6 February 2025
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rhieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
A beautiful union of History and Art on route to Hampton Court and the Victoria and Albert!
First today, nobody can recount an educational visit in as much style as Mr Beck. So, let’s open with his words…
“On Friday 31st January our A-level historians enjoyed their yearly Mid-Tudor Crisis day out, this year to Hampton Court Palace, west of London. England’s only intact Tudor Palace, Hampton Court was developed by the arch politician Cardinal Thomas Wolsey as a grand residence in the 1520s. He handed it to Henry VIII in 1529 in an unsuccessful effort to win back favour and save his life.
Henry VIII developed it further, doubling the size of the Great Hall in honour of his second wife Anne Boleyn. Sadly, Anne had been beheaded by the time these works were completed in 1534. The Palace was the birthplace of Henry’s longed-for son Edward VI, and saw the death of his mother Jane Seymour just a fortnight later in 1538.
In the 1550s Hampton Court witnessed the seclusion of Mary Tudor for her “phantom pregnancies” and many scuffles between Spanish and English courtiers. Elizabeth I recovered from smallpox here in 1562. The western wings of the Palace date from the time of William III and Mary II in the 1690s, and were finished by George II in the early 18th century.
Year 12 enjoyed an excellent tour and workshop courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces staff member Jeremy. This culminated in a very lively debate about the causes of Henry VIII’s Reformation of the Church in a chamber used by the King’s Privy Council. Year 13 managed to escape from England’s oldest ornamental maze in time for their workshop on the extent to which the realm faced crisis in 1549-62.”
Year 12 students David and Jack made themselves at home at the King’s table, followed by a few more snaps from their immersive experience….
As is traditional, travel arrangements were shared with Mr Foster’s A level art students, who visited the Victoria and Albert Museum to find inspiration for their examination work. So, it’s over to the Art team….
The Art department visited The Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington and had a great time discovering art, design and cultural artefacts from across the world as part of the A-Level Art and Photography courses. The building itself is an awe-inspiring piece of architecture and on entering you are greeting by a huge, ornate and breath-taking chandelier made from spun-glass. Students of all backgrounds and interests were able to access art works first-hand, which is essential for an art student, but also starts a life-long journey of art appreciation. A productive day was had by all and it was well worth the 6:30am departure (though it didn’t feel like it at the time!).
Credit goes to Eva Phillips and Destiny Jones for the stunning photographs that document the artwork for the students’ resources.
Can I express my personal thanks to the girls for capturing a photograph of the shoe room. Something I may have to go and see for myself!
Launching with gusto into Children’s Mental Health Week
This week has been Children’s Mental Health Week and a perfect opportunity for us to reflect on what makes us feel good, the challenges we face, and the things that help us grow. It could be music that recharges you, or time with friends, or a quiet walk outside. Small and simple habits can make a big difference.
We launched into the week with the help of an amazing member of our Wellbeing Team, Ricardo Erasmus. Ricardo is a Life Coach. He works in our school community to help students (and staff) shift their mindset to a place that they can positively thrive.
Last week, Ricardo hosted his inspiring ‘Ubuntu workshop’ to Years 7, 8 and 9. The statement that will remain with us is ‘Your vibe attracts your tribe!’
Ricardo shared some of his experiences of growing up in Cape Town in a community where the school you attended was dependent on the colour of your skin and how much your parents could pay. He took the students through the mindset that allowed him to grow in the values of respect and responsibility.
One challenge that Ricardo set our students was this….
“You don’t wait for your mum to wake you up. You don’t let her have to repeatedly come and wake you up for school. You wake up early and make your mum a coffee. You take responsibility for yourself. In turn, this has an incredibly positive impact on how your mum feels when she gets to work herself.”
Then he introduced the key concept of ‘Ubuntu’ which encapsulates the belief “I am because we are.” The 6 actions that we can all take as agents of Ubuntu are as follows;
Understanding others. This leads to….
Belonging. A sense of Belonging in your friendship circle. This leads to….
Unity. We go far together
Nurture your dreams like a garden and make effort over time
Trust. Trust in yourself. It always seems impossible until it’s done
Uplifting As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same
Learning Support Star of the Week
This week we have another 2 stars. Congratulations go to Tyler Macdonald in Year 8 and Will Evans in Year 7.
Both boys have shown fantastic resilience and really pushed through their fears. Well done boys!
Great to see one of our core school values in action.
Athletics success!
We would also like to commend Esme Burt from Year 7 on her superb achievements in athletics. Esme is part of Cardiff Archers Athletics club and on the weekend she took part in a competition at Cardiff Met. Esme did a fantastic job and was pleased to come 2nd in the Shotput. Well done Esme 😊
Time for LHS to tread the boards again!
Thespians of LHS will be taking to the stage once more to bring The Merchant of Venice to LHS. Please see the flyer below to secure your free ticket! It promises to be an experience to remember.
Kansei Karate at Llanishen High School
Finally today, we are pleased to offer the opportunity for students to try out a new activity by taking part in a free taster session. The session is being offered by the founder and sensei of the Kansei Karate School.
At Kansei, they aim to teach children and adults traditional Shotokan karate but also, how to use karate for self-defence. Both girls and boys love learning karate. There are also opportunities to compete in karate competitions to further develop confidence and skill.
Kansei have coached many of their members to become champions. Ryan Wong in Year 12 is one of those members. Here’s what Ryan has to say.
“Hello, I am Ryan Wong. I am a member of the Llanishen High School Sixth Form. When I first joined Kansei Karate School, I was a timid little 4-year-old boy. Sensei Andrew has not only taught me karate and how to defend myself but also discipline, respect and to have confidence in myself. Recently, I started stepping out of my comfort zone to train harder and compete in competitions resulting in being successfully crowned the Welsh Karate League U16 Kata Champion.
My time at Kansei Karate School and training with Sensei Andrew has really helped to inspire and shape me into the person I am today. I wish to bring this opportunity to LHS alongside Sensei Andrew and support students grow and embark on their karate journey just as I did 12 years ago.”
Kansei Karate are offering an 8-week Karate course at Llanishen High School, with support from Ryan Wong, on how to use karate for self-defence, be more aware of their surroundings in order to protect themselves and practice lots of pad work and fitness.
Come and give it a try on Wednesday 12th February 5pm – 6pm in the West Wing Hall before signing up for the full course. All year groups are welcome to attend.
Please speak to or contact Ryan if you would like to book a place. Numbers are limited.
That’s a wrap for this week! I hope you have enjoyed the cultural tour, uplifting messages of Ubuntu and the sporting round up. I look forward to bringing you more news and updates next week.
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry, Headteacher