Posted on: Wednesday 18 December 2024
Pupils and staff at Cwmbran High School are counting down the days to Christmas with a fun-filled festive extravaganza.
A 12-days of Christmas term countdown kicked off the advent fun with daily prizes for good attendance and behaviour, as well as festive lunchtime activities.
This week, pupils arriving in school on time will be given free raffle tickets, with the chance to win a range of prizes, including a bike and gift vouchers.
There have also been reward assemblies for pupils and families and on Friday, staff will put on a Christmas spectacular.
It follows the school's first Christmas extravaganza last year which saw attendance in the last two weeks of term increase by 13 per cent, from 66 per cent in December 2022 to 79 per cent last December.
Last week, average attendance was 88 per cent.
Headteacher Matthew Sims said: "Our aim is to provide a purposeful and celebratory end to the term by organising activities which are fully inclusive in recognising the achievements of our fantastic pupils and involve the wider school community.
"We strive to ensure pupils are present at school every day, that they feel valued and rewarded for their hard work throughout the term and that they enjoy memorable positive school experiences."
Year 11 pupil Ashley said: "Last year the Christmas show was fun and it encouraged more people to come to school because we knew there was going to be something different. I think school should continue to do fun activities at the end of term."
Ayesha, who is also in Year 11, added: "Any activity arranged by school which is nice or fun encourages pupils to attend. Pupils are really excited about the non-uniform day too."
As well as rewards for good attendance, teachers have been giving selection boxes to pupils in their tutor groups who have demonstrated school values throughout the term.
The technology department has also produced handmade baubles that will be given to pupils who receive recognition awards, and on Thursday the school will hold a Christmas jumper day with proceeds going to a local charity.
The week will culminate in a staff performance on Friday, which last year included performances by "The Spice Girls" and "East 17" (photographed).
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, added: "I'd like to thank all teaching and school staff for the work they do at this time of year.
"It's great to see schools and communities coming together to spend time together, have fun and to celebrate Christmas. I wish all staff, pupils and families a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to welcoming them back at the start of the new term."