Any live lessons that are conducted during the fire break lockdown will be led by the teacher using Google Meet. The following learner guide outlines how to join a Google Meet live lesson along with tips and expectations.
Please find attached a letter for Year 10 parents who did not receive a phone call today.
Unfortunately we have just received news of a positive Covid case in year 10. ALL year 10 need to stay home and isolate tomorrow (Tuesday 20th) please. We will update you with information of contacts as soon as possible tomorrow. Thank you again for your support in these very difficult times.
All learners can return to school tomorrow (Tuesday 20th October) unless they have had a phone call or answer phone message to self-isolate.
Wales will go into a “short, sharp” national lockdown from Friday until Monday, 9 November.
People will be told to stay at home, while pubs, restaurants, hotels and non-essential shops will shut.
Primary schools will reopen after the half-term break, but only Years 7 and 8 in secondary schools will return at that time under new “firebreak” rules.
Gatherings indoors and outdoors with people not in your household will also be banned.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the “time-limited ‘firebreak'” will be “a short, sharp, shock to turn back the clock, slow down the virus and buy us more time”.
Due to a positive Covid case. All learners who use the 2 Bettws buses will need to leave school shortly and isolate. More information to follow. Please arrange to collect your child. There is emergency transport available if needed.
Unfortunately due to a positive Covid case. All learners will need to leave school shortly and isolate. Please arrange to collect your child if they use school transport. Emergency transport is available if needed. More info to follow.
Unfortunately due to a positive Covid case. All learners will need to leave school shortly and isolate. Please arrange to collect your child if they use school transport. Emergency transport is available if needed. More info to follow.
Unfortunately we have had a positive Covid case in year 11. All learners will need to go home now and isolate with the exception of the 76 who were not in school last week.
For anyone with children in year 6 moving to secondary school in September. Online Applications open today (MONDAY 19th October 10am).
Apply online, make sure your ready to go when applications open by
Further information
Hwb’s new look #KeepingSafeOnline area contains guidance and resources tailored for children & young people, parents & carers, practitioners & professionals, governors and more – https://hwb.gov.wales
• Lunch time will be reduced by 10minutes, school will end at 2:40pm Monday to Thursday this week.
• Inset day on Friday / Start of half term.
Raising awareness of our on-going Traineeship Engagement Programme with NPTC Pathways. The aim as always is to Engage and Inspire our learners onto their next steps, whatever they wish to do.
We will continue the positive work by helping a number of 16 – 18 year olds to realise the opportunities they have while developing key employability skills.
Please find attached a letter to Year 8 parents who were NOT contacted today by the school.
YEAR 8 PARENTS (POTENTIAL CONTACTS) ONLY:
We have identified 47 potential contacts that will need to self isolate. They have all been contacted by telephone this morning. If you have NOT had a phone call/answer phone message this morning, your child can return to school tomorrow.
Unfortunately we have just found out that a learner in year 8 has tested positive for Covid. As a result ALL year 8 will need to stay home and isolate tomorrow, Thursday 15th October. More information will follow when we have had time to investigate potential contacts. Where possible, we will try our best to narrow down the number of learners that need to isolate. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Year 11 Maths Mocks Dates
All pupils have been given a revision list and the revision list has been emailed to all Google Classrooms so learners can access them. Please find the dates below.
Any problems please email your maths teacher.
Unfortunately we have had a confirmed Covid case in year 11.
76 learners have been identified as contacts and their parents have been informed. After taking guidance from Public Health Wales they will need to self isolate and return to school on Thursday October 15th. The rest of the year group will remain in school and have been given letters to take home explaining the situation. Learners that are isolating will need to check their Google Classroom for their work.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Please read the important PDF letter below, it is crucial that we have your correct contact details so that we can notify you straight away if we have a case of Covid-19 at the school and your child is identified as a contact. It is the parents responsibility to arrange transport to collect your son/daughter once notified.
Whilst many of us feel we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders during these unprecedented times, for our latest CCYD employee Mark Jeanes this has been his passion for the last 10 years.
Mark Jeanes is a 4 x Wales Strongest Man and holds the current world record for lifting a 200kg atlas stone onto his shoulder as well as breaking numerous world records in other strong man events including teaming up with fellow Welshman Gavin Bilton to flip a full size car 14 times!. Staff are already making sure they don’t park in his space.
Just 3 weeks ago Mark won the Wales qualifiers to earn his place at the 2020 Ultimate UK’s Strongest Man held in Ireland. We wish him all the best in this event and know he will make us proud. Mark is also looking to break another world record before the end of the year and fingers crossed gain entry to the famous Guinness Book of records.
Mark will be an inspiration to both learners and staff at the school. At only 32 he has achieved so much in the sport of Strongman and his commitment, mental strength and positivity are a real asset to the school. With articles like this and the numerous Youtube videos of Mark we hope our learners will adopt that positive mental attitude, resilience, hard work and commitment that will allow them to strive in whatever career path, job or sport they choose in life.
