If you would like to feature anything from your school, you can share with us direct here or email claire.pierce@newsquest.co.uk

School embraces theatre’s expressive arts ‘takeover’ week

A FLINTSHIRE high school experienced a full range of creative arts activities during a week-long 'takeover' by Theatr Clwyd.

Theatr Clwyd staff working with students during the 'takeover' week.

Staff and students at Ysgol Treffynnon were immersed in the specially curated expressive arts event led by the theatre with professional musicians and dancers taking over some lessons, and break/lunchtime spaces.

Each form from the Holywell school was given one subject lesson during the week that was delivered by Theatr Clwyd. Students in Year 10 English lessons who are studying A View From The Bridge, participated in a practical lesson with activities aimed at performing scenes from the book and characterisation. In Maths, students learned how to budget and plan their own event.

Read more: Headteacher's thanks for support after Wrexham school's inspection

As well as a host of other subject themed activities, students had the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts workshops, as well as karaoke and open mic sessions.

A group of 47 students from Years 7 to 9 also worked with the professionals and created pieces of art work, a dance, and even wrote a song, all of which was showcased in a special performance for Years 7 to 9 on the final afternoon.

Theatr Clwyd staff working with students during the 'takeover' week.

Professional singer and songwriter Mared helped the young budding songwriters, and performed for students on Friday as well as during the week at break and lunch times, and professional dancer, Yandass, delivered dance sessions to several classes throughout the week.

Cathy Rees, head of faculty for expressive arts, helped coordinate the project. She said: "Staff and students thoroughly enjoyed this unique expressive arts week, and many staff made particular mention to the positive vibes during breaks and lunches.

Read more: Flintshire teenager with Down's Syndrome has Derwen College dream ruined over funding

"It has been a wonderful project to be involved with and it has enabled so many students to try activities that they wouldn't otherwise do. We hope the collaboration with the wonderful Theatr Clwyd will continue in the future."

Hester Evans, community producer, Theatr Clwyd said: "The Pilot School Take Over project's aim was to test embedding arts, culture and creativity throughout a normal school week; focusing on how the arts can help support wellbeing, critical thinking, change behaviours and broaden young people's horizons.

Read more: Flintshire pupils urged to discuss misogyny amid Andrew Tate concerns

"We had an amazing week working with Ysgol Treffynnon. The students were incredibly supportive and receptive to any challenges or new activates that we asked of them, from singing with professional musicians at lunch time to dancing in the dinner hall, crafting and screen printing in the sunshine to budgeting their own mini festival, everything was met with enthusiasm.

"Our relationship with Ysgol Treffynnon continues to grow and we can't wait to see what our next steps will be! We'd like to say a huge thank you to the staff and pupils for making us feel so welcome!"

St Ethelwold's School, Shotton

Harvest festival tasting at St Ethelwold's School.

All the children have enjoyed a harvest food tasting test in school. Children from nursery, reception, Year 1 and the sunshine room all enjoyed trying out new foods.

Pupils step up thanks to Welsh Government

PUPILS in Wrexham are starting the day on the right foot with WOW - the walk to school challenge from Living Streets.

Pupils from Victoria Community Primary School in Wrexham, which takes part in WOW - the walk to school challenge from Living Streets.

In Wales, thousands of children are enjoying the benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling to school thanks to support from the Welsh Government. As part of a two-year project, Living Streets Cymru is working with 170 primary schools and 42 secondary schools to deliver its walk to school programme in Wales.

Eight schools in Wrexham take part in WOW, which sees pupils record how they get to school using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker with those who walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or 'Park and Stride' to school being awarded a monthly WOW badge.

Read more: Wrexham pupils' sing-along party bridges the generation gap

Only about 50 per cent of primary school children in Wales walk to school1 and Living Streets is working to help more families choose cleaner and healthier ways to travel. WOW schools typically see an increase of 43 per cent in active journeys (where pupils, walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or 'Park and Stride') and a 59 per cent reduction in cars driving to the school gates.

