarroll and Becky Welton.

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on, our house was constantly filled with I recommend that every musician starts the sound of music. playing in a group very early on, it is When I was nine, I started having private what music is all about. Playing in a tuition. This gave me more time to learn brass band is certainly helping my and truly be part of the musical world brother to rise to his full potential as a that I didn’t know existed so close to musician. home. My eagerness and determination At the moment, I play first violin with led me through the grades at a the Gloucester Youth Orchestra. I began tremendous pace. It wasn’t long before playing with them on their tour to my violin teacher suggested I start Annecy, France, in the summer of 2011. playing the piano as well. I love playing Entrance is by audition only, so I was the piano; to start playing is certainly not overwhelmed to be allowed to go on tour a decision I regret. with them so early on. Since the first At the age of 10, my competitive streak rehearsal with them, I have always felt urged me to start competing against inspired by the other musicians. As long other young musicians.The Cheltenham as that inspiration is there, I know that I Festival of Performing Arts gave me the will continue to love my music. perfect opportunity to demonstrate my Most recently, I was awarded a talent. For the first few years, my distinction in my Grade 8 violin. I now Lara Gordon successes were scarce. However, I felt look out into the world of classical music inspired by the other musicians and and feel that I am truly part of it. I can Music has been a big part of my life for strived to improve. Last year, I won my play such a broad range of music and a long time now, particularly in recent first trophies, one for my piano playing continue to grow as a musician. As long years. and one for the violin. as I enjoy making music, I am on the I was first introduced to the violin at the On the whole, my orchestral experiences road to success. age of eight. My parents played the were very limited until about two years Lara Gordon violin when they were younger; I wanted ago. I had not truly been exposed to the to follow in their footsteps. This new beauty of playing with other musicians. Lara also played, as a soloist, at the dimension to my life inspired my parents It wasn’t until I was 13, with Grade 7, MCS Awards Ceremony in September to start playing again and for my brother that my teacher introduced me to the 2012, delighting her audience with to start learning the trumpet. From then Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra. her skilful performance.

13 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Giving their all

The Charity Committee has enjoyed another hugely successful and fun year. Thanks to the new group of enthusiastic Y12s adding to the dedicated Y13s, there hasn’t been a dull moment! At the start of Y13 when we were given the roles of Joint-Heads of Charity Committee, we knew we would find it hard to live up to last year’s amazing legacy that we were privileged to be a part of. We found ourselves in the position of wanting to do better and make the previous Heads proud. Starting off in July we sold flags for the Olympic torch event in Monmouth, also we we held a non-uniform day with the theme ‘What You Want to broke the previous totals for a first event for Cancer Research by Be When You Are Older’. This was very fitting as Y13 students holding a bake sale. We were off to a great start! Sixth Formers sent off their university applications and Y11 prepared for Work and teachers took part in a sponsored leg waxing in the School Experience. The day was very successful as we raised over £1000 Hall at break time. We hoped then that we could continue these for the charity. We also continued our MCS tradition of creating, achievements and we strove to do the best that we could for collecting and sending Christmas boxes for Operation Christmas charities local, national and international. Child. The enthusiasm and generosity shown for this event was When we came back to start the Autumn Term, we were both fantastic to see! The Charity Committee worked at full capacity ready to face the hectic year that was to come. We chose the to encourage and organise the collection. We were glad and charities that we felt were important for us to support as a grateful to have so much help from the rest of the school and school community, aiming to support one worthy cause each had the opportunity to visit the warehouse to see the next stage month. Our first whole school event saw Tutor Groups come in the Operation Christmas Child process. together to collect hundreds of items for the annual Harvest With the start 2013 and our January exams over, we were able Collection. The items went to a non-profit organisation called to focus in February on one of our biggest events, our very own Wallich Clifford, which helps the homeless in the Cardiff and Valentine’s Day in MCS. We offered a ‘roses and gift’ delivery Newport areas. We were thrilled service on the 7th February with all of the proceeds going to the with the efforts of everyone but 7NJ Katie Piper Foundation. This high profile charity supports people collected the most items in the suffering with burns injuries and again, we received a letter of school, much to Mr Jones’ delight! thanks from the Foundation and were assured that our efforts Hundreds of items were collected would make a difference to the lives of many people. Also in and Wallich Clifford were delighted February we appealed to our Y10 students at their Community with the donations and even sent us Fair to join the Charity Committee and not without success! We a ‘Thank You’ card. In September hope our new members in Years 9, 10 and 11 will be able to too we raised £260 for MacMillan Cancer Research by taking continue our love for helping others and carry on with the same part in their nationwide Coffee Morning. Both students and enthusiasm that we have tried to bring to the Committee but staff enjoyed some home-made cakes and a hot cup of tea or with even more new and exciting ideas! coffee served by Charity Committee members. In March we held our largest event of the year, Red Nose Day for The 19th October, National ‘Go Green’ day, was a day filled with Comic Relief. We wanted to encourage the whole school colour and enthusiasm as we held a green theme non-uniform community to get into the spirit of fundraising and to lose any day and bake sale and even held a colour non-uniform inhibitions they may have. themed karaoke! This was in support of the When it comes to charity days, we want ‘Size of ’ charity which aims to reverse the everyone to enjoy themselves so we went impact of deforestation in South America by ‘wilder and wackier’ than previous years with replanting trees in areas the ’size of Wales’. We our non-uniform theme and also with our raised £1009, the largest amount of any main event. At break time, we held a Staff Secondary school in Wales and received grateful and Student’s Muggle Quidditch Match. It thanks and reward from the charity! was great to see the whole school cheering With the end of 2012 approaching, we knew on the match, even in the rain, with a great that we had a busy couple of months ahead of mix of students from all Years and teachers us, with events such as Children In Need and from all Departments taking part as well. The Operation Christmas Child. For Children In Need Red Nose themed bake sale also went down we held a Sixth Form ‘dogs-body’ auction which well in the School Hall with all the cakes saw staff and students spending their pennies being sold within 15 minutes! We again, and pounds for the services of willing and broke the £1000 mark in what was a really unwilling Sixth Form ‘victims’! Alongside this, enjoyable and busy day!

14 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

The great ideas, wonderful enthusiasm and amazing spirit continued in our weekly meetings up until our last non-uniform event in May, which was held for Ty Hafan Superheroes Day. There was an amazing effort on the cake baking front, with help from the Friends Association, students and staff. We also held a hero themed karaoke and raised a brilliant £929, a figure that we were so proud to reach. As a Charity Committee, throughout the year we held Year 7 and 8 discos and provided refreshments for Parents’ Evenings. With these events we have been able to raise money for Wallace and Grommit’s Grand Appeal for Bristol’s Children’s Hospital, the RNLI and The Katie Piper Foundation. Most recently, we have combined fundraising efforts to support the Monmouth Off Street Project which aims to provide better facilities for young people in the local area. We thought that this would be a valuable cause to support which would benefit people in our local and school community but we were then contacted by an ex-student who is travelling to Uganda this summer with a charity called ‘Playgrounds for Africa’. We thought it poignant to support a child’s right to play wherever they are in the world and we duly split the funds raised equally between the two causes. This ex-student is not alone in her charitable endeavours. The Year 7 and 8 May Ball was led by a group of Y13 students who are spending their summer volunteering in the ELIM orphanage in Peru. Cameron Watson, Liam Musselbrook and Ted Senior have arranged their six week long trip themselves and are excited about the prospect of making a difference to these children in need. We were more than happy to help them, the disco raised a record £430 and saw some of the most spectacular Sixth Form versus Y7 dance offs the school has ever seen! On behalf of the Charity Committee, we would like to sincerely thank all staff, students and parents for their help and all the contributions they have made to our fundraising events this year. But most importantly, thank you to the amazing Charity Committee who we are so grateful to have worked with - we have made genuine friendships across the Year Groups and worked together as a wonderful team. It has been a pleasure working with the Y13 officials, Miss Feldon and Miss Caswell to help ensure our work reaches out to the rest of the school population. We hope that our successors will take as much pride and joy in helping many great charities, as we have had the privilege to this year. Without the amazing help of the Committee and the whole school, parents and staff, our events wouldn’t work and we wouldn’t be able to help so many lives and change so many attitudes towards charities and non-profit organisations. Although we have had our work cut out and we have had many challenges to overcome, we have enjoyed sharing every minute of it and it has made our last year at Monmouth Comprehensive School that much more enjoyable and fulfilling. Thank you again. Kristy Brown and Tom Salmon Joint Heads of the Charity Committee

15 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

Work Experience in Germany In November 2012, I did my work One of my many memories from the experience in an English school for week was when I taught the teachers some children, near Nuremberg. Like many Welsh words, and they were absolutely other students, I found the placement fascinated! It was amazing to experience outside of school and contacted them. the German culture, and learn the I hope to teach English as a foreign language at the same time as working. language abroad, so I wanted to gain a I spent the following week with another proper understanding of how the friend in Dortmund, and attended her language is taught. I learn German and school every day. This was another really love the language, and am fortunate enjoyable week and I’m fortunate to enough to have family friends in have experienced everything I did. Bavaria. I looked into placements Work experience is a great opportunity, there. After contacting many schools, I and it is definitely worthwhile putting in was invited to go to the Helen Doron the time and effort to find a placement School. These schools are all over the that will interest you, whether it is really world and teach English to children in a local or further afield. There was a real creative way, using props, songs and variety of Work Experience placements stories. and it was really cool to hear about other My experience was really informative and peoples’ weeks in hotels, schools, shops I realised how much I enjoy teaching and much more. children, and working abroad. Everyone My experience was one that I won’t forget, was really friendly and I had lots of fun and hope to repeat again in the future. playing games, songs, and helping prepare for lessons. Ruthie Walters, 11SN Work Experience at Northshore, Chichester

My Work Experience placement at the guard from beginning to end. I spending the morning in accounts Northshore Ltd, has really taken me out of designed the shape of the guard and where I learned how to manage invoices my shell and encouraged me to strive for was taught how to use design software and basic finance. My final afternoon the grades and career that I want in the such as Solidworks and Autodesk. Using was spent in sales where I spoke to future. this software I was able to create a CAD clients and assisted the main team in and 3D design of my vision. The finished I spent a week with Northshore Yachts closing sales and deciding on additional piece was then sent off to the specifically working with the design and features they wished to have on their yacht. manufacturer and was soon being fitted drawing team on the Southerly range. The staff at Northshore were extremely onto brand new bespoke 46 foot, Based in the delightful waterside setting of helpful and really took me under their £368,000 yachts. Though I enjoyed the Chichester Harbour, they have been building wing and understood the value of work design process the most, I also experience. I felt totally at home and the yachts since 1975. They have built over 900 thoroughly enjoyed spending the day in yachts and have become internationally design team, in particular, gave me a the stores where I played a valuable role huge amount of support in learning how recognised as the market leader for variable in distributing equipment and tools to to use new software and understanding draft cruising yachts. The placement was the craftsmen and workers on the the principles of commercial design. phenomenal and has cemented my keen factory floor, as I gained a greater interest in sailing and design. understanding of different aspects of My work experience placement has Throughout the week I worked to yacht construction. cemented my passion for sailing and design and given me the drive to achieve produce a speaker guard which has now On my final day at Northshore I spent my GCSEs and A Levels in the future. become a permanent feature of the time getting to grips with the raw business range. I witnessed the construction of element of yacht manufacturing, Amelia Ralphs, Y11

16 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Student Art

Bryiony Waycott

Matilda Pears-Cooper

Nathan Jones

Katherine Giovanelli

Sarah Brice

Jeena Sriphan Matilda Pears-Cooper

Katie Brown

Brandi Thomas

Annabelle Aston

Shannon Cherry

Nia Roberts Zack Carey Trudy Humber Stephanie Griffiths

17 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 An ‘Oarsome’ Activity

National Sculling Head The race is 3800m long overall, 1900m up and the same back Ben Warmington,Y10 down, it’s a time trial. At a good On Friday 8th of March, at quarter to six speed it should take from twelve in the morning, I and about forty five to sixteen minutes. In that time other rowers were setting off to the we overtook three other boats Olympic Rowing Lake at Eton. The (one of them, twice). National Sculling Head is one of the When we were de-boating we largest junior rowing events of the year. were once again half-heartedly In just my division (under 15 coxed shouted at by an official then we quadruple sculling boats), there were took the boat back to our area, to forty-six other crews, National Events be de–rigged and loaded onto are always a big day. the trailer. About five minutes Dorney Lake is the man-made lake built later and back in dry clothes, we were before Henley qualification day, Jed by Eton College for their own crews. It is back to shelter and eating. Tattersdill, Richard Russell-Broome, Harry King, myself and our coach Mr 2000m long and has space for eight The results took an excruciatingly long Cowton sat down in the club house one boats to row side by side (and a large time to be released, but when they were, Monday evening after the event to warm-up lake alongside the main lake). we were quite pleased with the result.We discuss our frustrating performance. We The first thing I noticed as I stepped into had secured thirteenth out of 46 crews used video of the race to reflect on the the veritable mansion of a boat-house was and had beaten all the boats from our race in detail and we agreed that we were the rather large Rolex clock on the wall. region. This means we will be racing in capable of much more.The conversation an inter-regional event, representing we shared that day motivated us to a Wales and the West of England, level we never thought possible before. including rather tidy new team kit! We really wanted to qualify for Henley. Henley Royal Regatta Josh Kings,Y13 Every year, rowing competitors from My squad was rowing later in the day so around the world are attracted to one of we had a fair amount of time to do the most prestigious rowing events on nothing but take in the surroundings. the calendar, Henley Royal Regatta held The aftermath of the Olympic stands on the River Thames. Since the first and crowds had people re-turfing the regatta in 1839, crews have been drawn several acres of land that surrounds the to the event to compete against world lake. A light mist had descended class opposition in the hope of winning overnight which just obscured the far The training we put into the weeks one of the various prestigious trophies bank, and several hundred boats were leading up to Henley was both physically awardable. making their way to and from the and mentally draining, however we all pontoons that jut into the water. For the past three years, Monmouth knew that we had to work harder than Unfortunately, the weather didn’t hold Comprehensive School Boat Club has ever to even have the slightest chance of and rain forced us inside to rest and wait. entered their top boat into the “Fawley qualifying. Before we knew it, the Friday Challenge Cup”, an event presented to Three o’clock saw my squad preparing for for qualification had arrived. It was a athletes who are eighteen years of age or our biggest race so far this year. First day that was a new experience for both younger to race in coxless quadruple warming up, then carrying our boat into Harry and myself, but had previously sculling boats. However, to race at such the traffic jam of the boating plaza. We been disappointing for Jed and Richard a prestigious event, crews need to qualify placed our boat in the water and who had failed to qualify the previous just to be able to compete in the regatta’s presently got shouted at by an official year. Before we were called to boat and side by side racing held over the first that we weren’t moving fast enough. paddle up to the start line, we all took a week of July (Wednesday to Sunday). About two minutes and several shouts seat in the back of our rented minibus to Qualification racing, which is a time later we pushed off from the pontoon. simply view the video of our trial, is held on the previous Friday. The disappointing race from Wallingford school Boat Club has put crews forward Regatta filmed by Mr Cowton. This was to try and qualify over recent years, even all we needed for motivation. forming a composite crew with Monmouth Out of the dozens of crews that trialled School in one year but, unfortunately, there were very few places to be taken none of the crews have ever been for the main regatta. Crews from as far successful… until the year of 2012. away as Canada, the United States and After a disappointing result at Australia had travelled to Henley to Wallingford Regatta, just two months compete. We raced in difficult rough

18 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 water with a head wind of 20 miles per nerves were high as we reached hour, collapsing in our boat as we Edgbaston Reservoir, where we would crossed the finish line after eight minutes be competing in a number of races over of the hardest rowing I had ever done. a 700m course. When we reached the We all hoped that our time would be reservoir, let’s just say it wasn’t the quick enough. We took our boat off the warmest day we had experienced but, water and waited for just an hour for the Although we lost our race (the Aussies thankfully, it wasn’t the coldest.The wind results, but it felt like forever! turned out to be Australian champions, was up and the rain came down so it which comforted us a bit), the experience The tannoy that echoed throughout the meant thermals, jumpers, and waterproofs of competing with outstanding athletes whole venue clicked into action and a were on.The water looked rather sinister in front of thousands of spectators will very formal voice spoke “qualifiers for as we looked out over the course. It was always resonate with me. The hours of Fawley Challenge Cup in alphabetical dark, choppy and cold, but that didn’t total dedication and training that we, as a order”. This was it, we all froze as the stop us. We got the boats out, rigged up crew, and our coaches, Mr & Mrs voice started announcing the crews that and put the first crew out on the water. Cowton, committed in preparation for had qualified, the voice got to M... There were people everywhere, people the event was all worth it. The challenge “, Melbourne supporting, people rigging, people is now to do it again this year... and be Australia, Monmouth trying to find shelter from the hail that faster! Comprehensive School” - with that we kept pelting us every so often during the all burst with excitement and relief! No day. Despite the erratic weather it didn’t words could truly describe the ecstatic MCS Boat Club stop us from racing and MCS kept on mood we all shared. Our sense of Half Marathon being triumphant with many race wins achievement and pride was immense. Cameron Bradbury,Y9 through the day. The half marathon for me, personally, For the first time this year, Mr Cowton was a very social event with everyone entered a rower in the Girls J14 Single who rows for the Boat Club taking part. Sculling Boat event, Hannah Kay. She I was sceptical the first time I heard was amazing and did extremely well, she about it, rather doubting my ability to won two out of her three races and only complete the event but I found my lost by half a length, which is hardly friends had similar doubts. I actually anything. She said “I was excited until I found it a very enjoyable and fun event. saw the course and then my nerves really The people I was running with were very set in. I didn’t want to do it initially, but The first round of racing was on the nice and supportive even though they once I got started the nerves went and I following Wednesday and the crowds of were not from my Year Group.There were spectators that turned up for the day’s a number of drinks stops and support points racing were like nothing we’d seen along the way, which I found lifesaving. before. The huge marquees, the dress The setting for the event, the Forest of code for spectators and much more Dean, was very peaceful which made it make for a unique racing environment. twice as nice to be running there. Whilst As competitors, we had special passes to running, I was just talking with the other wear to gain access to the athletes’ put my competitive head on.” All of us people in my running group, and we all facilities. We had to take suits to wear are very proud of Hannah and that she agreed it was a fun event, which we were after the race to gain access into the did so well. We were also incredibly all very surprised at, given the hard work various enclosures to watch other racing impressed and proud of the Boys J14 we were putting in. (the dress code is rigorously enforced!). double that raced, Cameron Bradbury Completing the run gave me a massive The racing draw pitched us against and Harry Dalrymple. They went on to sense of self-achievement. I was extremely Prince Alfred’s College Australia, a team achieve a medal, because they won all of pleased as I managed to finish the run we had never raced before, so our the races spectacularly. Cameron who without an older group overtaking my racing tactic was simple, go off hard was stroking and setting the rhythm said own group, which I was told they were for the first 500m, then to try and hold “The day went well because we did well trying to. The whole day was extremely them for the next 1600m to the finish in our races and the races were good fun. enjoyable and I am looking forward to line. After the race, we chatted with the We felt nervous before our races but as next year’s half marathon a lot. boys from Australia and found they had soon as it started we felt confident and taken exactly the same approach, Birmingham Regatta competitive”. knowing nothing about us either! The day was incredible and great fun Unfortunately, we could not match their Jemima Greenstreet,Y9 and we are proud of everybody who superior speed when we raced them side The day finally arrived. We had been raced. Despite the nerves we all went out by side. counting down to this event.What would there and tried our best, which is all it bring? What would happen? How will anybody can ask for. The day was long I do? The date was the 27th of April; this and we were all tired at the end as we meant it was Birmingham Regatta. It headed home, but it was worth it. It is a wasn’t our first race of the year as I had day everybody should look forward to. I raced several time trial Head of the River had never experienced a regatta before races over the winter, but this was my and I didn’t know what to expect, but first side by side summer regatta. The now I have, I can’t wait to do it again.

