Celebrating World Book Day at St Illtyd’s

At the beginning of March, we celebrated World Book Day 2025 at St Illtyd’s. Pupils took part in a World Book Day quiz during form time, staff dressed up in literary costumes and form classes decorated their doors. Congratulations to the following winners:

World Book Day Quiz

7DCB

8JB

9AWE

Best Staff Costume

Rachel Jones – Hungry Caterpillar

Beverley Sharp- William Shakespeare

Victoria Dennis- Catherine of Aragon

Best Decorated Doors

10BS- Romeo and Juliet

10VD- Horrible Histories

ALN Staff- Harry Potter

To celebrate World Book Day, 15 Year 7s, Year 8s and Year 9s had the privilege of participating in a poetry workshop with poet Emilie Lauren Jones. Each year group had a different poem to read, discuss and was set the task to create their own poems inspired by what they had read. Year 7 had to write a poem about where they would love to live, Year 8 had to write a poem about people who they felt do not get acknowledged enough and, Year 9 had to write a poem about who they love or appreciate in our lives. Our pupils were wonderful and engaged throughout the workshops. Our special guest, Emilie was so impressed with their creativity and confidence as some pupils wanted to read their work out to everyone.

Miss Rees hosted a Hunger Games Escape Room activity as part of the World Book Day celebrations. The winners were Shane Tettey, Jaiden Slack and Ayaan Mangla in the first session and Ruweida Issa and Baran Omidi in the second session. Miss Rees also hosted a Hunger Games creative writing competition in which pupils were challenged to write their own dystopian 50-word story. The winners were:

1st place: Melisa Ozkan (8MH)

2nd place: Harvey Edmunds (7MRE)

3rd place: Tia Robinson (9CD)

A big thank you to Leah Mumford, Literacy Coordinator and Teacher of English & Media Studies and Megan Rees, Teacher of English, for all their work in organising World Book Day.

Well done to everyone that took part in all of our World Book Day activities! We hope they have inspired everyone to read more and to get creative with their writing!

A Ski Adventure to Grandvalira, Andorra

This February half-term, a group of adventurous pupils set off on an unforgettable ski trip to Grandvalira, Andorra. Over the course of five days, students went from complete beginners to confidently skiing down blue and red slopes, conquering lifts, and building lasting memories. Here's a recap of our exciting journey!

The Journey to the slopes began at Bristol Airport, where we set off bright and early for a flight to Barcelona. After a smooth journey, we boarded a coach through picturesque Spanish countryside and up to mountains of Andorra. As we neared the ski resort, anticipation built, and the excitement was palpable. After a few hours, we finally arrived at our home for the week, nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees.

Skiing at Grandvalira, one of the largest ski resorts in Europe, offered the perfect setting for our adventure. The first day on the slopes was a learning experience for most of us, with many pupils taking their first steps on skis, putting boots on for the first time and learning basics like “PIZZA” and “CHIPS.” The snow was perfect, and the instructors were friendly and encouraging, helping everyone adjust to the basics, from balancing on skis to gliding along the beginner slopes.

By mid-week, the improvements were noticeable! Pupils who had struggled on their first day were now confidently skiing on their own, riding lifts, and navigating the slopes with ease. For many, it was a proud moment to ski down a blue or red run for the first time. It was inspiring to see how far everyone had come in just a few days.

Our trip wasn’t all about skiing! One afternoon, we had the chance to explore Andorra La Vella, the capital city of Andorra. Nestled in the valley, this charming town is known for its vibrant shopping scene and unique blend of Spanish and French culture. Many pupils took the opportunity to browse the local shops, buy souvenirs, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It was a refreshing break from skiing and a great way to experience the local culture.

Every evening the group gathered for a fun-filled awards ceremony. The "Skier of the Day" award was given to the top male and female skier who showed the most improvement or skill on the slopes. Meanwhile, the "Dumbo of the Day" award went to the pupil who had the most spectacular (or funniest) wipeout! The friendly competition added an extra element of fun and laughter to the trip.

After five days of skiing, two exceptional pupils were awarded the coveted "Skier of the Week" award: Sunshine Baker and Jacob Stiles. Their dedication, skill, and team spirit throughout the trip truly stood out, and they were celebrated by the whole group.

This amazing trip wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our incredible staff members. They gave up their time to help organise and supervise the trip, ensuring that everyone was safe, having fun, and making the most of the experience. Another mention must go to Frankie, our rep from Halsbury Travel who helped make the trip run so smoothly.

It was incredible to see how much everyone improved over the week, and the friendships made on the slopes will last long after the snow has melted. Whether it was carving down a red run or laughing at a wipeout, this trip was a highlight of our school year.

We can’t wait to hit the slopes again! Thanks to everyone involved for making this trip a success, and a special congratulations to all the pupils who took part in this fantastic adventure.

Henry Tay, Head of Year 9 and Teacher of Music

An Inspector Calls Theatre Trip

In February, Year 11 pupils and Year 10 GCSE Drama pupils went on an evening trip to the Wales Millennium Centre to explore the wonder world of theatre by watching a production of J. B. Priestley’s ‘An Inspector Calls.’

