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St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College Coleg Catholig Chweched
Dosbarth Dewi Sant
Autumn2015
This publication is also available in Welsh
On Thursday 10th September, approximately 300 students, staff
and family members filled St David’s Metropolitan Cathedral for our
third annual Leavers’ Ceremony.
The evening began with a welcome address by the chaplain, and
opening remarks by the Archbishop of Cardiff. This was followed by
‘Pie Jesu’ sung by students Lauren Richards and Becki Holder.
Awards were then given to pupils who demonstrated particularly
outstanding studentship in individual subjects throughout the
academic year 2014 - 2015. A full list of the award winners can be
found overleaf. This was followed by a Valedictory speech given by
Rhian Paolella. Rhian said that she would “always remember
[College] as the time where I really grew as an individual. The way
in which the College nurtures your independence as both a student
and a young adult is something that I will always be grateful for.”
The full version of her speech can be found on our website.
After another musical interlude by Lauren Richards, the College
awards were presented. These included the Dom Bryon Award for
outstanding contribution to College life, the Chris Whelan Award
for overcoming hardship and display of character, and the Stratford
Caldecott Award for outstanding dedication to academic enquiry
across the curriculum.
The Chair of Governors and the College Principal ended the
evening with closing remarks and a blessing was given by the
Archbishop. The ceremony was brought to a close with a rendition of
‘I Will Sing For You’ composed by Robert Prizeman and sang by St
David’s students Lauren Richards, Becki Holder and Kieren
Rankin.
LEAVERS’ CEREMONY
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
STUDENTS AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS RESEARCH PLACEMENTS
AWARD & SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS LIST, CHAPLAINCY & DIOCESAN
EVENTS, HISTORY TRIP TO KRAKOW, STUDENT SUCCESS, AND MUCH MORE
STUDENTS AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS RESEARCH PLACEMENTSSt David’s
Science students awarded two of only 1000 Nuffield Research
Placements
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AWARD & SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS - LEAVERS’ CEREMONY 2015
COLLEGE AWARD WINNERS
DOM BRYON AWARD - Venuri Don Tennakoonfor outstanding
contribution to College Life
CANON IEUAN WYNNE JONES AWARD - Meg Harringtonfor outstanding
contribution to the religious life of the College
CHRIS WHELAN AWARD - Kim Stacey for the overcoming of hardship
and display of character
STRATFORD CALDECOTT AWARD - Akshay Pettafor outstanding
dedication to academic enquiry
GEORGES LEMAITRE AWARD - Luke Morganfor outstanding studentship
in the Sciences and Mathematics
DANTE ALIGHIERI AWARD - Vicki Silezin for outstanding
studentship in Literature and the Humanities
ST THOMAS MORE AWARD - Fiona McGavinfor outstanding studentship
in the Social Sciences
ST JOHN PAUL II AWARD - Tom Knightfor outstanding achievement in
the Performing Arts and Sport
SUBJECT AWARD WINNERS
Acting: Curtis Kemlo Applied Science Subsidiary Diploma: Magda
WiktorzakApplied Science Diploma: Matt Moore & Jodie
ChurchBiology: Dominic JenkinsBusiness: Izzi CarterChemistry: Amanz
AzadenEconomics: Megan Keay English Language & Literature:
Rachel BurnellEnglish Literature: Sarah-Jane Smart & Catherine
FrostFilm Studies: Joshua AlmeidaFrench: Jawwad Chawdry &
Cuiying MaFurther Maths: Krzysztof JakubiakGeography: Seren
Robinson, Izzi Carter & Angelina HoyleGerman: Rania
MattarHealth & Social Care: Bethany BakerHistory: Rachel
BurnellLaw: Angelina HoyleMaths: Jack Marshman
Music: Rhys FreemanPhilosophy: Caitlyn Berry Physics: Ben
BradburyPolish: Ewa KwatekPolitics: Finley MorrisPsychology:
Mehrnaz (Naz) Zadeh & Akhtar HussainReligious Studies: Caitlyn
BerrySociology: Vicki SilezinSpanish: Madlen JonesSport Diploma:
Josh Beer & Bethan RobertsSport Subsidiary Diploma: Charlotte
Rowsell & Elle MapstoneSport Extended Diploma: Gemma Martin
& Josh AndersonWelsh: Joseph Rose
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Corpus Christi: Claudia Perry St Richard Gwyn: Aleksandra
Kamionka & Cerian ReynishSt Illtyd’s: Hollie ParsonsMary
Immaculate: Christy NganjimiWillows: Jessica HornbyOther: Thomas
Higgins, Anna Wright & Bethan James
CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Corpus Christi: Martha WezykSt Richard Gwyn: Rosy EllisSt
Illtyd’s: Rhiannon JonesOther: Kate Moss & Kayleigh Hunt
SPECIAL COMMENDATION AWARDS
Cathays: Courtney Virgo Corpus Christi: Bethan BarkleyCowbridge:
Katherine GriffithsSt John’s College: Tanyaradzwa ChiganzeSt
Martin’s: Amy FoggSt Martin’s: Charlotte JonesSt Martin’s: Nathan
EedySt Martin’s: Sean EedySt Teilo’s: Igbunu OneyiboSt Teilo’s:
Joanne HaresSt Teilos: Megan Clyde
YEAR-ROUND
SACRAMENTAL PROVISION Mass is offered every Friday from the
beginning of the year, and on numerous Feast Days through the
year.