19 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

Rowing is great if you are interested in a starving lion at the sight of meat.When solo sports and just relaxing and training you row, the concentration needed melts by yourself. Equally, joining in with others your brain and, when you row well, you can be a great way to build lifelong feel like you’re on top of the world. friendships as the feeling of “team” is exquisite in rowing. Rowing is, literally, The Captain’s Review the best way of releasing your stress. of The Year But it isn’t all great, it can be the worst Harry King,Y13 feeling. It’s the worst feeling when you We began the 2012-13 season full of Why do I Row? let down your crew, being late for training or not pushing yourself to promise on the back of a very successful Tom Clarke,Y13 support them in training and racing. It previous year. Our top crew had Cold mornings, blisters on your hands, is the worst feeling knowing that there qualified for Henley Royal Regatta for at least five training sessions a week, hard seems no way of beating someone in the first time in the school’s history, Sixth work and even the potential to capsize your squad and get into the top boat. It Former Richard Russell-Broome had on a chilly day; rowing is often seen in is the worst feeling smashing your legs represented Wales at the Home these terms, so why do it? through the floor as hard as an International Regatta and we had a record number of 41 wins under our belt. Maybe we can ponder over the reasons Olympian, crushing your stomach with forever and, believe me, I have had my your oars, ripping apart your deltoids, Olympic fever meant that we had an fair share of self-doubt when waves are unusually high intake in the lower Years, pushing against my boat and my heart is with many Y9s choosing to continue on pumping. When I feel like giving up at from their summer beginner sessions. rowing, as I do from time to time, I think This was a challenge, but also a fantastic of what rowing means to me. I think example of the growing popularity of the about how to sum it up. sport and how far the school Club has come over recent years. Helped by Well how to sum up rowing? Hmm, not invaluable contributions from more an easy question - I mean, after all, there experienced members across the squad, are a lot of aspects to rowing, whether it particularly Cole Telford,Tasha Bradley is the blade work, balance, hand heights, and Matt Royston, the group made drive sequence, recovery phase, hands quick progress in the early months. In away, power, posture, I could go on. So biceps, triceps, shoulders, back and butt the first batch of races in September we what can I say that really sums up and only losing by one, two, three, four, followed on from last year’s success and rowing? To me, it consists of the five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten seconds. secured victories for Y10 and above, with combination of eating your way through It doesn’t matter.You’ve been spat on and a particular stand-out performance from every sweaty length after length, stroke then kicked to the curb. Disappointment Richard and Tom Clarke who blew away after stroke, with the water as your trusty in rowing is the worst feeling because the opposition at Worcester despite a companion. It is the soul-sapping when you row it means the world to you. time penalty for being late to the start exhaustion of the rowing machines on Oh, but the other side is unbelievable. It (this won’t surprise those who know the long, dark evenings of winter. It is is the best feeling, not being able to move Tom and Richard!).We were convinced the early mornings, and it is being a muscle because you have worked so they found a short cut, even on a river! exhausted just at the thought of how hard for your team and yourself. It is the We also saw a new positive rivalry exhausted you will be. It is an effort, but best feeling, listening to your boat’s song emerge for the top quad as Kings it is great to know that you are destroying as it glides smoothly through the water. School, Worcester proved tough to beat your opposition and getting fit doing it. Rowing is a great feeling, a wonderful, and we exchanged victories with them Not only this, but it also consists of beguiling, incredible, irreplaceable feeling. throughout the winter. growing as a person throughout your For the most part, it is absolutely transition through years of experience. intangible, but one thing that is true is Several Y9 athletes enjoyed (as much as you can enjoy an icy December I know other sportsmen may believe that that I wouldn’t stop it. morning) their first races at Wycliffe their sport is great, I mean that’s why When you row well, it is like feeling as Head, performing brilliantly. Sixth Form you do it, right? Maybe you like the capable as a tank in a war, as ferocious as newcomer Liam Richards also social side, maybe you like impressed alongside Ben Metcalfe to the physical side, and maybe win on his debut. An injury early in the your mates do it. Let me tell season meant I was frustratingly out of you something, rowing is action for too many months, but this good for fitness and it uses all gave me an opportunity to enjoy race of the major muscle groups day without the pressures of competing, such as your arms, legs, however it was very strange not racing at back, abdomen and buttocks, venues that I had been visiting for the making rowing a superb past five years. aerobic and resistance training conditioner, with the One area of focus for the Club, outlined exhilaration of pushing at the start of the year, was the growing yourself that is, perhaps, hard strength of the senior girls squad. to match in other sports. Participation among girls in sport

20 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 typically tails off after the age of 14, This past month, it has also been great to Representing so it was encouraging to see fantastic see so many ambitious new rowers from performances from our Y11 athletes in current Y8 students, helped out again by Wales and the West the spring, even beating their male tireless volunteers from across the Year counterparts from other schools Groups. I would urge any young of England comfortably, showing great promise for students at the school to seize the Tasha Bradley,Y11 the next few years. opportunity to try out the sport when With a good win in early March at the the chance comes. We are extremely Avon County Head, the Girls Under 16 lucky at the school to have the rare Quadruple Scull was looking good for chance to compete in such a fantastic greater things. sport, with a competitive and supportive Facing the first stage of our challenge to group of athletes and coaches. get into the Wales and West of England It will be a shame for me to leave behind team for the JIRR (Junior Inter-regional such an enjoyable and successful club Regatta), at Dorney Lake, Eton, our after five brilliant years. The early expectations were high. The race on the mornings, hard winter sessions and Olympic course was even more of a The gruelling National Sculling Head in narrow defeats have definitely been boost. After an early start for our early March provided us with the first worth it, and the club continues to grow journey to the race, we waited and chance to size up the competition from from strength to strength and is now the watched while a lot of our other crews across the country. It also gave many second largest rowing club in Wales! raced until finally it was our turn to get athletes their first experience of the on the water. The impressive 2012 Olympic venue at weather had been Dorney Lake. Despite the tough wet all day and the course, poor weather and ridiculously end of the lake was priced burgers, it was a very successful shrouded in mist. and enjoyable day, with four of our As we boated the crews gaining selection for the Wales and 2000m to the start, West of England team at the Under 16 everyone else took Junior Inter-Regional Regatta a month cover as the rain later, where they went on to hold their started to drive own against excellent opposition. down on us. As we As the summer season began, many turned and saw senior athletes turned their focus to what we were Wales Under 18 first trials.We had eight letting ourselves in rowers involved who all impressed selectors with their performances, Josh Kings and Tom Clarke in particular who came second in their pair after only a few weeks of rowing sweep (one blade rather than our conventional two!). They finished just 10 seconds behind the top boat from Monmouth School, a marker of a sound performance. With this year being my last chance to qualify to represent Wales, I was really pleased to go fast and make it through to final trials which will take place in early July. On a more local level, our Year 9 and 10 athletes set the standard for the rest of the club at Birmingham and Shrewsbury Regattas. These events are always highly enjoyable and MCS was very prominent, winning nine events in total. After such a strong start to the year we have very high hopes for summer - for myself and the rest of the senior squad, we will be targeting Wales selection and a second successive Henley Royal Regatta qualification. Our younger rowers are looking forward to continued local success, and competing against the best schools and clubs at National Championships at the end of the summer term.

21 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 for, the nerves starting to set in, all the had prepared us well for this race. As we pressure building up to that moment turned to start, we knew we had to give seemed to fall upon us. all we had. Our start was good, setting us The three lengths of the course seemed up for the rest of the race. As I called the to have gradually taken their toll. As we race, I could see that all crews were got off the water we had no idea how pulling level. We needed to push harder we’d done and were anxious for the It was another early start for our trip to and did just that with our friends and results. We loaded all the boats and got Nottingham. We had trained hard and family supporting us from the bank. All back on the coach after a very long our four crews (J16, WJ16, J15 and our power could not get us to a medal Friday, but results for our race still WJ15) knew what we had to do. In place - missing out by just over a second hadn’t been posted online. Had we got Nottingham, the wind blew along the in a six minute race. Well done to our through to represent Wales and the West length of the lake at the National crew of Zoe McCarroll, Briony Waycott of England or not? Saturday came - no Watersports Centre. Our crews first had and Emily Richards. With excellent results, just an apology on the website for to get through to the A final as one of the efforts put in by the other three crews at the delay. Sunday came - still no results, fastest six of the twelve regions entered. the event, it is now onwards to the the pressure was showing. Finally, on National Championships and going one The tension was high as we boated to the (or more!) steps better. Monday, the results were posted. We start. Being the last crew to arrive we had were through to the JIRR at the National to cross the lanes to get to our place. We With high hopes for our home event, Watersports Centre in Nottingham knew we had to stay relaxed after feeling Monmouth Regatta, and our biggest along with three other crews from our the pressure of Dorney, where we felt we entry yet at one event (35 crews!), we club. hadn’t shown our full ability. As we hope that with hard work, we will beat raced, you could feel the power our number of wins from last season. All building in every stroke. Fourth with the coaching and encouragement of place - support was high as we Mr and Mrs Cowton. waited to find out that we had done enough - we had, as the other race was much slower. It was not long until we were back on the water in the A Final. All of our training sessions in the wind and rain

22 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Student Design & Technology Work

Jamie Merchant Andrew Plummer Edward Land

Ashley Goncalves Robert Green Myles Jackson

Jake Martin Joe Allen Matthew Porter

Aaron Mills Joe Paley Matthew Davies

23 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

DAY ONE DAY TWO extremely well fed with flavoursome Moroccan tagine. We also benefited On the 18th of July we gathered outside After a long and tiring journey, the comfort from having a shower in a luxury the school ready to embark on the of a good night’s sleep was just what bathroom in a way we all had to get used adventure of a lifetime! The excitement everyone wanted. However, we were woken to in Morocco; a bucket of refreshingly was huge, despite the early start, and it early the next morning by cockerels cold water and a hole in the ground! I was clear that we couldn’t wait to begin crowing, traffic revving, goats bleating and think I am not alone in saying I felt truly our trip. Our first day was a long one of locals chatting in the bustling streets in the immersed in the culture. just under 23 hours of travelling. Upon picturesque town of Chefchaouen, with its Freya Johnson arriving at Luton airport we met our beautiful blue buildings and scorching sun. guide, Kev, who helped us divide up the We had breakfast in the hotel and were DAY FOUR group kit and we set about trying to fit introduced to our guide for the trip,Amin.A ropes, tents and medical kits into bags local gentleman then gave us a tour of the Thr second day of the trek began with that were already full. After a smooth area which took in a local shop where we preparation for the heat that awaited us! A flight we landed in Gibraltar, where we gasped in amazement at the endless cloths quick shower with a bucket next to the donkey's lugged our duffel bags and rucksacks and scarves which were shown to us. We shed, followed by the mad rush to fill our straight across the border to Spain. We walked through the old Medina,with entwined backpacks with water, and we were off! then made our way to the ferry terminal foliage above our heads and the constant Unfortunately, we already have two where we waited for hours for our smell of spices - there was something new to casualties; Annabelle with flu and Naomi delayed ferry to Tangier. As Team look at around every corner.We then filled with an allergic reaction to a bee sting were Leader it was my job to find out where ourselves with vast amounts of traditional escorted by Miss Feldon to experience A and we should be going and organise a plan Moroccan tagine - yummy! After visiting E Morocco style! They were seen quickly, of action - the challenge had begun! the local medieval museum, that included a received wonderful treatment and were back Finally we boarded the ferry and we all stunning view of the Chefchaouen rooftops, to fitness by the end of the day! The path visibly relaxed. We had our first real we bought supplies for our impending trek. was completely different to Friday's open ‘team bonding session’ playing games on As the sun set, we ate our dinner on a roads; very narrow paths following steep the helipad of the ferry, it was hilarious! balcony overlooking the main square, while cliff edges.With the constant care and support After a calm hour we realised we needed our thoughts turned towards the next four of our local guides, and each other, luckily passport stamps in order to get into days of our expedition. we all survived! We stopped for lunch; some Morocco. This was a bit stressful with Binah Cooper fine dining of stale bread and dried fruit big crowds jostling to get to the front of was very enjoyable when looking down at the ‘queue’ It was our first experience DAY THREE the icy river and the mountains around us! which would give rise to the phrase The heat though, was very intense, and Our first day of trekking showed us just “when in Morocco!”We reached Tangier brought on the odd nose bleed, but again, we how hot Morocco could get. The route at 2am local time, met our local guides pulled together as a team and looked out for was a constant incline, and we literally and boarded a coach which took us on to one another – we kept battling on! The walked up mountains. It was extremely our hotel three hours’ drive away. The village which was home for the night was important that we all drank enough hotel was beautiful, painted blue busier and more commercialised than the water when trekking, especially because throughout and decorated with beautiful first.We were all allocated a room (still no of the intense heat. We ensured we carved furniture and ornate tiles of every need for the tents) but most chose one of the stopped walking through the hottest part colour. We were all exhausted and went best experiences and slept out on the roof. of the day to feed ourselves with straight to bed ready for our first day to With a huge sense of achievement (and relatively fresh bread which, as we begin. exhaustion!) at the end of the long and progressed through the following days, challenging day I experienced one of my Lydia Widdicks steadily progressed in its staleness. We favourite moments of the trip, being close to stopped at a farmhouse for the night nature, falling asleep under Moroccan stars. where we were made to feel extremely welcome by a local family and were all Rose Long

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DAY FIVE DAY SIX & SEVEN in the near distance and were hit with an almighty wave of relief and excitement - we We started off at four in the morning, The last day of trekking began with our had survived! We reached a station area just everyone was barely awake and the sun normal organised panic at 4am to roll up in time to hide from the intense midday sun wasn't even out yet. Our pace began well sleeping bags, stuff everything into our and treated ourselves to glamorous ice lollies and the sunrise was beautiful as we duffel bag, purify water and say our - such luxuries! Our bus arrived and we all climbed up the mountain. Arriving at the goodbyes to our hosts. Unfortunately we slumped into it in joy as there was air top, we took a short and well-earned were four team members down as the evil flu conditioning at last! Arriving in the break in which some of us experienced and nosebleed fiends had attacked once bustling inner city of Tetouan we weaved our first ‘loo with a view’ - honestly the again, and needed battling off by some through the narrow streets and into our scenery was gorgeous! Then we started Moroccan medication.The rest of us set off hotel for the night which had real beds and back down the mountain to climb back enthusiastically, walking above the clouds real toilets! The excitement was immense. up yet another in the blazing heat this as Tetouan lay in the distance just beyond Day Seven began in an unusually relaxed time! Lunch was long and restful, as by the gorgeous mountains. Our new mules, and calm manner, as we were packed and midday we were all pretty exhausted. Dizzie and Rascal (named by us) led the ready ahead of schedule for once. In the Setting off again was hard but soon way through the winding dust tracks and words of Kevlar (our new name for our everyone got into the swing of walking through the very basic mountain top World Challenge leader), our teamwork was again, and finally, after what seemed like villages. After our daily ‘loo with a now “slick!” We wove back through years of trekking over the dusty mountains, view’stop, we discovered that an awful fate Tetouan’s streets whilst trying not to take we spotted our hostel for the night. A had occurred to our favourite team member. out the locals with our unnecessarily blue mirage shimmering in the afternoon Horacio, the teddy bear, who had travelled ginormous duffel bags and piled them all sun, offering the promise of running on our rucksacks and the mules for the aboard another very mini, mini-bus. The water, shade and time to relax, without entire expedition, through the good times calm we had felt soon vanished as Kevlar walking boots on! We quickly made our and the tough times, had vanished. It was a realised he had lost his passport. After a way towards it and were welcomed by devastating moment, so, in honour of twenty minute or so panic, the passport was yet another warm and welcoming host. Horacio, we attempted to hold a one minute found… in his bag and we set off. Behind Later, after we had slept and washed, we silence. Three seconds in, we burst into us, we left busy urban Morocco and headed ate by candlelight in the large dining area laughter and went on our way. Descending back up into the foothills of the Rif in an open air atrium beneath the stars. out of the Riff Mountains we saw Tetouan mountains toward the village of Zakar, That night everyone in the team slept on which was to be our home for the next five the roof, after lots of giggles and a days. Everyone was peering out of the chorus of goodnights reminiscent of a windows in awe of the little cement houses scene from the Waltons, we settled down and surprisingly luscious agricultural for another well-earned sleep. landscape when, to our surprise, Team 1 Tegan Swanson appeared! In the half an hour we spent with them we learnt about the ‘cheeky’ local children, and about Mohammed, who was to be our adopted father and absolute legend for the following days. It was great to see the other team and learn that they had been having as great a time as us! The house was a luxury cement shell, kitted out with a hole-in-the ground loo (which we were all experts at) a hi-tech sink and, most excitingly, a fridge! That afternoon Mohammed took us on a tour of his village- we leaped across stepping stones, strode though the fields, gazed at the water hole (it was very hot) and inspected the bridge that we’d be making cement slabs to lay across. More challenges lay ahead! Annabelle Clarke

