A message from Mr Kennedy, Headteacher
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I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on a very positive and productive academic year and to wish all members of the school community a restful summer holiday. May I begin by thanking you all for the support I have received in my first year as headteacher. It is an honour for me to be trusted with leading this wonderful community. My job is made considerably easier by working in partnership with you as families. Diolch yn fawr for that. What has really stood out across the year is the spirit of working and learning together between staff and pupils. As well as being a key part of our lessons, this is most evident in our large scale and public events. From the Year 11 and 13 proms, through to the Year 7 Eisteddfod, the production of Sister Act and more recent music and drama showcases and most weeks on the sports field, it has been lovely to see our talented pupils working alongside staff in representing the school so well.
My vision for the school hinges around cynefin, a sense of community and identity. I have spent time this year with staff and pupil working groups, taking their ideas on what it means to be a part of Olchfa School. I look forward to sharing that vision in more detail in the new school year. A key part is to be of, by and for our communities, locally, nationally and globally. Again, through the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, the Spanish exchange and in numerous educational visits, our pupils have represented us superbly. Diolch to everyone involved.
Thank you also for the engagement in our school uniform surveys. Please support us by making appropriate purchases over the summer. We will be monitoring uniform carefully when pupils return in September. With that support we will be able to make September a positive start for everyone. We also look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 pupils and the students from across the city who will join us in the Sixth Form. Before then, may I wish everyone awaiting examination results the best of luck.
I hope that you enjoy your summer together as families. Whether you stay at home or head overseas, I hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing break.
Cofion / regards,
Julian Kennedy
Headteacher / Pennaeth
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This newsletter contains a snapshot of school news. Please visit our social media sites to view more news!
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Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children
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The Governors and staff of Olchfa are fully committed to adhering to section 175 of the Education Act, 2002, which requires Local Authorities and Governing Bodies of maintained schools and institutions to have arrangements for exercising their functions with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
The Governing Body of Olchfa responds to the objective of keeping children and young people safe by:
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creating and maintaining a safe learning environment for children and young people
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identifying where there are child wellbeing concerns and taking action to address them, where appropriate, in partnership with other agencies
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ensuring that children are listened to if they are expressing concerns
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the development of children’s understanding, awareness and resilience through the curriculum
The Governing Body recognises that achieving this objective requires a system designed to:
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prevent unsuitable people from working with children and young people
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promote safe practice and challenge poor and unsafe practice
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identify incidents in which there are grounds for concern about a child’s welfare, and initiate or take appropriate action to keep them safe
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contribute to effective partnership working between all those involved in providing services for children and young people
Governors and staff in Olchfa will work together with other agencies in order to achieve the above objective.
At Olchfa the health, safety and wellbeing of all children is of paramount importance. Parents send their children to school each day with the expectation that the school will provide a secure environment in which their children can flourish. The Governing Body and school staff, therefore, make every effort to ensure that this expectation becomes a reality. In order to do this, and acknowledging the scope of safeguarding, a wide range of measures and policies have been put in place.
Olchfa recognises the value of early intervention and prevention services in order to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of children. We are committed to working collaboratively with families and early intervention services. It is essential that regular communication with families is maintained to identify, as early as possible, when other services may be able to offer support. The Governing Body and school staff will work with families to make appropriate and timely referrals for early intervention services.
The Designated Safeguarding Persons (DSP) in this school are:
Matt Salmon – Deputy Headteacher Hannah Vincent – Senior Pastoral Guidance Worker
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Rhys Miller (ex pupil) attended the Gold Award Duke of Edinburgh event at Buckingham Palace in May. Rhys has just completed his Engineering foundation year at Southampton university.
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Jacob Young was with us from 2011-16 and has recently found success in the West End production of Wicked playing Fiero.
He was very interested in drama and musical theatre whilst in school and was a member of a local drama group (CATS).
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Mobile phones are not permitted and should not be used on the school site. If a pupil brings a mobile phone to school, it should be kept in their school bag. If a pupil needs to contact a parent/carer, they should go to T3 or reception.
