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Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award @CCYD

A mixed bag of weather saw the groups set off for their bronze and silver awards this week. Learners were excited to set off and have made a very positive start on their two and three day excursions respectively. 
 
Lots of positivity and energy from the groups has seen them make fantastic progress over the past two days, with one more day for the silver group to go. 
 
The learners continue to show pride in their performances and attitude and are a great attribute to CCYD.
 
Diolch Pawb.
 
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Grace represents the Fire Service in Regional & Nationals

Good news at CCYD! Grace is representing the Fire Service in Wales as a Cadet in regional and national competitions for presenting kit /drills. She is completing a BTEC qualification with the Fire Service after school hours and attends training three times a week. Grace was introduced to the Fire Service via the ‘Tackle’ program, run by the Ospreys in the community in CCYD in 2023/24. 
 
Whilst attending Fire Cadets, in the Bridgend branch, Grace and fellow cadets in South Wales were told there would be a competition within the region to see who could compete, then represent the area, also to go forward to National level, regarding performing kit drills.  Only six were picked, Grace being one of them. She was put into first aid and equipment assembly. She placed first in both the categories she was entered into. 
 
Because of that success within the region, the group are going to National Competitions on September the 27th 2024, to Portsmouth against England. Also competing in Scotland. There is also a higher level of international competition to aspire to. The Fire Service have spotted Graces’ excellent qualities and it is likely Grace will be asked to stay on for a third year, as a cadet, so that she can become a junior instructor to other younger cadets. 
 
We are very proud of Grace, her grit and determination in this activity and in all her academic achievements. We wish her all the best with her upcoming competition, she is a credit to her family, school,Tackle, but most of all herself.
 
Diolch Grace!
 
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School Stationery Back to School

BACK TO SCHOOL STATIONERY – reminder that we have a shop located in the library selling stationery for learners. Get your stationery in the next two weeks ready for September.

 

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Ospreys Army Team Building

Monday was funday for the year 9 Ospreys Tackle group this week. The group were invited to The Grange in Swansea for an Army Team building event along with seven other schools from the Ospreys district. 
 
We were teamed up with Ysgol Cwm Brombil for activities which included problem solving, puzzles, basic skills and physical challenges, whilst also meeting professionals from the Armed Forces and Civil Services who spoke about their professions and experiences. Pupils had the opportunity to ask questions about their careers with pros and cons. 
 
It was a unique opportunity to be involved with such a diverse group of service providers and pupils from the whole rugby district.
 
A big thank you to the Army, Navy, Royal Air Force, Border Force, Fire Service and of course the Ospreys Community Officers who organised this event and made it possible.
 
Dioch yn fawr pawb.
 
 
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Lille Christmas Market Trip

CCYD’s MFL (Modern foreign Languages Department) will be running a trip to Lille Christmas Market on the 7th & 8th December 2024.  We are limited to 45 places and this will be on a first come first serve basis. Detailed letters for this trip will be handed out the week commencing Monday 24th. 

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FORCES FITNESS 2024

Thursday 20th June in Bridgend Rec, was the scene for the Forces Fitness Festival for 2024. 
 
The learners were engaged from the start. There was a carousel of activities from The Army, Forces Fitness, Bridgend Music Service, Tai Chi, MPCT and Raw Performance. 
 
We were fortunate enough to have good weather on our side and support from staff in the BCBC Borough who organised the whole event. 
 
A huge thank you also to the other comprehensive schools from the borough that supported in all the groups making it a great success and very enjoyable event. 
 
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Ospreys Beach Rugby Tournament

Wednesday we were able to attend the Annual Beach Rugby Tournament arranged by the Ospreys in the Community with Community Officers at Rest Bay, Porthcawl. CCYD learners were invited to coach pupils from many primary schools in the Bridgend area. Also they ran lines, monitored pitches and supported the touch rugby games that took place over the day. 
 
The pupils in all junior schools were enthusiastic participants and CCYD were excellent support, bearing in mind that this was only their second “real life experience” at coaching. 
 
The day was extremely well run by the Ospreys Staff who also provided the music entertainment and kept the program running over the whole day.
 
Thank you for having CCYD to the tournament and a very big well done to all who participated.
 
Diolch yn fawr.
 
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Year 8 Seren Event

Some of our CCYD year 8 learners were invited to a Seren event in Pencoed College especially for year 8 pupils, across Bridgend County.
 
