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

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

“

WORK PLACEMENT SUCCESS AT GE AVIATION

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

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

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