Latest News 12th - 16th Dec 2011

As this week’s updates are uploaded, our wonderful cast, orchestra and crew are busy with final rehearsals for the opening night of Monday 12^th December. After the amazing ticket sales which saw a complete sell out in under 24 hours for the four evening shows, our performers are excited and determined to produce their best. We are very proud of their efforts and wish them luck!

We are delighted to report that Matthew Whitfield of Year 10 has won the prestigious title of the Royal Yachting Association Welsh Young Sailor of the Year. This is in recognition of his sailing victories this year in world, national and inland championship events. Matthew will be representing Great Britain at the World Optimist Championships in Napier, New Zealand in January. Also excelling in sailing are David Pain of Year 11 and Will Creaven of Year 10. Along with Matthew, they are members of the elite squad currently training for entry into the Olympic laser squad. Congratulations to all three and we look forward to following their careers in sailing. 

Stanwell has a long tradition of exceptional musicians and many of our current crop of gifted players performed at the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan High Schools Orchestra concert at the St Davids Hall in Cardiff on the 7^th of December. Robert Cavaye of Year 11 is the leader of the orchestra as the lead violin player and also representing Stanwell in the strings section were Laura Frost, Year 12 and Lizzie Britten, Year 10, on the cello and Emily Thomas, Year 10, on the viola. From Year 8, Nathan Frost played the tuba and Lottie Hardy played the flute at the concert and Ray Van Dyke, Lewis Campbell and Callum Wincott performed in the choir. Ray was especially busy as he was also the leader of the junior wind band and had an important solo on his clarinet. From our sixth form, Seren Vickers of Year 12 played the cornet, Nathan James of Year 12 played the saxophone and Dan James of Year 13 played the bass guitar. The concert was a great success and a showpiece for the pupils’ musical talents.

Stanwell is also developing something of a tradition of excellence in swimming, with Ieuan Lloyd of last year’s Year 13 training as an Olympic hopeful, so it is pleasing to see that younger swimmers are now following in his footsteps. David Flannigan of Year 9 and Andrew Flannigan of Year 7 competed in the Urdd schools Swimming Gala in Cardiff. David won silver medals in the 200m breast stroke and individual medley and Andrew won gold medals for the 100m breast stroke and individual medley. Well done to both boys who are a credit to the school.