SEPTEMBER
RELIGION AND LIFE PROGRAMMESeptember saw the launch of our new
‘Religion and Life’ programme: an integrated programme including
rigorous theological study in the first term, followed by various
service options.
JUNIOR CATHOLIC SOCIETY Many universities enjoy the presence of
a Catholic Society, and now St David’s does too. The new CathSoc
has begun meeting and planning events for the year, including
social gatherings and opportunities for prayer.
OCTOBER
EVANGELISATION EVENT (10th October)CAREC (14th & 15th
October)RETREAT (1st October)CONFERENCE FOR READERS (17th
October)
MARCH
YOUTH 2000 (11th - 13th March)St David’s College will once again
be hosting the Welsh Youth 2000 event, to which all of our students
will be invited.
CAREC (2nd & 3rd March)
APRIL / MAY
CELEBRATE WALES (30th April & 1st May)
JULY
WORLD YOUTH DAY (25th - 31st July)The Pope has called a World
Youth Day in Krakow for July 2016, and we are beginning to organise
our own bus to take staff and students to what promises to be an
incredible experience next summer.
AUGUST
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE Students have already begun meeting to plan
for the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. This is attracting as many
students as always, and we look forward to another active, and
successful pilgrimage.
CHAPLAINCY AND DIOCESAN EVENTS2015 - 2016 Eleven students
benefitted from a week’s work experience
with GE Aviation in Nantgarw over the summer period. They
received excellent guidance and information about careers in this
field. Here is what Hannah had to say about the experience:
Eleven St David’s students were given the opportunity to
undertake a week’s worth of work experience at GE Aviation in
Nantgarw. Although
this took place over the summer holidays, losing free time was
definitely made worthwhile. The work placement has aided me in my
endeavour to become an aerospace engineer, giving me an edge when
applying for university, as I now have work experience directly
related to my career path.
I was placed in the Accessory Business Unit (ABU), the unit
dealing with the testing and maintenance of fuel systems,
electrical items, gearboxes, and LRUs. I worked under five
different mentors, in different sections of the ABU. Over the week,
I was delegated tasks mainly concerning CFM engines, such as
testing and making electrical engine harnesses, and preparing fuel
pumps for use by wire-locking and performing kerosene leakage
tests. I was also shown the process of making and maintaining jet
engines, which allowed me to understand the process in a way that I
couldn’t have if the College hadn’t given me the opportunity to
carry out the placement.
I was able to engage in discussion with engineers working at the
facility, allowing myself to expand upon my existing knowledge of
the field and reinforce my belief that engineering was the field
that I wanted to enter. The work experience was invaluable, and I
would love the opportunity go back there on a placement year during
my time at university.
