Aberti ll ery Comp reh ensi ve S cho ol Newsl etter

Abertillery Comprehensive School Newsletter

Dear Parent As you may already be aware I will be leaving Abertillery Comprehensive School at the end of this term. I will be taking up a position with iNet Wales as a Programme Coordinator. The experiences I have gained during 25 years of teaching in a variety of schools will stand me in good stead as my new role involves training aspiring middle and senior leaders in schools. During my 10 years at Abertillery the school has seen many changes, most notably the merger of pupils from Nantyglo School in 2010 and the building of the new Team 7 block. I am proud to have been involved in both of these successful projects and to have had a lasting impact on the school and its environment. It is true to say that the past 5 years have been a very challenging time for education in Wales and in particular in Blaenau Gwent. I am sure that the academic, pastoral and financial changes we have introduced at Abertillery Comprehensive School place it in a strong position to continue on its improvement journey. Although the 2013 exam results were the best that the school has achieved I am positive that the professionalism of the staff, the commitment of the pupils and the support of the parents will mean that results will continue to improve. I wish you the best of luck in this endeavour. I have particularly enjoyed working with our partner primary schools and would like to thank the staff and Headteachers from each of them for their support of our school. From 1st June 2014 we will be following next years timetable. From that date onwards we will revert back to having one lunch from 12.40 to 1.10. This change is due to the fact that we can now accommodate pupil numbers more comfortably and will limit staffing commitments for lunch duty. We also propose to move Learning Coach time from the current time of 10.25 to 8.45. This is in response to staff and pupil requests for contact with their Learning Coach groups first thing in the morning. The school day will look like this: Time 8.45 9.05 9.05 9.55 9.55 10.45 10.45 11.00 11.00 11.50 11.50 12.40 12.40 13.10 13.10 2.00 2.00 2.50 Lesson Learning coach time or assembly Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Break Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lunch Lesson 5 Lesson 6

April 2014 Headteacher Mr. P. Stock BA (Hons) MA NPQH

Inside this issue:

World Autism Awareness Day 2014

GCSE Photography English Department News Science Department P.E. Department Music Department Catering Award GCSE Catering News GCSE Child Development College Taster Young Enterprise Day Examination Timetable Parent Voice

Pupils in Year 7, 8 and 9 will not be allowed out at lunchtime. Pupils in Y10 and 11 will only be allowed home for lunch if they have a letter from parents saying that they are being given lunch at home. As I say goodbye to the school we also welcome our new members of staffMr C Richards (English) and new Learning Support Assistants Robert Beech, Deborah Arnold, Bethan Evans, Sophie Morris, Daniel Thomas and Michelle Wall. All the very best!

P A Stock Headteacher

GCSE Art & Photography students visit London

Since January our GCSE Art students have been working hard on their exam preparation and have just completed their 10hour practical exam. To begin the work, students visited London art galleries to gain inspiration from the great masters and contemporary artists. This gave our students a valuable experience and helped them to understand the artwork from seeing paintings, sculptures and photography first hand. All students worked hard to prepare and last week we saw the fruits of their labour. We have a wonderful collection of unique outcomes, which will be on exhibition in June. A very big well done to all pupils who took part.

GCSE Art & Photography students are winners

Last month the Art Department was very proud to be informed that our school has won the best school award for the stunning photos of splashing water in Cwmtillery lake. He was extremely pleased with his prize, which was a digital camera. Lauren Woodland, Lucy Evans and Isabella Williams won the overall prize for the best school in Blaenau Gwent, and received a shield for our school, which we have proudly displayed. Well done to all involved.
Year 10 GCSE Photography student Lauren Woodland Year 11 GCSE Art & Design student Callum Westcott

Year 10 GCSE Art & Design student Isabella Willams

Wildlife in the Frame photography competition organised by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. Art students were asked to submit their photographs, which had been taken as part of their GCSE coursework unit, which was based on the theme natural forms. Callum Westcott won 1st prize for his

Year 11 GCSE Art & Design student Lucy Evans

Royalty Visits Abertillery and Meets our GCSE Art Students

GCSE students Lucy Evans, Caitlin Farmer and Michael Fantham met Prince Edward when he visited Abertillery to open the square at St Michaels Church. They represented the Art Department as previous students had designed the iron gate in the square.

