Summer 2014 Haf 2014
Work Experience Success caring and patient with people. It is through this work experience that I have IMPORTANT DATES Llwyddiant Profiad Gwaith now been offered a part-time job at DYDDIADAU PWYSIG Grange Lodge, which will help me with St David’s would like to celebrate the my future.’’ success of Nice Mendes on her recent 23rd June work experience at Grange Lodge Care STEM conference Home, as part of her Welsh Baccalaureate qualification. The owner, Brian Yahia said, 27th June ‘’We are always delighted to work with Leavers’ Ceremony for level 3 learners St David’s College, as our experience with the students you send us is always 21st July a good one but I have to say that Nice Summer holidays begin was exceptional. She is born to work in the Health and Social Care sector. In the 14th August 20 years Grange Lodge has been open, AS and A level results day she is the best work experience student UCAS clearing opens we have ever had. ’’ 21st August Reflecting on her placement, Nice GCSE results day said, ‘’This experience has helped me develop as a person and brought out 1st September qualities I didn’t even know I had. For Autumn term begins example, I have learned to be more
St David’s Fair Trade potential countries to select, investigate debate at the end of the competition to indigenous products of the country establish the winners but decisions were Enterprise Challenge 2014 and design a product using these finalised with: Her Menter Masnach Deg indigenous materials. The students then had to design a logo, develop a Best enterprise idea Dewi Sant marketing and pricing strategy, consider packaging (taking into account current Team Miracle Chew - A medicinal environmental issue), and present their chewing gum to help cancer sufferers ideas to the rest of the class. David Ball, Jack Evans and Bryn Findlay- Dykes (pictured above) During the first round, teams presented in their tutor groups. From this, a limited Best presentation (joint first-place) number of finalists were chosen to go on to the second round where they Team HACK - A healthy snack bar would present to a panel of judges. The Hannah Whitcombe, Aidah Ali and teams were to be judged on the best Carrigan Davies presentation, and the best enterprise idea. Team Serpent Smooth - A new healthy drink using very unusual fruits The panel were local business owners Essar Juilany, Fabio Weyman-Cavarra, As part of the Welsh Baccalaureate consisting of Debby Oliver from Visual Will Dickins, Jerwin Esguerra and programme, year 12 students Contours, Stephanie Rogers owner Amanuel Mebrahtu participated in a Fair Trade Challenge. of @FAB, Salty, the owner of Bon Café and Gavin Jones, owner of the We would like to take this opportunity Each team was asked to invent an Mountain snack bar and Hayes snack to thank all the students and judges who edible product using indigenous bar in Cardiff. Each team was given took part in the enterprise competition. ingredients from a country that could constructive feedback which would Their input contributed to an extremely benefit from trade. The groups had allow the students to improve on future interesting and successful event. to complete secondary research into presentations. There was a very lively Principal’s Message Barclay’s Money Skills Week Neges Y Pennaeth Wythnos Sgiliau Ariannol Barclay’s
Croeso - Welcome to the summer 2014 edition of the St The Barclay’s Money Skills Week brought many opportunities David’s College newsletter. I am proud to share our students’ for students to participate in a range of finance-based successes, and hope that you will enjoy reading about them. activities. For the first time, competitions were organised and run by fellow students in the form of Money Skills Champions. This edition of the newsletter highlights some of the exciting Throughout the week Saint David’s students learned about activities which have taken place this term, as well as outlining the importance of money skills with a focus on budgeting, a some upcoming events. Throughout the term students vital skill for students as they progress to life at University and have excelled on work experience, during entrepreneurial independent living. challenges, while representing the College on trips and visits, through their performing arts and sporting achievements, Teams of volunteers from Barclay’s came in to talk to tutor and much more. groups about aspects of keeping your money safe and budgeting. Another group of Barclay’s volunteers helped to The academic year is coming to a close, and I cannot begin promote the Top Tips Competition designed to allow students to express how impressed I have been with the focus, to provide good money saving ideas. Over 200 students determination and attitude that so many of our students have submitted their ideas, with the winner receiving an iPad Mini. demonstrated in, what for many will be, the most significant College student champions also ran other activities including term of their school life. GCSE, AS and A Level examinations a ‘Style on a Budget’ competition where student were given are in full swing, and I would like to thank all the staff who a set amount of money to spend on an outfit for a date night. are working tirelessly to help the students prepare for them. The results were then showcased at a fashion show.
