Learning to protect our common home at St Illtyd’s

The school community at St Illtyd’s Catholic High School continue to find creative ways to encourage all to look after our environment and as a result it has been a very busy time for the Eco Club.

The Autumn term has been another busy term for St Illtyd’s Eco Club. We have welcomed new members from Year 7 and have started planning what actions we would like to implement following our most recent Environmental Review in the Summer term. We have decided to focus on the topic of energy and on finding ways to reduce energy usage in school. Here are some of the other activities we have been involved in this term.

Encouraging Active Travel- ReCYCLE Bike Scheme

Five pupils from St Illtyd’s have received vouchers from Active Travel as part of the ReCYCLE bike scheme that will allow them to receive a bike, helmet and lock. These bikes will give them independence and encourage a more active way to travel. Alongside this, fitness levels will be improved. It is hoped that in time pupils will become confident enough to ride their bikes to school and back. We would like to thank Gemma Hughes, Principal Officer (Road Safety and Training) of Cardiff Council’s Planning Transport and Environment Department and Lilia Blood, Physical Activity and Inclusion Officer at Cardiff Met Sport for putting us in touch with this opportunity.

SuDS Project

This term Eco Club members have been taking part in a project called SuDS which is a Feasibility Study exploring Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions for schools. The study will identify and develop plans for small-scale nature-based solutions in school playgrounds in the East of Cardiff. The project is run by Trees for Cities. In early September, Thomas Steven, Design Manager and Kate Prosser, Schools Development Coordinator (Wales) from Trees for Cities visited St Illtyd’s to carry out a site survey and identify areas at the school prone to flooding.

This was followed up with two workshops for Eco Club members in November. Pupils learnt about different types of flooding and why flooding is worse now (global warming and urbanisation). Pupils also learnt how trees can help protect us from floods. Pupils then followed this up with an activity in which they identified areas at the school that were prone to flooding and then produced some solutions for these issues. We would like to thank Alan Gregan, Schools and Youth Engagement Coordinator with Trees for Cities for delivering these two informative workshops.

We would like to thank Trees for Cities for delivering the project and Natural Resources Wales for funding the project. We will provide further updates on this project in future issues of The New Illtydian.

YouthCOP Cymru

In November, Luisa May, Community Focused Schools Coordinator and Eco Club Lead, and seven members of Eco Club attended our first ever climate change conference- YouthCOP Cymru at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff. Planned to coincide with COP29 in Azerbaijan, the event was organised by Size of Wales. In preparation for the event, Eco Club members spent several sessions learning about what COP is, what happens at COP, all about the Wampís Nation of the Peruvian Amazon and about deforestation.

At the event, which was attended by over 320 school pupils, we were able to hear from several speakers. These included Huw Irranca-Davies MS, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs who answered questions from the audience.

The second speakers were Teófilo Kukush Pati, Leader (Pamuk) of the Wampís Nation of the Peruvian Amazon and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat, a young leader from the WampÍs Nation. They shared their experiences and insights of protecting one of the world’s most critical ecosystems. We learnt that the Peruvian Amazon rainforest absorbs 57 million tons of carbon and that this is important as trees and forests capturing carbon are essential in the fight against climate change. We also learnt that growing your own food encourages biodiversity, reduces carbon emissions, reduces food waste and uses fewer or no pesticides. From the WampÍs, we learnt how to live in harmony with nature and be more connected to nature.

The final speakers were the Deforestation Free Champions from Monmouthshire who told us about their journey to become Deforestation Free Champions. Pupils learnt about the devastating effects of deforestation and decided to do something about it by changing a meal on their school menu. They tackled chicken korma and by working with their local community, local businesses and decision makers, they created an alternative meal for their school menu- chickpea curry- a meal that is completely deforestation free. The passion and enthusiasm of these pupils shone through, and they were an inspiration to everyone attending YouthCOP Cymru.

The day ended with us learning more about deforestation, particularly palm oil, in a workshop. We learnt how we can all do our own little bit to help combat the problems of deforestation and climate change.

Our Eco Club members thoroughly enjoyed the event, learnt a lot and have brought back a wealth of ideas that we can try implementing in school. Thank you to Size of Wales for inviting us to be a part of this fantastic event.

Luisa May, Community Focused Schools Coordinator and Eco Club Lead

Small steps lead to big dreams

Former St Illtyd’s student and actor Gavin Kongolo returned to the school to give advice on how taking small steps can make big dreams come alive.

Have you ever had a moment that changed everything? For me, it was playing Lumière in St. Illtyd’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Directed by the incredible Mr. John and Mrs. Smith, that experience opened my eyes to the magic of acting. Delivering lines, and hearing the audience’s laughter—it was the spark that lit a fire in me. Looking back, I can see how that role was the beginning of an amazing adventure.

In drama class, I found a space where I could express myself. Acting allowed me to explore different characters and step into new worlds, and it felt like magic. During GCSE Drama and every school play I could, I would pour my energy into learning scripts, rehearsing with friends, and putting on performances that made my teachers, classmates and St Illtyd’s community proud.

That passion stayed with me beyond school. I began working on small projects, determined to build my experience and grow as an actor. My first big breakthrough came with Bariau, a show on BBC that resonated with audiences and even earned a BAFTA Cymru nomination. From there, I starred in Mr Loverman on the BBC, a project that gave me the chance to connect with a wider audience. Winning a BAFTA Cymru for my role in the film Smile was a moment that felt like a culmination of years of hard work and determination.