Learners took part in four workshops Computer Programming, Egg throw challenge and Chemistry Kahoot, that tested their skills abilities and knowledge with a discussion to finish regarding building resilience and learning how to look after their mental health. 
 
The learners that went today were a credit to CCYD and also winners of two out of three challenges, a draw on the third!
 
Thank you to Pencoed College who hosted the day, the BCBC Seren coordinators, who were exceptional instructors and support for all. Also thanks to the guest speakers who were so helpful and kind. 
 
Learners are already looking forward to the next Seren Event at Cardiff University. 
 
Diolch Pawb. 
 
 
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Leadership + Programme

Ogmore Vale Halo Centre was the venue today for the first of our Leadership + visits out to test the coaching skills practiced by the CCYD group so far this term.
We were introduced to the manager Jordan who spoke to the learners regarding the AYPD qualification as a past local pupil who had been involved on the course himself when in school. He then showed the learners the gym equipment on which they were given a chance to test out their fitness and practice on, before meeting younger learners from Ogmore Vale Primary School from year four.
A circuit of activity was created and the junior school learners were able to take part in the games created by CCYD learners. The pictures show that this was a success, also that all were able to take part.
Thank you to all the staff in Halo and AYPD that were on hand to support us this afternoon. It was a pleasure to see everyone with focus and enthusiasm for the activities.
Diolch yn fawr pawb
 
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National Hate Crime Awareness Week – tag rugby festival

CCYD were proud to host the Bridgend Junior School tag rugby festival, run by the Bridgend School Police
liaison officers in conjunction with Ospreys Tackle Community officers to promote National Hate Crime Awareness Week. This was a highly competitive event with a high standard of entries from all around the Bridgend area. CCYD learners from Tackle and Rugby Leaders groups helped support and referee the games, making new connections with younger learners in and out of our catchment area. Oldcastle Junior School were the overall winners on the day, but a huge congratulations to all who took part, they were a credit to the schools they represented. Hopefully we’ll see them again next year. Da iawn Pawb.

 

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CCYD YEAR 9 HEROES

On Monday 22nd April 2024, a local resident decided to take her little dog for a walk, it was such a beautiful day, and she hadn’t walked the dog for a while due to her rheumatoid arthritis. Whilst tossing stones into the river for the dog to fetch the retractable lead accidentally self locked causing her to lose her balance, trip over a tree root and take the full impact of the fall to her face/head. Before she could react to the shock of the impact she now found herself falling down the banking and into the river and in fear of drowning. The lady was now soaking wet, her whole body was in the river, she was cold, shivering and in shock. Luckily she was still conscious and able to keep her face out of the water but lay there for a while alone and vulnerable. The lady then tried to pull herself out from the water but couldn’t, her hand was bleeding and in pain from the fall. At this point she realised she was in trouble, not visible from the path and unable to grasp her phone to call for help she called out but her voice was weak from the trauma. A cyclist sped passed but didn’t hear her. The lady continued to call out in vain until luckily two boys walking past managed to hear her cries for help. They immediately came running over and helped the lady out of the water and up the banking to the path. Their names were Aiden Fox and Jacob Jones, both year 9 learners at CCYD and they were absolutely amazing, Jacob was supporting/holding the lady up while Aiden phoned for help. As the lady only lives around the corner they were able to bring a car quickly. The lady was very upset, blood running down her hand, a lump on her head the size of a large potato. She was promptly driven to hospital and after tests and medical support was later discharged from A & E with concussion, a large swelling on her head and lots of cuts and bruises.  She was black and blue for days, but thankfully no broken bones. Both Aiden and Jacob called at the house on the Wednesday after the accident to see how she was, they were both shocked to see the extent of the bruising.  Both boys reluctantly accepted a reward as they both felt they acted on instinct and did what was right.  The grateful lady said “We hear so many bad things today about children & teenager’s so I wanted people to know, not all children are bad, this has restored my faith in humanity, I will be forever grateful to these two lovely lads for what they did for me that day, and I will never forget them.  Their parents who I have contacted, are and should be very proud of these two boys and I hope my story will be read out in assemblies to all the other learners.  I’m still suffering from concussion and still very bruised but forever grateful I’m here to tell my story, all thanks to Aiden and Jacob. Thank you boys”.  CCYD are very proud to have learners like these representing our school and local community.

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CCYD TACKLE PROJECT

Learners were using the facilities outside this week in preparation for a CCYD hosted rugby festival next week run by the police in conjunction with the “ Tackle after Dark” programme. Learners trained for the games to come and completed practice in their referring sessions. 
 
