NEWYDDION CEI

QUAY NEWS

1

Mawrth/

MARCH 2015

Number 44

The Word swooped into the school in February following a five week artistic residency in the community of Connah’s Quay. It was a unique and exciting project which featured an Opera Singer, Professional Musicians, a Street Dancer, a Beatboxing Rapper and a team of Actors.

They invited the young people to give them their own words, be creative and write their own poems, lyrics and raps. They then performed them back to our learners in the corridors, canteen, staff room and even in the classrooms, which created a fantastic rapport with the learners.

Carolyn Davies-Moore, our Drama teacher said “This was such a unique experience for the learners, the whole school had a fantastic time. From segments of “Of Mice and Men” and “Lord of the Flies” being performed in the corridors to “rapping” about Fear, Love and Friendship in the foyer, we were all been blown away with how brilliant and inspirational it all was.”

Connah’s Quay High School opened its doors to

‘TheWord’ An artistic intervention from the Artists@Work Company at

Clwyd Theatr Cymru Theatre for Young People.

www.connahsquayhs.org.uk 2

CRIME SCENE by Caitlin Smith 11N

cup where there was less likely to be DNA and then with another cotton

bud I swabbed around the rim of the cup.

The reason I swabbed the top was people’s lips have touched it, this would

have hopefully collected saliva. And again I placed the swabs into an

evidence bag and labelled it.

I also found a note on lined paper, which read ‘THE MONEY IS IN THE

LIBRARY’ I will analyse the ink from the note using chromatography; I

will include the results in my evaluation.

Lastly, I found footprints around the scene. I took casting impressions of the

footprint and left them until they became hard. A footprint appeared.

To make sure I didn’t contaminate the scene, I wore gloves, tied my hair

back and took my blazer off. I will analyse these samples at a later date.

This is the red fibre found

at the Crime Scene.

This is footprint I made a cast of

at the scene.

These are the fingerprints that I

gathered at the crime scene.

We entered the crime scene at

approximately 9.00 am, the

incident was in M27. The lights

were on and three chairs were in

the middle of the floor, knocked

over. I watched where I stood and

was careful not to stand on any

potential evidence. Firstly, I found

red fibres loose on the chairs. I

took a photograph and put my

rubber gloves on. I then picked up

my tweezers and collected a red

fibre and inserted it into an

envelope, secured it and put it in a

clear evidence bag.

Next, I spotted a tile with a blood

splat on it. Again I took a

photograph and extracted a

sample of the blood with a cotton

swab, I swabbed around the tile

where there was no blood then

swabbed where the blood was;

this could be potential DNA. I

also put the swabs in an evidence

bag and labelled it.

After collecting the samples, I

took fingerprints from the tile,

with a zephyr brush I picked up

some aluminium powder. I gently

swirled the brush around the area

where there might have been

fingerprints. This revealed a good

set of fingerprints. I then labelled

them and placed them into another

evidence bag.

Next, I found a cup with possible

DNA on; with a cotton swab I

gently rubbed the bottom of the

How do Investigators

make test prints of

shoes?

By covering the sole

with water based ink

and then pressing onto

a sheet of acetate.

IN THE LAST NEWSLETTER THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT INFORMED READERS OF THE MOCK CRIME SCENE STAGED IN CQHS.

THIS IS A REPORT THAT ONE OF THE LEARNERS COMPILED AS PART OF THEIR BTEC COURSE WORK.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Follow us on twitter: ConnahsQuayHigh 3

On the 9th and 10th February the English Department were lucky enough to take a number of More Able and Talented learners from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 to Glyndwr University to take part in the Scribblers Writers Tour which is run in association with the Hay-on-Wye literary festival. During the day learners were lucky enough to listen to talks from, and meet, published authors of young adult fiction. There was also the opportunity to take part in a creative writing workshop. The day certainly left a lasting impression, encouraging those who took part to pick up a book or put pen to paper in the hope of becoming the next J K Rowling!

Mock Interviews

The most recent initiative with the overreaching

structure of work related education were the Mock

Interviews held recently in school. Year 11 excelled

themselves and feedback from actual employers

who carried out the Interviews was extremely

positive and highly complementary. This

undertaking is critical for learners as they develop

their essential skills in preparation for the world of

work or higher and further education.