I would also like to thank all of our students, parents and guardians for their ongoing support of the College. It is testament to all the hard work of everyone connected with St David’s that it continues to grow, improve and remain such a popular sixth form college.
Finally, I would like to wish all our students the best of luck in their examinations. You have all worked very hard and should be proud of your achievements. I look forward to seeing you all in August for results day.
Mark Leighfield Principal The ‘Shopping Basket Challenge’ also proved popular. For this, students calculated the difference between two identical baskets of shopping, one full of branded items, the other Archdiocese of Cardiff Caritas Roadshow of value items. The week was a huge success and extremely Sioe Deithiol Caritas Archesgobaeth beneficial for all students.
Caerdydd Prize Winners On the 17th May DEAL OR NO DEAL COMPETITION: Amanuel Mebrahtu - the College hosted £50 Amazon Voucher a national event SHOPPING BASKET CHALLENGE: Jac Cox - £27.48 Cash + to promote social £25 Amazon Voucher & Shannon Balch - £50 Amazon Voucher action groups within STYLE ON A BUDGET: Ben Mbuthuis - £50 Amazon Voucher the Archdiocese CHAMPIONS DRAW: Joshua Clarke & Bethan McNally - £25 and there was an Amazon Vouchers open invitation to TOP TIPS COMPETITION students, parents, friends and relatives who are involved in 1st place: Lara Cordle (below) - iPad Mini charitable works to attend. 2nd place: Jade Jensen - £25 Amazon Voucher 3rd place: Ffion Price - £15 Amazon Voucher The event celebrated those groups and individuals who are running charities, projects or services in response to great need. The event was held to promote social action and social justice, and explored how we can answer the call of Pope Francis to be a ‘church for the poor’.
The day consisted of a welcome talk by St David’s Principal Mark Leighfield, a liturgy given by students, talks, presentations, workshops, and time for prayer and reflection.
Further details can be found on the website http://www. csan.org.uk/events/cardiff-caritas-roadshow/. Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad Big Bang 2014 Olympiad Cymdeithas Frenhinol Cemeg Bang Mawr 2014
Our congratulations go to the five A2 Chemistry students The Big Bang is the largest celebration of science, technology, who attempted the extremely challenging Royal Society engineering and maths for young people in the UK. The of Chemistry Olympiad initiative is aimed at showing young people (primarily aged examination in February. between 7 and 19) just how many exciting and rewarding Despite the very high opportunities there are out there for them with the right difficulty level of the experience and qualifications. questions we are delighted to announce At its heart, The Big Bang is about careers and futures and that Sicelo Biyela achieved highlighting the exciting possibilities that exist for young a silver award and Deepak people with science, technology, engineering and maths Pereppadan obtained a backgrounds. It’s about the contribution they, with the right bronze. motivation, can make to the UK economy and to society in general. The International Chemistry Olympiad offers a fantastic opportunity for students to travel and to meet fellow chemistry This year, once again our Young Engineers were invited enthusiasts from all over the world. The competition is open to showcase their ideas and solutions to the engineering to all post-16 students, and entries are encouraged from both challenges which were set during the past two years. Afshin, lower and upper sixth students. Jamal, Max and Zhen were asked to represent their college groups at the UK National Science and Engineering Fair (Big The challenge is in the form of written chemistry questions, Bang 2014) at the NEC Birmingham. and often stimulated much debate on, and enthusiasm for the subject. The paper is a good opportunity for students to Along with previous UK Young Engineer 2012 winner and develop some of the skills required to study at university and group mentor Jessica Jones, our students presented their beyond. efforts to a range of national & multi-national scientists and engineering experts and dignitaries. Afshin, Jamal, Max and Zhen also impressed HRH Prince Andrew on his annual visit to Language Students Excel on Work our stand. Viewing and questioning our group, Prince Andrew was clearly delighted and impressed with their knowledge, Experience expertise and outcomes, he stated: “This is exactly what we Myfyrwyr Iaith yn Rhagori ar Brofiad need; others should reflect on the approach of these young people and use this as a model for the way forward.” Gwaith At the time of writing, our entire cohort of Young Engineers Dominik van der Grinten and Rania Mattar spent the first week are busy preparing for this year’s regional awards and of March at the offices of ChandlerKBS, a large independent presentation day, to be held at the Celtic Manor. We wish all consultancy service with offices in Cardiff, Belfast, London, our students good luck in their venture. Exeter, Edinburgh, Dusseldorf and Berlin.