Mark joins our site management team at CCYD and has already settled into the role always keen to learn and willing to help.
Please click the links below to see Mark in action at Wales Ultimate Strongest Man
Please refer to further information for parents/carers in respect of the local restrictions in Bridgend below:
https://gov.wales/bridgend-lockdown-frequently-asked-questions
Lindsay Iorwerth Harvey (Mr)
Corporate Director – Education and Family Support
Bridgend County Borough Council
Phone: (01656) 642616
Email: lindsay.harvey@bridgend.gov.uk
Website: www.bridgend.gov.uk
Happy to communicate in Welsh or English
Please can you support us to ensure that your child has everything they need before they leave for school in the morning. We are not allowed to have visitors to school, but reception are still having lots of forgotten items delivered during the day. Thank you for you help with this.
YEAR 9 MESSAGE: HPV Vaccinations tomorrow and Thursday. Please encourage your child to have breakfast. If long sleeved shirts are worn, wear a top underneath. Thanks
Please can all learners that borrowed laptops over lockdown return them asap. They are desperately needed in school as some subjects use them in lessons. Thank you.
The NHS has asked us to share this post regarding Type 1 diabetes in children…
At The start of 2020, SeaQuest contacted the primary and secondary schools in Bridgend to ask if they would be interested in creating an 8 foot by 4 foot mural, to be displayed around the building site of their new facility at the harbour quarter in Porthcawl marina.
The eco-committee and art department jumped at the chance to get involved and collaborated effectively to create the beautiful mural pictured below. A dedicated and talented group of students from year 8 and 9 came up with their own thought provoking slogan, to encourage people to appreciate and protect our coastal environment. After applying a layer of emulsion paint to the wooden board, the learners used acrylic paint pens to create the detailed images. The sea creatures featured in the mural are all native to our coastline.
The Mayor was present to unveil the mural, which looks stunning in situ.
REMINDER: Dinner accounts must be loaded with money online only. If you do not know your child’s account number please phone the school.
Will the school day change?
CCYD will be open for the normal school hours of 8:30am to 2:50pm. Learners are asked not to arrive before 8:20am. They should go straight to their first lesson when they arrive.
Will after school clubs be running?
Unfortunately, after school clubs will not be running. All learners will be expected to leave the school site at 2:50pm. They should not congregate outside the school building.
Are there any changes to school uniform?
Normal school uniform is expected for all learners.
Should my child wear a face mask or face covering in school?
The NEW guidance this week from BCBC recommends that all secondary school age pupils wear face coverings in communal areas, toilets and in corridors. There is no recommendation for learners to wear face coverings in classrooms/teaching spaces.
Please note that the use of face coverings by learners with some additional needs is not recommended. The ALN department will work with our learners that meet this requirement.
What type of face mask is required?
BCBC will provide us with washable face masks that meet World Health Organisation specifications. Each learner can request five face coverings and a safe storage bag for the academic year. Face coverings should be stored securely in the storage bag when not in use.
What arrangements are in place for school buses?
BCBC have recommended that face coverings should be worn on school transport. They have asked us to create a seating plan for each bus to ensure that learners sit with their year group ‘bubble’. Learners will be expected to sit in this plan from now on.
What hand washing is expected?
Learners should wash/sanitise their hands regularly including:
Does my child need to bring hand sanitizer to school?
We have hand sanitizer stations on the entrances to the school building and all classrooms.
If they would like to bring their own sanitiser they can.
Will the water fountains be working?
Water fountains will be switched on during break and lunchtimes only. Learners are expected to wash their hands before using the fountain and they will be supervised when using it. They can only use the fountains to fill water bottles. They are not permitted to drink directly from it. We would prefer learners to bring their own bottled water from home.
Will my child move around the school from one lesson to another?
There will be restricted movement for the majority of learners. Timetables have been changed to allow year group ‘bubbles’ to be taught in the same area for the majority of learners. However, where possible we have accommodated KS4 and KS5 specialist lessons such as D&T and Art.
Will the canteen be open?
The school canteen will be serving hot food but we are recommending that learners bring a packed lunch where possible. The menu will be reduced and items will be served in disposable packaging rather than using plates/dishes. In order to keep year groups in ‘bubbles’ they will be given a time slot when they are allowed to go and buy lunch. Please note that the canteen will not accept cash.
How can I add money to my childs dinner account?
Money can only be added using the BCBC online system. The money machines are not working in school and the canteen cannot accept any cash. Please contact the school for details if you do not have access to the online account. Account information for new year 7 learners has been sent to parents this week. Year 7 learners will be able to ‘loan’ money on their account at the start of term until parents are able to access the online account.
How will break and lunch be organised?
Breaktimes will be staggered so that half the school will be in form period when the other half are having break. There will be an early start to lunch for year 7 and 8 learners. We will be asking all learners to use the outdoor space at break and lunchtime as much as possible. Each year group ‘bubble’ will be told which outdoor space they need to use. They are expected to stay in this area and not mix with another year group. If the weather is poor we have different areas inside for each year group ‘bubble’ also.
