F l i n t T i m e sA p r i l 2 0 1 1

From the Head TeacherFrom the Head TeacherFrom the Head TeacherFrom the Head Teacher This Spring edition gives a flavour of the variety of events and successes enjoyed by our students and supported by our hard working staff. We are very proud of Jade Jones’ recent achievements: Jade, an ex-Flint High School student, has just won medals in German and USA Taekwondo Championships. I have tickets for the Taekwondo Olympic 2012 Finals, so I am hoping to see Jade continue with her victories. See her interview on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeC22z9TUAE for Sporting Wales Rising Stars when she talks about how talent and attitude are the keys to success.

Good luck to all our Year 11 and 6th Form students in your exams: the hard work will be worth it when you get your results.

Pam McCleanPam McCleanPam McCleanPam McClean

FHS Welcomes Chief ExecutiveFHS Welcomes Chief ExecutiveFHS Welcomes Chief ExecutiveFHS Welcomes Chief ExecutiveThe staff and students of Flint High School welcomed Mr Colin Everett, Chief Executive of Flintshire County Council, when he visited the school on Monday 11th April. Mr Everett’s visit included witnessing Year 8 students developing their team-working and thinking skills with the Happy Puzzle Company in Plas Seren, a question and answer session with the School Council and a meeting with the history-making Year 7 and Year 9 Toyota Challenge Teams and their Link Engineers from Toyota.

We thank Mr Everett for taking the trouble to visit Flint High School and we hope to see him again in the very near future.

Flint High Remembers JapanFlint High Remembers JapanFlint High Remembers JapanFlint High Remembers JapanOn 25th March, Flint High School organised a Readathon in aid of the relief effort in Japan, following the recent earthquake and tsunami.

The day began with a thought-provoking assembly from Mrs McClean and Ms Crich, and throughout the day, students from all years paid visits to the Learning Zone to read, perform poems and stories or watch and listen to literary performances.

At lunch time, students were treated to ‘Bards from the Balcony’ in which teachers were invited to read

favourite poems or extracts from books from the Learning Zone Balcony to the gathered

students and staff below.

The day was rounded off by a performance of poems, sketches and drama to parents, who had come to join students and staff in the fundraising venture. The high point of the event was an ingenious presentation from 5 Year 8 students entitled ‘Twilight in Twelve Minutes’.

Just over £400£400£400£400 was raised in the first day alone, a figure which is bound to rise as money comes in from the other fundraising ventures taking part on the day.

Inside:Inside:Inside:Inside:

Flint High School makes history at the Toyota Challenge

The Aldridge Boys ski for glory and FHS in Switzerland

Mrs Lloyd leads the ladies in a fund raising venture that’s hard to swallow

Plus all your PE news.

The Italian ConnectionThe Italian ConnectionThe Italian ConnectionThe Italian ConnectionOver the past few months in Geography, Year 9s have been finding out about Italy. As part of their learning

journey, an international webspace has been created and links made with an Italian School in Pontedera, northern Italy to allow many of them to send and receive information from Italian students about what life is really like living in their country in return for similar information about them. So far, photos of the school, along with descriptions of a

typical school day and information about their likes and dislikes, have been sent.

Chester ZooChester ZooChester ZooChester ZooA huge year 8 group took over the zoo in February to find out about conservation and environmental issues facing our Planet. Students and teachers split up into small groups and spent their time photographing

anything that moved! The day was made even better by having a small hands-on session from the education team at the zoo, where students were able to investigate the detailed problems of conservation in today’s modern world. The day was rounded off with a very necessary trip to the shop where Flint High School did their best to buy anything and everything that was on the shelves. It was a great day and one that we hope to repeat again next year.

Bacc NewsBacc NewsBacc NewsBacc NewsAs part of their Welsh Baccalaureate studies, Year 13 students visited the Eon power station at Connah’s Quay to learn about sustainable energy and the challenges posed by rapid economical and technological change. They were given a tour of the site and certainly looked the part.

Year 10 students have been holding ‘Mock Elections’ in their Welsh Bac classes, Ann Owen-Williams from the Nation Assembly for Wales is visiting all groups and students are learning how to run their

own election, create a manifesto and canvass for votes.

One of many WBQ activities taking place was organised by 6th Form students: ‘I’m a teacher, get me outta here!’ led to female staff eating and drinking their

way to victory. Go ladies!