The work experience was undertaken as part of their German language course, and the entire week was carried out in German. The aim of the week was to gain an insight into how languages might be used in a business environment.
Dominik and Rania began their week by looking at why languages are important to business and employers, and how the structure of letters and office communication differs between countries. They then had the opportunity to write formal business letters as well as internal and client emails. The week went on to cover European Taxation, job advertisements, international CV writing, and vocabulary Host an International Student to use on the phone and for greeting visitors to the office. Cynnig Llety I Fyfyriwr Rhyngwladol They also had an insight into in-house accounts, HR and administration. Do you have a spare room? Homestay families are required to host international students for the academic year September Karin Hicks, who oversaw the work experience, said, “I was 2014 – June 2015. very impressed with Dominik and Rania’s knowledge of German. Altogether I would like to commend them for their Homestay families can earn around £110 - £140 per week exemplary behaviour and their excellent attitude to work/ hosting a 16-19 year old student. Homestay provides many learn.” benefits for international students including the security of a home, the ability to practice their English and the direct Congratulations to Dominik and Rania for a successful work experience of British culture and customs. experience, and thank you for being excellent ambassadors for the college. If you are interested and would like to lean more, please contact the college on 02920 498 555. Techniquest Visit our STEM Students Cardiff University STEM Conference Techniquest yn Ymweld â’n Myfyrywr STEM Cynhadledd STEM Prifysgol Caerdydd
In December, over 150 Applied Science and Honours students On 23rd June 2014, Cardiff University will be hosting a STEM took part in an interactive discussion based on The Digital Conference, organised exclusively for St David’s Catholic Sixth Identity Crisis. Sue Quantick and Ian Mugford from Techniquest Form College students. We are delighted to be working with Cardiff delivered an interesting series of talks based on ways the University on a project which will benefit more than four to protect and secure your identity. The event was linked to hundred of our learners. Element 3 (the impact of economic and technological change) of the Welsh Baccalaureate and aimed to provide further opportunities to develop the STEM initiative within the college. Although Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics The event was a great opportunity for students to learn and are usually taught as discrete subjects, STEM aims to help discuss the important social and technological impact of the young people to recognise that these subjects are often used digital era. together in the outside world, and can often lead to rich and varied career pathways. By teachers and lecturers collaborating across subjects and by making links with the world of work, St David’s Young Entrepreneurs students are better able to relate STEM subjects with their real-world experience. Entrepreneuriaid Ifanc Dewi Sant The Conference is open to all lower 6th Maths, Science, Six St David’s College students were successful in their Geography, and ICT students, and will take place on two of the application to represent the College at this year’s Trading University sites. The day will consist of talks, practical sessions, Places project. The project had been designed for further exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and UCAS application education students across south east Wales to develop their entrepreneurial skills and attitudes through practical advice. Activities include talks on earthquakes and tsunamis, experiences. what you can do with a Raspberry Pi, and the mathematics of Game Theory, interactive workshops on exploring the brain, The Trading Places event took place during 11th-13th practical experiments in Chemistry, and much more. February, with students spending two days in the University of South Wales working in teams to develop a sales strategy, Students will be welcomed to the University by Professor source products and design their retail space. This included Karen Holford, the Pro Vice Chancellor for the College of key advice and guidance from academics and industry Physical Sciences and Engineering. As well as giving learners experts, including Natwest. the opportunity to explore Maths and Science from a fresh prospective, the Conference will also give the students an The event culminated in the students launching a pop-up insight into what life is like at University. shop in Cardiff city centre which saw them competing to sell a range of Valentines themed gifts to shoppers. We are extremely grateful for the support and advice that The winning team was the one that displayed the most we are receiving from the University, and we are sure that effective business management skills and demonstrated the the Conference will be a huge success. We look forward to best teamwork throughout the course of the project. planning many more joint events in the future.
