Issue 07
As we approach the end of another busy term, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our families, whether you are returning or joining us for the first time this year. It has been wonderful to see how quickly our new Year 7 pupils have settled into life at our school. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and positive attitudes have been a joy to witness, and we are incredibly proud of the way they are embracing new routines, friendships, and opportunities.
We also celebrated outstanding successes over the summer, with strong GCSE and A Level outcomes across the board. These results are a testament to the hard work and commitment of our pupils, as well as the dedication of our staff. I would like to thank our parents and carers for their continued support; your partnership is vital in helping our young people thrive, and we greatly appreciate all that you do.
Beyond the classroom, I am delighted to see so many students engaging in our vibrant extra-curricular programme, with a wide range of clubs and activities on offer this year. From sports teams and performing arts to science, debate, and creative clubs, there is truly something for everyone, and it’s fantastic to see our pupils developing new skills and discovering their passions.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support. I look forward to sharing more of our pupils’ achievements and successes in the coming months.
Best wishes for a peaceful Christmas break.
Headteacher | Pennaeth
Term starts: Monday 6 January 2025
Half-term starts: Monday 24 February 2025
Half-term ends: Friday 28 February 2025
Term ends: Friday 11 April 2025
Family Assembly - Wednesday, 18th December
Christmas Fete - Thursday, 19th December
SLT Parent Drop-In - Wednesday, 5th February
Parents Evening (Y11) - Wednesday 12th February
Parents Evening (Y9) - Wednesday, 12th March
Young Carers Day - Thursday, 13th March
Maths Mock (Y11) - Thursday, 20th March
Beauty and the Beast School Production - Thursday, 3rd April & Friday, 4th April
INSET (2): Friday, 20th December 2024
INSET (3): Monday, 24th March 2025
INSET (4): Friday, 11 April 2025
INSET (5): Friday, 11th July 2025
INSET (6): Monday 21st July 2025
Thursday 3rd & Friday 4th April 2025
We are excited to announce the upcoming Heolddu Comprehensive School production of Beauty and the Beast at the Newbridge Memo.
This magical performance promises to be our most spectacular show yet. It features a talented cast of Heolddu superstars ready to bring the classic fairy tale to life with incredible acting, stunning visuals, and unforgettable music. From the beautiful ballads to the dazzling performances, this show will have something for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets: £8
Location: Newbridge Memo
Performance Dates:
Thursday, 3rd April: 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
Friday, 4th April: 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
Come and join us for an unforgettable evening! The tale of Beauty and the Beast is brought to life with elaborate sets, beautiful costumes, and iconic songs like "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty and the Beast." Our hardworking pupils have poured their hearts into this production, and we can't wait to share it with you.
Get your tickets now—don't miss out on the magic!
A great display of skills and fantastic numbers, with some old faces and new faces in the football squads. Great effort by all involved again. Round 2 after Christmas! 👏🏻👏🏻 @HeoldduPE
Another great game from this super squad🏅 Diolch to @PE_StCenydd for making the journey up to us.
POM: Eva-Mai and Maisie💫
A great result for our girls today in the first game on the Road to the Principality! 53-0 win to start. Thank you to Ysgol Gwynllyw, and we wish you all the best for the rest of the year. Also, thank you to @MrTBarnes27 for reffing! Let’s go!
Another top performance from Year 7 today. 1-0 win with a second-half goal from Cai Jenkins. Thanks to Islwyn for travelling up to us.
POTM: Frankie and Cai
POS: Finley P
Da iawn pawb @HeoldduCS @HeoldduPE
Year 8 football today. Played a very strong Lewis Boys team. Lots to take on board and add to our game.
Goals from Jenson and Lloyd⚽️ Da iawn boys!
Year 7's first rugby fixture. A great opportunity for our pupils to experience school rugby. Lots of new players and some experienced ones. Next game is Idris away next week.
MOTM: Liam P and Cai J🏉
Great effort to our 3 boys who played for Rhymney Valley district tonight. Some brilliant displays of skills and flare.
Excellent first game for our Year 7s today against a very determined St Cenydd team. Thank you for making the journey up to us. 5-4 to Heolddu in the end with some brilliant movement and flair. Da iawn Year 7⚽️⚽️
Excellent performance today in our finals match. The boys were determined from the first whistle and showed immense discipline. Congratulations, Year 8, you thoroughly deserved that trophy 🏆
Outstanding effort this evening from our Year 7s in their first-ever school netball match!🏅 Thank you @BedwasPE for making the trip up to us.
Super proud of you all, da iawn!
Great to blow some cobwebs off for our Year 9 football team today. Thanks to St Cenydd for making the journey up to us.
