YBA Blog Issue 3

Issue 3 - October 16th 2026

Headteacher's Message......

As we move through October, I am incredibly proud of the many ways our students continue to demonstrate the values that make Ysgol Bryn Alyn such a special community. This month has been a celebration of inclusion, resilience, achievement and kindness, with students embracing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

Our October Inclusion and Resilience Campaign highlights the importance of creating a community where everyone feels valued, respected and supported. Through our support of Wear Red Day and the launch of our new One Step at a Time initiative, we are encouraging students to stand against discrimination, build confidence, develop resilience and recognise the strength that comes from asking for help when it is needed.

We have also celebrated a range of individual and collective successes. Congratulations to Cerys Andrews, Tomas Jones, Ifan Stamworth and Lydia Sebesta for being shortlisted for the Lexus Open Commentary Challenge, an outstanding achievement that reflects their talent and dedication. We are equally proud of Evie Roberts, whose kindness and compassion during a Reading Buddy session exemplified the very best of our school values.

Student voice continues to play a vital role in shaping our school. It has been wonderful to see our Year 8 Students’ Council engaging in meaningful discussions during their drop-in sessions, while our School Council representatives proudly shared ideas and experiences with other schools at the Network Meeting. These opportunities help ensure that our students feel heard and empowered to make a positive difference.

Our learners have also embraced a variety of enrichment opportunities, from the launch of the Seren Network and creative writing experiences at Coleg Cambria to wellbeing activities, beauty enrichment sessions and outdoor learning experiences. Each opportunity helps our young people develop new skills, confidence and aspirations for the future.

As always, our sporting achievements have been a source of great pride. From football and netball victories to participation in pickleball, table tennis and football club, our students continue to demonstrate determination, teamwork and excellent sportsmanship. Whether competing, training or trying something new, they represent the school with enthusiasm and pride.

I would like to thank our students, staff, families and wider community for their continued support. Together, we are building a school where every individual is encouraged to achieve their potential, contribute positively to others and take pride in being part of our YBA family.

I hope you enjoy reading about the many successes and experiences shared in this blog, and I look forward to celebrating many more achievements in the weeks ahead.

Celebrating Inclusion

October Inclusion and Resilience Campaign

This October, we are bringing our school community together to promote inclusion, build resilience and encourage positive action.

Wear Red Day

Friday 16th October

We are supporting Show Racism the Red Card by inviting students and staff to wear red and stand together against racism.

• Wear red clothing or accessories, including tops, jumpers, socks, scarves or badges.

• £1 donation via ParentPay.

• Stickers available from the canteen for 20p.

Together, we can celebrate diversity and reinforce the message that racism has no place in our school community.

One Step at a Time: Pause. Plan. Begin.

This month, we are launching One Step at a Time, a new initiative led by the Inclusion and Diversity Committee to help students:

• Build confidence and self-belief.

• Develop resilience when facing challenges.

• Recognise when support is needed and seek help appropriately.

Each month, students will be introduced to a practical strategy to support their wellbeing and learning.

October Focus: Pause. Plan. Begin.

When a task feels overwhelming:

Pause – Take a moment to breathe and refocus.
Plan – Break the task into smaller, manageable steps.
Begin – Start with the first step and build momentum.

Remember, progress is made one step at a time. Every effort counts, and asking for help is a sign of strength.

Let's make October a month of inclusion, resilience and positive action. Whether you're wearing red to support equality or taking on a challenge one step at a time, every action can make a difference.

Lexus Open Commentary Challenge

Congratulations to Cerys Andrews, Tomas Jones, Ifan Stamworth and Lydia Sebesta, who have all been shortlisted for the Lexus Open Commentary Challenge.

As finalists, they have been invited to a special celebration evening where the winners will be announced. The event includes live music, street food, interactive activities and player interviews, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

The evening will be followed by the One Grand Point event at the Wrexham Tennis and Padel Centre, where 16 professional players will compete against 16 local amateurs in a series of one-point matches. The overall winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Australia.