We are looking forward to welcoming approximately nine junior schools from all over Bridgend for touch rugby games. 
 
CCYD Tackle learners will support and referee the games as part of the collaboration. This is an exciting opportunity and we are very much looking forward to it. More updates from the day to follow next week. 
 
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Karate Kid at CCYD

Super proud of year 8 learner Ava Hitchings who has competed in the UK Tangsudo karate Invitational Championships this weekend. She has won bronze and silver medal in her class. Fantastic achievement. Ardderchog Ava!
 
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CCYD Learner Leadership+ Group

The CCYD Leadership + group are honing their skills in preparation to work with one of our feeder primary schools. 
 
This will involve learners from CCYD leading games with younger learners in order to gain coaching experience and build relationships with their wider community. 
 
We are really looking forward to the challenge and setting new standards for the learners in a fun way, as well as coaching games they are passionate about and continuing to gain confidence in. 

Da iawn pawb. 
 
 
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Ospreys Tackle – Problem Solving

A new term brings a new challenge! The learners have been practicing the same warm up game every week, trying to improve on technique. This week proved that resilience pays off.  “Up and across “ completed to the best standard yet meant a free choice of physical activity before moving to the classroom for problem solving.
 
Part of every learners’ progress is to work their way through challenges and processing how to do this in their own way, but also today working as a group. 
 
It is said that necessity is the mother of invention, there was evidence of a lot of invention in the group work today. More skills work to follow, but very good progress again this week!
 
Da iawn pawb. 
 
 
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Dunraven Welsh Singer of the Year

Just WOW!  Congratulations to our beautiful Esther Thomas-Bizjack on winning her category in the “Dunraven Welsh Singer of the Year” live finals held at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on 24th March 2024.  Esther is a year 10 learner at CCYD and we’re all so proud of you.  Here she is performing one of her winning songs; “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from The Phantom of the Opera. absolutely stunning  Arbennig Esther.

CAMHS SHINE TEAM

CAMHS SHINE team will be running workshops across Easter school holidays for parents of children and young people across Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board. We kindly urge you to take advantage of this provision.

 

For further information on how to join these free workshops, please see the information poster attached.

 

 

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Stadium Tour

Today we were fortunate enough to be invited to visit the Swansea.com Stadium in Swansea. This visit, organized by Kyle Tucker/Ospreys Community Officer, gave the learners of CCYD a chance to meet two of the Ospreys/Welsh players Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake for a Q&A session. This was followed with a tour of the facility.
 
Meeting the players and being able to ask questions was a privilege for the learners involved and one that they thoroughly enjoyed. Both players and the supporting staff were very professional, accommodating and kind. 
 
We were also happy to meet with learners from other schools involved in Tackle. These were from Bryntirion, Brynteg and Porthcawl Schools, this led to a lovely community atmosphere and a great opportunity to meet learners from other areas. 
 
We are very grateful to the Osprey’s players and the Community officers for their support and time as always. 
 
Diolch yn fawr pawb!
 
 
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LEADERSHIP +

Leadership + took place today. Learners worked on rules, safety and motivation. Lots of games and discussions of ideas in preparation for the coaching sessions they are building towards. 
 
Diolch pawb! 
 
 
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TACKLE PROJECT – BLIND CHALLENGE

Tackle had a surprise element to the session this week – blindfolds!   It becomes familiar to complete tasks when we practice and get used to routines. Not so much when you are blindfolded.  This proved to the learners that even the more confident in the group had to re invent their ways to help develop their skills of communication and creativity. 
A fun session where learners learned that not all communication is verbal and a how much listening is just as important, a very useful life skill.
 
Da iawn pawb. 
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POST 16 Options Evening

Options evening this year was a huge success with each department showcasing their Post 16 qualifications. We also accommodated over 19 outside agencies who discussed alternative pathways outside of school. The parents / carers and learners were very grateful they had the opportunity to discuss options with staff and see the full range of options available. A big thank you to all those who attended and supported the decision making of our learners.

 

 

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FORCES Fitness

Today we welcomed Forces Fitness to CCYD. They will be providing sessions for some of our learners for the next 5 weeks. Learners will be following a program of fun activities which will support their physical fitness and collaboration along the way, unleashing their potential!
 
The learners performed very well and are already looking forward to the next session.
 

Diolch pawb. 

J M Davies
 
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Classical Singing Exam Success

We end the half term with brother and sister duo Esther and Joseph Thomas-Bizjak proudly showing off their certificates after both achieving ‘distinctions’ in their recent classical singing exams! A fantastic achievement both! We’re so proud of you. Arbennig!

