News & Events
News Archive
December 2009
Polite Reminders
Please would all parents refrain from dropping off or collecting pupils from the staff car park in Lower School unless it is an emergency. Thanks for your co-operation.
Pupils are reminded not to bring chewing gum into school.
Please could you ensure all pupils are wearing the correct uniform, especially black shoes, in the New Year.
Staff Achievements
A number of our energetic staff helped raise money for the RNLI at the Reindeer Run in Margam Park on a cold Sunday morning!
Musical Items
The Music department have also been busy with a number of events this term. The Annual Concert held at the Lower School was a wonderful display of the talents of pupils at Dwr y Felin. The variety of musical items as well as the different instruments on display was a credit to all. It was also very pleasing to see pupils from the whole school represented, from Year 7 to Year 11.
During the Prize Giving at Lower School we were also fortunate to have the lower school orchestra playing a selection of pieces. The upper school choir have been invited to a sing at a champagne dinner reception at the Liberty Stadium on 17th December for the Premier Club and Conference Box members, Ospreys and Swans Management and Business Sponsors. Where next?!
Further dates for the diary:
Rock and pop Concert in February; venue to be confirmed.
Annual Summer Concert to be held in the Orangery at 6:30pm on Thursday 6th May. Our production of “Fame” will take place in the Lower School Hall in July. Put the dates in your diary!!!
Mr X Appeal 2009
Once again Upper School pupils raised money to support the local Mr X appeal. This year we have bought and wrapped presents for 43 children. Well done to all!!
Annual Prize Giving
Once again we held our Prize Giving Ceremonies this term to recognise and celebrate the success of individual pupils in both the Upper and Lower Schools. The Upper School presentations were made in October at Neath Port Talbot College where several current and past pupils were recognised for their achievements during the past year. We are grateful to Mr Ravi Pawar (ex Deputy Head teacher) who was our guest speaker for this occasion as well as our Honoured guests including Deputy Mayor Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Mrs Lella James. Our Lower School Prize Giving celebrated the attainment and endeavour of the younger pupils including a number who achieved 100% Attendance.
Deiniol Jones Visit
The Welsh department have been very fortunate to hold a question and answer session between the year 10 option classes and the Cardiff Blues second row player Mr Deiniol Jones. The visit was arranged in conjunction with the drive on bilingualism throughout the school and was aimed at promoting and raising the profile of the Welsh language. The session was conducted through the medium of Welsh and proved very interesting and beneficial to the pupils. The pupils will now use the information gathered to aid them with their GCSE work. Everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed the experience. And we would like to thank Mr Jones for coming to the school. Da iawn i bawb!
Pupil Achievements
Congratulations to Lowri White, Megan Llewelyn and Georgia Brennan who have all been selected to represent Afan Nedd Tawe Netball squad.
Connor Haren (Year 7) represented Wales in the World Kick Boxing Championships in Spain. He competed against Ireland, Canada, Italy and Germany. Wales were crowned as WORLD CHAMPIONS!! Well done Connor and his team.
Nick Edwards (Year 11) has captained the Boys Club of Wales U16 Football team.
Stacey Collins (Year 11) was selected to represent the Welsh Schools' Athletic Association in the Schools Indoor Pentathlon in Glasgow on Saturday 5th December. They were competing against teams from England, Scotland and Ireland, and came 3rd overall. Well done Stacey!
Ben Evans (Year 11) was invited to play the trumpet (solo) in Cardiff in the ceremony where they welcomed the Queen's baton for the Commonwealth Games, as it passes through the continents on its way to India for the Games next year. This was quite a prestigious event, attended by many important dignitaries, and he carried out his task very competently and very professionally. We are extremely proud of his musical achievements.
Rhys Morgan (last years Year 11) is now one of ten finalists in the UK Young Drummer of the Year 2009.
Crime Prevention Winners
The year 8 crime prevention team took part in the Neath Port Talbot All Wales Schools Crime prevention Quiz. After weeks of revising the highway code, fire safety, Drugs and healthy living the team won on a tie break question. Congratulations to Jessica, Emily, Joseph, Sam and Beth for all their hard work. The team go on to represent Neath Port Talbot in the South Wales Final on January 11th 2010.
