Headteacher/Pennaeth Alan Tootill Tel: (01792) 533066 Fax: (01792) 533366
Pontarddulais Road Gorseinon SWANSEA SA4 4FG
December 2012
CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER Dear Parents and Pupils, If you haven’t heard already, I am delighted to report that Penyrheol achieved record GCSE results for the third year in a row. 74% of last year’s Year 11 gained at least 5 higher grade GCSEs or equivalent, a massive 9% up on 2011. The figure when you also include those achieving at least a C grade in English and Maths was 57%, one percent better than the previous year. I would again like to congratulate all of the young people who achieved these results, our teachers for their hard work and parents for their support and encouragement of their children. Penyrheol pupils have had many successes and adventures this term, which you can read more about inside this newsletter. However, I want to mention three exceptional achievements here. The first was another victory for our outstanding debating team in the regional round of the Bar Mock Trial Competition on Saturday, 10th November. They are now through to the national final, which takes place in March 2013 at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. Well done to all the team! Secondly, two Year 9 pupils have had a once-in-a-lifetime experience by successfully auditioning for a CBBC programme ‘Extreme School’, which is due to be shown in March 2013. Shane Appleyard and Brandon Sykes were told in a Technology lesson by the TV presenter that they were going to be whisked off to South Korea to spend a week in a much harsher education system than our own. You will be able to read all about their adventures in our Easter Newsletter. Thirdly and finally, four Year 8 pupils won an advertising competition with The Wave. They spent part of a day at The Wave recording their radio advert about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you listen to The Wave, the chances are you will have heard the ad. Fantastic achievements! A big well done to all those involved. Our Christmas Carol Concert takes place at St. Catherine’s Church, Gorseinon, at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 19th December. We would love to see you there supporting our orchestra and choirs as we celebrate together the real meaning of Christmas. Term ends at lunch time on Friday, 21st December, and the Spring Term begins for pupils on Tuesday, 8th January. Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda i gyfeillion Ysgol Gyfun Penyrheol. Yours faithfully, ALAN TOOTILL Headteacher