A new initiative has been introduced this month that sees a whole

school approach to focussing on aspects of literacy. This month the

school's focus is on apostrophes. There are plenty of posters around the

school and all teachers will be reminding their classes about how to use

apostrophes correctly. Teachers will also be focussing on apostrophes

during the marking process. Next month, we will target commas before

we move on to the use of the colon and the semi-colon in June before

finishing with the spelling of common homophones in July.

Construction Career Day Coleg Cambria

The school was invited to take part in a taster day of

job roles on offer within the Construction Industry at

Coleg Cambria delivered by CITB, the professional

body for Construction apprenticeships. This was

made up of informative talks from Architects to

groundwork roles within the industry. Learners also

took part in a number of interactive workshops from

plumbing, joinery to painting and decorating. An

enjoyable and informative day for all.

Three Year 9 learners have been involved in a Saturday morning club held at Coleg Cambria.

The course ran for four weeks. It aimed to encourage girls to get involved within the world of engineering. The course was offered to a number of Year 9 learners across the county. Lauren Harris, Charley Shutt and Lucy Ingham volunteered to represent Connah’s Quay High School. The girls should be highly commended upon their commitment to the course.

The course offered them invaluable, hands on experience within the world of engineering. They have been involved within many challenges during the course, one of which involved the deconstruction of a go-kart engine. They thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity. Well done, girls.

Girls into Engineering

www.connahsquayhs.org.uk 4

Keeping our young people safe on the internet

We would like to remind parents and carers of the concerns around internet use by young people and how they can

be helped to keep safe at home. For instance, young people who have a Facebook account (the legal age for which is

13) should not have their own photograph on their profile page as other people accessing that information will easily

be able to determine their age. In addition, they should not have any

contact details, including their mobile phone number or area where

they live, accessible as part of that profile.

Further guidance on privacy settings and other ways to keep young

people safe online is available on the following website, in easy to

follow instructions: www.internetmatters.org

We would urge you to follow the advice and guidelines available on

this website to ensure your child is using the internet in a safe and

responsible way.

Take a look at the E-safety page on the school website http://www.connahsquayhs.org.uk/Parents/E-safety/

A group of Year 13 A Level literature students spent a study day at The Gladstone Library in Hawarden. They were given a tour of Gladstone’s famous Oak Library and lunch in the dining room.

A study room was set out with rare books and

and The Romantics by Louisa Yates, the Curator of the Library.

It was an excellent way of enhancing their study of literature.

Mrs Thomas

STUDY DAY AT GLADSTONE LIBRARY

Student Receptionists showing off their

origami skills.

http://corbettmaths.com/5-a-day/

There are lots of useful and interesting things on there. This section provides five questions for learners to attempt everyday.

Particularly useful for GCSE learners at this stage but can be used by all.

Please encourage learners to have a look. You can also follow it on twitter.

Maths joke

Q: What does the zero say to

the eight?

A: Nice belt!

5 Follow us on twitter: ConnahsQuayHigh

http://www.twig-world.com

Username – elcqnumber

Password – First name (make sure you use a capital letter)

The Science, Maths, Design and Humanities departments are continuing to use the online resource ‘Twig-World’ to enhance and enrich learning in lessons. Our license has been renewed for the next three years! All learners have access to this fantastic resource through a personal log in (see details above).Twig is an award-winning online resource with thousands of tailor-made, short films that bring subjects to life. ‘It all began with my 11-year-old son. He needed to research earthquakes for a school project, but the information that he found online was too long, complicated and boring. He didn't know where to start.

I've been a TV producer for twenty years and I knew we could make an exciting three-minute film that would show him just what he needed to know in a way he would always remember. Twig was born in that moment.’ Anthony Bouchier (CEO)

A helping hand has been set up for Year 7 and Year 8 learners. A group of Year 11 learners have been given expert training to enable them to act as Peer Mentors at breaks and lunch times to younger learners. They can get help with their homework and access support with any other school based problem.

The Year 11 who have offered to give up their free time to lend a helping hand will present this as the volunteering element of their Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification.