Girls football 5x60 v Llangatwg
First win of the season. On Tuesday 24th November a Year 7 and 8 team played against Llangatwg. With only one addition, but several casualties from the previous week, the girls played with a lot more confidence. The match, played over 3 ten minute thirds was a very even match which we eventually won 3-2 courtesy of a Sophie Hughes hat-trick. However, 4 of the goals were scored in the last 10 minutes. In phases we passed the ball well and had several breaks which could have resulted in more goals but for some fine saves by their goal keeper. Da iawn merched!
Year 7
Hannah Lake, Sophie Hughes, Ella Brown, Elle Brown and Chloe Saltmarsh.
Year 8
Molly Jackson, Emilia ball and Bethan Williams.
Anti-Bullying Roadshows
Four Year 10 pupils participated in an Anti-Bullying Roadshow in Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli on Thursday 12th November. They attended various anti-bullying workshops and were given free tickets to watch the Scarlets as a thank you for attending! They are currently developing the ideas from the course in school.
November 2009
Girls football 5x60 v Cwrt Sart
On Tuesday 17th November we played against Cwrt Sart on the Lower School Astroturf. The match was made up of two 8 aside games. One game was mainly pupils from Year 7 and 8, the second also had 4 Upper School pupils. Considering this is only the second school game the performance was very promising. We passed the ball very nicely and had far more clear cut chances. The Year 7/8 game finished 0-0 and the mixed game finished 3-1 to Cwrt Sart with Sophie Hughes of Year 7 scoring for us. Well done girls!
Year 7
Hannah Lake, Sophie Hughes, Ella Brown, Elle Brown and Chloe Saltmarsh.
Year 8
Clarissa Jervis, Jessica Willis, Emilia ball and Bethan Williams.
Year 10
Emily Gaze, Lisa Amphlett, Shelly Coleman and Nia Sturgess.
September 2009
GCSE Exam Results
At the start of a new academic year, we are once again celebrating the success of the pupils of Dwr y Felin. 73% of pupils in Year 11 achieved at least five A* - C grades with a number of outstanding individual results. 95% of the pupils had 5 or more A* to G and 91% obtained a C grade in at least one subject. Many congratulations to all! I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, parents and governors for their continued support and commitment. To celebrate the achievements of these pupils, as well as a number of other pupils, we will be holding our annual Prize Giving Evening on 22nd October – more details to follow. These results are excellent and reflect the progress made by the school since the last inspection. It is worth noting that we were a school with a rolling average of 50s for our 5 A* to C grades 6 years ago when we had a good inspection. It will be interesting to see how we are judged in the Spring term of 2010, during our next inspection, when we are now a school in the 70s/
New Deputy Headteacher
As you are all aware, Mr Pawar left us at the end of the summer term to take up his new post as Headteacher at Blackwood School near Newport. It therefore gives us great pleasure in welcoming our new Deputy Headteacher, Mr Martin Howell, to Dwr y Felin.
School Counsellor
We have been fortunate this year to have an addition to our non-teaching staff. Mrs Sarah Pozzi has joined us and our partner primary schools on a part time basis as a school based counsellor. Pupils will have the opportunity to meet with Mrs Pozzi on a “one-to-one” basis. We hope that this introduction will be another strategy to help support pupils during their time at Dwr y Felin. Should you wish any further information please contact Mrs Rose at Upper School.
Extra Curricular Clubs
A full and complete programme of the clubs and activities on offer to your child, both at lunchtime and after school will be issued shortly. The range and number of clubs on offer has increased considerably over the last few years.
Whilst everything possible has been done to organise the timetable so that clubs for a particular year group do not clash, there are occasions where this has not been possible due to the numerous amount of activities on offer.
5X60
A reminder that the 5X60 clubs will start again this term with activities such as cheerleading, football, dodgeball and fitness activities on the menu for pupils. All pupils are welcome to attend the clubs. For more information see Michelle Hall (5X60 Officer).
First Aid
Following changes in legislation, we are amending our first aid policies in school. We are no longer able to issue Paracetemol tablets to pupils in school. We are only able to look after and supervise pupils who have prescribed medication. If your child needs to take any medication in school, would you please send it into school clearly labelled with their name and an accompanying letter giving your permission for us to issue the medication. Should you wish further clarification on this matter please contact your child’s Head of Year.
