Eisteddfod 2019

Glan-y-Môr’s Eisteddfod is always a highlight of the school year and after a busy schedule of rehearsing the four houses: Dewi, Gwenllian, Illtyd and Mair gather to compete fiercely in various competitions!

This year’s Eisteddfod began with performances from our very talented musicians in Lower School. Equally impressive were our musicians in Upper School who played an array of musical instruments. Da iawn chi.

With the vocal competition pupils were asked to either sing a Welsh song, song by a Welsh artist or song from a musical. Again, we were entertained by our talented pupils and it was great to hear the whole audience joining in with the singing and supporting the stage competitors. “Harmonies were perfect with certain groups” according to Mr Allen (Maths department).

On to the English recitation. Miss Howells (English Department) chose various extracts from “Under Milk Wood” by Dylan Thomas. The extracts certainly gave plenty of scope for sound effects; from barking of dogs to the mooing of cows! Again a close competition between the four houses, however, it seems that props are the way forward with the recitation groups and the judges loved the clever use of colourful, home-made props!

A dreaded school inspection was the theme of the Welsh recitation poem: “Heddiw, fore a dydd Iau” by Dorothy Jones. Pupils were very expressive about the demands of an inspection and longed for the Friday when, along with the teachers, they could relax a bit! The judges thoroughly enjoyed the “tongue in cheek” humour of the poem.  

Disco dancing is always a popular competition in the Eisteddfod. This year pupils were required to dance to instrumentals. The judges were really impressed with the variety of movements, outfits, team work and enthusiasm. Each act was unique and Miss Jones was delighted when she was unexpectedly pounced on to do the floss!!! It certainly added the Something-Factor to the competition!

The last competitions of the morning were the Chairing and Crowning Competition. Pupils in Year 11 compete annually for the prestigious Chairing Competition. This year they had to write a Welsh poem entitled ”Fy myd”–“My world””. The winner was Carla Block from Illtyd. Llongyfarchiadau! The ceremony saw Year 7 girls participating in the traditional ‘Flower Dance’ and Mr Richard Allen powerfully singing ‘Henffych Brifardd’.The winner of the English crown was Harriet Porter from Mair - Da iawn Harriet.

The afternoon commenced with the popular pop group competition and it has to be said Gwenllian’s rendition of “Hey Jude” was truly spectacular. All pupils then participated in the house choir competition and the chosen song this year was “Ar Lan y Mor”. Pupils put their heart and soul into singing this romantic Welsh song and thanks must go to the daffodil wearing Mr Allen for orchestrating and enthusing each group in his own special way!

So, after a frantic day of competitions and a yo-yoing of scores the final result was:
1^st        Tŷ Dewi          
2^nd       Tŷ Illtyd
3^rd        Tŷ Gwenllian
4^th        Tŷ Mair

We would like to thank our judges: Jo Rogers (Youth Worker at Glan-y-Môr) and Mrs Sharon Cole (Chair of Governors) for spending the day with us and judging all our competitions. Diolch.

We must also say a big thank you to Ellise Evans (Blwyddyn 9) for providing her services as the school photographer for the day. Another super talented pupil!

Thank you to everyone for making ‘Eisteddfod 2019’ a ‘profiad bythgofiadwy’ - an unforgettable experience indeed. We are already looking forward to Eisteddfod 2020.