 

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DARE 2 EXPLORE

The last session of Dare 2 Explore took place the week prior to half term. We are hugely grateful to Nature Quest for their support and commitment to help our learners learn more about their environment and their surroundings.  The learners have visited Bryngarw Park, Gorwellion and Sandy Bay, Porthcawl, as well as Kenfig Pool over a number of weeks and learned a lot about how nature and the environment works and how to look after it.  Learners also get to benefit by bringing their knowledge and creations back to school/home. The picture below is of bat boxes built in the last session that we are able to use in our school. These will be used with the bird boxes and bug hotels that previous pupils in the group have built.
Da iawn pawb ac Dioch yn fawr! 
 
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INSET DAY

 

Reminder: Tuesday 6th February is an INSET day. School is closed to learners.

CCYD U18 BOYS FOOTBALL – QUARTER FINALISTS

After penalty shootout drama and a superb performance from our U18 football team they have beaten Lewis Bargoed 2-2 (3-1 on pens). They have made history making it to the quarter finals of the Welsh Cup. A first for CCYD. We could not be any prouder.

 

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Careers Event

Today we hosted a Career’s event for our 6th form and year 11 learners to explain different roles and the entry routes for apprenticeships in a variety of sectors including, 

Social / Child Care – We Care Wales

Local Authority – BCBC

Armed Forces – Navy , Army and RAF

Sunbelt – Customer Services , Engineering, Construction Maintenance Mechanic, Driving , Electro Technical

Police

NHS – Cwm Taf Morgannwg

Employers will share their career path and progression with learners.  Learners will be able to have one to one conversation with the sectors they are most interested in and received material to support their future choices. 

 

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DARE2EXPLORE

Dare 2 Explore had a visit to the beach recently. Lots of skills were put into practice, from food prep, researching beach life and collecting new materials for crafts. We also completed a beach clean up with a short slot for some sand play. A very productive session with the luck of the weather with us for the day! We are looking forward to the next session and seeing what activities are coming up. Diolch pawb.

 

 

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NIA LEWIS – U17’s TEAM WALES

Congratulations to CCYD learner Nia Lewis who was picked for the U17’s Women’s Wales Football Team. Nia gets to play two friendly matches against Belgium and Czechia in the coming weeks and hopefully gets on the score sheet as well as supporting team mates to win the games.. Nia wears the #6 jersey and is looking forward to the experience as she develops her career in the sport of football.

 

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DYLAN SAGE – TEAM WALES

Super proud of CCYD learner Dylan Sage who flew to Apeldoorn in the Netherlands to represent Team Wales in the Junior Track cycling Championships. Dylan is a junior pro cyclist who I’m sure we’ll see enter the “Tour de France” or ride in the Olympics. Aged only 16 Dylan is already sponsored by a pro team and destined for great things in the sport of cycling. Well done Dylan!.

 

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DRAMA DEPARTMENT TRIP – PAN GOES WRONG

The Drama department had the best evening at the Wales Millennium Centre watching the latest play “Pan Goes Wrong’. It was pure comedy gold and an incredible learning experience for our budding performers. We even managed to get a photo with the main man himself! The learners thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were impeccably behaved, a pleasure to organise a trip for such a lovely bunch.

 

 

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Tackle Project

This week’s Tackle report.
 
The ‘T’ in tackle is for Teamwork!
 
One of our esteemed long serving colleagues has retired this week, leaving some staff wondering how we could replace such an experienced and dedicated colleague. The pupils have given us an answer….Teamwork!
 
Working together is a huge life skill and one they have been working on recently with all that this includes, such as communication, supporting each other, working together, empathy, maturity, focus, goal setting, problem solving and growth mindset.
 
This is not a one off week practice, the learners have been working on this since the beginning of term and will continue to do so, to enhance their knowledge and abilities. 
 
The group are becoming leaders in their own rights and it is interesting to see the development and consideration taken for themselves and each other. It is exciting to watch and a reminder for us all that success for one, is success for all of us. 
 
Da iawn pawb!
 
 
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CCYD CHRISTMAS DOOR DECORATING WINNERS

When learners found out they could decorate a teachers door for a Christmas competition it was game on.

The challenge was set, decorate a door in 3 weeks with a festive theme using whatever resources you could get your hands on. The competition was judged by the school council who were to be honest “brutal” in their assessment.