Students receiving their award

Year 7 & 8 Art Competitions

All our Year 7 pupils have been asked to design a logo for CANCO (Cwmtillery Area Network of Community Organisations). We are waiting for the entries to be completed. The winner will be announced next term.

All our Year 7 & 8 students have been asked to create a drawing/painting/collage of a view from their bedroom window or down their street. This is for our Eisteddfod competition and also for the Tai Calon competition. The theme is Housing and there are three prizes on offer. 1st place = 50 voucher 2nd place = 30 voucher and 3rd place 20 voucher. All entries need to be handed in no later than Monday 28th April.

GCSE Key dates for your diary

A GCSE Art & Photography catch-up session will be running during the Easter holidays on Monday 14th April 10am 3pm

GCSE Art & Photography Exhibition will be held on Thursday 12th June at 3.00pm 4.30pm everyone is welcome and refreshments will be on offer. We look forward to seeing you all there.

English Department
The English Department welcomed two new members of staff to the school. Mr ONeill joined us as The Head of the Department and Mr Richards is our other new English teacher.

, Year 8 and 9 visited New Theatre, Cardiff to see Agatha Christies Black Coffee.

Year 10 enjoyed a performance of Of Mice and Men by the TinShed theatre company in preparation for their upcoming GCSE Literature exam.

Year 9 took part in the Speak Out Challenge; public speaking training given by high quality professionals in the field. Special parents evenings offered for Year 10 and 11 to update parents on progress within English and Maths Exciting new scheme of work in development! We have listened to pupil voice and are constructing a scheme of work that pupils will be enthused by, whilst covering the requirements of the new Literacy Framework from Welsh Government. This will begin after Easter. New books and resources to accompany have also been ordered.

Important Examination Dates

Year 10 20th May Unit 1 Literature - Of Mice and Men / Poetry (almost all pupils in Year 10 are involved, but please check if youre unsure) Year 11 20th May Unit 1 Literature Of Mice and Men / Poetry (many pupils in Year 11 are involved, but please check if youre unsure) Year 11 22nd May Unit 2 Literature An Inspector Calls / Heroes (many pupils in Year 11 are involved, but please check if youre unsure)

Year 11 3rd June Unit 1 Language, Fiction (all Year 11 pupils) Year 11 5th June Unit 2 Language, NonFiction (all Year 11 pupils)

Homework club available every Monday and other evenings in English check with your class teacher.

Science Department
STEM ACTIVITIES RAISING BOYS' ACHIEVEMENT Creating a Community Garden Boys from Year 8 were privileged to be involved with the National Science and Engineering Week, organised by the Science and WBQ departments this March. The boys were challenged to create a Community Garden to raise awareness of issues such as sustainability, recycling of materials and biodiversity. There were some excellent ideas put forward by the boys, showcasing the creativity and innovation inherent in our pupils and judging by the photographs, they enjoyed showing off their talents! Liz Terry, STEM Ambassador from See Science contacted Mr Williams with the following: "Bruce and I had a great day at Abertillery [Friday 21st March] and really enjoyed our day with the pupils. They stayed on task for most of day and achieved a huge amount during the day. Their presentations showed originality of ideas and some of the groups had produced detailed information about the plants and wildlife as well as how they would develop a eco-friendly garden. This was a difficult task and I feel the pupils should be congratulated on their efforts. Many thanks for making Bruce and I feel so welcome, the refreshments, and all the work you put into the day and the support you provided to make it a success. Please thank all the staff for their support." Pupils will gain a Crest Award for their excellent work on the day. Well done!

P.E. Department Netball

Abertillery Comprehensive School, Year 9 Netball team, played against Gwynllw in the final of the South East Wales League held at Newbridge Comp 7th April 2014. Abertillery won 21 goals to 15 League Winners were Abigail Meredith (Player of the Match); Bethan Hale (Captain); Caitlin Hooper; Mia Sharpe; Gemma Tovey; Lauren Barrett and Cerys Jones. Robyn Gilson & Alicia Shroll (today's reserves and our injured Goal Shoot) Leah Veale are squad members who watched their team to victory. A very successful season has meant that they are SEW Cup Tournament winners as well as SEW League Winners. Well done girls from Mrs Nash!!!