September 2009
GCSE Exam Results
At the start of a new academic year, we are once again celebrating the success of the pupils of Dwr y Felin. 73% of pupils in Year 11 achieved at least five A* - C grades with a number of outstanding individual results. 95% of the pupils had 5 or more A* to G and 91% obtained a C grade in at least one subject. Many congratulations to all! I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, parents and governors for their continued support and commitment. To celebrate the achievements of these pupils, as well as a number of other pupils, we will be holding our annual Prize Giving Evening on 22nd October – more details to follow. These results are excellent and reflect the progress made by the school since the last inspection. It is worth noting that we were a school with a rolling average of 50s for our 5 A* to C grades 6 years ago when we had a good inspection. It will be interesting to see how we are judged in the Spring term of 2010, during our next inspection, when we are now a school in the 70s/
New Deputy Headteacher
As you are all aware, Mr Pawar left us at the end of the summer term to take up his new post as Headteacher at Blackwood School near Newport. It therefore gives us great pleasure in welcoming our new Deputy Headteacher, Mr Martin Howell, to Dwr y Felin.
School Counsellor
We have been fortunate this year to have an addition to our non-teaching staff. Mrs Sarah Pozzi has joined us and our partner primary schools on a part time basis as a school based counsellor. Pupils will have the opportunity to meet with Mrs Pozzi on a “one-to-one” basis. We hope that this introduction will be another strategy to help support pupils during their time at Dwr y Felin. Should you wish any further information please contact Mrs Rose at Upper School.
Extra Curricular Clubs
A full and complete programme of the clubs and activities on offer to your child, both at lunchtime and after school will be issued shortly. The range and number of clubs on offer has increased considerably over the last few years.
Whilst everything possible has been done to organise the timetable so that clubs for a particular year group do not clash, there are occasions where this has not been possible due to the numerous amount of activities on offer.
5X60
A reminder that the 5X60 clubs will start again this term with activities such as cheerleading, football, dodgeball and fitness activities on the menu for pupils. All pupils are welcome to attend the clubs. For more information see Michelle Hall (5X60 Officer).
First Aid
Following changes in legislation, we are amending our first aid policies in school. We are no longer able to issue Paracetemol tablets to pupils in school. We are only able to look after and supervise pupils who have prescribed medication. If your child needs to take any medication in school, would you please send it into school clearly labelled with their name and an accompanying letter giving your permission for us to issue the medication. Should you wish further clarification on this matter please contact your child’s Head of Year.
Summer 2009
Head Boy and Head Girl 2009-2010
This term has seen the usual preparations, amongst the outgoing Year 10 pupils, for selecting prefects for 2009-2010. Following this, we held a “hustings” for Senior Prefects. The successful candidates were: Emily Farley, Rosie Matthews, Kally Tomkins, Matthew Burden, David Lewis, and Oliver Roderick. All confidently expressed their views on many aspects of school life during a presentation and demanding interview with by Mr. Stacey and Mrs. Potts. It was a tough decision, as all six pupils had different, yet relevant, strengths and interests. After some deliberation, Kally Tomkins was elected as Head Girl, with Rosie Matthews and Emily Farley as deputies, and David Lewis was elected as Head Boy, with Matthew Burden and Oliver Roderick as deputies.
We wish our new team of Senior Prefects a successful and rewarding year ahead, and we know they will have excellent support from the capable body of prefects who have already begun to carry out their new responsibilities.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
This past year has been another busy time for the D of E participants. Fifty four Year 10 pupils successfully gained their Bronze Award and twenty four Year 11 pupils achieved the Silver Award. All were recognised in a prestigious ceremony in the Princess Royal Theatre at the end of June. Hopefully many of you will “Go for Gold”!
UK Maths Challenge 2009
In April, 68 pupils took part in the UK Junior Mathematics Challenge.
The challenge takes place every year for pupils throughout the UK in years 7 and 8.
Certificates winners have to correctly solve mathematical problems to earn points but they also loose points for incorrect answers – so they have to be very careful!!
This year Dwr-y-Felin pupils between them achieved 2 silver and 11 bronze awards. Matthew Baker (year 8) achieved one of the silver awards plus the Best In School certificate.
Well done to all pupils who took part in this difficult and testing challenge.
Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC)
A “Go Fashionably Green Evening” was held at Lower School in April. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening with a number of different events ranging from Fair Trade stalls, a parade of Easter Bonnets and a dresses made from recycled materials and a “Gok Wan” style make over from charity shop finds. The finale was a display of “Prom style” gowns and suits.
Smoke Free Competition
Congratulations to 7G in winning £100 in the National Smoke Free Class competition. They have chosen to spend money on a form trip – Well done! We hope they enjoy their reward.
ESDGC Day
As part of our Healthy Schools initiative we have delivered an ESDGC Day for Year 8 pupils. The pupils were placed into groups for the day and rotated around a carousel of activities based on Global Citizenship and Sustainability. The day was aimed at raising pupil awareness of these increasingly important issues and helping them become more aware of their environment for the future.
College Taster days
A number of visits have been organised this term to Neath College to enable pupils to experience the courses available. Our pupils had the opportunity to experience various Art Medias e.g. Photography, Fine Art and Ceramics.
Transition Days
During last week in June all Year 6 pupils who are starting with us in September, were invited to spend three days getting to know the school. This included the buildings, facilities, staff and fellow pupils. During the new programme, pupils spent time completing French work they had started in their Primary schools, participating in sporting activities and attending a series of lessons. All thoroughly enjoyed the three days and are more confident as they embark upon their secondary school career. Particular thanks to the PE and French departments who organised the first day of events.
Work Experience 2009
Year 10 pupils undertook a week long Work Experience in June mainly in businesses around the Neath area. Some however had placements as far away as Bristol, Preston and Southampton!
The pupils really enjoyed their varied experiences that gave them new insights in to the world of work.
Joseph Cavalli-Price – 7H
Joseph has been an active member of our Lower School chess club and has recently won a local chess tournament for beginners. Well done and good luck for next year.
Children in Need
"Hybu - pobl ifanc" are a voluntary group who raise money for Children in Need throughout the year. Dwr y Felin school was asked to help out 'Bag Packing' in Tesco in Neath Abbey. Miss D. Lewis took 14 pupils from year 9 on Friday 29th June 2009 for two 1 hour sessions. The pupils had a fantastic time and mastered the art of bag packing very quickly!
The children involved were:-
- Sam Bruno
- Alex Dowling
- Rhodri Barnsley
- Daniel Lewis
- Nia Sturgess
- Rhys Thomas
- Megan Jackson
- Sophie Harry
- Katie Williams
- Mearr Davies
- Ceri James
- Chris Vaughan
- Shelley Colman
- Cameron Mellin
The Bay Book Awards
Many year 7 pupils have been busily reading in preparation for the Bay Book Awards. Lewis Wyatt and Jacob Cossins were the lucky pupils chosen to put forward Dwr-y-Felin’s views at the Taliesin. Our favourite book was Cosmic by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
Young Writers
Many Dwr-y-Felin Lower School pupils entered the Young Writers’ Mini Sagas competition. The challenge was to write a complete story in only 50 words or less. Lots of pupils were successful in getting their Mini Sagas published in the Young Writers book. The pupils were: Hakan Demiray, Amanda Fleming, Gethin Thomas, Molly Jackson, Ben James, Bethan Workman, Callum Edwards, Nathan Goldup-John, Sean Hancock, Daniella Williams, Jessica Willis, Amy Hadley, Cerys Beynon, Gemma Mullis, Sophie Pugh, Matthew Baker and Luke Williams. Well done to all!
Success of Former Pupils
Three former Dwr-y-Felin pupils were selected for Wales’ short tour to North America in June. Centre Jonathan Spratt and prop Craig Mitchell were selected in the original squad and fellow prop Paul James was called up prior to departure. Former pupil, and current Osprey, Ashley Beck was vice-captain of the Welsh team in the recent IRB Under 20s World Cup held in Japan. Ashley played in matches against Tonga, Canada, Australia and Ireland, helping Wales to a 6th place finish. Unfortunately he missed the final match, against France, through injury. Ashley was also recently voted the Welsh Premiership Player of the Year for 2008/9 for his performances for Aberavon.
Dwr-y-Felin is very proud of all four pupils who are achieving so much success in their careers.
Rugby Successes
Dwr-y-Felin sides finished the season with some excellent results leading to the following successes:
Year 7 won the Neath Port Talbot Bowl, defeating Glanafan in the final.
