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Sophie Blackwell – Represents Great Britain

Good Luck Sophie!

Today, the entire CCYD community would like to wish Year 13 student Sophie Blackwell the very best of luck as she proudly represents Great Britain at the World Junior Kickboxing Championships.

What an incredible achievement! To be competing on the world stage while still in school is a true reflection of Sophie’s exceptional talent, determination, dedication and passion for her sport. Behind every success is countless hours of hard work, commitment and support, and Sophie has shown all of these qualities in abundance.

Sophie is an inspiration to so many learners across CCYD, demonstrating that with resilience, self-belief and perseverance, anything is possible. We are immensely proud of everything she has achieved and honoured to see her representing both Great Britain and our school on the international stage.

We can’t wait to hear how she gets on and, hopefully, bring you more exciting updates from her journey.

All the best Sophie! Bring home that trophy! 🏆🇬🇧

 

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Fit4Football Inspirational Talks

Inspiring Words, Lasting Impact!
A huge thank you to Josh from Fit4Football for delivering such an engaging and inspiring workshop to our year 7,8 & 9 CCYD learners today.
Josh shared powerful messages about the importance of confidence, respect, discipline, hard work, and resilience, helping learners understand how these qualities are just as important in school as they are in sport. Through his experiences in football, coaching, and healthy living, he highlighted the strong links between being successful on the pitch and achieving success in the classroom.
From being punctual, prepared, and committed to learning, to developing a positive mindset and never giving up when challenges arise, Josh showed our learners how the habits that build great athletes are the very same habits that help young people thrive in education and beyond.
Thank you, Josh, for motivating our learners to aim high, work hard, and believe in themselves. Your passion and enthusiasm were truly inspiring, and we greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your valuable experiences with our school community.
 
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CCYD Away Football Kit Design Competition!

Congratulations to CCYD Year 8 learner Katie James, winner of the CCYD Away Football Kit Design Competition!

Katie’s outstanding design was selected as the winning entry and will be transformed into the new away kit for our girls’ football teams. As recognition of her fantastic achievement, Katie received Achievement Points, which can be redeemed towards school rewards at the end of term, along with a giant chocolate bar, which she may or may not choose to share with friends and family!

A huge thank you goes to our kit sponsor, County Industrial Supplies Ltd, for their generous support, and to the kit manufacturers, who were equally impressed by Katie’s eye-catching and imaginative design.

We are incredibly proud of Katie’s creativity and look forward to seeing our girls take to the field wearing their brand-new kit. One thing is certain, with such a dazzling design, they certainly won’t go unnoticed!

Well done, Katie!

Pictured below congratulating Katie are the Headteacher Mrs Tracey Wellington and PE Teacher Miss Lucy Hurrell.

 

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Celebrating an Incredible Sporting Talent at CCYD!

A huge congratulations to Poppy-Ray Rees, Year 8, who continues to achieve outstanding success on the kickboxing and karate stage, proudly representing Wales, her club and her community.
Last weekend, Poppy-Ray added to her growing collection of accolades by winning Gold and Silver medals in Points Fighting and Blitz at the Welsh Kickboxing/Karate Championships.
Her achievements over the couple of years have been nothing short of remarkable:
June 2026 – Won two Gold medals and one Silver medal at the NGK Open, competing for Wales in Weapons Form and Points Fighting (Karate).
August 2025 – Became a World Champion, winning Gold in Scotland at the World Championships while representing Wales in Points Fighting (Karate).
Poppy-Ray’s dedication, discipline and determination are truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.
Please join us in congratulating Poppy-Ray on her phenomenal success!
 
