Stitching Success at Quay Hotel Ysgol John Bright Fringe Festival

Follow us on Twitter @ysgoljohnbright Summer Term 2013 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ysgoljohnbright

Welcome from the Headteacher

Dear Parent/Guardian

The summer term issue of Bright Spark is a bumper one! The students and staff at the school have been very busy and this term has seen so much going on. I have been delighted with the superb attitude of the students and the positive way that they have risen to all the challenges presented to them. The school has so much to celebrate and I am sure that you will enjoy reading about our amazing students.

I hope all families have a relaxing summer holiday and thank you for your continued support!.W G Davies (Headteacher)

During June, the Performing and Expressive Arts Faculty put on their first Fringe Festival. Thanks to funding from the 14-19 Network agency “Llwyddo’n Lleol”, a number of YJB students experienced a variety of creative events focussed on Music, Art, Performing Arts and Drama. We were privileged to welcome Kathryn Harries (Director of the National Opera Studio, London) to share her expertise in an Opera and Musical Theatre workshop; Einion Dafydd (freelance Jazz performer and composer) who led a Jazz Band workshop; Andy Birch (artist) who led a graffiti workshop; Emrys Williams (artist) who led a session on Fine Art and Jessica Ellison (Comedy Trust) who led two sessions on aspects of comedy and stand up. Nathan Donnelly (Year 13) said “Attending the Jazz workshop was an excellent experience. We learnt lots about how to use modes in Jazz music which resulted in us composing our own piece of music and creating an improvised work based on the Welsh Folk song Ar Lan y Môr.”

On the evening of Tuesday the 18th of June, we enjoyed a “Summer Serenade” concert, where items that had been rehearsed at the workshops were showcased. In addition to performances from Bel Canto, the Jazz Band and various soloists; it was fantastic to welcome back former student Michaela Parry who has recently graduated with a 1st in Opera at the Royal Northern College in Manchester to sing; and to hear performances by our guest Kathryn Harries and the Harp Ensemble Alaw Tastig.

Ysgol John Bright Design and Technology Faculty teamed up with the prestigious Deganwy Quay hotel recently, to host their annual sixth form Textiles Exhibition. Students from YJB and five other schools completed their work through a Link course at the school, showed off their work. They were delighted to share their success in achieving 100% A grades at A2 Level. Indeed the chief moderator for the exam board praised the students for their outstanding work and achievement at this level. The event builds on the successful partnership between Ysgol John Bright and the Quay Hotel which has also resulted in the Head chef visiting the school to provide cookery master classes.

The event was a great success and very well attended by parents, family, members of the public and hotel staff. There were many positive comments provided by the public and staff. Marilyn in the Embroiderers Guild commented, “what a fabulous show your students put on. Really, really enjoyed it and very inspirational. I love the way they don’t hold back but every credit to the teachers! Can I have lessons with you please.” If you would like to find out more about the textiles work at Ysgol John Bright you can visit their Facebook page via the school website.

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Student Leadership Team 2013/2014

Class of 2013 Graduation

Students recently spent a week in the town of Worbis, Germany as part of the Comenius project that has been ongoing at the school since 2011. Comenius is a European Union funded project that unites students in Germany, The Basque region in Spain and Wales. The purpose of the project is to generate awareness of various cultural, historical and language differences and similarities that students from these countries share. Further, it is hoped that the project will enhance the student’s awareness of Wales in the European context and promote greater understanding and tolerance of our European neighbours.

The students were accommodated by German families and followed a full timetable of observing lessons in a German Secondary school, mixed nationality group work and tasks, team building exercises as well as tours to museums and historical cities in Germany.

Mr G Bellis accompanying the students commented that “Our Comenius student group have been working extremely hard during their after school sessions in conjunction with Basque and German students via e-mail to prepare themselves for the visit to Germany. Their dedication culminated in a successful, enjoyable and educationally enhancing week for all our students involved”.

Ysgol John Bright held their Year 11 Graduation Evening on Thursday 20th June with over 900 people present . It was a wonderful evening with parents and students enjoying this amazing event together.

Our guest speaker was Rupert Moon who is a former international rugby player, playing rugby for Wales and winning 24 caps. The former Wales International and Scarlets captain has now been appointed as the new WRU General Manager of the North Wales Development Region and we were extremely proud that he chose to share this special occasion with us.

This is a major watershed in the lives of our Year 11 students and an opportunity to celebrate the successful conclusion of their compulsory education.