World Challenge 2012- Northern Morocco Team 2 Diary

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DAY EIGHT mixing was, especially after watching and chips for dinner, which everyone got Mohammed do it so easily! We finished excited about! The chips did remind me Today was our first full project day. We making the 16 odd slabs in the afternoon of home, but after some thought I spent the morning creating cement slabs. and after engraving all the names of everyone realised that I didn’t want to leave as the The language barrier was a struggle to who took part in this World Challenge, we experience we were having was begin with, however, by lunch time, we returned back to the house to enjoy a unbelievable. Even with the hot weather had worked out some basic sign delicious lunch of chicken couscous. As we and the hard work I was thoroughly language and were well on our way to couldn’t do any more work until the cement enjoying myself. cement mixing prowess! A lot of had set, we enjoyed a lazy afternoon of I will never forget Morocco 2012 with incomprehensible shouting and elbow sleeping,sunbathing and playing more Mafia! my amazing team and the hospitable grease went in, but by mid-morning we Naomi Dennehey locals. It has been a life changing had a good rhythm going. We spent the experience, which has given me another afternoon exploring the area; we saw the DAY TEN perspective on the world and there is locals’ natural swimming pool, which nothing that can make me forget it. was heaving… and a goat being Day Ten wasn’t the most straightforward slaughtered. Whilst this was slightly of days. I was picked as leader which, Charlotte Cartwright distressing for some, it gave us an insight after another bread breakfast, definitely into the lives of the local people and the woke me up from a dazed and sleepy DAY ELEVEN way that things are done – “when in state. Most of us were exhausted and, Another early wakeup call started Day Morocco!”That evening after dinner, we with no preparation time, the task of Eleven. This was soon compensated by one sat in a circle outside Mohammed’s being leader seemed quite intimidating. I of Mohammed’s amazing breakfasts of house and made our own entertainment felt like it was an impossible challenge fresh bread and jam, and, of course, a by playing games such as Mafia, which for me as I didn’t feel confident at all in mountain of melon! Today we focused on was to become our evening tradition. how to coordinate cement mixing and the small well outside the Mosque in the The game is one which requires skills of bridge building. There was a huge village. It turned out to be yet another team work, deception, lie detection and margin for error.The day of work mainly productive day full of carrying and cement the ability to bluff! There were so many saw the team working in an ‘ant mixing. We managed to nearly fully laughs playing this game, with formation’, going to one end of the construct the small bridge over the well, plus spontaneous renditions of Eternal village to collect supplies to take to the we met many more of the children who Flame, ruthless tactics and betrayal; it bridge, and back, and so on. Once we loved playing all sorts of games gave rise to some of the most hilarious had gathered enough supplies in the (unsurprisingly they were more the experts moments of the entire expedition. right place, we made more blocks of than us). Although we’d worked hard, the cement. It was hard and tiring, but our Amelia Greenstreet sweltering heat meant we welcomed the rest setup functioned very well. By now, we when evening came and we settled down to DAY NINE had mastered good team work skills and some more delicious Moroccan food and knew how to communicate effectively. plenty of group games.To reflect on the two After an interesting night of dogs howling, The sense of team which we had built up main phases of our expedition and our gale-force winds and several of the girls (not also meant that everyone was adventures so far, we held an Awards to mention names!) muttering complete determined to give 100% effort all the Evening on the veranda. Each of us pulled nonsense in their sleep, we started the day time. My day improved after a group of the name of a fellow team member out of a with Moroccan “Nutella”and freshly baked local women cheered me on whilst I was hat and thought of an award to bread! Making, mixing and laying cement carrying sandbags in the traditional commemorate their achievements, or ensure for five hours in temperatures well above fashion, ‘’on the shoulder and over the that their most embarrassing moments were 40°C is not exactly a piece of cake, so we head’’. This was a massive confidence brought up one last time! (I would love to split into two teams, where groups operated boost for me as leader and it killed off share but “what happens in Morocco, stays on a rota of 30 minutes work, followed by any remaining feeling I had about in Morocco!”). 30 minutes rest in the shade. I hadn’t quite making any embarrassing errors. Our Caitlin Richards appreciated how back-breaking cement hard work was rewarded with meatballs

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DAY TWELVE, Gibraltar. We managed to get onto the 1pm sailing which, of course, didn’t leave THIRTEEN & FOURTEEN until about 2pm. We stepped back onto Day Twelve saw the last day of our European soil and into Spain, expecting project phase and we cleaned the house a short journey across the border to and prepared to begin the journey home. Gibraltar. What we got was a two hour The morning entailed one of the most wait while Annabelle and I tried to enthusiastic cleaning sessions ever seen; phone the coach company and explain naturally Rose cleaned the toilet to them that we had got an earlier ferry (voluntarily!) while everyone else in the and needed to be picked up - quite a group set to work cleaning the rest of the challenge when you don’t speak any house: sweeping the floor, berating Spanish. After a conversation with a very Mr Green for bringing dirt back into the helpful, and English speaking, person on house and then sweeping the floor again. the help desk, we managed to make it into Gibraltar. Unfortunately Lyd had WORLD We may have been a little too enthusiastic, as the house was spotless by left her passport in the trailer, under 30 10am, leaving a glorious two hours to sit bags; this didn’t seem to bother the Challenge on the veranda enjoying the Moroccan border officials who seemed to trust her sunshine and playing Mafia. enough to allow her through regardless. Lydia Widdicks - the only person who Re-Launch When the bus arrived, having been busy can travel the world without a passport. on ‘Moroccan time’, we clambered aboard for our two-hour journey back to That evening, our last on our expedition, BOLIVIA 2014 Chefchaouen. As we passed through the was to be another celebratory meal! We beautiful Moroccan countryside, stories left the hostel in search of a bus to the Following the success of last beach, any beach - we weren’t were recounted from the past two weeks year’s expedition to Northern as we shared all the funny quotes from particularly fussy. We weren’t actually sure where the beach was, so we resorted Morocco, World Challenge has our ‘quote book’ - those featuring Binah been re-launched. The school always being a highlight and resulting in to flagging down every passing bus until will be taking two teams of raucous laughter! After a short stop by one agreed to take us to a beach - they the road for Mel to gather some much even gave us a recommendation for a challengers to Bolivia for 3 weeks needed ‘fresh air’, we returned to the restaurant. The meal on the promenade during the Summer of 2014. The hotel that we had originally spent our looking out over the Mediterranean, was teams will engage in a physical first Moroccan nights in and found a fantastic end to an amazing expedition. challenge and trek through the Team 1.They were enjoying the best in Richard Middleton Andes before completing some souvenir shopping that Chefchaouen community project work in a had to offer. Meanwhile Team 2 Overview school or orphanage. The cost of preferred to do cartwheels on the roof This article is really about the students’ the training programme and terrace and attempted, unsuccessfully, to perspective and recollections, after all it was actual expedition is significant take a picture with everyone jumping. It their trip. However, I could not resist the also included Mel’s best attempt at opportunity to say a few words about the and students are working hard to clearing the terrace and a frantic expedition.World Challenge is certainly an fundraise the lion’s share of the scramble up and down five flights of appropriate name for the organisation – our £3595 themselves. stairs for Annabelle and Rose, in students (and staff!) were challenged both desperate search of a bucket and mop! physically and mentally in ways that many Any support the community This was our last night in Morocco had not anticipated. But the manner in could offer would be greatly before crossing back into Europe the which the groups pulled together, supported appreciated by the students and following day, so what better way to one another and picked each other up was the whole school community. celebrate than with a meal out? We had truly inspirational. I felt privileged to share Sponsorships can be advertised our final celebratory feast in the finest, the trip with the students who did and any support offered can be and potentially emptiest, restaurant in themselves, their families and their school widely publicised. town. It was here that the most proud. All returned having grown in some adventurous of us tried a pancake filled way, ready to take on the next challenge in The students are taking on this with chicken and bean-like paste, an their lives. It is certainly a trip I will never challenge which requires huge interesting combination that left quite a forget, and I must reiterate Rose’s comment dedication and motivation whilst lot of be desired. Once we had returned about sleeping under the stars in the rural preparing for examinations and to the hotel, the fun didn’t stop! mountains, 1000m above sea level, Mel and Amin went in search of giggling, watching for shooting stars and higher education. They are not medication, resulting in a trek across laughing about the tales of the day will stay afraid of a challenge and not town at 4am. with me for a long time too. The students perturbed by the metaphorical Day 13 started early as we packed our became my friends and I wish them every and physical mountains they have bags and made our way to the port at success. I am looking forward to the next to climb, but any support would Tangier, trying to move to an earlier one… now I’ve just about recovered!! be greatly and genuinely ferry to allow us to have more time in Miss Feldon appreciated.

27 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Summer Learning

Summer Learning Week at MCS is an opportunity for students to become engaged in learning programmes that take them outside the classroom and provide them with opportunities for authentic learning in ‘real-life’ situations. Year 7 visit an outdoor activity centre, followed by two days spent Walking the Wye and documenting the walk. Year 8 spend the week on the ‘Seed to Stomach’ programme, following the food chain from beginning to end. The week culminates in students providing the beautifully decorated wedding cakes for the Year 8 Wedding on the final day, having been taught decorating skills by Mrs H Vitale and Mrs S Davies, who kindly give up their time for us every year . They also put their skills to the test by making bird and hedgehog boxes for sale to the public. A group of students also have the chance to visit a local undertaker then take part in the clean-up of the town cemetery - something which makes a tremendous difference. Year 9 cover a range of activities from The Three Peaks Challenge to reporting on the activities taking place around the School. This year they were also able to make logos following an Olympic theme and take part in the Year 9 Enterprise Scheme whereby they formed ‘businesses’ to make as much profit as they could - not an easy task, they were soon to learn! Year 10 students took part in a variety of activities, including sending members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award out on their expedition and painting a ‘body’ showing internal organs for the Science Department! Students also took part in activities including community based volunteering as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate Scheme. For the first time, Year 10 students worked with Y6 students on the Year 6 Arts Project, which would, hopefully, make their transition to the School a little less scary in September. Year 10 also spent time working with a charity whose aim is to bring the awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse into schools.They rounded off the week with an ‘Alternative Olympics’.

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My “Life on the Edge” Blog at Gilwern Outdoor Centre Day 1 The gorge walking is incredible, even if Thinking back on the trip, I have learnt we did get completely soaked. The high about teamwork, communications and As we arrive at Gilwern Outdoor Centre, rope, ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ made me feel pushing myself to the limit. But the most we are all nervous but very excited. nervous at first, but I had no reason to important part was that we all had FUN! As we drive through the gates we are told be, it was great fun. Stephanie Painter, 7WM that where we were staying was actually Another day of great activities over - an ex-army camp - it is so exciting! Of more to tell you tomorrow. During Summer Learning Week,Y9 had course, at that point we all start to get a variety of activities to choose from. really keyed up wondering what to Day 3 The first part of the week saw students expect from this trip. We were all woken up at same time as take on the Three Peaks Challenge, We start by having a little talk with the yesterday.Today I will be canoeing in the which eventually became the Two Peaks instructors, who are really nice, and we nearby canal which I can’t wait to do. As Challenge! Everyone said this was hard go on to form our groups and then take we arrive at the canal, we all feel a little work, but enjoyable. part in various problem-solving anxious about falling in. We dismounted There was also a media activity whereby challenges. the canoes and put them in the water, Y9 students had to cover events that From the very start I was really excited split into pairs and, following a quick were held around the School and this and I can’t wait to see what the next few safety talk, off we go. was the activity I chose, interviewing days will bring - I will report back people about the activities in which they tomorrow. were taking part. The second part of the week was our Day 2 enterprise venture, where we had to set Today, the accompanying teachers, up our own businesses to make money at (Ms Pearson and Ms Williams) wake us the Business Enterprise Fair in the Hall up at 7am; we drag ourselves out of bed, on the Friday. and then went to breakfast,Yum! I am doing the high rope in the afternoon, after gorge walking in the morning.

Our business was to sell carnival treats like popcorn and candy floss but, unfortunately, we did not make a profit. Controlling the canoe was hard at first but we eventually get the hang of it and However, there was one Y9 group which have a really good session. made faces on rocks and they make a profit of over £75. Overall, the Business We return to Gilwern to get ready to go Enterprise Fair produced some very home, we are sad to leave, but we all have good products and a lot of hard work precious memories of the time spent went into the ventures. here. Liam Lloyd,Y9

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My name is Georgia Jones and I am a Y9 only was I able to explore a variety of student. I am writing this article in order different concepts, theories and ideas to tell you about the immense success of about the Olympics, but I was also able yet another Summer Learning Week. to begin to understand how important I would first like to take the opportunity this major event will be in the warm and to say “thank you”, on behalf of the welcoming atmosphere that we, as a students, to all of the staff who have country, are able to generate. taken the time to organise such an array In the latter stages of the week, we all of extraordinarily ambitious events. I am took part in the ‘Year 9 Business aware that throughout the previous Enterprise.’ Not only has this experience months, teachers, students and members allowed us to explore a variety of of the town’s community have given concepts and ideas concerning their time to supporting and forming the Enterprise in the surrounding world but thoroughly exuberant experiences that we have also developed essential skills have taken place during this past week. It that have opened our eyes to the has been an enormous achievement for importance and influence that the the School to have been able to dedicate necessary expansion and growth of a week to educational experiences business, marketing and economics has outside our learning curriculum. on young individuals. Certainly the most significant thing that For those students who have chosen to Summer Learning Week is able to do study Business Studies at GCSE, this is to combine a variety of activities opportunity has allowed them to expand that, although exceptionally enjoyable, upon their passion by focusing on still remain successful on an educational industry and trade within our School level. I know that I have gained environment and communicating with experiences, skills and fond memories people who own influential businesses throughout this year’s Summer Learning around the world. This year’s Enterprise Week that will stay with me forever. has actively allowed us to immerse During the first two days of the week I ourselves into a society that many of us had the opportunity of designing and have not yet had the opportunity of making logos for the Olympics in order exploring. I think we would all agree, to support a current, topical event that that it is a lot harder than it looks! will continue to affect our country for Georgia Jones, 9PT many years ahead. During this time, not

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although Mrs Chaplin had made it look very easy, it wasn’t that easy and, sure enough, balloons were popped, burst and split! Finally, when we had got the balloons on the drums, we decided to decorate them. The theme of African Drums started to crop up and later inspired some Y6s to create similarly themed artistic drums. By this time the Drama Department had produced the story that we were going to perform. This led to us creating our own Art, Drama and Music Departments. I Community masks for the performance and another think it really helped and benefited both brainwave from Mrs Chaplin saw us Y6 and Y10. Participation - The making them from cardboard boxes and, Juliette Hagg,Y10 by break time, we had about eight masks Year 6 Arts Project painted and finished ready for the next day. After break we had a small drama Through Summer Learning and the Shire Hall Leaflet lesson; ‘How to use a mask when Y10 Welsh Baccalaureate Scheme, one A group of students have successfully performing’ - apparently you can’t speak of the many ‘key skills’ we have produced information guides for with the masks on, although some people to obtain is participation within the Monmouth Shire Hall, in English, still tried to do so. Finally, we were community. Lots of people from Y10 French and German, as part of a link (kind-of) prepared for the drama side went outside School to do their community project. of the story. At the end of day community participation whereas some Miss Patterson kindly worked with the As part of Summer Learning Week of us decided to help out at School. now large group of Y10 students to create 2012, whilst in Y10, they spent three One of the many School community sound effects to accompany the story. days finding out about the history of the participation events that were available building and decided what was We had guitars, a flute, a saxophone, was helping out with the Performing & important to them. The experience was pianos and, of course, the drums and Expressive Arts Faculty (Art, Drama enjoyable as our students dressed up, rain-shakers that we had made the and Music). Over three days we (Y10s re-enacted a court drama and were previous day. Soon we had made sound and Arts teachers) created a Y6 Arts day. allowed to explore the building. These effects for everything in the story. The This involved the Y10s and teachers sessions were led by Karin Molson, who story was key - about how the tortoise creating a story. The components of the inspired real enthusiasm from students. became slow. story were made up of theatrical On return to school, students completed The third day dawned and we met the performances, artistic masks and drums, the project by choosing the design and Y6 pupils coming in for the project day. and music to accompany the story. The also translating into two languages - We started the day off getting to know visit to the School allowed the Y6s to get French and German. This was also each other as I am sure they were a little a taste of what the Faculty has to offer supported by Sixth Form linguists, who overawed working with Y10 students.We when they make the transition to MCS. I embraced improving their translation then began to create drums, masks and think it also made them relax a little bit skills. One student has been accepted on music together and, towards the end of about the process of changing from a course at Gloucestershire College to study the day, after creating all of this, we did a junior to secondary school, as they got to media and believes showing this leaflet, dress rehearsal (or six!) making sure the meet new people and make new friends. as part of his interview, secured his place. music fitted and everyone knew when to We started off the week with an artistic play the drums - with some amazing help Future language projects are planned to influence as we prepared for the third from Mr Morgan, a percussion teacher. continue the community link to ensure our day when the Y6 pupils would come. students have authentic learning experiences. We each made a drum, with the genius Finally, we recorded the whole The leaflets were officially launched on idea from the art teachers to stretch performance. Hopefully, this community Thursday May 2nd and are now balloons over large cylinder tubes. participation within Summer Learning available from Shire Hall, Monmouth. However, we quickly realised that Week, will continue as a ‘tradition’ for the

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was much more of the mountain to Edinburgh’s Award is making a My Summer come. Llanthony Abbey, beautiful and presentation which required teamwork and majestic, was a phenomenal finish for communication skills. We also used the Learning Diary the day. We chatted together before day to upload images and a diary of our tucking into pasta with tomato sauce and three DofE activities - physical, skill and Day 1 snuggling into bed, albeit in a cold field volunteering. Having joined the Bronze Duke of with uneven ground. Day 4 Edinburgh’s Award, the team and I were Day 2 about to embark on, quite possibly, the On Thursday, a charity that works on most physically demanding adventure of After a short night’s sleep, the group rose drugs and alcohol awareness came into our short lives. The challenge to hike just after 7am. The mood in camp was School to talk to our Year Group from the Skirrid Inn to Llanthony Abbey quiet and most groups began to cook regarding problems with drinking to was daunting but with each of us breakfast and talk about the walk ahead. excess and drugs use. Set up on the back carrying beds, tents and M&S luxury We set off from camp at 10.30am, just in of a close friend’s death, the group retold pasta twirls, we felt prepared. We were time for the rain. Although the new route the story and then we discussed who was pleased to reach what we presumed was was a kinder gradient, the challenging affected. It was interesting to think of the the top of the mountain by 11.30am, but map skills did lead to a couple of members families’ perspective as it was not just the after stopping for lunch it was clear there of the group taking a slight 'detour'. Just victim’s family who were shocked and in time we scarred by the incident. In the afternoon, reached the check we attended workshops set up by point for lunch volunteers from the fire and ambulance around 1.15pm. service. Although the day held a With Llanvihangel different tone to that of earlier in the Crucorney village week, it was sobering to realise the in sight, we were dangers that face you if you do act relieved to see irresponsibly. It was also good to be told Mr Millar at the routes for help if we, or someone we train crossing and, know, is in trouble. forcing out a final ounce of effort, Day 5 we marched back Very appropriately, considering the to the Skirrid Inn events of the summer to come, we had a to meet our parents. whole Year Alternative Olympics. In teams We were all we made our way around all of the looking forward physically and mentally demanding to a long bath and events. It was a great day and really nice warm meal, at last! to let our hair down and relax after a hard year. Also, though competitive, Day 3 everyone was able to let go of their Though tired after inhibitions and just have some fun. In the events of my opinion it was a great way to end an DofE, my friends amazing week, especially as I had worked and I were ready on comprising the Alternative Olympics to pitch in and on Year Council throughout the year, so help spend the it was also really good to see all the ideas day retelling and coming together. This was our last documenting the Summer Learning Week together before expedition. the big exams of 2013 and a last chance A vital part of let our hair down together. the Duke of Amelia Ralphs, 11CK

32 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Language Clubs Peer Mentoring

The Modern Foreign Languages Faculty offers a variety of Language Clubs throughout the year. Although French, German and Spanish are offered, new languages such as Italian and Japanese are also available. Italian, led by Miss Snook, introduces students to basic language, which they could use in restaurants or shops and students are also introduced to cultural elements. Students enjoyed making Venetian masks as part of learning about the Carnivale, held annually in February.