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CCYD Alumni Return to Inspire the Next Generation

It was a truly special occasion at CCYD as we welcomed back five former pupils to share their experiences of life after school and the exciting journeys they have embarked upon since leaving us.
A huge thank you to Ella Partridge, Joshua Chi, Isla Pinches, Dafyd Roberts and Haf Higgins, who delivered inspiring presentations to our current learners, offering valuable insights into further education, university life and the opportunities that await beyond CCYD.
Dafyd Roberts began his journey at Coleg y Cymoedd studying an Art Foundation Course before progressing to study Illustration at Plymouth University. After successfully graduating, Dafyd is now undertaking a Master’s degree and has aspirations of completing a teaching qualification to further strengthen his future career opportunities.
Ella Partridge and Isla Pinches are both studying a Creative Media degree at Swansea University. They spoke passionately about embracing every opportunity available to them, from lectures and workshops to the many experiences that university life has to offer.
Haf Higgins, who is studying Illustration at Cardiff Met University, shared how she has truly “found her people”, describing how she has connected with like-minded students who understand and share her creativity, passion and ideas.
Finally, we heard from Joshua Chi, who is studying Animation at Bournemouth University. Josh spoke honestly about overcoming his fears of moving away to university, from making new friends and organising accommodation to managing finances. Naturally quiet and humble, Josh has grown tremendously in confidence and is now flourishing in his new environment.
It was wonderful to see all five former pupils speaking so confidently and passionately about their experiences. Their enthusiasm, resilience and achievements were truly inspiring for our current learners.
It was also particularly heartwarming to hear each of them express their gratitude to Mrs Oliver and Mrs Keane for their unwavering support, encouragement and continued dedication throughout their educational journeys.
We would like to wish these outstanding ambassadors for CCYD every success in their continued studies and future careers. We are incredibly proud of all that you have achieved and look forward to seeing where your journeys take you next.
Congratulations to you all. You will always be part of the CCYD family!
 
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CCYD Year 9 Tennis Star

Fantastic Achievement for Year 9 Learner Ava!

We are delighted to celebrate Ava’s incredible success at the Welsh National U16 Tennis Championships, where she went on to win the U16 Plate Tournament!

What makes this achievement even more special is the determination and resilience Ava showed throughout the competition. After not progressing through the main draw, she kept competing with a positive mindset and worked her way to an impressive tournament victory against talented players from across Wales.

Ava represented herself brilliantly, displaying excellent sportsmanship and a fantastic attitude on and off the court. Her hard work, commitment and dedication to tennis have truly paid off.

Congratulations, Ava. We are incredibly proud of you!

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CCYD Celebrates GCSE Results 2026

Congratulations, CCYD Learners— Taking Pride in Your Success!

Today is one of the most important moments in our school year, because it is a day dedicated entirely to you — our learners — and to celebrating everything you have achieved.

First and foremost, I want to say how incredibly proud I am of every one of you. At CCYD, we talk often about Taking Pride, and today you have every reason to do exactly that. Your results represent hard work, determination, resilience, and the courage to keep going even when things were challenging. You have shown what it truly means to be part of our community.

Our vision at CCYD is clear:  

We aspire to empower our community to be collaborative, resilient and reflective individuals who have the self-confidence to embrace challenge.  

And today, you have lived that vision. You have collaborated with your peers, you have been resilient in the face of uncertainty, you have reflected on your progress, and you have embraced every challenge placed before you. Hopefully you now fully appreciate our warm demanding philosophy, and the tears and constant nagging have paid off!

Your GCSE and vocational qualifications open doors to exciting futures — whether that’s Sixth Form, college, apprenticeships, training, or stepping into the world of work. Whatever path you choose, remember that these results are not just grades; they are proof of your growth, your character, and your potential.

I also want to take a moment to thank the staff who have supported you every step of the way. Their dedication, care, and belief in you have helped shape your success. And to families and carers — thank you for the encouragement, patience, and guidance you have given throughout this journey.

But today belongs to you. Take pride in what you have achieved. Celebrate it. And look forward with confidence, because you have shown that you are ready for whatever comes next.

Congratulations, CCYD. You have embraced the challenge, and you have shone. Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see where it takes you.

 

 

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CCYD Celebrates A Level and BTEC Results 2026

CCYD Celebrates A Level and BTEC Results 2026

CCYD is proud to announce an exceptional set of A Level and BTEC results, reflecting the hard work, resilience and ambition of our learners and staff. This year’s achievements highlight not only strong academic performance but also the determination and character that define our school community.

 A Level Success

Learners at CCYD have once again demonstrated high academic standards, achieving impressive A Level outcomes across a wide range of subjects. Several learners secured top grades, with many progressing to competitive university courses, apprenticeships and employment pathways.

