CHARTISTNEWSIssue n. 02 | April 2017

Progress in All AreasWe were honoured to receive the Secondary School of the Year award at the South Wales Argus Gwent Schools Awards earlier this month. Two of our teachers, Miss Humphreys and Mrs Stephens also won awards as Teacher of the Year in two of the categories.

Another busy term comes to an end and, as I sit her in my office writing, it is remarkable to see the transformation of the site out of my office window. The structure of our new building is now complete and the cladding and windows are currently being fitted. We already have new Science laboratories and part-finished Art rooms as part of the refurbishment programme and the new bus bays and visitor car park has already been handed over to us. The floodlit artificial training pitch on the main green in front of Building 3 is well

underway and due to be completed by early Autumn. All in all, it is incredible to think where we were twelve months ago when the whole project had been turned down and there was a general air of pessimism. It is a source of great pride as I approach my last term that these incredible facilities will be there for the students and the community to help shape their futures.There has been the usual emphasis on high standards in all we do this term. Highlights include an excellent set of GCSE Mathematics results by Year 11 in

January, a fantastic production of The Addams Family and another wonderful Eisteddfod. For me, though, the highlight as always has been the hard work in lessons from our students and teachers, who continue to raise standards in The John Frost School.I wish you all a good holiday and look forward to the next newsletter when I will write my last address as Headteacher and I will have news of my successor.

By Mr Wilson

Let’s get Booky! On 2nd March, The John Frost School took a trip down Literature Lane, celebrating all things booky! World Book Day, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, saw students and staff recognising the wonders and possibilities that books can offer. We

were able to discuss our favourite books and talk about which authors kept us up at night as we frantically turned the pages to reach the end.Students in Year 7 and 8 were lucky enough to receive book tokens to spend on their literary favourites. However, it didn’t stop there! English lessons were filled with booky activities such as guessing the character and writing

our own blurb. It was fantastic to see staff dressing up to celebrate such a wonderful day. Check our pictures and see if you recognise any of our characters.From Katniss Everdeen to Harry Potter and Lennie Small to Dorothy, literature can transport us to a world without limits. What books are you reading?

The JFS Challenge CupOver the last 6 weeks a selection of students have been competing to win the coveted John Frost School Challenge Cup. The students were expected to show a consistently positive approach to learning and were awarded points based upon their progress. All who took part did extremely well, but the winners were Mr Gregory’s Team. Well done to Rares, Joshua, Jay, Rhys and Tristan!

Year 11 Trip to Cambridge UniversityMr Perkins and Miss Pace had the pleasure of escorting 23 of our most able and talented Year 11 students on a trip to visit Cambridge University.Once there we met with Dr Padley, the admissions mentor for the prestigious Churchill College, and had a guided tour of Churchill College and the wider area from Cambridge University undergraduate students.All of our students relished the opportunity to discuss the admissions requirements and lifelong learning opportunities attending this institution could provide them with and two students have already informed me that, as a consequence of this trip, that they plan to apply to attend Oxbridge universities.Our students experienced a snippet of what university life could be like and all of them were inspired. We walked the same path as renowned scientist Sir Isaac Newton and experienced three different Cambridge colleges. As we walked from Churchill to St Johns and Trinity college we were blown away by its 14th Century history, beautiful architecture and highly respected academic successAll of our students were a credit to the school and will be sharing their experiences with their year group through presentations and assembly sessions. I look forward to watching these students continue along their learning journey and know their futures are very bright.

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A massive ‘congratulations’ to our Year 7 students receiving letters of commendation for their outstanding performance in the recent Number test. The students in this photo achieved in excess of 10% above the class average... Da iawn!

By Mr Shinton and Mr Medhurst

3April 2017

Maths Rewards Year 7 and 8B

Our excellent Year 8 students were rewarded with letters of commendation for their outstanding performance in the recent Number Assessment. The students in this photograph either won an award for test scores in excess of 10% above the class average, or by improving their Year 7 National Curriculum level by a massive three sub-levels! ‘Da iawn’ to you all!