Year 6/7 Welsh Sharing Event

Following on from the school’s St David’s day celebrations a group of Year 6 learners from our Federation Schools came up to Ysgol Cei Connah for the afternoon on Friday 13th March. The Year 6 learners, along with a group of Year 7’s took part in var ious performances throughout the afternoon. There were poetry recitals, traditional Welsh ballards, dancing and action songs. Each group had put a lot of effort into the performances and they all were a credit to their schools. Diolch yn fawr iawn to all of those who took part.

A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all!

Some of Blwyddyn 7 who took part

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Last years’ Year 13 learners attended an evening of celebration on 7th

January at Highfield Hall to celebrate their excellent examination results. Our learners achieved the best ever results with 97% of learners achieving two or more A*-C and 100% of learners achieved the Level 3 threshold of two or more A*-E.

They were presented with their hard-earned A Level and Welsh Baccalaureate Certificates. Both Miss Malia and Mr Williams gave a speech and presented the certificates. It was a pleasure to see so many of our learners from the previous academic year; it was fantastic to hear their stories of university, employment and apprenticeships.

Category awards:

Outstanding Academic Achievement: Jessica Akins

Outstanding Achievement in Sport: Hannah Jones

Outstanding Contribution to School Life: Samantha Higgins

Outstanding Progress: Chelsea Joy and Daniel Shone

Mark Tami Visit

On 13th February Year 12 had a visit from Mark Tami, MP who gave a talk about the roles and responsibilities of a member of parliament. Learners then had the opportunity to ask questions. The event was structured like a Newsnight programme with Mr Thomas chairing the questions. Mr Tami was very impressed with the questions he received and was full of praise for the Year 12. Following the visit the Year 12 took part in a ‘Mock Election’ to give them some insight in to the democratic process.

Year 12 once again took part in the Dragons Den experience for the enterprise section of the Welsh Baccalaureate. The learners planned their own enterprise events designed to raise funds for a charity of their choice and presented their ‘pitch’ to local

businesses for funding, who praised the learners on their creativity and entrepreneurship. The ideas pitched ranged from a sweets stall stand to a ‘Fifa’ football tournament. We hope all ideas are highly successful and that more information can shared in the next newsletter about their successes.

UCAS Convention

All Year 12 visited the UCAS convention on 13th March at the GMEX in Manchester. The event was designed to give learners a greater insight into possible university destinations, as well as the opportunity to talk to business about apprenticeships. The event was a big success.

CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS AT HIGHFIELD HALL

DRAGONS DEN

Mark Tami MP also visited Year 11 learners. He was invited to give a talk on British Politics with a question and answer session.

The learners took detailed notes as part of their studies for the

Mark Tami was very informative and inspired the learners to be more interested in the world of politics.

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We are delighted to report that for the second time the school has been awarded the prestigious ‘Careers Wales Mark’ for continuing excellence in all areas related to careers and the world of work. This award is a recognition of the continuing raising of

standards evident in all the work related initiatives the

school has undertaken.

RAF Visit

To celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday 8th March a party of eight Year

10 girls visited RAF Cosford where they enjoyed the inspirational life stories of women who had served and are serving in the RAF today.

The day also included informative workshops on areas such as ‘Teamwork and Leadership’ ‘Life Skills’, ‘Communication Skills’ and a consideration of the varying roles women fulfil in the RAF.

MAT learners in Art produce sculptures and puppets with visiting artist Russell Kirk

MAT (More Able and Talented) learners from Year 7 and 8 have been specially selected to take part in a series of sculpture and puppet making workshops on the Curriculum Focus Days to produce artwork for the Connah’s Quay Festival in July. The learners have been working with visiting Artistic Director, Russell Kirk. The sculptures and puppets have been designed in teams and are inspired by the role of the local community of Connah’s Quay during World War One and Two. The learners have had the opportunity to develop their research and design skills, group work and 3D building techniques. The sculptures are currently on display in the DT open area. Well done to all the learners involved who worked very well in teams and have produced excellent sculptures. Miss R Owen

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Curriculum Focus Day Learners from Year 7 to 11 have been involved in a variety of activities designed to enrich the learning which takes place in the normal curriculum.

