A message from Mr Kennedy, Headteacher
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The spring term has again proved to be very busy at Olchfa. It is, historically, a period of intensifying work towards final examinations for students in Years 10-13. This year is no different, with orals, practicals, NEAs and Drama performances all contributing towards what we expect to be another excellent set of outcomes this summer. Diolch yn fawr to all involved. The school has recently hosted a 'wellbeing fayre' putting young people in touch with charities and other agencies as part of its developing community focus (further information below). Please see below a snapshot of wider life in the school. Have a lovely Easter break. Mr Kennedy.
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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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On 10th February, Mrs Smart and Ms Kondrat took 12 Olchfa Year 11 pupils on our annual exchange to El Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz, Spain. Pupils fully immersed themselves in the language, culture and family life for 7 days with an action-packed programme ranging from lessons in The English Centre, a Flamenco display with dancing lessons, padel tennis and day trips to Cadiz and Seville. We look forward to welcoming our partners back to Olchfa in April!
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International Women's Day - Friday 8th March
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Let's Inspire Inclusion - it's International Women's Day - this informative video was used by Mr Salmon during a Yr 11 assembly which explains what International Women's Day is and which also charts the history of the campaign for equality from women's suffrage through to the present day. Mr Salmon conducted a whistle stop tour of the school site so that he could put a collage together showing how we want to inspire inclusion by celebrating together.
Thirty Year 8 girls participated in an inspiring workshop.They learnt about women like Gladys West, Dr Shirley Jackson, Hedy Lamarr and Laila Ohlgren, some of our hidden computing heroes, discussed the importance of diversity in technology companies and enjoyed programming the microbit to get the Move-motor moving and detecting obstacles!
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Last week, the School Advisory Board - Emotional Health and Wellbeing Team hosted a "wellbeing week" in school. There were assemblies and iDevelop sessions delivered throughout the week prompting discussion about what we can do to look after our own wellbeing. This culminated in a hugely successful "Wellbeing Fayre" on Friday with exhibitors from a wide range of local organisations and charities that support young people. Students had a chance to find out more about what is on offer and share their thoughts about wellbeing. A huge thank you to all our partner agencies who helped to make this event such a success... we couldn't have done it without you!
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Mathworks Math(s) Modelling Challenge
Nine of our Y12 pupils embraced the M3 Challenge on Saturday March 2nd. We were really impressed with the two teams and the positive enthusiastic approach to this challenge. They had 14 hours to present a solution to the 2024 problem: A Tale of Two Crises: The Housing Shortage and Homelessness.
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HSBC workshop Year 7
On February 8th, all Y7 pupils participated in the workshop Gaming4Good delivered by HSBC. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed this engaging and participative workshop where they explored the world of gaming and how to stay on top of their spending. This session focused on value for money, budgeting, fraud and identity theft.
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Intermediate UK Maths Challenge Y9, Y10, Y11
On Wednesday the 31st January 2024, 179 pupils in Y9, Y10 & Y11 sat the Intermediate UK Maths challenge. Well done to all of the participants! We are really proud of this year excellent results: 9 Gold,26 Silver, 51 Bronze.
Special congratulations to Yahya, Sophie and Jerry who were best in their year groups with Jerry being the best in our school!
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Our Year 12 Seren students entered the '13TH RCS Edinburgh ALL-WALES SURGICAL SYMPOSIUM 2024' Essay writing competition, answering 'How Can We Improve Surgical Training for Generation Z?'. Aaron Zhou gained a top 10 finish and Hemachandra Kanamarlapudi won the competition.
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Just a little celebration for the F1 in Schools teams. Teams had to design miniature F1 cars using CAD. They were then raced on a 20m track propelled by compressed gas canisters. Teams had to find sponsorship from local businesses to fund their projects, they had to present their work to judges and design two portfolios to show the processes of designing the car and ensuring it met all of the strict requirements for race entry.
We had two teams make it to the South Wales regional finals to represent Olchfa in the second division of F1 in Schools (Development class). The winners would have an opportunity to go to the national final in Rotheram and then a chance to reach the International finals in Singapore. Khier Racing made up of Hollie Stamp, Kenzy Elmany, and Hana Adamovic (Y12) and Altered Dynamics made up of Josiah Fasham (Y9), Joshua Lake, Oscar Skre and Thomas Derrick (Y8).
We had great success on race day. Altered Dynamics won fastest car on the track and came third overall in their division. Khier Racing came third for their portfolio and Holly Stamp won "lightning reaction time" for being the fastest person in the competition.
We are incredibly proud of both teams and their efforts this year and hope that they return next year to compete in the professional class. Special thanks to all sponsors involved in helping the students get to the regional finals. Also a huge thank you to Miss Bolter for all of the support and guidance provided through the year.
Any students wishing to get involved with F1 in schools in the future should contact Miss Bolter or Mr Gourlay.
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Year 12 Chemistry Students - Analyst Competition
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24 of our Year 12 Chemistry Students attended the Analyst Competition at Swansea University on the 23rd January. They worked in teams of 3 to carry out some AS level experiments, gather results and analyse them. There were over 50 teams there on the day and all our groups did very well and really enjoyed the day. One group actually came 4th and achieved a 'Gold' status certificate. These students were Sawdah Robbani, Ruby Jones and Ann Mariya Martin.
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Swansea University - Bigger Picture Festival
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This term, year 7 students attended Swansea University's Bigger Picture Festival. The Bigger Picture Festival is a celebration of faith and culture and provided an opportunity for pupils to share, explore, question and understand the varied faiths and cultures that are represented in our community and beyond.
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Time Out for Parents - The Teenage Years
We will be running our very popular, Time Out for Parents – The Teenage Years sessions again during the Summer Term. This will consist of six weekly sessions starting on Wednesday 8th May - 19th June, 7-9pm (except half term). Every good parent wants to be an excellent one! Meet other Olchfa parents and get equipped to support your teenager during this season of their life. Spaces are limited. Cost £10 (via the Gateway app). To sign up or for any other enquiries, please contact Hannah Vincent - VincentH@hwbcymru.net
“These sessions give you a solid foundation upon which you can improve your parenting skills. We aren’t given a manual when our kids are born. This course is the closest thing to receiving one!”
“The course has been AMAZING!! Very useful, excellently presented – friendly and encouraging environment. Has given me invaluable advice and guidance for life with a teenager!”
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Olchfa Easter Egg Drive - Thank you for all the donations for the @TyOlwenHospice Easter Egg drive. Over 600 eggs were donated! The staff were very appreciative and the donations will be shared with patients in Ty Olwen, the main hospital and other patients in the wider community. The School Community Team.
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Olchfa School - contact email addresses:
olchfa@olchfa.org.uk - all queries
pastoral@olchfa.org.uk - pastoral queries
sixthform@olchfa.org.uk - Sixth Form queries
admissions@olchfa.org.uk - transition/lower school admission queries
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