By Mr Shinton

Chartist Fact No 2.Did you know………

Although John Frost was the most prominent Chartist of his day, he was also the second Mayor of Newport in 1836. You can still see his name on the Board of Past Mayors in the Civic Centre today.

Student Attendance Improves AgainThe expectation for all students at The John Frost School is to attend at least 95% of the time. Collectively, our students have improved their overall attendance again this year, and although there is more work to be done, they must be congratulated for the substantial progress made. At the time of writing, our attendance exceeds 92%. The academic and social importance of a child attending school every day is well documented and our students are already reaping the rewards of their improved commitment. Every day really does count!

Students AchievementsLevel 3 Public ServicesAs part of their course, students must learn skills for both land based and water based outdoor and adventurous activities. On Wednesday 8th March they visited CIWW to experience both white water rafting and flat water kayaking. All students on the trip worked hard and achieved P4 Unit 11. They learned new skills and developed their teamwork and communication. Everyone appeared to enjoy themselves, despite the cold water. Well done!

by Mrs Hopkins

Cawl a Chan – Tea PartyIt was a pleasure, once again, to welcome our elderly community into The John Frost School for the second time this academic year.We celebrated the Welsh language and culture. Students prepared and served Welsh cawl and Welsh cakes to our lovely guests. Everyone enjoyed a raffle, live music, dancing and a Welsh themed quiz.Many thanks to The Friends of John Frost and Communities First for their support in funding the event, and to staff and students involved.We look forward to our Summer Tea Party on 22nd May.

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Year 12 Trip to the University of South Wales NewportYear 12 enjoyed a great day at the Newport Campus. They heard lectures on creativity, entrepreneurism and the psychology of colour in marketing. They also had an informative tour of the Campus. Huge thanks to all at USW for welcoming us. Students were, once again, a credit to their families and our school.

School Productionof ‘The Addams Family’

On Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th February the school hosted its first production as ‘The John Frost School’. The production of ‘The Addams Family’ was nearly sold out on both nights, with many people returning to watch it again. The students who took part, as always, were fantastic, with all year groups represented. The school would like to thank Miss Humphries and Miss Tregembo for all their hard work. We would also like to thank our sponsors of the production: Regis Recruitment Ltd, Morris’s Grounds Maintenance Ltd, Computerworld Wales, Owen Catering, Upbeat Music and Arts and Newport Printing.

Well done to all the students who took part and we will all look forward to next year’s production.

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We would like to say a big well done to Sam Tonks in Year 7 who recently attempted and was successful at his Black Belt grading in Taekwondo. He has also had a number of successes at tournaments over his Taekwondo career. Well done Sam!

Website:http://www.thejohnfrostschool.co.uk/friends-john-frost-school/

On St David’s Day March 2017, the Friends of The John Frost School held our first Quiz Night. It was a fantastic evening with Welsh themed questions, prizes, entertainment and food. Parents, teachers, colleagues from the local primary school, family and friends took part in a great night as part of the school community.

Friends of The John Frost School are a registered charity and every penny raised is spent on children in the school: this term we have sponsored a Welsh Bacc event and purchased revision books for Science. We are currently working on the plans for the end of year

prom. Our next fundraising idea is the sale of engraved bricks. Add your message on a brick which will be displayed in the Reception area in the new building and help to fund activities in the school. Be quick, as there is already a waiting list!Watch this space as Friends of The John Frost School grows from strength to strength as part of the all-important school community.