After judging over 50 doors we ended up with joint first place winners Mr Davies in D&T and Mrs Grabham in Maths.

Mr Davies opted for a log cabin theme with the help of product design learners Abbie Davies & Ruby Hughes and Mrs Grabham went with the Polar Express theme incorporating a conductor and working headlight. 

The overall winning department who picks up the prestigious accolade is English. They went all out and combined their creative flair to dominate the Department prize.

A huge congratulations to all the learners and teachers who took part in this very successful activity and thank you for making it so much fun in the lead up to Christmas.

 

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Oxford University – Seren Learners

Ten CCYD 6th Form Seren learners had the opportunity to visit Oxford University this week as part of the SEREN network. The Seren Academy supports Wales’ most able educated learners to achieve their full academic potential into leading universities and succeed on highly selective degree programmes. All learners enjoyed the trip and absorbed the experience of Oxford University.

 

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DARE2EXPLORE

The learners were able to finish the six week course of Dare 2 Explore this week on a high! Activities included den building, crafts, pizza making, outdoor cooking with their families invited to join the group at the end of their last session.
It was lovely to relay to the families, the activities that the learners have been taking place and also the discussion about what was enjoyed and experienced. It was clear to everyone that the learners enjoyed the different activities with robust enthusiasm!
Congratulations to those learners who have now completed this course and received their certificates today. We hope to see Dare 2 Explore again in the new year.
 
 
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CCYD Bottle Top Competition

A big thank you to all staff and learners who took part in the plastic bottle tops competition. We have had thousands collected. I have attached some photos. 
 
All year groups from years 7-11 took part with year 7 getting the most collections. Tutor groups in Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 also worked really hard with their collections 👏
 
The Eco committee and D&T department are currently in the process of making products. We are melting them down and creating shapes for Christmas Baubles, Necklaces and Earrings etc. These will be available to purchase at a small cost either this Christmas or next Christmas. 
 
The competition results are:  
 
1st Place =  2522 bottle tops (7I – Mrs Whitney-Embleton Form) 15 POINTS (per learner) 
2nd Place = 2167 bottle tops (7G Mrs Western Form) 6 POINTS (per learner)
3rd Place = 1273 bottle tops (7W Mrs McGuiness- West) 3 POINTS (per learner)  
 
Congratulations to these tutor groups 👏 Please congratulate the learners on their efforts and hard work. 
 
All other participating tutor groups will receive 1 reward point per learner. Award points will be awarded before we break up for Christmas. 
 
 
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NIA LEWIS RECEIVES WELSH CAP

CCYD Learner Nia Lewis received her Welsh cap this week after representing her country during the  group stage U17’s qualifiers against Albania, Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands.  Wales won all three games 2-0, 1-0, 6-0 with Nia scoring 3 of those goals. So, so proud of you Nia and look forward to seeing you progress in the future.

 

 

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Last Tackle Project for 2023

Today was the last session for our Tackle group before Christmas. A little creative game time and quiz to finish on a high.
 
The learners have been working hard on sport’s coaching which will be picked up again in January, on our return to school after Christmas. 
 
The learners have shown their resilience in lots of changes within the group, but are showing signs of resilience and growing confidence, which is very encouraging to see. 
 
Diolch I bawb a Nadolig Llawen I gyd.
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Year 9 Options

Year 9 are currently considering 3 ‘free choice’ options for next year. They have had assemblies and information. They need to make their selection by the end of the day tomorrow using the google form on the year group google classroom. There will be another options run in February with the options columns. Parents/options eve is on the 25th Jan. Attached is the presentation they had last week in assembly.

thanks

Mrs James – Assistant Headteacher

 

 

Year 9 Options

Year 9 Options

Year 11 Pathways (6th form, college, apprenticeship or employment)

Year 11 are currently considering their pathways for next year. (6th form, college, apprenticeship or employment). They have had assemblies and information. They need to complete their initial post 16 choices by the end of the day tomorrow using the google form on the year group google classroom. They can of course change their mind and once we have the information in we can support individuals with their pathways. There will be another options run in February with the options columns for 6th form. Parents/options eve is on the 22nd Feb. Attached is the presentation they had last week in assembly.

thanks

Mrs James – Assistant Headteacher

Year 11 Post 16 Options

Year 11 Post 16 Options

Dare2Explore Project

Learning to light and cook on an open fire is not an easy skill, but the Dare 2 Explore group today showed their resilience to get their breakfasts made!
 