We are incredibly proud of all four pupils for this outstanding achievement. Being shortlisted is a fantastic accomplishment in itself, and we wish them an enjoyable and successful evening. Congratulations and good luck to you all!

Reading Buddy

We are proud of Evie Roberts for demonstrating the values of YBA.

Following buddy reading on Wednesday at Gwersyllt Community Primary School, Mrs Sailes shared some wonderful feedback about Evie. At the start of the session, Evie’s buddy was feeling apprehensive about working with older pupils. Evie showed kindness, patience and compassion by sitting with her and helping her feel comfortable and included.

This is a fantastic example of supporting others and making sure everyone feels welcome. Evie should be very proud of herself. Her actions show how small acts of kindness can make a big difference and reflect what YBA is all about.

Well done, Evie!

Welsh Phrase

"What are you having for your tea tonight?" - “Beth wyt ti’n cael i de heno?”

Our students have loved sharing the different meals they’re looking forward to eating! From family favourites to tasty treats, there has been lots of variety, enthusiasm and fantastic opportunities to practise speaking Welsh.

Now it’s your turn!

Why not try asking your family or friends:

Beth wyt ti’n cael i de heno?
(What are you having for tea tonight?)

You could even have a go at answering in Welsh. For example:

Dw i’n cael pizza heno!
(I’m having pizza tonight!)

Remember, you don’t have to get everything perfect. The important thing is to have a go, build your confidence and enjoy speaking Welsh. Every little conversation makes a difference.

Keep speaking, keep learning and keep being proud of our Welsh.

School Council

Year 8 Students Council Drop-In

Our Year 8 Students’ Council Drop-In took place again this morning, and what a fantastic opportunity it was to listen to the voices, ideas and opinions of our young people.

Every opinion matters. Every idea has potential. Every voice can make a difference.

At YBA, we believe that the best schools are built together by listening, learning and working as one community. Our students are not just part of our school’s journey; they are helping to shape its future.

A huge thank you to our Year 8 students for sharing their thoughts, speaking with confidence and showing us what is possible when young people are given the opportunity to be heard.

Together, we can make YBA the best school it can be.

Because when we listen to our students today, we empower the leaders, innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.

One school. One community. One shared vision.

Network Meeting

Our brilliant student representatives attended the School Council Network Meeting at Brymbo Cricket Club on Thursday, and what an exciting opportunity it was!

Our students had the chance to meet and network with other school councils from across the local area, exchange ideas, share experiences, and celebrate all the incredible work they have been doing in their own schools.

We are incredibly proud of our School Council for representing the school so well, sharing their ideas with confidence, and demonstrating just how much student voice matters.

Well done to everyone involved!

Seren Network

We are delighted to celebrate the launch of the Seren Network with our amazing Year 10 students!

These fantastic young people took on the challenge with enthusiasm, courage and a brilliant attitude. They stepped up, supported one another, and demonstrated the power of teamwork, encouragement and believing in each other.

There was energy, positivity and a real sense of togetherness in the room, exactly what the Seren Network is all about.

We could not be prouder of how they embraced the challenge and gave it their all. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, and we look forward to seeing what comes next.

Da iawn, bawb!

Creative Writing

What an exciting week of Creative Writing at Coleg Cambria!

Our talented learners have been exploring their creativity, developing their ideas, and bringing their imaginations to life through the power of words. It has been fantastic to see their enthusiasm, originality and confidence shine as they embrace new creative challenges.

The excitement continues next week as our learners develop their characters in Media and Film Studies, exploring how to create compelling personalities, build engaging stories and bring characters to life on screen.

YBA Headquarters is incredibly proud of our learners. Their commitment, creativity and willingness to step outside their comfort zones are inspiring. Every idea shared, every skill developed and every achievement deserves to be celebrated.

Well done to everyone involved. Keep dreaming big, creating boldly and believing in your potential.