Will breakfast be available?
The canteen will provide a limited amount of toast only each morning for learners to purchase. No hot drinks will be available.
Will my child have PE lessons?
Until the 14th September PE lessons will be based in classrooms. This will give the PE department time to plan how they will manage physical PE lessons. From the 14th September there will be limited changing room use. The PE department will communicate details with you at a later date.
Can my child bring a pencil case and bag to school?
All learners are expected to bring a bag with their own pens and pencils every day. Learners should not share equipment. Items brought to school should be kept to a minimum. If you have difficulty providing your child with stationary please contact the school.
What about behaviour?
The school behaviour policy has been amended in line with the Covid guidance. We will expect all learners to follow the rules including staying in their year group ‘bubble’.
Can I bring my child to school?
Yes, you can drive your child to school but you should not exit the vehicle while on site. Use the drop off point to let your child leave the car.
Can I come into the school building?
Unfortunately, we are not allowed visitors on the school site. If you have a query we will do our best to support you via the telephone in the first instance.
Will school trips take place?
Unfortunately, school trips will not take place for the time being.
Will after school buses run?
After school buses will only run for KS5 learners attending collaboration schools, Year 11 Junior Apprenticeship learners and learners attending after school detention.
If you have any other questions or concerns please contact the school
A new youth mayor and deputy youth mayor of Bridgend Youth Council have been elected.
Following an online election, the new youth mayor for Bridgend is Megan Stone from Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen and the new youth deputy mayor is Tino Kaseke from Archbishop McGrath High School.
Megan who is also the UK Youth MP for Bridgend said: “In these difficult times I hope to help the youth of Bridgend to bring some normality back to their lives. I plan to bring the youth’s voice forward to the council and act on my main priorities – sustainability for the future, education on democracy and UK Politics, and tackling youth violence in Bridgend through educational prevention.”
Tino said his three main priorities for the term involve youth mental health awareness, bringing an end to racial injustice through education, and LGBTQ+ rights.
He said: “People don’t understand how much of an impact that they can have on other people so we should leave a positive impact on each other.”
Designed to give young people in Bridgend county borough a voice and help them to have their say on local issues, the youth council is a separate organisation to Bridgend County Borough Council. Set up and run by local young people with support from the local authority, it features a mayor, cabinet members and a number of youth councillors.
Bridgend County Borough Council mayor Stuart Baldwin said: “Congratulations to both our new youth mayor and deputy youth mayor.
“It’s encouraging to see young people take an active interest in local democracy and contributing to their local communities in this way.”
For more details on the youth council, its work or information on how to join email youthcouncil@bridgend.gov.uk
Learners will be in their form groups when they come back to school. These are the rooms they need to go to when they arrive. New timetables will be given out during the first lesson.
Congratulations to Year 11. We appreciate what a difficult time this has been for you. However, we are still immensely proud of what you have achieved.
Like Year 13 you missed out on quite a few important milestones and then had your examinations cancelled.
All of CCYD had great faith in you and this is testament to the results you have achieved today. Even though you have had to pick up your results in a different manner, we were so pleased to see you and share in your fantastic achievements.
Good luck for the future. We know that many of you are returning to our sixth form and we look forward to seeing you in September. For those who are not returning we wish you all the best.
Remember these words: ‘What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.’
Congratulations to all of our learners. We are so proud of you. This has been a very difficult and unsettling time for you. You had your final year cut short and missed out on quite a few milestones. Your examinations were cancelled and you had to pick up your results whilst adhering to social distancing.
You have been a fantastic year group and have played a vital and active role in CCYD including the fight to Save Our Sixth form. All of you who applied to University have been accepted and so you begin your new journey. To those of you who are not going to university good luck on your chosen path.
Remember you will always be a part of CCYD and you will be missed.
BCBC have temporarily suspended the use of school bus passes. There is no need to apply for them prior to September. Further details will be released when the scheme is reintroduced.
Italy Update
Dear Parent/Carer,
Firstly I hope you and your families are safe and well during these unprecedented times.
Secondly, I would like to thank you for your patience with regards to refunds for the cancelled Italy tour. I know that there has not been a lot of correspondence during lockdown, so I thought I would give you a quick update.
The matter has now been passed to the local authority to conclude with the insurance company. The tour company when lockdown first began gave the school two options: either to cancel the tour or defer. After seeking advice from the local authority the only option we had was to cancel the tour as travel restrictions could possibly still be in place come Whitsun next year. Also with the widespread pandemic it was unsure when schools would allow international trips to run again.
The matter was then passed to the insurance company who represent all schools within the county and are dealing with numerous cancelled trips. As you can imagine their workload at the moment is immense but they are working through the claims to try and get them resolved ASAP.
Apologies, that I cannot give a clearer picture as to when you will receive a refund, but rest assured the school is pushing the matter and we are hoping it will be resolved in the near future.