Hannah NormanChemistry, Maths, Physics & Geography
student
The Philosophy discussion group is held every Thursday lunchtime
at 1:30, in room HO1. This group presents a fantastic opportunity
to discuss current events, and issues that are important to you in
an intellectual and philosophical manner. This enhances discussion
and problem solving skills, something useful in both A Level
studies and viewed in a very positive light when applying for
University. Run by students, for students, there is a fun and
casual atmosphere which, accompanied by teas, coffees, cakes and
more, makes it a great environment for meeting new people and
making friends across year-groups. Our philosophy group is a
wonderful chance to improve intellectually, boost confidence levels
and get to know a friendly and enthusiastic group of people;
everyone and anyone is more than welcome!
PHILOSOPHY CLUB AT ST DAVID’S
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WORK PLACEMENT SUCCESS AT GE AVIATION
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Nuffield Research Placements are offered annually to only 1000
students nationwide. These prestigious placements allow Year 12
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students to
work alongside professionals and to complete projects of a high
research standard.
This year we were delighted when two of our students were
offered places over the summer holiday. Gethin Jones (A2 Chemistry,
Physics, Biology and English Literature & Language) completed a
project with Dr Mark Young of Cardiff University entitled
‘Investigating the structure of the P2X7 receptor and how this
relates to its function in downstream signalling in chronic pain
and inflammation’. Dan Clements (A2 Chemistry, Biology and
Mathematics) worked with Dr Seralynne Vann of Cardiff University on
the project, ‘Analysis of neurites in the dentate gyrus.’
Both projects culminated with a presentation evening at
Techniquest where all Placement students were able to display their
research. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation
of certificates to all Placement students by Nobel laureate Sir
Martin Evans.
ST DAVID’S STUDENTS AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS RESEARCH PLACEMENTS
MATHS COMPETITION SUCCESS
We are very pleased to announce that St David’s College Maths
students came 3rd in the University of South Wales’ Sixth Form Pop
Quiz on Wednesday 21st October. Teams of four or five sixth form
students from schools and colleges from across South Wales and the
West of England engaged in friendly and light-hearted competition
on interesting maths puzzles and conundrums. Prize cups were
awarded for the first three places.
We would like to say a huge congratulations to Reuban Harris,
Enda Mulville, Hannah Norman, Nate Levy and Parsa Lalianpour for
their fantastic achievement.
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES EVENTS
Why Study Languages? by Schools into Europe, Capital Law and
Chandler KBS
Ambassador Scheme commences with Cardiff University
Passport to Success at Cardiff University
A Level Master/Film Classes at Cardiff University
Why Study Languages? Student event at Cardiff University
UCAS support for language students
French exchange
A Level film screenings at Cardiff University
September - December 2015
October 2015
November 2015
March 2016
March 2016
June 2016
TBC
All year
If your son/daughter is studying AS Science subjects or AS
Mathematics, additional support outside the classroom is available
from Maths Ambassadors from Cardiff University. The support is
given in small groups and takes place every week. Contact Mr
Williams or Mrs Thistlewood for
further information.
MATHEMATICS Ambassadorsin partnership with cardiff
university
St david's college
Arriving off the plane in Krakow, the group was filled with a
sense of optimism. Despite arriving at the College at 3am, we had a
feeling of
excitement, mainly due to the discovery of the food and drink
prices. After checking in at the hotel, we proceeded to the factory
of Oskar Schindler, made famous by the 1990s film Schindler’s List.
Here, we were given a tour by an enthusiastic guide, who referred
to us as her ‘dear friends’.
Returning to the hotel, the group tried to gain whatever sleep
we could before getting up at five in the morning for a tour of
Auschwitz. I would talk about the tour but words cannot do justice
to the affect the site had on us all. I will simply say, visit the
site, it is life changing.
After the tour of Auschwitz, the group all went out for dinner
at a traditional Polish restaurant. A three-course dinner was
enjoyed by most, though some were surprised that the chicken noodle
soup didn’t contain any chicken. After the meal, the group decided
to get to know each other more. Whilst having 27 students in a
three-bed room was a squeeze, we had a good time getting to know
each other…until the teachers turned up.
The next day we had a bit of a lie in, to a more respectable
9.30am, and went for a walking tour of the Jewish quarter. Here we
saw the oldest synagogue in Poland, the site of the Krakow ghetto,
and the beginnings of the annual Jewish festival. The tour gave us
good background knowledge of how the Jews’ situation changed from
pre- to post-World War II. The most memorable fact she gave us was
that whilst pre-war Krakow housed 250,000 Jews, this now stands at
only 300.
