Shakespeare Schools
The cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed on the Riverfront Theatre stage on the 8th of March. 30 Year 8’s transformed into Shakespearean characters from the Disco era and had lots of fun doing it.
The cast were so professional in their delivery of the play. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of such a special event.
On the morning of the 8th March, we all woke up to a thick layer of snow, the school closed, and what seemed like a cancelled show. However, with a lot of phone calls, and some snow melting from Mother Nature, the show was on! We quickly got everything together and trekked to the bus.
The show must go on, after all.
Thanks so much to everyone involved for all your support in making this happen.
-Miss Owen and Miss Gooding
Poetrying in St Martin's!
In March we had a wonderful visit from Connor Allen - the Children's Poet Laureate in Wales! Believe it or not, a Poet Laureate is an honorary position appointed by the monarch of the United Kingdom (so very important!). Connor talked to our Year 7 students about his experience of writing poetry and performed one of his poems - 'Knock Knock'. Students got to create their own identity poems and also adapt a version of Connor's poetry but most crucially - they got to perform, because that's what poetry is all about!
Associate Student Governor
As part of the school's commitment to developing student leadership, Oliver Shutt in Year 11 has been appointed as Associate Student Governor and will attend his first Fully Governing Body Meeting at the end of March. You can read Oliver's application here: I believe I should be a Student Representative on the Board of Governors because I can draw on a wide range of experience from over four years of being at St. Martin’s. I am a member of the wellbeing department and have, like so many others, benefitted from its valuable support which has given me an insight into how different needs are cared for. I believe I can bring an honest school-based opinion where necessary, having earned a reputation of being trustworthy, reliable and hardworking. Outside of school, I am a Senior Tennis Leader at Caerphilly Tennis Club, which involves coaching primary school aged players and helping to manage other Tennis Leaders at the Club. I will regard being a Student Representative a big responsibility and I believe I can bring valuable contributions to Governing Body meetings.
We are very excited for Oliver to begin his work on the Governing Body, representing the views of students.
New facilities
The new boys' toilets.
Auschwitz trip through the eyes of Bethan Jarman-Bailey, Yr 12
Throughout my time on the Lessons from Auschwitz Project, my knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust has changed immensely, having since obtained a much larger scope on the events and prejudice during and subsequent to the Holocaust and how these have been paramount in altering society to become what it is today.
Perhaps one of the most moving aspects of the trip to Auschwitz Birkenau was the sight of thousands of possessions from those who tragically lost their lives. I found that above all this gave me an insight into each individual and their personal tragedies. There were glasses, suitcases inscribed with names, shoes, outfits, with each item bringing you closer to every individual as you begin to gain an insight into their personal taste in fashion and personalities. The significance of the shoes in particular was highlighted on the trip. Each pair is proof of a person who was murdered, but the significance of these being the fact that every shoe is perfectly moulded to provide the utmost comfort and protection to the individual to which the shoe belonged; this making them ever so personal.
During my visit to Auschwitz Birkenau, I witnessed ‘The Book of Names’, containing the names of those who were murdered, which are inscribed within the book to act as an eternal memorial. With only 4 million out of the total 6 million names being recorded. Their entire existence will solely be remembered by a few key details, like a name and a date of death.
But it is essential to be reminded of the fact that these are not just statistics, these were loved ones, parents, and people with stories to tell, whose lives were taken away from them much before they were due. They were punished for doing what felt to them as ‘normal’, this being one of the crucial factors when remembering the Holocaust to be a massacre which should never be forgotten.
Salon Opening
We are delighted to announce the much-anticipated opening of our school salon; Salon Cain, a haven of beauty, innovation, and educational excellence. This exciting venture brings together the art of hairstyling, skincare, and nail care, offering a holistic approach to beauty education. With a commitment to providing comprehensive training and fostering creativity, we invite you to explore a world of endless possibilities in our cutting-edge salon.