If you would like further information please do not hesitate to contact me at chris.dicomidis@ccyd.org.uk
Thank you once again for your patience with this matter.
Regards,
Chris Dicomedis
Bridgend County Borough Council
Reopening schools – school meals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. My child normally attends breakfast club. Will there be free breakfast
available for them when my child returns to school for Check-in, Catch-
up and Prepare?
There will be no free primary school breakfast provision at this time.
Q2. My child is eligible for free school meals (eFSM). Will they get both a
weekly food parcel as well as a free school meal on the days that they
attend school for Check-in, Catch-up and Prepare?
Yes, free school meals will be available on the days your child attends school
and a weekly food parcel will also be provided.
Q3. Will school meals be available to purchase when my child returns to
school for Check-in, Catch-up and Prepare?
Yes. Although hot meal provision is the preferred option, some schools have
determined that only a packed lunch will be available.
Q4. If my school is providing hot lunches, will the menu be the same one
that was available prior to schools closing in March?
The local authority will be endeavouring to comply with the advertised menu
but there may be reduced options available on a daily basis.
Q5. Can I provide my child with a home produced packed lunch for Check-
in, Catch-up and Prepare?
This is a decision that will be made by individual schools and you are
therefore advised to contact your child’s school directly.
Q6. My child normally has a medical specialist diet. Will this be available on
the days my child attends school for Check-in, Catch-up and Prepare?
Medical specialist diets will be available for your child, but parents would be
expected to update the school on any changes to a previously provided
medical specialist diet, to ensure that the catering service can be informed
prior to your child attending.
Q7. Where will my child eat lunch?
Individual schools will determine the suitability of pupils eating in dining halls
or at their designated desks.
Q8. Will the cashless catering system be functioning?
Yes, however, parents/carers will need to ensure there is sufficient balance on
their child’s account. If you have not received a recent email with your child’s
account balance, you can contact the school administrator to ask for this
information.
It is unlikely that the cash revaluation machines in secondary schools will be
accessible at this time and parents/carers are therefore advised of the need to
credit accounts via the ‘Pay it’ function on the Bridgend County Borough
Council website.
Please note that parents will need to top up their child’s school meal account on-line in readiness for their 2 days in school. Payments can be made on the BCBC website – Pay it. There will be no way of using cash in school. The normal machines are not in use. Thank you.
Please read the letter from Mr L. Harvey. This gives vital information regarding the Re-opening of Schools. Further information will follow regarding the opening of CCYD on the 29th June. We are waiting for further clarification on some key points from Welsh Government. When these are confirmed you will have clear dates and guidance for your child’s – Check in, Catch up and Prepare sessions. All learners will be offered two of these sessions and we will post pictures on the website to show you the new layout of the school. These will hopefully help to alleviate any of your concerns.
Young Person’s Mental Health Toolkit
The Young Person’s Mental Health Toolkit directs young people, aged 11 to 25, to a variety of online resources which can help them through the lockdown and beyond. In each of the six sections there are websites, apps, helplines, and more which support mental health and wellbeing.
Please find below the 30 days wild challenge calendar, suggestions for activities will be on twitter everyday @ccyd_nature
Message from South Wales Police:
Parents of school-age children are being encouraged to be aware of what their children are doing online. During these unprecedented times, they are spending longer each day on the internet, so never has online safety been more important. Since schools closed, there has been an increase in the number of incidents involving indecent images being requested from, and sent to, children. Please – as a parent – make it your responsibility to ensure your child is as protected as they can be from this threat. Why not make internet safety the subject for a home schooling session before your children return to school? It could the most valuable lesson they’ve had – there are many helpful resources to help you and your child.
https://youtu.be/jgmDeT16JwM – Learn about Sexting
https://bit.ly/2YfEzB0 – Advice from Childline
https://connectedkids.org.uk/connected-kids/ – General Kids Internet Safety advice from South Wales Police partner Get Safe Online
At Investors in Families, we have been discussing new ideas that will engage whole families in working together.
Today, we are launching the first round of the All Wales “We are Family” Talent Competition, with its own dedicated website (www.we-are-family.wales).
There are five age-bands: KS1, KS2, KS3, KS 4 & 5 and Family.
There are four categories: Performance, Art, Creativity, Superstars with PRIZES in each category for each age band.
For those of you intending to return to sixth form and hoping to apply for EMA support, the website has been updated and thus the application form is now live for you to complete in readiness for September 2020. All guidance for completing the form is on the website, along with contact details should you need to speak with someone directly.
Clink on the link below and send your form:
https://www.
Key dates for the EMA application process:
*June 2020 – Send your completed EMA application with evidence.
*8 weeks – To be eligible for backdated payments you must apply within 8 weeks of the start of your course.
*31 August 2021 – The final date we can accept your application information and any evidence from you to be eligible for EMA in the academic year 2020 to 2021.
