Last week two members of Year 13, Ellie and Leandra, visited Auschwitz with the Holocaust Educational Trust as part of their Lessons from Auschwitz project. About ninety schools in Wales participated and on the 24th of February, 180 pupils visited Auschwitz Ι and Auschwitz ΙΙ Birkenau, in order to remember and learn more about the holocaust and the relevance of remembering and spreading the lessons learnt to the local community.
 
In Auschwitz Ι and ΙΙ , all students are able to walk around and see where the prisoners lived. Inside, there are collections of objects found in Auschwitz; for example, there is a room full of shoes as well as a room full of suitcases.
 
Sleeping quarters of both prisoners and guards are there to view, the difference between them is harrowing; prisoners were at least six to a small single bed whereas the guards enjoyed private quarters.
 
Many areas of where prisoners suffered is available to view, this is done with a manner of great sensitivity and respect.
 
At the days end, students take part in a memorial service which is led by a member of the Holocaust Educational Trust and also a Jewish Rabbi. The ceremony consists of many readings of poems written about Auschwitz. The Jewish Rabbi also reads many prayers, one prayer is sung in Hebrew.
 
Everyone is asked to participate in lighting candles in memory of each and every victim of the Holocaust.

Please contact the school We are currently seeking to recruit Exam Invigilators to assist in the smooth running of GCSE's and other exams.

Duties would include preparing the rooms, distribution of scripts and supervision of students during examinations.

As a school Exam Invigilator, your duties will include but not be limited to:

• Ensuring that the candidates behave appropriately during their time in the examination hall
• Ensuring the candidates do not communicate with each other
• Ensuring that the candidates do not have any unauthorised materials on their desk

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These posts would involve working during various internal and external exam periods throughout the year.

Previous experience is not necessary as full training will be given but you will require an enhanced DBS check.

If you are interested, please contact the school for further information.

Sixth formers at Ysgol Maesydderwen bucked the trend of voter apathy among young people by registering to vote in the upcoming Assembly election on May 5. This was done as part of a workshop delivered in partnership by the National Assembly for Wales and Citizens Cymru.
 
Students learned about the work of the Assembly, how the voting system works and how young people can strengthen their voice by registering to vote as soon as they turn 16.
 
University tuition fees and the cost of public transport were key concerns for many of the students who took part in the workshop. There was also recognition that politicians would do more for young people if they became more engaged with the political process.
 
Overall turnout at the 2011 election was only 42%, with those in the 18-25 age group far less likely to vote than the rest of the electorate.
 
“If I don’t vote and I’m upset at the result, it is basically my own fault for not contributing to the election,” said Maesydderwen pupil, Leandra Craine.
 
For everything you need to know about the Assembly election in May, go to: www.2016.wales

Girls Rugby
Ysgol Maesydderwen has formed a partnership with the WRU and local Rugby Coach Darren Carew. Darren has been coming into Ysgol Maesydderwen continuously every Thursday to help promote and coach Girls Rugby for all year groups. There are currently between 8-12 girls that attend regularly. We as a school are proud to have formed a partnership with the local rugby club and WRU to help increase girls participation. It is also a credit to have the support of teachers such as History teacher Mrs Davies who is a keen rugby player and fan. 

All Saints from Wembley visited us today, Mr Nathan Holsgrove our former 5x60 Officer, now Head of Boys PE at All Saints have been on tour visiting Hereford and us at Ysgol Maesydderwen.
We have some work to do as the visitors were victorious, our captain, Ben Christopher wrote this review of the match.
"I thought the match was very fair, we both had lots of chances and All Saints used theirs better than us. 
It was great to meet students from London and a challenge to play them. They were a great team and we will work hard for the next match with them!"

Our new 6th Form Centre had a great Open Evening last night.
We are looking forward to September already!!