California Trip
This Easter saw St Martin’s descend en masse to California on the West Coast of USA for the trip of a lifetime! 150 students and 18 staff followed a jam packed itinerary during an 8 day road trip spanning California, Arizona and Nevada. San Francisco’s Alcatraz and Academy of Science Museum were fascinating and set against the stunning backdrop of the Bay and Golden Gate bridge. The trip drove up and over the Sierra Nevada mountains into Yosemite with its epic scenery, including El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridal Veil Falls. This should be on everyone’s bucket list. Death Valley topped out at 40 degrees C whilst we were there, and students enjoyed the salt flats and strange wind-carved landscape. Walking the strip in Las Vegas is an experience none will forget, not to mention trips to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam! A whistle stop tour of Los Angeles and the extreme thrills of Six Flags roller coaster park topped off a truly memorable experience. Students returned as seasoned travellers with memories that will last a lifetime!
UDO
In March, we took a group of pupils to the UDO dance competition. We entered the following genres of dance: jazz, street and latin.
Within those genres, it was the first time we had entered a jazz routine and also 2 street routines.
The pupils did extremely well, and added to our St Martin's trophy collection!
A huge thank you to Mrs Loveridge, Miss Connolly and Mrs Harris for all of their time and effort spent with the girls learning the routines.
Open Mic Night
On Thursday 15th July we hosted our very first open mic event. We had a range of staff and pupil performers who treated us to some excellent musical talent. We were also treated to a range of tapas which was prepared and served by our Catering students. All proceeds went towards our accessibility fund and we raised £370.
Twyn Primary Bake Off
Mrs Shopland had the pleasure of working with 12 year 5 pupils who had entered their bake off competition. It was a fabulous few hours and the pupils worked really hard and learnt lots.
Young Pastry Chef
Jack Morris is a past student seen here in his chef’s whites whilst working with Giovanni in our school restaurant. Jack went on to study Level 3 Hospitality at Coleg Y Cymoedd. He has recently qualified for the Chef’s Forum Young Pastry Chef of the Year. The final is in May. We wish Jack all the very best and look forward to hearing all about it!!
EDIT Congratulations to Jack who took 3rd place in The Chef's Forum Student Pastry Chef of the Year 2023!
Cwrt Rawlin Bake Off
On Tuesday 20th June Mrs Shopland visited Cwrt Rawlin Primary School to judge the year 5 & 6 cupcakes competition. The level of skill on the cupcakes was amazing. It was great to have conversations with pupils about how they made and decorated their cupcakes. It was difficult to pick 3 winners out of so many great cakes. The winners were then treated to a masterclass with Mrs Shopland.
Year 6 Literacy MAT Sessions
Over the past few weeks a small group of more able and talented children from our feeder primaries have been coming to St Martin's for challenging literacy sessions. These lessons have been focussed on Slam poetry: the creation and performance of it. Children have been tasked with coming up with their own verses on the spot and performing them individually and collaboratively. It has been a pleasure to meet and work with these delightful learners. I was very impressed with how they rose to the challenge.
Cake Sale
Staff sell cupcakes every Thursday during break and lunch. The money raised is going to an amazing cause, making our school accessible. Help us get our fundraising thermometer rising!!
POSITIVELY BRILLIANT!
This term, some of our More Able & Talented learners from years 7 and 8 were invited to participate in the Brilliant Club, organised by the Scholars’ Programme. Over the course of 8 weeks, these pupils met with a tutor from Cardiff University and undertook seminar style studies into Politics:British Prime Ministers, finally producing an essay that was graded according to University standards. Pupils’ work was of an exceptionally high standard, with notable essays written by Elis Bounds, Kian Moss, Ffion Holden and Florian Dirr, who were awarded a First as their grading.
Those pupils who completed the course were invited to experience University life for themselves with a visit to Carmarthen Campus for their graduation ceremony. Following a tour and an opportunity to meet with students, ask questions and get a feel for what being a student would be like, all of the pupils were invited to the stage where they were awarded their certificates. Particular credit must go to Matteo Fall and Logan Albinus who represented our school and spoke very eloquently, without notes, about what they had gained from participating in the experience. It really was a lovely day, celebrating the pupils’ hard work and dedication. Hopefully this will have fuelled and inspired an ambition to pursue further education. Well done all!