If you have any problems with this process then please email: sarah.humphreys@ccyd.org.uk or katie.hewitt@ccyd.org.uk
30 Days Wild. This June, can you do something wild every day for a month, please include us in your tweets using @ccyd_nature and #30DaysWild
FIRST HAY FESTIVAL DIGITAL PROGRAMME UNVE
Bored at home!! Have a look at the following information. For 5 days there are over 100 events available to you for FREE!!!!! Starts 18th May. For all learners at CCYD!
Featuring novelists, poets, economists, science & health experts, lawyers, historians, journalists, philosophers, actors, comedians and many more!!!!
Topics include, finest fiction, global health and wellbeing during Covid 19, science and the human body, the world after Covid 19, climate campaigns, literacy greats, activism and social justice, world affairs, global economics and the future of work, classics, comedy and much more!!
Any problems/ question please email natalie.richards@ccyd.org.uk
Events for the first Hay Festival Digital have been revealed, bringing writers and readers together 18-31 May 2020 in free live broadcasts and interactive Q&As.
Hay Festival Digital sees more than 100 award-winning writers, global policy makers, historians, pioneers and innovators take part, celebrating the best new fiction and non-fiction, and interrogating some of the biggest issues of our time, from Covid-19 and world health, to the climate crisis and our future, under the theme of #ImagineTheWorld.
Live sessions will be streamed via Crowdcast, offering registered users the opportunity to interactive with fellow audience members and pose their questions to speakers.
Festivalgoers can explore the full programme and register to take part at hayfestival.org/digital.
What would have been the Hay Festival Programme for Schools will also take place online, kicking things off with five days of storytelling and live performances for KS 2, 3 and 4 pupils learning at home, 18-22 May at hayfestival.org/schools. Digital activities to inspire and entertain families will also run throughout the Festival.
People who can make a difference to your life want to hear from you about how life has been like over the last few weeks.
The Children’s Commissioner for Wales, the Youth Parliament and Children in Wales have been working with the Welsh Government, to make sure that they hear and listen to what you have to say. All of those people want to make sure they are doing their best for all children and young people in Wales. They want to make sure that they are giving you the information and support you need to feel as happy as possible during this time and afterwards.
The survey should take you around 15 minutes.
The survey closes on 27th May.
Please share your views. The survey is on this link: www.childcomwales.org.uk/coronavirusandme
As part of the nations celebrations, we take a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Playing The Last Post today, to honour the fallen, is Eeva Salo, a pupil at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen and a member of Bridgend Music Service.
Thank you Eeva.
Please find below our VE Day assembly presentation to celebrate victory in Europe 75 years ago and pay our respects to those that gave their lives for us to enjoy our freedom today.
The University of Exeter will be supporting students, parents/guardians, teachers and advisors over the coming months through various digital platforms. You can join them in supporting students to make informed decisions about their future.
Dear colleague
Today we have launched our two-week consultation on the proposed aims that will underpin the awarding of grades this summer and the specific arrangements for appeals. The consultation will close at 5pm on 13 May 2020. Please see below for more information:
Consultation document
Online consultation survey
Consultation questions
Young person’s consultation document
Young person’s online survey
Consultation: arrangements for summer 2020 exam series
Kind regards
Qualifications Wales Communications and Engagement Team
Please find a PDF link below for updates letter from the Headteacher Mrs Tracey Wellington.
Dear parent/carer
From Tuesday 28 April 2020, the local authority will change its support for pupils eligible for free school meals from a packed lunch, to a fully delivered five day food parcel. The parcel will either be delivered on Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29 or Thursday 30 April.
If you are not currently taking advantage of the packed lunch provision, as a guide, deliveries are planned as follows (but may be subject to some change):
Tuesday 28 April 2020 – North
Cwmfelin, Garth, Llangynwyd, Maesteg, Nantyffyllon & Caerau
Nantymoel, Ogmore Vale, Pantyrawel, Lewistown, Blackmill, Evanstown & Gilfach Goch
Blaengarw, Pontycymer, Llangeinor, Braich-Y-Cymer, Price Town, Pantygog, Pontyrhyl & Evanstown
Wednessday 29 April 2020 – Centre/West
Pyle, Kenfig Hill, Cefn Cribwr, North Cornelly, South Cornelly, Nottage, Newton & Porthcawl
Aberkenfig, Bettws, Coytrahen, Brynmenyn, Tondu, Sarn, Bryncethin, Bryncoch & Ynysawdre
Thursday 30 April 2020 – Town/East
Coity, Litchard, Wildmill, Penyfai, Cefn Glas, Broadlands, Bryntirion, Brackla & Trelales
Penprysg, Pencoed, Coychurch, Heol Y Cyw & Rhiwceiliog
Please note that all deliveries are scheduled to be complete by Thursday 30 April 2020. Please only contact the local authority if you have not received your delivery by 3.30pm on Thursday 30 April 2020 and only via the following email address: fsmcovid19@bridgend.gov.uk
Many thanks
Ex CCYD Head Boy Iwan James was successful last year in gaining a place at University studying journalism. In less than a year he has been rewarded with his first news article being published with the Glamorgan Gazette (walesonline.co.uk).