Year 8 lost to Maesydderwen in the semi-final of the Neath Port Talbot Cup.
Year 9 won the Neath Port Talbot Plate, defeating Dyffryn in the final.
Athletics Successes
Dwr-y-Felin athletics teams have had considerable success in recent County events leading to the following results:
Junior Boys (Yr 8 and 9): Afan Nedd Tawe Champions
Middle Boys (Yr 9 and 10): NASUWT Cup Winners
Middle Girls (Yr 9 and 10): NASUWT Cup Winners
The Middle Boys and Middle Girls teams will now represent Afan Nedd Tawe at the National final in Brecon in July. The following pupils have also been selected to represent Afan Nedd Tawe at the Welsh Schools Athletics Championships in July:
Jessica Hill: Junior Girls Discus
Stacey Collins: Middle Girls Hurdles
Adam Rowlands: Junior Boys 400m and Relay
Daniel Lewis: Junior Boys 1500m
Jordan Lee: Junior Boys Long Jump
Lewis Cox: Junior Boys Discus
Alex Dukes: Junior Boys Javelin
Robert Rogers: Junior Boys High Jump
County Cricketers
Three Year 10 boys have been selected to represent West Glamorgan this season having already toured Australia in February with the squad:
Nathan Aubrey
Stuart Hornby
Alex Knight
International Girls Cricket
Congratulations to Isabel Day (Year 8) who was recently been selected to play for the Welsh U14 Girls Cricket Team.
Jodie Newell - 7G
Jodie is a Year 7 pupil with a room full of medals! This year alone she has won several Judo competitions including those held in Wales, England and her most recent success coming in Scotland. Jodie’s achievements are even more remarkable when you consider that a number of her titles have been awarded in the U16 category – not bad for a 12 year old!! Good luck next year – we’ll keep everyone up to date with her progress.
Year 11 Pupil Signs Professional Football Contract
Current Year 11 pupil Kerry Nicholas has signed his first professional contract with Lincoln City who play in Football League Division 2. Kerry will join up with the rest of the squad, including the other goal keepers following his GCSE examinations. Good luck Kerry, let’s hope it’s the start of a long and successful professional career!
Congratulations to you all!
5X60
Dwr y Felin has seen a number of new and exciting activities during the summer term. Pupils have been participating in Cricket (girls and boys), Rounders, Baseball, Cheerleading, Girls’ contact rugby and Dodgeball! Fifteen pupils and four members of staff have even been braving the icy waters of Aberavon for a 5 week introductory Surfing course. All have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and 4 pupils will now represent the school in a local competition. Street Dance has been a popular activity once again. For two dance groups the culmination of their hard work saw them take to the stage at the Princess Royal Theatre in a Neath Port Dance Exhibition. Michelle is currently researching into activities for next year and encourages all pupils to discuss any ideas they have for activities with her.
PE Kit
The PE department are changing the suppliers of the PE kit in school. Pupils have been informed of the changes. Should you wish to order any of the items, please send a cheque (made payable to “Dwr y Felin School” for the correct amount) to the Main Office in either Lower School or Upper School.
Uniform
As all high street shops are already advertising school uniform, this is an ideal opportunity to remind you of the school rules regarding uniform; these are outlined below. Please would parents ensure that all uniform is labelled.
Attendance
We would like to remind you of the importance of regular attendance. Pupils should be aiming to have a minimum attendance of 93% in order to maximise their learning and to establish good habits for later life. Please note that pupils are permitted 10 days holiday per year approved by the Head teacher. Holidays in excess of this could be deemed as unauthorised absence.
Finally!
The end of the term marks the end of an era for colleagues who are leaving. We wish them well in their future lives and thank them for all they have done for Dwr y Felin School.
May I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of the school? It is through partnership between home and school that we can ensure the children in our care maximise their full potential.
Spring 2009
Eisteddfod
Both the year 7 and year 8 Eisteddfod were hugely successful. The talent displayed by participating pupils was very impressive and there was a fabulous team spirit shown by all. The day was enjoyed by staff and students alike and it was definitely a day to remember. Llongyfarchiadau i pawb!
