Pennod 4 OMG: Ysgol Ni!

-*

-SCHOOL BELL

-School -

-it can be tough, it can be fun.

-It's definitely a challenge.

-2 A-X. Oh, no!

-And not just for the pupils.

-Year 8!

-Year 8!

-

-And you're at it already.

-Though many claim to be experts,

-they don't truly know...

-..what happens on school corridors

-between 8.30am and 3.30pm.

-Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold is opening

-its doors to television cameras.

-This is the only Welsh-medium

-secondary school in Flintshire.

-It's home to around 500 pupils

-and 40 teachers and support staff.

-It's the end of the autumn term...

-..and preparations

-are under way for Christmas.

-Christmas

-I'm always excited at Christmastime.

-I'm the first to hang decorations.

-I usually start the countdown

-on January 25...

-..with 11 months to go!

-As you can see,

-Christmas has reached M7.

-The final week of school...

-..the final week before

-the Christmas holidays is wild.

-Preparations are under way

-for the school's Christmas service.

-We host a party at the school

-for the elderly and the blind.

-There's a special school assembly...

-..and Christmas dinner is served.

-We also hold a Christmas concert...

-..at St Mary's Church in the town.

-There's pressure on the music

-department to prepare the pupils.

-And again. One, two.

-# What was the melody for Mary,

-the melody for Mary?

-# The melody for Mary? #

-One thing we do that's unique

-is form a big choir.

-A choir made up of Y7 and Y8 pupils.

-We bring them together to sing.

-Thank you for taking part.

-I hope we'll have a chance

-to practise and have good readings.

-We pick a pupil

-from each year to read...

-..and a Y7 pupil

-from the immersion course.

-It's a good opportunity for them

-to show how far they've come.

-It's a bit hard

-but I'm going to practise a lot.

-I'm a bit nervous

-but I'm looking forward.

-Ready? Two, three, four, five.

-Any music teacher would agree

-that there's a lot of pressure...

-..on the music department.

-Well done.

-I've learnt to juggle things and not

-to stress out. There's no point.

-Whoo-oop! Whoo-oop!

-Ha!

-Too slow.

-# One, five, four, five,

-three, five, two, five #

-I'm also busy outside of school...

-..coaching Only Boys Aloud

-and Lleisiau Menlli...

-..which is a choir of young people

-aged over 16 years and under 30.

-# Two, five, one, five, four, five,

-three, two, one #

-We have a lot of fun.

-We're a sociable choir.

-Life on a farm can be very tough.

-Dei works alone, he has no help,

-so he's always busy.

-I don't help out on the farm at all.

-He begged me to milk the cows once.

-Those were the longest hours of

-my life. I'm never doing it again.

-Half past four, time to go out

-milking. Who's coming with me?

-Sometimes I feel that the stresses

-of life get the better of me.

-Caitlin is Penny.

-Caitlin's on her way.

-As a mother,

-I feel I should be less busy.

-I should be

-giving the girls more attention.

-I don't want them to feel I never

-had time for them growing up.

-That I was too busy

-doing other things.

-Why are you sitting with the altos?

-I think it's a good thing

-that Mam's very busy...

-..because she helps a lot of people,

-though she doesn't realize it.

-Rarely do I go to bed before 1.00am

-and I get up at 6.30am.

-That's a normal day for me.

-I'm sure I'm aging at a faster rate

-than any other teacher.

-You missed a bit on the top.

-You missed a bit on the top.

-

-It's not only Nia...

-..who's under pressure.

-A portable stage

-needs to be assembled for the choir.

-We have to erect and dismantle

-the stage six times in all.

-It's safe enough for now.

-I'm very happy. Everything's

-in place. Hopefully it's all secure.

-That's it until tomorrow.

-Someone who's chosen to be

-part of the Maes Garmon family...

-..is Year 8 pupil Fran.

-She started school

-as an immersion pupil last year.