We are proud to present the new YJB Student Leadership Team. Haydn Roberts-Powell, Rhian Jacobs, Arnold Roberts and Chloe Hodgson are hoping to build upon the successes of this year’s leadership team. All staff and year 12 students voted in the election process and each candidate produced a manifesto detailing their ideas and ambitions for the future of the school. Each member will lead a small team of prefects to develop new initiatives aimed at improving student progress and well being.Other members of the Student Leadership Team are :Amy Lamb, Millie Eccles, Eleri Howells-Owen, Hannah Batho, Tamla Beattie, Sophie Davies, Isobel Lea, Lydia McCormack, Ffion Jones, Solin Hanna, Megan Williams, Katie Williams, John Beattie, Dominic Jones, Chiron Hooson, Nathan Donnelly, Stacey Lehart and Emily Jones.

Recently S4C’s magazine programme ‘Heno’ came to Ysgol John Bright’ to film a segment about multi-talented Ellis Thomas in year 7. Ellis is well-known at YJB for his incredible musical ability; he plays Jazz and classical piano to a very high standard, as well as being a member of the North Wales Youth Orchestra on the Violin and Conwy County Jazz Band on the Saxophone. He also passed his grade 7 recorder with distinction just before Easter! In his spare time Ellis plays the organ at two local churches, which were featured in the segment on ‘Heno’. Ellis has recently been accepted to study at the Junior Department of the Royal Northern College of Music; from September he will study at YJB Monday to Fridays, and then attend this prestigious music college on a Saturday for expert tuition.

S4C film Ellis Thomas Year 7

Eine Willkommene aus Deutschland

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During the Easter Holidays fifty students from Ysgol John Bright experienced a trip of a lifetime travelling through California along the Gold Coast.

The students spent two days in San Francisco, one in Santa Barbara and four in Los Angeles. There were visits to significant places of interest including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Assistant Headteacher, Ben Williams who led the trip to California said, “the students had a fantastic experience and their behaviour was exceptional. In fact during the flight home back to Heathrow the cabin crew made a special effort to comment on how good the students were as they were extremely polite, respectful and friendly, and that we should be very proud of them as they are a credit to the school.”

Danielle Hawkins said, “It was awesome, we have been to some incredible places. We all had an amazing time and it is something that I will never forget.”

Students recently spent a week in the town of Worbis, Germany as part of the Comenius project that has been ongoing at the school since 2011. Comenius is a European Union funded project that unites students in Germany, The Basque region in Spain and Wales. The purpose of the project is to generate awareness of various cultural, historical and language differences and similarities that students from these countries share. Further, it is hoped that the project will enhance the student’s awareness of Wales in the European context and promote greater understanding and tolerance of our European neighbours.

The students were accommodated by German families and followed a full timetable of observing lessons in a German Secondary school, mixed nationality group work and tasks, team building exercises as well as tours to museums and historical cities in Germany.

Mr G Bellis accompanying the students commented that “Our Comenius student group have been working extremely hard during their after school sessions in conjunction with Basque and German students via e-mail to prepare themselves for the visit to Germany. Their dedication culminated in a successful, enjoyable and educationally enhancing week for all our students involved”.

Ten year 7 students from Ysgol John Bright had a fantastic experience as a result of their excellent behaviour and attitude throughout their first year here. As part of the schools ‘Golden Ticket’ rewards initiative, whereby students are awarded a Golden Ticket for achieving milestones of excellence, such as attendance, punctuality, wider curriculum participation. They set off from Conwy Castle, paddled up the Afon Conwy, barbequed on a beach before drifting back home again as the sun dipped behind the battlements of Conwy Castle.“We had amazing fun” said Laimonas. “I didn’t realise how lucky I am to be living in such a beautiful place” said Lauren.“You should try and get on these trips because you will have so much fun and learn things’”said Rory.

Golden Tickets

Year 13 May Ball 2013

“It was fascinating to see how history is still embedded into modern politics and traditions in Parliament are still maintained in today” Megan Williams Year 12 “This trip gave me an excellent insight into the running of British Politics and inspired me to look into politics as a career as well as having my picture taken outside No. 10!” Chiron Hooson Year 12

Sixth Form Students visitors at No 10!!

