Current activities

Urdd Learner of the Year Competition

Llongyfarchiadau, congratulations to Matthew Goodwin on being awarded second place in the prestigious Learners' Medal competition at the National Urdd Eisteddfod held this year at Llanerchaeron. The ceremony, which was televised, took place on the Tuesday of the week long festival and, apart from the status and recognition of excellence gained by being placed in the top three of this award, Matthew has also been invited to take part in a creative writing course at the National Writers' Centre in Llanstumdwy, the last home of Lloyd George. The challenge undertaken by Matthew was to put together a portfolio of writing in a variety of forms. Matthew chose to write an essay, a letter, a review of a Welsh theatre production and a peom in the strict metre of the "englyn". On being chosen for the shortlist of competitors, Matthew was then invited to Aberystwyth where he was interviewed at length by the adjudicators and praised for his fluency and enthusiasm for the language and the culture. Matthew's nom de plume was Ceffyl Epynt and this was also the title and subject of his poem. We applaud Matthew's achievement and the honour he has brought to the school. Da iawn ti Matthew a diolch am dy ymroddiad i'r iaith a'r diwylliant.

Fun at our first Autumn Fair

Members of the School Council, World School Council and Eco group organised an Autumn Fair which took place in Y Bwyty at the school on Saturday, 11th September. Year 11 pupil and Chairman of the World School Council, Chris Lally, was very happy that Kirsty Williams, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, accepted his invitation to attend the fair and join in with the events that took place during the afternoon. We would all like to thank Kirsty and everyone who supported and took part in our new venture.

The following photos, taken by Mrs. Lily Vaughan, show some of the activities which took place at the Autumn Fair.

August 2010 Examinations Success

As reported in the local and national press, we were once again delighted with our A Level results. Our top girls Catrin Lloyd and Bethan Mackenzie both achieved 1 A* and 4 As resulting in 680 UCAS points each. Catrin will be studying Medicine at Merton College, Oxford and Bethan has chosen to study Veterinary Medicine at Edinburgh University. Elena Jones achieved 1 A*, 3 As and 1 B and will be studying Optometry at Cardiff University. Top boy, Matthew Goodwin who achieved 1 A* and 4 As will be going on to study English Literature and Welsh at Cardiff University. Many congratulations and our very best wishes go to all our Year 13 students as they prepare to move on to new ventures.

We are extremely happy to report that there have also been some outstanding personal achievements in the AS Level examinations that are taken at the end of Year 12, notably, Philippa Christley, Stuart James and Kieran March who all achieved 4 A grades each. Well done to all our Year 12 students and Good Luck with your A Level studies in Year 13.

We have also been celebrating some outstanding GCSE results from Year 11 pupils and from the Year 10 pupils who were entered early in Maths, Music and Welsh exams. There were many superb Year 10 results, notably Tom Childs who achieved 3 A*. 31% of all grades achieved were at A*-A grades. TheYear 10 pupils will now embark on AS courses a year early. Many congratulations to all pupils and staff concerned.

The following photos recorded the celebratory smiles on results day.

Times Spelling Bee Update

Builth Wells High School’s spelling team went to Birmingham on Friday 21st May to compete in the semi finals of The Times Spelling Bee.

The team: Hannah Beetham, Nyree Williams, Tyler Cuddy and Robert Bevan, all from Year 7, came third on the day. This was a fantastic achievement. Nyree was the last person standing in the knockout round. Well done to all.

St. John's Ambulance Cadet First Aid Competition

Year 9 pupil Kieran Pugh was the captain of the St. John's Ambulance Cadet First Aid competition team that went down to compete in the National Competition in Cardiff on Saturday, 8th May 2010. Rhayader Division won the competition and will now go on to compete in the UK finals, representing Wales, in London on July 3rd. A massive Well Done! to Kieran and Good Luck in the finals.

Times Spelling Bee

Our Spelling Team is through to the semi-finals of The Times Spelling Bee. Hannah Beetham, Nyree Williams, Tyler Cuddy and Robert Bevan, all from Year 7, won the local heat which was held in Newport and will now compete in Birmingham on May 21st. Good Luck from all at BWHS!

