St. David’s Day 2014

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POBL PENWEDDIGPOBL PENWEDDIGwww.penweddig.ceredigion.sch.uk

Celebrating Penweddig’s 40th Birthday in the AssemblyA trip to the National Assembly was recently arranged for the School Council. They were shown around the building and were given a presentation on the activities of the chamber by Elin Jones AM. Ms Jones was presented with a birthday card by the Council, as part of the school’s 40th birthday celebrations this year.

The School Council members are pictured with (left to right) John Davies, who was a pupil on Penweddig’s first day in 1973; Gwenallt Llwyd Ifan, Headteacher; Rhodri James, Head Boy; Kelsey Thompson, Head Girl, and Elin Jones, Assembly Member for Ceredigion. The picture of current school pupils in the ‘40’ shape, along with other memorabilia can be found on the celebrations’ Facebook page facebook.com/penweddig40

Penweddig’s Links with GhanaThe Science Department at Penweddig has donated resources to a school in West Africa. Julie Green of the charity ‘Volunteer to Change’ visited during the school’s recent PSE day, to collect used text books and microscopes for use in a new school in Ghana. The school, one of many buildings, including a clinic, is near to the Solo Forest which is being conserved. Penweddig’s Science technician, Karen Stacey, said: “It’s very satisfying to support a new endeavour in Ghana. It’s nice to know they’ll have books with ‘Penweddig’ on them.”

Karen Stacey, Science Technician; Rhodri James, Head Boy; Eilir Huws, Deputy Head Boy; Kelsey Thompson, Head Girl; Elan Elidyr, Deputy Head Girl; Julie Green form ‘Volunteer to Change’ and Wendy Lathwood, Science Technician.

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Penweddig do the Double!Penweddig were crowned Ceredigion Champions on Thursday 17 October. They beat Penglais School 2-1 in a hard and closely-fought final. Siôn Ewart and Dafydd Carruthers scored for Penweddig. On their way to the final Penweddig beat Tregaron School 5-0, Newcastle Emlyn School 6-0 and Dyffryn Teifi School 4-3 in a closely-contested semi-final.

Penweddig were crowned Ceredigion Champions yet again on Wednesday 6 November. They beat their local rivals, Penglais, in the Ceredigion final 3-0. It was a hard-fought match contested in the best of spirits by both sides. The goal scorers for Penweddig were Siôn Jones, Rhydian Davies and Iolo ap

Dafydd. Penweddig progressed to the final with a hard-fought match against Ysgol Aberaeron. The match went into extra time but it was only in the last 5 minutes of the second half that Paul Keegan and Tomos Wyn Roberts scored to secure victory.

Both teams progressed to play Ysgol Preseli on Wednesday 13 November. The Penweddig team were in great form and totally dominated a well-organised Preseli team. However, the pressure mounted and Penweddig were victors in the end by 6 goals to 0. The scorers for Penweddig were Rhydian Davies, Nicholas Jarvis, Dafydd Thomas, Iolo ap Dafydd and Paul Keegan. The under-16 team lost 2-1 in a very close encounter with Ysgol Preseli. Dafydd Carruthers scored for Penweddig. Clem Thomas, Head of PE and Senior Teacher, said: “Everyone at the school is very proud of the achievements of both teams. I feel the senior team is the best we have ever had during my time at the school and all the boys are very focussed and determined to progress as far as possible in this National Competition.”

Keep in touch…The school sometimes sends messages and letters to parents / guardians via e-mail and text. If you would like to receive information in these formats or if there are changes to your details which we already have, please send an e-mail to ymholiadau@penweddig.ceredigion.sch.uk Please also let us know if you have provided your details but are not receiving correspondence from us.