Calling All Budding Web-site Calling All Budding Web-site Calling All Budding Web-site Calling All Budding Web-site Designers and ReportersDesigners and ReportersDesigners and ReportersDesigners and ReportersDo you fancy designing banners, thumbnails and films for the school web-site or compiling a report & photo-shoot? If so make your way to Room 16 in Technology and have a chat with Mr Jenkins.

Historic Toyota Challenge SuccessHistoric Toyota Challenge SuccessHistoric Toyota Challenge SuccessHistoric Toyota Challenge SuccessOur two teams returned victorious from the 2011 Welsh Regional Finals of the Toyota Challenge competition held on the 23rd March at Toyota's (TMUK) engine manufacturing plant in Deeside and earned their place in the history books as no other school has ever won both categories in a regional final! 'Solar Fuzion', a team of four Year 7 students (Adam England, Kane Povey, Jake Jones & Daniel Aldridge) raced to victory with their solar powered vehicle, beating schools from all over Wales. ‘Lucky Duckies’, a team of four Year 9 students (Emma Merideth, Jessica Cunnington, Luke Roberts & Ryan Colclough) competed with their

microprocessor controlled buggy, and were the fastest automated vehicle through a maze.

The day proved to be historic, as both our teams won their category within the competition. Flint High School will now represent Wales

in the National Finals on Saturday 21st May at Toyota’s Burnaston Plant. By reaching the final stages, ‘Solar Fuzion’ and ‘Lucky Duckies’ have already won over £500 for the school and will now compete against the other UK regional winners who will all be aiming to take away the top team prize of a week’s activity holiday in Spain! Buena suerte!

Young Engineers Irrigation ProjectYoung Engineers Irrigation ProjectYoung Engineers Irrigation ProjectYoung Engineers Irrigation ProjectA number of students are embarking on a project with our Link Engineer from Toyota, Pete DovePete DovePete DovePete Dove. Pete took students on a tour around the engine plant and introduced the students to their challenge - an irrigation system! Rain run-off from the factory's car park flows into a nearby stream, but could be diverted to provide water for plants and vegetables in the newly formed allotment area.

The students will plan and model a suitable system which will then be

implemented for real! As well as a experiencing the factory tour, which included a visit to the aluminium casting section, the students were able to see the work of last year's FHS Young Engineers on display in the factory reception/ atrium (an automated sectioned engine). What an honour!

Designers Flying HighDesigners Flying HighDesigners Flying HighDesigners Flying HighA team of five Year 9 students spent two days at AirBus, participating in an event aimed at promoting engineering as a career. After a tour of part of the plant which makes wings for a range of AirBus aeroplanes, including the A380, the five students designed and built a model glider using a limited range of materials and tools. They presented their work to a group of engineers, and finally tested their plane along with nine other teams from around the region. The team didn't quite make the top three, but did a fantastic job of representing the school.

Rising to the Challenge… in the Rising to the Challenge… in the Rising to the Challenge… in the Rising to the Challenge… in the PavilionPavilionPavilionPavilion

A team of three Year 9 students and another team of three Year 10 students participated in an design challenge organised by the Flint, Holywell and Mold Rotarians (sponsored by Careers Wales & AirBus).

The event, which was the first of its kind in the region, took place in the Flint Pavilion. They faced a particularly daunting challenge to design and build a model crane which incorporated electric motors and lifting mechanisms. Again both teams did an excellent job of representing our school, each coming up with a viable solution to the problem.

FHS - Double Toyota Challenge Welsh Champions!!FHS - Double Toyota Challenge Welsh Champions!!FHS - Double Toyota Challenge Welsh Champions!!FHS - Double Toyota Challenge Welsh Champions!!

Ocean ArtOcean ArtOcean ArtOcean ArtOn the 9th February, Year 11 BTEC Art and Design students visited Rhyl’s Seaquarium which is home to a wide range of amazing, strange and beautiful sea creatures.

They really made the most of this exciting opportunity by making observational drawings and taking photographs of the colourful fish, weird sea life and the beautiful seals and sea-lions. They also walked along the beach for more coastal photo

opportunities to inspire their own Art work back in class. A great time was had by all, including Mrs B Turner and Mrs J Jones of Ysgol Maes Hyfryd!

Maths Dept Head SouthMaths Dept Head SouthMaths Dept Head SouthMaths Dept Head SouthThe Mathematics department are looking forward to the Year 9 Welsh Bacc trip to Cardiff in July, to complete their Numeracy football project at Cardiff

City Stadium.