With his University studies on hold during these very unprecedented times, Iwan continued his talent / passion by reporting and highlighting a story of neighbours coming together for a game of bingo in Ogmore Vale. This is a fantastic achievement by Iwan in getting his article published as he is still in his first year of University. Everyone at CCYD especially the English Department are very proud.
We would also congratulate Scott Harris who organised the Bingo event and managed to raise over £2000 for NHS patients.
Lois Edwards in year 7 has been creating a community spirit and boosting morale in her street during lockdown. Every Thursday she posts a colourful reminder to her neighbours to Clap for our NHS, carers and key workers at 8 pm. Her pictures are displayed in many windows. She is a wonderful example of how important it is to remain positive and support one another in this difficult time.
I hope you managed to have a good Easter break under what can only be described as difficult and unprecedented circumstances. This week should have been the start of the summer term, a very different summer term to the one we were expecting, with all of you about to sit your GCSE examinations. Please read the PDF below.
Dear Parents and carers
I hope you are all well and adjusting to these unprecedented times. As Head of Sixth Form, I thought I would share with you what will be happening in the near future in terms of those who would like to return to CCYD Sixth Form and the expectations that surround this transition in the PDF below.
I wanted to update you on the support we are still providing young people and their parents at this time.
The Wales-wide live chat with expert careers advisers that we launched a couple of weeks ago is proving popular. This service is available Monday to Friday and is available for young people in schools and colleges, parents/guardians and those children who are normally home-schooled. It’s an opportunity for them to discuss any concerns they have about next steps and their future options.
Over the next couple of weeks we will be launching our home-schooling resources as part of the Welsh Government Stay Safe. Stay Learning campaign and we will be promoting this via our social media channels. The resources will include a series of webinars and lesson plans that parents and young people can complete together at home.
We also have a live Q&A for parents with our careers advisers across our Facebook and Twitter channels on Thursday 23 April between 2-3pm. This is another opportunity for parents to chat through any concerns they have about their child’s next steps.
Please keep visiting our website and our social media channels for the latest information about accessing our services.
If you would like to get in touch with me, I can be contacted on nikki.lawrence@careerswales.
Nikki Lawrence, Chief Executive, Careers Wales
To support learners with distance learning a fortnightly overview sheet has been produced (see PDF below) detailing the work and how it can be accessed. The vast majority of work and guidance will come from 2 main areas: via the school website and the Google Classroom platform. Staff can be contacted via their school email address (located on department pages) for further support and guidance. Any issues with passwords and school emails then please email our support team password@ccyd.org.uk
I just wanted you to be aware of the weekly young carers activities we are offering, please find below a PDF file showing the timetable week commencing 20/04/2020
Rhian Watts
Young Carers Education Programme Manager
Bridgend Carers Centre
Tel: 01656 658470
Mobile: 07384 813685
The local authority is proposing to change its approach to supporting pupils who are eligible for free school meals from the current sandwich provision to a delivered five day food hamper. For pupils with special dietary requirements eg vegetarian, a five day frozen meal option is available as an alternative.
The local authority will assume that all pupils registered as eligible for free school meals will require a delivered food parcel (or frozen meal) unless parents/carers opt-out of this arrangement. If you wish for your child to receive a food parcel, you do not need to do anything. If however, you do not wish your child to receive a food parcel, please inform me no later than 5:00pm on Tuesday 21 April, 2020. If your child has a special dietary requirement please email: Robin.davies@bridgend.gov.uk
Please click the link below to read a message for all Summer 2020 GCSE, AS, A level and Skills Challenge Certificate learners.
Free school meals are continuing to be provided for children eligible for free school meals throughout the Easter holidays including Good Friday and Bank Holiday Monday.
If your child is eligible for free school meals, meals can be collected from the below collection points between 11:30am and 1pm between Monday and Friday (inclusive).
Please see the link below for the latest information
Dear Parents/Carers and Learners,
This is a strange letter to compose because this is not the end of term any of us would have wished for. Normally we would be finishing this time of year with the hustle and bustle of preparing Years 10 to 13 for their examinations.
CCYD will now take a break for the next two weeks for the Easter holidays. This is really important for the wellbeing of all staff and learners. This means that staff will not be setting work or answering emails until the 20th April. This will give everyone the opportunity to relax and re-energise.
After Easter, we will be compiling a two-week timetable of work for each year group. This will be shared with everyone. We have been pleased with how most of our learners have engaged with Google classrooms and the resources provided on our website from the Learning at Home icon. There will also be a new logo with information on how to support mental health and wellbeing throughout this difficult time. If you do not have access to ICT equipment and need more work sent home, please let us know via the contact email or contact your child’s Pastoral Lead/Head of Year.
Staff will also be taking time to consider the predicted grades that we have to provide for WJEC. We are still waiting for further guidance on this but it is important that all learners stay in contact with their subject teacher’s because they will be requesting and setting work that will help with this process. When we receive further guidance from the Welsh Government and Qualifications Wales we will let you know.