Ysgol John Bright Governing Body are delighted to be one of the first schools in Wales to have been awarded the Quality Mark Bronze Award by Governors Wales. This is a prestigious national award that recognises the high quality school governance that is a characteristic of Ysgol John Bright.Achieving the Quality Mark Bronze Award is a celebration of the success of the governing body and its role within the school and in raising standards. The quality mark demonstrates the ability of the governing body to benchmark their effectiveness against a set of agreed national standards. Retiring Chair of Governors David Rowley said “We are delighted that the work of the governing body has been recognised by this national award and is testimony to the time and support that governors give to the school.”

Quality Mark Bronze Award

California Dreaming

Twenty sixth form students travelled by train to London in order to meet with Guto Bebb MP in his Westminster office. The trip, arranged by school governor, Brian Bertola, who accompanied the students alongside two members of staff and Chair of Governors, Carla Forfar, included a tour of the Houses of Parliament , a visit to the Welsh Office and a photo’ opportunity outside No. 10 Downing Street.

Initially, the students toured the Houses of Parliament and before leaving, were taken by Guto to see the life-size statue of John Bright himself. Students had the opportunity to question Guto on topical issues such as human rights, devolution, and what the future holds for young people in Wales. After lunch, students walked to the Welsh Office where they were given a tour of Gwydir House shortly before crossing the road to Downing Street. Most of the students are studying AS and A Level Law and this visit, which the school intends to schedule as an annual event, served to give them a valuable insight into their studies and the ways in which our legislative process works.

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August 15th A level results DayAugust 16th AS Interview DayAugust 22nd GCSE results DayAugust 23rd Sixth Form Recruitment DaySeptember 2nd Yr 7 and Yr 12 students only induction September 3rd Whole school startsSeptember 11th Year 12 Welcome Evening for parents 6pmSeptember 19th Awards Evening September 25th Year 7 and 9 photographsSeptember 27th Post-16 Sports DayOctober 4th Year 9 History VisitOctober 17th Year 6 Taster Session (pm)October 18th Year 6 Taster Session (pm)October 24th Year 6 Open EveningOctober 25th Paris Trip KS4 and KS5October 25th Break up for half termNovember 4th Return to school after half term

Important Dates for your Diary

Year 12 Cardiff TripAn annual event in the year 12 calendar is the overnight trip to Cardiff as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification. This year students visited such iconic locations as the Big Pit, The Millennium Stadium and the Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay where students watched a performance of ‘Hairspray the Musical’.

Year 12 student Nathan Donnelly commented “The stadium was very interesting for me even though I am not a rugby fan. We got to see the players changing rooms which was a great experience and we also got to see the hospitality suites which are very posh! Overall, it was great to see behind the scenes of a huge stadium.” Nathan was also fortunate to spend the earlier part of the week in Cardiff for his work experience working with the band and touring company for ‘Hairspray’.

One new element to the trip this year was a behind-the-scenes look at the Students’ Union at Cardiff University. This gave our students an insight into the support and opportunities available to them when they leave school and continue into Higher Education.

The Duke of Edinburgh is a great experience and helps you achieve a lot of skills such as map reading and navigation skills, helps build team work and your own character. You get to see great views and go to places you would never before. It is hard work but you have to persevere and you feel good for completing the expedition. Overall a great sense of achievement!

Bethan Ward

Our Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition was very challenging but we worked well as a group, developed new skills and learned how to map read. The view was spectacular and the whole experience very memorable. A huge sense of achievement when we completed this long journey.

I was lucky enough to do my work experience with “Hairspray the Musical.” I got the opportunity to shadow the Musical Director and on the first show sat next to him and the percussionist. It was amazing to see the percussionist play because he moved so quickly and also gave me a few tips for the future if I choose to play percussion. For the next two shows I got to shadow the drummer and the rhythm section. It was incredible to watch them play because they have to be a tight unit and it was great to listen to as they were right next to me playing.

This was an amazing experience because the drummer gave me very useful techniques and it was really interesting to see how the whole band gels and works together. On the last night I sat next to my fellow students on the Welsh Baccalaureate trip to Cardiff.

Duke of Edinburgh

Year 12 student Daniel Greenman spent a week over Easter rehearsing and performing as a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Wales. This prestigious group meets for one week of the year, and works with some of the leading lights in the world of jazz. Miss Sian Wyn Rees, Head of Performing and Expressive Arts faculty at Ysgol John Bright commented “Reaching any of the National Youth ensembles is an enormous achievement, so the Music Department are delighted that Daniel Greenman represented YJB and Conwy County at the National Youth Jazz Orchestra over the Easter holidays. We are confident that this experience will serve to inspire Daniel to even greater heights as a both a trumpeter and musician.”

Hitting the High Notes

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