Recently learners in Year 8 took part in a music event which was designed to raise the profile of music in the curriculum. They also took part in a European Festivals workshop which was designed to increase awareness of festivals which take place in European countries.

More recently learners in year 9 have been focusing on their thinking skills and year 7 have taken part in the annual Eisteddfod.

Maths

Year 7 took part in a range of numeracy based activities throughout the day. These activities included Deal or No Deal, a fair trade game, relay type activity and a range of problems to solve. We also had an activity from Techniquest for some of our learners.

Learners enjoyed the days and some were surprised that all the activities came back to numeracy. Some quotes from the learners:

“I really enjoyed the fair trade game because it was very very fun and interesting and we worked well together.”

“I absolutely loved the whole day so I can’t decide (what I enjoyed most) and wouldn’t do anything different. Even though we didn’t win.”

“I enjoyed the variety of topics.”

F1 In Schools Regional

and National Finals 2015

This season a brand new team was

launched, comprising of six girls from

Year 9, with ambitions to become future

engineers. They were led by team

manager, Megan Jones and supported

by Eve Burke, Caitlin Devesey-Jones,

Jennifer Hayes, Amy Catterall and Elle

Balderstone. The newly formed team

established themselves in November

2014 and after many discussions on

their team name, decided on Limitless

F1.

The Regional Final Event was held at

Bangor University in February 2015

with the team competing against 18

other teams from across North and Mid

Wales. Limitless F1 had set their goals

by this time, aiming to gain a place at

the UK National Finals in Birmingham.

By the end of a rigorous and

challenging day the girls maintained the

schools eight year un-beaten record of

‘Best Engineered Car’, they also won

‘Fastest Car’ and were crowned

‘Regional Champions’.

Between the Regional and National

Final, Limitless F1 only had three

weeks to improve

their portfolio, verbal

presentation and eng-

ineer a new car. But

with the support from

Mr Will Clarke, Mr

Chris Jennings and a

new partnership with

NISSAN UK, all the

targets were met with

only 24 hours to

spare. As part of the

National Finals

requirements,

Limitless team

members completed fund raising

activities and also sourced sponsorship

from local companies and industry. This

is now on-going as the team, in

preparation for next season, have now

been promoted from ‘Bloodhound’ class

to ‘F1’ class.

The National Final Event this year was

held on Wednesday 11th March 2015 at

the NEC Birmingham as part of ‘Big

Bang Event’. The team, alongside Mr

Will Clarke and Mr Chris Jennings, left

early on the Wednesday morning and

arrived just as registration opened. The

teams then had a frantic one hour time

schedule to assemble their pit display

and register their primary race car and

backup car.

Limitless F1’s car named ‘Healy’ by the

girls was up on the starting grid first and

raced by Elle Balderstone. They won all

four of their races achieving a time of

0.882 seconds over the 20m track

distance. The rest of the day was spilt

into the various judging categories. At

16:00 hours all teams were invited to the

awards ceremony. Unfortunately,

Limitless F1 did not win this time

around but did achieve second place out

of the seven Welsh teams. For their first

time reaching the National Finals this

was a great achievement and it has now

given the six girls that needed and

valued experience to push for a place at

the World Finals in 2016.

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Construction Site Safety

by Glyn Hughes – Health & Safety Manager WYNNE CONSTRUCTION

WARNING Construction sites may look interesting and fun to play on, they are extremely dangerous with many hazards to the unsuspecting. HAZARD = Something which may injure or kill you.

CONSTRUCTION SITE FENCING Perimeter fencing has been erected around the site to prevent unauthorised access / intruders gaining access. Please do not attempt to enter the construction site through the fencing as there are many hazards within the enclosed area.

WARNING SIGNS Please observe and be aware of all signs on construction sites.

EXCAVATIONS There are many deep excavations on construction sites. Wherever possible excavations are protected by guard rails/barriers. Excavations are dangerous and falls into these can cause serious injury.

ELECTRICITY Electricity can kill. There are live trailing cables and electrical equipment in use on a construction site. These may not always be identifiable to the untrained person. Another reason to keep away from construction sites.