Key highlights include:

  • Significant improvement on those achieving A*- A grades
  • Sustained improvement of learners achieving A*–C grades

Our A Level learners have shown remarkable dedication. Their results are a testament to their hard work and the unwavering support of our staff. We are incredibly proud of every one of them.

CCYD’s BTEC learners achieved another year of exceptional vocational results these outcomes reflect the school’s commitment to high-quality vocational education.

Our BTEC learners have excelled in both coursework and practical assessments. Their achievements show the strength of vocational learning at CCYD and the real-world skills they bring to future employers.

A Community Achievement Rooted in Our Values

CCYD extends its congratulations to all learners, families, staff and members of the Governing Body who contributed to this year’s success. These results reflect a shared commitment to excellence, wellbeing and ambition — values at the heart of our school motto, “Taking Pride.”

Our vision is to nurture confident, capable and compassionate young people who are ready to thrive in a changing world. Today’s achievements show that our learners are living that vision, demonstrating pride in their work, pride in their progress and pride in their future.

To mark this moment of transition and celebration, CCYD shares a message of inspiration with all learners as they take their next steps:

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

This quote captures the spirit of our learners perfectly. Their achievements reflect not only academic ability but resilience, creativity and community spirit. As a school that takes pride in everything we do, we are excited to see our learners carry our vision forward into their next chapters.

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YEAR 10 INTO 11 GCSE SUMMER CHALLENGE 2026

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🚀 Launching: The Year 11 Runway Challenge! 🚀
 
Hey, Year 10!
As we head into the summer holidays, it’s time to start looking ahead to the most exciting and important year of your school career so far. To help you transition smoothly into Year 11 without the stress, we are launching The Year 11 Runway Challenge!
 
This is a step-by-step summer prep package designed to keep your brain active, get you organised, and teach you the ultimate revision habits used by top-grade students.
 
🎟️ Boost Your Prom Passport! While this challenge is completely voluntary, completing it is a fantastic way to secure early bonus points toward your Prom Passport!
What you need to do:
Your form tutors will be checking your submissions in September 2026 to award your Prom Passport points.
 
Work smart, enjoy your summer, and let’s build the ultimate runway to your GCSE success! 🌟
 

Year 9 Mock Exam Results

What a lovely morning and a fantastic way to start the day, with so many happy faces as our Year 9 learners collected their mock Maths, English and Science exam results.
It was wonderful to see staff and learners celebrating the hard work that has gone into these assessments. These results are an important step in each learner’s journey and now provide a chance to reflect, recognise strengths and identify the areas to improve before starting GCSE courses in Year 10.
A huge well done to all our learners. Keep working hard, keep asking questions and keep believing in what you can achieve.  We are very proud of you all!
 
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Tackle Project

Today the year 9 CCYD Tackle group were fortunate to be invited along to Sony in Pencoed to learn about the business evolution of the factory, how it runs and its products and to learn about potential future opportunities of employment through apprenticeships and training.
 
The learners were given a full tour and took part in “The Egg Drop Challenge”. A team building and inventive exercise for team bonding and innovation. 
 
The day was rounded off when the learners presented a crystal rose bowl and wooden saki cup from the 1980/90s from a former employee to Jemma, our tour guide, for display in the Sony Academy. 
 
All this was made possible by the Ospreys in the Community team, who organised the event for CCYD to attend. This was the penultimate Tackle session for the year and we would like to thank everyone involved for a successful year and for being the only school in Bridgend for the 2025/26 season to have been chosen for this. 
 