Duke of Edinburgh
The next few months are a busy time for the D of E pupils. Year 10 are planning and preparing for their forthcoming 2 day expedition in May. They have to undertake a 15 mile hike with an overnight camp. Year 11 meanwhile, have to juggle the demands of their GCSE studies and their training for the Silver Award. We wish them luck in both.
Grease
In preparation for our school production this summer, we ran a trip to the Piccadilly Theatre London to see the West End performance of the classic musical Grease! The smash-hit musical staring DANNY BAYNE (winner of ITV’s Grease Is The Word) as Danny and NICOLA BRAZIL (Wicked) as Sandy, was an insightful experience in helping our pupils ‘get into character’ for our own version which is to be performed July 7th, 8th and 9th. A thoroughly enjoyable trip for staff and pupils alike!
5 X 60
The 5x60 program has been running successfully in Dwr Y Felin since September with a large number of pupils regularly attending the 5x60 clubs. The clubs have been taken by a variety of people from outside coaches, Ospreys players and teachers from the school giving up their free time. The most popular clubs this term have been Dance & Tag Rugby for the girls and Basketball, Box Fit & Football for the boys.
The summer term will bring a new timetable of activities such as Dodgeball, Surfing, Mountain Biking and loads more; so keep an eye on the 5x60 notice board for more information
Saalbach 2009
More snow than you could possibly imagine and a 32hr coach journey all led to another fantastic week of skiing. Roll on Austria 2010!
Rugby
The school has participated in several 7s tournaments this month.
In the Neath Schools Tournaments year 8, 9 and 10 teams won all their games and the year 7 and 11 teams lost just one game each.
The year 10 team then went on to the Llandovery 7’s where they had a magnificent tournament losing out in the final to R.G.S. Aylesbury
Tag Rugby
This year has seen the launch of Tag Rugby for girls in year 7 and year 8 in Lower School. The girls have started their training sessions with Neath Ospreys player Marc Breeze. During January the girls attended their first tournament at Afan Lido and this month they have been involved in another competition at Aberavon Rugby Club where they were narrowly defeated. Although the girls didn’t qualify for the final Schools Tournament in the Millennium Stadium later this year, their confidence and skills have definitely improved. TAG rugby training sessions are led by Marc and supported by Miss Evans every Thursday after school. All new players welcome! 
Geography Trip
On Friday 13th March, 45 Year pupils visited the Natural Earth Exhibition in The Natural History museum in London. Following an early start, the pupils spent approximately 2 hours in the museum where they were able to witness numerous visual displays of what they had recently studied in lessons. After lunch, with a detour to Buckingham Palace, they headed for a flight on the London Eye. Although the weather was overcast, the views from the top of The Eye were good. One pupil even spotted the arch of Wembley Stadium. This was a fantastic opportunity for those pupils who intend to study Geography at GCSE level.
‘No Smoking’ Presentation
On March 19th all pupils in Year 7 attended a production of “When I was younger”. The performance by Mark Jermin Stage School was aimed at highlighting the pressures of smoking for children and was organised in conjunction with No Smoking Day. All pupils enjoyed the afternoon and had some interesting opinions at the end of the production.
BTEC Introductory Certificate
The following pupils have been rewarded for their effort and attainment on the BTEC Introductory Certificate in Vocational Studies by Neath Port Talbot College:
Oliver Price: Year 11
Ian Kriescher: Year 10
Leah Bennett: Year 10
Chris Lake: Year 10
These pupils received a certificate and some Tesco vouchers in a presentation in Neath College. Congratulations! 
Spelling Bee!
Four Year 7 pupils - Keira Davies, Gemma Williams, Elizabeth Goodall and Jack Meredith (Reserve) recently represented the school in 'The Times' Spelling Bee local championship at the Odeon Cinema, Swansea. They did Dwr-y-Felin proud coming 4th and performing brilliantly in front of a large audience.
Reaching Wider Year 10 Spring School
Four Year 10 pupils will be spending three days, 30th March- 1st April, at Swansea University, experiencing some of the courses which are offered to students. They will be undertaking classes in a variety of areas, ranging from performing arts to engineering. We wish them well as they have a taste of what may lie ahead for them in the future!
School Libraries
We have recently established a temporary Library in Upper School which will be up and running from 22nd April. The idea is to modernise existing library equipment and make it into a resource centre. A special credit should go to Year 9 who have actively helped to raise money for new equipment as well as all the physical work they have contributed. Thanks to Waterstone Homes, Tesco and Ken Hopkins who donated funds. There will also be a school shop based in the library which will sell school equipment.