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INSET DAYS 2024/2025
Monday 2nd September 2024
Tuesday 3rd September 2024
Monday 6th January 2025
Friday 14th February 2025
Friday 18th July 2025
Monday 21st July 2025
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There are procedures in place at Olchfa if your child feels unwell during the school day.
In the first instance, pupils are encouraged to see Mrs Hopkins, Pupil Welfare Officer. Mrs Hopkins will then contact parents/carers as soon as possible.
If Mrs Hopkins is unavailable, pupils will need to see another First Aider in Newid/T3.
If your child contacts you by using a mobile phone, please support the school by informing them of the above procedures.
We appreciate your support in this matter.
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Reporting an absence, pastoral issues, general queries? Please click on the following link for further details - HOW TO CONTACT OLCHFA
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Exam Results Day information
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Exam Certificates
Have you collected your Exam Certificates? If not, please contact us.
Uncollected Exam certificates are still currently available from 2017 -2023
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Pupil Welfare Officer - Information for Parents/Carers
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Please note a few reminders from Mrs Hopkins, Pupil Welfare Officer:
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If a pupil is unwell, they must attend the PWO's office. Pupils should not use mobile phones to contact parents/carers. The PWO will contact the parent/carer if needed.
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If a pupil sustains an injury and is on crutches etc. please contact me as soon as possible regarding a Risk Assessment.
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Pupils on medication (such as antibiotics) must leave and take the medication in my room.
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We are still very grateful for any donations of uniform.
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Fluenz immunisation for year 7- 11 will take place in November. More details will follow in September.
All that remains is to wish you all a restful break and to look after yourselves.
Mrs Hopkins
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Pre-Loved Uniform/Lost Property
Please ensure all items of school uniform are marked with the pupil's name and form. We will ensure all misplaced, named items are returned to pupils. We continue to have many unnamed school uniform items. All unnamed lost property will be washed and added to the school's pre-loved school uniform stock. Lost property can be viewed every Thursday from 3-4pm. Thank you.
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Since September 2022 we have used an online system called ClassCharts to track behaviour and achievement points that are awarded to pupils. We are beginning to use the platform more widely and have recently begun trialling the use of ClassCharts for monitoring attendance.
There is a parent version of ClassCharts, which enables you to see your child's behaviour and achievement points as well as attendance information. There are still a number of parent accounts that have not been activated and given that we will be using the platform more widely from September, we have re-sent details for you to sign into your account.
Parent access codes have been emailed to you directly from ClassCharts. If you have not received one please check your junk/spam folder for it. If you still do not have it then please contact us at the school by emailing olchfa@olchfa.org.uk.
If you already use the ClassCharts parent account, there is no need for further action at this time. Thank you.
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Touch Rugby
Our touch rugby team is actively participating in the Ospreys Community League, bringing together a spirited mix of staff and students. Touch rugby, characterized by its fast-paced nature and strategic play, features six players on the pitch, creating ample space for dynamic moves and exciting plays.
To date, 20 players have represented our team, each contributing their unique skills and enthusiasm. Every Wednesday evening at Ashleigh Road, the team competes, offering an opportunity for spectators to enjoy the game.
The pupils have faced tough competition in the league, managing one win so far and several close finishes. Despite the challenges, they are gaining valuable experience and continually working to improve their performance.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our kit sponsor, Mrs. Bucket, whose generous support has been instrumental in outfitting our team. Her contribution has significantly enhanced our team’s presence and morale.
We invite everyone to come down and support our touch rugby team as they strive to achieve their best. Your encouragement and presence mean a lot to our players.
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LGBTQ+ and Allies Society
Olchfa LGBT+ and Allies Society celebrates its first presence at Swansea Pride.
This year a new group celebrating diversity at our school has started up. After setting up one of our first questions was 'how should we celebrate Swansea Pride?' Luckily for us a new member of staff Mr. Bradley-Adams came up with a great initiative, to create a combined art work to send along. All the members contributed both ideas and artwork, including QR codes linking to popular LGBT+ music. The central theme was a regular meme from our meetings about the way the direction of our lives can often feel like a roundabout, with so many different paths available. The society meets at Friday lunchtimes in Rm 47 and everybody is welcome, please do come along and join in with new ideas and projects or just to meet new people and socialise in a relaxed atmosphere where diversity is welcomed and celebrated. If you want to speak to someone before turning up then drop Mr. Stewart an e-mail and let him know you are interested in coming.