P.E Department PGL Multi Adventurous Activities Weekend Trip

16 pupils from Year 7 and 8 went on a PGL trip to a place called Tregoyd house which is towards Brecon, about an hour's drive away in March. The trip was called Multi Activity and consisted of kayaking, canoeing, zip wire, aero ball, trapeze and archery. The got the centre bulls eye every time!!! Im not afraid to say that wasnt me, I did improve however!!!!Sunday afternoon was lovely as the pupils did aero ball and zip wire. The team work in their two groups was brilliant and not one pupil fell out or argued with their peers. There was great communication, problem solving and thinking skills displayed on the various activities. Thanks to all pupils I took for making this an enjoyable weekend. If interested in going again next year let me know as PGL are already ringing me to ask if I want to book a provisional

pupils behaviour was excellent and they were a credit to the school. I would like to thank Miss Thomas and Mr Ward for helping me (Mrs Smith) and giving up another of their weekend. I will be sad to see these leave!!! The weather on the Saturday was awful at times with hailstones as we were kayaking but this didn't spoil our fun!!! Everyone got stuck into the fun outdoors spirit of this trip and even when they capsized in booking!! On the same note of booking trips I their kayak got straight back up and had an- am looking to do my second PGL Netball trip, other go!!!! similar time to last years of around November. If anyone is interested come and see me, it will Sunday morning pupils were woken at 7.00 probably be around 150 for kit, transport, food for archery and trapeze! We had some & accommodation. brilliant archery people who aimed, fired and
Postcards Every week I send postcards home to any individuals in PE who deserve one for the week. This can be for various things such as improvement in lesson, extracurricular, effort in lesson, or test result. This is on display in the entrance of the leisure centre for all to see and I post on twitter and Facebook. Word of the week Starting after Easter half term the PE department will be having a word of the week. This word will be highlighted to pupils in PE lessons to build vocabulary.

P.E. Department cont..

Hockey The hockey season has come to an end now and it is time for the Rounders and Athletics to start. There have been ample matches played this year for all five year groups. I would urge lots of you to think about joining a Hockey club next season. The closest to us is Abergavenny as unfortunately there isnt one in Blaenau Gwent. There has been some great teamwork and skills displayed by too many individuals to name. The hockey extracurricular cards will continue again next year to be able to get 20 signatures to be awarded the hockey badge for your blazer. PE Exam Dont leave revision to the last minute. The exams are slowly creeping up and will be here before you know it!!!! My GCSE group have had their practical moderation and so 60% of their mark has already been completed!! 40% of the course is left now which is only a 45 minute paper so make sure you put the effort and time in now in lessons and at home to achieve the best grade that you and I know you can achieve!!! Friday 16th May PM will be your GCSE PE exam and in the morning there will be a revision session to cram in any last bits or hopefully top up and reassure you before entering the exam!!! Rounders Fixtures On the board as you come into the leisure centre there are fixture sheets so pupils and parents can see what matches are when and what time the pupils will be back at. The hockey sheets have been removed till next year as the season is over and the rounders sheets are up!!! Rounders training has been on for the last couple of weeks, since the hockey season finished and will continue on Mondays after the Easter half term, 3.00-4.00, all year groups and abilities welcome. Monday 28th April Rounders training 3.00-4.00 Tuesday 29th April U14 Welsh Rounders Trials at The Cathedral School in Cardiff Thursday 1st May U16 Welsh Rounders Trials at The Cathedral School in Cardiff The dates below are the Rounders tournament at The Cathedral School; add these dates to your diaries. Monday 9th June Y9 Tuesday 10th June Y7 Tues 16th June Y8 Thursday 19th June Y11 Monday 23rd June Y10 Twitter follow P.E. @corinnesmith31 Sheena & Cerys Jones Sheena & Cerys Jones are elite athletes who regularly compete for their Blaenau Gwent Athletics club. This month both girls ran at Newport Stadium in a friendly competition against Newport Harriers & Cwmbran Harriers in the U13 girls 800m event. Out of the 16 club athletes that ran Cerys came 1st and Sheena 2nd. Cerys also competed in the 1500m and came 2nd. The girls Blaenau Gwent Athletics club came 2nd in the British Athletics Association for all the competitions they have entered throughout this years season. Well done girls for all your achievements, you could be in the 2020 Olympics. Chloe Chivers Chloe has climbed the ladder well in football from playing for her local football club to being selected for Gwent Girls Performance Centre, to selection for South Wales Regionals, to selection for Welsh Mixed Regional Development, to finally reaching the National Welsh U15 Female Football Squad. Chloe is a hard work who is a great all rounder in PE and loves competitive games. She has always had a strength and favouritism for Football and she has reached her goal in this National selection.