Staff complete Porthcawl 10k for Owain's Appeal
On Sunday July 2nd, a group of staff from St Martin's travelled to Porthcawl to complete the Porthcawl 10k. It was an overcast day: perfect running conditions. The event was the culmination of weeks of training, with staff comparing their weekly kilometer count and panicking we weren't ready. Well, we were! Everyone crossed the line and received medals and t-shirts. More importantly, the Just Giving fund was bolstered by more than £1000 in the days before and after the event. So spurred on by our success, many runners have signed up to complete the Cardiff 10k in September (and we'll be asking for more donations then too!). Thank you to everyone who donated. Special thanks go to the families and students who traveled to Porthcawl to support us; seeing familiar faces as we progressed around the course was fantastic.
High Sheriff
A few months ago, the High Sheriff paid a visit to the History Club at St Martin's. His name was Malgwyn Davies and he told us all about the history of his position. I learnt a lot about a role I knew nothing about, and I love that. Did you know the position of High Sheriff has been a thing since the Battle of Hastings, when one fought on the side of Harold Godwinson? He told us about the duties he has to perform, his uniform, showed us his sword and talked us through the history of the job, as well as telling us about how the High Sheriff is chosen. Apparently, Queen Elizabeth I didn’t like making decisions, so in order to choose who out of the three candidates would take on the role, she stabbed the piece of paper with his name on with a needle she was using, and that’s how it’s chosen, still to this day. I really enjoyed the visit, and hope to have many more opportunities like that in the future. (Written by Kate Bailey in Year 8)
Duke Of Edinburgh Summer Reports
Bronze Expedition - May 2023 - Port Eynon
Beautiful weather conditions set the scene for a triumphant two days on expedition for our 2023 Bronze DofE group. All group members successfully navigated their way around the coastal path on day two and were rewarded with ice-cream when they reached Worm's Head, Rhossili.
Dai Iawn to all involved. I look forward to welcoming you onto the Silver expedition next academic year! The Silver expedition is open to all pupils Yr10+; it is not a prerequisite to have completed the Bronze beforehand.
Those interested in gaining their DofE awards, please contact Miss Williams; williamsn@stmartins.caerphilly.sch.uk
Silver Practice Expedition - June 2023 - Twmbarlwm
A challenging day of navigating around Twmbarlwm mountain on the wettest day we’ve had so far this summer was endured by our Silver 2023 DofE group. All pupils upskilled their navigation techniques and are now feeling more than prepared for their 3 day expedition beginning on the 12th July around the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Fingers crossed for a little more sunshine to help pupils summit the Skirrid mountain on Day 3!
Pob Lwc i Gyd :D
UKMT Challenge
The following pupils took part in this year's UKMT Challenge. Some even achieved Silver awards!
Year 7
Rohan Sharma achieved a Silver certificate and was the best in the year group.
Alexander French achieved a Silver certificate.
Florian Dirr achieved a Bronze certificate.
Year 8
Shane Ayeni achieved a Silver certificate and was the best in the year group.
Matthew Rogers achieved a Silver certificate.
Amy Dons achieved a Silver certificate.
Ethan McGregor achieved a Bronze certificate.
Elis Bounds achieved a Bronze certificate.
Hollie Jenkins achieved a certificate of participation.
Oliver Miles achieved a certificate of participation.
A huge well done to all these fantastic mathematicians!
Yr 6 Transition
It has been a very busy time with our year 6 into 7 transition in full swing. We are fortunate to have children from 22 schools joining us in September and on the 4th and 5th of July we welcomed all of the children to join us for two full days of transition activities. They met their form tutors and experienced lots of new subjects! We cannot wait for September to get to know them properly!
History Club
For over a year, the History Club has been researching the St Martin's Old Boys who died during WW2. There are 52 names on the war memorial and the Club has used the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database to identify each man's service number, date of birth, date of death and place of burial. They also discovered in the school historical archives letters from family members, informing the school of their last days and the impact their loss had on those left behind. They discovered that David Pearce died as a prisoner of war of the Japanese and was forced to work on the infamous Burma Railway. Albert John Williams was an engineer on the HMS Galatea. As the ship sank in minutes, Albert, in the engine room, had no chance of escape. Photographs from newspaper clippings and the personal stories really helped to give substance to what began as a list of names. Their research has been collated into a website, keeping their memory alive for future generations. The Club's hard work was recognised by the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative and our project won the Lord Brooke's Award.