MOTM: Lloyd Bradfield
Da Iawn year 9 @HeoldduCS @HeoldduPE
Congratulations to Alfie Parsons in Year 11, who scored his first goal for the Caerphilly School and District Under 16s squad in their recent match against Newport District. A fantastic achievement and a great start to what we’re sure will be a bright sporting future! Well done, Alfie!
A huge congratulations to Chloe, who bagged 2 individual golds, 1 participation bronze, and 1 bronze for team fighting! What a superstar—an incredible achievement! Well done, Chloe!
Dragons Cup Semi-Finalists! 🙌
A fantastic 54-0 win for our Under 16 girls today against Tredegar Comp.
Thank you to @YGTCS_Rugby for the game, and all the best for the future!
If you would like to donate any uniforms that pupils have outgrown, please hand them in at the main reception. Your donation can help other pupils who may not have access to appropriate clothing. Additionally, if any parents or carers would like to access the uniform bank at Heolddu, please let us know. We want to ensure that every pupil has access to the clothing they need to succeed in their education.
A reminder of our school's uniform expectations to ensure all pupils maintain a smart and consistent appearance. Please refer to the document for full details.
Since the start of the year, EmpowerED has been making tremendous strides in fostering a sense of togetherness through our Community Focussed Schools initiative. At Heolddu, we are proud of the meaningful connections we've built with families and the wider community, all while promoting support and collaboration in new and innovative ways.
We’re excited to announce the establishment of the Parents, Teachers, and Friends Association (PTFA) at Heolddu. This invaluable network of parents and friends of the school has been created to further support our initiatives and strengthen the bonds within our community. If you’re interested in becoming a member and playing a vital role in our school’s future, please contact Miss Entwistle at lentwistle@heolddu.org. We’d love to have you on board!
As we enter the festive season, the generosity of our community has shone brightly. We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of donations received, which are now being organized into hampers for families in need. Miss Probert, on behalf of EmpowerED, extends her heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed. Your generosity exemplifies the strength and compassion of our community, and it truly makes a difference.
There’s still plenty to look forward to before the year ends and into the new term. Be sure to mark your calendars for these exciting events:
Coffee and Create: Join us on Wednesday, 18th December 3:00 - 4:30 pm, for another chance to connect with others while engaging in fun, creative activities. Miss K Mills.
Parents’ Evenings: In the upcoming term, these sessions will offer opportunities to seek advice and resources from multiple agencies on a range of topics. Stay tuned for more details.
This term we have held a series of coffee mornings at Heolddu. These informal gatherings have created a welcoming space where families can connect and gain access to valuable resources. We’ve partnered with organisations such as Barnados and Young Carers, whose events provided crucial support and advice to families navigating challenges in their everyday lives. These collaborations have not only enriched our community but also reinforced the sense of trust and openness we aim to cultivate.
Adding to the vibrancy of these efforts was the launch of our very first Coffee and Create Event. This innovative activity brought families together to engage in creative projects, fostering both fun and teamwork. The event’s success has paved the way for more similar opportunities in the future, ensuring families can come together to share experiences and create lasting memories.
As part of our ongoing work to build positive relationships within our community, we held a Young Carers Coffee Morning on Tuesday, 19th November. The event provided a warm, welcoming space for parents and carers to enjoy a hot drink and connect with our partner agencies in a relaxed environment. The coffee morning was a great success, with around 30 pupils and parents in attendance, enjoying the refreshments and support on offer.
Our young carers are currently working on a creative display under the theme of Hopes and Dreams, highlighting the challenges they face as young carers and the support networks available to help them achieve their aspirations. It was wonderful to see them collaborating with their families to create beautiful and meaningful pieces of work. The young carers would like to express their gratitude to Miss Probert for her invaluable help in organising the event and providing the materials. The projects will continue to develop over the coming weeks, and the final pieces will be displayed in school to showcase their incredible efforts and achievements.
Parents and guardians who attended expressed their appreciation for the support provided to their children by everyone at Heolddu. Helen Jones from Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) also joined the coffee morning, explaining the council's role in supporting young carers and the grants or funding available to them.
If you’d like to learn more about the support available from CCBC, you can contact Helen Jones at JonesHD1@caerphilly.gov.uk. For information on the support offered by Heolddu to young carers, please contact Mrs Lavelle at alavelle@heolddu.org.
We are incredibly proud to announce that two of our Young Carers have had their poems published in this year's Through Their Eyes book. This is a fantastic achievement, and we congratulate them on their hard work and creativity.
I am Borris, mark 54321 Morrisons comfy chair,
Tescos, oh Tescos, you make me lose my hair,
Living in Morrisons is like a game of truth or dare,
Being sat on honestly makes me feel like I'm fighting a bear.
I found this new place, I claim it as my lair.
