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Darland High School, Wrexham

Staff and students of the technology faculty at Darland HIgh School.

The technology faculty at the school, under the guidance of Tracey Crompton, plays a vital role in fostering creativity and self-expression among students.

Year after year, this dedicated team delivers remarkable results in art, textiles, and design technology, helping to shape not only the skills but also the confidence and character of pupils.

Their commitment to engaging, hands-on learning and the creation of visually captivating themed displays at the school entrance brings warmth and inspiration to everyone who enters, setting a vibrant tone for our learning environment.

Technology faculty Remembrance display at Darland HIgh School.

The faculty's themed displays are more than just decoration; they are a testament to the creative journey students undertake.

Each term, the displays showcase unique artwork and projects crafted by the students, often reflecting topical themes or exploring innovative techniques in design. Themes like Halloween, Easter, and Remembrance have given students opportunities to express themselves in ways that connect with broader cultural and historical ideas.

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Most recently, Remembrance brought a poignant and respectful tone to the space, with students crafting poppies and thoughtful tributes that honoured those who served, helping younger students connect to this important day in a deeply personal way.

Mrs Crompton said: "Art and design aren't just subjects, they're opportunities for students to discover their own voices and explore the world around them. Every display in our school is a testament to the talent and dedication of our students."

Technology faculty Remembrance display at Darland HIgh School.

This hands-on, immersive approach offers students the chance to connect with their projects on a deeper level, making learning both relevant and memorable.

The technology faculty shows how art can be both reflective and celebratory, helping students to feel part of larger traditions and community values.

Sara Mann, teacher of textiles, knows the importance of students have a say in their own learning.

She added: "It's amazing to see the pride students feel when they see their work on display. Projects like these teach them that creativity is more than a skill—it's a way to connect with others and express themselves."

Technology faculty Remembrance display at Darland HIgh School.

Seb Jones, second in faculty, is passionate about design, and said: "The technology faculty has an incredible way of helping students turn their ideas into reality. Each display at our entrance speaks to the hard work, inspiration, and passion that defines our school."

Studies have shown that engagement with the creative arts enhances academic performance across the board, improving focus, boosting cognitive abilities, and increasing motivation. It cultivates resilience and empathy, as students learn to view challenges from multiple perspectives and to appreciate the diverse talents of others.

Mrs Crompton added: "The technology faculty believes in playing a vital role in fostering a welcoming environment at Darland High. Our displays bring the school to life and inspire every student who walks through our doors."

Ysgol Maes Hyfryd, Flint

The specialist Flintshire school has been given a boost with a recent donation.

Golftyn Lodge members are John Williams (chaplain/ADC), David Jones (secretary) and Nick Griffiths (charity rep and DC), with pupils from Ysgol Maes Hyfryd.

Freemason members from the Golftyn Masonic Lodge made a donation of £1,000 to the Friends of Ysgol Maes Hyfryd.

Lodge member Nick Griffiths said: "Ysgol Maes Hyfryd is a secondary specialist high school catering for pupils aged 11-19 with severe and complex learning difficulties. The school currently has 130 pupils, and is the only specialist high school in Flintshire.

"Any funds or donations are greatly received and provide support to enhance pupil experiences in all aspects of school life."

Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Gwersyllt

The Wrexham school won a 'money can't buy' trip to one of the biggest fridge recycling plants in Europe, hosted by a children's TV presenter.

Ysgol Bryn Alyn pupils with CBBC host James Stewart, at the AO fridge recycling plant in Telford.

AO, a UK electrical retailer, ran a competition to give one lucky class the chance to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art facility, in Telford, Shropshire, led by CBBC host and sustainability influencer, James Stewart.

Ysgol Bryn Alyn won the prize and took a group of 15 pupils, aged between 11 and 13 years.

As well as meeting AO's huge fridge crushing machine Bertha, which weighs 80 tonnes and can 'eat' up to 100 fridges per hour, the class were also shown science experiments with Lego and learned about how AO processes about 200 tonnes of fridge plastic each week, which goes on to make new products such as bathroom and kitchen fans.

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During the trip, James Stewart challenged the children to 'be a TV presenter for the day' by filming their visit, on smart phones provided by AO, and editing the footage into short videos, which have since been shared on AO's social media channels.

Richard Holden, science teacher at Ysgol Bryn Alyn, said: "I can't thank AO enough for choosing our school to win their competition.

"It was a really insightful day and James Stewart was great with the kids, giving them the confidence to be mini TV presenters and letting them shine."

James Stewart added: "I was absolutely blown away when I first visited AO's fridge recycling plant so it's been brilliant to experience it through the eyes of children this time around. I think a few of them have bright futures as TV presenters and sustainability influencers!"

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Rob Sant, AO's group recycling director, came up with the idea for the competition after learning that more than a third of Britons rely on their children to remind them to recycle. A survey of more than 2,000 British adults, commissioned by AO, found that around 39% of British adults need some help from their children when it comes to recycling.

"It's amazing to see kids leading the charge when it comes to recycling, so it was a pleasure to welcome a school class to AO Recycling for the first time ever," Rob said.

"It was brilliant to see how engaged they were throughout the day and the videos that they've put together in such a short space of time are really impressive."

Ysgol Ty Ffynnon, Shotton

Ysgol Ty Ffynnon pupils with their envirinmental artwork.

As part of their topic - Me, My World, My Future - Year 5 and 6 children have been exploring a range of environmental issues, locally and globally.

On a walk around Shotton to look at the impact of litter and graffiti, they met local environmental artist Tim Pugh at Shotton Railway Station.

Ysgol Ty Ffynnon pupils with their envirinmental artwork.

Tim was invited into school to work with the children and showcase some of his artwork. The children spent the day creating their own designs using plastics that Tim had found on beaches.

The children all had a great time and were so pleased to meet a local artist and share their finished pieces of artwork.

Ysgol Ty Ffynnon pupils with their envirinmental artwork.

Ysgol Rhiwabon, Wrexham

Pupil Noah Thomas runs regularly for Wrexham AAC in the North Wales cross country league.

Ysgol Rhiwabon athlete Noah Thomas.

He recently got selected to run in the Welsh inter county championships representing North Wales, and came 34th out of 65, racing against athletes who regularly compete on the international scene.

Noah will now represent Ysgol Rhiwabon and Wrexham county at North East Wales schools cross country.

Ellie Jones, from Ysgol Acrefair, receives her prize from Ysgol Rhiwabon Curriculum Lead for Maths, Emma Beveridge.

• In the school's recent open evening, they regularly run competitions to win prizes in the maths department.

The most recent winner was Ellie Jones, from Ysgol Acrefair, who used her maths estimation skills to correctly evaluate how many chocolate bars were in the jar.

Emma Beveridge, Curriculum Lead for Maths, recently visited Ellie in Ysgol Acrefair to present her with her prize.

• Following the donation of clothing from Tesco Cefn Mawr, Ysgol Rhiwabon's offering of free uniform to all parents and students across all year groups, including winter coats, bags and other clothing items, has increased in stock and availability.

This is proving a great success with parents and students.

In addition, there is free stationery (following a large donation to the school), as well as sanitary products available to help with daily cost pressures families face.

The event will return every Tuesday from 3.15pm-4.15pm during the school term.