Flexible Learning
A number of Year 10 pupils have successfully completed two stages of the Flexible Learning training programme. All have benefited enormously from the opportunity to develop their skills in many areAs. They look forward to the final stage of the programme next term.
Gymnastics
16 girls competed in the Schools’ County Championships held on 20th March at the City and County of Swansea Gymnastics Centre. Congratulations to the Under 13 Gymnastics team who were 3rd overall. The girls have been practicing hard since September and were delighted to gain a place on the podium. The fact that four of the girls are in Year 7 could lead to even better things next year – no pressure!! Team members - Samantha Burns (8) Abigail Johns (7) Chloe Arbourne (7) Emma Lewis (7) Nicole Beckett (7)
BTEC Health and Social Care
Yr 10 and Yr 11 Health and Social Care pupils are currently visiting the primary schools each week on vocational visits. Thank you to all concerned for giving them this valuable opportunity.
Year 9 Taster Sessions
Over 100 Year 9 pupils have taken part in ‘Taster’ sessions in Neath Port Talbot College to gain experience and information about courses that will be available to them when they leave Dwr-Y-Felin. These sessions were also designed to assist the pupils in their option choices for Key Stage 4 as they plan for their 14 – 19 Learning Pathway. The sessions included Plastering, Painting and Decorating, Retail, Health and Social Care, Sport and Recreation, Health and Beauty, Public Services, Hospitality and Catering and Music Technology.
Fashionably Green Evening – Thursday 2nd April
Following the success of the school’s fashion show last Christmas we are all looking forward to our first ever ‘Fashionably Green Evening’. The aim of the evening is to promote a healthier, fairer and greener world to live in and this will be achieved in an entertaining and creative style.
Features: Fashion Show, Easter Bonnet parade, ‘Gok Wan’ style challenge, recycled prom dress, 5x60 demonstrations, stalls, raffle and much more! Tickets are currently available, priced £3 per ticket, from both Lower School and Upper School Office.
Peter Hain visits Year 9
Earlier this year we were pleased to welcome Peter Hain to a Year 9 Assembly. He spoke to all of the pupils for over an hour about a number or issues including the Slave Trade.
Saturday Morning Clubs
Year 10 pupils Ben Thomas and Yousaf Khan were rewarded by Neath Port Talbot College for their attendance and progress at the College Saturday morning construction and engineering club. Both pupils received certificates and tool boxes as recognition of their efforts at a presentation in Neath College.
Saturday Catering Club - pupils are thoroughly enjoying the course. They have access to work based experiences and large scale catering and also get to take their cooked dishes home!!They spend 10 weeks in general catering and 10 weeks in bakery. At the end of the course they produce a buffet which is the highlight of the course and are presented with certificates which contribute to NVQ qualifications.
Chess Club
The return of chess club to Dwr-y-felin has been very successful this year. The lunchtime club has proved very popular in lower school with around 20 regular members and visits from curious beginners. A tournament is being held and the standard is high, one of the members has never been beaten even by me!!
We will welcome any new members to chess club both beginners and hardened players!
Smokebugs
A group of Year 10 pupils have been involved, this term, in a Peer Education Training Programme at Margam Park. They attended a weekend residential course at Margam, 30th January – 1st February, where they put together presentations to take out into the local primary schools. On their return, they made a series of visits to our feeder primary schools, to enlighten the younger pupils about the benefits of remaining “smoke-free”. Well done to all the pupils who took part in this worthwhile programme!
December 2008
Year 8 Plantasia Visit
On 5th Novemeber 2008, as part of the Henri Rousseau Project a group of year 8 visited Plantasia in Park Tawe, Swansea. During the morning visit pupils were given the opportunity to explore and draw the varied leaves, plants, exotic flowers and animals at the hot house, to support their coursework. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to visit and work in Plantasia, working in the style of their chosen Artist.
Rock Concert
NEWS for the website: 'the school rock concert is taking place on weds 25th february 2009 at 7pm in the neath college New Theatre featuring performances by yr 10 and 11 pupils. The Music Dept area will very soon have audio files of pupil performances from variouc concerts and recording sessions.