Japanese offers an introduction to The Peer Mentor Team at MCS has been working the language, led by Mrs Rook, really hard this year, supporting students and looking where students practise speaking to further improve and develop the current scheme. and writing. However, students Their dedication and commitment to the scheme is have also seen Japanese films and produced origami cranes, both recognised and appreciated. supported by the creative talents of Miss Meacham. They have The mentors have completed an official mentoring also sampled the culinary delights of Sushi. qualification: an ASDAN accreditation through the Welsh Why not join in the fun next year? charity ‘Bulliesout’. The work that they have been doing is challenging, but extremely enjoyable, rewarding and valuable for the students and has equipped them with the knowledge and relevant skills required to fulfil the mentor role. During a recent training course, the mentors were a true credit to our school. They showed extensive empathy and maturity in discussions, and the course coordinators sent feed back to us afterwards, commenting ‘how great the students were yesterday, every single one of them were a pleasure to spend the day with’. The ASDAN accreditation will be celebrated with an award ceremony in Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday 8th June, alongside hundreds of other volunteers and peer mentors from across South Wales. Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

On a cold, grey Saturday in November, students set Students were greeted by over 200 stalls celebrating the best of out to Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market to German culture, including amazing handcrafted goods, amusement stalls, and even a choir - whose tunes I enjoyed for explore some of the delicacies of German Christmas longer then I care to admit. The market sprawls across the city cuisine. centre, attracting huge crowds from Europe and beyond. The wet weather in no way dampened the spirits of those Personally I enjoyed six huge doughnuts bathed in sugar and attending, as they explored the wonders of German food and some fine German chocolate. culture, enjoying treats from gigantic pretzels to delicious The day ended with many failed attempts at fair-ground style doughnuts. The market, a replica of similar events throughout stalls and an ice cold ride on the flying swings, rounding off a German cities, is a major part of the Christmas celebrations in memorable outing which filled us all with the Christmas spirit. a city that has been partnered with Frankfurt for more than 40 years. Reuben Pierrepoint

33 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 The School Council’s trip to Cardiff On the 4th June 2013, eight members of the School Council (Emily and Blake Y7, Harry and Brooke Y8, Wulf and Ellie Y9 and Bethan and Nathan Y10) plus two teachers (Mr Williams and Mr Egan) travelled to Cardiff for a day of exploration and debate!

Enfys, (our Education Advisor for the day, whose name translates from Welsh to English as ‘Rainbow’) helped Mr Williams with the technology as it was VERY advanced! We held the meeting until midday then followed Enfys towards a classroom where we took part in a quiz. Along the back walls of the Debating Chamber and the classroom was a mural where the 20 areas of responsibility were entwined, namely:

• Agricultural, forestry, animals, plants and rural development • Ancient monuments and historic buildings • Culture After an hour long bus journey, we met Mr Williams at the • Economic development Senedd, itching with curiosity as to what the day had in store for • Education and training us! Mr Williams told us the story of the area, pointing out the • Environment sights and explaining what it had been, what it was now and how • Fire and rescue services and fire safety old it was. After this, we walked along the Bay agreeing how • Food beautiful it looked on this sunny day. We then went through • Health and health services security into the Welsh Government building where one of our • Highways and transport last School Council Meetings was to be held. • Housing The Meeting was held in the Debating Chamber of the Welsh • Local Government Assembly Government building, which was a drastic difference • National Assembly for Wales from our Meeting Room at school. Mr Williams chaired the • Public administration meeting, so he had the authority to control the microphones and • Social welfare who spoke at what times. We each had an electronic device • Sport and recreation which gave us the ability to electronically vote and to request a • Tourism time to speak, so obviously it wasn’t our usual ‘put your hand • Town and country planning up’. We each had a chair number which we were addressed as • Water and flood defence throughout the meeting. • The Welsh language

Following the quiz we went across to the Senedd and had a look around. We were very interested in the eco-friendly structure of the building and visited the Plenary Chamber, where a Plenary Meeting was to be held that afternoon. We then made our way back to the Welsh Assembly Government building for lunch. After lunch, we headed back across to the Senedd and watched the first part of the Plenary Meeting - we noticed that a booth by the Chamber contained a crew who translated any Welsh speeches straight to English which fed through live to our individual television screens. We all enjoyed it very much and agreed it was a brilliant experience. Emily Shields 7LD - on behalf of the 2012/2013 School Council

34 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Vocational Students Helping a ewe deliver a lamb, changing a gearbox on a Mondeo, feeding Monty the python, making a window frame, designing and building a bird table, plastering a wall, planning an overnight expedition, and colouring and styling hair are just some of the activities that our vocational students have undertaken so far this year. The following Y10 students have chosen a vocational pathway and are educated away from the school site for one day a week through either Coleg Gwent or ISA Training Services. Animal Care - Level One Katie Bullard, Courtney Deakin, Emily Harris and Elena Pavlimbey. Motor Vehicle Maintenance - Level One Scott Barton, Justin Croudace, Ed Fear, Liam Lloyd and Chris Woodward. Construction - Level One Curtis Christopher, Kyle Dimmick, Dylan Elias, Billy Gwilliam-Jones, Brandon Jeffs, Dan Mason, Sam Pritchard, Jake Vaughan, Dan Morgan and Jordan Bontej. Public Services - BTEC Level Two Josh Rodgers, Andrew Hopkins, Gareth Davies, Ryan James and Calum Bishop. Salon Services - NVQ Level One Tess Carpenter, Hannah Swain and Hannah Frost.

The majority of the courses are run by Coleg Gwent and are based at the Usk Campus. ISA Training Services oversee the Salon Services course with much of the learning taking place in a work placement. Our vocational students really relish the experience they gain from these courses and, after leaving school, many have gone on to successful apprenticeships in their chosen field. Vocational students also move straight into College at Level Two, having already achieved their Level One whilst in compulsory education.

35 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Bugsy Malone producti

We all make allowances for straightforward approach to his character school productions; shaky sets, added the dark brooding menace of a rival gangster that superbly contrasted dodgy acting and fumbled lines. with Bradley’s sometime comical yet It’s only fair, these kids are still insecure character. teenagers, probably their first Bugsy himself, Nathan Friend’s defining time on stage, full of nerves and moment, showed us the tender side of the stage fright; we all remember prohibition era, with his love for Blousey dominating his words and deeds, his our own school days. desire to help his ‘moll’ to live her dream But the recent three night run of of being famous, which no doubt Molly Monmouth Comprehensive School’s Brickley-Clark will be, with a singing Bugsy Malone tore that misconception into a thousand pieces. voice like that. In fact, the only thing to remind the audience that these are the The production is based on the 1976 film of the same name, nervous amateur schoolchildren of our own rose-tinted where splurge guns took the place of tommy guns.The slapstick memories was the fact the production was in a school hall. moments provided a great contrast to the more serious poignant The acting was first class, the singing was professional and the moments, nowhere better shown than when Knuckles, played by whole production was a tribute to the hard work and Sarah Brice, was ‘taken out’ by a fake camera. The following commitment of the actors, the band and the production team. moments when Fat Sam swore his revenge over the dying body of his right-hand man showed us the depth of the acting that Beyoncé would have been shamed had she seen the live singing was achieved that night. talents of Molly Brickley-Clark and Bella Briggs whose powerful vocal performances took the roof off the school hall on more From the gangs to the show girls, the tap dancers to the other than one occasion. parts, every character was on full alert, no matter how large or small a part was played, the whole thing worked, and worked The story revolved around two 1930 gangster mobs, led by Fat very well. Sam - Alex Bradley, who played this part with great style and conviction - and Dandy Dan, played by Tom Salmon, whose DP – Monmouthshire Beacon

36 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 ion sets new standards Review from The Monmouthshire Beacon

Splurge-tastic The three-night run of Bugsy Ellie: “Thanks Jac! Well, I was very excited to take part in the production and I Malone was a sell-out success would like to take acting as a future with outstanding performances career, so this opportunity was very from the entire cast. The long useful for me.” hours put in by cast and crew Jac: “The rehearsals were challenging, especially with the snow disruption, Jac: “Well... no. Leroy was a very difficult paid off with the performers and so were the scripts but I think and animated character to play. However, this made me more and looking stunning in costumes it all paid off for the thrill of the three day performance.” more enthusiastic to play him.” made by Mrs Phillips. Ellie: “We continued to build Bugsy Ellie: “Did you choose that role? Right at As the Monmouthshire Beacon reported Malone, despite the difficulties with the start?” “From the gangs to the show girls, the tap snow, school work or illness. I was Jac: “No, we were given roles by the dancers to the other parts, every character chosen to play Shake Down Louis - Drama Department and so I was was on full alert, no matter how large or Fat Sam’s shortest and most stupid made the comedy gag.” small a part was played, the whole thing gang member!” (Ellie giggles) worked, and worked very well.” Jac: “Ha ha - you didn’t need much Jac: “In Bugsy Malone, the characters Students from local primary schools also work for that, did you Ellie?” are cartoon-like and quirky, so we had an opportunity to see the show in full (Ellie hits Jac with script!) had to get some cartoon-like and during the week, at a special matinee quirky individuals to play them. performance. Ellie: “To be honest, I love playing goofy, over-exaggerated characters. I was And that is exactly what we got.” We managed to grab a few moments with challenged by this role, though. Ellie: “From the great singing voices of siblings Shake Down Louis (Ellie Lewis) Despite not having many lines, I had Bella Biggs and Molly Brickley-Clarke...” and Leroy Smith (Jac Lewis). to act out melodramatic actions but it Jac: “To the acting talents of Nathan Jac: “Hi, I’m Jac. I’m in Year 11 and I was fun, as the audience and I both Friend, Tom Salmon and Alex played Leroy Smith and a Radio enjoyed it. Bradley.” Announcer in Bugsy Malone.” Another fact I loved about being Ellie: “There were also many talented Ellie: “And I’m Ellie. I’m in Year 9 and I Louis was that I got to be a bad guy, performers such as both Dandy Dan placed Louis and various other which meant I was given a dance and and Fat Sam’s gangs, Wulfstan parts.” a song. It was a new and exciting Scouller, the showgirls and the Jac: “In the early stages of Bugsy experience for me which I Glee cast.” Malone, we had an enthusiastic thoroughly enjoyed. I do tend, group of recruits. Unfortunately, nowadays, to do the dance on my some, and especially the Year 11 own, in public as it doesn’t leave my students, had to drop out due to head! What about you, Jac?” school work. Many of the younger Jac: “Well, obviously, I was chosen to years, however, were very eager to play Leroy because of my take part and all their way Blitzcrieg muscles and dashing through, their skills were very good looks!” valuable for the production. Ellie: “Uh, were you?” Oh yes, and Ellie joined then, too.”

37 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Sporting Round Up

talents of our young players. Some, Cricket like Cameron Pardington and the Cross Country Oubridge Brock twins, Archie and It’s been an enjoyable cross-country Bowled over Freddie, have played before, but others, season. Weather ocnditions weren’t too This year MCS has teamed up with such as Ross Sykes and Ryan Cotton are wet or windy and, most of the time, the Monmouth Cricket Club in a relatively new to the game. Mr Watkins sun would peek from behind the clouds. partnership that will give students the was impressed by the effort and The first race in Croesyceiliog was a opportunity to train in the winter and commitment of all the players, and paid good course (with a few hills to warm play in the summer. a lot of compliments to the coaches for me up!) and conditions underfoot were the way we put the great; this resulted in a very pleasing session on. finish of second place. The partnership will A series of other races occurred, run a lot deeper as including a race which I was late for, so I the year goes on. had to take part in the Year 8/9 race The new Sunday (where I came twelfth) and a race at St League side, which I Josephs where I managed to pull first will captain, is made place, 15m ahead of second. up of a handful of experienced players I went to Brecon to qualify for the Y7 and plenty of Nationals, where I came fourth, meaning youngsters including I would be back there competing in a few Jake Bowley, Ella months. John Hamilton (9NP) also Smith, Zak Williams, qualified. Louis Macfarlane and I then had a rest period before coming George Williamson back for the nationals. The Club now has 14 qualified coaches have played so far this season. George At the Nationals, we had to start in pens, and I’m proud to be one of them. I’m (Y9) took 5 for 37 in the first June which I had never done before. As soon as hoping to start work towards my Level 2 match against Brockhampton (reigning I lined up on the start line, the pressure qualification very soon, but someone champions and currently top of the started to mount but the moment the who has already achieved that mark is table). This means he dismissed five klaxon sounded, my mind was made up Ian Morgan. Ian is a former student at batsman and conceded 37 runs - an - I would do myself proud in the race. MCS, and has been running indoor amazing performance. Most of the For a quarter of the race, I was in third sessions with me after school on senior sides are similar to us - playing place but then started to fall back to Thursdays, helping students improve five or six youngsters alongside more ninth. Along the finishing straight I their game. Since the sessions started in seasoned players. It is hard, proper, could hear the tenth runner breathing January, 22 students have taken senior level cricket and for a youngster down my neck so I gave my last breath and advantage. like George to dismiss half a team is lunged over the line - ninth in Wales - I’m In addition to providing coaching, the phenomenal! Another milestone saw so proud of that. Club, has helped the school obtain new Ella Smith (Y11) become the first kit. Before Christmas, I applied to woman in living memory at the Club to Cross-country has been a pinnacle for cricket charity ‘Lord’s Taverners’, who take a wicket in Senior Men’s cricket. me. Bring on the next athletics season. offer bags of equipment to schools and The Club is also offering the school the Katie Kearsey, 7NJ clubs. Each school is expected to make chance to play at the ground and use the a contribution of £40 towards the bag, County standard facilities. One game which is worth around £400. In this which has been suggested is a Staff v case, the Club donated the £40, Students ‘Ashes’. Watch this space! meaning that the equipment cost the So the road to joining Joe Root in the school nothing. England Ashes side of 2021 starts here. On the day of the kit handover, we Or more exactly, it starts on Thursday were really fortunate to be joined by nights in the Leisure Centre at 3.15pm. Steve Watkins, the regional Cricket Come and join us. We guarantee you’ll Development Officer, who was impressed enjoy it! not only by the coaching, but also by the Mr Stubbs

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Cup producing a tremendous display in (8PN), Nathan Hawkins (8SG) and Football difficult conditions and winning 6-0. Thomas Walker (8NC), turning up to The stand out performance of that win every game without exception and Unprecedented success came from midfielder Jordan Suttie who performing exceptionally throughout. in National Football scored one goal and set up several more. Y9 reached the last 16 of the Welsh Cup Unfortunately the team lost in the next and were runners up in the Newport Competitions round of the Cup, which was their last Schools competition. We started the The Y7, Y9 and Senior teams have all competitive match of the season. Their season with comprehensive wins over made it through as one of two schools last match of the year was the annual Llantarnam, Abertillery, Croesyceiliog from the South East Wales section of the Y7 friendly against local rivals John and Fairwater in the Welsh Cup. Jack draw to the last 16 of the Welsh Cup Kyrle with MCS making it three wins in Mayo and Samuel Oxley were the top which took place in the New Year. The the last 3 years. This was an exciting goal scorers with outstanding Senior team also managed to reach the game which saw lots of boys and girls performances from the whole team, led last 16 of the Academies Competition, making their first appearance for the by captain Matthew MacDonald. Y9 despite competing against the academies school team. The game was played in also went on a good run to the Newport of professional and semi-professional thirds lasting 20 minutes to allow both Schools’ Cup after wins over Lliswerry, clubs in Wales. This is a fantastic teams a chance to play as many players Newport High and Bassaleg but were achievement as MCS are by far the most as possible. After the first third, the score sadly defeated in the Final despite a represented school in Wales, with four was tied at 1-1 and was still close at 3-3 strong performance and goals from teams in the last 16 of their respective after the second third. However, with a Cameron Williams, Matthew Macklin competitions. The Senior team were also hat-trick from Andrew Beames in the and Samuel Oxley. The team were crowned 2012-2013 Newport Schools’ final third of the match and some other defeated by a much bigger, more Champions with Y9 as runners up. great team goals, MCS romped to physical Caldicot 5-3 in a high scoring encounter. The match was close at 3-3 with both teams creating chances before Caldicot scored some fine individual goals to win the game. All the MCS players represented the school with distinction but Liam Mills and Josh Phillips were outstanding throughout the game. After a good end to last season, the Y10 team were hoping to continue their winning run, but came unstuck in a very physical ‘friendly’ away to Llantarnam, conceding two late goals to lose 4-3. They bounced back, however, and played a strong West Mon side away from home in horrible conditions, winning 3-2, with all three goals being scored by Luke Tay-Lodge and all three assists coming from Brad Bradley. The first competitive match of the season saw The Y7 team made a great start to their a convincing 8-0 home win with goals victory with the final score 8-4. It was a first year at MCS with four wins from for Brad Bradley, Ol’e Wilkinson, Luke great end to the season and the team are their first five games of the season.Their Tay-Lodge and Henry Edwards hoping to continue the momentum into first match was a tough one against amongst others. The next round of the the next season starting in September. Caerleon and needed two late goals and Cup saw a disappointing 3-1 loss at a hat-trick from Man of the Match Y8 also started the season in fine form home to Bassaleg, with Henry Edwards Harry Nash (7BI) to win the game. and are still going strong in two Cup scoring a late consolation goal. The A 5-3 friendly win followed that first competitions. The team finished second Y10 team came up against Bassaleg victory and then another close 3-2 Cup in an East Gwent 6-a-side tournament at again in the other Cup competition and win at home to Ebbw Fawr made it three the start of the season and continued this completely outplayed them in the first out of three. The only disappointment form with a comprehensive 4-0 win at half of the match, but failed to make the came away to St Julians where they were St. Joseph’s. The team went on to bow most of the chances they created. knocked out of the Newport Schools out of the Newport Schools’ Cup in the Bassaleg scored a goal early in the Cup, losing 6-3. However, the sign of a Semi Final against Lliswerry and the second half and, as the MCS team good team is how they react to losing, Gwent Cup to King Henry VIII both in pushed for a late equaliser, Bassaleg and less than a week later the same team very close encounters. The stand-out attacked on the break to seal their took to the field against Croesyceiliog in performers this season have been victory. the Second Round of the Welsh Schools Lewis Davies (8JD), Henry Williams