Firstly learning how to light a fire with a flint and steel. This is a skill that comes easier with practice so tentative steps, to light the cotton wool to start. Next, how to lay the fire so it’s warm enough to cook on. The menu was bacon, beans and toast. Nobody went hungry, I’m happy to say.
 
After this we completed some crafts with the materials collected on the beach last week, mostly in a Christmas theme with some very professional items. 
 
 
 
The group confidence is growing and each learner is becoming more independent every week.  All are looking forward to the last session in Bryngarw Country Park. Parents and carers of those learners attending are invited to join the group at the classroom in the park between 11am-12pm.
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Fencing and Disability Sports Wales at CCYD

The Motorskills Group of ALN learners took part in a taster session this week to try out fencing. We had the GB Fencing and Disability Sports Wales representatives to give the learners a session during lunch time.
All the learners thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
 
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Dare2Explore Project

A clear day for the Sandy Bay visit today for the Dare to Explore learners. We started with a litter pick, followed by games and free time on the sand to pick shells, driftwood and stones for some crafting. Some great team work during the game session. 
 
Some unusual discoveries and discussions of what was found, fossils, quartz and more! This was rounded off by hot dogs on the beach. A very lovely visit and some lovely scenery to have an outdoor lesson today.
 
Diolch pawb!
 
 
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Careers Wales

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Dear parents and carers,

Is your child in year 8 or 9 and choosing their subject options?

The Careers Wales website has useful information which can support you to help your child navigate their career path.

You’ll find dedicated parent pages to help you support your child in making informed decisions. There are also specific year 8 and 9 options pages with top tips on making subject choices.

If you’re looking for ways to help generate ideas about future careers you may find the Buzz Quiz, Career Match Quiz and CareersCraft useful. 

Ospreys Tackle Ambassadors

Today Carys Large from 2022/23’s Tackle group was fortunate to visit Swansea.com stadium for a collaboration with representatives from Port Talbot and Swansea Osprey Community Tackle groups as part of the ambassador program. 
 
Carys is representing CCYD as an ambassador for this year, the only learner representing Bridgend schools. There were also ambassadors from Port Talbot (St Josephs) and Swansea (Bishop Vaughan).
 
The key areas for progression were up for discussion; ideas were floated amongst the group for Wellbeing, Mental Health, Sustainability, Nutrition etc. This led to some interesting and productive communication for further consideration, with ideas to relate back and to follow through in the current and future Tackle groups. 
 
Thank you to Tilly Davies and Mel Sartain who hosted this session with a further three sessions to take place over the year. Progress as to the feasibility of the ideas and planning will follow in the next meetings with more collaboration amongst our fellow schools in the Ospreys region.
 
Also a big thank you to the representatives from St Joseph and Bishop Vaughan who were open and friendly to work with. We look forward to the next session.
 
Diolch Pawb.
 
 
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CCYD TACKLE PROJECT

 
Beautiful scenery to start the day with pupils contributing to make their own breakfast.  Treasure hunt next, with the theme of bird food and bird spotting. This was competitive between the learners who had been split into two groups.  The game built up an appetite, so the day rounded off with learners preparing and cooking their own burritos. 
A productive day with lots of new ideas and skills used. 
 
Diolch pawb.
 
 
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CCYD TACKLE PROJECT

Tuesday Dare 2 Explore pupils visited Gorwellion for the first time, near Porthcawl. Learners on the course engaged with food preparation, games, orienteering and cooking (also dishes, no excuses!).
 
Some learners mentioned that this was their first time preparing and cooking food and they have been hiding their talents! A busy morning with lots of effort and great results. More skills to follow, keep up the positive effort all!
 
Diolch pawb.
 
 
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CCYD Poppy Appeal

Year 9 CCYD learner Phoebe Evans is leading a team selling poppies all week in the atrium at form, break and lunch time. Well done Phoebe, fantastic enthusiasm for such a worthy cause.

 

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CCYD TACKLE PROJECT – BRECON

Today we visited the Army Museum in Brecon. We were invited to visit as part of Remembrance Week with Remembrance Day this Sunday on 12th November. 
 
Learners were given a detailed history into the Welsh Guards and their service over the years. They were provided with details of the army and their roles fulfilled over the years also detailed through the 1st and 2nd world war. 
 
The memorabilia in the museum is comprehensive and some items of rarity are displayed as well as learners being allowed to try on different types of uniform from different regiments. This was a rare opportunity and learners eagerly took up the activity trying on the uniform with an explanation of each item and its purpose. 
 