Languages Department
Pasg Hapus / Feliz Pascua / Happy Easter
Well it has been a busy term in the Languages department. 21 of our Spanish pupils were recently trained to become Language Ambassadors by CILT Cymru and now wear a green ambassador badge. As part of their training they have been helping out by setting up clubs, chatting online with other Spanish learners and helping out in year 7 Spanish classes or preparing for Year 7 language assemblies. Year 7 Spanish have been attending our new lunchtime club on a Thursday. They have been watching an interactive film on BBC Bitesize called Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life). Pupils gain extra house points for all clubs and extra activities in languages. We will be sending language certificates home this week to some of our most improved pupils. Year 8 French have been working hard with Mrs Cairns and many pupils would like to continue with French for GCSE. Pupils need to inform Heads of House, Mrs Cairns or Mrs Gill if they want to continue with French. Year 8 and 9 Welsh have been attending our successful Urdd Club on a Monday from 3-4pm. Club has now finished until the start of the new academic year in June. Thank you to all who attended and to Angharad who kindly took over from Lloyd to continue with the club in January. The feedback given by Angharad was very positive; she was impressed by the language skills of our pupils! GCSE exams are fastly approaching, so pupils should now be planning a revision timetable for studying for exams. Past papers will be placed on the school website for pupils to access along with revision notes/booklets. See your teachers for revision clubs/booklets over Easter. GCSE pupils can also work on their revision books over the Easter holidays for extra homework. Diolch-Gracias-Merci-Thanks, Mrs Gill, Miss Mogford, Mrs Cairns and Mr Jenkins

Science Department
Evolution with 7TM

The pupils from 7TM were excited to visit the National Museum of Wales in February as part of their Evolution project in Science. The pupils were able to experience the Evolution of Wales from prehistoric times up to the last Ice Age. They were also privileged to be one of the last groups of pupils to see the evolution of man through a succession of skulls from humanid through to present day man at the museum, as it now on its way to St. Fagans museum. The pupils were a credit to the school and conducted themselves in an exemplary manner on site and were commended by museum staff on the day.

The Bees Knees!

Pupils in Y9 had the unique opportunity to take part in an excellent day out at the National Museum of Wales, this March, to 'Meet the Pollinators'. (Organised by First Campus in conjunction with the National Museum of Wales).Activities were diverse and very engaging: Bee Keeper Extraordinaire - "You mean the females always kill the males?!" Pollen - Not in my honey, surely? Pollen and Climate change - Really? Let's dig for evidence. Ultra-Violet sweets - Let's shake hands to transmit disease! The 'Waggle Dance' - "The nectar is over there. Can you 'waggle' the directions to the flowers and back to your hive?" Who knew bees were so important! So many diverse yet connected activities organised by Helen Reardon (First Campus). A big thank you to Helen and the volunteers who made the day memorable and special for our pupils. What an amazing day: Enthusiasm, scientific questioning and sheer, amazing personality was allowed to shine within our pupils. So proud! Mrs Lock, Mr Williams Science / WBQ Departments

Music Department
Massive congratulations to the senior singers, who were outstanding at the Music For Youth competition in Newport. Here are some comments from the judges' feedback: 'a fantastic dramatic range, very atmospheric' 'the empassioned, angry sections came alive' 'a really professional, committed performance, you captured and held my attention' 'I'm glad I heard you today'