Many congratulations to the students who took part: Joel For more further information regarding Williams, Abbie Walsh-Greenfield, Dylan Williams, Rhianon the event, including detailed booklets Adams, Joshua Clarke and Amber Martin. containing an introduction to each event, activity summaries, and timetables please Special mentions: Amber, who was on winning team; Joshua, visit our website: www.st-davids-coll.ac.uk. whose team made the most profit; and Dylan, who won the Best Customer Service Award PCR in a Suitcase moment, the subject can only be taught theoretically and with the use of YouTube clips, etc. After being given full training on PCR mewn Cês Dillad the study box, our Science teachers will be able to carry out practical sessions with the students, including allowing them On 24th June, Rebecca Clyde, Geraint Williams and Bethan to replicate their own DNA. Edmunds from our Science department will be visiting Cardiff University in order to receive special training in the teaching Outside of education, PCR is a common and often indispensable of genetics. technique used in medical and biological research labs for applications including the functional analysis of genes, the This event is being funded and run through Cardiff University diagnosis of hereditary diseases, the identification of genetic by Dr Fiona Wylie, mother of St David’s Honours and Science fingerprints (used in forensic sciences and paternity testing), student Nicole Wynford-Thomas. and the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Fiona and her team have developed a Polymerase Chain This is an amazing opportunity and the Science department Reaction study box, more simply named ‘PCR in a Suitcase’ is honoured to have been selected as a pilot for this project. to be leant to schools and colleges. Our Science teachers After the training has been delivered, teachers will be linked will receive full training on this laboratory technique, widely with a Cardiff University researcher (who uses PCR in their used in genetics laboratories to replicate samples of DNA. work), to ensure that the lesson is delivered within a specific Our Science department are then better able to demonstrate research context. This researcher would be available during the uses of PCR and genetics in a practical fashion. This is the lesson, through Skype or on the phone, to answer any an essential part of the A2 Biology specification and at the questions that the students or teacher may have.
Special Guest for Music Mondays Gwestai Arbennig Dydd Llun Cerdd
As part of our St David’s Day celebrations, and as a special guest at our Music Mondays event, Danielle Lewis performed to a large audience of students and staff in the LRC. Danielle performed tracks from her new LP ‘Paper Hearts’, as well as some Welsh folk songs, and a track she wrote for her brother. The 21 year old is an acoustic folk/pop singer-songwriter from New Quay, West Wales. She has just come back from writing and touring in Australia, and is now touring the UK.
Music Mondays is held fortnightly in the LRC, and gives musical students the opportunity to perform anything from beat-boxing to classical pieces.
LRC Manager, Hannah Mathias said “I wanted to introduce an event to the LRC that would encourage students to use the facilities who may not necessarily have come in before. FAME the Musical We have a lot of talented students at the college and this is a great way to show it off. Providing a space for Music in usually FAME, y Sioe Gerdd a quiet place gives this event an unusual twist and I hope to hear lots more students’ music soon.” From the initial audition to the final performance of Fame, as a performer I felt an overwhelming sense of camaraderie If you want to get involved and book a slot, email Hannah that very much resembled that of the relationships within Mathias [email protected] the characters of the production itself. Rehearsing twice a week in between lessons allowed both a productive means of escapism from stressful lessons as well as a chance to engage with my fellow students, whom I might never have spoken to otherwise.
Fame is a show that isn’t short of all three aspects of musical theatre (acting, singing and dancing) and with the help of faculty members, everyone in the cast - no matter what their weaknesses or strong-points - was able to participate in all three in a way that was fun as well as a strong learning experience. For myself, the performances were the highlight of the whole experience as I was able to showcase a set of skills that I felt grew over the process of the rehearsals. Every night, refreshingly, came with a different set of reactions from the audience and although there are some serious moments, the majority were uplifting, making for a production that is truly relatable and universal to both performers and audience members.
- Sophie Davies, cast member Languages at St David’s Through the University, AS and A2 students are involved in regular language support lessons, an initiative which has greatly increased student motivation and confidence.
In November, Cardiff University Ambassadors attended two open evenings at St. David’s and gave students advice about Modern Foreign Languages as a degree option at Cardiff University.
In January, our Welsh students attended a ‘Revision Day’ at Cardiff University. This afforded an opportunity to benefit from the expertise of the Welsh Department and meet students from across Wales who were also studying A level Welsh.
In March, French, Spanish and German students took part in Film workshops. All of the learners benefited from the expertise of Cardiff University lectures who specialise in literature and drama.
