Blog week ending 28th January

There are moments as a Head Teacher when the privilege of working with such inspirational young people gives you a moment of pause.  This week has indeed been one of those weeks, the joy of seeing Year 12,13 and 11 students discussing A levels and University choices in the Hall, a sight we have sorely missed over the past two years of bubbles, was only enhanced by the incredible array of food created by our Year 11 in their Food Technology Exams.  If this was not enough I have had amazing discussions with students in Year 10 about their learning and progress, been inspired by the questions that Year 7 are researching in Epistemic Insight and seen the commitment and hard work that all our students are putting into their studies.

A truly inspiring week in which our new sports hall was transformed into a Subject Fair for our Year 11 students to explore the many opportunities available at WG6 and beyond.  Our sixth form subject ambassadors were brilliant exhibitors, providing our Y11 students with advice and insight into their subjects, answering questions and providing support as they consider their options.  In addition to our subject ambassadors we welcomed external exhibitors including the University of Kent, ASK Apprenticeships and NCS to support students’ decision making and share the opportunities students can consider. The exhibitors reported that the students were well engaged and a credit to the school. Y11 and 12 students can find out more about the NCS programme by clicking here

Our Year 11 GCSE Artists have been working on their final A04 portfolio pieces under examination conditions.  The calibre of creativitiy, skill and artistic expression across the students’ pieces is remarkable.  Students have used a wide range of mediums including acrylics, pencils, embroidery and collage to complete their portfolios.

Year 12 WG6 Chemists have been continuing their exploration of reactions of Period 3 elements with a practical lesson investigating the reactions of magnesium, sodium and sulphur. Students recorded their observations to identify trends across the period which they then explained using theory learnt in class. In the below images, students observed (though dark glasses!) the vigorous reaction of magnesium with oxygen to produce magnesium oxide.

Mr Green’s Year 7 Computer Science students have been researching the history of the internet and then making an infographic timeline to display their findings.  Amazingly (to me!) their first entry was back in 1969; when ARPANET (the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) created the first connection between two computers. After the popularity of Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn's creation, Sir Tim Berners-Lee developed the World Wide Web in 1989, which from 1993 onwards has allowed anyone, anywhere to create and view webpages about everything and everything!

Mr Preston’s Year 11 GSCE English Literature students are continuing their study and revision of The Women in Black by Susan Hill.  In this lesson students read together before practising exam questions based on their analysis of the extract.

PTA Update. We are delighted to share the news that our PFA have received a donation of £2,500 from Share Gift, which we will go towards funding school projects, such as the planned Nurture Garden - a project being managed by Mr. Lennon.

Congratulations to all the winners of the WGSG Monthly Draw.  For more information on our Monthly Draw and other PTFA activities, please see our webpage here 

September 2021 1^st Prize – Bandyopadhyay & 2^nd Prize - Rosanwo

October 2021 1^st Prize – Baker & 2^nd Prize - Landers

November 2021 1^st Prize – Moore & 2^nd Prize - Smith

December 2021 1^st Prize – Rankine, 2^nd Prize – Bourner & 3^rd Prize - Waters

January 2022 1^st Prize - Van der Elst & 2^nd Prize – Shonowo

A happy announcement!  Mrs Develeski has had her baby, a beautiful boy, Toros weighing in at almost 10lbs!  I have sent on our congratulations to her and her family. 

InvestIN offers students aged 12-18 the chance to experience their dream career by providing them with industry experiences and advice on how to choose and succeed their future career path.  They have shared the below free-of-charge online opportunity.  For further information on the course and to sign-up please click the link below.

Invitation for Parents: Success Beyond School 

We are delighted to announce the first events in our Success Beyond School series for 2022. These are free-of-charge, live online seminars featuring career experts, designed to help parents amplify their children’s career potential.

We have 5 fantastic seminars this term, including topics such as 'how to help your child choose their career' and 'how to inspire young women to become entrepreneurs.' These events are for parents of students aged 12-18 and are free to attend. 

To find out more about this course and others in the series please click here

Best wishes,

Michelle Lawson

Head Teacher