A huge thank you to Ospreys Tackle and the Army for a unique and privileged incite to a vast provision that we sometimes take for granted and thanks to them for their service and support.
 
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HALF TERM

Next week is half term, learners will return to school on Monday 6th November for 8:30am.  

Year 9 Day trip to London – French Institute

Dear parents/ carers/ learners, 

 

We are arranging a day trip for 22 Year 9 learners to the French Institute in London on Saturday 3rd of February 2024. We will be leaving around 7.30am and will be back in CCYD around 21.30pm. We will be travelling with 20 year 9 pupils from Porthcawl comprehensive so its on a first come first serve basis for our 22 from CCYD.

The French Institute is located in the French quarter in South Kensington, London, where the students will be viewing a French film and visiting the beautiful library and building.

The cost of this trip is £42. It includes the cost of travelling from CCYD to London by coach and back, full insurance and the cost of the cinema ticket. We are planning to eat lunch when arriving in London so students need to bring money to cover the cost of the meal. There are plenty of small French cafés and restaurants around the area we will be visiting.

May I ask you to bring a non refundable £20 deposit by Friday 10th November 2023 to either Madame (fe14- fe16).  You can pay the other £22 by Friday 1st December 2023 to either Madame (fe14- fe16).

Merci et bonnes vacances.

Tackle Project

The final session before half term took place today with further progress from our learners on developing their work skills.
 
A great atmosphere in the practical session today followed by the classroom activities, with learners showing a competitive spirit and improving on the working relationships within the group. 
 
We are very pleased with the progress so far and look forward to more group work after half term.
 
Diolch yn fawr. 
 
 
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Dare 2 Explore

This was the final session of this term’s Dare to Explore session in Bryngarw Park. The treats provided today were making bird boxes for location in CCYD and experimenting with making fruit kebabs – topped with a variety of toppings. 
 
These were consumed outside in a session where parents had been invited to attend and discussed the benefits of the course. Feedback was discussed and certificates distributed to the learners who completed the course. A most enjoyable session to complete a successful run of sessions.
 
Diolch pawb.
 
 
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CCYD Parent Governor Vacancies

We wish to inform you that the governing body of Coleg Cymunedol y Dderwen have 4 parent governor vacancies:

If you wish to be considered for election, please submit the following information to the school by Tuesday, 7th November 2023. (Any applications received after this date will not be considered)  

  1. Your Name

  2. Address

  3. Telephone number

  4. Child’s name 

You must also include a short statement of no more than 100 words which will be included in the ballot form.  Please note if you exceed the word limit only the first 100 words will be included on the ballot form.  Please sign and date the information you submit to the school. 

All applications should be emailed to melanie.hopkins@ccyd.bridgend.cymru 

If you would like more information on becoming a governor and what the role entails please contact Pupil Services on 01656 642622.

Vaping Survey

Please find attached a letter below (PDF) regarding an anonymous online survey that learners will be completing Friday 13th October. Any queries please contact us at the school.

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Tackle Project at CCYD

Tackle this week consolidated further work on communication skills. Not so easy when you are blindfolded and put with a work partner that is also still working on the same tasks as you! 
 
Great concentration and resilience from the learners in the group today. We are starting to see some personalities and competitive spirit. 
 
All good qualities for future development and work places. 
 
Da iawn pawb! 
 
 
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Asthma at School campaign

Did you know an estimated 59,000 children in Wales have asthma and that in 2021/22, 852
children ended up in hospital with life threatening asthma attacks?
We at Asthma + Lung UK Cymru would like your support in raising awareness among your
school community, so everyone knows what to do if a child has an asthma attack.

 

Recognise the signs of an asthma attack
An asthma attack happens when a child’s asthma symptoms get much worse. This can happen quite
suddenly or can build up gradually over a few days.
A child might find it hard to breathe, breathe more quickly, be unable to talk or walk or eat. They might
wheeze and cough a lot, complain of a tight chest or a tummy ache and be unusually quiet. They also
might say their blue reliever inhaler isn’t helping, or they need it more than every four hours.
If a child needs to use their blue reliever inhaler three or more times a week, it’s a sign that their
asthma is not well controlled.

 

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We encourage parents to download and fill out a school asthma card. A school asthma
card includes contact details and essential information about a child’s asthma.

Please click on the image below to download your card for school.