Blaenau Gwent Catering

Abertillery Comprehensive Schools Cook, Gwyneth Hopkins has been short listed for a prestigious award of Welsh Secondary School Catering (frontline) Employee Of The Year. Mrs Hopkins was nominated by Claire Edmunds, Catering Manager for Blaenau Gwent and Mrs D.Cairns Deputy Head Teacher as they strongly believed that Gwyneth has demonstrated outstanding levels of service and commitment and has made enormous contribution to the local authority catering provision. Gwyneth started as an employee of Blaenau Gwent Catering in 1989 and has seen a great deal of change. Over the past few years the biggest challenge has been getting the pupils to accept the healthy options for which we have made huge progress. Mrs Hopkins latest venture saw her assisting the newly appointed staff at the Ebbw Fawr School kitchen. Gwyneths knowledge and skills were in the forefront of bringing successful partnership between students and healthy eating. Mrs Hopkins has been shortlisted from a list of employees working in 22 authorities and is the only person to be shortlisted in Blaenau Gwent.

D.T. Department GCSE Catering

Well done to all those pupils who have passed their Level 2 Hygiene training. This is a qualification which will last for 3 years and is training recognised by the Hospitality and Catering industry. Certificates will be given out in assemblies. GCSE Catering controlled assessments GCSE pupils completed another practical exam recently where they had to plan, cook and serve a 2 course meal for a school or college. The standard of practical work was outstanding this year with many achieving an A grade for their meal. Everyone achieved at least a C grade so well done everyone. Below are some photos of the final presentation of work.

D.T. Department GCSE Child Development

As part of their coursework, pupils have to plan, cook and serve a selection of dishes for young children. The standard was really high with everyone achieving at least a C. Well done everyone for such a good effort. Here are some photos of their work.

Revision If you havent received a revision guide for your subject you need to ask your teacher for one before Easter. Teachers are available for revision sessions on the days above and also for sessions before your exams. See your individual teachers for these.

GCSE Child Development 5th June PM Revision - see Mrs. Williams

GCSE Health and Social Care 17th June PM

GCSE Resistant Materials 10th June AM

Revision and Exam dates GCSE Catering - Written exam 4th June AM Revision every Monday and Thursday

Revision every Monday or Friday

Revision every Wednesday

College Taster Day

A college taster day was held at ACS today for pupils who are interested in college courses in 2014/2015 for their option choices. The day was a success as the pupils enjoyed taking part in the activities and hearing about the exciting new plans that going to happen soon.

Young Enterprise Day

Young Enterprise / WBQ Entrepreneurship Day Thursday 13th March 2014 60 Year 9 pupils were given a challenging insight into the world of business courtesy of Young Enterprise and sponsored by Communities First. The objective: Challenge students to consider starting up their own business. Pupils took part in various activities: Assessing the impact of Logos and Advertising Slogan Business and Society Business Customers Taking the Music Industry Challenge The outcome: Pupils had a busy but effective day, working together to solve problems connected to the world of entrepreneurship, culminating in the organisation of a rock concert. The activities cover the Problem solving section of the WBQ. The pupils were an absolute credit to the school and the representatives from Young Enterprise and Communities First praised the IMPECCABLE BEHAVIOUR, APPROACH AND INVENTIVENESS shown on the day. Well Done Y 9!

Examination Timetable

DATE Mon 12 May Mon 12 May Mon 12 May Tues 13 May Tues 13 May Tues 13 May Tues 13 May Weds 14 May Weds 14 May Weds 14 May Weds 14 May Weds 14 May Thurs 15 May Thurs 15 May Fri 16 May Fri 16 May Fri 16 May Mon 19 May Mon 19 May Tues 20 May Tues 20 May Thurs 22 May Thurs 22 May Thurs 22 May Thurs 22 May Fri 23 May

TIME 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 13:00 13:00 09:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 13:00 13:00 13:00