PCC Chairman's Youth Awards

Councillor David Price recently recognised the achievements of local young people by inviting them to a star-studded night of celebration. BWHS are extremely proud that 4 of our pupils were rewarded. The Mid Wales Journal dated Friday, May 07 2010 reported: "The event also recognised the achievements of individuals who have put Powys on the map, with special awards being presented to Wales rugby internationals Adam Jones, Mark Jones, Dan Lydiate and Andy Powell, High Hopes and Gavin and Stacey star Steven Meo, BBC Wales TV and weather presenter Sue Charles, and 2007 X Factor finalist Rhydian Roberts."

The four winners from Builth High School were: Ollie Harding plays in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and is an outstanding young drummer who is recognised as being one of the top 10 young drummers in the UK.

Aled R. Jones - recently been voted National YFC Member of the Year. Aled is a dedicated member of Troedrhiwdalar YFC where he is joint Secretary. He is also Vice-Chair of Brecknock YFC Competitions and Vice-Chair of Wales YFC Youth Forum.

Owen Jordan - is a member of Powys Youth Orchestra where he plays the violin and has recently been selected to play with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. Owen has also appeared in Dr. Who.

Claire James - was recently awarded Outstanding Pupil Of The Year at BWHS Annaul Prizegiving. She has been a member of the School Council for 7 years and has held the positions of Chair, Secretary, Vice-Chair and has been a Student Governor for 2 years. She has also recently been awarded the Reverend Herbert Morgan Scholarship to study Modern History and Politics at Aberystwyth University in October. Claire is also a Holocaust Ambassador and is currently arranging an evening for the public which features "An Audience with a Holocaust Survivor".

The following photos record their wonderful evening.

National Blind Children's Society

Year 8 pupils Robbie Lang and Joseph Hallett held a raffle in school for a cute, cuddly pig provided for this purpose by the society. They very industriously raised £22.76p for the charity and the winner was Mrs. Laura Lewis, Head of 6th Form.

Sixth former holocaust ambassadors visit Auschwitz in March 2010

Year 13 students Claire James and Matthew Goodwin made a one day flying visit to Poland in March this year visiting Auschwitz concentration camp and the town of Oświęcim as part of their Lessons from Auschwitz (LFA) Project which is run by The Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).

They visited the Jewish cemetery in Oswiecim before having an extensive guided tour of the concentration camp. Claire and Matthew will be completing their project by giving a presentation to fellow pupils who are studying History. The following photos, which were taken by Claire, record their eventful day.

Sixth former Claire James wins scholarship to Aberystwyth University

Sixth former Claire James has been awarded the Reverend Herbert Morgan Scholarship at Aberystwyth University. Claire sat the entrance examinations in British History and International Politics earlier this year and is now planning to attend Aberystwyth in October to study Modern History and Politics. Well done Claire, many congratulations and good luck with your studies.

Assistant Cook Anne Pugh leaves BWHS, March 2010

Assistant Cook Anne Pugh has been at BWHS for 10 years. Cook-in-Charge Chris Rohan said "Anne is a fantastic cook and a really hard worker. She will be greatly missed by all her colleagues, and of course, by the pupils whom she knows by name". BWHS extend their thanks and best wishes to Anne who will be taking up a new position at Builth Wells C.P. School.

Vocational Taster Day at Coleg Powys, January 2010

A group of pupils recently spent the day at Coleg Powys enjoying taster sessions of the Motor Vehicle and Hair & Beauty courses.

Snow Days, January 2010

Wintery pictures of what pupils at BWHS have been doing during their Snow Days.

James and Charlotte Nixon.

Davy Jefferies and friends sledging.

Lowri Morris 9P spent ages making this family of Snow people and also took photos near her home.

Reuben Powell 8J has been bringing 600-700 sheep home over a hill.

Lowri's friends in Young Farmers made this amazing snowman.