There has been an excellent response from students and the trip is now fully booked.

They will spend the day in Cardiff City Stadium, meeting

staff and hopefully some players! The project will involve analysing and comparing statistics, such as average heights and ages of players, making scale drawings of the football pitch and estimating how much money will be spent.

Film Making Course - Daniel Film Making Course - Daniel Film Making Course - Daniel Film Making Course - Daniel Owen AwardOwen AwardOwen AwardOwen AwardOn 28th to 30th March Flint High School students studying full course Welsh had the opportunity to take part in a filming course with Camalz Media. We

all had roles in the making of the short film and each of us worked closely with Aled, Eilir, Llion and Awen to produce the best video we could, hoping to win at the Daniel Owen Award night on May 19th.

On the first day we read through our poem and generated ideas about how we could make a unique and interesting video to show what our poem is about – our version of ‘Y Ffatri’n Cau’ by Gwyn Thomas. After we had learned about different camera angles and effects and the terms for them in Welsh we discussed possible locations to use in our filming.

On the second day we all went out with the production crew to film. Firstly, we went to a forest in Bagillt to film a scene involving a dog chasing the main character Billie. We also

filmed a scene involving Sam and Billie in our graffiti scene. We then travelled back to Flint and filmed another three scenes in the Swinchiard woods. These involved Billie taking her good path

and her bad path. At the end of the day we were shown how to use the boom correctly and we filmed the close up of Billie quoting from our poem.

On the final day we stayed within school grounds to film scenes showing Billie starting out on her good path and her bad path, which involved us all as actors. Afterwards, we were all given lines from the poem to say. As well as acting, we all learned how to use the camera and the boom. The crew also placed a smoke machine on the set to give an excellent effect for the video. Overall, the course was very interesting and worthwhile. The course gave us an opportunity to improve our Welsh language skills and gave us an insight into professional film making. Last year FHS came 2nd in the competition; this year we hope to win.

Rachel Fennah (Blwyddyn 10)

Drop-in Session Takes OffDrop-in Session Takes OffDrop-in Session Takes OffDrop-in Session Takes OffThere are thousands of children and young people across the UK each year who care for a member of their family. Just as they help and support those they care for, so there are others who are there to help and support the carers and every Thursday lunchtime in Plas Seren there is a drop-in session where young carers can come and chat about whatever is on their minds.

Olympic DreamsOlympic DreamsOlympic DreamsOlympic DreamsOn the 9th March, myself and 10 other students visited Ysgol John Bright for an Olympic Vision Day. Students from all over North Wales attended. The aim of the day was to inspire us to aim high and organise an Olympic event in our own schools.

Jamie Baulch was a 400m Olympic Champion, and we were lucky enough to have him as our guest speaker. Jamie is now a retired athlete and is turning his success into motivating and inspiring young

people.

Throughout the day we did numerous activities such as Olympic themed quizzes, we listened to Jamie’s speech and we watched world class performances by the different athletes.

Finally we discussed in our school groups

what we could do in school to promote the 2012 Olympics; we had various ideas and came to the conclusion that an Olympic themed week would be the best idea.

Overall we had a really good day, meeting other students we learnt a lot through this experience.

Emma Salmon, Yr10

Flint High on verge of success in Flint High on verge of success in Flint High on verge of success in Flint High on verge of success in ‘Saltney Super Series’‘Saltney Super Series’‘Saltney Super Series’‘Saltney Super Series’

Flint High’s Select XI (our best footballers) are in a fantastic position to secure the first ever Super Series. The competition is a four game affair between St David’s High School in Saltney and ourselves.

Team captain Jordan Beck has done a fantastic job in putting the squad together. The side lost the first game here at Flint 2-1, but then won 4-3 in the return fixture at Saltney, giving them an aggregate victory.

Then last week they returned to Saltney, where they won 2-0. Peter Owen with both of the goals.

This leaves them only needing a draw in their final game after Easter to secure the series. Well done to all involved!

