St Illtyd’s enjoy moving trip to Belgium

The History department at St Illtyd’s Catholic High School took 38 students to Ypres in Belgium for a tour of the World War One Battlefields in June. The group went for three days and had a fantastic time visiting many of the important sites associated with World War One.

On the first day after travelling over on the ferry we visited Vimy Ridge and paid our respect to all the Canadian soldiers who participated in the war. The second day we visited museums, cemeteries and existing trenches around Ypres. We also visited the Welsh memorial near Langemark and attended the last post in Ypres. On the final day we travelled down to the Somme where we visited Thiepval, the largest British war memorial in the world.

The pupils found the experience very moving and a great way to bring what they had been learning in the classroom to life. Overall it was a fantastic trip which the students will always remember.

Dan Hills, Head of Humanities Faculty

Hay Festival 2024

On Friday May 24th, two coaches of enthusiastic pupils and staff made their way to Hay-on-Wye for the spectacular and infamous annual Hay Festival. Joined by schools from across the country, our pupils were immersed in the world of literature and the celebration of the written word, stories and reading.

As the day began, students filled an auditorium to hear the inspiring words of authors and were fortunate enough to hear them read from their own books; this experience was invaluable.

Firstly, the brilliant author Alex Wheatle discussed the inspiration behind the world of the South Crongton estate! Rumoured to be closely based on his own hometown and childhood, he told us how he created this fantastic Young Adult series that tackles teenage life growing up on the outskirts of society. Drawing on his own past experiences and the area he grew up in, our pupils were given an insight into the mind of a young Alex Wheatle who overcame adversity. Treated to an excerpt of his latest book, we were able to meet a key group of friends who come together to face their biggest challenge yet! Some of our pupils asked questions and were given top tips to becoming the next budding writers of the future.

Secondly, our pupils heard the astonishing Ashley Hickson-Lovence reciting his Young Adult novel-in-verse ‘Wild East.’ A ground-breaking piece, he delivered this emotional story of a teenage boy isolated after moving originally…all through the medium of rap; our pupils were enthralled!

After this, the pupils enjoyed free time to explore the grounds and the bustling food court where an array of ice creams and foods from around the world were consumed. Students browsed the book shops and were even able to meet the authors themselves to have their copies signed before the last talk of the day; all had a fantastic time.

Finally, Anthony Horowitz, famous spy fiction author and creator of Alex Rider, took to the stage and revealed some of the secrets behind this incredibly popular series. Revealing (much to the teachers’ horror) that his villains were based on his horrible teachers at boarding school, he encouraged our students to write about their experience. He spoke encouragingly about how to turn every negative word or experience into a chance to show people what you are made of. I am pretty sure a few of our students were taking notes and plotting their revenge!

A fantastic day had by students and staff alike, Hay Festival blew us away once again. Many thanks to Mrs May for organising such a wonderful opportunity for us.

We would like to thank the Arts Council of Wales for providing funding that allowed us to cover the majority of the transport costs. We are extremely grateful for their support.

FEEDBACK FROM PUPILS & STAFF
“The stories the authors talked about were interesting. The authors encouraged us to read more.”
Rebecca, Year 7
“I liked the opportunity to ask authors questions.”
Jess, Year 7
“It was really fun, and I learnt more about books.”
Jacob, Year 7
“I liked listening to the authors talking about their books.”
Chloe, Year 7
“I found the day to be educational and inspiring. There were a lot of fun activities. It was good to hear the back stories of how authors got into writing. The event was in a lovely setting.”
Harmony, Year 8
“I enjoyed listening to the authors and the opportunity to buy books.”
Chimamanda, Year 8
“I’ve been trying to read more but just haven’t had the time or motivation. Going to the Hay Festival has motivated me to get back into reading.”
Elijah, Year 9
“Going to the Hay Festival has made me want to read more in the future.”
David, Year 9
“The authors got the audience involved and that was fun.”
Elfriede, Year 9
“I enjoyed the day and listening to the authors. It has inspired me to read more.”
Joseph, Year 9
“Hay was a fantastic experience for our students. Not only did they get to see fantastic authors such as the infamous Anthony Horowitz, but they were able to jump into their minds first hand! Immersed in the day, the pupils were privileged to hear the authors answer probing questions and even read their stories to the live audience. As well as this, they were given invaluable advice about becoming the next budding writers of the future. A brilliant day, the staff were welcoming and added to what was an unforgettable day!”

Beverley Sharp, Second in Department English, and Trip Leader

YMWELIAD BLWYDDYN 7 A LLANGRANNOG

On 15th March, 34 Year 7 students embarked on a residential trip to the Urdd Centre in Llangrannog. Organised by the Welsh department, the trip aimed to provide students with opportunities to acquire new skills, learn some Welsh, and meet new people.

The students fully participated in a variety of activities, consistently demonstrating the school's values of resilience, respect, and responsibility throughout the trip. A highlight of Friday night was the Welsh folk dancing session, where students enthusiastically learned some new dancing techniques!

Saturday and Sunday were spent doing outdoor activities such as high ropes, dry slope skiing, and go karting. A fun time was had by all. Da iawn Blwyddyn 7!

Many thanks to the Henry Smith Charity for providing funding towards this residential.

Megan Gwynne-Carroll, Head of Welsh

World Book Day 2024

On March 7th, St Illtyd’s celebrated World Book Day. To mark the event, many members of staff participated in dressing up as a book character. A competition was held for the best dressed. Mrs Macintosh was Mary Poppins, Mr Taylor was Elsa and Miss Dennis came as Miss Bo Peep; all were awarded for their wonderful efforts.

There was another competition for staff and pupils to get involved; the challenge was to decorate their classroom door based on a book. Mr Reynolds, Miss Mills and Miss Cosslett’s doors stood out from the amazing creations and were awarded prizes for their wonderful effort.

All KS3 pupils were treated to an author visit that took place in the hall. This fantastic opportunity was organised by Miss Cooper, and Mrs Davies supervised every year group. The pupils were visited by Bones who performed his rap poetry and spoke words of wisdom about never giving up, even if times are challenging. He shared his past with the pupils; this was a humbling and inspiring experience. In addition, a lucky few KS3 pupils got an opportunity to have a writing workshop with Bones himself.

Mrs Mumford, Miss Cooper and Mrs Davies would like to thank all the staff for their excellent efforts promoting World Book Day and to the pupils for their wonderful behaviour whilst listening to the author talk.

Another thank you to the fabulous Mrs May who captured the whole day!