STANWELL School had a busy week of talking money, a mud challenge and music.

On Tuesday, December 2, Stanwell Monetary Policy Committee, won the regional heat of the Bank of England Two Point Zero Challenge. In competing, they had to present a fifteen minute presentation to representatives of the Bank of England followed by a ten minute question and answer session. Members of the team are Megan Doran, Jamie Hitchen, Zola Hargreaves, Carys Warner and Jay Kapuria

On Friday, December 5, 94 Year 7 pupils embraced the cold as they visited Margam Park Discovery Centre for a Geography trip. The pupils carried out a river study, measuring the width, depth and velocity of the river. Pupils visited two sites along the course of the river, one towards the source and the other nearer the mouth. The pupils applied their numeracy skills to collect and calculate the data, comparing the sites to see how the river changes along its course. Towards the end of the day the pupils competed in the ‘Mud Challenge’ assault course in which team work was required as they waded their way through the thick mud and cold water.

There will be a Welsh Blood Service Donation Station on the school premises on Tuesday, January 20, for students and staff. Stanwell School would like to help create a network of young blood donors who commit to donating regularly. Pupils who are 17 or over and weigh over 8st will be able to give blood. Anyone who would like to get involved can make appointments with Miss Adams in the 6th Form area in January.

Congratulations to Niamh Bannister and Jacob Bannister who are extremely talented musicians and performers. Niamh, of Year 9, has just heard that she has been accepted into the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, which involves a course in both the Easter and Summer holidays. This is a huge accolade, with 12 – 16 year olds from all over Great Britain auditioning each year. Niamh has also been accepted on the National Youth Training Choir of Wales, which holds a course in Monmouth during the Easter holidays. Her Easter holiday is going to be busy singing.

Niamh has also been chosen for the part of Sophie in Britten’s opera ‘Let’s Make An Opera’, which will be performed at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in February. Congratulations also to Jacob, of Year 7, who has been accepted into the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, playing the double bass at under 12s level. He was in the under 11 orchestra this year, but participants have to reaudition every year for the next orchestra up and thousands of children from all over GB audition each year. He will be one of eight double bass players from all over GB.

Students from Year 12 attended lectures at St David’s hall in Cardiff on December 2. The students listened to guest speakers on topics including; Epigenetics, DNA, Naming the dead, Alzheimer’s disease, poisons and medicines. The students had an enjoyable experience and it is hoped the trip will prove a valuable learning aid.