Students continue great work at St Illtyd’s
It has been all action at St Illtyd’s Catholic High School in Cardiff over the past few weeks as students have continued their great work with the Eco Club, while also displaying creative skills and celebrating Eisteddfod.
Eco club Update
In Eco Club, we started the term by carrying out an environmental review to research topics around the school. We were all split into groups to research topics such as litter, waste minimisation, energy, water, biodiversity, transport, health, wellbeing, and food.
After evaluating the problems and ranking them, water was the worst problem due to the fact that taps in KS4 toilets are leaking even though they are turned off. Litter was seen to still be a problem and Eco members made posters about this and displayed them around the school grounds with the hope of encouraging the students not to litter anymore. Some of our designs can be seen here.
Evan Vaisey, our Eco Club Secretary, told us about a garden design competition run by Bridgend College which we have decided to enter. Year 7 pupils Dalia Figueroa Molina and Nicolly Trajano Santos Silva created a fantastic “Healing Butterfly Garden” design which we have decided to enter in the competition. Dalia and Nicolly were given an Amazon gift card for their wonderful creation.
As part of the competition, Bridgend College invited us to a garden design workshop and a tour of their horticulture department. We learnt lots of useful gardening skills on the day which we will use in our school garden in the future. Wish us luck for the competition!
Paschal Chike-Nweze, 9TC, Eco Club Communications Officer
Eisteddfod 2023
St David’s Day was celebrated this year with off stage competitions where pupils were given the opportunity to show their skills in the following subjects: Welsh, English, Spanish, Art, RE and Welsh Culture. Pupils worked hard at their various homework tasks and the work was displayed in the reception area. The top scorer was Mark Davies from Year 7. Congratulations Mark!
The following pupils from Year 8 won prizes for designing a brochure to advertise Cardiff: Joseph Bailey, Julia Skiba, Sarithan Sathiyanathan and Zachary Thomas.
Sienna Smith in Year 7 and Soraya Castillo Zoubair in Year 9 created new words for the Spanish National Anthem. Mason-Lee Heaven in Year 7 came first in the Welsh competition and designed a new motto and shield for Wales. Cerys Ayres in Year 7 came first in the Year 7/8 English poetry writing competition, with her sister Megan Ayres receiving 2nd prize for her entry. Mark Davies received 3rd prize for his entry. Many excellent pieces were received for Art with Mark Davies receiving first prize. Diolch yn fawr iawn to everyone who participated.
Megan Gwynne Carroll, Acting Head of Welsh
Eisteddfod Display Megan and Cerys Ayres
News from the Art Department
Virtues Logo Competition
The Art department has supported our Chaplain in raising the awareness of our school virtues. Pupils were challenged to design the virtues of the half term: faith-filled and hopeful.
Pictured is Paschal Chike-Nweze of 9TC with his winning design and prize of an Amazon gift voucher. Here is what Paschal had to say about his creation: "I chose this design because the cross symbolises the suffering of Jesus which is the centre of Christianity. The anchor under the cross represents that Jesus is what gives us hope in this world and the dove represents the Holy Spirit which presents peace and love."
Keep your eyes peeled for our next design competition showing the virtues: learned and wise!
KS3 Artists of the term
Miss Cosslett and Miss Dennis have recognised lots of incredible effort and skills in their art lessons this term. Here are some excellent examples:
Amulya Chandla 7BWH
Amulya has developed an impressive sgraffito design across a harmonious oil pastel background. Amulya has scratched into the surface to depict crisps, chocolate, and a drink. Good enough to eat!
Luke Berry 8ZJ
Luke has focused on improving his tonal drawing skills through studies of Cardiff's architecture. He has shown excellent understanding of scale and proportion. Keep it up Luke!
Sophia Amaechi 9TC
Sophia has shown a mature attitude to our social issues topic. Sophia has designed expressive, emotive lettering that has informed the 3D wall mural she has gone on to create. Wonderful work Sophia!
Tamara Cosslett, Head of Art
Amulya Chandla Luke Berry Sophia Amaechi Sophia Amaechi
News from the Department of Performing Arts
The Lion King
A wonderful trip was had by all when the Performing Arts department took an excited coachload of pupils to see Disney’s award-winning musical “The Lion King” at the Lyceum Theatre, London. The production explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects, and fantastic music. The story follows Simba as he journeys from a wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. Before attending the performance, time was spent in Covent Garden listening to live music, watching street theatre and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.
Carol Service
Following the disruptions caused by Covid it was an absolute pleasure to be able to have our annual carol service once again. We were truly blessed to hold this at St Cadoc’s parish church. The congregation were captivated by the harmonies of the school choir, talented musicians of the orchestra and guitar group along with solos from Ava Placide on the steel pans and Hollie Burke on the guitar. The Year 10 drama group performed a moving presentation of the Christmas story which was written by Miss Wheeler. This all proved to be a fitting and joyous start to the Christmas period.
Annie- Save the Date!
We look forward to welcoming you to our first school production since the pandemic. What a way to celebrate our centenary year here at St Illtyd's. Work is well underway by the cast of Annie for what is going to be a fantastic production. Tickets will be available from the school reception on 5th June priced at £7 & £5. There will also be a bar & refreshments available. Save the date
External Exam Achievement
A massive congratulations to Becky Cassinelli in Year 10 who has successfully passed her Grade 4 Musical Theatre ABRSM exam with a Distinction. What a fantastic achievement! If you would like to come and hear Becky singing, she is Annie in this year's school production. A show not to be missed.
Julie Smith, Head of Performing Arts