Attack, eliminate and annihilate,
Chairs assemble, We're now an ensemble,
Our music of screeches, Booming through the air,
Wait?
If I make people screech and reach out to heaven,
Am I no better than the nasty....
Pedestrian.
I wait all day with no hope
No family, no doctors either
Lying in my bed waiting for my fate
No hope left but my spirits high
Only for my hope of my soul
But I will push through it
All of my flaws but the question is
Can I do this by myself?
No doctors, family, or people
They think I'm gone
But I won't go yet, no, will I ever
I will show I'm no weak one
Who cares if I go, no me, no family, only life
Yet I lay there in my hospital bed.
A huge thank you to all the organisations and individuals who have supported the Christmas Hamper Appeal: North Caerphilly Police Service, Citizen Advice, Morrisons, Bargoed Masons, Caerphilly Carers, Gilfach and Park Primary Schools, as well as all the families and individuals who contributed. Your generosity has made this appeal a huge success, and we are proud to be supporting many families this Christmas. Thank you for making a difference!
A big thank you to Kim and the kitchen staff for the delicious Christmas dinner on 11th December. It was a wonderful meal enjoyed by all, and we truly appreciate all the hard work that went into making it a special occasion for everyone.
Christmas takeover of Room 87
The Heolddu LPC enjoying a festive feast
Thank you for your incredible support in promoting the Year 7 cake sale held on 5th December! Although the Year 7 PSE day was cancelled, Year 7 pupils raised over £80 from the cake sale, selling out in just 10 minutes. Your enthusiasm and generosity made it a huge success!
Year 8 pupils participated in an inspiring PSE Day focused on encouraging them to consider further education and aspirational career goals. The day featured a range of engaging workshops delivered by organisations such as Platfform and Cardiff Met University, designed to broaden pupils' horizons and spark ambition. Pupils also explored various career pathways using Careers Pilot, equipping them with valuable insights into potential future opportunities. The event was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to reflect on their aspirations and start planning for their futures with confidence and enthusiasm.
We have raised an impressive total of £751.00 so far for Children in Need! A huge well done and thank you to everyone who contributed and supported our efforts. The day was filled with fun and generosity, with activities such as cake sales, a non-uniform day, and even sixth formers washing teachers' cars. It was fantastic to see everyone come together to support such a worthy cause!
On behalf of the Design Department, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to two local businesses for their incredibly generous support. Carl Brierly from John Sisk & Son and Mr Rob Vokes of Joyner Group have played a pivotal role in assisting our department during challenging financial times. Their contributions have provided us with essential materials, including timber, consumables, personal protective equipment, and a substantial cash donation to help fund specific purchases.
Thanks to these donations, we have been able to transform the old bike storage garage into a fully equipped construction workshop. This new space allows our pupils to complete practical examinations in tiling, electrical installation, and plumbing, enhancing their hands-on learning experience. We cannot thank Mr. Vokes and Mr. Brierly enough for making these improvements possible.
As we continue to seek opportunities to expand the creative possibilities for our Design and Technology pupils, we welcome support from local businesses. Donations of materials or funding are invaluable in helping our pupils experiment with various materials and develop their design and construction skills. If you or your business would like to get involved, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please feel free to contact the Design Department to learn more about how you can contribute.
Our Year 7 Product Design classes have been buzzing with excitement as they embarked on an innovative project to design and create roller coaster carts. This activity is part of the velocity theme and directly links to the Science curriculum, as part of the ‘Science and Technology Curriculum for Wales Area of Learning and Experience.’
The project reached its peak in November when pupils had the opportunity to race their carts and measure their speeds using the track loaned to us by Cardiff Metropolitan University. This hands-on experience not only brought the principles of engineering and physics to life but also provided an excellent opportunity for practical learning and experimentation.
Pupils were then encouraged to refine their designs through an iterative process, making adjustments based on their initial test results. This approach fostered creativity and problem-solving skills while highlighting the importance of perseverance and continuous improvement.
We are thrilled to announce that the fastest time recorded during our races was achieved by Liam Purdy. His cart showcased exceptional design and precision, making him the standout performer in this exciting challenge. The most creative design award went to Anastasia Wator.
Congratulations to all of our Year 7 pupils for their hard work and dedication. This project has been a fantastic demonstration of how dynamic and engaging learning can be when theory meets practice. We look forward to seeing more innovative designs in the next class rotation!
This term, we began with our Sixth Form induction, where pupils participated in talks with universities, Career Wales, Positively You, and a Confident Communicators workshop. These activities were carefully planned to support our learners for the year ahead, easing the transition and preparing them for university or job interviews. We have continued to deliver a range of talks by Mr English and outside visitors, covering topics such as budgeting and finance, university applications, independent study guidance, and wellbeing support.