-Before that,

-she lived with her family in Kenya.

-When I lived in Nairobi I attended

-a big international school.

-Lots of people...

-..have a second language,

-which is English.

-My first language is English

-and I'd like another.

-I've been missing out.

-I've given you the answer this time.

-Fran wanted to lay down roots.

-Her father attended Maes Garmon

-and she wanted to follow suit.

-But moving schools wasn't easy.

-It was difficult...

-..because I knew no Welsh at all.

-All I knew was hello,

-how are you? and one, two, three.

-I wanted to learn Welsh...

-..because I know

-it's important to me.

-The Welsh language is incredibly

-important to the culture.

-It's a nice, warm,

-friendly community...

-..and I think that

-is also reflected in the school.

-Hi, Dad.

-Hi, Dad.

-

-Hi, Franster, how are you diddling?

-When Fran needs help with her Welsh,

-she asks her father.

-But since he's had to

-work overseas for a while...

-..she chats to him online.

-Were you OK with the rest?

-Were you OK with the rest?

-

-I had three pictures...

-He's away for nine months.

-It's hard because I miss him.

-He's coming home for Christmas.

-We will see you

-three weeks tomorrow.

-So it's four weeks to panto?

-So it's four weeks to panto?

-

-No, three and a half weeks to panto.

-Oh, no, it isn't.

-Oh, no, it isn't.

-

-Oh, yes, it is.

-I'm looking forward to seeing Dad.

-Bye, Dad.

-We'll be a family again.

-Let's recap. I know some of you

-are hearing it for the first time.

-Nia always chooses

-fresh new pieces...

-..for the Christmas concert.

-But she'll get no fresher

-than this one.

-Year 12 pupil Megan is composing

-a carol for the girls' party.

-I usually write the entire score -

-all the voices and the piano.

-One I've got the melody, I'll write

-the more complicated piano part.

-Then you can add

-nice harmonies to it.

-Megan's working hard on the

-accompaniment. She's almost there.

-After two. One, two.

-# Happy memories

-# Will enchant me #

-I'm really excited. I can't wait.

-I was nervous the first time

-about what they'd say...

-..but everyone was really nice.

-It's incredible hearing

-people sing your composition.

-It gets better every time I hear it.

-It's really nice.

-# And then we'll praise

-# Your good name #

-The community at large

-is very important to Maes Garmon.

-It has a tradition of inviting

-the community into the school.

-Six Formers arrange

-an annual tea party for the elderly.

-We're expecting 34 people. It's

-important for Ysgol Maes Garmon.

-It's nice having a mixture

-of the elderly and children.

-Are you keeping well?

-I'm very well, thanks.

-It's hard to believe that I left...

-..in 1986.

-..in 1986.

-

-And I was in Year 11.

-And now you're a giant of a woman!

-Thank you!

-You and I have shared the same seat,

-haven't we?

-I didn't mean in terms of size,

-I meant in terms of age!

-# Silent night

-# Holy night

-# All is calm

-# All is bright

-# Round yon virgin

-# Mother and child

-# Holy infant, so tender and mild

-# Sleep in heavenly peace... #

-It's been a time-honoured tradition

-at Maes Garmon for 30 years.

-It's a chance for sixth formers

-to contribute to the community.

-It's important

-they're made aware of that.

-I think it went very well.

-I've just been talking to people.

-I made sure they were having fun.

-I've a lot to tell you

-about Ysgol Maes Garmon.

-And about the staff!

-They told me

-they've been preparing all morning.

-It's turned out very well,

-hasn't it?

-We've had a positive reaction.

-They want to come again next year.

-They're so funny

-and so full of life.

-They're a pleasure to cater for.

-Have you had a nice time?

-Have you had a nice time?

-

-Lovely.

-And the music was great.

-I've really enjoyed that, Bron.

-My dad!

-My dad!

-

-See ya.