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season, cut short by GCSE preparations, but this team has been very successful in Hockey the previous five years and some of these Students at MCS have had continued players will go on to play a very high success in hockey this year, in particular level of football. The school also wishes boys’ hockey. Jacob Draper-Stone and Mitchel Palmer good luck as he begins a Edward Goldsmith have both been career in professional football. playing for Wales at Under 16 level with Our Sixth Form school team have upset both boys training with the Under 18 the odds to beat all comers including squad. We wish them all the very best of academy teams this year with George luck in their future competitions. Pritchard outstanding alongside Captain Luke Cleaves. Fairwater Academy, Cross Keys College Academy, Llantarnam, Bassaleg, Newport High, , King Henry VIII have all been defeated locally, culminating in progress in the Welsh Schools’ Cup, Welsh Academies’ Cup, Newport Schools’ and Gwent Schools’ Cup.We were defeated twice in A number of the Under 14 girls have Swansea in the respective Welsh Cups by also achieved success with the following Olfcha in the Schools competition and The last competitive game of the season girls being selected to represent the Gower College in the Academies. Both came against a very strong Caerleon district: Katie Kearsey, Sophie Richards, these teams went on to lift the trophies team in the Quarter Finals of the Melissa Brooks, Amy Howells, Alice so the team can take heart that they were Newport Schools’ Cup. A very tight first Livesey, and Emma Davies.We wish you defeated by the eventual winners. To half finished 1-1 with George Baynes all the best of luck in trying out for the reach this stage of the Academies equalising from the penalty spot after a county squad. competition against teams who train foul on Man of the Match Alex four or five times per week within their McNamara in the penalty area. Another South Wales Boys timetable is a tremendous achievement strong penalty appeal for hand ball was by all the players involved. The Sixth Tournament turned down by the referee before Form finished the season appropriately After success at last year’s competition, Caerleon went 2-1 up mid-way through winning the Newport Schools Monmouth Comprehensive School took the second half. MCS applied plenty of competition on Y13 Leavers’ day against an Under 12 and Under 14 squad to the pressure, hitting the post and seeing Caerleon with goals from Jordan South Wales Tournament at Christ College, several attempts saved or just missing the Boxhall-James and Mitchell Palmer. Brecon, with high hopes for a medal. target, but it wasn’t to be as Caerleon Luke Cleaves was Man of the Match scored a counter attacking goal in the with very good performances from Under 12s last minute of the game to make 3-1. It Joseph Wilkinson and Morgan Paley. A This is the first time Monmouth have was disappointing for the team to lose special mention must go to Daniel White entered the Under 12 competition, a their last three games of the season but and Alex Bradley who stepped into the seven-a-side tournament consisting of with such good performances against team for the Cup Final when other teams made up of both boys and girls. top level opposition they have nothing to players had other commitments on the Throughout the group stages there was be ashamed of. They hope to reach at day. some excellent attacking play from Rory least one Cup Final next year. Calderwood, Archie and Freddie Another excellent football season for The Y11 team defeated Bassaleg in the Oubridge Brock, Sophie Richards and MCS which has not yielded the number Newport Schools’ Cup 4-1 with Callum Katie Kearsey with a number of them of trophies as last season but there have Wheatley scoring all four goals and a getting on the score sheet. Monmouth been some exceptional performances Man of the Match display from Perys only conceded one goal throughout the from a number of teams and students Pullen. The team were led by Captain whole group stages and this is testament who have made fantastic progress on Mitch Palmer and Vice-Captain Max to the strong defensive play of Daniel and off the field. Goodridge who were excellent in Mills, Lydia Handley, Lewis Stone and defence. This victory was followed by Matthew Brown in goal. The Under 12s another convincing win against won all their pool games convincingly Croesyceiliog but, sadly, Y11 were which took them through to the play-offs knocked out of the Welsh Cup by a very as group winners. They faced good Llantarnam team who inflicted Rougemont in the Final who also won only the third defeat this team has their group. Monmouth took the lead suffered since they joined the school in with a well worked goal from Katie Y7. A major positive so far this year has Kearsey who calmly slotted the ball been Callum Wheatley’s 12 goals in just home on the back post. Rougemont four games. Y11 went on to a mixed responded with a breakaway goal to level

40 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 the score. Monmouth kept their cool and Under 16s secured possession through confident, accurate passing then seized the The Under 16 squad opportunity to overload the attack competed in a round which resulted in Rory Calderwood robin tournament at finding the back board and securing the Christ College, Brecon. victory for Monmouth Comprehensive The boys got off to a School to make them The South Wales strong start with a 1-0 Champions. The Under 12s will now victory over Ysgol Gwyr, represent South Wales in the Welsh finals the team who beat them on the 2nd May. in the Under 14 competition last year. In U12 Squad: Matthew Brown, Lewis the second match, Stone, Daniel Mills, Archie Oubridge Monmouth faced a Brock, Freddie Oubridge Brock, Rory strong Christ College Calderwood, Lydia Handley, Katie team. After a string of fine saves from Welsh Finals Kearsey, Sophie Richards. goalkeeper Alex Kennett, Christ College With only the Under 12s getting through got the goal they had been building the Regional Finals, they were towards. However, the Monmouth boys representing both South Wales and fought back with some strong attacking Monmouth Comprehensive School. play from Edward Goldsmith, Matthew After the performances in the South Goldsmith, Marcus Hutchinson, Wales Finals, expectations were high. Cameron Bradbury and Kell Chambers The Tournament was in a round robin creating a number of chances. format with the winners and runners-up After continued pressure, Monmouth from the South Wales and North Wales managed to get a goal back in the last Finals competing against each other. minute of the game to finish the match Monmouth faced the North Wales 1-1. The final match saw them face champions, Rydal, in the first match. Olchfa, a team from Swansea. Monmouth created numerous scoring Unfortunately, the boys were unable to opportunities with some excellent keep Olchfa’s strong attacking play at individual skills from Freddie and Archie bay with a 3-0 defeat to the team who Oubridge Brock, Katie Kearsey, Sophie went on to win the competition. The Richards and Rory Calderwood. Their Under 16 squad was made up of a Under 14s patience paid off with after a well worked number of Y10 boys who will be able to move, starting from Dan Mills at the The Under 14 squad, who hadn’t played compete in next year’s competition. much hockey together as a squad, had heart of the defence, Archie Oubridge mixed results. Within their group stages Brock managed to find the back board they lost 2-0 to Rougemont in their first after a number of fine saves from the game. After that wakeup call they then Rydal keeper. Monmouth managed to faced the group favourites, Christ hold out against the strong attack from College, Brecon. After some excellent Rydal in the second half to secure the defence from Rhys Kedward, Matthew victory at 1-0. Macklin, Matthew Goldsmith and Alex Kennett in goal, the boys fought back from a goal down to secure a draw from a well worked passage of play which U16 Squad: Alex Kennett, Jacob Draper- allowed Jack Mayo to calmly slot the ball Stone, Luke MacDonald, George Gibbard, past the goalkeeper. James Evans, Cameron Bradbury, That meant the boys were through to the Matthew Goldsmith, Edward Goldsmith, fifth/sixth play-off position. With some Elliott Williamson, Kell Chambers, Marcus excellent attacking periods from Hutchinson, Gregor Belchor. Goldsmith, Mayo and Rian Stalley, the boys left it until the last minute before Goldsmith fired the ball into the top left hand corner of the goal to give them fifth position overall. An excellent effort from In the second game Monmouth faced all the boys! Rougemont, the team that were runners- U14 Squad: Matthew Goldsmith, Rhys up in the South Wales Final after Kedward,Alex Kennett, Matthew Macklin, Monmouth beat them 2-1. It was a tight Jack Mayo, Rian Stalley, Elliott Kramer. game with neither side allowing any chances to be created.

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match.The netball was much closer with PE all teams playing well and working together to produce some impressive Inter Form Games performances. The eventual winners of Competition the netball were 8NC. When all the points were added up from March 2013 each of the four competitions, 8LM were In the last week of the Spring term, 27 crowned overall winners, with 8JD in Forms from Year 7, 8 and 9 battled it out second place and 8PN and 8WM in in the latest Inter Form Tournament. All joint third. students took part, representing their With the rain holding off, the Y9 Form group in football, rugby, hockey, Some strong defensive play from Lydia competition was another huge success netball or badminton. The atmosphere Handley, Lewis Stone and Matthew on the Wednesday. Badminton was over the three days of competition was Brown in goal, managed to keep in 0-0 at added to the tournament to make five incredible, with all students completely half time. After the break Rougemont competitions in total, and the badminton absorbed in the competitions. At the end came out fighting and, with the one competition itself was an incredibly close of each day the scores were added up chance they did create, managed to find one which went all the way to the last from all the sports to find out which the back of the net after some confusion round. After a closely contested Final, Form group were the 2013 Inter Form by the Monmouth team. The goal was with plenty of loud support from the Games Champions in each Year Group. awarded and Monmouth had to try and watching crowd, 9SL came out on top, fight back. Unfortunately the Y7 kicked off the week on Monday in beating 9BT into second place. The Rougemont defence held strong and excellent style. There was 100% rugby was again close and saw a kept Monmouth at bay after some strong participation across the Year Group with dramatic final showdown between 9NP attacking moves from the team. The every student working hard to represent and 9MI, but a great individual final score was 1-0 to Rougemont. their Form in their chosen activity. In the performance from Nathan Brooks gave rugby there were stand-out team Going into the final game against the win to 9NP. With the Y9 school performances from 7GE and 7NJ with Tywyn, Monmouth knew they had to football team achieving so much in the 7GE coming out victorious in the Final secure a victory to have any chance of last two years, there was a lot of to win the rugby competition. In the being crowned Welsh champions. anticipation and excitement surrounding football, 7AL went unbeaten through the Monmouth started strongly and the Inter Form Football competition this whole tournament only to come unstuck deserved the two goals scored before half year, and it didn’t disappoint, with 9BT against 7GE in the Final. In the netball time. Tywyn fought back after half time winning the title.The hockey and netball 7BI came up against 7LD in the Final with goals being exchanged at either competitions also saw some incredibly with 7BI coming out victorious, and in end. The final score was 5-2 to close matches and excellent the hockey, 7NJ won the crown of Y7 Monmouth. With all the games performances with the 9HT team hockey Champions. completed Monmouth finished as Welsh winning the hockey competitions and runners-up. Congratulations to the With all the scores added up, the overall 9BT being crowned champions in the Under 12 squad. winning Form was 7LD, with 7GE Netball. second and 7BI third. U12 Squad: Matthew Brown, Lewis The overall positions for Y9 saw 9HT Stone, Daniel Mills, Archie Oubridge On Tuesday it was the turn of Y8, who in third place, 9BT in second place, Brock, Freddie Oubridge Brock, Rory maintained the very high standards of and 9SL as the Y9 inter Form Games Calderwood, Lydia Handley, Katie the day before with every single student Champions. Kearsey, Sophie Richards. in kit and taking part to the best of their ability. In the football, 8JD went the Rugby whole tournament without conceding a single goal and Jordan Howells won the final match against 8SG 2-0 with Tamer Pullen selected for Wales U18s scoring both goals. In the This season I have been selected and rugby, there was a closely played for the Wales U18s and Wales ‘A’ fought final match between teams. 8WM and 8LM, with 8LM For Wales U18s I played against England eventually coming out U18s and Australia Institute of Sport. victors, 8WM in second We beat England 30-24, but were beaten place and 8JD in third place. by Australia but in this game I scored In the hockey, 8WM blew one of the tries. away the rest of the teams As part of the Wales ‘A’ team we played with a string of brilliant Scotland ‘A’ and although we were team performances to win beaten in this game, I scored one of the overall and not lose a single tries.

42 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

I am also a member of the South Wales Crawshay’s Youth team against Scorpions U20s Academy squad and, Llandovery and Monmouth Boys hopefully, will play for the First Team School. Since turning 18 I have also later this year. played for Monmouth first XV where I In Rugby Union I have played for the scored on my debut. encouragement that has lead me to gain I am a member of the MCS unbeaten these achievements throughout my team going into the Rugby Union Final school years. on Wednesday 24th April where we will As I write this article, I have just been hopefully win this year. I am also a part offered a Rugby League Scholarship of the Rugby League Squad going into at Gloucester University with a the quarterfinals of the British Cup on professional contract in March 2014. the 26th April, so hopefully we will reach * Yes we did win the Rugby Union Final but the final of this competition as well*. lost in the Final of the British Cup League I would like to thank the school and the - please see Cam and Ted’s rugby article for PE Department for their support and full details.

43 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

confident that every squad strong Tonypandy side, typical of the member, when required could Rhondda Valley. Unlike most of previous do a job and represent MCS. games this season, the weather, hot and Our League success was sunny, suited our flamboyant, free- undoubtedly built upon our flowing style of rugby. Despite our solid defence, with every player backline stealing the headlines, once willing to put their body on the again our dominant performance was line for the team with the only built upon a solid set piece, with Aaron exception being Joe Tingle’s Mills grabbing Man of the Match. 35-0 ‘Starfish’ impression against was the final score - still no tries Bassaleg. Our team only conceded in the competition. The conceded 25 points during the occasion the team had been waiting for season, with only three teams had arrived... Most Successful able to cross our line; as a team we Pontyclun RFC was the neutral venue refused to take it easy when games were for the biggest school game of our Sporting Team from well and truly won, defending to the final careers against Dyffryn Taf. The day MCS whistle. A mention must go to Will Korb didn’t get off to the best of starts with a and Max Senior who played in every This year’s Senior Rugby XV will end kit clash between the two sides, so a coin league game this year, with Max being the season as the most successful side to toss was to decide who would wear the League’s top point scorer, with his come from Monmouth Comprehensive, Pontyclun’s First Team kit for the match. overall tally for the season of 72. claiming back to back Senior Midweek Monmouth’s first loss of the season League titles and successive Welsh Cup Success came from the coin toss and so we Schools Finals. became honorary ‘Badgers’ for the day. After the disappointment of losing out in All the ‘boyos’ were fully focused on This success, however, has not come last years Welsh Schools’ Final, the whole the challenge ahead, after the overnight, but is a culmination of six squad was determined to make amends disappointment of last year’s Final years hard work and determination from and bring home some silverware to the defeat. The opening ten minutes was a not only a team of rugby players but also school. cagey affair, with both defences on top a group of close friends. Tours to Italy Our Cup journey started with the and neither side giving an inch. After a and Ireland throughout our school life difficult task of travelling to the Cardiff Jordan Howells’s penalty, the MCS side have helped develop these friendships Schools Champions, Stanwell. Despite began to find their feet, stringing and forged an unwavering team spirit, the unfavourable weather conditions and numerous phases together in the which has been highlighted in this year’s a below par first-half performance, our opposition half. From a solid forward success. Without the input of our two team spirit and determination showed, platform, outside-half, Max Senior, cut coaches, Mr Penny and Mr DJ Williams, grinding out a hard-fought 12-3 win. through what had been a water-tight the achievements of this year would not Our next round draw meant another defence to score a brilliant opening try. have been possible, with their endless demanding journey, this time to West Dyffryn responded with a slow rising enthusiasm and passion spurring the Wales to face Gower College. Front row penalty attempt which slugged over the boys on before, during and even after shortages led to a call up for bar to bring the score to 10-3. The sides every game - “In Penny we trust.” inexperienced prop, Denzel Rance. This went in 13-3 at the break with everything League inexperience didn’t show with the still to play for. With wise words from eventual Man of the Match demolishing injured talisman Ted Senior, MCS were The last two seasons have seen The a much larger Gower pack and, in doing made aware of the importance of the Senior Midweek League dominated by so, laying the foundations for a 27-0 next 35 minutes of rugby. A great claim our Sixth Form side, with convincing victory.The next side to stand in the way from the kick-off by captain Cam wins against every opposition team this of MCS’s tournament ambitions was a Watson Boycott was soon followed by a season. In seven games we have been unbeaten, scoring 317 points in the process. As with any successful team, it’s about more than the fifteen players who start and finish a game; it’s about a squad effort. The League allowed us to build strength in depth, exposing less experienced players to difficult situations and ultimately create an undefeated side. There were times during the League season when, as a squad, we were faced with injuries and players unavailable (usually Lighty for unexplained reasons!) but our squad’s strength in depth meant we were all

44 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 moment of individual brilliance as he We’d both like to comment on how the score line a flattering one for cleverly allowed the ball to be ripped off important this rugby side has been in Calderdale. Despite the loss, the boys him. As the Wales U18s back rower our school journey. With friendships should be proud of their efforts in ripped the ball off Cam, he threw a formed on the field that will last a representing the school - finishing as speculative pass that was picked off by a lifetime.This year’s success just rounded one of Britain’s top four schools is no grateful Jordan Howells who ran the ball off what has been one of the most mean feat. in from 50m.This magic from Cameron enjoyable seasons of our short careers. Squad 2012/13: Front row: Denzel contributed towards his Man of the We’d like to thank the teachers, Rance, Jordan Holder, Grant Davis, Joe Match award. 20-3 MCS. Dyffryn Taf Mr DJ Williams and Mr Penny for Light and Dan Musselbrook.Second row: raised their game and would have scored making it all possible. We hope that this Aaron Mills, Luke Richards, Callum had it not been for the monumental is just the start of a continued run of Gleed, Zack Carey, Andrew Morgan and defence of the whole side, in particular success for Monmouth Comprehensive Sean MacMahon. Back row: Cameron Joe Tingle and Will Korb who and we wish all the future teams the best Watson-Boycott (Captain), Tom Hawkins, epitomised the spirit of the whole squad. of luck. On a final note, our biggest Will Korb, Joe Tingle, Josh Kings. Half Several changes were made without thank you goes to the bunch of friends Backs: Dan White, Max Senior, Ted impacting on the momentum of the and team mates with whom we have Senior. Centres: Liam Musselbrook, Jake MCS side. The game was killed off with shared these wonderful experiences. Williams and Jordan Howells. Back fifteen minutes to go when scrum-half, Three: Joe Paley, Morgan Paley, Zak Dan White scored Monmouth’s third try. Our Fun Day Out Williams, Dan Dunmore, Ashley The last 10 minutes were played on the to Derby Goncalves, Kieran Goncalves, Kester Monmouth try line but, as we had done Following on from our spectacular Mobbs-Morgan, Rhys Powell, Ryan Lee, all season, we defended for the jersey success against Filton College, there was Cai Jones, Harry Streeter. and kept our record of not conceding a an air of optimism within the Squad and try in the whole tournament. Ted Senior & a genuine belief that we could reach the Cameron Watson-Boycott Monmouth finished 30-3 winners Final. Our semi-final was to be played in and were crowned Welsh Schools Derby, a neutral ground, similar Champions; the celebrations began. distances from both Monmouth and Athletics Calderdale College, West Yorkshire.This Ryan Lee Crossing Codes meant a long journey ‘Up North’ The boys could not celebrate too hard as chauffeured, as ususal, by our evergreen Since the successful year of 2012, when only two days later we represented Wales driver, Malcolm. I competed in the Olympic stadium in the National Rugby League before names such as Usain Bolt and With perfect weather, the game Champions Colleges quarter finals. This Jessica Ennis took to the world stage, I promised to be an exciting one and it game was an altogether different prospect moved to the longer distance of 400m didn’t disappoint. Like the previous with our relatively inexperienced and from the 200m sprint. Along with the game, the MCS side found themselves fatigued side travelling to West League dramatic change of race, I also have two tries down after fifteen and it looked Champions and Leeds Rhinos academy signed up with Cardiff AAC, leaving like a heavy defeat was on the cards, with side G.S College (Filton College). Filton the memories of Cwmbran Harriers the Yorkshire side’s big strike runners had already beaten numerous University behind me. and structured tactics making a big sides in the season and were confident of impact early on. But as has been the case During the pre-season training, around overturning our side. It looked as if their with this side all year, the boys showed October to February, I worked to confidence was well founded as they their character and dug deep and fought develop more core strength, speed scored two quick-fire tries early on. back scoring two well worked tries. The endurance and block starts, all qualities However, captain and Wales RL U18 momentum in the game was now in needed for the 400m. Sadly, during player Jordan Howells brought us back favour of the MCS side and, after November, and only two months into into the game. This spurred the team on another period of pressure, Dummy- the winter training period, I sustained a as we achieved what seemed impossible, Half, Dan White made a searing break major hamstring injury which set me given the funding and facilities available down the left touchline to give MCS a back until the end of February. Before I to the Filton boys, to beat them 34-28. well-deserved lead. Now in the knew it, the pre-season winter training Mention must be given to Y11’s Jordan ascendancy, MCS pushed for a further was over and I only had one month’s Holder and Zak Williams, with the score, but a controversial decision by training in the body. latter a Welsh RL U16 international the referee stopped the boys’ himself. Tries: Jordan Howells (3), Joe momentum. A try from Max Senior Paley (2), Cam Watson-Boycott (2). was disallowed, causing disbelief Conversions: Jordan Howells (3). from both teams. After this incident, As we are writing this we are preparing and a high tackle on Morgan Paley, for the semi-final of the same the team struggled to pick up the competition against the Yorkshire pace. This was telling, as the Champions, Calderdale College. We Yorkshire Champions ruthlessly hope to continue in this rich vein of form exposed the weaknesses in the MCS and play our way into a British final. defence scoring tries late on making