This year brought one of the most surreal experiences of my career so far—performing as Pompey in Antony & Cleopatra at Shakespeare’s Globe. For any actor, stepping onto that historic stage is a dream come true. The energy of the audience, the weight of the stories being told, and the legacy of the venue all made it a performance I’ll never forget.

But my journey hasn’t just been about the classics. I’ve also had the privilege of working on modern and diverse projects that push boundaries and tell new kinds of stories. On ITV’s The Suspect, I acted alongside Aidan Turner, an opportunity that gave me insight into working on high-profile productions. I also appeared in Bulletproof Season 2 on Sky One, which was another chance to hone my craft while collaborating with an incredible team.

Acting isn’t the only creative avenue I’ve explored. As a recipient of Chelsea FC’s Blue Creator Fund, I was given the opportunity to produce my own film project coming out in 2025. This initiative supports creatives by giving them a platform to bring their ideas to life, with the added excitement of premiering the work at Stamford Bridge—the home of Chelsea FC. Seeing my project celebrated in such an iconic setting was a reminder of how far I’ve come and the possibilities that lie ahead.

My journey has had its challenges, too. Acting requires resilience, patience, and the ability to face rejection while staying focused on your goals. Between auditions, I’ve taken on other roles to learn more about the creative industry. Working as a project assistant for a creative company and as a day-to-day assistant at a music label taught me valuable lessons about collaboration, time management, and the importance of persistence.

For anyone at school who dreams of acting—or any creative career—my advice is simple: start where you are, and keep saying yes to opportunities. Every school play, audition, or performance is a stepping stone. The skills you build now, like teamwork and dedication, will take you far no matter where your journey leads.

Looking back, I can see how every moment, from practising lines in the school hall to performing at Shakespeare’s Globe, has shaped me as an actor. Acting isn’t just about being in the spotlight; it’s about connecting with people, telling meaningful stories, and constantly learning.

So, whether you’re in the drama club or simply dreaming about a creative future, don’t underestimate the power of starting small. Who knows? The stage you’re on today could lead to the biggest stages in the world tomorrow.

Your stories matter, and the world is waiting to hear them.

Year 10 Sailing Day

Our sailing programme at St Illtyd’s has continued this term with a sailing day onboard Challenge Wales. A group of ten Year 10 pupils who had previously completed the two-day keelboat sailing course in March with Cardiff Sailing Centre were selected to go on this sailing day.

Pupils began the day in Penarth Marina with a safety briefing before venturing off for a day of sailing. Not only did pupils learn how to sail, but pupils also learnt essential skills such as teamwork and communication skills. Pupils had a fantastic day with one pupil even saying it was “the best trip he had ever been on!”

We would like to thank Mrs Shanahan and Mrs Farmer for accompanying the trip and all the staff and volunteers at Challenge Wales for a fantastic day. Finally we would like to thank the Reardon Smith Nautical Trust who funded this wonderful opportunity.

Luisa May, Community Focused Schools Co-ordinator

Here is a recount of the day from two of our pupils:

The sailing day was a fun way to continue the nautical experiences we started in Year 7 (dinghy sailing) all the way to Year 10. At first when we got on board we had to get accustomed to the boat and learn how things such as the winch worked and how to open the hatch. We also learnt that we had to make people aware when we were doing those things. We started pulling out all the necessary equipment and in next to no time we were off.

Once we were sailing, we had to use communication skills between us to keep the boat sailing. We sailed for a while then had lunch. After lunch, all of us had the chance to have a go at steering the boat. It was a great day and the best trip I’ve ever been on!

Kaleb-Jay Locking and Scott Evans, 10MJO

Outstanding Performance of We Will Rock You

The school hall was alive with energy and excitement as students delivered an electrifying performance of Queen’s We Will Rock You in July. The production showcased the incredible talents of the students in music, drama, and dance, proving once again the power of teamwork and dedication.

Every pupil involved excelled themselves, delivering a show that left the audience spellbound. From powerful vocals and dynamic choreography to heartfelt acting, the production was a true testament to their hard work and passion.

Particularly poignant was the participation of Year 11 pupils, many of whom are moving on to pursue further studies in musical theatre or dance. Their outstanding contributions to the show served as a fitting farewell to their time at school. With such talent, it is clear that some of them are destined for great things, and we hope they will remember where their journey began when they achieve fame!

A huge thank you goes to the Head Teacher Mr. Thomas for his unwavering support throughout the production.

Looking ahead, excitement is already building for next year’s production, Fame Junior, which will run from 2nd-4th July 2025. Tickets will be available for purchase after Easter, so mark your calendars!

Congratulations to all the staff and pupils involved for a phenomenal show—this is one production the school will never forget.

St. Cecilia’s Musical Showcase: A Triumph of Talent

St. Cecilia’s annual musical showcase brought together an eclectic mix of talent, including the school rock band, choir, orchestra, and soloists, in a dazzling celebration of music. The event demonstrated the broad range of musical abilities within the school community and left the audience enthralled.

Each group shone, with the choir delivering harmonies that lifted spirits, the orchestra displaying technical brilliance, and the rock band energising the hall with their dynamic performance. Soloists captivated the crowd with stunning displays of individual talent.

The showcase was not only a testament to the performers’ hard work but also a reflection of the school’s dedication to fostering artistic excellence. The atmosphere was one of joy and shared success, as attendees marvelled at the richness of the programme.