Nature through the LensBleddyn Thomas of Yr. 11 won a photo competition at the end of October. Organised by FfotoAber in partnership with Aberystwyth Rotary Club, this year’s competition theme was ‘Wonders/Wondrous Things’ and using his trusted Canon 1100D and 75-300mm Canon lens, Bleddyn took his winning shot of an owl at the International Centre for Birds of Prey in Newent, Gloucestershire. As the winner of the secondary school category, Bleddyn received a prize of £15, a bag and a print of his photograph.

He said: “I’m very happy. I competed against many other photographers who took excellent photos”. His work was displayed at the National Library of Wales’s LENS International Documentary Photography Festival, in November.

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Successes in the ‘Gŵyl Cerdd Dant 2013’ The school came 1st in the ’Secondary Cerdd Dant Party (without being over 20 in number)’ competition.

Esther Ifan, Mared Pugh-Evans, Medi Evans and Catrin Huws came second in the ‘Open Harp Ensemble (up to 4 in number)’.

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Gwion Morgan-Jones, Emily Jones and Jordan Lloyd-Jones

Ceredigion Urdd Swimming Gala Results 2013100m Freestyle Boys Years 7 and 82nd – Iestyn Watson

100m Freestyle Girls Years 7 and 81st Mali Jones 2nd Manon Jones

100m Freestyle Girls Years 9 and 10 2nd Alaw O’Rourke

100m Freestyle Boys Years 11 and over3rd Ifan Thomas

100m Breaststroke Boys Years 7 and 8 2nd Llŷr Willians

100m Breaststroke Girls Years 7 and 8 1st Sioned Wallwork

100m Breaststroke Boys Years 9 and 101st Steffan Herdman

100m Breaststroke Girls Years 9 and 10 1st Alaw O’Rourke

100m Breaststroke Girls Year 11 and over 2nd Elin Wallace

100m Backstroke Girls Years 7 and 81st Seren Griffiths 2nd Mali Jones

100m Backstroke Girls Years 9 and 101st Cari O’Rourke 2nd Talesia Janes

100m Butterfly Boys Years 7 and 8 2nd James Michael

100m Butterfly Boys Years 9 and 102nd Steffan Herdman

100m Butterfly Girls Years 7 and 8 2ndTalesia Janes

3rd Bethan Benham

100m Butterfly Boys Year 11 and over1st Tomos Watson

4 x 50m Individual Medley Boys Years 7 and 81st James Michael

Beating Personal Bests in SwimmingTwo Year 7 pupils have won swimming competitions in Plascrug Leisure Centre. Ryan Humphreys and Sioned Wallwork competed in the Ceredigion Swimming Clubs’ Swimming Gala, in the middle of October. Ryan came first in the Pentathlon for 11 years and under, and said: “It was a tough competition. I swam against older children and I wanted to get a personal best”. Sioned came 1st in the Pentathlon for 12 years and under, 200m Breaststroke, 200m Backstroke, 200m Front Crawl and 2nd in the 400m Front Crawl. “I made a lot of friends,” said Sioned “and I had a Personal Best in all competitions”. Ryan Humphreys and Sioned Wallwork pictured right.

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Homework ClubEvery night the school runs a Homework Club where pupils can use the Resource Centre’s facilities during out-of-school hours. The club starts at 3.30 and a member of staff is present to assist pupils with their work, especially with Welsh spelling and grammar. The club ends at 4.45 and 4.15 on Fridays.

4 x 50m Individual Medley Girls Years 7 and 8 1st Sioned Wallwork

4 x 50m Individual Medley Boys Years 9 and 10 1st Cari O’Rourke

3rd Bethan Benham

4 x 50m Individual Medley Boys Year 11 and over 1st Tomos Watson

4 x 50m Individual Medley Girls Year 11 and over2nd Elin Wallace

4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Girls Years 7 and 8 1st Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig

4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Girls Years 9 and 10 1st Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig

4 x 50m Medley Relay Girls Years 7 and 81st Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig

4 x 50m Medley Relay Girls Years 9 and 10 1st Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig

1st XV Rugby Squad’s New Kit

Pictured are Penweddig’s 1st XV rugby squad receiving their new

kit. All the boys and their teachers would like to sincerely thank the

sponsors, the owner of Baravin family restaurant, Mr. Glyn Heulyn,

and owner of Brodyr James Coaches, Mr. Elwyn James. The 1st

XV have enjoyed a very good season, winning seven of the eight

matches played thus far. “What is particularly pleasing” says Clem

Thomas, Head of PE, “is the way that all the players are prepared to

play total exciting, running rugby”.