Their work can be found here:
Pride Caerffili
The first ever council-led pride event in Wales, took place on 24th June 2023, leaving from St Martin’s School at midday.
The school was delighted to be the starting venue and celebrate inclusivity with the community. And the PTFA were very happy to provide food and refreshments.
There was a big turn out and a wonderful atmosphere, with event participants dressed in rainbow colours, showing support for their families, staff, neighbours and friends.
Sports
Rugby
Year 7 Final
Another amazing afternoon against our local rivals St Cenydd.
The year 7 team were amazing and absolutely dominated every facet of the game. One of the highest scoring games of the season, where we ran out 73-35 winners.
Stand out performers were Harry Evans, Harry Jones and the 5 try hero Keagan Jones.
Year 8 Final
On a wet and windy day in May our Year 8 Rugby Team took to the field for the Caerphilly Cup Bowl competition against our close rivals St Cenydd. After a back and forth contest, it was St Martin’s who opened the scoring first. After the nerves settled the team got to business, taking control of the game and eventually coming out on top as cup winners. Final score St Martin's 24 - St Cenydd 15. A special mention to the Year 7 players who were a integral part of the Year 8 team.
Year 11 Final
What an amazing afternoon at Cross Keys RFC.
The Year 11 boys were successful in the Cup final against our local rivals St Cenydd.
Stand out performances were Captain Carter Pritchard and Jermain Cisse.
A big shout out to the Year 10 boys that helped.
Well done boys, what a way to finish your rugby careers with St Martin's!
Football
Year 8 Final
The Year 8 football team showed great resilience defeating every team that stood in their way, to get to the Caerphilly Schools Cup Final. Unfortunately, we came 2nd to a very strong Lewis Boys side in the final who were deserved winners. Well done to everyone involved and special mention to Dylan Evans who led by example as captain.
Year 9 Final
After a fantastic season this year and a great run in the Welsh cup where the boys were knocked out by a formidable Whitchurch High school team, the Year 9 team achieved a place in the Caerphilly Schools cup final in Ystrad Mynach. Having beaten Lewis School Pengam earlier in the year to progress to the last 16 in the Welsh Cup, they again met them - this time in the Caerphilly cup final.
The weather was superb and the conditions were great for what was set to be an extremely competitive final! Both teams had many chances but were evenly matched and found it difficult to break each other down. After a spell of tense end- to-end action, LSP broke and attacked the goal where their striker was brought down and given a penalty, which was calmly scored. Moments later, LSP again took their chances and furthered their lead to 2-0!
The courageous Martin's boys battled hard and scored a fantastic goal to bring us within striking distance just moments after conceding, bringing the score to 2-1. Again, the Martin's boys dug in deep and put their foot on the accelerator to clinch an equaliser in this tantalizing final!
At 2-2 the game looked set to go to penalties as we had in the semi-final, until a strong LSP team fought back and managed to grab the winner moments before the final whistle. Final score 3-2.
As a squad there have been some stand out performances this year by many of the team, but on the day Leuan Ellis proved to be a workhorse who covered every inch of the pitch, tackled with heart and attacked with passion.
Here’s to an amazing group of boys who deserve the credit for their achievements this year. We look forward to seeing their successes in the next academic year!
Year 10 Final
The Year 10 football team showed great ability and fight to get to the Caerphilly Schools Cup Final. This year has been challenging for Year 10 so to show the grit and determination to get this far was so pleasing to witness. The delayed final was played at a neutral ground at Lewis Boys school against Idris Davies. We dominated possession in a closely fought first half. It took something very special from Hayden Williams to break the deadlock to go 1-0 up. Kai Vega battled hard with the threat from the left wing to keep them at bay. Alfie Murphy worked tirelessly hard in CDM to keep Idris out. A long ball and a favourable bounce for the striker to latch onto allowed Idris to level the tie with a minute left on the clock. Sending the final to penalties. A blinder of a save from Ben Freeman allowed us to have the upper hand. Attention then turned to Rory Wooley where he held his nerve and struck home the winning penalty. Well done to everyone involved and special mention to Jack Cordy who led by example as captain throughout. #togetherstronger
Netball
The year 7 girls played a friendly netball match against Llanishen High in March. Despite excellent team work, motivation and resilience throughout the game, Llanishen took the win. We are so proud of how well the girls played and put their all into the game. Da iawn, merched!
