Headteacher’s Blog – “A fantastic term recalled” (December 2022)
They say that time flies when you’re enjoying yourself which is why this term has passed us by so very quickly. I’ve had an amazing first term as headteacher, getting to meet parents, governors, children and of course the staff themselves of this great school.
It’s been a term of many achievements and events that have left a strong impression with me.
Firstly, I genuinely believe our school uniform is one of the smartest I have ever seen and the introduction of the uniform swap shop will allow students who don’t have a full uniform gain access to one. This ensures the whole school community looks as smart as each other.
Congratulations to the Peace Project students and staff who are creating a valuable template for other schools around the world to follow. Staff visited Turkey to make the initial connections before students enjoyed a trip to Slovenia. More students and staff will visit Romania in Spring 2023 and we will welcome our new found friends to Merthyr Tydfil later next year.
I was privileged to listen to a group of exceptional Year 9 students in Cambridge deliver their “Big Questions” presentation which was well received and included topics such as: renewables, dreams, universal language, what makes a successful life and emotional intelligence. They were excellent and I was very proud of their endeavours.
The kindness and generosity of the Cyfarthfa family was reinforced this term with significant money fundraised for Children in Need and Macmillan. It was also heart-warming to see residents of a local care home enjoy an afternoon of entertainment thanks to our students as part of World Kindness Day.
The Read for Good Readathon Challenge has not only boosted the literacy of many of our students, but also proved great fun for the students. Particular mention goes to Chloe who has read more than 30 books since the start of term.
A group of aspiring engineers from Year 9 had an amazing visit to Panasonic UK. They have been designing phone holders and stands as part of the Welsh Valleys Engineering Project.
Another group from Year 9 made us proud by discussing their volunteering role in the ‘Bees in Schools’ project with the High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan.
we have been working hard to achieve the targets set for the Bronze Siarter Iaith Award. Bethan Davies, our Welsh Development Advisor, conducted an assessment of our progress and has presented us with the Award.
I am always impressed by the amount of students who achieve so much outside of the school environment, particularly in fields of music and sport. This term we had a long list of successes to be proud of starting with Year 11 student Ryan, who travelled to the USA, after being selected for Boys and Girls Clubs of Wales U15s S
Well done to Amelia in Year 7 who has taken part in a gymnastics competition in hereford. 500 children took part and Amelia won silver in the individual vault.
Well done to Nathan Preece and Alex Lawrence competed in the Junior Karate World Championships in Turkey. Nathan competed at Under 21, Alex competed at Cadet
Four of our students have been selected in the u18’s Welsh Indoor Bowls Squad! Jack in Year 11, Talan, Oliver and Elijah in Year 8.Talan and Oliver have only been playing for seven months and were invited to trial with everyone despite that, they’ve been selected as travelling reserves.
Also our congratulations to Alexia & Bethan passed another kickboxing grading. They also gained another new belt, both passing with A’s. Students went to the Glamorgan and the valleys cross country championships. Well done in particular to Will who came 9th out of around 200 pupils racing against boys a year older than him in the Year 8 & 9 race. Finally to Evan and Joshua who completed the junior Cardiff Half Marathon.
As the festive season approaches we enjoyed a packed Christmas Fayre thanks to our partners of the Friends of Cyfarthfa High School and and Christmas Carol Concert and the Communities Together Group.
On behalf of Cyfarthfa High School may I take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, healthy and Prosperous New Year!
Best wishes
Lyndon Brennan
Headteacher
Firstly, I genuinely believe our school uniform is one of the smartest I have ever seen and the introduction of the uniform swap shop will allow students who don’t have a full uniform gain access to one. This ensures the whole school community looks as smart as each other.
Congratulations to the Peace Project students and staff who are creating a valuable template for other schools around the world to follow. Staff visited Turkey to make the initial connections before students enjoyed a trip to Slovenia. More students and staff will visit Romania in Spring 2023 and we will welcome our new found friends to Merthyr Tydfil later next year.
I was privileged to listen to a group of exceptional Year 9 students in Cambridge deliver their “Big Questions” presentation which was well received and included topics such as: renewables, dreams, universal language, what makes a successful life and emotional intelligence. They were excellent and I was very proud of their endeavours.
The kindness and generosity of the Cyfarthfa family was reinforced this term with significant money fundraised for Children in Need and Macmillan. It was also heart-warming to see residents of a local care home enjoy an afternoon of entertainment thanks to our students as part of World Kindness Day.
The Read for Good Readathon Challenge has not only boosted the literacy of many of our students, but also proved great fun for the students. Particular mention goes to Chloe who has read more than 30 books since the start of term.
A group of aspiring engineers from Year 9 had an amazing visit to Panasonic UK. They have been designing phone holders and stands as part of the Welsh Valleys Engineering Project.
Another group from Year 9 made us proud by discussing their volunteering role in the ‘Bees in Schools’ project with the High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan.
we have been working hard to achieve the targets set for the Bronze Siarter Iaith Award. Bethan Davies, our Welsh Development Advisor, conducted an assessment of our progress and has presented us with the Award.
I am always impressed by the amount of students who achieve so much outside of the school environment, particularly in fields of music and sport. This term we had a long list of successes to be proud of starting with Year 11 student Ryan, who travelled to the USA, after being selected for Boys and Girls Clubs of Wales U15s S
Well done to Amelia in Year 7 who has taken part in a gymnastics competition in hereford. 500 children took part and Amelia won silver in the individual vault.
Well done to Nathan Preece and Alex Lawrence competed in the Junior Karate World Championships in Turkey. Nathan competed at Under 21, Alex competed at Cadet
Four of our students have been selected in the u18’s Welsh Indoor Bowls Squad! Jack in Year 11, Talan, Oliver and Elijah in Year 8.Talan and Oliver have only been playing for seven months and were invited to trial with everyone despite that, they’ve been selected as travelling reserves.
Also our congratulations to Alexia & Bethan passed another kickboxing grading. They also gained another new belt, both passing with A’s. Students went to the Glamorgan and the valleys cross country championships. Well done in particular to Will who came 9th out of around 200 pupils racing against boys a year older than him in the Year 8 & 9 race. Finally to Evan and Joshua who completed the junior Cardiff Half Marathon.
As the festive season approaches we enjoyed a packed Christmas Fayre thanks to our partners of the Friends of Cyfarthfa High School and and Christmas Carol Concert and the Communities Together Group.
On behalf of Cyfarthfa High School may I take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, healthy and Prosperous New Year!
Best wishes
Lyndon Brennan
Headteacher