It’s rainy season again in Abertillery and the weather continues to destroy our hopes of playing many sports fixtures. This term we see the traditional summer sports beginning with Athletics, Rounders, Tennis, Baseball coming in to replace the Football, Hockey and Netball.
We began the term with the Athletics meetings at Newport and our boys looking to qualify to represent the county a fortnight later. The poor weather held off on this occasion and the athletes performed well in their respective events. Particular mention goes to the following athletes who made it through to the county finals:
- Tom Ashmead – 100m (3rd at county finals)
- James Young – 800m
- Luke Morgan – 1500m
- Daniel Thomas – Triple Jump
- Ryan Carter – High Jump
- Lewis Aubrey – Javelin *
- Jordan Legge – Javelin *
- Kyle Griffiths – Shot Put *
*Following problems with the throwing field, no throwing events took place at the county final.
Cricket
Cricket is now being taught in lessons and the fixtures are coming in thick and fast. Years 7, 8 & 9 have been drawn to play against Newbridge and Brynmawr and Year 10 against Tredegar and Brynmawr.
Year 7 have already played against Newbridge, and came a close second. There were some notable performances from Dafydd Myson who tells me that he was batting them around the field for fun and Tim Phillips (captain) who bowled very well on the day.I am awaiting confirmation of some of these games but they will be played in the first two weeks back after the half term break. Look at the notice board regularly! I have also negotiated new contracts with several teachers who are now team managers for the following year groups:
- Year 7 – Mr Davies Tim Phillips (Captain)
- Year 8 – Mr Jones Corey Wallace (Captain)
- Year 9 – Mr Price Jack Shore (Captain)
- Year 10 – Mr Gordon Aled Liddington (Captain)
All cricket players should make efforts to wear whites for the matches but must at least have a white shirt.
Cricket practice will be held on Tuesday’s in the Leisure Center. All boys and girls are welcome to attend, from 3-4 pm.
Gymnastics Club
The lunchtime gymnastics club continues to attract new pupils and the skills are improving week on week. Due to the hall being used for the Year 11 exams, the lunchtime practices will now take place on Mondays after school, from 3-4 pm.
All pupils are welcome, however I must stress that regular attendance is essential if you wish to improve and not disrupt the progress of others.
On behalf of the pupils of the school and in particular the gymnastics club I would like to thank Blaentillery Primary School for their kind donation of Gymnastics equipment, this will help us to get more pupils involved in the activity in lessons and in after school clubs.
Skiing
Things are well under way for next years tour to Austria and we currently have 24 pupils travelling for a week of absolute non – stop brilliant fun on and off the slopes. May I remind pupils and parents that regular payments are the easiest way to pay for the tour and that payments should go to the office rather than myself (Mr Gordon), and then the receipts and payment card brought to me to get signed.
There are still spaces left for any pupil who would like to join the tour, the price is £630 and anyone interested should come to see me as soon as possible for more information.
Rugby
As you read in the last newsletter the year 9 Rugby 7’s team recently qualified for the Pontypool 7’s tournament (second year running for the school). On arrival we found ourselves drawn against Lewis Boys School, a relatively unknown entity. The game was as expected, fast and furious. There were some good phases of play and a great solo try from Daniel Parsons but at the end of the game it was Lewis Boys who came out on top. In the next game we had to play our near rivals Newbridge Comprehensive. This game was a much closer affair with a place in the final at stake. Tries were quickly exchanged and at half time we found ourselves five points down. Following a quick pep talk the game was levelled quickly after the break and heads were once again up. The game steadied for a few minutes with neither side able to cross the gain line and find a way through until some great play from Newbridge saw them take the lead once more. This proved to be too much for us and despite a late try at the end we once again finished second. Well done to all of the boys who played.
Year 11
The PE department would like to say a farewell and good luck to all of the Year 11 pupils who are leaving us after half term. We hope that you have enjoyed participating in lessons and representing your school in the various activities and that you have found a sport or activity which you will continue to play for many years to come. To the GCSE PE pupils, we know that you have worked hard over the last two years and hope that at the end of August you get the grade that you deserve. Our fingers are crossed!.
If any pupils have PE uniform that they would like to donate to the PE department (blue/white polos, or roundneck tops) then please bring them in once your exams are over. We will be able to put them to good use if you do not have any younger brothers or sisters to pass them on to.
Current Year 10
After half term, once you are allowed to wear the new white polo shirt as uniform we will allow you wear your blue school uniform shirts for PE lessons. Boys you are still able to purchase the school Jersey (£13 from Mr Gordon) for outdoor lessons and girls have the hooded top (£15 from Mrs Smith).
Tracksuit bottoms with school logo are now available in all sizes, priced £13.
Year 10/9 Holland Football Tour
Good luck to the team that are travelling to Holland to play in the Amsterdam Cup on May 23rd. Last year they qualified on the Saturday to play in the Champions league and despite playing well on Sunday, found it difficult to put the ball in the back of the net. They will be looking to go one better this year and bring home some more silverware for the trophy cabinet! Have a great weekend boys.