Sam Tonks – Black Belt Achievement

Friends of The John Frost School – Helping Develop the School Community

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Have you ever heard of Ruperra Castle? If you haven’t, you may want some information on Ruperra, its history and its current situation. Ruperra Castle is a castle which lies roughly four and a half miles from The John Frost School. The castle is alive with History. It lives between Newport, Cardiff and Caerphilly, but it may not live for much longer. Unfortunately, Ruperra has fallen into a state of disrepair. Such a castle has a long lineage in Welsh History. First built in 1626 by Sir Thomas Morgan, Ruperra became a temporary lodging for military leaders, royalty and the King of England himself in 1645. Later being owned by the Morgan family of Newport who also owned Tredegar house. Ruperra has been a very significant part of Welsh and British history.Ruperra has fallen and been rebuilt before. However, a fire occurred in the castle, whilst being occupied by the Royal Army during the Second World War. The castle was severely damaged. The surrounding land and now derelict castle was sold in 1956, and it remains as private property to this day. The castle can have no repair works done to it unless permission is given by the owner of the land, yet no such work has occurred to stop the decay of Ruperra Castle.Ruperra Castle being privately owned means that, without any sort of repairs to the castle, the history Ruperra has created will be left to the historians to remember. This is an event that many would not like to see happen, especially the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust. The Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust have campaigned since 1996, while undergoing many name changes, their goals have remained consistent; protect Ruperra Castle. They have been involved in many initiatives to protect Ruperra Castle, they have been key in helping protect Ruperra. From raising awareness of the dying castle to campaigning to prevent planning permission being provided to the owner to create housing in its stead, the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust have been there to protect it. The Ruperra Conservation Trust also work with Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust to help the castle and its surrounding woodland which is home to plenty of exotic and interesting plants and wildlife.Ruperra still stands for now. While not directly accessible, it can still be viewed from a public footpath nearby. The legacy that Ruperra has created has made Wales more culturally wealthy and would be a shame to see such a historical landmark fall. The worry now is how long will it stand for? A month? A year? More? We don’t know but many, especially those at the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust, would like to see Ruperra stand for much longer. The mark that Ruperra has left on Welsh history will be void if it falls.I asked a few people what they thought of the Ruperra Castle: Rhys Batty, history student, was asked ‘Why is Ruperra important?’ “Ruperra is one of the last remaining pageant castles standing. It signifies a history, a history that we are at risk of losing unless we actively remember it. It would be a shame to lose such a significant part of our history.” Mrs Goold, Welsh teacher, was asked ‘Why is Ruperra important?’ “I don’t know about Ruperra Castle. However, I feel we should protect any Welsh heritage for the purpose of maintaining history and also for the benefit of tourism.”

Ruperra lies on the edge and it’s approaching the tipping point. Can we let this piece of Welsh history crumble?

Do you have an interest in Space? Want to know if we are alone in the Universe? Then come to the Space club run by the Science Department every Tuesday after school in room 113. This also provides an opportunity to extend your scientific knowledge. See Mrs Marasco for more information.

Extra-curricular ActivitiesSpace Club

7April 2017

Aware of Ruperra?by Rory Thomas in Year 13

PE ACHIEVEMENTSThis has been a busy term on the sports front. The Netball Teams have completed their league fixtures with Year 8 and 9 representing the school with pride. Our outstanding players have been Seren Lewis, Lowri Marsden, Busola Oketikun, Erin Sharpe and Neva Hughes for Year 8 and Ellie Bradley, Abbie Banks, Ellie Axton and Mya Hill for Year 9.

Year 7 and Year 8 teams represented the school at their respective South East Wales Netball Tournaments. Both teams were amazing ambassadors for the school and their attitude and behaviour was excellent. The outstanding players for Year 7 were Carys Salter, Katelyn Seville, Yasmin Zaid, Trinity Phillips, and Amelie Churchill. Year 8 players were Sanda Paucha, Leyla Sen, Cerys Bridge and Lowri Marsden.!

Chartist NewsT h e J o h n F r o s t S c h o o l N e w s l e t t e r

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Bea Jackman continues to excel with her gymnastics and is a current member of the Welsh Squad.Neva Hughes has been selected as part of the Welsh Development basketball squad.In football, well done to Luc Noble selected for Wales U16, who will be travelling to Poland over the coming weeks. Year 10 football teams also have a busy time, as they will be competing in two semi-finals for the Newport Cup and Gwent Cup.Finally, Year 7 and Year 10 rugby teams have also had a busy term. Year 10 are in the semi-final of the Newport Schools Rugby Cup, and Year 7 are in the semi-finals of the Town Cup. Well done all.

Jake Seville represented South East Wales last weekend at the Welsh Schools Cross Country Championships at Brecon. He came 30th individually and was part of the middle boys’ team who won the gold medal. This was an outstanding performance.