14 November 2025
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
In the top 25% of schools nationally for A-Level results 2025!
Today, we’re delighted to share we’ve achieved a top 25% position nationally in the ALPS A-Level benchmarks for 2025. ALPS is the data collation that benchmarks the performance of schools and 6th form providers nationally.
This success reflects the expertise, dedication, and commitment of our Sixth Form teaching team, many of whom are experienced examiners and subject specialists. Their deep understanding of the curriculum and assessment processes helps our students to achieve their very best.
And of course, a huge congratulations to our Class of 2025 for their standout results across a wide range of subjects, including Geography (top 5%), Business Studies, Computer Science, English Literature, French, PE and Welsh (all top 10%). Together, we continue to set high standards and lead the way in learning excellence.
We are delighted to share this news in the week that the Sixth Form Free Choice Survey opens (10th November) for our Year 11 cohort, giving them the opportunity to pick options for Year 12 and 13 and build on the fantastic progress shown in this year’s ALPS results.
For us, it’s not about the accolade or the certificate. It’s knowing that we are providing the very best opportunities for our students to progress to the next stage in their lifelong learning.
As we wade through the darkest and wettest weather that November can throw at us, it never hurts to have a quick throwback to August and the joy of results day.
Over the coming months, remember that this is what you are aiming for. In August 2026 it will be the turn of Years 10 through to 13. We will be with you through the months ahead.
Remembrance Day 2025
On Tuesday 11th November the school observed a two-minute silence to remember all those who have died in conflict.
A two-minute silence was first observed in the UK on 11th November 1919, celebrating the day that the war ended, one year prior.
Our Year 7’s in the Hearing-Impaired Resource Base created some lovely suncatcher poppies for Remembrance Day to display on the window for everyone to see.
Year 11 also created designs of the poppy flower, a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future
Science is how curiosity becomes progress
Also this week, our scientists have been raising awareness of World Science Day 2025.
This year, the focus has been on the science we need for 2050. In 2050, the youngest of you will be 36! Our Sixth Form students will be 43! I bet that seems old to you at the moment! But just wait. When you’re 43 you’ll still feel very young!
So we asked the newest members of our science department, Miss Evans and Miss McCulloch to share their thoughts on the theme for this year’s World Science Day.
Science is always moving forward and so are we.
Science is how curiosity becomes progress.
Our current cohorts of students are the ones who will use science for the greatest good. They will be the ones to find the cures to some of the most horrendous and degenerative illnesses. They will be the ones who will be operating on us. They will be the ones pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. That’s just one of the many reasons that we are so proud of the outcomes that our students achieve at A-Level, and notably, their outcomes across all three of the sciences. Thanks to Miss Evans and Miss McCulloch.
Children in Need 2025
This week has seen students carrying out a range of fundraising activities to raise money for Children in Need. In the Den, a pop-up lunchtime shop has sold everything from games, coasters, bookmarks, keyrings, scrunchies, and even pet blow ties (modelled by Phil and by Pudsey!).
On Friday, our Sixth Form students will be selling cakes and running the ‘Soak a Sixth Former or Staff’ for donations! For some reason, the opportunity to purchase some water balloons to throw at Sixth Form/Staff proved very popular last year. I’ll bring you photos from Friday 14th in next weeks blog.
A-Level Welsh trip
As part of the Welsh A-Level our students have to discuss the film Patagonia and last week they were lucky enough to join the A-Level students at Howells school to meet one of the main characters, Nia Roberts. She has also appeared in The Crown, The Feast, Snow Cake, Dr Who, Hinterland and Tree on a Hill amongst other films and programmes.
Patagonia is a road trip film that follows a Welsh couple that travel to Patagonia and a Welsh Argentinian lady who travels to Wales to reconnect with her roots. The film highlights lots of Welsh historical facts like the Welsh living in South America and the fact that there are still Welsh speaking schools in the area. Also, the fact that the government flooded a Welsh speaking community village in North Wales to create a reservoir for the people of Liverpool. ‘Cofiwch Dryweryn’!
Nia spoke honestly and answered lots of questions about her character and themes that appear in the film. They team then went to the Welsh speaking cafe Canna Deli in Pontcanna and ordered drinks and food, and went to the Caban bookstore where Miss James gave them items to search for and buy. Getting to use Welsh in the community was a great experience and putting learning to practice was a little scary but lots of fun!
Year 12 tour Cardiff Crown Court
Meanwhile, on Wednesday 5th November Mrs Hazeltine-Rees took 12 A-Level English Language students to Cardiff Crown Court as part of their study of Language and Power and Occupational Language. They had a fascinating tour from a court clerk and learned about legal roles, processes and Language. They then sat in on many different live trials to observe language in use. The pupils (and Mrs Hazeltine-Rees) found it fascinating and there will be lots to discuss next lesson!
Year 10 in Paris (sounds like the title of a Netflix series)
Now, here’s a question for you. If you were planning a trip to Paris, the city of love, over half-term, would you take 44 Year 10 students with you?
Well, many thanks to Mr Owen, Mrs Beck, Mrs Evans and Mrs Whitehall for embracing the challenge. It’s best told in their own words….
“The Year 10 Team travelled to France during half term with 44 students to experience the highlights of the City of Love and Lights – Paris. We took a boat tour on the River Seine which let us enjoy many of the sights; undoubtedly, one of the best ways to explore Paris. Seeing Notre Dame, restored to all her glory following the disastrous fire of 2019, was a highlight.
We also enjoyed seeing other iconic landmarks along the river including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Who knew there were 37 picturesque bridges in Paris?
Our knowledgeable and experienced bus driver helped make our bus tour one we will never forget – especially his navigating the chaotic traffic around the Arc de Triomphe! He managed to time our arrival at the Eiffel Tower to perfection, giving us minutes to spare before the spectacular light show.
Our accommodation allowed students time to enjoy each other’s company and relax following long and active days. We were treated to a fabulous karaoke night led by none other than the karaoke king himself, Mr Owen. Students took to the mic with enthusiasm, singing classics and crowd favourites. A night full of energy and talented performances! A perfect way to end our evening.
The most memorable day of our trip, however, was our visit to Disneyland. We all had a magical time. As we travelled in October, we were treated to the Disney Halloween Festival, with its unique parades and shows. Students were able to enjoy all the exhilarating rides that Disneyland has to offer, with the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain being the most popular and thrilling of them all! As well as enjoying the rides, the day provided a chance to bond, build memories and experience the wonder of Disney together – ending with a lasting image of the beautifully lit Sleeping Beauty’s Enchanted Castle.
Our students represented LHS with maturity, independence and enthusiasm. Their positive attitude, willingness to participate, and respectful conduct made the experience enjoyable for all involved. It was a pleasure to have them with us in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, making enduring memories for staff and students alike.”
Movember 2025
We come to that part in the year where staff embrace the Movember challenge.
Movember is an annual campaign that encourages men to grow moustaches and engage in various activities to raise awareness about men’s health issues. The campaign aims to challenge the stigma around men’s health, promote early detection, and encourage men to seek support for their health concerns. Movember originated in Australia in 2003 and it has been going strong at LHS for many years now! Here are some of the line up for 2025 along with the all-important link that you can use to donate.
https://movember.com/m/14402008?mc=1
Learning Support ‘Star of the Week’
Finally, we are delighted to congratulate this week’s SOTW, Lexi Walker in Year 10. Lexi has shown great resilience and has been working diligently, including some seriously good revision for an upcoming science test! Keep up the fantastic attitude Lexi!
Wishing all of our readers a lovely weekend.
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry, Headteacher