Grease Rehearsals
Grease is taking place in the lower school Hall at 7pm on Tues 7th, Weds 8th and Thurs 9th July 2009'
Mr X appeal
Dwr-Y-Felin bought gifts for 40 children this year, and over £800.00 was raised between pupils and staff of Upper School. Each registration class had a child to sponsor and buy a gift for. 9DLF managed to buy gifts for 11 children instead of the one originally given. Mercedez Jones and Angel O’Connor from this class raised an extra £168.00.
Neath Schools Rugby Representatives
The following Year 9 and 10 pupils have represented the Neath Schools Under 15 rugby team this season:
Lewis Cox
Ben Carpenter
Luke Thomas
Luke Bodycombe
Jack Smillie
Nicholas Edwards
Nathan Robbins
Steve Edwards
James Phillips
Ex- Dwr-Y-Felin Pupils Playing For The Ospreys
In the recent Magners League match between the Ospreys and Edinburgh there were an amazing 4 ex- Dwr-Y-Felin pupils in the Ospreys 22 man squad. These players were:
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Ashley Beck | Paul James | Rhodri Wells | Craig Mitchell |
Football results
Year 7
- Cefn Saeson lost 2-4
- Welsh Cup lost
Year 8
- won 8-1
- Cwmtawe (away) won 0-7
- Cefn Saeson (home) won 3-1
Year 9
- Sandfields (home) won 4-1
- Daniel James (Wesh Cup) (home) lost 4-2
Year 11
- Cefn Saeson (home) won 3-1
- Ystalyfera Welsh Cup (away) lost 0-1
November 2008
Musical Evening
'Dwr-y-felin had their annual first term musical evening on the 27th November featuring a various solo items, lower and upper school choirs, lower and upper orchestras, Rock Quartet (April Ethereal), brass quintet, wind ensemble and a finale item with all performers doing a big arrangement of Adiemus by Karl Jenkins. The evening highlighted the variety of talent the school has. There are photos from the evening including on this gallery website. All performers did themeselves proud. Well done!
'The schools string quartet and Rock Quartet (April Ethereal) gave superb performance on thurs 4th December at ASCL's annual conference held in the metropole hotel, LLandindod Wells. The String Quartet gave a mood setting featuring performances of Concerto in D Minor by Vivaldi, Walking In The Air by Howard Blake and Fields Of Gold by Sting.
The Rock Quartet gave a riproaring performance of Overture 1928 and Ytse jam by Dream Theater and YYZ by Rush. They all received tremondous praise by all headteachers and college leaders that were present. There are audio files of the rock performance from the night are available here and on the music dept area.
September 2008
County Golf Championship 22/9/08 INCO Golf Club
3 Year 11 pupils participated - Ben Doyle, Matthew Rosser and Tom Phillips. Ben won the best Nett score and Tom won best Stableford points total. Both boys received trophies for their achievements.
July 2008
2008 has seen a big shake up in staffing structure at Dwr-y-Felin. There are 9 members of staff that are leaving through retirement and career movement. We would like to wish the following staff the best of luck for the future and thank them all for their loyal service and hardwork over the past few years.
- Mrs E Brown
- Mrs N Brownsword
- Mrs J Cole
- Mrs S Hamnett
- Mrs J Jewel
- Mr J Kedward
- Mrs L Lewis
- Mrs M Morris
- Mrs C Thomas
- Mr H Thomas
June 2008
Congratulations on the huge number of pupils that completed the Bronze and Silver Award this year. All of the pupils have worked really hard and have had a great adventure along the way! Well done to the following pupils who completed the Silver Award:
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Well done to the following pupils who completed the Bronze Award:
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May 2008
UK Mathematics Challenge
In May 2008 35 year 8 and 14 year 7 pupils took part in the UK Junior Mathematics Challenge. The challenge is attempted by year 7 and 8 pupils throughout England and Wales and only the very best mathematicians achieve awards.
Dwr-y-Felin pupils once again achieved excellent results with Richard Partington achieving the Best in School award and a Gold Certificate. In total Dwr-y-Felin pupils achieved 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 13 Bronze awards. Well done to everyone who took part.
Some current year 7 and 8 pupils will be sitting the challenge in May 2009 – their challenge is to improve on last years results – Good luck in advance.