Before the new school year began, over sixty students auditioned for ‘Oliver’. This ranged from sixth form students all the way down to pupils in year six of primary school who were attending Ysgol Dinas Brân this year. A cast list was announced in July, however there was one key part of the puzzle missing. Who was going to play Oliver? With both of our Olivers still in primary school at this time, a full search for the most suited student was difficult. 

After visiting several primary schools, a decision was made that Joe Bell and Sam Hughes would share the role of Oliver. There were many shared parts, such as Fagin, who was shared by Adam Bell and Louise Cielecki, Mr and Mrs Sowerberry shared by Iestyn Watkin and Nathan Hughes and Joanna Stallard and Elysha Cookson. Also the role of Charlotte was shared by Jess Cockburn and Alice Gonzalez. The sharing of parts was exciting as each performance would be different as each student would interpret their role differently. 

 

Another key element to the production of ‘Oliver’ is it’s music. Song rehearsals were scheduled in with Mr Philips, (the musical director). This meant that rehearsals were one to one with Mr Philips himself and that each performance was not yet revealed to the rest of the cast. One of the most memorable moments was the first rehearsal which took place on stage, in the hall. We were running through each song to add finishing touches, and Erin Morris who played Nancy sang for the first time in front of the cast ‘As Long As He Needs Me.’ This was one of the most memorable moments as it absolutely blew the cast away. 

The Christmas Fair was held at the end of November in the school hall. 27 different stalls were manned by year 10 pupils to fulfil the Enterprise requirements of the Welsh Baccalaureate. 

Over the previous 6 weeks pupils had explored ideas for original games and products, looked at costings, pricing, advertising and considered the best way to work as a team. The result was a vibrant event full of originality. 

There was something for everyone with carefully hand crafted and beautifully presented jewellery to hot chocolate with marshmallow toppings and the opportunity to cover Mr Hatch in cream or custard. Pupils cooked cakes, biscuits and toffee lollies. They created challenges and games of chance with plenty of prizes and Santa made an appearance too. It appears he likes sprouts and you could pretend to be one of his reindeer with a clever variant of apple bobbing --- carrot bobbing!

KS3 pupils were all able to spend 30 minutes at the fair and we hope they will feel equally inspired when it is their turn to run the fair.

Over 12 days during November and December pupils in KS3 and those studying BTec Construction and the Prince’s Trust Qualification in KS4 have been working with staff from Groundwork on our Historic Garden Site.

Using a design by award winning landscape designer, Anna Dempsey, fences have been erected, raised beds created, paths laid and wood chippings spread. Everyone has been instructed in Health and Safety and worked co-operatively in pairs or larger groups to complete a range of tasks.

Pupils have learned how to install fence posts and rabbit proof fencing, use sleepers to create beds and shovel/barrow large quantities of shale without hurting themselves They have worked in all weathers and remained cheerful throughout. Members of staff have been on hand to keep a photographic record and several have donned wellies and helped out too.

Next term once the good weather returns, those pupils who would like to be more involved will be able to volunteer to help with the planting and cultivating.

A group of clean-cut  teachers here at Ysgol Dinas Brân stubbled up for a hairy ‘Movember’ challenge in memory of an 18-year-old former pupil who died of testicular cancer. In the month where blokes are encouraged to grow a moustache for charity, 21 members of staff at Ysgol Dinas Brân in Llangollen shunned their razors to raise awareness of men’s health issues.It comes after teenager Ryan Phillips, from Glyn Ceiriog, lost his battle to the disease last year. The tragedy spurred his father, Meirion, to warn youngsters to regularly check themselves for lumps, as the illness sees a high number of cases in males between 16 and 35. Now design technology teacher Sion Jones and his colleagues, known as the Mo Bros, have finished Movember challenge, they recorded the progress of their facial hair growth with regular photographic updates. The money raised will be divided between the young oncology unit at Christie Hospital in Manchester, where Ryan received most of his treatment, and the Movember charity. Sion said: “We wanted to do something in memory of Ryan and we thought taking part in Movember would be the best way to raise awareness of testicular cancer. “Ryan was a lovely lad who was very popular in school”.

Staff and pupils have been able to vote on the ”best moustache “via Frog and a Mr and Miss Movember has been held each week. On the last day of the challenge pupils and other staff members were able to show their support also by paying £1 to wear a fake Moustache for the day. Once all the monies are in we believe over £1000 will have beeen raised. 

To sponsor the teachers, please send cheques made payable to Ysgol Dinas Brân to: Movember, Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen, LL20 8TG