Chris and Daniel Aldridge 2011 Ski Chris and Daniel Aldridge 2011 Ski Chris and Daniel Aldridge 2011 Ski Chris and Daniel Aldridge 2011 Ski ReportReportReportReport

Flint High School brothers Chris (12) and Daniel (14) have recently returned from Switzerland, where they were competing in the British and Welsh Schools Skiing Championships. Both lads represented Flint High School

in Meiringen in the British School boys competition and although they didn’t bring any medals home, they both recorded very good personal times. The more successful event was the Welsh

Championships in Champrey, where Dan won 3rd Welsh place in the Giant Slalom event (age category) plus 3rd place in the slalom event (age category), however, Chris won 3rd Place Welsh racer OVERALL in the whole competition.

They benefit from supportive parents who take them to the races and the school supports their time to train and compete. Mr Spearpoint takes them for training sessions at Runcorn and then has the dubious honour of competing against them at “friendly” dry slope races such as those held at Stoke. He has beaten them in the past, but he doesn’t fancy his chances this summer! Well done to the lads and good luck in future competitions.

Careers Notice BoardCareers Notice BoardCareers Notice BoardCareers Notice BoardThe recent announcement in the press that twenty percent of 16 to 25 year olds are unable to find any work highlights the desperate situation that young people face today. Fortunately for Flint High School, a notice board is being installed outside Miss Pughe's room that Heather Roberts, Flint High School’s Career Officer, will constantly update with careers information, job vacancies, apprenticeships, etc. Mrs Roberts is always keen for feedback and would welcome comments about the board, and what else students would like to be included.

PE Back PagePE Back PagePE Back PagePE Back PageSports Leaders Roll of HonourSports Leaders Roll of HonourSports Leaders Roll of HonourSports Leaders Roll of Honour

In January all the sports leaders in Year 12 passed their Dragon Sports qualification, which enables them to coach primary school children. Each leader now has specific responsibility for the following:

Bethan Roberts—Climbing Club

Tasmyn Griffiths—Netball, Merllyn

James Roberts—Cricket, Northop CC

Tom Allman—Football, Flint & Bagillt FC

Laura Tunney—Basketball and Netball

Hannah Moore—Netball, Gwynedd

Ieuan Chatfield/Craig Collings—Basketball

Beth Heeley—Netball

Jordan Beck/Tom Cutler—Football

Gary Sendall—Trampolining and Gym

Nia Cowley—Dance, Maes Edwin

The leaders have been fantastic in their commitment and enthusiasm and deserve thanks for all their hard work.

Flintshire footballers make the Finals!Flintshire footballers make the Finals!Flintshire footballers make the Finals!Flintshire footballers make the Finals!

Congratulations to Travis White (Year 7), Connor Massey (year 7), Daniel McAdam (Year 8), Tom Bibby (Year 8) and Peter Owen (Year 10).

These boys have been representing the County throughout the year and have performed fantastically well. In fact all four age groups (years 7-10) have qualified for the North Wales Finals. They

will take place on Saturday 9th April, and if successful they will play against the South Wales champions at

TNS Oswestry on 7th May, for the title of ‘Welsh Champions!’

Year 8 RugbyYear 8 RugbyYear 8 RugbyYear 8 Rugby

The lads have been a pleasure to coach this year. Unfortunately we have suffered 2 narrow defeats to a

strong Saint Richard Gwyn side. Some of our lads however are totally new to the game and I believe we will have our day at the County Competition on the 7th April. Outstanding moments so far have been; Om’s twisting and turning running, Bibby’s running and crunching tackles, Rhys’ growling, Luke Rodbers amazing try from kick-off and Karki’s steal and run in the first game. Well done; we’ll be back!

BasketballBasketballBasketballBasketball

With Mrs Roscoe taking the helm of basketball coaching at Flint High School, basketball has gone from strength to strength. Our Year 7 team suffered a couple of early

defeats, but following some intense coaching we bounced back to beat Mold 32—20. We are now looking forward to a rematch against John Summers.

Our KS3 team have beaten all the schools they have played this year and on 30th March made it through to County finals of the Welsh cup at Glyndwr, where, unfortunately, a conceded basket in the last 4 seconds halted their progression to the Welsh Finals.

However, Mrs Roscoe’s team, ‘The Flint Jets’ have won their league and her son Curtis came out as league top scorer. Nice one Roscoes!

BadmintonBadmintonBadmintonBadminton

Numbers at badminton club have been amazing this year. Highlights have included 2 visits from a professional coach and a match against Mold Alun.

Some of our strongest players Elliot Wheeler and Dan Noble in Yr 10 contributed to a Flintshire County victory at the Welsh Championships in Cardiff earlier in the year. Both lads won all their games and you can’t do better than that!