PLANT & EQUIPMENT Construction site plant and equipment such as Dumpers and Telescopic Handlers must only be used / operated by trained / competent persons. Never attempt to access any equipment whether in use or not, the consequences may be fatal.

SCAFFOLDING Scaffolding is there to provide a safe working platform for trained operatives needing to undertake their work at height. Working at height is extremely dangerous and is the cause of most deaths on construction sites. Please do not enter onto or climb any scaffolding or mobile work platforms.

CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC During construction there will be a considerable amount of construction site traffic movements around the school. A co-ordinated traffic plan will be in place to minimise any interaction between construction site traffic and the school including pupils, parents and staff. Please observe any temporary signs and measures which may be in place, they are there for your safety. Please keep well away from any construction traffic.

ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS There have been many accidents / incidents in the past where children have been seriously injured or even killed on construction sites.

If you see any other children or other unauthorised people entering the construction site, please report it to either a teacher or parent. You might save a life by reporting it!

IMPORTANT MESSAGE People working on sites wear protective clothing to help them stay safe. You don’t have anything to keep you safe so…

PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM BUILDING SITES

Wynne Construction are the contractors who are building the new 6th Form Centre on the field by the school

entrance.

Learners have been told about the dangers of construction sites, they have also seen a powerpoint on the TV screens in

school regarding health and safety. Please enforce this message to your son/daughters.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH BRONZE AWARD

A huge congratulations to the 26 learners who have

passed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award.

They have had to work

hard to achieve their results by completing three

months in Volunteering, whilst also improving a skill

and their physical fitness. They attended sessions

after school to prepare

themselves for their expedition stage and they

developed skills in map reading and navigation. They endured some challenging scenarios with weather ranging from being too hot to freezing

cold and wet conditions as they embarked on two expeditions.

Twenty four of these learners will be joined by three other Year 11s as they look to complete their Silver award this

year. They have already begun their three individual sections, and take on their practice expedition beginning at Llyn Brenig, from the 16th April for two nights.

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School Sports Council Starting in the new term we are looking at setting up a school sports council to enable learners to have a voice on the activities that they do in curriculum and extra curriculum. These learners will form a Year Council and meet as a Whole School Council to discuss new ideas and activities. If learners are interested in getting involved please see Mr Young (5x60 Officer) at the start of term.

Cheerleading Coaches Four of our Year 8 learners have recently attended a cheerleading Leaders Course. These girls will be looking to start a Year 7 club after Easter. Any learners wishing to

get involved please see Mr Young.

Girls Only Festival Twelve Year 9 learners took part in a day specifically aimed at Girls participating in a wide range of activities. Based on feedback from the day, these will be rolled out in extra curricular activities. Allowing the learners to voice their own views and opinions on what they would like to happen within extra curricular activities, learners will engage in new activities like Spinning, Rebound exercise, Tchoukball, Cardio Tennis, Street Dance, Cheerleading, and more.

If any learners would like to see different activities involved in school please see Mr Young.

Year 8 Music

and Drama

On 26th February Year 8 learners were

treated to a day with Matt Baker

(Musician and producer) who worked

with them to increase the profile of music

and encourage performance Two groups

worked together to produce dramatic

scenes of acting and singing about the

sinking of the Titanic. Learners reported

back that they thoroughly enjoyed the day.

The Youth Club is closed over Easter

and reopens on Thursday 16th April.

After Easter we are launching a new app for our school called Schoop.

Schoop will improve the way we communicate with you and our school community. With your valuable involvement, your children’s education and the whole school will benefit.

Letters and more information will be released shortly after Easter.

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PE - SPORTING SUCCESS

Cross-country We have had a great year for success in local and National cross-country events. We had many learners take part in the Flintshire schools championships. Here Rhys Bennett was 1st, Owen Manley 2nd, Tia Lowery 7th and Megan Jolly was 10th. This enabled them to go to the North East Wales Championships. At this event Owen Manley was 4th , Rhys Bennett 5th and Megan Jolly was 10th.

From these results Owen Manley and Megan Jolly (pictured) went to the Welsh National championships where they positioned very well against over 100 runners. Megan was a creditable 68th and Owen was 32nd in Wales. Well done to them both.