In the afternoon we visited the Galicia Museum, reinforcing our
knowledge on the changing situation for Jews. This was a different
museum to most, relying on photographs to tell the story, which
were no less powerful. The museum also gave us the opportunity to
meet with a survivor of
the holocaust. She told the story of how as a young girl she
survived the wrath of the Nazis. Her story was deeply moving and we
were able to get an idea of how they are able to come to terms with
what happened.
For our final morning, we were given some free time, and my
friends and I went to the cathedral which was recommended by the
teachers, and then did some shopping in the nearby mall, travelling
by rented Segway. Once we met up again, we took the coach back to
the airport and flew home, quite overjoyed with the trip.
Krakow was definitely not what I expected. The sounds, sights,
and smells were all mind blowing, and I would thoroughly recommend
visiting the city. Apart from the obvious attractions such as
Auschwitz, there is something there for everyone, and as a group we
agreed this would be a trip of a lifetime.”
James KiddieA2 History Student
“HISTORY STUDENTS EXPLORE KRAKOW
The Cambridge Chemistry Challenge is an annual examination
designed to stretch even the most able students. It was wonderful
to find that eight AS students were prepared to attempt the 90
minute examination in the summer term. In particular, our
congratulations go to Mphatso Simbao and Gethin Jones, both of whom
achieved a Silver Award.
THE CAMBRIDGE CHEMISTRY CHALLENGE
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THE ACORN PROJECTOn Monday 5th October, the Acorn Project was
launched for the first time at St David’s College, with a group of
innovative students from both the lower and upper 6th.
The students met the role model David Williams from Big Ideas
Wales who talked them through the process of business start-up. The
students were split into two groups and given £20 to start up their
own unique business. Each group has been given three months to
start their own business with their ‘loan’, start trading, and make
as much profit as they possibly can. The winner will be the group
that makes the most profit.
David will be attending their monthly meetings to monitor the
progress of each group and to be on hand to offer further advice.
It will be very interesting to see what small business develop from
this exciting project and we will keep you posted as the project
develops.
VentureFest Wales 2015 brought together nearly 1,000
entrepreneurs, investors, and innovative companies together to
inspire business growth.
The students were able to access first-hand information on what
support is available to them, discover new business ideas, and meet
other entrepreneurs who share their drive and vision. It provided
the students the opportunity to visit a number of different
workshops: the ‘Funding Workshop’ to hear pitches and presentations
from new and growing businesses looking to team up with
entrepreneurs with proven business leadership skills; the
‘Innovation Workshop’ to hear from businesses preparing for their
next phase of growth, while also identifying individuals with
specialist skills that their business may need; and the ‘How To
Workshop’ to learn about new forms of business support available to
businesses, while learning from others who overcame ‘growing pains’
common to new and high growth businesses.
St David’s student Callum Davies said: “Visiting VentureFest
allowed me the opportunity to network, and I gained valuable
insight on what it is like to have your own business”.
VENTUREFEST WALES
ENTERPRISE PROJECTS
As part of our project to improve students’ experiences at St
David’s, we are implementing an online payments service. This
technology is used by thousands of schools and colleges across the
UK. It will allow parents and students to pay for trips, buses,
meals, and other services online. This will allow users to control
and monitor expenditure.
As part of this project, we will also be implementing a
new biometric system for the catering services within the
College. We expect this system to improve the services we are able
to offer students and staff significantly, with considerable
benefits including: students not having to remember to bring a card
or cash to College, reduction in queuing time at the canteen or
coffee shop, and the ability to view purchases and to control
expenditure and cash flow.
St David’s College will comply at all times with the Data
Protection Act, and with the provisions of the Protection of
Freedoms Act 2012 regarding the use of biometric data.
WE’RE GOING CASHLESS!
STEM Club at St David’sMaths Ambassadors from Cardiff
UniversityCarousel of Practical Science Activities by St David’s
staff Mathematics by Cardiff UniversityComputing by Cardiff
UniversityGeography & Earth Science by Cardiff
UniversityEngineering by GE AviationMedicine by the NHSSTEM Careers
EventComputing by Cardiff UniversitySTEM Conference
The second STEM Conference hosted by Cardiff University took
place on Friday 19th June in the Queens Building, the Main Building
and the Sir Martin Evans Building of the University. The event was
open to all lower sixth students who follow STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects at the College.