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Seren Maths competition
On March 13th, some Y12 pupils took part in the Seren Maths competition and they received their certificates at the beginning of May. Excellent results! 4 Silver awards, 3 Bronze 1 awards and 6 Bronze 2 awards!
 
MEI Data Science Taught Course
Well done to Hemachandra in Y12 who has attended the MEI Data Science Taught Course virtually this year and has received a Merit award after sitting his exam on March 13th.
Junior UK Maths challenge and Junior Kangaroo
On April 25th, 133 pupils in Y7 and Y8 participated in the Junior UK Maths challenge with excellent results! 3 Gold awards, 7 Silver awards and 25 Bronze awards for Y7 pupils and 5 Gold awards, 13 Silver awards and 16 Bronze awards for Y8. Bendigedig!
We celebrated their success handing in their certificates in assembly.
Hannah in Y7 and George, Josh and Aydin in Y8 qualified for the Junior Kangaroo which they sat on June 11th . Well done all for all your hard thinking and maths enjoyment! Special congratulations to George and Aydin who have received a Merit award!
Bloodhound workshop
On May 10th, a group of Y9 girls attended the Bloodhound workshop and learnt all about aerodynamics whilst building their own rocket car and testing it. Lovely way to join the celebrations of May 12th, International Women in Mathematics Day.
 
Haskell club
Dan and Ioan in Y12 attended Haskell Club every Tuesday until Easter and completed the Logic and Mathematics with Haskell course. Great determination and enthusiasm that was rewarded with a certificate from Sociality and the University of Glasgow.
Pink and Grey Kangaroo
Tristan, Sam and Jerry in Y11, and Joel and Yahya in Y9, qualified to participate in the Pink and Grey Kangaroo, respectively, after their fantastic results in the Intermediate UK Maths Challenge. Well done to all five for this achievement! Special congratulations to Jerry for his Merit award and his invitation to participate in the National Maths Summer School organised by UK Maths Trust.
Maths workshops
On Wednesday May 22nd and on Wednesday June 19th, a group of parents were invited to Maths workshops to learn about the use of manipulatives to learn Mathematics. These workshops were prepared and delivered by Mr Protheroe and Mrs Escudero and parents were given goodie bags with resources provided by Multiply.
 
Mrs Escudero, Learning Manager for Mathematics and Computing
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As part of their iThink lessons year 7 students undertook a geographical investigation into the ongoing rejuvenation of Mumbles. Students visited various sites including the Skate Park, Oyster Wharf and the Pier. They saw first hand the building of the sea wall defences along the front and the current impact on the local community and the potential benefits for the future.
Students even had a chance to stop off for an ice cream at Verdi’s for the true Mumbles experience.
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Year 8 iThink pupils have been exploring transatlantic slavery through the eyes of a young enslaved boy called Nathaniel Barratt in the historical fiction novel, Freedom by Catherin Johnson
As part of the sequence of lessons, pupils have written poems 'through the eyes' of a runaway enslaved person. They took inspiration from a project called Runaways London in which a team of artists worked closely with researchers at the University of Glasgow to reimagine the stories of London's runaways.
The poems written by 12 of our Year 8 Pupils have been chosen to be entered for publication in “Through Their Eyes - Verses Unveiled”.
Penelope Fitton, Ana Arayal, Anisha Kadir, Evie Langton, Khadija Aliyu, Jasmine Griffiths, Georgia Potter, Lacey Evans, Nurinaiya Azybay, Riley Edwards, Sunwoo Kim, Thomas Morgans
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This term, Olchfa took part in a joint expedition with the English Centre, Spain.
On day 1, Olchfa pupils engaged in iThink and iDiscover Science sessions with their peers from Spain. They learned about the coastal processes, landforms and ecosystems found in the Gower.