Sports Day
A fabulous Sports Day 2023 was another successful year. The weather was very kind to us and the students thoroughly enjoyed it. The pupils participated in the traditional athletics races with some outstanding performances. To ensure that everyone took part and enjoyed the day form classes competed in either a rounders or football competition. Sports Day at St. Martin's is all about taking part and encouraging and supporting one another, but here are the top three forms in each year group.
Results
Year 7
1st RO - 151, 2nd MCr - 139, 3rd MFo - 133
Year 8
1st KG - 144, 2nd AC - 137, 3rd LO - 128
Year 9
1st FL - 168, 2nd JT - 140, 3rd FH - 116
Year 10
1st MFa - 164, 2nd ED - 119, 3rd OG - 105
Thank you to all the staff and 6th formers who made this day run smoothly. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Athletics
Colts - Year 7 Competition
First official competition of the year for the Year 7 group. A very nervous occasion for some it was their first time competing in athletics in a stadium. Two outstanding performances were from Amelia Bartley in the 1500m and Jac Gammond reaching the 100m Final. Well done to everyone who trained and competed hard for this event.
County and Regional Honors
74th edition of the Welsh Schools National Track & Field Championships in Leckwith Cardiff.
Harrison Flowers and Tom Gilbert represented Rhymney Valley School in the National Track and Field Championship. Tom competed in 800m and long jump, and Harrison in the shot putt. Tom placed 2nd in the 800m and 6th in the long jump. Harrison placed 6th in the shot putt. This is an outstanding achievement boys - well done!
Carter Pritchard
A season to remember for Carter, captaining the school team to the Caerphilly cup. He also represented the Dragons at under 16’s and has just found out he has been called up for the under 18’s Dragons squad next year.
A very talented young man who has been a pleasure to coach. I can’t wait to watch his career flourish. Well done, Carter.
Noah Evans
Crawshays Welsh RFC is one of the world's most iconic invitational rugby union sides having been in existence for nearly 100 years. 6th form student Noah Evans was selected to represent the side on May 13th. The game was against NHOB RFC Youth. A great honor to be selected Noah, all the best in your future studies and Rugby ventures.
International Honors
Toby Harwood
Toby has had a fabulous season competing for Wales. His events and achievements included the Ulster open, runner up u21s. A week away in Sweden training with World no.6. Nottingham u15s winner & runner up. Senior British schools bronze medal u16s. Semi final consolation in Hereford Senior 2*. Training camps with Welsh squad during half terms and during the school weeks with GB Para squad and English squad members. Training for European youth team championships with adult partners from across the world. Toby is returning to Sweden for a week during summer holidays in Angkby with Grantham College Academy. Well done on all of your achievements, Toby, and best of luck for the future.
Huw Anderson
Wales Under 20 Squad Rugby World Cup
A very special mention must go to former student, Huw Anderson, who would be in Year 13. Huw has been selected for the Under 20’s World Cup Squad traveling to South Africa. We are so proud to say he’s one of us and really can’t wait to hang the picture of Huw with his Welsh cap in the reception of our school. Well done Huw, we all hope to see you in a Welsh shirt running out in the Principality Stadium one day.
U18 European Hockey Championships
On Friday 14th July, 15 pupils from years 7-11 will be attending the U18 European Hockey Championships in Swansea. They will be watching the men’s team final.
PSG Open Day
In September 2022 PSG Academy Wales partnered exclusively with St Martin’s School & Sixth Form to provide this bespoke programme in Sport equivalent to 3 A Levels. This unique training programme which combines the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Wales with the BTEC Sport at St Martin’s is led by qualified, highly experienced and respected coaches and our PE, Health and Wellbeing Staff.
