Blog week ending 11th November

Welcome back, I hope you all enjoyed a fun and restful half term.  On this Remembrance Day we will be starting the day with a whole school virtual Assembly in order to pause for a moment and reflect on all those who have served our country across the generations.  This is a key moment in our calendar and is one of those moments that best demonstrates our REACH values.  In a busy world taking the time to pause and reflect has become ever more important and if you would like to join us on Sunday 13^th at Wilmington Remembrance Service at the memorial in the village at 12.00 you would be more than welcome; our Head Students will be laying a wreath on behalf of the school.   This term brings even more opportunities for active and immersive activities and learning.  Lots of trips (including some featured below) as well as Spanish Paella making, careers sessions to support students’ future pathway decisions, as well as a host of Christmas celebrations to look forward to!  As you can see we have started this term with a wide range of opportunities for the students and as the Year 11 students Head into their mock exams I would just remind them that they are well prepared for this, to take a deep breath and do what they do every day, their very best.

75 Year 11 GCSE Geographers went on a fieldtrip to Stratford to investigate the hypothesis that regeneration has had a positive impact on the town’s urban environment. Students took photos and used an Environmental Quality Index (EQI) surveying technique.  We enjoyed warm October sunshine. The students were so efficient at collecting data that they were able to enjoy lunch and shopping at Westfield too! What a perfect day out!

Our Geography A Level students recently travelled to a very sunny Margate to develop their fieldwork skills.  Students surveyed environmental quality across the town collecting data on perception of regeneration.  Highlights included fish and chips and tour of the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery, plus lots of laughs along the way!

Mr Simmons, Teacher of Geography has recently launched a new Geography Excellence Challenge …. Including a ‘I Love Geography’ sticker chart!  The scheme recognises and rewards students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the learning of Geography; with the ultimate target of collecting enough stickers to qualify for the Golden Globe Award Badge!  Gracie and Joy are well on their way to qualifying, showing amazing dedication to their work!

Our School Orchestra and Glee Choir are currently working on their pieces that they will be performing at a special Christmas service on Thursday 8^th December at St Michael and All Angels in Wilmington from 6pm – 7:30pm.  All are welcome, please do come along!  Pictured below, Mrs Dent, Head of Music working with our Year 7 & 8 orchestra members.

Our Year 7 Drama Club, run by Head of Drama Miss Rosa is a place of self-expression, creativity and above all … fun!  This week students rehearsed their own short drama pieces as well as playing a drama game .. all are welcome, speak to Miss Rosa for more information!

We recently took part in the #HelloYellow campaign to raise funds and awareness for the charity Young Minds.  More young people than ever before need support for their mental health and accessing that support quickly, can make a critical difference to those young people.  Thank you to all staff and students who took part raising £750 to support Young Minds vital work.

Mr Biggenden Head of Year 11 and History teacher has been working with students as they strive to win the coveted (and imaginatively named!) The Biggenden Trophy.  This award recognises a consistent and pro-active approach to GCSE learning and preparation including organisation, revision techniques, dedication and resilience.  Good luck everyone!

 

Our History House Challenge highlighted Black History Month which is a time to celebrate the achievements of black people throughout history. This year focused on ‘Hidden Histories’ and encouraged us to explore a range of stories including that of Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, Malorie Blackman, Benjamin Zephaniah, Zora Neale Hurston and the Harlem Renaissance movement.  Students researched their chosen influential figure creating a student quiz and presentation to share their findings.

Congratulations to our History House Challenge Winners:

1^st Nailla H and Loren S (Hepworth) Black History in Motorsport

2^nd  Kareen N (Singh) – Rosa Parks

3^rd Annalie J (Franklin) – Reheem Sterling

4^th Sara J (Hepworth) – Claudette Colvin

Year 8 Food Tech students have been exploring food sustainability and the environment specifically food provenance.  In this practical lesson students source seasonal locally available vegetables together with (if chosen) meat to create roasted meatballs and piped roasted mashed potatoes!  Students combined their chosen ingredients and shaped the mixtures to form uniformed (and delicious) finished dishes.

Thank you so much to all students and families who so generously donated to the Hepworth Harvest Food Bank Drive.  The Foodbank was delighted to receive so many donations, every donation really does make a difference to a family facing hardship.

Thank you again!

 

 

WG6 A Level Chemists have been investigating the level of active ingredient in anti-acid tablets in order to measure the quantity of calcium carbonate. This was achieved by titrating a solution made form the anti-acid tablets and a solution of acid (of known concentration).

Best wishes,

Michelle Lawson