Dear Parents and Carers
As the end of the school year approaches, I confirm below our arrangements for the end of term, results days, and the start of the new academic year.
Our school year ends on Wednesday 17 July 2024 at 2.55pm.
Over the summer break we will hold two results days:
Thursday 15 August 2024 – A/AS level Results (9am to 11am in the Main Hall)
Thursday 22 August 2024 – GCSE Results (Year 11 9am to 11am / Year 10 10am to 11am in the Main Hall)
In readiness for the new school year, please note:
Monday 2 September 2024 – INSET Day (Staff only)
Tuesday 3 September 2024 – all pupils return to school at 8.30am for the first day of the school year
Wednesday 4 September 2024 - school photos will be taken
I will write to you early in the new school year and include important dates such as Parents Evenings, INSET Days, and our School Development Plan priorities for 2024-25.
Attendance and punctuality
If your child has an attendance of 95% or better, thank you for your support. Overall though, attendance this year has not been good enough across our school. Improving attendance and punctuality will be a key focus for our school from the first day in September onwards. Please note all students are expected to be in school in good time for the start of the school day. The first bell rings at 8.30am and all students should be on site in readiness for assemblies and form time at 8.25am without fail. We will continue to monitor attendance closely.
School uniform and mobile phones
I wrote to you a couple of weeks ago confirming the changes to our school uniform from September. Please ensure school uniform complies with our policy which is also on our school website. We will be insisting on the highest standards of uniform in September.
I would urge anyone who believes their child may qualify for free school meals to complete an application form so that your child can have a free meal each day as well as receive additional funding towards uniform and equipment. The Welsh Government grant, known as the Schools Essentials Grant, is for pupils who qualify for a free school meal and is additional financial support for uniform, sports kit and equipment. For new Year 7 pupils this year the grant is worth £200, and for Year 8-11 pupils the grant is £125. Details can be found on the Caerphilly council website.
If you have good quality uniform items at home that your child has grown out of, we will welcome these as donations to the school for us to share with those in need. Thank you in advance for your donations. Please deliver any freshly laundered items to our school reception. Preloved uniform is available in G1.
Thank you for your support with our mobile phone policy. We have been pleased with how well this has been adopted by almost every child and it is having a very positive impact on learning and wellbeing.
Caerphilly Council buses
If your child is currently in Years 7-12, you should receive a bus pass from CCBC. We understand bus passes for new pupils will be sent out over the summer holidays. Please note all pupils are expected to travel on the bus that is designated to them by CCBC. Please contact CCBC if you have any queries about school buses or taxis, or if your child requires a replacement bus pass.
Curriculum update
From September, Year 9 will be taught our new curriculum as we continue the roll out of the Curriculum for Wales. We will be preparing, along with secondary schools across Wales, for the new 14-16 qualifications which will be taught to this year group from September 2025.
We have made a change to the teaching of MFL from September. All Year 7-9 pupils will concentrate on French in their MFL lessons next year, embedding their understanding and use of this language. There will be the opportunity for pupils in Year 8 and Year 9 to continue their work in Spanish if they wish in after school lessons. Details of this will be shared at the beginning of September.
Staff changes
Mr. Chapman (RE and Humanities Teacher) and Ms. Phillips (Reception and Reprographics) are leaving to take up new posts. We wish them both every success. Mrs. Godfrey (Teaching Assistant) is retiring at the end of this term, and we wish her every happiness.
We have one teacher joining us in September – Mr. Hughes (Geography). Mr. Sharrem-Tamplin has recently joined us as Business Manager. Mrs. L. Walters will be joining us in the school office and Mrs. Young is taking up a new role as our ALN Officer.
We have had a great deal to celebrate this term. Year 11 and Year 13 worked hard towards their exams, enjoyed special leavers events, and are now eagerly awaiting their results later this summer. Younger year groups have completed baseline tests and subject assessments, with nearly all working hard, showing commitment and resilience. It has been a delight to celebrate the academic achievements of so many pupils with Headteacher Letters of Commendations, and Headteacher Award Assemblies, recognising the hard work, endeavour, and excellence of so many of our pupils.
We had a successful transition day for Year 6 pupils and are very much looking forward to welcoming them to our school in September. Unfortunately, due to the weather we have not been able to hold Sports Day this year. However, today is our ‘Trips Day’ and our annual ‘Fundraising Walk’ will take place tomorrow. I am sure you will join me in thanking staff across the school who have planned and organised these events.
On behalf of everyone at St Cenydd, I would like to thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and kindness.
I wish you and your family an enjoyable and happy summer.
With thanks
Miss Collins
Headteacher
