News from MCS

The Sixth Form Open Evening was exceptionally well-attended this week - hundreds of parents, around 200 students from our Year 11 and a record 50+ students coming to see us from other schools. Thank you to everyone who attended.

Of course, a school Sixth Form and A level pathway is not for everyone, and there are a variety of opportunities available to our Year 11s and Year 13s next year. Our Careers and Higher Education Fair runs on 8th February, where over 100 external providers from further and higher education, apprenticeships of all types, technical qualifications and employment pathways will attend to provide options, guidance (and free pens!). CHEF is aimed at Years 9-13 but all students and families are welcome. We also welcome students from across the region to what will be a major event. I am looking forward to seeing it in person, as despite being the longest serving secondary headteacher in the Local Authority (yes, really!) I have not yet seen CHEF in action. I hope to see lots of you there.

All the best for a restful weekend. Please do book Sister Act and Curry and Quiz tickets if you can, and do also note the MCC budget consultation below in the Community Section.

Best wishes

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

A big congratulations to Sam North who was the Y12/13 winner of the Desmos Christmas competition.

The competition was open to all UK students and the aim was to use their mathematical skills of functions and graphs, and use the Desmos graphing software to create a Christmas scene.  

This creative, cartoon picture was designed by Sam, using his excellent understanding of graphs and transformations. Well done Sam!

https://furthermaths.wales/desmos-christmas-drawing-competition/

Sister Act tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/monmouth-comprehensive-school.  Adults £10, concession £8. (Limited tickets available on Saturday night)

Every year the Daunt Books Short Story competition for children aged 4-15 celebrates the wonderful creativity of children's writing

They have contacted the school to invite students to enter the competition this year. Winners will have their story published in an anthology, which will be illustrated by Marion Deuchars and introduced by Katya Balen.

There are posters with a QR code on around the library, but students are more than welcome to ask Miss Barnes, in the library, for details too. More details, including the entry form, may be found here: https://dauntbooks.co.uk/short-story-competition/.

Last Sunday, 13-year-old Max Swayne came 2nd in a 16U Grade 4 tennis tournament at Warwick University. This is classed as a hard competition and it was a tough final, as his opponent was much older, taller and stronger than him. Max fought hard, but sadly lost in 2 set tie breaks.

Even though Max didn’t win, it will have still enabled him to move up from his current ranking position in the UK.

MCC Budget consultation in the midst of the cost of living crisis

The cost of living crisis is challenging for everyone – including the council. Monmouthshire County Council is facing unprecedented cost pressures of £26million. Energy costs, inflation and price rises, pay awards and rising interest rates are all contributing factors. The cabinet will meet on the 18^th January to agree a strategy to address these pressures. It will include a higher than expected funding boost from Welsh Government, service changes, staffing efficiencies, raising of fees and charges, and increasing the level of council tax. Monmouthshire’s communities will be invited to share their views on these possible changes in an open consultation process that starts on Wednesday 18th January and runs until noon on Thursday 16th February.

Residents are encouraged to offer their views on the proposals, which be available from Wednesday 18^th January by using this link:

 www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/budget-2023-2024/.

You will also find details on this link of the face-to-face meetings, online meetings and feedback form.