Latest News: updated April 2008

Welcome to the Porth County Community School Latest News page.

Use the following links to keep up to date with what's going on in our school.

January 2008
February 2008
March 2008

APRIL

TALKING ABOUT MY GENERATION was a drama production performed by our E3 students under the direction of Simon from Bigfoot Drama Productions. For two consecutive evenings these young budding actors enthralled the audience with snapshot scenes representing the years in between the 50’ to the 70’s. It was a showcase of talent that highlighted the dramatic, comedic and dance skills of the young performers. Everyone who prepared the students, assisted in any way in front of and behind stage should be praised for their support and dedications.

Special mention must go to Year 13 student Jessica Jenkins and year 10 student Daniel Matthews for their starring roles in this production, look out the West End, we say!

Congratulations to the extremely successful Rhondda rugby team who won the Dewar Shield for the 3 rd consecutive time. Year 10 students Jack Dando and Matthew Screech are members of this wonderfully talented team of young rugby players.

Thanks to our successful after school programme, E3 and E3+ we now have a flourishing art gallery in our school hall. The plain wooden walls are now adorned with colourful images of ‘heroes’ of Wales, famous landmarks and historical events in the Rhondda that our students chose to research and develop. The main attraction must be the revolving octopus with its revolving lights!

This month saw the launch of SELAW – A Reflection of Wales which is a collection of art works in different mediums from painted images, mosaics, and metal craft work to revolving lights. All the creations now appear in the hall and were produced by our students who worked with outside artists, Jon and Sally Phillips of Pippins Designs, Cindy Ward of MotoMango and Chris and Ceri of Mobile Art Projects.

MARCH

Our guest this year for our annual Prize Presentation Evening was former student Howard Burge who is presently an Operations Manager for New Directions Limited. The achievements of over 200 students were recognised during this evening and proud friends and families were there to see their children receive their awards.

Bobath Cymru was the recipient of money raised during a coffee and biscuit morning organised by Year 13 student Leigh Williams. Leigh decided to help this organisation after receiving help from them when he was younger.

Bobath Cymru Coffee Morning

Year 10 dancers Kirsty Holly, Gemma Smallman, Emily Jenkins and Hannah Richards were praised for their outstanding performance in a community dance production held at the Parc and Dare hall. The girls are trained by year 13 student Nadine Gibby.

Nadine also holds dance sessions with students in our feeder schools with Rachel Roberts of RCT Community Arts.

FEBRUARY

Our annual Eisteddfod was another successful event thanks to the talents and skills of our students. Winner of the Welsh poem competition, ‘Our Planet’ ‘Cadair Gareth Thomas’ was Year 9 student Kassia Rees and Michael Burley of 8B was the winner of ‘Cadair y Llywodraethwyr’. The English literary competition was won by Year 9 students Craig Moore and Paris Hurley. Cwpan y Prifathro which is awarded to the student who is the greatest contributor to the Eisteddfod was Amy Owen. The winning house this year was Tŷ Glas.

Congratulations to Year 11 student Bleddyn and our Learning Support department who raised for Tŷ Hafan. The money was raised in a range of ways but mainly by sponsorship that Bleddyn collected from his swimathon! Well done Bleddyn!

The Learning Support department have been busy all term in a range of ways. The staff and students completely renovated a small garden area at the side of our school hall. After some back breaking digging and planting the area is now green with trees and plants all thanks to donations from Caerphilly Garden Centre.

Year 11 hockey player Hannah who already plays for the Rhondda side was successfully chosen for the country trials. Hannah now plays right back for the South East Wales team and are unbeaten at the moment.

Cardiff City football development officers held a training session for young people in the Rhondda during half term. Year 8 student Ashley Hopkins attended this course and reported that it was a brilliant experience and would recommend it to anyone.

JANUARY

As part of our World of Work Programme Year 7 students worked with representatives from a range of organisations and companies. After gathering important information about the company the students were asked to make a presentation on the details they thought were important. A winning group was chosen to present their information to the whole year group in the school hall. This activity is just one in a range of activities which is organised in partnership with Education Business Partnership.

Our Business Studies department put our Year 9 students to test when they challenged them to take on the task of creating and selling a product following specific guidelines. This event helps students to develop their marketing and business skills whilst working in a group. Once again this event was held in partnership with Education Business Partnership.

Well done to Year 12 music students Charlotte Ellis and Zoe Brookes who were invited to sing in the ceremony where famous tenor Stuart Burrows was awarded the freedom of the borough by Rhondda Cynon Taf county council.

5x60 co-ordinator Nathan Brock has been busy organising a range of events for our students. The basketball tournament was a favourite of many students and after a hard fought competition the cup was won by students in 7B.

INTERNATIONAL HONOURS

We are always pleased to hear of the success of our former students so it is with great pleasure that we heard of the news of Nathan Rees gaining national honours. Rugby player extraordinaire Nathan has been selected to play for the Under 20’s Welsh Cup rugby squad.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SURVEY

Representatives from local organisation with our community came to school to consult with our students from year 7 to 10 about alcohol and its impact on the community.

Our students who were involved gave their views and observations with an impressive maturity.”

“The discussions will form a valuable part of future decision making when new initiatives in the community might be implemented for safety and general well being.” Commented, Mrs Chris Nagle, acting PSE curriculum co-ordinator.