After School Clubs
- Monday – Gymnastics 3-4pm (school)
- Tuesday – Cricket 3-4pm (LC)
- Wednesday – Tennis 3-4pm (courts)
- Thursday – Aqua Club 3-4pm Golf – 3-4pm (see Mr Gordon)
- Friday – Dodgeball (lunchtime LC)
The tennis net is staying up in the tennis courts and I hope that pupils will look after it and use it after school and on the weekends. If it is looked after then another net will be put up after half term. Please make the most of the facilities available!!!
Primary Extra-Curricular Clubs
May I thank all the individuals who have been involved in taking extra-curricular practices at our feeder primary schools. I have seen many of you in action and have been really pleased and proud of your efforts. I have also had glowing reports from the primary school teachers who have been extremely grateful for the help we, as a school, have given them. I hope for this to continue. Anyone, both boys and girls, who are interested in giving an hour of their time each week in any sports please come and see me.
- St. Illtyd’s Primary – Rugby – Adam Puddy & Jenna Blake (Y10)
- St. Illtyd’s Primary – Netball – Jenna Blake & Hannah Winmill (Y10)
- St. Illtyd’s Primary – Football – Lucy Player & Amy Stone (Y10)
- Abertillery Primary – Hockey – Paige Hillier & Charlotte Price (Y11)
- Queen Street Primary – Netball – Rhiannon Thomas & Bethany Hughes (Y11), Bethan Watkins & Megan Edmunds (Y10)
- Blaentillery Primary – Netball – Sasha Hooper & Sam Howells (Y10)
Primary Football Tournament
On Wednesday 1st April I hosted a primary football tournament. All six of our feeder primary schools entered. We had ten teams, over seventy pupils and lots of family members giving support. The month before I hosted a primary netball tournament which was a big success. The winners from the netball were Bryngwyn Primary who narrowly missed out on winning the football as well. After playing the rounds it came to Queen Street playing Bryngwyn for first and second place. After full time the score was a draw so we had to go to penalties which were a draw again 2 -2. We then went to ‘sudden death’ and Queen Street became the champions of the football tournament. Bryngwyn were second, followed by Bryngwyn B team 3rd and Abertillery B team 4th. The afternoon was another successful event; the weather was beautiful and everyone enjoyed. The day ran smoothly and I would like to thank all the individuals who helped assist in the tournament. The following assisted with the scoring, timings and organisation of games: Jenna Blake, Lucy Player, Bethan Watkins (Year 10), Leanne Reddish (Year 11) and Lauren Haskins (student). Paige Hillier, Michael Blackwell, Josh Murphy, Daniel Hail and James Sweet (Year 11) all umpired the games. The teachers were impressed on your knowledge, behaviour and attitude throughout the games. Well done!
Y9 Football Tournament at Sophia Gardens Cardiff – 28th April
Year 9 girls took part in a football tournament held in Cardiff. To begin with, the girls were a little nervous as none of them attend training for football and it was clear to see the standard there was high when we arrived. The girls decided at the last minute they would have a go and enter the competition. The girls were due to play three games as there were supposed to be four schools in our group. However, one school didn’t turn up which meant the team only had two games.
The girls appeared disappointed with that. The first game the girls played really well with a draw 1-1 against Ffynone House. Paige Gardner scored with a penalty; she made it look easy as it went in the back of the net and the girls cheered. After the game the girls were on a high. They realised they had played well and weren’t as bad as they had thought. With a little training, girls, who knows what could happen!
The second game was slightly harder; we played St. John Baptist who won the tournament last year! The girls put up a good fight and didn’t roll over the final score was 3 – 0 to St. John Baptist.
Ffynone Hose had lost 5-0 to St. John Baptist, making our school second out of the three teams in our group. Well done to all girls involved. I know some of you took some persuading to play but everyone seemed to enjoy playing football. The only part some of you might not have enjoyed is getting soaked by the rain storm when waiting for our bus.
Oh well, it added to the fun of the day!
U14 Hockey Trials – 29th April
We played two teams in a seven a side tournament against the local hockey teams of Brynmawr, West Mon, St. Albans, King Henry and Gwynllw while two teachers were looking for any talented and skilful hockey players which stood out to them. Chloe Jo Morgan in Year 8 was one of the twenty pupils who were selected to attend the next stage of the trials. To the rest of you who didn’t get selected for the trials, don’t give up on your hockey, keep practising. Unfortunately, Chloe didn’t get through the final stage of the trials to be selected for the County U14 Hockey team. Congratulations on reaching this far Chloe Jo. This will make you more focused and determined for next year’s trials.
Multi Events Athletics at Brecon – 7th May
I and Mr. Price took a squad of athletes to Brecon to compete in a multi events competition. The competition involved each athlete competiting in all five events of 100m, 800m, high jump, long jump and shot. The pupils had to have a good level of fitness to be able to complete all five events. The pupils in the year 8 and 9 girls’ squad were Grace Hart, Elizabeth Millar, Amy Turner and Victoria Young. The year 10 squad comprised of just Megan Edmunds and Hannah Winmill. We haven’t, as of yet, been sent the results from the day. Once we have, I will display on the PE board in the canteen. Well done to all involved.