45 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

My first competition was the Welsh only the third of my career of 2013 and, to Competing in a selection race for the Championships where I was expected to my surprise, against all university four places, I finished first out of the six rank amongst the medals. After only athletes, I finished with, yet again, runners, cementing my place in the squad. being back from injury for a week or so, another personal best - a time of 49.16 We raced against N. Ireland, England, I didn’t even make the final of the 200m, seconds, which took me from fourteenth Scotland, Wales, Loughborough and and I couldn’t compete in the 400m as it in the UK overall, to eleventh in the UK. BUC teams, coming a credible fourth. was too risky on my hamstring muscle. I was happy with how I ran the race At the last minute I received a call from After this big disappointment at the technically and knew that the weekend Welsh Athletics to represent them in the start of the season I went into the British after I was back in Cardiff on my home 400m in Geneva on the first week in Indoor AAA’s in Birmingham with track in the British League for my own June. This was my first competition dampened hopes. event. Here I knew I had to make a abroad so I eagerly accepted and This competition was much bigger than stamp on the club as this was also my travelled with the team. It was great to the Welsh indoors and it brought the debut 400m running for Cardiff. This compete at such a high level meeting, UK’s top athletes together to compete in event once again brought the best along with the likes of Dwayne one major competition. In Birmingham, together in the same race. This was my Chambers, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, I realised the only chance I would have first real race since Birmingham in Craig Pickering and Nigel Levine. I of making it through a heat would be to February, now here in May I felt ten finished second in my 400m race, enter, and take the risk, of the 400m times stronger, quicker and more beating other international athletes. sprint. As we lined up, I realised I was in powerful. My aims for the rest of this season are to the same race as the UK’s quickest Wearing my Cardiff vest for the first make a British 400m final in two junior 400m sprinter. My aim was to time the race started - it was so quick, months’ time in Bedford and be in the finish at most around 15m behind him. hitting the 200m mark in personal best top eight in the UK in the same race - To my surprise, in my first 400m of the times. With 100m still to go I was lying maybe get amongst the medals as well. I season after being out for four months, I around sixth place, kicking hard, and in would also like to continue to represent finished only around 10m behind him, the few metres, I pulled back three places Wales across the UK at various events, breaking the 50 second barrier for the finishing third with a huge personal best and internationally if possible. 400m event. I made it into the semi-final of 48.3 seconds, knocking nearly a Ryan Lee, 12ES but didn’t have enough left in my legs to second off my race in Yate only three sustain and grab a place in the Final. weeks before. This boosted me up the After these two major competitions, I felt ranking in the UK to where I now stand National Athletics hard training was necessary to be back at sixth place. Even though I feel I want competing against the best in the UK. to be at least top four, I still have three Championships From here I went to Portugal, for warm years left in the age group, where the top June 2013 - Four students have been weather training. From my usual week of five athletes would have moved to Under chosen to represent South East Wales in training which consisted of three 23s by then. the National Athletics Championships - sessions a week, which included two On Friday 17th May, I obtained one of Florence James (Y9), Jemima Griffiths track sessions and a gym session, in my goals with my selection by Team GB (Y10), Tom Reynolds (Y10) and Portugal I was now completing around for the 4x400m Relay, taking place at Ryan Lee (Y12). This is the highest three sessions a day for a whole week. Loughborough University on the 19th number of students we have had selected The facilities in Portugal were May, following an injury to one of the team. for many years.Well done to all involved. outstanding and opened my eyes to just how much there is out there waiting for me. After I came back, slightly worn out, I competed in a 400m in Yate. Here I ran a personal best taking my time down from 49.8 seconds, to 49.3 seconds. I knew the weather was putting me off and I had so much left to offer. So the next weekend I ran in Cardiff, in a 300m race, just to see how my legs would feel after a quicker sprint. I finished first against all senior athletes and a few GB representatives in a time of 34.1 seconds putting me first in the UK for that event. A couple of weeks later, I was beaten in the rankings by an athlete from Dover, running 34 seconds flat. Finishing Cardiff on a high, I then travelled to Loughborough in the World Junior Trials. Here I ran another 400m,

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races and a water polo tournament. In the gymnastics, students rotated around three events: Team Floor, Individual Vault and Individual Apparatus, and in dance each Form were represented by a team who choreographed and performed their own dance on the day. Overall winners for Y7 were 7AL with 7BI second and 7NJ third. Inter Form are the overall scores, and when all the Creative Days points were added up from the three activities, the Y8 Champions were 8LM. December 2012 The final day of creative competition In the last weeks before Christmas, saw Y9 participate in their last Creative Forms across the school were busy Day competition at MCS. In the dance organising their teams for this years’ competition it was a very close affair Inter Form Creative Day. Every student between NP and BT with both Forms represented their Form in swimming, producing outstanding performances on dance or gymnastics, performing to win The next day saw the Y8 competitions points to help their Form to win the with equally excellent participation rates overall title of Inter Form Creative and effort from all students. The Champions. Swimming Gala saw success for all Forms but 8LM dominated most events and were champions in the pool. The gymnastics was incredibly close

throughout, but due to the consistency the dance floor but it was NP who of all of their team, and some stand-out narrowly took the silverware. The pool performances by Jessica Chance and proved to be another close-fought affair Laura MacDonald, 8JD won overall. In with all Forms experiencing a range of The first Creative Day was the Y7 the dance, it was LM and RD’s time to successes in a number of different races. competition, and with students eager to shine as they were judged to have Likewise in the gymnastics competition participate for their Forms, it was an choreographed and performed the best there was a very high standard of talent excellent start to a brilliant week of dance routines overall. But the results on display and there were memorable sporting competition. The Swimming that really matter at the end of the day performances from MI, SL and JN. Gala consists of various length races in 9HT emerged the overall winners of all four strokes as well as a range of relay the day.

47 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Inspiring Generations World War II Film Project MCS students from Years 7 to 11 have participated in an exciting community history project in association with the Shire Hall. Students have spent time interviewing veterans of World War II. From a Bevin Boy to a land girl and a Blitz evacuee, a military interrogator and a former German prisoner of war; these are the people from various walks of life interviewed on camera by our intrepid reporters. The Monmouth students were cool, calm and very professional on camera. The veterans warmed to them quickly and commented on the intelligence and sensitivity of the questions that they came up with. Our interviewers certainly made a wonderful impression on the veterans and vice versa. The students were given training in interview techniques and utilised their new skills to great effect.The finished product, a DVD where the interviews are inter-cut with footage from the Second World War, was launched on the 7th May and will be made available to all of the schools in our area. The opportunity to work with the staff of the Shire Hall and the extraordinary veterans themselves, has been an exciting and moving experience for all involved.We feel genuinely privileged to have been able to contribute to bringing history to life in a very personal and profound way. Organised by Karin Molson, Learning Manager, Shire Hall with Mike Powell and Anthony Lewis (History). Students: Year 7: Blake Stephens, Jack Scott, Moiyah Jackson, Gracie Follows, Taryn Birkett. Year 8: Sam Morgan, Jacob Sutton, Cameron Horsfield, Katy Davies, Lucy Alexander, Alice Glen, Teague Littlefair, Rhoddi Thomas, Charlie Gwinnut, Naomi Armitage, Will Thompson, Bethany Camp, Ciaran Mann. Year 9: Ben Main, Tia Childs, Megan Freeman-Thompson, Beci Rasmussen. Year 10: Megan Jones, Tom Bull. Year 11: Molly James. Community Fair

Monmouth Comprehensive students were In previous years, MCS students have provided with the opportunity to meet with participated in environmental projects, organisations from the local community engaged in peer mentoring, supported recently. The school’s annual Community students in Primary schools, volunteered for Fair gave Y10 the opportunity to meet with projects at Bridges Community Centre, a range of organisations from the Swan Court, Monmouth Festival, voluntary sector that provide support Monmouth Show and Shire Hall. Staff and within the local community. The students students look forward to working with the enjoyed discussing and planning their local community again during the Summer learning for the 15 hours of community Learning Week in June. participation they will need to complete as a MCS would like to thank all the local component of their Welsh Baccalaureate organisations and MCS students for Intermediate qualification. supporting the event.

48 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Community Participation

Youth Rangers - Amelia Ralphs, The Gateway Project - Students are supporting the work of Miller Gregor Belcher, Olivia Farrow Research in their design of the ‘Gateway area’ between the two and Ella Rook enter their second bridges over the River Monnow in Monmouth. The consultancy year as Wye Valley Youth has run workshops for stakeholders in the town including MCS Rangers. They have embarked students who will be contributing to the display of ideas for a on a schedule that includes kayaking, first aid, bush craft, stone public meeting in the spring. The activity offers a fantastic learning walling, hedge laying, archaeology, ecology and conservation. opportunity for young people interested in planning, design and The Rangers demonstrated their skills at Monmouthshire Show art to develop vocational skills, learn with the community and in August. have a lasting impact on the facilities in Monmouth. Three Counties Playgroup - Hayley Kettle, a leader from the Eco Council members ran a Fair Trade Café organisation, visited our school to generate support from our at the school as part of Fair Trade fortnight. school community for the Rascals Play group in Overmonnow. Fair Trade products including tea, coffee Four students responded from Y12 and received training to cakes and chocolate were available at break facilitate the running of the playgroup. time to highlight the work of the The Great Welsh Walk - To celebrate the start of Youth Week, organisation. Fair Trade is about better students walked sections of the Offa’s Dyke path on Saturday prices, decent working conditions, local 3rd October. The walk included young people walking sections sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in of the footpath that circumnavigates Wales in a Guinness Book the developing world. of Records attempt at a mass walk. Although the weather was fine on the day the walkers (Kieran Hawkins, Abi Sturgess, Georgina Christopher, Abigail Bayliss, Dorothy Laidler, Ross Ingram, Amy Wilkes, Maria Morgan and Mr Jones) braved very wet and muddy conditions under-foot. The walk was coordinated by the Youth Services across Wales.

The annual Careers & Higher Education Fair took place in January at the school. This highly successful event was open to all students in Monmouthshire aged 14-19 years old and is designed to help young people and their parents find information and make contacts that will help them make the right education and career choices. Over 80 exhibitors attended, representing a huge variety of businesses and organisations as well as Further and Higher Education establishments. Not only is this event a chance to speak to industry professionals, it also gives students an opportunity to ‘have a go’, whether it be hairdressing, radio broadcasting or solving an engineering problem. Lovell Homes - Alex Harvey (9BT) and Emma Jones (7LK) are active members of the Eco Council at the school and were delighted to take part in the official planting of trees and shrubs as part of the legacy left by Lovell Homes following the completion of their recent build near the school. Lovell will also be supplying benches for students on the outside eating area.

49 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Eisteddfod Ysgol Gyfun Trefynwy Mawrth 4ydd March 4th Monmouth Comprehensive School’s Eisteddfod

When looking back through the past seven years of our lives, the It has been wonderful to experience the immense talent of the younger students Eisteddfod is a school experience that we will always remember. in MCS. Having been on stage and Every year we have been involved with the celebration of all things performing all of the class songs and embarrassing ourselves with the amount Welsh and, with our appreciation for everything Welsh (being A Level of different costumes and props in the Welsh students), it has been a nice experience to take part in the past, it has been a completely different Eisteddfod this year. As A Level students, we adopted a different role experience this year. We think that it is extremely important to encourage and this year by judging poems, class songs and dances. promote the use of the Welsh language, especially as a school on the border of England and Wales. The Eisteddfod is an Y Dyfodol exemplary opportunity to share with others all of the things which Wales has Becso, becso, becso to offer, apart from the obvious, ie Becso am sut bydd y dyfodol. sheep! Dymuno, dymuno, dymuno We hope that the Welsh language Dymuno fy mywyd i ffwrdd. continues to feature in our lives in the Pa mor hir tan y Nadolig? future. It would also be a pleasure to Pam mor hir tan fy fy mhen-blwydd? come back and enjoy the Eisteddfod Pryd bydd yr ysgol drosodd? once more. Lladd amser. This year, it was fantastic to see a Y8 student, Harry Sully, win the Chair for his Gadewch llonydd i’r dyfodol poem on the theme of ‘Y Dyfodol’ (The Mwynhewch beth sydd nawr Future). Cyn i chi wybod Mae’r presennol yn troi’n gorffennol. George, Rachel, Charlotte, Gan ‘Batman’ Lizzie and Andy (Y13)

50 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Cardiff Trip On Thursday 13th December 2012, 36 Welsh GCSE Full and Short course students travelled to the action packed Capital of Wales… Caerdydd! Students and teachers alike were all really enjoyed this Later in the day we were informed looking forward to the trip and many of tour, not just the that, unfortunately, the ice skating us were really excited to see the rugby fans. After at Winter Wonderland had been Millennium Stadium in particular.When this we walked back cancelled due to the inevitable we arrived in Cardiff, our first port of to the Urdd centre Welsh weather, RAIN! We were call was the Millennium Centre in (the Welsh speaking given the opportunity to enjoy the Cardiff Bay. We were guided around the accommodation) free activities of the National Centre by a lovely tour guide called where we settled Museum or spend a little more Trevor; we were allowed a sneak preview into our rooms and enjoyed some very time in town; so the majority of students of the sets of Phantom of the Opera and yummy tea. chose to go into town to spend the last the actors’ dressing rooms, as well as Later on in the evening, we went bowling couple of hours of the trip shopping learning about the history and building to the local bowling centre; there was a until we dropped. All in all, the of the Centre. After the Millennium lot of friendly competition, as well as experience was very enjoyable and we Centre, we were given two hours to shop some interesting dance moves. have learnt more about the culture of around the Capital, which was useful to Wales as well as having the opportunity The next day we travelled by bus to catch up on some last minute Christmas to hear people speaking Welsh in the Cardiff Castle which was very Shopping. capital city of Wales. informative and taught us about the We then assembled for the tour of the history of Cardiff and who had lived in Gan Jacob Draper-Stone great Millennium Stadium. Everyone the Castle. a Katie Williams, 10DS

51 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

across the county, over a three week period of expeditions. The conditions, at best could be described as character building, with some of the most demanding weather we have ever had the pleasure of doing a Gold practice in - at least they will be prepared for whatever weather this Summer has to offer!!! The Golds this year are taking part in two different expeditions, one group heading with the rest of the open awards from Monmouthshire to the Lake District in early The DofE has grown again this year with the Silver and Gold August and the other group doing a Gold cycling test from Open Awards run by Monmouth Youth Service, building on Monmouth to the Gower. the strength of the Bronze Award delivered by the School. The Silvers are heading out in the local area for their Silver To date we have 31 people doing Silver and 18 doing Gold, practice at the end of May with an overnight stay at the including former MCS students Amelia Greenstreet, Freya Biblins Youth Camp. They will then be completing their Johnson, Thomas Edge, Holly Belcher, Matt Bristow, main test expedition along with other Open award groups Annabelle Clarke, Binah Cooper, James Thomas and Mike from across Monmouthshire at the beginning of July - this Sims. year there is a new test route set to challenge them and to help all Silvers be better prepared for Gold. The expedition season is well underway as 18 intrepid Gold explorers took on the challenge of their Gold practice The test expeditions for Gold last for four days/three nights expedition over Easter along with 50 other Golds from and Silver three days/two nights.

52 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

Can a Raspberry Pi* monitor a car park? (*You don’t eat it; it’s a small computer)

We split into teams for the three intensive days in the Engineering Department of Cardiff University in December. Sam and Chris Bull bravely started trying to master ‘Python’, the programming language that would tell the Pi what to do and allow it to switch output LEDs to tell the steward if the car was recognised and permitted. When testing it they managed to overload the output but apart from ‘pin 13’ becoming non-functional the Pi fortunately survived. An emergency electronics lesson resulted in the design of a transistor circuit to keep it safe! Meanwhile Will Kemp and Izzi Marsh set about prototyping a circuit that would indicate location by means of a counter and seven segment display. The data sheet they were given to do the complex wiring between three chips proved incorrect, and they had to work out the correct connections by experiment. Once For the second year, the school had a team of it worked, professional software was used to design a printed circuit board which was then created on an impressive Year 12 Physics/Technology students take part in computer controlled machine. the Engineering Education Scheme Wales. Unfortunately it proved hard to solder accurately enough onto such intricate tracks, and the final circuit did not work as well as The challenge agreed with General Dynamics UK, again our link the prototype. company, was to find a way of maintaining security in a car Stephanie Parry and Luke Richards had the task of trying to fit park. These are often controlled by having a secure perimeter everything into a case that was comfortable to hold, and with and limited access points, but they wanted to find a solution for holes in all the right places for the camera, switches, power and situations where this was difficult; events such as festivals with data connections. They built cardboard mock-ups and used two unmarked and temporary car parks; a solution which needed 3D design software packages before finally having an accurate less expensive fixed infrastructure, and did not impede final product cut from acrylic on the laser cutter and folded to movement. It had to allow stewards to know which cars were shape. Huw Jones investigated power options and worked with parked where, and whether they were authorised. Initial ideas Jake Williams, the project manager, on the impressive industry included remote control helicopters, cameras that could be standard report and presentation for the National Award slung from temporary overhead gantries or mounted on ceremony at the Celtic Manor in March. buggies or devices that would detect RF tags (as in shops) or The ANPR software did manage to recognise some number read barcodes. plate images, even ones generated by the webcam at the front General Dynamics suggested we incorporate a ‘Raspberry Pi’ of the device, rather than imported files, but ran incredibly computer as the ‘brains’ of our system. We decided to try to slowly on the Pi. Sam located some new software (Spanish this program this to process a camera image and recognise the time) and announced that he would “retrain its neural car numberplate, and associate it with a location number, so networks” to recognise British plates. Unfortunately, time that a ‘map’ of which cars were where could be created and caught up with the team and the prototype was not fully constantly updated, and each number checked against a functional for the Celtic manor, but it was recognised that this database of allowed plates. To start with, this would be built had been an ambitious project, the students had persevered in into a handheld device carried by a patrolling steward. We trying to solve some tricky problems and had learnt a lot; both found Java software for Automatic Number Plate Recognition technical understanding, and an appreciation of what (ANPR) that had been written by a Slovak student as a university engineering was really like. Once again we received a National project and Sam Hedges worked hard at getting it to run Award; this year it was for ‘Best Application of Engineering and reliably. Technology’.