October is International Walk to School Month when pupils around the globe celebrate the joys of walking and wheeling to school. This year, Living Streets is encouraging children to go on an Autumn Street Safari by taking a few minutes of their walk to school to collect special items and celebrate autumn with some fun activities, which are also available in Welsh.

Read more: Headteacher's joy as council confirms investment to improve high school's facilities

Catherine Woodhead, chief executive, Living Streets, said: "Walking or wheeling to school is a fun and simple way for children to get the 60 active minutes a day recommended by health experts. It's great for mental wellbeing and reduces congestion, carbon emissions and air pollution.

"I'm really pleased that pupils in Wrexham are enjoying the benefits of walking to school with WOW."

Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader and Climate Champion at Wrexham County Borough Council, said: "It's really pleasing to see such positive figures. Active travel leads to better physical, mental and social health, plus it reduces noise pollution, air pollution and carbon emissions. More people embracing active travel will really make a difference against the climate emergency."

Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education at Wrexham County Borough Council, said: "I'm really pleased with how the eight schools have embraced the challenge, which has secured some impressive outcomes. The children, parents and caregivers should be very proud of their achievements."

Ysgol Ty Ffynnon, Deeside

Earlier this month, children from the Flintshire primary school entered the Treuddyn Eisteddfod Art competition. The theme was Heroes.

Ysgol Ty Ffynnon pupils with their eisteddfod artwork.

As their topic was Our Future, the children have been looking at climate change activists, including Greta Thunberg and the Welsh conservationist Iolo Williams.

They decided to base their artwork on them as they see their actions as helping to save the planet for their future and are therefore heroes.

Pupils at the school won first, second and third in the nine-11 category and first and third in the seven-nine category.

They thank the Treuddyn Eisteddfod for giving the opportunity to showcase their work.

Could your school win a visit by the BBC Gladiators?

BBC Children in Need recently announced this year's schools fundraising campaign encouraging schools across the country to challenge themselves to fundraise for the charity.

Steel, one of the stars of the new BBC Gladiators revival.

As an added incentive to get involved, the charity also launched a prize draw for schools to win a visit from BBC Gladiator star, Steel, plus another surprise Gladiator guest from in and around Wrexham.

Last year, schools across the UK raised nearly £4m which helped to support 30,000 children and young people who are facing challenges in their lives. In 2023/2024 BBC Children in Need funded a total of 94 brilliant projects in Wales to the value of £5.1m, supporting more than 24,000 children and young people in the area.

Read more: Headteacher thanks "great team effort" for positive Estyn report

Michelle Firth, headteacher of Brynteg CP School, in Wrexham, said: This year, the charity is calling out for more schools to sign up and get involved after confirming they are only able to fund one in eight of the organisations who ask them for funding. Whether it's challenging yourself to sponsor a scooter ride to school or even baking brownies for a bake sale, a little act could go a long way in closing the gap to make life lighter for children."

There are lots of ways that nurseries, preschools and schools can take part and raise funds. With just one week to go to until the competition closes on Friday, October 18, all schools have to do to be in with a chance of winning is order a free fundraising pack which includes useful resources and ideas on how to get involved. Schools can order fundraising packs at bbc.co.uk/pudsey now, with those who order on or before October 18 being entered into the ballot for the Gladiators School Visit.

Primary schools fundraising this year will also be able to join a live-streamed event on BBC Children in Need Appeal Day where they can challenge themselves, get involved and interact directly with the Gladiators, to raise money which will help to make life lighter for children.

BBC Gladiator star, Steel who will be visiting schools in the week of the BBC Children in Need Appeal said: "School fundraisers ready! I am thrilled to have teamed up with BBC Children in Need this year to get schools across the UK ready to take on fundraising challenges. This is an amazing opportunity to inspire the next generation to get active, improve their wellbeing while raising money for Pudsey. Everything that we raise together will help BBC Children in Need be there for children and young people when they need it most."