A Flintshire high school will be offering a new curriculum subject area from September with the appointment of a music and drama teacher.

For newly qualified teacher, Catrin Jones, the role at Ysgol Treffynnon is the start of an exciting new career after she decided to retrain and realise her passion for music.

Catrin originally studied Popular Music Performance at the internationally renowned British and Irish Institute of Modern Music (BIMM) in London. Having worked as a professional singer while living in London, she moved home to Mid Wales where she worked in an entirely different field as manager of a dental practice.

After a couple of years, Catrin soon realised she needed to make a change.

She said: "Although I loved my job and everyone I worked with, I knew I wasn't doing what I love! During the first lockdown I decided to do a PGCE in music for secondary education.

"This is the best decision I have made, and I am extremely excited to be starting my career as a music and drama teacher at Ysgol Treffynnon.

"I am looking forward to sharing my skills, knowledge and experience in music, drama and performing with the students so that, in time, they can develop their self-confidence and be able to confidently perform in front of any given audience.

"As soon as restrictions allow, I want to offer extra-curricular activities to provide opportunities for students to be creative, whether that be learning a new instrument, singing in a choir, playing in a band, composing, recording each other in the recording studio, performing a drama, or writing a script - the sky's the limit!"

Although Catrin doesn't officially start teaching classes at the Holywell school until September, she has been in school for the last month of term for her induction.

This has given her the opportunity to get to know the students and to talk with them about what they would like to learn about in music and drama.

Taking some of their suggestions and ideas on board has informed Catrin to plan the scheme of work for September.

She added: "The staff and students at Ysgol Treffynnon have all been so welcoming, and I am thrilled to be joining the team."

In her spare time Catrin enjoys spending time with family and friends, performing with her function band, swimming, and playing football.

John Weir, headteacher, said: "I am delighted that we are giving our students the opportunity to learn a whole host of exciting, creative skills that will bring a new dimension to their overall educational experience.

"Catrin's energy, enthusiasm and love of music and drama will inspire students to explore new possibilities and to see what they are capable of achieving.

"I look forward to seeing this new faculty grow and develop and wish Catrin a happy and fulfilling career at Ysgol Treffynnon."