53 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

World Book Day English Update World Book Day was celebrated across the School with several forms competing to win the Famous First Film Club Lines Quiz. After much anticipation Film Club had a very successful and a thrilling tie-break round, 10MA launch recently in School with took the prize! This year’s after school activity in the LRC, several students attending regular ‘Blind Book Date’, was also highly successful. Books were meetings as well as winning a Wales read, unwrapped from their newspaper covers and some wide review writing competition! even went home for the night. George Jones’ review of ‘Of Mice and Men’ won the World Book Day The English Department’s review writing competition. We are currently watching ‘The Hunger Games’. We are also busy Poem of the Month collaborating with the Modern Foreign Languages Department in preparation for our upcoming review writing workshop with an industry specialist on the Spanish film Puddle ‘Devil's Backbone’. A pool of limitless sky, Film is a uniquely powerful medium, which can introduce Sometimes blue, sometimes white, young people to a wider world while promoting better Sometimes a rippling cloud that wrinkles by, A mirror that tells lies; learning, improved social and communication skills and raising aspirations. I’m not a water baby, Mouths do not breathe deceit. We are very grateful to the Friends Association for A facade and false alibi, introducing us to Film Club! A place where sun reflects But does not penetrate. Leaf islands harbour here, Lying back on the cool sea Film Club Review Oval on the green path’s dip. The Hunger Games Footstep’s past – forgotten; Unlike the unbroken wind The Hunger Games is an amazing film that leaves Ringing a betraying envy you wanting more! After ten minutes I felt myself Of a Tsunami warning, balancing on the edge of my seat. It's constantly throwing new surprises at you. Although the story That bends the cobweb! Like a pond skater’s gait, line is very depressing it interests you so much at the Water tunnels tobogganing down a window same time. Leads to confrontation or discovery. This jaw dropping film is about twelve districts and a One worm to another; ruling city named The Capitol who force each district Pink flesh takes casualties, to offer up one female tribute and one male who will Soak up the dirt and be sent to an outdoor arena to fight to the death Digest the stones; a crocodile, with other tributes until there remains one victor. The film includes many different genres such as: You amphibious beast! A swamp of self pity; Romance; Action; Adventure. You owe this to nature, I would recommend this film to people of the age Swallow your sorrows in shallows. 12+. Overall I highly recommend The Hunger Games Samantha Ford, 12TW to anyone up for watching one of the best films EVER! ‘Puddle’ was written when Samantha was waiting for the Skye Ford, 7LD bus at the end of the school day and saw a puddle that forms near the Geography block at school.

54 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

Of Mice and Men Performance On Wednesday 13th March the English Faculty welcomed The Tin Shed Theatre Company, who performed Of Mice and Men for Y10. This gave students studying for their first English Literature examination in May an opportunity to see the characters Carnegie Medal brought to life and experience life during America’s Great Depression. The performance was well received and was Shadowing Group followed by a question and answer session, giving students A keen group of Y7 readers are currently reading the six an opportunity to get to grip with the characters. nominees for this year’s Carnegie Medal. Our current favourite is ‘Code Name Verity’ by Elizabeth Wein. Students MCS Debating Society are regularly updating their page on the official Shadowing The Monmouth Comprehensive Debating Society was Website with pictures and reviews. founded in February. The increasingly popular Society has Code Name Verity is a book about two female spies in World already held its first debate on the highly controversial topic War II. Whilst one is captured and tortured by the Nazis, the of capital punishment. Unlike other extra-curricular activities, other tries to frantically search for her friend. the Debating Society is organised and led by the students I found this book quite interesting right from the start because themselves, with Kenzo Fagan, Andrew Were, Jack Ellaway, it has a mix of genres, including historical and adventure. I Jemima Greenstreet, Carys Robbins and Emily Shields leading would award Code Name Verity 8.5/10 because it appeals to the way. all kinds of readers; whether you like to read ‘girly’ books or The Debating Society is open to all and is a great way to adventure books it brings a fresh twist to history books. hone those essential speaking and listening skills. This I think that this would appeal to older readers because of the month’s motion: ‘This house believes gay marriage should be teen nature and delicate subject matter that the book explores. legalised in the Church’ was won by a very impassioned I think that Code Name Verity should win the Carnegie Book opposition team led by Kenzo Fagan in 11NI. Although, the Awards because it is a very adventurous book and is very well proposition, under the leadership of Emily Shields from7LD, written. put up an excellent fight! Anna Moore, 7LK

2084 Introduction I’m scared that they might pick me today. The police walk the streets with their rifles but it still doesn’t make any effect on the rate of crime every night. The doorway to my flat is just up this staircase and over the metal gate that parts Death Valley and civilisation. The idiot high rulers were dull enough to put ALL of the jobs that the working class have right in the danger zone. Lifting crates of guns and ammo into heavily-armoured vehicles is bad enough, let alone knowing you might die from leaving work to go home to tea. Life isn’t that amazing. Seventy years ago, the government promised wealth for all and no hostility by 2100. The way it’s going right now? Let’s just say that we’ve got a lot of work to do before we reach that goal. It doesn’t help that the government is stalking and searching us as soon as we get into the safe zone: “You might bring in diseases - or be disguised as a pure-bred when you’re actually a rotter.’ I reach the gate. Barbed wire hugs the tip of the gate, barely protecting the barrier. The guards made up for it - plastered in protective gear, big blocky helmets sat on their heads and rifles in their hands. There’s a group of soldiers at the back of the compound with a 25mm mounted minigun aimed right out the mouth of the city. It protects it from raids by the savages. I quickly give my ID to a tall straw-haired soldier and he glances at it with his disapproving eyes. I gingerly stepped in. A waft of fresh air and cleanliness attacked my nostrils. I was greeted with The Perfect City. Dylan Blake, 7NJ

55 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Spain Sports Tour

During the Easter period 120 students and staff took part in the annual Sports Tour to Platja D’aro, Spain. Students had the opportunity to experience playing sporting activities in a foreign country and to experience the diversity of the Spanish culture. The tour included the opportunity to develop skills, techniques and experiences in dance, football, hockey, netball or rugby in both coaching sessions/workshops and competitive matches.

This year the School was fortunate to have again been sponsored by Monmouthshire Housing Association. This support has built upon the already successful link between the School and Monmouthshire Housing Association and provided some equipment and resources for the tour. Students were fantastic, both in terms of their performances and their general attitude and effort throughout the week. There were a number of comments made from the local officials, staff and opposition players regarding their conduct and effort on and off the pitch - as one Spaniard said “a credit to both your school and to Wales”.

There were a number of stand-out performances in the activities and the following students received awards: ‘Top Tourist’ - Callum Wheatley (Year 11) Dance - Georgia Bevan (Year 8) & Katherine French (Year 9) Football - Kieran Knight (Year 9), Jordan Heales (Year 9) & James Hawkins (Year 12) Hockey - Alice Livesey (Year 8) & Eloise Grundy (Year 9) Netball - Lydia Smith (Year 8) & Bethany Rudd (Year 10) Rugby - Joseph Impey (Year 8) & Euan Gillespie (Year 9)

56 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

Rugby

In Spain I played rugby, and it was great fun! In the first fixture our opposition was Club Rugby L’Hospitalet and both age groups won their games with great performances from every team member. The next day we trained and it was so hot but at least this meant the pitch was dry and favoured a fast running game of Rugby. We had a good laugh in all our training sessions led by Mr Murphy and Mr Jones, with some hard training followed by a fun finish to the session with the teachers joining in a game of touch rugby. The second game was a totally different story. We mixed both age groups together and just played a full 15-a-side game. It was tough to start off and we found ourselves down by a fair few tries, and our heads were dropping, but we pulled it all together and we started to make a famous comeback, but it was all too late! A last minute decision by the referee saw a try of ours being disallowed.We were so close to getting a victory and only lost out by three points. But, never mind, it was good and everybody really enjoyed the experience of playing against foreign opposition and to understand their way of playing rugby. Overall, it was an awesome experience! Nathan Brooks

57 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

Football

At the end of break, on the 22nd of March, the first coach The next day everybody went off to do their sports. With the left for Spain. We arrived at Dover at around about 6pm and football we went to train at a local 3G pitch about five 1 got on the ferry heading to Calais, France. We drove for minutes away from the hotel. We trained for 1 /2 hours roughly 18 hours, with the occasional stop, until we arrived practising on working as a team. Later on in the day we had at the hotel at 2.30pm on the 23rd. The second coach left our first game against U.D. Cassa, a local football club. It was the school at 3pm and they arrived at the hotel with us about a tough game, we were losing for the majority of the game 7pm. until Lewis Davies scored in the final moments to make the score 1-1. On the first full day, everybody got on their coaches and drove for two hours until we got to the Nou Camp in On our final training session we had a game against the Barcelona. In the stadium we were allowed to walk around older students and beat them 4-2. After we finished training, looking at the Trophy Cabinets, Changing rooms and the we all went down to the beach and had our lunch. Following Press Conference Room. We then had the opportunity to go lunch, we walked back to the hotel and got ready to go and in the stands and then go pitchside. After the stadium we watch the hockey. went to a public park to have lunch. We then drove around On the Wednesday we all went to the local leisure centre and and went to a few tourist attractions like the Olympic had a mini netball tournament and the teachers’ team won. Stadium and the Barcelona Cathedral after which we went Later on everyone had the choice to go and watch the shopping on one of Barcelona’s main shopping streets. football or the rugby. The football party went down to another local stadium and played Saint Celoni Football Club. By half time we were losing by 3-1 but after a good half time team talk by Mr Michael we were all raring to go for the second half. We completely outplayed them and ended up winning 6-3, with a goal from Mike Ridgway, four great goals from Jack Mayo and Jordan Heales. That evening we went out for a celebration meal at a local pizzeria. The next day we went shopping in the town that we were staying in and stayed there for most of the day. We went back to the hotel for an awards ceremony next to the pool where they picked two people from each age group in the sports. I (Kieran) was lucky enough to win one of the awards, the prize was a Barcelona top. Everyone then got ready and we set off for another 26 hour journey back to Wales. Kieran Knight and Katherine French

58 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

Netball Students: Holly Adams, Ted Atkinson, Emily The Spain Tour was one of the best school trips I have ever been on in my whole Barker,Zoe Barratt, Angharad life - not only from the sports side of it but from the whole experience of the trip. Beazley, Georgia Bevan, Nicole Bradshaw, Mae Brickley, Nathan We had five netball training sessions in the eight days we were there and we learnt Brooks, Darius Brown, Eloise something new in each session. We learnt to develop our goal shooting skills, Brown, Leah Brown, Megan defending skills and dodging skills. The teachers were amazing and helped us Cameron, Jessica Chance, Tia individually as well as in a group. Childs, Rebecca Colwell, Lauren Compton, Jake Coombe, Amisha It was great to see two sides of every teacher and student, the side we see in school Cormack, Ella Curr, Lewis Davies, then the side we saw when we were away. Oliver Davies, Anushka Deshpande, We can’t thank both the netball coaches enough for taking the time to teach us and Bethan Edwards, Ceri Edwards, help us to make the sports tour as successful as it was. It was an amazing trip. Lewis Evans, Andrew Foster, Katherine French, Euan Gillespie, Natalie Morgan, 8RP Samantha Gittings, Lewis Griffin, Molly Griffin, Eloise Grundy, Hockey Megan Harrington, James Hawkins, Hockey Nathan Hawkins, Callum Haydney, Jordan Heales, Hope Henry, Lauren When we left for Spain, I was excited but nervous as well as it was the first time Howells, Alex Humber, Ben I’d been away without my parents. When we arrived in Spain, I wasn’t nervous Humber, Jasmine Hurley, Joseph anymore - I felt like I was with family and I could just relax and enjoy the week... Impey, Emily James, Eleanor and that’s what I did. Johnson, Georgia Jones, Lauren There are lots of funny and good memories, from wrestling in hockey training to Jones, Hannah Kay, Kieran Knight, playing a mini match of rugby. Spain was so much fun and the feeling you get from Emily Lake, Holly Lake, Tobias Lane, having the chance to do something like that is unforgettable. Cole Lanfear, Beatrice Leppier, Alice Livesey, Laura Macdonald, Louis Playing hockey against the Spanish teams was a good experience and I think all of Macfarlane, Matthew Macklin, our team learned a lot from it. Bethan Mayo, Georgina Mayo, Jack Mayo, Lucinda Merrett, Charlotte Spain 2013 was an amazing experience for all of us and one we will never forget. Mills, Ryan Mills, Hollie Morgan, Samantha Gittings, 9NP Natalie Morgan, Ashley Murphy, Jessica Oakley, Rhys Pember, Laura Perkins, Williams Powles, Alice Richards, Michael Ridgway, Sarah Robertshaw, Joseph Ruck, Bethany Rudd, Lowri Scrivens, Dylan Sluiter, Alex Smailes, Amara Smith, Lydia Smith, Holly Sproul, Rian Stalley, Louise Taylor, Georgia Thomas, Rhoddi Thomas, Jed Townsend, Thomas Vaughan, Owen Walters, Christopher Warkins, Emili Weston, Callum Wheatley, Daniel Whistance, Bethany Williams, Ellie Williams, Henry Williams, Katie Williams, Robert Williams and George Williamson. Staff: Mr Egan, Mr Jenkins, Mr Catton, Mr Michael, Mr Davies, Miss Biddle, Miss George, Miss Thomas, Mrs Molcher, Mr Jones, Mr Murphy.

59 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Student Design & Technology Work

Lloyd PhillipsJuliette Hagg Nia Roberts

Ollie Pearce Haydn Walters Zak Williams

George Badman Robert Bowen Will Land

60 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Year 8 Welsh Heritage Competition Entry 2012/13

During the Spring Term, a number of Year 8 classes worked together to produce work for the annual Welsh Heritage Competition. The aim was to investigate a topic, relevant to Wales and to highlight our status as All Greek members of the Welsh, English, British and global communities. As a border town, we thought it poignant to use the module entitled to Me! ‘Movement’ to explore the concept of Welsh migration through history. At six o’clock I groan as my alarm This investigation then provided a surveys to find out how students feel wakes me up to the prospect of springboard for further work on the Ages of about migrating today. Others created the British Museum. I slowly get ready, making last minute checks Exploration, Colonisation and the Slave board games, songs, poems, short movies and eating toast, then hastily rush Trade. The final assessed piece of work in and presentations. These various tasks to the car. We pull into the school this module involves discussions about drew on ICT and group work skills and gates at two minutes to seven and cultural assimilation, racial conflict and many more! Some used their I sprint for the coach, (leaving at ultimately the birth of the concept of racism. interpretation skills to create artwork to seven.). As I clamber aboard we A selection of students involved in preparing show how migration towns grew up. can’t wait for the Museum and and presenting the project work have written These were then analysed as historical the three hour coach ride seems a report on their work. sources and critiqued in terms of to fly by. “Our general topic area was entitled reliability and utility. The areas studied When we finally arrive we are not Movement. We focused on migration to were also diverse, looking at the disappointed. The huge Elgin and from Wales, through history but migration of sport, language, religion and marbles (a large frieze of an focused more specifically on the Gold culture. We learnt about Baptist Non- Athenian festival) astounds us as Rush period and the 19th Century. We Conformist migration to the we hurriedly make notes about looked at push and pull factors which establishment of the Eisteddfod in Ancient Athens’ festivals, Gods encouraged people to leave and enter Argentina and Australia. We wrote and daily life. Wales; these ranged from political to rationales to show that we understood the The group moves on to the economic, social and religious.We looked skills that we were using, to explain our pottery: sounds boring but most at the Poor Law, the Rebecca Riots and thought processes and to evaluate our definitely not. They are like poor living conditions as ‘push factors’; work. ceramic comic books, and things such as Assisted Migration, On May 13th, our judge, who leads the depicting Theseus and the Gold Rush and a general hope of a Heritage course at the University of the Minotaur, the better life as ‘pull factors.’We focused on South Wales came into school to see our Nemean Lion and Welsh migration because we were exhibition.We had set all of our work out all the Gods. A lone interested to find out about our national in the classroom and took her on a guided helmet stands on display with a spear history but also strove to find out some tour to each section of the room. We shaped hole in the information relevant to our local area and explained what we had done, how and front, clearly showing the places we know about more personally. why. She asked us lots of questions to test how its owner met We were interested to see how migration our knowledge and find out our opinions. his end. We move changed the way people lived in the past, Though a little daunting at first, it was a reluctantly from the but also how it impacts society and really fun experience! She was very three-feet tall amphorae culture in today’s modern world. positive about the work and said she to see simple (but still We used lots of skills during this project, could see our enthusiasm and the amount important) ordinary items. including empathy. We put ourselves in of effort all the classes had invested. We From Kylixes (drinking cups) the shoes of the migrants and thought now just need to wait to hear if we have and brooches to potties and about the decisions they made and how won a prize! Schools from across Wales rattles! Eventually we are dragged they might have felt about migrating to a compete so we have our fingers crossed, from the museum, practically new world.We also showed independence but even if we don’t win, we are proud of kicking and screaming, to board as the lessons were very student led; we our Welsh Heritage work and know that the bus back to Monmouthshire. decided on the pieces of work we wanted all classes did MCS Year 8 proud!” Most of us sleep or while away to complete and rationalised our ideas on Atlanta Collins, Amara Smith, the time with “what we want for Christmas “and I spy. We return our own. We also had to be creative when Stephanie Painter, producing our work to make the whole to school at 8.30pm to find hardy, Emma Johnston, Lydia Smith, exhibition unique and interesting. Some cheerful parents waiting in the rain to take us home. used numeracy skills and conducted Olivia Wells, Felicity Walsh Wulfstan Scouller 61 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

Learning with Friends

The MCS Friends Association provides a valuable link between community who bought raffle tickets home and school, making a real difference for every student, not contributing over £1,000 towards the only by raising funds, but also by harnessing members’ cost. We also enjoyed supporting the Charity Committee’s bake sale in aid enthusiasm, skills and experience to create opportunities for of Ty Hafen’s ‘Super Hero Friday’ and students and give support to parents. other great causes and thank them for The FA’s third year has been as much The mountain bikes we bought some their support this year. fun and as rewarding as the first two. months ago have been assembled by A small, but dedicated group of Our Promise Auction held in the students and staff and have been used Friends continues to be enthusiastic in Autumn term was a great success.The in lessons ever since - another example its support for a Film Club in School Hall was beautifully transformed for of how the work of the Friends and its potential to enhance literacy. In the event and filled to capacity with Association directly benefits the families, teachers and governors keen students of our School. addition, we are pleased to be able to to bid on a fantastic array of promises. offer parents the opportunity to buy We enjoyed supporting the School’s Dinner was served by an enthusiastic great quality second hand uniform via production of Bugsy Malone in group of young recruits from across the School’s website. We welcome any February and noted with some pride the Year Groups, with background contributions of uniform, which can how well the PA system purchased by music provided by talented jazz the Friends Association two years ago be dropped off at the School Reception. performers Merlin and the Wizards showcased the extraordinary talents of who are members of the Sixth Form. The Friends Association provides an the cast. Students’ artwork formed a striking informal, friendly but very direct way display on the stage. In April we were fortunate to be for parents and friends to support our supported by Waitrose in their School. Meetings are held monthly Over 70 lots donated by parents, local ‘Community Matters’ scheme, raising during term time, all are welcome and businesses and staff were auctioned off £460 to purchase outdoor equipment by the wonderful Lyndon Trumper business never takes that long. If you for students to use as they work towards from Straker Chadwick, who can’t attend meetings, there are many gaining their Duke of Edinburgh entertained throughout the evening. In other ways to support the Friends - awards. Thank you to everyone who total over £6,000 was raised. This look out for our Newsletters and put their green tokens in our box. excellent sum has already funded emails or visit the School’s website at improvements around the School - Recently, the School asked the Friends monmouthcomprehensive.org.uk. large IT screens have been put up in to help raise money to assist in the All parents, teaching staff, non- various locations and additional funds purchase of lockers to secure students’ will be used to invest in technology to valuables whilst they take part in teaching staff and Governors are support literacy throughout the outdoor activities. To this end a automatically members of the Friends School, assisted by a generous grant successful Spring Raffle was held and Association.We would love you to take from the Church in Wales fund. we would like to thank all in the School the opportunity to get involved.

62 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 An Interview with Professor Stephen Hagen Professor Stephen Hagen, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales, Newport visited the School in November to launch Speakers for Schools, the brainchild of Robert Peston, the BBC’s Business Editor. The idea behind the initiative is to give young people at schools and colleges the chance to hear inspirational speakers usually reserved for those attending leading independent schools.