Watch this space for more exciting updates from our creative journey!

Sports Wednesday

What a fantastic Wednesday of sport for our students! The energy, enthusiasm and determination on display have been brilliant to see.

Pickleball Power!
A huge congratulations to Emily and Sophia in Year 7, who have been developing their pickleball skills at club today. Their determination, focus and progress have been fantastic to see. Keep practising, keep believing, and keep working towards your goals!

Girls’ Football in Full Swing!
Our girls’ football club enjoyed another brilliant, high-energy session out on the pitch this Wednesday. From teamwork and communication to plenty of fun and effort, the girls showed exactly what sport is all about. Every pass, every challenge and every word of encouragement helps build confidence and makes the team stronger.

We are incredibly proud of everyone for getting involved, challenging themselves and supporting one another. Every Wednesday session is an opportunity to learn, improve and shine.

Well done, everyone. Keep up the positive energy! ⭐

Sporting Achievements Update

FOOTBALL

Our Year 9 boys put on a dominant display, securing a brilliant 6-1 victory against Maelor Penley School. With so much interest in football across Year 9, we were able to field two separate teams playing a half each, showcasing the fantastic depth within our squad.

Players of the Match: Reagan Williams and Riley Edwards.

Goals were scored by Cameron Jones, Zac Jones, Ashton Saleh, and a hat-trick from Jacob Moorcroft-Priddin. Congratulations to all involved on an excellent team performance.

NETBALL

Our netball teams were also in action against Penley.

Year 9: A tough match with a narrow loss, but fantastic spirit and determination shown throughout.

Year 10: A fantastic performance to secure the win.

Players of the Match: Ruby Edwards (Year 9) and Emilia McCubbin (Year 10). Well done to both players and the entire team.

TABLE TENNIS

Finally, a massive well done to everyone who attended our after-school Table Tennis Club. It was fantastic to see such a large turnout and great energy in the sports hall.

A huge congratulations to all our student athletes for representing the school with pride, determination and excellent sportsmanship.

Big Shed

Wellbeing Wednesday has been getting a little spooky at YBA today!

Our amazing pupils have been unleashing their creativity in the Big Shed, designing and creating their very own Halloween-inspired masterpieces. From imaginative ideas to spooky creations, there has been plenty of colour, curiosity and Halloween spirit in the air.

Outdoor learning at its best! Our young creatives have been exploring their imaginations, sharing ideas, learning new skills and working together to bring their fantastic creations to life. Wellbeing is about so much more than just taking a break. It is about building confidence, expressing ourselves, connecting with others and discovering what we can achieve together.

A huge thanks to our Youth Work in Education team, Mandy and Tracy, for providing such fantastic experiences for our pupils.

We are incredibly proud of our pupils for embracing the Halloween spirit, supporting one another and showing us that learning outdoors can be full of fun, inspiration and creativity.

Creative minds, muddy hands and happy hearts – that is what Wellbeing Wednesday is all about!

Enrichment Group

Our Beauty Enrichment students have been getting into the Halloween spirit with an exciting special effects makeup session!

Using prosthetics, makeup and fake blood, they transformed one another into some truly terrifying creations while developing valuable skills in creativity, colour blending, attention to detail, teamwork and safe makeup practices.

The room was filled with imagination, laughter and some wonderfully gruesome results. A huge thank you to Done Together CIC for supporting this fantastic enrichment opportunity.

We can't wait to see what spooky creations they come up with next! 🎃

UPCOMING NEWS/EVENTS.....

Week Commencing 19th October 2026

• Tuesday 20th October: Yr 8 My Life Day

• Wednesday 21st October: Aberfan Memorial Day & Hope House Assembly Year 11.

• Wednesday 21st October: Autumn Fayre 3.00- 6.00pm

• Thursday 22nd October: Year 7 Romeo & Juliet (Top Hall)

• Friday 23rd October: Training Day