Our Sixth Form Leadership Team has been working tirelessly, supporting school events and organising their own initiatives. They have assisted with the Year 7 transition, helped with fundraising events, and supported the LRC. In November, they contributed to the Poppy Appeal by selling poppies at Morrisons Bargoed. Furthermore, they have been a mature and effective team, voicing the concerns of the wider Sixth Form. In all their endeavours, they have demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and empathy, serving as true role models for our younger learners. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their ongoing support and look forward to the exciting initiatives they will lead next term.
This term, Year 7 French classes have had the opportunity to create a piece of work inspired by an aspect of French culture. Once again, we have been amazed by the creativity of our pupils, who have produced some truly impressive pieces. These included models of famous French landmarks, research projects on French history, painted canvases, and much more. Many pupils chose to cook classic French dishes this year, and they all looked délicieux! The pupils demonstrated a strong interest in French culture, showcasing their creative and research skills in various ways. We would like to say, "Bon travail!" to all our Year 7 learners for their enthusiasm and hard work.
We have once again been fortunate to work with mentors from Cardiff University. Our mentors have worked with Years 8 and 9, offering workshops and mentoring sessions to discuss the importance and diversity of languages. Topics covered include music, accents, dialects, and the opportunities available for pupils who wish to study languages at GCSE and beyond. Pupils have enjoyed using their multilingual skills and learning expressions in a variety of new languages.
On 26th September, we celebrated the European Day of Languages. To mark the occasion, pupils completed games and activities in different languages to test their linguistic knowledge during language lessons. Tutors also completed a European Day of Languages quiz with their registration groups, and 7CB won the prize for achieving the highest score. A huge merci beaucoup to all the staff and pupils who took part.
In November, 87 pupils enjoyed a visit to Cardiff University with the Welsh department for the Scribblers Cymraeg event. Pupils participated in writing workshops with comedienne and comedy writer Leila Navibi, and author and illustrator Siôn Owen Thomas. They also enjoyed a quiz hosted by Cardiff University on the advantages of studying Welsh and the support available for pupils thinking of going to university. As always, the pupils were outstanding and a credit to our school. Da iawn, pawb!
Our extracurricular activities programme offers something for everyone, providing pupils with the opportunity to explore new interests, develop their skills, and stay active throughout the week. Whether you're a budding musician, a sports enthusiast, or a creative mind, there's always something exciting on offer.
Our extracurricular programme is designed to complement classroom learning, providing a balance of fun, fitness, and focus. It's a fantastic way for pupils to meet new friends, improve their skills, and make the most of their school experience.
Our extracurricular activities programme is updated regularly, so be sure to keep checking our website for any updates.
This Halloween week, our science department conjured up a truly enchanting experience for all Year 7 pupils with the exciting 'Harry Potter Science Lessons.' The atmosphere was electric as pupils entered the classroom with teachers dressed to impress, eager to embark on a magical journey where science and wizardry intertwined.
Throughout the week, pupils engaged in a variety of captivating activities that brought elements of the beloved Harry Potter series to life. They marvelled at the wonder of levitating paper and the thrill of bending water, demonstrating the intriguing principles of physics at play. But the fun didn’t stop there!
Young wizards and witches rolled up their sleeves to concoct 'creeper slime,' a gooey and colourful experience that had everyone in high spirits. Adding to the excitement, the pupils indulged in a real-life version of the Harry Potter card game, testing their knowledge of magical creatures against real-life organisms, competing against each other for the title of the ultimate wizard!
And, of course, what would a magical lesson be without some fire writing? Pupils crafted their spells on parchment, leaving them with unforgettable memories. A fantastic time and plenty of fun were had by all, making this celebration of science and the wizarding world a week to remember!
Our pupils are hard at work building a robot as part of the STEM equipment donated to the school through the Hive project. This exciting initiative is giving our pupils the opportunity to explore robotics and enhance their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We can’t wait to see what they create!
Some intrepid Year 8 pupils have joined the Python coding club that meets every Wednesday at lunchtime. The pupils are using some of the school’s Raspberry Pi computers to learn how to program in the Python computer language. By completing various exercises and challenges, the pupils have learned about procedures and variables and are currently using these skills to try and write a text-based adventure game. The aim is that they will eventually progress to the point where they can program a robot to guide itself around an assault course.
Heolddu LPC pupils and staff have been busy collecting items for the local foodbank throughout December. Pupils responded extremely positively to a request for donations of tinned and dried food after completing workshops on food poverty and the importance of supporting local charities.
A special thank you to Mr Aaron Williams, CEO of Lloyd’s Builders, who generously donated money to support this appeal. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed their shopping and budgeting morning at Morrisons in Ebbw Vale. Your kindness and support are greatly appreciated!