News
Arriva Trains Letter
We have been asked to draw to your attention to this letter for all parents who’s children use the Arriva Valley line service.
Health and Well Being Day – 16th September 2011
On Friday 16th September 140 Year 7 students took part in an action packed day. Our focus for the day was to raise awareness of the importance of health and well-being.
This was the first time such an event had been held at the school and Mrs J Grashoff, who organised the event was very pleased with the enthusiasm shown by all who took part.
Pupils had the opportunity to take part in a taster of activities run by E3 and 5×60;
- Dodgeball
- Fitness
- Table Tennis
- Badminton
Pupils also enjoyed the Taste Buddies cooking demonstration and taste session. They emphasised the importance of 5 fruit and veg a day and encouraged pupils to try new foods including a gorgeous vegetarian stir-fry.
All pupils took part in a Health Eating Workshop, led by our School Nurse, Mrs L Perkins. Louise explained her role and pupils got to meet her.
The finale of the day was a Theatre group from London who performed to Years 7 and 8 on their personal best. This again reinforced the message of how exercise and a balanced diet gives you the tools
Stereophonics frontman sends heartfelt message to young rockers on gig debut at Mountain Ash School
Drummer turned teacher Chris Stone will host a school for young rockers at Mountain Ash Comprehensive over Easter – with a heartfelt message of support from Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones.
Stone was a technician for the Welsh band hailing from Cwmaman in Aberdare for five years before becoming a teacher.
Global superstar Jones reminisces of setting up a band as an 11-year-old schoolboy and chasing his rock and roll dream like youngsters lined up for Rock School in an email to his friend and former drum tech.
The full message reads: “Hia, the Rock School set up sounds brilliant. I remember when me and Stuart (Cable) started a band when I was eleven, it was the most exciting thing we’d ever experienced. It gave us something different to do at an age where you can go either way, it kept us focused and off the street and gave us a dream to latch onto.
“Luckily for me I had my Dad to watch in the clubs to learn from and his speakers to pinch. For kids today in the valleys it’s harder than ever for opportunities and places to create and dream. I’m proud to know Chris, and Steve Davies the guitar tutor who toured with us around the world, are now able to give something back and bring kids together using their experiences of watching thousands of bands on tour to help them form bands and get them gig ready, Good on you, Kelly.”
Wannabe rock and pop stars will form their own bands, master two cover versions and compose their own songs starting on Monday before performing live to a 200 plus crowd on Thursday evening in Abercwmboi Rugby Club.
It will be the first time most of the teens will have performed in front of an audience – making it a nerve-wracking experience for all involved. Pupils who attend Rock School also gain an Open College Network (OCN) qualification in developing music making.
“Rock School is intense and demanding, but fantastic for boosting students’ self confidence – everyone ends the week with a real feel good factor, says Stone who has also toured with Aerosmith, Foo-Fighters, The Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and R.E.M to name but a few.
“The students’ gain an insight into what life in a band is like, but we try not to give false hope – very few bands make it to the top in a difficult industry. We stress to students just to enjoy playing and being involved in music in any capacity, there are job opportunities out there for musicians who don’t hit the big time – talented students can make a living out of playing music locally and enjoy exploring other musical avenues including technical work like sound engineering, lighting and various other positions within the industry.”
Pupils are funded for Rock School by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s pioneering e3+ community school scheme offering young people unique opportunities to take part in out of school activities.
Music has become a major strength at Mountain Ash Comprehensive which has invested in state of the art music facilities – including a professional recording studio and iMac computers. It is also the only school in RCT to fund drum lessons taken by a professional musician.
Head of music Fiona Morgan said: “Drums are really popular at the school – as is rock music, but we keep a balance between orchestral and other musical genres. There is a wide music choice for pupils of all persuasions – including the chance to join a Samba band.”
Headteacher Huw Lloyd said: “Any young person looking for a career in music can find all the facilities and support they wish for at the school – we strive to offer wide ranging opportunities for talented students to shine in their chosen pastimes that could also be the start of a future career.”
Record Results at ‘A’ Level.
The school once again celebrates the success of its year 13 students with record results! 93% pass rate with 63% A* – C. Congratulations to all year 13 students.
Four students in particular have to be congratulated by gain straight A’s, these are Charlotte Jones (Head Girl) who achieved 5 A’s in English Literature, Business Studies, Law, Sociology and Religious Studies,
Charlotte is moving on to Lampeter University to study ‘Theology’.
Twin brothers Ian and Andrew Richards both achieved 7 A’s between them, Andrew (Left in the picture) achieved the following: Law, Geography, Business Studies (A*), English and Math’s (AS),
whilst his brother Ian achieved, Law, Geography (A*) and History (A*). Both brothers are going to Nottingham University, Andrew to study ‘Law’ and Ian to study ‘Ancient History’.
Also Victoria Hughes followed a vocational route and achieved the following: Double distinction at A level PE, A* in Fine Art, C in Business Studies. Victoria is going on to University of Glamorgan to study a degree in nursing.
The school would like to wish all its students the very best for thier chosen courses at Higher Education and those who are seeking employment. Da Iawn!
Music Departments song for ‘Envirovision’