It is vitally important we continue to work together throughout this time. It is important for learners to establish a daily routine/timetable that is balanced and not to panic. It is important that they balance this with some physical activity and some activities that help their general wellbeing.
Remember to take care of each other during this difficult time and to stay safe.
Warmest regards,
Tracey Wellington
Have you signed up for your free month yet? You can access all of our resources for FREE – just go to www.twinkl.co.uk/offer and enter the code UKTWINKLHELPS
InvestIN is delighted to offer six STEM-related career experience programmes LIVE & ONLINE this spring for students aged 15-18.
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Pupils in year 11 and 13 were in the process of completing the individual project. This one essay is worth 50% of the overall grade achieved. We were working towards a deadline of Friday 4th April to complete this work.
The details of how grades will be awarded has not yet been given to schools, although we have been informed that any teacher judgements provided will need to be evidence based.
When school closures were announced we were at the point of completing these projects and the majority of pupils would have already had feedback from their teachers and amendments to work on. We would therefore expect all pupils to be working on the improvements. This will give teachers the evidence that is required to support the WJEC in awarding grades. We understand that in the last week, many pupils have been working on completing their project, we are thankful for this as it will aid teachers in making accurate judgements when grades are awarded.
Pupils can continue to complete their project and in fact are encouraged to as the skills developed within this piece of work can be transferred to further studies whether that be 6th form, college or university.
If you have any questions regarding this matter please contact me by email.
Kind regards
Rhian Wilson
rhian.wilson@ccyd.org.uk
Strategic Lead: Health, WellBeing and Skills
As the grip of Covid 19 continues, in a phenomenal effort to tackle the pandemic, frontline workers are testing their skills and knowledge like never before.
By Philip Blaker, Chief Executive, Qualifications Wales
Our health and social care workforce is fighting to protect our most vulnerable. People employed in manufacturing and engineering are putting their skills to the test working against the clock to produce sufficient equipment to tackle the challenge. Meanwhile logistics managers work out a swift and efficient distribution process for essential goods to supply supermarkets and pharmacies across the UK.
The spectrum of skills and knowledge needed in this simple and limited summary of industry illustrates why vocational qualifications are necessarily diverse in range and nature.
With exams and assessments cancelled and learners not facing the usual methods of assessment in 2020, the diversity of the vocational qualification offer brings challenges for finding a solution to the current crisis.
With the dominant headlines around GCSEs and A levels, you could be forgiven for thinking vocational qualifications have been neglected. This is far from the case. Discussions are ongoing but the detail is different, reflecting the richness of the vocational offer and the complexity of the challenge.
Unlike publicly funded A levels and GCSEs in Wales, which are primarily offered by the Wales-based awarding body, WJEC, vocational qualifications are delivered by a number of awarding bodies.
For qualifications taken only by learners in Wales, we are working closely with awarding bodies and stakeholders to make the right decisions for our learners. They include Essential Skills Wales and the new suite of health and social care qualifications. Because these are specific to Wales, we can make decisions independently and we hope to provide an update on these shortly.
Over recent weeks, we’ve also been working together across the UK nations to work out the answers to some extremely difficult questions. We needed to think through every aspect carefully and what sort of extraordinary measures we might need to put in place. We have to balance a complex series of needs including those of learners, employers, awarding bodies, schools, colleges as well as training providers and universities.
Due to the wide range of vocational qualifications it was never going to be possible to implement a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
We are working closely with colleagues at Ofqual – the qualifications regulator for England – who are co-ordinating the response for vocational qualifications and are aiming to share an update as quickly as possible.
We’re working together to develop solutions that have the same broad principles across types of qualifications, with the aim of protecting learners and ensuring fairness in these most exceptional circumstances.
While the principles will be consistent, the details for each qualification will differ. We are advising centres and education professionals in Wales to communicate with their awarding bodies to understand how the awarding process will work this year.
We have established a coronavirus hub on our website, which includes a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) which you can click here to access. As answers become clear, awarding bodies will have their own versions of this and will be ready to answer the specific questions you may have.
To everyone in Wales who has been keenly waiting for news on this, thank you for helping us to help you and for your patience in these difficult times.
The speed and complexity of the challenges we face are without precedent, solutions will not be quick or easy but will be well thought out and measured ensuring fairness and equity for all.
Useful websites:
Thank you for your recent communication regarding a request for a free school meal delivery.
Due to overwhelming demand, the local authority is unable to process applications in time for delivery on Thursday 26 March.
We are very sorry but if you have not been informed by the local authority that your application for delivery has been successful, you will need to collect your meal from one of the 23 identified collection points.
Successful applicants for the delivery service will be advised in due course.
Please see below for a list of collection points
What you need to know about access to schools and childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
http://www.cscjes.org.uk/news/articles/bd5575b7-9878-49df-baf6-a1d85b7dc74f
Dear Parents/carers and guardians
The local authority has been working on an emergency mobilisation plan to make available, for collection, a take away packed lunch for those pupils eligible for free school meals from Monday 23 March 2020.