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Men-B Vaccination – Year 13

All current Year 13s will be offered a free MenB vaccine this summer. The vaccine is the best way to help protect against MenB, which can cause serious, life-threatening illness. When the invite arrives by post, make sure your child takes up the offer. They’ll need two doses at least 28 days apart for the best protection. Info: phw.nhs.wales/menb-vaccine-for-young-people/  

 

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Extreme Weather Warning / School Closure

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As the school is closed due to the current weather warning, we would like to share some important advice to help keep children safe while they are at home.
Please encourage your child to stay indoors where possible, especially during the hottest parts of the day. They should drink water regularly, avoid too much physical activity in the heat, and use cool areas of the house where available. Keeping curtains or blinds closed in rooms that get direct sunlight can also help to keep the house cooler.
If your child does go outside, please ensure they use sun cream, wear suitable light clothing, and avoid spending long periods in direct sunlight. A hat and regular breaks in the shade are also recommended.
We would also like to remind families about water safety. During hot weather, children may be tempted to cool off in rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, quarries or the sea. These places can be extremely dangerous because of cold-water shock, hidden currents, sudden changes in depth and hazards under the water. Please speak to your child about these risks and remind them not to enter open water.
 
Cath Pope
Assistant Headteacher | Pennaeth Cynorthwyol
Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen
Catherine.Pope@ccyd.bridgend.cymru | 01656 815920
 
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CCYD GEOGRAPHY CHALLENGE

A group of Year 10 learners from CCYD recently represented the school at the Earthshot Climate Challenge final, held at Techniquest. Although their video entry did not take home the top prize, the learners were proudly awarded a certificate in recognition of their efforts.
The event also provided a fantastic opportunity to meet inspiring guests, including writer and BBC presenter Will Millard, as well as Llyr Gruffydd, Cabinet Member for Rural Resilience and Sustainability.
Well done to all involved for their hard work and commitment to tackling climate challenges!

 

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CCYD YOUNG CARERS BAKE SALE

The Young Carers recently hosted a cake sale and raised an impressive £61.70. The money raised will be used to fund a fun afternoon of games, karaoke, and a buffet to celebrate and recognise the amazing young carers at CCYD. We would like to thank everyone who supported the cake sale and helped make it such a success.

 

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Florence – Under 12’s Reserve Champion

Year 7 CCYD learner Florence Price and her team became Under 12’s Reserve Champions yesterday at the Home internationals in Northern Ireland for the Mounted Games Association Great Britain. It was a hard fought battle with the North of England taking the first, but they dominated over the rest of the Uk and Ireland along with a United Nations Team.
 
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Team GB Selection for CCYD learner

Following her impressive selection for the Welsh kickboxing team last year, CCYD learner Sophie Blackwell has taken an extraordinary step forward in her sporting journey by earning a place on the prestigious GB kickboxing team. Sophie will now represent her country at the Junior World Championships in Jesolo, Italy, taking place from 19th–26th September—an outstanding achievement that reflects both her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.

This selection is far more than a simple application process; it is the result of years of hard work, determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Sophie’s journey has been marked by countless hours of training, personal sacrifice, and a relentless drive to improve—qualities that truly set her apart as a rising star in the sport.

Her progression from representing Wales to competing on the world stage for Great Britain highlights not only her technical skill but also her mental strength and focus. Being chosen to compete at such a prestigious international level is a testament to her ability and potential to succeed among the very best young athletes in the world.

In July, Sophie will collect her official GB team kit—an exciting milestone that symbolises how far she has come and the hard work that has brought her to this moment. As she prepares to compete in Italy, she carries with her the pride and support of her college and the wider community.

We are incredibly proud of Sophie and all that she has achieved. Her story is an inspiration to others, showing what can be accomplished through passion, perseverance, and belief. We wish her every success in the Junior World Championships and look forward to following her journey on the international stage.

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Year 10 Exams

A big well done to our Year 10 learners who arrived early to prepare for their Maths GCSE examination on Tuesday. They took the time to enjoy some toast beforehand, making sure they were energised, focused, and ready to give their very best in the exam. We’re proud of your dedication and positive attitude—keep it up!

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Year 7 Learner selected for Wales team

Congratulations to CCYD Year 7 learner Florence Price who has been selected to ride in the Under 12 Welsh Mounted Games Team, representing Wales at the Home International in Northern Ireland. The competition will take place on the 6th and 7th of June.

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New CCYD Girls Football Kit

Introducing Our New Girls’ Football Home Kit!
We are incredibly proud to unveil the brand‑new home kit for our CCYD Girls’ Football Team—an exciting moment that marks a new chapter for our players and for our school community. This stunning new kit not only showcases our school colours with pride, but also reinforces the unity, determination, and confidence of our team every time they step onto the pitch. It’s more than just a uniform—it’s a statement. A statement that our girls are ready, focused, and a formidable force against any competition.