Polish Project Prosiect Gwlad Pŵyl
St David’s Catholic College has been involved in a Welsh- Polish Regio Project since September 2013. The aim of the scheme is to develop literacy skills amongst students whose first language is not English. Corpus Christi and Mary Immaculate High In November our Programme Area Manager for Languages, Schools Partnership Ewelina Kowalska, took part in a partner’s exchange, spending Partneriaeth gydag Ysgolion Uwchradd three days in Warsaw developing materials, attending conferences, and job shadowing. Later that month, St David’s Corpus Christi a Mary Immaculate College hosted teachers from Warsaw in return. While they were here they participated in discussions with students and This term St David’s College staff and students made several lesson observations, and were given a presentation about the visits to both Corpus Chrisit and Mary Immaculate High College. Schools, in order to promote the importance of learning languages throughout our time in education, and beyond. As a result of these visits, Ewelina has produced five topic- related booklets for the AS and A2 level Polish courses. She In February, visits were made to both High Schools. has also been working closely with staff from Mary Immaculate Presentations were delivered to year 8 classes, outlining High School to ensure that students who what it is like to study languages at St David’s College. All of complete GCSE Polish, second language the children took part in the activities, and all agreed on the course feel comfortable when enrolling importance of language learning. We look forward to seeing onto AS Polish, first language. Ewelina has them enrolling in languages at the College in a few years time. also spent time with the Polish learners at Corpus Christi in order to promote the In June, St David’s College teachers will be meeting with year Polish course at St David’s. 10 language pupils at Corpus Christi in order to inspire and get to know the students who may be attending St David’s for sixth form.
Cardiff University Links Cysylltiadau â Phrifysgol Caerdydd
Our well established link with Cardiff University means that we are able to work closely together across many aspects of the curriculum, to the huge benefit of the students. During the autumn tern, the Welsh language staff at St David’s were given the opportunity to shadow lecturers at the University, in order to gain an insight into teaching languages at HE level. Sport & Physical Education Welsh Champions Pencampwyr Cymru
Having successfully defended their title as Welsh champions, the college basketball team represented Wales at the British Colleges Sport National championships held in Bath University. Each member of the squad played admirably over the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of competing at the highest level. Star performer was team captain and Wales U20s player Zak Mohammed, whose performances drew the attention of several professional team scouts over the weekend. We have also had a number of students who have achieved sporting excellence on an individual level. The training and dedication that is required to achieve in sport at this level is immense and these students have been able to manage this whilst carrying out their studies successfully at college.
• Liam Rees – Wales: Kick boxing • Connor Hetherton – Wales: Volleyball • Callum Buglass – Ice Hockey: Cardiff Devils, Wales U18 • Gabby Williams – Hockey: Welsh Colleges, selected for final phase British Colleges Sporting Excellence • Ffion Price – Football: Wales U17 Rhagoriaeth ym myd Chwaraeon • Jordan Viggers – Rugby: Cardiff Blues, Wales U18 • Tyler Williams – Rugby: Cardiff Blues U18 The enthusiasm, commitment and talent of our students has • Ellie Skinner – Netball: Wales U21 made ther 2013-14 sporting season an extremely successful • Elle Mapstone, Siobhan Carmody, Hayley Popple, one. Every student that has represented the college this year Mairead Rowland-Coman – Netball: U18 County has done us proud. These are the highlights of the season: • James Page – Football: Scholarship in USA • Adrian Lawrence – Athletics, Triple Jump: Wales Girls Hockey (pictured top right) Welsh Colleges Cup runners up; British Colleges Cup regional winners; U18s schools cup regional runners up
Girls Football Welsh Colleges Cup quarter finals
Girls Netball (pictured right) Quarter finals of Welsh Colleges Championship; Quarter finals of Urdd Championships; Runners up in U18s regional President’s Cup Outdoor Adventures for BTEC Sport Boys Volleyball Welsh Colleges runners up Anturiaethau Awyr Agored ar gyfer Chwaraeon BTEC Boys Football 3rd place Welsh Colleges League; Quarter Finals Welsh In preparation for their upper 6th units in Outdoor and Colleges 5 a side Championships; Quarter Finals Cardiff Adventurous Activities and Sports Psychology, the lower 6th Schools Cup BTEC Sport students embarked on an outdoor activities day. The students took part in paintballing, climbing and high Boys Rugby (pictured below) ropes courses. The day served as a well deserved reward for Division 1 Welsh Schools Saturday League 7th their hard work throughout the year. Leavers' Celebrations Level 1 & 2 Level 3 Ceremony Learners Learners for all leavers
Thursday 26th Friday 27th Thursday 18th June 2014 June 2014 September 2014
11:30am 11:00AM time TBC
The Theatre The Sports ST DAvid's HALL cathedral
The event will The event will The event will include: include: include:
subject awards A contribution from whole college the performing arts awards Department a buffet subject awards A review of your time at st david's
light refreshments