Pictured with the 1st XV are (l-r) Mr. Gwenallt Llwyd Ifan, Headteacher; Mr. Glyn Heulyn of Baravin; Mr. Elwyn James of Brodyr James Coaches; Mr. Clem Thomas, Head of PE

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Steffan shines for Scarlets under 16 AcademySixteen-year-old pupil Steffan James has been busy over recent months developing his rugby at Parc y Scarlets. They have played 3 regional games over the last few weeks where Steffan has made significant contributions in every game. Undoubtedly he is developing as one of their key loose forwards.

The first game was against the Ospreys where the Scarlets won 15 -7. Steffan also contributed with a vital try to secure the victory. The second game was against Cardiff Blues. Again the Scarlets were successful in winning 33-12, with yet another telling performance from Steffan.

Two weeks ago they travelled to North Wales where they comfortably beat the regional side RGC1404 39 – 7.

Steffan has also been outstanding for the Penweddig Senior team this season. Although he is two years younger in this age group, he is consistently the outstanding player in the team.

Head of Physical Education Clem Thomas said “Steffan is an outstanding rugby player who shows huge potential for the future. His contribution to the Penweddig team this season has been immense. Steffan not only has a huge work ethic to training and playing, but he is also a very pleasant and courteous young man who is very popular with both his peers and teachers. It is fair to say that he is one of the most talented and outstanding rugby players ever to go through Penweddig school. I am also aware that he is very highly rated at Parc y Scarlets where he is developing into a key powerful forward of the academy. Everybody at the school is extremely proud of Steffan’s achievements and we wish him well for the future.”

Christmas ServiceThe annual school Christmas service was held on the last day of term in Seion chapel. It was great to see the chapel overflowing with people and the congregation were treated to readings, carols, items

by soloists and by the school choirs .

The Reverend Dr. Rhys Llwyd addressed the congregation and The Reverend Andrew Lenny gave the blessing.

More photographs are available on our website.

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Presentation Service

Pupils past and present came together during the last week of term to receive examination certificates in the annual school Prize-giving Service. The audience were treated to musical items and were addressed by Mr John Davies. Visit the website for more pictures.

Pictured are Arwel Thomas, Chairman of the Governors; John Davies, Guest Speaker; Gwenallt Llwyd Ifan, Headteacher, along with the prizewinners: Black Horse Award – Mabli Mair; Angharad Williams Memorial Award – Ieuan Pugh Jones and Tomos Llywelyn; Physical Education Award – Adam Carvell; Religious Education Award (A D Lewis Memorial Award) – Joe Scannell; Welsh Award (David Herbert Jenkins Award) – Catrin Walters; Music Award (Evelyn Lumley Jenkins Award) – Sam Ebenezer; NFU Award – Huw Lewis and Alwenna Jenkins; GYTS Award – Elan Elidyr.

Penweddig 40 Street Party

As a part of the school’s 40th anniversary this year, a Street Party was held at the end of the Christmas term. Food and drink were provided for the 600 pupils, and pupils and staff wore 70s clothes. Music from the 70s was played, along with carols by the school’s brass band. More pictures are available on the website.

Making a Splash

Sioned Wallwork of Yr. 7 has been adding to her collection of medals. Following success at the beginning of November where she represented Aberystwyth Swimming Club and won a bronze medal in the under-14 Butterfly at the Welsh Open Meet in Wrexham, she won a total of four medals at the Haverfordwest sub-regional competition a month later. Sioned won gold in the 200m Backstroke, silver in the 100m Butterfly and 200m Freestyle, and bronze in the 100m Backstroke. She said “I’m very happy with my results but I was tired after two days of swimming”.