Rugby Year 11 had their first experience of competitive rugby this year. They played against Denbigh High School. Although they lost, the boys were a credit to themselves, showing commitment and determination throughout.

Football There have been a number of friendly matches this term; competitive matches not being played at this time of year. Year 8 have been particularly successful with wins by both the A and B teams, teams played have included St. David’s Saltney, Hawarden, Holywell and John Summer’s.

Netball Well done to the girls who were selected to play for North East Wales in their age group: Emily Morgan, Caitlin Evans, Sophie Maclennan, Keeley Genders, Olivia Lyth and Molly Edwards.

Year 7 & 8 Well done to both Year 7 and 8 netball teams. They have won some friendly matches this term against Richard Gwyn, Hawarden and Argoed. The Year 8 netball team played in the Flintshire netball tournament on the 19th March and the Year 7 team played on the 25th March.

Year 9 & 10 The Year 9 netball team did well in the North Wales Urdd tournament at Bangor University. They just missed out on reaching the quarter finals. Well done to the Year 10 netball who came 2nd in the Flintshire netball tournament at Castell Alun. They beat Castell Alun, Flint, St Davids, Argoed and Elfed and just lost to Richard Gwyn. Well done, girls.

Umpires Congratulations to both Keeley Genders and Sophie Maclennan who attended the MAT umpiring course at John Summer’s. Both learners are now ‘Q’ umpires and will progress to do their level 1 umpiring.

Ann Smart Tournament The U16’s Netball team won the 1st round of the Ann Smart tournament in December. Connah’s Quay High School were representing Flintshire in the 2nd round of the tournament at Glyndwr University. They beat Denbighshire comfortably and then had to beat St Joseph to make it to the final round. Unfortunately, they just lost in the last quarter by two goals. It was a brilliant team effort by the girls and they were unlucky not to win the match.

Athletics Congratulations to the Year 8 athletics team that took part in the Flintshire Indoor Championships. They came 1st and then went forward into the North Wales Championships; again the team were 1st. An outstanding achievement! This was as far as the team competition went but individuals were invited to the National Finals. Robert Wood was superb. He took part in three events, gaining a 2nd, 3rd and 4th place. Well done to Robert and the other boys: Owen Hallmark, Leon Summner, Lewis Roberts, Ieuan Greenhalgh, Ryan Locker and Ryan Rowlands.

Connah’s Quay High School is in charge of running the Flintshire schools competitions for athletics this year.

12 www.connahsquayhs.org.uk

QUAY REVUE A dynamic rendition of 'Cabaret' sung by Ellison Roberts opened the Quay Revue on the evening of 5th March at the Civic Hall.

Forty five learners performed in an acting and singing extravaganza that included classics as The Lovers and the mechanicals scenes from the Shakespearian Classic, A Midsummer Nights Dream. Songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s peppered the first half and complimented the 'Dream' theme.

Act 2 began with the classic folk Song Scarborough Fair which led seamlessly into a poignant GCSE devised drama based on World War One. A scene based on current issues of abuse and neglect in care homes followed this with the young actors delivering fine performances with truth and sincerity.

A very professional rendition of Cell Block Tango drew the show to a close with the final song 'Don't Stop Believing ' bringing the audience to their feet.

A very smooth, professionally performed and produced show highlighted what talented group of performers Connah's Quay have.

2015 DATES FOR LEARNERS

Please check the school website.

www.connahsquayhs.org.uk

Term ends at 3.15p.m. Friday 27th March 2015

New Term starts 8.50a.m. Tuesday 14th April 2015

Sugar craft workshop Twelve Year 11 learners took part in a sugar craft workshop on

Wednesday 4th March. They worked

with Dr Alison Bushell (The Cake Doctor) to create a range of cakes

for the school production “Quay Revue”. Learners acquired a range

of techniques in sugar craft,

creating individually decorated cupcakes and large tray bakes that

fitted in with the “show biz” theme. During the night cakes, teas,

coffees and cold drinks were sold by Year 8 learners Abbie Morgan,

Sophie Ellis, Abbie Lewis, Tasha

Talbot, Franceska McWhirter, Leah Jones and Emily Martin.