A professor since 1996, Professor Hagen has gained an What skills and qualities are needed in a successful international reputation in the field of foreign language use leader? in trade and commerce. “English is the most learned A good leader needs a big idea, one that can excite people language, everyone wants to know it but Chinese and and give direction. A good leader needs to be decisive and German are important to promote foreign relations and set goals that other people can follow. Autocratic leadership improve our [UK] exportations”. is very old fashioned, good leaders need empathy as well as Professor Hagen aims to use the University as a vehicle for leaderships skills. delivering entrepreneurial skills and empowering young What qualifications do you think are important to people to start up their own business. Professor Hagen succeed? shared with students his experience and passion for business It depends on what you want to do. To run your own relations, entrepreneurship and enterprise “you must see business, individuality and skills can be more important than beyond the horizon. Be passionate whatever you do, qualifications. Graduates with the same qualifications are BELIEVE”. queuing up for the same jobs; there is so much competition out there that personality, as well as qualifications, is paramount. You need to stand out from the crowd. At what age did you realise what you wanted to do as a career? I was 22 or 23 when I realised what I wanted to do; I wanted to teach. What do you feel is your biggest achievement? I am most proud of linking languages to business and creating knowledge about the importance of language to exporters. This excites me, it will lead to greater outcomes and we must recognise the multiplier effect in this case. What is the most important quality needed to succeed? Coping with failure and negativity, and being able to say no. What steps do you feel young people should take in Recognise where you want to go and do not be swayed by order to reach their goals? the direction of others. It is important for young people to have a sense of the internal operations of a business. Having necessary Who has inspired you and who still inspires you? knowledge and skills are crucial to being successful but for Terry Matthews, what he has done is amazing. He bought young people today, passion and self-belief are just as, if not the maternity hospital where he was born and turned it into more, important. the Celtic Manor. Pure entrepreneurs are often one directional. Considering the high university fees, would you recommend a young person following the path of a How can young people achieve success in the business degree in order to succeed in the working world? world? Look around. It is important to have reasons other than ‘too Success equals a mix of experience, luck and skills! The more expensive’ to not go to university. Think carefully about your you can do yourself and the more you understand, the life term goal and the direction you want to take - how will greater your chance of success. It can be the difference that degree change your path? between success and partial success.

63 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 My Five Months in Monmouth Hi, my name is Pauline. When I decided to go to Britain for five months I would never have guessed my agency would find a host family for me in tiny little Monmouth. I come from Dortmund (Germany) which has a population of about 600,000 and I have recently started doing my A-levels here. In Y10, when I was 15, I went to they would listen to me if I had any Monmouth Comprehensive School while concerns, which was mostly not the case. I lived with a host family in Monmouth. At home I got on really well with my lovely My aims for this student exchange were host family and learned a lot about life in mainly to improve my English skills by Britain e.g. by starting to drink several going to a British school, to experience the cups of tea a day! British way of living and to meet new On my last day at Monmouth people. Comprehensive School I was very proud At MCS I had a wide range of subjects of what I had learned in the last five from different English classes in Year 9 months and, additionally, I felt really sad and 10 or Health and Social Care to P.E when I had to say goodbye to all the nice and Art. I also joined two German classes people I had got to know. which did not only help my classmates but I am still in contact with my friends I also me to understand more about made in Monmouth. I visited them a languages. couple of times after I went back to Because everyone was very friendly at Germany and one of them even came to MCS it was fairly easy for me to integrate Dortmund to stay with me for a week. into the classes and I found friends quite So all in all, I took back many experiences soon. There were always teachers who that I could not learn anywhere else and made were there to ask for help if necessary and new friends I will, hopefully, never lose.

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64 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Cadbury World Trip On the 18th December 2012, the Y11 students studying In 1879, Cadbury Business Studies at GCSE level went on a trip to Cadbury expanded its location, World and the Birmingham Bullring Shopping Centre to see and moved the how businesses survive in the ever-growing markets. At business to Bourneville, Cadbury World we were given a presentation on the history of creating a village the business and then moved on to touring the factory. specifically for all the Cadbury World began in 1824 when Mr John Cadbury opened employees. up a small shop in Bull Street, Birmingham. After a short seven In recent years, Cadbury has taken part in many mergers and years, John’s business had taken off immensely. He then went on demergers with companies including Schweppes, Bassetts, to open a factory in Birmingham which also enabled him to Kraft and Mondelez. expand his product range from plain drinking chocolate to over After learning about the growth of Cadbury and how the 16 different flavours of drinking chocolate and 11 varieties of business has survived in the competitive confectionery market, cocoa. When John became ill in 1861, the business was then we then moved our trip on to the Bullring Shopping Centre. passed down to his two sons, Richard and George. With new The Bullring is one of the biggest shopping outlets in Britain ideas flying into the business, a chocolate bar was soon released. with over 160 stores. Originally a market site in the Middle From there the business continued to rapidly grow. Ages, it has developed to become an iconic and well known part of Birmingham. We spent the afternoon looking around the centre and Our trip to discovering the wide range of businesses that the Bullring has to offer and we were even able to fit in some Christmas Shopping before our return! Alton Towers! On September 12th 2012, two classes of Business Studies students (including me!) were taken by our Business Studies teachers, Miss Caswell and Mr McCann, to Alton Towers. We arrived at school at 7.30am, got on the bus and, after a 2 hour and 45 minute drive, arrived at Alton Towers, eager and ready to go! We had studied the topic of marketing prior to our trip and when we arrived at Alton Towers, we went to the Alton Towers Classroom, where their Education Manager, who specialised in advertising, target markets and social media, met us. Although we had studied these in class, this put our knowledge into real life situations. We were told about the process that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ of Alton Towers, from their research to the amount of money they put into each ride. The talk was not overly long, but within the time she spoke, she covered almost everything we had been looking at in class. We spoke about enterprise a lot, talking about having to take risks within a business to try and get better results as well as having to bring fresh ideas in. Once we had finished the talk, asked questions and given feedback, we were free to roam the park! We split off in groups and simply enjoyed the day and everything that Alton Towers has to offer including all the rides, getting lost, buying doughnuts, and trying to find toilets! After spending a fortune on McDonalds and rushing to get back to the bus, our day at Alton Towers was over. We all piled back onto the bus, tired but full of ideas about business! As we made our way back to MCS, everyone agreed they had thoroughly enjoyed the trip and couldn’t wait to go on our next one! Bethan Edwards,Y10

65 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Out of School Achievements

We are delighted to be able to tell you about some of our students’ out of school achievements, given to us by some very proud students and parents.

and U20 Indoor Championships in February. At this event she won a Bronze Engage to Change medal in the 60m and managed a During February half term, Ellie Lewis, Wulfstan Scouler and I took part in a creditable fourth in the final of the 200m Monmouthshire Youth Service Project named “Engage to Change”. This project - no mean achievement considering promotes the development of Monmouthshire, involving students from the four Florence had already run five races prior secondary schools - Monmouth, Chepstow, Caldicot and Abergavenny. to this event. This race qualified her to Following introductions, we went to Gilwern Outdoor Activity Centre and took compete in the British Championships in part in several team-building exercises which helped further our relationship as a Birmingham where, despite running her group. In the evening we had a talk from local Councillors who discussed several best ever time, she narrowly failed to issues, including recreational spaces and recycling. qualify for the 60m semi-finals. The next morning we gathered in the Common Room to talk about issues in Florence is ranked in the top 20 in Britain Monmouthshire with a view to presenting these later in the Borough Theatre in in her age range and lies second in Wales Abergavenny. We worked in groups, talking about solutions to these problems for 60m and third for the 200m. and formulating a presentation. She is doing extremely well considering When we arrived we were shown around the Theatre and, one group at a time, she has not been training for very long asked to present our ideas to a rather large audience, consisting of many and the girls she is competing against Councillors… quite a nerve-racking experience! have all been training for a couple of years. Overall I was very pleased with all of our efforts and felt that we all got our points across with confidence and expertise. I have made new friends, developed many Ella Didcott (7GD) won the Junior new skills and feel very proud to have been part of such a unique and exciting section of the Somerset Open activity. Gymnastics Championships in 2012, coming first on the Asymmetric Bars, You can view videos of the event at: www.youtube.com/user/MonYouth. second on the Floor, second on the Vault Blake Stephens, 7AL and third on the Beam, giving her overall first position. Ella is a member of the Somerset Gymnastics Squad and trains Y9 student, Jordan Heales was delighted won the tournament on goal difference at The Academy of Gymnastics in to be accepted for Cheltenham Football by one goal. This is the first time a junior Portishead, Bristol. Academy earlier this year. team from Abergavenny have been Madison Tidwell (7GE) had a poem Y7 students, Freddie and Archie crowned Welsh Champions. published in the Horse and Pony Oubridge Brock and Y8 student Alex Florence James (Y9) started training the Protection Association Member Kennett all play for Abergavenny Hockey week before Christmas and had only Magazine. It featured her relationship Club U13 hockey team. The team done two training sessions before she with a Welsh Section D called Millie, travelled to Wrexham in May for the competed in her first race, representing which she rehomed for HAPPA. The Welsh Championships. The team beat the school in the Welsh Athletics Junior poem was a thank you to the Wrexham 4-2, beat Dysynni 3-2 and lost Indoor Open on 6th January. She came Association for allowing her to have narrowly to Whitchurch 1-0. After much first in her time trial for the 200m, Millie and adopt her as her checking from the officials, Abergavenny qualifying her to run in the Welsh U15 own horse.

66 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013

Erin also set a course record at the Welsh Age Groups in the 100m Backstroke with HAPPA MILLIE a time of 1:08:40 and, aside from being Millie is my new horse, the top ranked 13/14 years old backstroke Long Course Swimmer in She is a Welsh Section D, Wales, her time based ranking gives her She is beautiful to everyone, not just me. a British National ranking of fourth for She has strong muscles in her legs full of might, 100m BK and sixth for 200m. Which helps her a whole lot, especially when taking flight. Erin Beach (7LD) was selected for the Welsh Mounted Games Team. She will She has a mane and tail black as night, be one of five riders from across Wales Which gleams and sparkles in the mystic moonlight. representing the country at the She has a large barrel body with an extremely comfortable seat, European Championships to be held in And is friendly to any human or horse she greets. Ireland this July. Erin is totally dedicated to her sport and She is very alert with huge hazel eyes, has been competing in mounted games And when she moves she seems to fly. competitions with both Monmouthshire Pony Club and Monmouthshire MGA She has hundreds of transparent whiskers all twirled and curled, since the age of five. She has a new pony But she is also my best friend in the whole wide world. this year, Izzy, so this is a tremendous Madison Tidwell achievement early in the season. She will also be competing in the British Pairs and British Individuals during the summer. This event is organised every three years Beci Rasmussen (Y9) won a national Thomas Morley was awarded and all the proceeds (totalling thousands cooking competition. She is passionate membership of NYJW (National Youth of pounds) go to charity. about cooking and worked really hard to Jazz Wales). complete a portfolio of dishes for the Ffion and Ella worked tirelessly for more Toby Lane (8LM) is a member of Kilpeck challenge. Leon and the cook5 Project than two years to perfect their tap Youth Theatre and appeared in ‘Saving aims to get children into the kitchen. dancing routines for the shows. There is a new winner selected each St Wetherell’s’ earlier this year. Erin Bryce (Y9) achieved a third place month and Beci was the April 2013 Y9 student Alfie Lovesey, a regular position in the British Gas Swim Wales winner. participant in our Fencing Academy, Winter National Championships held in competed in the Welsh Qualifiers U14 Anna Ward (7LG) achieved a second Swansea just before Christmas, in the Foil in February and won the Bronze place (silver) in her trampolining grading 200m Backstroke for Girls U13. completion in February 2013, a fantastic medal. This achievement gained him She had a fantastic Easter break winning result. entry to the British Youth Championship two Golds at the Welsh Age Group, in in May. Anna trains with Monmouth Trampoline Youth & Senior Championships in Members of the school community will Club, along with her younger sister and Swansea. She won both the 100m and be touring with the Savoy Youth a few other students from MCS. She has 200m Backstroke for Girls 12/13 Years. been trampolining for about two and Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Erin is now Welsh Champion for her age half years and has been a member of the Nights Dream in July. group in both these events and, as if Club for around two years. The cast includes Tom Shaw Penman, this very pleasing outcome wasn’t Nathan Friend, Dot Laidler, Tom Salmon, Ffion (Y8) and Ella (Y7) Young enough, her strong swim times at the performed in the Angel School of Dance Huw Jones, Izzy Ribbeck, Bethany Rudd, Championship qualifies her as a 14 year Sarah Brice, Georgie Chadwick, shows, covering two weekends and a old for the British National Age Group Bella Biggs, Greg Densham and total of seven Championships in Sheffield in July. performances. Maria Morgan.

67 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Student Design & Technology Work

Edie Morris Isabel Ribbeck

Ellie Williams Caitlin Hyde

Fleur Williams Shannon Stevens

68 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 MCS is made from Star Stuff! Around two hundred Monmouth Comprehensive students, together with students from around Monmouthshire, enjoyed finding out about their origins, more specifically the origins of the elements that make them. On Wednesday 17th October the School hosted a lecture by the one of the most successful physicists of our time. Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell-Burnell achieved recognition upon her discovery of pulsar stars during her work as a postgraduate student in the 1960s. After controversially missing out on the Nobel Prize for Physics, awarded to her supervisor, she went on to a long and distinguished career as an academic in Britain and America as well as sitting as President of the Institute of Physics. The GCSE and A level students learned about the process of fusion and the life cycles of stars and how these together formed the ‘heavy elements’ such as Carbon, Nitrogen and Oxygen following the Big Bang. session, when our students delved deep into her physics Professor Bell offered to visit our school following praised knowledge and wisdom, Professor Bell commented on how reports she had heard from visitors from the Institute of Physics impressive Monmouth Comprehensive pupils were, describing during our Careers Fair. Following a question and answer the challenges posed in their questioning as ‘fun’. Monmouth’s Mission to Mars With the arrival of NASA’s Curiosity Rover on the surface been irradiated, to see whether we would be able to take seeds of Mars, a great deal of interest has been generated in with us on our journey outside of the Earth’s protective shield, or whether stellar radiation would mutate our food source. future missions to the Red Planet. At the MCS STEM Club, we have been applying aspects of science, In the future we hope to continue our investigations into exploring Mars by designing ROVs that will be able to cope with technology, engineering and maths to investigate the the inhospitable surface, building structures that will provide a problems faced by any attempt to colonise a new planet. safe environment for settlers, and working out the problem of providing breathable air in the long term. Our first task was to find out a way of escaping from Earth’s orbit. Beginning with some simple rockets powered by air Budding engineers in Years 9, 10 and 11 with an interest in STEM should come along to Room 9 on Tuesdays from 3.10pm pressure, we moved up in scale to produce a water pressure onwards, or contact Mr Le Boeuf. rocket and launcher constructed from simple building supplies. While we didn’t quite manage to reach escape velocity, the results were impressive, nonetheless, for an organisation working on a fraction of the budget of NASA and the ESA. Further investigations looked at designs for solar sails to propel us on our way through the solar system, as well as examining the psychology of space travel and thinking about what kind of people should make up our band of colonists. Our engineers are also working on designs for landing modules, focusing on protection, durability and accuracy within particular weight restrictions. Currently we are monitoring and recording the growth of tomato seeds that have

69 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 PostcardPostcard fromfrom AustriaAustria DearDear MonmouthMonmouth ComprehensiveComprehensive SchoolSchool You will probably receive this postcard after we have returned to School (knowing European ‘snail-mail’) but here goes: On Boxing Day we departed on the annual ski trip to Austria. Despite the rain and cold of Monmouth, nothing was able to dampen our spirits. After stowing my bags under the coach I walked on board, sat down next to my friends and settled in to what would be my home for the next day of travelling. As we approached the resort we were staying in, many thoughts ran through my mind. Who would I be in a room with? How difficult would snowboarding actually be? Would I be home sick as the trip progressed? After collecting my own snowboard and boots, (personally selected for that perfect fit!), I was ready for the slopes. The first few days of snowboarding have been extremely difficult but even with the pain of my aching tail bone, the fun doesn’t end and my group and I are determined to master the art! Our instructor is extremely patient, helping us Today it is time to return and there is an atmosphere of during our snowboarding adventure. sadness as we pile our bags into the sports hall, this place has felt like home during our stay. Next we will stuff our bags There is lots to do in the evening with activities organised for onto the coach and board for home. us. These include bowling, a quiz night, a sports evening, a trip to a luxury swimming pool complex, and even a pizza Although we are sad to leave, there is a certain feeling of night! On top of all that, New Year’s Eve will see a fantastic optimism about returning home. Can’t wait to tell the many fireworks display! tales I have from this trip - it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Our closing days on the slopes have seen everyone improve and those once unable to stand on a snowboard or pair of A big “thank you” to Mr Osborne, the man behind the trip, skis can now career down the highest of ascents with ease. and all the other staff who made it possible and such fun. Our last day saw a timed trial down the slope, with the See you soon! winners awarded medals later that night - our last night. James Whittaker, 10SC

70 TheLeader Issue 9 - Summer 2013 Student Art

George Badman

Edie Morris Joanna Payton

George Badman

Harry Quirk

Nicola Bowen

George Badman Corin Dennehey

Becky Welton

Harry Quirk Laura Davies

Kirsty McIntosh

71 “Food Glorious Food” - to carry on with the musical theme!

So… it is not just lessons, working at home on our schoolwork, spending our holidays on school trips, staying in school to revise at the end of the school day and during breaks, we now have to eat with the Headteacher! When I received the invitation, I thought that Mr Davies had come-up with a cunning new plan to make sure I was doing my best, or he found out that I was watching television on a school night. Yes, we all know he does not have a television and all we can say to that is - “Mr Davies you spend far too much time at school.You need to get out more!” I, however, will now have to eat my words.The lunch was AMAZING! The table was laid with a cloth and proper napkins and we even had the food served to us, just like in a restaurant! We had the most stunning fresh salmon fish cakes, served with a garlic and potato gratin with seasonal vegetables. The only difficulty was the cutlery. A set of knives, forks and spoons laid out on either side of my plate.Which one to pick up first? I know now – phew! Then came pudding. A strawberry roulade (well, a meringue swiss roll) made by Jane the Head Chef. (Do you know she cooks for Princess Anne?). I could eat strawberry roulade every day. It was simply the best. Trying to eat all the food was the next challenge with Mr Davies asking us all a series of questions about life at school. He wanted to know about learning, our lessons, our progress, how we were making the most of our time. He also asked us about what we would like for a new school and how we could improve the existing one. (We said we’d like anything other than bright yellow paint - Mr Davies obviously likes bright yellow paint!). Then he asked about learning time and longer lessons. I am not sure how serious he was about school starting at 7am and finishing at 6pm with no long summer holiday, but I hope he was joking. For me having lunch with Mr Davies, my Form Tutor and half of my Form group was really good. I would like to do it more often but then I know every student at the school also wants to be invited to the Headteacher’s lunch. Also I might put on a little weight having lunch like this every day - I’m not sure how Mr Davies is dealing with all these extra calories! I found the lunch very useful in getting to know Mr Davies and discussing our learning and our plans for the future. Let’s hope these plans don’t include bright yellow paint!

MCS Reporter - A Hack