Ceredigion Cross Country 2014

Penweddig’s Cross country athletes travelled to the Urdd Activity Centre at Llangrannog on a cold January day to compete in the County Cross Country competition. Everyone tried their best to gain their best position possible on muddy, slippery and challenging terrain. After their performances, the following who came in the first 10 competed again in the Dyfed Cross Country competition the following week.

Yr 7 Sioned Wallwork 1 Siôn Evans 1 Lisa Cowdy 3 Jac Jones 2 Catrin Manley 8Seren Griffiths 9 Cai Jones 8 Gwenllian Thomas 11 Ryan Humphreys 9 Delun Roberts 13 Peredur Morgan 12 Lisa Ewart 34 Dylan Wyn 34 Catrin Dafis Huw Taylor 30 Sara Griffiths Llyr Williams 31 Gwydion James 36 Gwern Davies 56 Yr 8 and 9 Catrin Skym 4 Tom Constantine 4Alaw O’Rourke 6 Aron Cowdy 10Dwynwen Davies 7 Kieran Evans 11 Mali Lewis 10 Tommy Sandford 19 Hanna Prytherch 18 Evan Hubbard 27 Anwen Raftree 29 Dion Davies 12 Ben Davies 28Kate Williams 37 Evan Jones 14 Hana Bailey 28 Siôn Gittins 25Stephanie Lucas 35 Rhydian Davies 29

Yr 10 and 11

Celyn Evans 5 Jac Rimmer 3Bethan Benham 11 Llyr Ab Einion 4 Talesia Janes Kieron Owen 14 Sion Ewart Guto Havard 19 Elis Lewis 23Rhys Evans 9Jordan Ainslie-Rogers 29 Fergus Pitcher 12 Steffan Herdman 33 Daniel Elwyn 8

Senior Team Ieuan Pugh-Jones 2

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Dyfed Cross Country 2014

Congratulations to the following who represented Ceredigion in the Dyfed Cross Country competition on Tuesday 21 January 2014 in Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo.

Yr 7 Sioned Wallwork 2 Siôn Evans 4 Lisa Cowdy 3 Jac Jones 11 Catrin Manley 33Seren Griffiths 32 Cai Jones 30 Ryan Humphreys 44 Yr 8 and 9 Catrin Skym 15 Tom Constantine 19Alaw O’Rourke 17 Aron Cowdy 31Dwynwen Davies 19 Tom Evans 27Mali Lewis 44 Yr 10 and 11Llyr Ab Einion 22 Senior TeamIeuan Pugh-Jones 17

Penweddig’s ‘Dyfed Cross Country’ Competitors

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Gymnastics

Elinor Thomas Yr. 8 won first place in the Junior Open Sequence in the Urdd County Gymnastics competition held at Plascrug Leisure Centre. Delun Roberts of Yr. 7 came a close 2nd. Together they came 2nd in the Pair Sequence, which was also a very close competition. Congratulations to both!

Penweddig 40 Lecture

As a part of this year's celebrations, Mr. Gerald Morgan, the school's first Headteacher, will deliver a lecture on Wednesday evening 5 March in the Biology Lecture Theatre, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth University's Penglais Campus, at 6.45pm. There will be a wine reception from 6pm in IBER bach. Free admission but donations to charities supported by the school will be welcome.

Calling Penweddig’s former pupils and staff!

Ceredigion Museum has kindly agreed to host an exhibition of items from Penweddig’s past; pictures, uniforms, awards and anything else of interest, in their glass cases in the Spring.

Further details will follow, but if you want to lend an item for display, contact Mark Watkins at Penweddig on (01970) 639499 or ymholiadau@penweddig.ceredigion.sch.uk.

You are welcome to store items securely at the school until the exhibition opens.