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsor: Green Elevator Services
This fantastic new kit would not have been possible without the generous support of Green Elevator Services. Their sponsorship has helped us provide our players with professional‑quality kit that reflects the spirit and ambition of CCYD. We are truly grateful for their commitment to supporting youth sport and empowering our learners. Partnerships like this make a real difference—not just in how our team looks, but in how they feel when they represent our school.🤍 Thank you, Green Elevator Services!  Learn more about them at: www.green-elevators.co.uk  #greenelevatorservices
 
Looking Ahead
With a fresh kit, growing confidence, and unwavering school spirit, our girls are ready for an exciting season ahead. We can’t wait to see them wear the CCYD badge proudly and take on every match with strength, teamwork, and determination. Here’s to a successful season—and to looking good while making it happen! 
 
 
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Year 8 Rugby Star – Ioan Hart

Congratulations to Year 8 CCYD learner Ioan Hart who represented his club recently. Ioan, a member of Pencoed RFC, competed in the inaugural South Wales U13 Regional Cup Competition at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, 22nd March. Facing Caerau Ely RFC, his team delivered an outstanding performance, securing a 31–10 victory and proudly taking home the plate. Well Ioan, we are all Super Proud!

 

 

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Celebrating Success: Year 13 Learner Ffion Rossiter Wins Mentee of the Year Award.

We are delighted to share some wonderful news about one of our Year 13 students, Ffion Rossiter.
Ffion has been an active participant in the Step‑Up Programme at Swansea University, an initiative designed to support students as they transition into higher education. The programme offers access to undergraduate-level learning and provides invaluable guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for young people preparing for university life.
This week, Ffion’s hard work and commitment were recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony held on Wednesday 11th March, where she was named Mentee of the Year. This is an exceptional accomplishment and a true testament to her determination, resilience, and dedication to her future aspirations.
This award is thoroughly deserved, and we are immensely proud to celebrate her success.
Well done, Ffion—keep shining!

Josh Paul @fit_4_football

We had the privilege today of welcoming Josh Paul @fit_4_football who gave up his own time to travel from England to CCYD.

Josh, an elite coach, is the the founder of Fit4Football, which is not just a coaching platform — it’s a growing global community of players and coaches who share one goal: to be the best they can be, on and off the pitch.

With over 15 years of coaching experience and a dedicated online following, Josh has helped thousands of footballers develop the skills, fitness, mindset, and tactical understanding they need to succeed. 

What started as 1-2-1 sessions and group coaching has now evolved into a comprehensive online ecosystem — bringing world-class coaching, expert advice, and peer support to players and coaches everywhere.

Josh delivered inspirational leadership, motivation and confidence sessions to a selected group of CCYD year 7, 8 and 9 learners.

We would like to give Josh the biggest thank you for his time, the learners thoroughly enjoyed the sessions.

Please visit Josh if you are interested in learning more.

www.fit-4-football.co.uk

Joshua Paul (@fit_4_football) • Instagram photos and videos

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Year 11 Oxford Trip

This week, a group of our Year 11 learners travelled to Oxford to gain first‑hand insight into further education at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Their day began with an introductory session focused on how Oxford is accessible to all students, followed by a Q&A with current Welsh undergraduates. Learners then enjoyed a guided tour of New College and nearby libraries, participated in an academic note‑taking session, and attended an example university lecture.

Our learners represented the school exceptionally well. Their behaviour was impeccable throughout the day, and staff were full of praise for the thoughtful, deep‑thinking questions they asked.

During the visit, learners were also invited to enter a competition: using the notes they took, they can submit a 500‑word summary of the lecture for a chance to win a voucher and add a valuable achievement to their personal statement.

A huge thank you to all staff involved in organising and supporting this trip, and to Oxford University for hosting us and inspiring our learners.

Daniel Jenkins – CCYD Teacher

 

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Year 11 After School Support

Please see below the Year 11 after school revision/support sessions that are available on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please encourage your children to attend. Diolch.

 

Year 11 After School Support