-We want to show that people our age

-want to help the elderly.

-We want to show them respect.

-I hope they've enjoyed themselves.

-And that they'll remember it.

-# Sleep in heavenly peace #

-.

-*

-After all the rehearsals,

-the big day has finally arrived.

-The Maes Garmon Christmas concert

-will be held in the town.

-The stage must be dismantled...

-..and the orchestra's instruments

-must be transported.

-Come on.

-We've got about an hour to build it.

-We're in a hurry at the moment.

-I like helping out.

-It's nice missing double geography.

-Something like this could only

-happen in a Welsh-medium school.

-We're moving three harps,

-a drum kit and so on.

-Once the children are in the church,

-that's when it gets really busy.

-The service is an important event...

-..to the Mold community,

-with hundreds supporting.

-It's a highlight for many.

-Many people say,

-"I know Christmas is almost here...

-"..because I've been to

-the Maes Garmon concert."

-It's time to tune

-the instruments and the voices...

-..and practise the readings.

-It sounds like Maya. It's Mair.

-Mair. Try it.

-Mair. Try it.

-

-Mair and Joseph, her husband...

-A crown of thorns,

-a cross and a tomb.

-Watch you don't go

-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da.

-I do listen and try to do it better.

-I'm serious, girls.

-I've asked you

-for self-discipline...

-..but it's like watching

-a sea of people going like this.

-It's so distracting for someone.

-BABY YELLS

-BABY YELLS

-

-Yes!

-It's stressful. I've a headache now.

-That's because I shouted,

-and I don't like shouting at pupils.

-Has the shouting worked?

-The church is overflowing

-as the service is about to begin.

-There were no rooms left in the

-town, the only place they found...

-..was a stable.

-The atmosphere is lovely.

-People enjoy themselves.

-The fact it's in a church,

-we're reaching out to the community.

-# What's your melody, Mary?... #

-Someone who's thrown herself into

-Maes Garmon's activities is Fran.

-The family

-moved from Nairobi to Mold...

-..so she could

-lay down roots locally.

-Her father, who's a former pupil,

-has arrived home.

-It was Frances' choice, and she's

-had a very good year in school.

-She has roots, she has friends.

-When we lived in Kenya,

-we had to live...

-..within an electric fence

-and barbed wire.

-They feel safe here.

-They feel safe here.

-

-It's nice having him here now.

-Things aren't the same without him.

-See an infant in swaddling clothes.

-He is Jesus, Prince of Heaven.

-It was quite nice

-seeing everyone enjoy the concert.

-# Oh, holy night

-# Oh, holy night

-

-# Halleluj

-# Oh, holy night

-# Halleluj #

-The service went really well.

-I was really happy with my carol.

-The girls sang really well.

-# Praise be to you #

-We've heard the carol,

-little snatches for weeks...

-..but we've never heard it all.

-There were a few minor mistakes but

-I'm happy and very proud of them.

-I'm going home happy tonight.

-I'm going home happy tonight.

-

-The Maes Garmon Christmas concert...

-..is a highlight in the community,

-and tonight was no exception.

-Another day dawns, but the

-hustle and bustle isn't over yet.

-The kitchen is a hive of activity.

-The team

-is preparing Christmas dinner.

-We're hoping for about 220,

-and that's including teachers.

-It's good fun,

-we've all got our Christmas hats on.

-This is the chocolate log.

-Goes down a treat.

-While the kitchen staff

-prepares the food...

-..the sixth formers

-take care of the tables.

-Knives, forks and spoons

-and a cracker for everyone, please.

-We help the teachers

-and wait on them.

-We're waiting for the children now.

-We're all a bit hot and bothered.

-The meat is nice.

-There's no other word for it.

-It was delicious.

-While the children

-tuck into their turkey...

-..the teachers are being waited on

-by the sixth formers in Room 1.

-But some are willing to muck in.

-I'm just helping out

-since they've been very busy...