 

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Miss Wickens gets poem published

Congratulations to Miss Wickens on her poem being published in a book Wheelsong Poetry Anthology 3 book available to buy on Amazon.
Miss Wickens joined a poetry group on Facebook a couple of years ago and this group inspired her to start writing her own poems and sharing on the group. A publisher had posted on the group needing poems for his new anthology book. So Miss Wickens sent a few in and one was chosen. Congratulations Miss Wickens.
 

Book available from Amazon.   https://amzn.eu/d/2kXbbIa

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PE celebrates new season

Tackle Project

Tackle took place today, building on the ‘kick off’ last week, continuing their learning about employability skills. 
Co-operation, communication additionally this week, also problem solving. 
Learners tested themselves against each other through a practical and classroom session and are beginning to develop an understanding as to what is potentially going to be expected from them in a college placement or workplace. 
In the meantime practice and more practice with idea input from the learners to come. 
 
Dai iawn, pawb! 
 
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Most Achievement Points

A huge congratulations to Mia Hawkins (Year 7) for gaining the most achievement points last week. Mia was presented with her gift by the Headteacher Mrs Wellington and her very proud form tutor Miss Davies. Well done Mia, we are all very proud.

 

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CCYD achieves Food & Fun Bronze Award

CCYD received the Food & Fun Quality Mark Bronze Award following our successful summer holiday provision.
 
Food and Fun is a school-based education programme that provides food and nutrition education, physical activity, enrichment sessions and healthy meals to children during the school summer holidays. 
 
This year we had roughly 25 learners attend, completing activities such as puppet making, healthy pizza making, bug hunting, outdoor games and many more. This year we also had external groups in to do workshops and lessons with the learners, including the Police to teach and talk about internet safety, Zac Dance workshops, Keir team building and school staff (Mrs Oliver from art, and Ms Williams from Food and nutrition who volunteered their own holiday time to help and support and facilitate these workshops) with clay modelling and healthy pitta pizzas. 
 
A massive thank you to Gaynor for being this year’s coordinator, as well as all the staff that helped support the programme and learners. 
 
 
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Tackle Project

Tackle started on 20th September with a new group of learners in yr 9, ready to get to grips with learning employment and practical skills, used in the world of education and business. 
We are fortunate to have Kyle Tucker visiting us once a week. He is CCYD’s designated Ospreys Community Officer and will be running sessions over two hours for the year. Learners will also gain access to various activities and visits outside of school to broaden their knowledge and will gain completion certificates in their training. 
 
Lots of activities to come so please follow their progress on this journey, via the school website. 
 
Good luck to all learners involved, we hope you make the most of this fabulous opportunity.
 
Pob lwc pawb!
 
 
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Highest Achievement Points In The School

CCYD learners Lowri Pearson, Kian Baker and Chloe Williams have all earned the highest achievement points in the school and are all in the same form class (7N). They received a gift from the headteacher and had their photo taken with their very proud form tutor Miss Amy Winters.

 

 

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School Attendance

On Monday 18th, September all schools throughout Bridgend County Borough will promote the importance of school attendance and punctuality as part of a BCBC ‘Attendance Launch’. All schools will participate in a range of activities with a focus on improving attendance and punctuality. 

As part of this launch, there will be a multi-agency approach where learners who are not in school with an unexplained absence, i.e., you have not notified the school why your child is not in school, may receive a visit from partner agencies, including Early Help and Education Welfare Service.

NEW SCHOOL TERM

School starts tomorrow at 8:30am.

Year 7 go to the sport hall, Year 8 to the main hall, everyone else to form classes. Normal school uniform, shirt and ties please.

SCHOOL START DATE

Monday 4th September 2023 is an INSET day.
School starts for learners on Tuesday 5th September at 8:30am. 
 

Year 7 Science Club

“We had a great time in the Science club this year with our year 7 learners. Here are a few of the experiments year 7 have enjoyed! Have a great summer everyone”. 

 

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Welsh Ocean SLSA Championships – Porthcawl

CCYD learners Jude Morgan and Evyn Roberts battled difficult conditions to pick up a silver medal for Pen-Y-Bont SLSA club in this weekend’s Welsh Ocean Championships in Porthcawl. Another congratulations to our very own staff member Katie Hewitt for picking up 3 medals representing Llantwit Major SLAS club, Katie won a Silver in the sprint, Bronze in the 1k run, and bronze in the relay.

 

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Year 7 MLD – Sport Wales – Swansea

What a fantastic opportunity for our CCYD Year 7 MLD learners when they attended a disability sports Wales event in Swansea this week. The learners gained access and experience to a range of equipment that brought smiles and joy all day long.

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