Once again, the conference was a tremendous experience for the
students and they left the event buzzing with excitement and
enthusiasm. They had been clearly motivated by the total experience
of being involved in a variety of workshops, lectures and
practicals, but also by being able to have conversations with
postgraduates and lecturers who are experts in their field and who
are carrying out cutting edge research.
Such activities included workshops in artificial sky and solar
simulation, extraction of natural products, affairs of the heart,
cancer research, Raspberry Pi, Greenfoot programming, quantum field
theory and a whole variety of demonstrations such as oscillation
and waves, Formula One car engineering, exploration of geophysics
and many more.
Our mathematics students took part in a Mathematics Quiz during
their time at the STEM Conference. Four students attained full
marks and Jessica Smith and Filip Krzymieniecki both received a
prize (Amazon vouchers) for their entry. Congratulations to all who
took part and in particular Jessica and Filip.
To read Cardiff University’s article about the day, visit
http://bit.ly/cu-stemarticle, or to see more photos of the event,
visit http://bit.ly/stemphotos.
The next STEM Conference will be held in June 2016.
STEMScience Technology Engineering Maths
EVENTS 2015 - 16All year
All year
6th Oct 153rd Nov 151st Dec 15
8th Dec 1519th Jan 169th Feb 16
15th Mar 1619th Apr 16
June 16
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY SUPPORT
Cardiff University is one of the most prestigious universities
in England and Wales. It has recently been ranked 5th in the UK for
research excellence and it continues to deliver very high levels of
student satisfaction. The University
has attended open evenings, extracurricular events, and given
support to staff and students in a variety of ways. It will be
taking the lead in many of the activities this year. Our
partnership with Cardiff University is extremely important to the
College and we are very grateful.
STEM CLUB 2015 - 16St David’s has a thriving STEM Club that
offers enrichment and enhancement activities for those students who
are studying STEM subjects. Lecturing staff from Cardiff University
and employers from the local area support the programme with
lectures, practicals and workshops giving our students up-to-date
information and an insight into the world of work. This year’s
programme is very varied and there is something for all.
STEM CONFERENCE AT CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
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BIOLOGY FIELD TRIPIn July 2015, 32 AS Biology students and their
teachers set off on a 24 hour coach and ferry trip to build on
their Biology knowledge in an exciting new environment. The trip
took place over six days at The Eagle’s Nest in Cévennes national
park in the South of France. Located on the edge of the Parc
National des Cévennes, The Eagle’s Nest provides visiting school
groups from around the world the opportunity to undertake
residential fieldwork in a captivating environment. During the week
the students undertook many practical activities including an
ecology practical utilising statistical techniques; capture, mark,
recapture with crickets; quadrant sampling to compare biodiversity
on and off the ski slopes; and kick sampling in rivers and streams.
For this final activity, student agitated the beds of rivers and
streams to investigate the unique biodiversity in an area of
special scientific interest. The trip was an unparalleled
experience for the students, as they were able to study Biology in
an environment unavailable to them in day-to-day classroom-based
study. The area is unique in terms of biodiversity, and students
had the opportunity to learn about the work of scientists
undertaken to protect the habitat and the plants and animals that
live there. Students also had the opportunity to visit the small
town of Sainte-Enimie, which is situated within the national park.
They had the opportunity to learn stories of miracles attributed to
her, and to visit the medieval church which is dedicated to her.
The visitors book was signed on behalf of everyone at St David’s
College. Current AS Biology students will have the opportunity to
take part in the same field trip in July 2016.
In October, all of the upper 6th BTEC Sport students embarked on
a trip to Cosmeston Lakes to take part in canoeing and kayaking.
This forms part of their studies in Outdoor and Adventurous
Activities. Students learned skills such as paddling, turning,
steering, and stopping as well as developing their teamwork and
communication skills.
In the spring term students will also participate in rock
climbing to complete their practical logbooks.
COSMESTON LAKES SPORT TRIP