DURATION SUBJECT 01:45 01:00 01:00 01:00 01:00 01:45 01:45 01:00 00:35 00:45 00:35 00:45 01:00 01:00 01:15 01:30 00:45 01:00 01:00 02:00 02:00 01:15 01:15 02:00 02:00 01:30 Religion & Life Issues Religious Studies: Ethics Written Religious Studies: Ethics Written 2 Biology Unit 2 Tier F Biology Unit 2 Tier H Geography (A) Theory Foundation Geography (A) Theory Higher ICT Understanding Computer Systems Written CNAT Spanish Unit 1 Listening - Foundation Spanish Unit 1 Listening - Higher Spanish Unit 3 Reading - Foundation Spanish Unit 3 Reading - Higher Chemistry Unit 2 - Foundation Tier Chemistry Unit 2 - Higher Tier History [Route Usa 1929-2000) Physical Education Unit 1 Written Paper (Full Course) Physical Education Unit 1 Written Paper (Short Course) Physics Unit 2 Foundation Tier Physics Unit 2 Higher Tier English Literature Unit 1 Theory Foundation English Literature Unit 1 Theory Higher Tier Geography (A) Theory Foundation Tier Geography (A) Theory Higher Tier English Literature Unit 2A Theory Foundation Tier English Literature Unit 2A Theory Higher Tier Drama Unit 1

Mon 02 Jun Mon 02 Jun Tues 03 June Tues 03 June Weds 04 June Weds 04 June Weds 04 June Weds 04 June Thurs 05 June Thurs 05 June Thurs 05 June Thurs 05 June Fri 06 Jun Fri 06 Jun Fri 06 Jun Fri 06 Jun Mon 09 Jun Mon 09 Jun Tues 10 Jun Tues 10 Jun Tues 10 Jun Weds 11 Jun Weds 11 Jun Weds 11 Jun Thurs 12 Jun Thurs 12 Jun Fri 13 Jun Fri 13 Jun Tues 17 Jun Weds 18 Jun Mon 23 Jun Tues 24 Jun

13:00 13:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 13:00 13:00 09:00 09:00 13:00 13:00 09:00 09:00 13:00 13:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 13:00 13:00 09:00 13:00 13:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 13:00 09:00 09:00 13:00

01:15 01:15 01:45 01:45 01:45 01:15 01:00 01:00 01:45 01:45 01:30 01:30 01:00 01:00 01:00 01:00 01:45 01:45 02:00 01:00 01:00 02:15 01:00 01:00 01:00 01:00 01:45 01:45 01:15 01:30 02:30 01:00

History [Route Usa 1910-1929) History [Route Germany 1929-1947) English Language Unit 1 Foundation Tier English Language Unit 1 Higher Tier Religion and Human Experience Short Course Hospitality & Catering Unit 2 Written Paper Welsh Second Language Reading & Writing Foundation Tier Welsh Second Language Reading & Writing Higher Tier Full Course English Language Unit 2 Foundation Tier English Language Unit 2 Higher Tier Home Economics Written Paper Full Course Dance Unit 1 GCE Welsh Second Language Reading & Writing Foundation Tier Full Course Welsh Second Language Reading & Writing Higher Tier Full Course Biology (M) Modular Unit 1 Foundation Tier Biology (M) Modular Unit 1 Higher Tier Maths Non Calculator Foundation Tier Maths Non Calculator Higher Tier D & T: Resistant Materials Technology Unit 1 Chemistry (M) Modular Unit 1 Foundation Tier Chemistry (M) Modular Unit 1 Higher Tier Media Studies Unit 1 Written Paper Religious Studies: Philosophy 1 Written Religious Studies: Philosphy 2 Written Paper Physics (M) Modular Unit 1 Foundation Tier Physics (M) Modular Unit 1 Higher Tier Maths Calculator Foundation Tier Maths Calculator Higher Tier Health & Social Unit 2 Written Paper Film Studies Paper 1 Additional Maths Written Paper Film Studies Paper 2

BGCBC
Abertillery Comprehensive School Alma Street, Abertillery Blaenau Gwent Phone: 01495 217121 Fax: 01495 211545 E-mail: Abertillery.comprehensive@bl

Parent Voice
The parent voice meeting is an opportunity for your voice to be heard and to help us to improve our school even further. Please come to a meeting on the 22nd of May at 5.30pm. You will have an opportunity to meet our new Headteacher Mr Nathan Jenkins All welcome.

Maths & English Meeting

the web Were on at
c abertillerys

Year 10 Maths and English meeting GCSE Revision Meeting 6pm 30th April. If you attended the meeting in March, there is no need to attend again.

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