Twenty three collection points have been identified within local schools ( list below ). The packed lunches will be available in the main reception area of these schools between 1pm and 2pm. We are hoping to move the collection time to 12 noon to 1pm following our assessment of suitability of these timings.
Please attend your nearest school to your home.
On Monday 23 March 2020 we will be providing one days lunch provision but we hope to move to providing two days provision as soon as food supply deliveries allow us to. This change will be communicated to you at your collection school.
I would be grateful if you could limit the amount of people attending the school collection points on each day.
Many thanks
Collection Point
Cynffig Comprehensive
Brackla Primary
Betws Primary
Ffaldau Primary
Brynmenyn Primary
Cefn Glas Infants
Caerau Primary
Litchard Primary
Corneli Primary
Pencoed Primary
YGG Llangynwyd
Brynteg Lower
Bryntirion Comprehensive
Nantymoel Primary
West Park Primary
Ogmore Vale Primary
Brynteg Comprehensive
Penyfai Primary
St Marys & St Patricks
Tynyrheol Primary
Ysgol Bryn Castell Special School
Archbishop McGrath
Coleg Cymunedol y Dderwen
IMPORTANT: Key-workers of learners at CCYD please contact the school by the end of the day if you are employed within the NHS, police, fire & rescue, ambulance and those delivering social care
You can email us if the phone is busy via the contact us page.
Following the announcement made by Welsh Government and our regulator Qualifications Wales, we can confirm that there will be no summer examinations this year in Wales.
This unprecedented decision was made in light of the global crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and our priority is to ensure the health, wellbeing and safety of our teachers and learners.
We understand the significance of this decision and the implications this will have on our learners. We will work with Qualifications Wales and Welsh Government to ensure that we put robust arrangements in place to ensure that learners in Wales receive a fair grade for their GCSE and A level qualifications this summer. Once we have progressed with this work, we will advise centres on the actions we will be taking as soon as possible.
https://www.wjec.co.uk/about-us/latest-news/cancellation-of-summer-examination-2020-wales
If you have children at home self isolating and require support from us, please contact the school.
We will continue to update our school website with news and information.
If you have children at home self isolating and require support from us, please contact the school. We will continue to update our school website with news and information.
Dear Parent/Carer
RE: Tuesday 17th March 2020 Non-school uniform day
On Tuesday 17th March 2020 we will be holding a non-school uniform day with a £1 contribution for charity.
The purpose will be to raise money for Sport Relief and the school pupil fund. Our sixth form learners will be running Sport Relief events at break and lunchtime during the week of Monday 16th March in order to raise money.
As always, your support is greatly appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
Cath Pope
Assistant Headteacher
CCYD Year 13 music class are putting on a gig at Blaengarw RFC (the halfway) March 20th. We’d really appreciate it if you could come and support us for this night as it’s part of our coursework. Tickets are just £3.50 or £4 on the door. Some throwback songs to encourage your moves on the dance floor, why not!!!!!! So please come and support us!
In the Autumn term, pupils from CCYD were given the opportunity to enter an art competition in conjunction with Cancer Research Uk. They were asked to create a painting/drawing in response to the theme “My World.”
Eleven entries from CCYD were chosen for the exhibition at the Cardiff Metropolitan School of Art and Design. The winners were announced at the open evening on Tuesday. We were delighted that Naomi Davies won first prize in the year 7-9 category, with Sonny Haigh coming second. Elizabeth Alm, Ruby Smith and Maddison Parry also won highly commended prizes. The pupils who also had their work selected for the exhibition were Katelyn Stephens, Olivia Quick, Poppy Foley, Kerri-Anne Trevelyan and Siobhan Cundle. A great achievement considering the Competition was rolled out to all schools in Cardiff and the surrounding areas.
Dear Parent/Carer,
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to come along to CCYD for a University talk on Monday 30th March 5pm- 6pm. During this time, we have a guest speaker from the University of South Wales who will be giving information on finance, the next steps and general university information.
This will be a great opportunity for any parents or carers who have a son/daughter leaving to go to university in September or for any parent/carer who would like some information prior to the UCAS application process beginning in September. It is also an opportunity to ask any questions on any aspect of University that you may be unsure about.
It would be lovely to see you there and I hope that you can join us for this talk.
If you have any questions in relation to this, please do not hesitate to contact me on sarah.humphreys@ccyd.org.uk
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Humphreys
Head of Sixth Form
CCYD held its annual Careers Fayre / Options Evening for learners in year 11 looking at their future choices. A huge thank you to both staff and external agencies who supported the event and gave our learners lots of important advice.
Parents! Come along with your child to Careers Wales’ ‘Apprenticeships Work’ event at Cardiff City Hall on Friday 6 March 2:30pm-6pm. https://bit.ly/3arvN6A
2000+ responses/petitions to SAVE OUR SIXTH FORM are being delivered to BCBC from CCYD today. A BIG thank you to our school community for your support.
