RECENTLY Bryn Hafren hosted their annual Welsh Baccalaureate Fair. This is part of the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification and is run by Year 10 pupils. The qualification combines personal development skills which contribute towards the qualification which is valued by employers and universities.

Mrs Farbrace, head of careers and who oversees the Welsh Baccalaureate, said: "This qualification is very important for the future of the pupils in Year 10 whatever pathway they choose to follow. It takes place during Year 10 and 11, during this time the girls take part in different modules that will use all of their skills to finally conclude with an intermediate diploma."

The fair shows pupils the skills needed in team work, the processes of planning, developing and actually applying those ideas to their own stall. Pupils were in groups of four to six and had to host a stall in the gym to make money. The two chosen charities this year are Help for Heroes and the Alzheimer's Society.

The groups had varied ideas of what to sell; stalls consisted of drinks, waffles, bracelets, necklaces, friendship photos, hair styling, hot dogs and much more. One group we interviewed chose to make their own bath bombs; they decided on this idea because, "There were not any other groups making them, so it was an original idea that would interest many girls in the school." The girls were right; they sold out of all their homemade bath bombs and lip balms.

Each group was given £10 to buy the materials needed for their stall. Some forms chose to do additional fundraising, for example 10MS hosted a toast break. Harriet McCarthy, who made the bath bombs, said: “We thought this idea would be good sellers as Christmas is not far away and bath bombs make great presents."

The form teachers and head of year helped the girls prepare for the fair as well by advising them on different ideas, helping them paint large signs for their stalls and even doing their shopping. Miss Williams said: “I helped the girls in my form by doing the shopping for them."

When deciding on this year’s charities, staff and pupils chose two charities that are close to their hearts, Mrs Farbrace said: "There are many teenagers and adults in families fighting for our country and that is something that we should all be aware of, also there are many girls that have family members suffering with Alzheimer's disease, so it is another important charity.”

Head of Year 10, Miss Phillips told us she was extremely proud of the effort put in by all of the girls, especially as they raised £2,000 from just a few hours selling - nearly £400 more than last year’s fair.

By Lauren Taylor and Morgan Hall, 9KL