Street Dance
Last year we entered a street dance competition in November where the standard was very high, more like ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and I am hoping to enter again this year. The girls who entered the competition last year, 8MG, are more determined and enthusiastic to improve upon last year’s performance. Practices started last Thursday and will be on Thursdays and Fridays 12.35 – 1.05 in the dance studio in the leisure centre. It is open to both boys and girls and I am pleased to say we have had two boys in year 8 who have already been, so don’t be shy boys! The competition has three different categories: group, trio and quad dances. On the Thursday there is a street dance teacher who comes and teaches you the moves. Should be more street wise and more up to date with her moves than me! On the Friday we practise and rehearse what was learnt on the Thursday with me. Come along and give it a go if you fancy it. If you don’t enjoy it, you don’t have to stay. What have you got to lose?
Primary Schools Swimming Gala
Once again our school was called upon to help out with the primary school swimming gala. A mixture of our keen sportsmen and sports leaders gave up their time to help out timing the swimmers as they race. The gala organiser Des Ward commented on their behaviour and ability and said that they were a credit to the school. Well done to you all.
Dance Workshop
Ffin Dance Company performed at the Metropole Theatre on Friday 15th Mat at 7.00 p.m. The performance was enjoyed by Sophie Cosgrove, Ellie Turner, Shannon Greaves, Ashley Matthews, Rhiannon Sweeney and Katie Thomas. Sue Lewis, artistic director and choreographer came to our school to run a workshop based on same of the work from the show. Sophie, Ashley, Rhiannon and Katie were joined by Emily Martin, Mia Sweet, Ebony Adams, Elisabeth Millar and Abbie Williams, all of whom produced some good pieces and laughed a lot in the process. Well done girls.
Tag Rugby Festival 25th March at Glyncoed School
The WRU organised this festival for girls and sent coaches to the school for coaching sessions leading up to the event. Girls who played in the tournament were:-
Sian Burkitt, Jessica Smith, Lucy Williams, Victoria Jones, Sophie Lane, Lauren Hardwicke, Samantha Cross, Angharad Williams, Paige Owens, Katie Price, Naomi Dean, Elizabeth Millar, Abbie Williams, Rhiannon Sweeney, Ashley Matthews, Leanne Hadley, Alana Gardner, Kealey Stewart, Chelsea Jones and Bethany Davies. All girls in Year 9 were involved in coaching sessions and the tournament squad had a great day out.
Netball
Tear 7 B team won the Blaenau Gwent Tournament at Brynmawr on 1st April. The Year 7 squad are as follows:-
Megan Womersley, Savannah Evans, Laura Sanders, Emily Martin, Tiegan Cording, Ebony Adams, Courtney Coles, Morgan Meredith, Leah Griffiths, Olivia Williams, Ashley Cheese and Nicole Dean
Blaenau Gwent Athletics
Here are the results from the Blaenau Gwent Athletics Championships held at Spytty Stadium on 28th April.
Year 9
- Kealey Stewart - 4th in Heat 1 100m 13.66 sec - 8th in long jump 3.09 mts
- Chloe Taylor - 5th in Heat 2 100m 16.02 sec - 11th in shot
- Abbie Williams - 6th in Heat 1 200m 35.04 sec - 9th in shot
- Elisabeth Millar - 7th in Heat 2 200m 35.72 sec - 2nd in High Jump 1.15 m - selected Blaenau Gwent
- Grace Hart - 18th in 1500m 6min 21sec - selected Blaneau Gwent - - 9th in High Jump 1.05 m
- Lauren Hardwick - 10th in Discus - 8.42 m
- Molly Williams - 11th in Discuss - 8.10 m
- Sophie Davies - 7th in Javelin -10.90 m
- Laura Davies - 8th in Javelin - 9.20 m
Year 10/11
- Hannah Winmill - 5th in Heat 1 100m - 15.27 sec - 5th in Final 100m - 16.05 sec
- Bethan Watkins - Dropped out of 100 m through injury
- Lucy Player - 4th in 800 m - 3.22
- Leanne Reddish - Won High Jump 1.30 m - Selected Blaenau Gwent - 7th in Discuss - 12.75 m
- Paige Hillier - 2nd in Discus - 17.43 m - selected Blaenau Gwent
- Grace Hart - 1st in 1500 m
- Paige Hillier - 2nd in Discus
- Elizabeth Millar - 2nd in High Jump
- Leanne Reddish - 1st High Jump
The above 4 pupils were chosen to represent Blaenau Gwent and completed in the South East Wales Championships at Spytty on Wednesday 6th May - Well done!
We are very proud of Laura Price, Year 10 who is in the Welsh Table Tennis squad. She played in the 6 Nations Individuals in Cardiff and the Isle of Man. She is playing in France (May) and in Scotland in June.
Well done and good luck Laura!
