4 minute read
SCHOOLS
PORTHCAWL COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
Many congratulations to all pupils who have taken part in our Virtual Eisteddfod. Every Department set tasks to be completed by KS3 pupils for off-stage competitions, and we had a terrific response, with some amazing work produced. Highlights included Sam Richards’ Welsh inspired bake, Saoirse Moulton’s artwork explaining use of pattern and colour and Matty Timms’ monument to commemorate a key aspect of Welsh history. The Music, Drama, Welsh and English Departments also set onstage tasks for both KS3 and KS4 pupils. This year, pupils have chosen and organised their own music and texts and recorded and submitted their work directly via Google Classroom. Thanks to all pupils and parents and carers for engaging so wholeheartedly with our Virtual Eisteddfod – it has been a huge success with Joe Dingle winning the Senior Welsh Chair award Poppy Newton-Williams winning the Junior Welsh Chair. Instrumental winners included Sophia Evans (piano), Larissa Clee (clarinet), Olivia Geddes (violin), Jamie Harrowing (piano) and Ella Verderame, Annalise Traylor & Finty Kehoe (singing). Cymraeg, English, Dance and Drama winners included David Sheldon, Matt Neeson, Nia Card, Ben Harris, Matt Timms and Ioan Matthews. ‘Wales has got Talent’ was won by Scarlett Osborne and Finty Kehoe and Nia Card won the Junior version. Congratulations to everyone and to Powys who won the Eisteddfod!
Andrew Slade, Head Teacher
ST CLARE’S SCHOOL
I’m delighted that we appear to be on the journey away from the pandemic’s worst effects. This has had an unprecedented impact on lives and experiences, but it is in the new hope from vaccines that we look to the future with some optimism. Beyond the grief and suffering caused by COVID-19, a huge effect has been the challenges it’s presented to young people around the world. However, I hold on to the belief that this test will have engendered resilience, agency, and a newfound appreciation for the social side of school for our pupils. It challenged us, as adults, too. Whether in our personal or professional lives, we have all had to confront the many hurdles and emerge from them with a desire to keep doing the best for each other and our children. For my own team this has been the very toughest of years. It’s also been, however, the year of most professional growth. The skills our team have learnt, the dedication they have shown, and the flexibility they have demonstrated simply amaze me every day. Our pupils enjoyed an excellent and truly ‘uninterrupted’ education. We are looking forward to welcoming our new pupils after Easter too.
Helen Hier, Head Teacher
Catherine Tanner
BMus(Hons) ARCM PIANO TEACHER
*Beginners up to Diploma level * 25 years teaching experience * Progress through ABRSM Grades, or just for fun! * All ages welcome
GUITAR LESSONS SOUTH WALES
NEWTON PRIMARY - WELCOME BACK!
After months of home learning, we are able to welcome our children back to the classroom. We were greeted with a rainbow of smiling faces from our children who we have greatly missed. The children are having fun playing and learning together once more and school has become alive again with the sound of laughter. We would like to say a special welcome our new pupils who have recently joined us and also welcome our youngest pupils, our rising threes to our nursery. You have all been super stars and have settled in brilliantly during these strange times. We are fully aware how stressful and worrying it can be for parents when choosing a school for their child. Here at Newton, we pride ourselves to reassure you that your child’s well-being and safety is paramount to us. Through child led, stimulating activities we encourage the children to learn through play, this then ensures a smooth transition from home to school. After all, happy children learn best! If you have a little one who is just turning three and you are undecided about what school to choose, why don’t you check out our school’s website and Facebook page for our early years setting videos? If you have any questions please feel free to email the school on newtonprimaryschool@bridgend.gov.uk
Mrs R John Head Teacher
SPRING TERM NEWS - NOTTAGE PRIMARY
The Nottage family wellbeing has continued to be at the heart of our work and will continue to be a priority for some time to come yet. One icy February morning, a bit tired from travelling a group of bears in need of warm hugs and forever homes arrived, they were very sad there were no pupils in our classes. We told them they were welcome to stay until our pupils were back. Within a few days they were up to mischief in the classrooms looking for hugs! Eventually half of our bear friends got to go to their forever homes and just a few weeks later they were all getting the lovely hugs they needed. Every child in School has their own Nottage Bear to hug and bring them some peace and comfort. We are grateful that we are now ALL back together and school life has resumed with full classrooms and the sound of children’s laughter out in the playground.
The Bear project was kindly funded by Nottage Primary PTA.
ENGLISH TUTOR
(BASED IN NOTTAGE, PORTHCAWL)
20 years of teaching experience as a comprehensive school teacher of 11-18 year old students Fully qualified for KS3, GCSE and A Level Current GCSE Examiner
Guitar Tuition
Russell Skellern BA (Hons) RWCMD Graduate of Guitar Institute, London
Online Lessons Available