-..making a lovely Christmas dinner.

-Where do you take a sick horse?

-Horspital!

-Merry Christmas, Mr Jones.

-Merry Christmas, Mr Jones.

-

-Have you had a Yorkshire?

-Haven't you had one?

-Haven't you had one?

-

-No!

-I wouldn't like to be standing

-in the heat of that kitchen.

-It's hard enough

-cooking for your family...

-..let alone a school.

-They fully deserve their food now.

-Good afternoon. Welcome to

-the last assembly of the year.

-At the end of term...

-..we sometimes

-have to say goodbye to people.

-The 10-week training period

-for trainee teachers is over.

-We'll see how rain

-reaches the river.

-I was expecting to enjoy it...

-..and I've enjoyed it more and more

-as the weeks have gone by.

-It makes

-more sense to me now, I think.

-I enjoy being in front of a class.

-I haven't found

-that aspect challenging.

-Does everyone remember? Evaporate.

-Exerting my control over the class

-has improved.

-I know what to do with them now.

-At least I hope I do!

-Title, The Risk.

-Write three or four sentences.

-There were one or two lessons

-where they were unruly...

-..but I learnt all their names

-so I could tell them off...

-..and varied their sitting patterns.

-Small tactics like that help.

-Right,

-can I have your attention, please?

-I just wanted to say thank you.

-I've enjoyed my time here.

-I'm sure I'll miss you all.

-I'll never forget

-my first registration class.

-I'm welling up here.

-The pupils have stood out.

-They're so respectful.

-They're really lovely.

-Are you going to sing to them

-or something?

-I've a stand-up routine, but

-it's not appropriate for this lot!

-That represents filtration.

-I'll be sad to leave. It's been

-an unforgettable experience.

-There are characters in every class.

-A part of me will even miss

-the naughty ones as well, I think.

-They're leaving us...

-..but let's show them

-our appreciation.

-Mr Rhodri Davies

-and Miss Lowri Jones.

-Thank you very much

-for your contribution.

-I'm sure you'll have

-happy memories of Maes Garmon.

-Thank you for joining us.

-Merry Christmas

-and a happy New Year.

-Remember to say thank you for all

-the things you receive at Christmas.

-SCHOOL BELL

-It's been a long term.

-This final week has been so busy

-but it's been very successful.

-This is elf help!

-Elf service!

-I do a better job of this

-than teaching maths!

-Reaching the end of term

-is a relief.

-While the clearing carries on in the

-hall and everyone hurries home...

-..cleaning is under way

-in the classrooms too...

-..as the cleaners start their shift.

-I used to be a pupil

-at Maes Garmon...

-..from 1987 to 1992.

-When I started working here

-a few years ago...

-..it was confusing turning up

-without my homework!

-The teachers have stopped

-shouting at me, which is nice!

-Diane Davies

-also knows the school well.

-As well as working in the kitchen,

-she also cleans here at night.

-We're in

-Mrs Louise Hughes' classroom...

-..and then

-we've got Mr Hughes next door.

-I can just have a routine

-where I can do tables one day...

-..I can mop another,

-you're on a time limit.

-You've got to leave certain things.

-The wages aren't too bad...

-..but everybody wants more money.

-It comes out of the school budget,

-which gets less and less every year.

-Ta-ta!

-Ta-ta!

-

-Bye, Mr Hughes!

-He's a bit of a joker, Mr Hughes.

-He likes to joke about.

-Bye, Geth!

-When that bell rings

-at 3.30pm on that last Friday...

-..it's fair to say

-that everyone's tired...

-..and we're ready for our break.

-..and we're ready for our break.

-

-See you next year.

-Next time,

-a new term brings new challenges.

-We must do this, we must do that.

-We must do this, we must do that.

-

-Coursework, exams.

-It's carnage.

-The pressure

-proves too much for some.

-You want to scream.

-S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.

-.