Last week we welcomed PSG Football Academy Wales and pupils from across South Wales to the Open Day. Pupils from St Martin’s School and neighbouring schools were involved in theory and practical based sessions, where they were introduced to the education programme by PSG Academy Director, Alex Harrap.
The education and football programme offers students aged 16-18 the opportunity to develop their football skills, whilst building their knowledge of sport and widening their education.Students are fully supported to reach their education targets as well as developing the requisite skills needed to perform and coach in sport
Hear from our very own PSG Academy Wales Student Jacob Watkins (Year 12):
Prom
Friday 7th July was the Year 11 Prom, which was held at The Village Hotel, Cardiff.
The pupils arrived from 7pm onwards in a variety of impressive vehicles including VW transporters, Mercedes' mini-vans and a number of Audis!
All pupils were dressed to the nines, and enjoyed a two course meal before their disco.
A special shout out to the rugby boys for their impressive 'dancing skills', and to the staff members who didn't leave the dancefloor.
An excellent night, and a great way to celebrate an end of an era for the class of 2023!
Empowering Dreams: St. Martins School Bursary Continues to Make a Difference
We are thrilled to share with you a heart-warming moment captured at St. Martins School. Chloe King, one of our talented students, recently received a generous bursary from the esteemed St. Martins Old Boys Network. The bursary aims to support students in their academic pursuits, and we couldn't be prouder of Chloe for being the deserving recipient of this year's award.
Chloe was presented with the bursary cheque of £300, surrounded by members of the senior team and members of the Old Boys Network. Her genuine appreciation and humility touched the hearts of everyone present, serving as a testament to the values instilled within our school community.
The Old Boys Network, comprising former students who have walked the halls of St. Martins throughout the years, continues to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to supporting the current generation of pupils. Each year, they graciously provide a bursary to help a deserving student with their studies. This act of kindness not only assists with the financial aspect of education but also serves as a powerful symbol of the lasting connections formed at our school.
Looking ahead, the Old Boys Network is excited to continue strengthening the bond between St. Martins School and its alumni. In September will commence the process of selecting a suitable candidate for the 2023-24 Bursary. Nominations will be carefully considered, ensuring that a student with exceptional potential and a commitment to their education is chosen.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Old Boys Network and all those involved for their invaluable support. Their dedication to empowering the next generation of St. Martin’s students is truly commendable. Together, we will continue to nurture an environment where every student can thrive and fulfil their academic aspirations.
Charity Fundraising
We have been busy this year raising money for various charities. It's lovely to see everyone come together to help such good causes.
2022-23
Meningitis £266.70
British Red Cross (Turkish earthquake appeal) £266.71
Brain Tumour charity - £343.02
E Hamer fundraising £631.05
Christmas Concert - E Hamer £345.00
Dogs Trust £405.09
Show Racism the Red Card £423.43
Macmillan £89.33
KS3 HUB Trip - Birds of Prey Centre
On Friday 7th July 2023, we went on a school trip to the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and spent the day at the Birds of Prey centre which is based there. There were lots of cool and unique birds who are endangered in the wild. One particular bird we saw was Frodo, an owl with a sound that was like a cat meowing, which was pretty funny as owls normally go twit twoo. Frodo was my favourite as he was small and weighed the same as a can of coke. I was a bit nervous holding him with everyone in the room but our guide, Kath let everyone look at the birds outside whilst I stayed inside holding him which was really cool.
At 11:30am, we watched the flight show where they flew 3 of the birds at the centre out in the open. Rusty the owl flew between us and others visiting and stole someone's sock. Rusty flew into the trees behind us and an employee went in after to get him back although he wouldn’t come back down. There was also a Golden Eagle who was attacked by two wild buzzards because they were trying to protect their babies. The humongous Eagle flew straight down to the posts and had his food. We also met Puddle who was ill when he was young and didn't know how to hunt properly, so he wasn’t able to hunt in the wild for food.
I would love to go again as it was a fantastic experience. I would recommend this place to others as it's fun for a family day out for anyone who likes birds or nature. I would definitely want to have a bird of my own as they are cool and I would have an owl like Frodo and name it Chilldo.