This trip was to help students revise for the upcoming English Literature exam and help them develop their understanding of the play. Directed by Stephen Daldry, the cast of ‘An Inspector Calls’ added their own spins on these classic characters in order to bring the classic to life adding sarcasm and different accents.

The students found the night enjoyable and a great way of bringing what they are studying to life. The set design of the play also helped to add to this adaptation of Priestly’s work and develop the story line by using a set that mainly used outdoor decorations and a small upstage dining room to maximise character interaction and overall helped keep the audience interested thoroughly throughout the process.

Overall, the creative team and cast of the 2025 production of ‘An Inspector Calls’ created an entertaining night for all and got these GCSE students another step closer to developing knowledge for their exams.

Isabelle Haines, Head Girl

GCSE Maths Numeracy Results Day

A huge well done to all our Year 11 pupils who received their GCSE Maths Numeracy results at the beginning of January. There were smiles all around in the canteen when the results were handed out. Congratulations to you all and we wish you all the very best for the Summer 2025 exam season!

News from the Department of Performing Arts

As the Advent season unfolded, our school once again embraced the beauty and joy of Christmas with our traditional Carol Service, A Festival of Readings, Poems, and Carols. This festive occasion, deeply rooted in history, was inspired by the original form devised by the Bishop of Truro and later modified for use in King's College Chapel, Cambridge, in 1918.

The service followed the traditional pattern of Bible readings, beginning with the fall of mankind and our need for salvation. Each passage traced the story of hope and redemption, culminating in the powerful promise of salvation through the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and God Incarnate. These readings beautifully set the tone for a reflective and joyous celebration of the season.

Our talented students truly brought the service to life. The school choir and orchestra performed a moving selection of carols and musical pieces, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the service. The choir's harmonies and the orchestra’s music filled the air with warmth and reverence, helping to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

After the service, the community gathered to share in the festive cheer with delicious mince pies and enjoyed entertainment provided by our very own rock band. Their lively performance added a lighthearted touch to an evening filled with both solemn reflection and festive spirit.

The Carol Service remains a cherished tradition for our school, allowing students, staff, and families to come together in celebration of the season.

Mean Girls at the Savoy Theatre, London

In December, our students had the exciting opportunity to attend a truly memorable educational visit to London’s West End to watch the hit production of Mean Girls at the Savoy Theatre. This musical adaptation of the beloved movie offers an engaging storyline that resonates with many of our pupils, addressing themes of friendship, identity, and the challenges of adolescence.

For some of our students, this was their very first visit to London, making it a very special occasion. Before the show, we explored the vibrant Covent Garden area, where students had the chance to take in the sights and sounds of one of the city's most iconic locations. From street performances to shopping, it was a perfect introduction to the energy and culture of London.

The performance itself was a huge hit, with many pupils expressing how much they enjoyed the catchy songs, lively choreography, and relevant themes. For those who had already seen the movie, it was fascinating to experience the story brought to life on stage. For others, it was a brand-new experience that sparked thoughtful discussions about the messages conveyed through the characters and their interactions.

This trip was not only a fantastic way to experience world-class theatre, but it also helped our students connect with themes that are relevant to their own lives in a meaningful and enjoyable way. We hope to continue offering opportunities like this, blending education with unforgettable experiences.

We look forward to more exciting adventures in the future!

School's Upcoming Production of Fame Jr. Promises to Be a Showstopper

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and drama as our talented students take the stage for the school’s highly anticipated production of Fame Jr. this summer! The show will run from 2nd-4th July 2025 in the school hall, and tickets will go on sale from 15th May, with prices set at £10 for general admission and £7 for concessions.

Based on the iconic 1980s film and TV series, Fame Jr. follows the lives of a group of passionate young students at a performing arts high school, as they navigate their dreams of fame while dealing with the pressures of growing up. With infectious energy, catchy tunes, and stunning choreography, this is a production you won’t want to miss!

Our talented cast has been working tirelessly to bring this show to life. Students have been busy learning their lines, perfecting their performances, and attending intensive Saturday dance rehearsals to ensure every moment on stage is as spectacular as possible. From the vibrant group numbers to the powerful solos, this production showcases the incredible dedication and talent of our young performers.

“We’re so excited to share the hard work and passion of our cast with the community, everyone has been giving 100% to make sure this show is something special. We can’t wait for the audience to see how much effort and heart they’ve put into their performances.”

Tickets will be available for purchase starting 15th May, and we encourage you to book early to secure your seats for this highly anticipated event. Don’t miss your chance to witness the magic of Fame Jr. right here in our school hall!

Come and support the next generation of stars. Mark your calendars, get your tickets, and join us for a truly spectacular show!

Show Dates: 2nd-4th July 2025 Location: School Hall Ticket Prices: £10 (General Admission), £7 (Concession) Tickets on Sale From: 15th May 2025

We look forward to seeing you there!