11 September 2026
Friday 11th September 2026
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
Literacy: Opening Doors to Success
As we begin a new academic year, one of our key priorities at school is literacy. You will hear us talking about reading more than ever before, and this is very deliberate. Simply put, reading is the foundation of learning. Every subject, whether it is English, Science, History, Maths or Technology, relies on students being able to read, understand, interpret and communicate information effectively.
Strong literacy skills do far more than help students achieve good examination results. Reading develops vocabulary, builds knowledge, strengthens critical thinking and opens doors to opportunities well beyond the classroom. Young people who read regularly are better equipped to access the curriculum, engage confidently in discussion and develop the independence they need to thrive in school and in later life.
Like schools across Wales, we know that many students have experienced disruptions to reading habits in recent years. We also recognise that some learners need additional support to develop reading fluency, comprehension and confidence. As a result, we have made a commitment to place reading at the heart of our school improvement work this year. The importance of reading as a cornerstone of learning is reflected in our school development priorities and will underpin much of our work across the curriculum.
We are particularly excited to share photographs of our newly developed library, which has been transformed into a welcoming space where students can discover new books, explore different genres and develop a lifelong love of reading. We want our library to become a vibrant hub of curiosity, imagination and learning.
However, literacy is not confined to the library. Throughout the year, students will experience reading in every area of the curriculum. Staff will be using a consistent approach to develop reading skills, explicitly teaching vocabulary and providing structured opportunities for students to engage with high-quality texts in lessons. We are introducing weekly library lessons for Year 7, expanding tutor-time reading activities and creating more opportunities for reading for pleasure across the school. Departments will also be sharing the texts that inspire their subjects, helping students to see reading as something that belongs everywhere, not just in English lessons
Alongside this, we will be carefully tracking reading progress and providing targeted support for those who need it most. Reading assessments, intervention programmes and specialist support will help ensure that every learner has the opportunity to become a confident reader.
Of course, schools cannot do this alone. Families play a vital role in developing strong reading habits. Encouraging your child to read regularly, talking about books, discussing articles in the news, visiting local libraries or simply modelling reading at home can have a powerful impact. Just ten to fifteen minutes of reading each day can make a significant difference over time.
We look forward to sharing our journey with you throughout the year and celebrating the achievements of our growing community of readers. A good place to start is with our librarians!
Once all books are registered on our new library system, we’ll be visiting assemblies to let everyone know how to access them outside of timetabled library lessons.
Partnership working
We are delighted to work in partnership with Deaf Sport Wales, whose commitment to inclusion, opportunity and sporting excellence aligns exactly with our values as a school. This week, we were privileged to host members of Deaf Sport Australia and it was a pleasure to welcome them into our community. Meeting the athletes and learning more about their experiences was both inspiring and educational for our students and staff. Opportunities such as these help to promote greater understanding, raise awareness of deaf sport, and celebrate the achievements of deaf athletes. We look forward to continuing our valued partnership with Deaf Sport Wales.
Sports Day 2026
Welcoming Deaf Sport Wales and Australia is an excellent, albeit slightly tenuous link, to another throw back.
The final week of the summer term saw our annual Sports Day return in spectacular fashion, providing a fantastic celebration of participation, teamwork and school spirit. It was wonderful to see so many students getting involved and enjoying the day, regardless of their sporting ability. Our aim was to create an event where everyone could succeed, have fun and be part of the occasion, and this year certainly delivered.
One of the highlights of the day was the range of activities available. Alongside the traditional athletics events, students were able to take part in activities designed to ensure there was something for everyone. Whether competing for house points, cheering on friends or simply challenging themselves to try something new, students embraced the day with enthusiasm and positivity.
A particular favourite this year was our brand-new Total Wipeout challenge. The combination of balance, agility and determination resulted in plenty of laughter, friendly competition and unforgettable moments. From students to staff spectators (and staff participants), everyone enjoyed watching competitors attempt to conquer the course, and it quickly became one of the most talked-about events of the day.
Equally popular was the return of the inflatable obstacle course, which has become a much-loved Sports Day tradition. Once again, it attracted huge queues of eager participants keen to test their speed and stamina. The atmosphere around the course was incredible, with students encouraging one another and celebrating each other’s achievements throughout the day.
What stood out most, however, was the inclusive nature of the event. Sports Day was not simply about winning races or breaking records. It was about participation, resilience and enjoyment.
As we brought the academic year to a close, Sports Day provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the values that make our school such a special place. It was a memorable day filled with energy, laughter and teamwork, and we are already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better.
So, we come to the end of our first full week. Year 7 are finding their way around. We’re all getting back into familiar routines. Everyone is suitably shattered. Students are settling into new classes. Our daily step counts are back up. Our healthy lunches continue. Next week, I look forward to taking daily assemblies to challenge all of our young people to be ambitious in the year ahead.
So until next time, thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry
Headteacher