Having explored food chains and trophic interactions of rocky shorelines with Jack Gourlay, Ceri Humphris and Rebecca Conibear, on day 2, students from the two schools put in to practise their scientific protocol on Rhossili headland. They battled difficult windy conditions to collect data on native grassland species. They were also able to do some bird species identification. One group was lucky enough to see a group of Atlantic Grey Seals. Students also participated in a coasteering adventure run by RipNRock which involved rough ocean swimming and cliff jumping. Students showed excellent resilience and determination to complete a series of increasingly intimidating cliff jumps.
On day 3 the students visited a sunny Three Cliffs Bay. Having learnt about the process of longshore drift in the classroom with Mathew Devany and Aled Evans, students from both schools were able to see the results of this geographical process whilst undertaking geography fieldwork on the storm beach. Alongside the fieldwork, students walked through the sea arch they had learnt about on Monday before experiencing the eroded cliffs up close during a rock climbing activity organised by RipNRock. Students showed excellent team working and communication skills as they worked together to help each other up and down the steep rock face.
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This term students in the Humanities Club have been taking part in all sorts of projects:
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They have created their own political parties;
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Creating their own castles;
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Designing and creating Roman shields;
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Creating a functioning volcano;
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Making 3-D designs of the globe;
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Designing and creating siege guns
Their final project include submitting a model of Mumbles Lighthouse into a Geographical Association competition.
This term the Eco-committee has expanded to over 20 members from across the year groups. We now meet twice a week to discuss environmental issues and plan actions to improve our school environment. We have organised and judged a poster competition to raise awareness of litter and recycling in the school grounds. Winning posters are now displayed across the school. We have also delivered assemblies on the new Welsh recycling laws to year 7, 8 and 9 to explain how to use the school's new recycling bins. We have also partnered with the Science Club and built sustainable solar powered greenhouses and grown their own micro-vegetables!
Pupils in Year 10 and 12 visited Swansea city centre to collect data for their NEA. They were researching how Swansea city centre had changed over time. Year 10 pupils considered the degree to which Swanse is becoming a Clone Town and Year 12 pupils were looking at the impact of the recent development of Copr Bay.
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Congratulations to Oscar in 12 MK who has been chosen from 1300 applicants for the highly competitive Sutton Trust US Programme, which helps academically-talented UK students explore US higher education. Well done Oscar!
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Alfie Thomas
Alfie has been selected to compete in the for MMA Cymru at the IMMAF world championships in Abu Dhabi, Dubai in August this year. There are only two athletes from Wales that can compete in each category. Well done Alfie!
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Congratulations to Grace in Year 9 who attended the Euro Youth Basketball Cup in Barcelona as part of the Wales U15 squad in June. This is one of a number of competitions she has competed in!
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Congratulations to Caitlin Thomas in 12MK who was selected to compete in British Dressage Youth Inter-regionals on 29th and 30th of June in under 25 category!
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The Expressive Arts department had a very busy summer, finishing the term with a two-day festival which took place in South block. The festival included two evening performances. Firstly, a music concert featuring the orchestra, concert band, string group, funk band, Year 7 & 8 vocal groups, brass group, whole school vocal group plus year 9 and 10 ensembles, and secondly, an evening of drama and musical theatre featuring whole school drama group, Year 10 GCSE Drama, Year 9 iExplore and performances of Sondheim songs by our A level students.
On both nights, visitors were able to visit our fabulous art exhibition featuring work from all different year groups, including recent examination work.
On the last Monday of term, we said goodbye to members of our Year 13 Music group who performed in an evening celebrating the music of Stephen Sondheim, it was a wonderful way to finish their time at Olchfa and we wish them all the very best in their plans for the future.
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Expressive Arts - Upcoming Events
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The Expressive Arts department is excited to announce two performance opportunities for our students. Firstly, we will be performing an abridged version of 'The Tempest' in the Shakespeare schools festival in December at the Taliesin theatre, Swansea. To get involved, please follow the Google class link on the poster. Secondly, we are pleased to announce that we will be performing a whole school production of 'The sound of music' between March 11th and 14th in the South hall. Details on how to get involved will be announced in September.
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Please click on the following link to view details - Contact the School
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Social Media pages - Twitter, Facebook and Instagram - @OlchfaSchool
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