Barry Comprehensive School

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Year 7 and 8 pupils enjoyed a huge variety of Eisteddfod activities this year.

With the Eisteddfod being a multi-subject celebration of Wales and all things Welsh, the many competitions were as popular as ever. The English recitation finals took place on the main stage along with the welcome introduction of a football skills competition, co-ordinated and refereed by the PE department. This was a great success and showcased some of our incredibly talented young sportsmen.

Music featured heavily with competitions for solo singing, solo instrumental and group performances. Results from homework and class work competitions were announced before the now famous house singing competitions. These involved two or three classes at a time performing a selection of classic contemporary and traditional Welsh songs from the main stage.

In addition to the traditional celebration, this year’s Eisteddfod offerred an unusual new activity in the form of a PSE Eisteddfod challenge. Pupils were given a single Rich Tea biscuit and asked to nibble Wales (a dedicated team of researchers had worked through this challenge with both Rich Tea and digestive biscuits; Rich Tea was deemed the biscuit of choice as it allowed the nibbler more control).

Year 7 and 8 pupils rose to the challenge, with many of them taking the home learning option offered, practising at home and studying the Welsh map. On the actual day Year 7 and 8 form rooms were silent apart from the sound of nibbling. Pupils worked in a concentrated manner, studying maps in their planners. Anglesey did prove a stumbling block for some, but enterprising nibblers shaped the island and got creative with coloured card.

The judging of the project was challenging and teams of senior staff and geographers had to be roped in. After fierce deliberation, a winner for year 7 and 8 were gradually chosen: congratulations to Matthew Bendall, of year 8, and Matthew Collins, of Year 7. Both pupils were presented with large bars of Fair Trade chocolate – in honour of Fair Trade fortnight. Rumour has it that they are busy nibbling Britain.

The Eisteddfod finished with a rousing rendition of our national anthem, sung with gusto and pride, reverberating around the school hall, with many pupils, with tears in their eyes, standing on their chairs. A truly successful and enjoyable day.

Photos:

1. Raising the roof in the Hall
2. Flying the flag
3. Checking the map on the projector
4. Consulting the useful maps in the school planner
5. Let the nibbling begin