Blog Week Ending 20th March
British Science Week was celebrated at WGSB with a range of special practical lessons and investigations in the science department and via cross-curricular lessons with the engineering and computer science departments. This year’s theme was Change and Adapt which explores how the world changes and adapts through technological innovation, shifts in ecosystem and how we adapt our own lives to face new challenges. Investigations included;
Solar Ovens – Year 7 & 8 students constructed a solar oven then tested it by using light energy to melt some chocolate .. then eat the chocolate. The purpose was to illustrate how we could adapt some of our habits to be more energy efficient by using energy sources other than gas or electricity to produce heat.
AI in medicine worksheet. Using provided resources, Year 7 & 8 students investigated potential current and future roles of AI in medicine. Students played ‘Defeat the Tumour board game’ to demonstrate the arms race of cancer treatment, how cancer adapts to treatment methods and how different treatment methods are used to overcome that adaptability.
Microplastic pollution problem. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic waste that are not able to break down naturally and which pollute our seas causing harm to marine animals when they accidentally eat them. Microplastics range in size from 5 mm to 1 nm so filtering can be a problem. Students filtered sandy water then using microscopes, checked for particulates. Sadly, due to their small size, students observed microplastics are hard to filter and remove from the environment, which prompted students to consider and discuss alternative methods to ‘catch’ and remove them.
Science Club took part in a special investigation .. The Egg Drop Challenge! Students have been learning about powers of force and momentum, such as gravity, and this activity allowed them to develop their knowledge. The objective of the challenge was to research and plan their egg drop design to ensure their eggs survived the drop. The egg launch was a particularly heart-stopping moment! Student were only able to use supplies of tissue paper, string, paper straws, card and plastic straws – which they ‘bought’ from their point allocation. Additionally, students earned 20 points for a safe landing, 10 points for a crack, 5 for a crack and leaking … but were disqualified for a smashed egg!
Chemistry in Action WG6 trip. Ms Aggrey, Head of Chemistry at WGSG accompanied A Level students to a day of exhilarating chemistry which took students from key concepts learned in the classroom to the latest advancements in chemical research! Through sessions including a career-focussed speaker and a special session on examination success; all were delivered by experienced scientists from academia and industry to inspire them to become the scientists of the future.
Our Year 8 F1 students have been putting their specially adapted cars through their paces this week at our schools’ track testing. Throughout the F1 project, participants develop essential skills in design, CAD software, understanding aerodynamic principles and physics. Students analysed and compared the race data from their track testing as part of their ongoing inter-house competitions.
Thirty-nine Year 10 Computer Science students visited Disneyland Paris, with the aim of having a better understanding of how technology is used in a theme park. The focus of their research was to explore the impact and future potential of AI at Disneyland. The students spent two days observing automated ride systems, interactive kiosks, mobile ordering, personalised recommendations and queue management throughout the park to find evidence of AI-driven technology. On return, the students were to create an analysis of how AI applications improve guest experiences or park efficiency and propose future AI innovations.
WG6 Electives. Scholars Programme. Mr Salt, along with three Year 13 students who have offers to study medicine at university, delivered a compelling and instructive talk to our aspiring Year 12 medical students. Shane, Sugnesh and Sanjeev (pictured below) have all received offers to read medicine at their first-choice universities and were able to give advice and insights into successful medical applications. Mr Salt, who leads the Scholars Programme, shared the key resources available to support and enhance their applications. Future sessions will focus on writing effective Personal Statements and provide full support to students throughout their application process and examinations. Congratulations to Shane, Sugnesh and Sanjeev, we are incredibly proud of your achievements, and thank you for the practical and relatable support you gave to our Year 12 students.
Miss Morrison’s WG6 Year 13 Biology class was investigating the rate of oxygen production in pondweed during a classroom practical. Each student was assigned, using OCR guidelines, the task of identifying the abiotic factors they could come across and completing an investigation method in preparation for the practical’s completion.
Our Year 7 students have been getting creative with foil, flour and plasticine for their latest House Competition. Set by the Art Department, the brief was to create an animal sculpture of their choice and take three photos from different angles. Staff from across the school cast their votes and it was a very close one too! Congratulations to all participants for their wonderful submissions. Special congratulations and maximum House Points go to Lucas, Kyan and Charlie whose sculptures are pictured below.
The Year 8 rugby team went to Eltham College to take part in the Kent 7’s tournament. The boys started emphatically with a 5-1 win over Norton Knatchbull, this was quickly followed by another 5-1 win over Bennett Memorial. After this we had a break, which allowed fatigue to kick in, next we took on Bullerswoods, a strong side who we narrowly lost to. Our last two games ended in draws against Hayes and a narrow loss after some decisions that didn’t quite go our way. WGSB finished 2nd in the group which is a great result for us! Special mentions go to Oliver B for his leadership of the team, Henry B for ability and Sinaayomi for being our top try scorer and the top try scorer in the whole group.
Our WG6 Football team were in action against fellow Endeavour Mat school, Stone Lodge as part of our Electives Programme of extra-curricular activities. The friendly match finished with a 6:3 win for our WG6 side. It was a great event, enjoyed by teams and spectators alike!
Please join me in congratulating Harrison C in Year 10K, who has been selected to represent the Kent U16 golf squad. Harrison is a member of Dartford Golf Course and has a handicap of 2. This is an amazing achievement, and we all wish him every success in his upcoming tournament representing his county.
Congratulations to Kabir who took part in the National Cross-Country Championships in association with the English Cross-Country Association. Kabir was one of the youngest at the under 13s boy’s race, yet despite the appalling conditions (you can see from the below, it was unbelievably muddy!) managed to finish with a good time, and a smile on his face! Kabir, you showed incredibly resilience and tenacity to complete such a gruelling sporting event. Well done, what an achievement. Kabir is a member of Dartford Harriers Athletic Club, for more details click here Home – Dartford Harriers Athletic Club
PTA Update: The PTA have a few events coming up including a samosa and doughnut sale on the last day of term, and would really appreciate any support that you can give to us. We are always open to donations of preloved school uniform, please feel free to drop with the reception for our attention. If you would like to order a preloved uniform, please email the [email protected].
Easter Raffle – Tickets can be purchased on Parents Pay and cost £1 each. We have some great prizes including a chocolate hamper and other prizes. Draw to take place on 28thMarch.
Matched funding plea: Some companies can offer matched funding from their employer, and we would love for anyone to offer to support this. If you or anyone you know can offer any matched funding please do get in touch with the PTA.
Youth Peer Mentoring Volunteering opportunity with KCC’s Family Hub
Give your time and change a life. Volunteer with Kent Family Hub to help children develop life skills and improve their wellbeing.
With only a few spare hours, you could:
- help children and young people build resilience
- volunteer around your schedule
- get trained while doing something you love.
Forthcoming Dates;
Red Nose Day non-uniform day – 21 March
Y7 Kent Cup Final at Maidstone United – Saturday 22 March at 4pm
Year 13 Psychology Tutor2u Grade Booster Workshop – 24 March
Big Dartford Litter Pick Y7 – 24 March
Year 11 Geography Trip – 24 March
Year 7 Harry Potter Trip 7A & 7B – 25 March
Year 13 Parental Exam Briefing – 27 March
Year 7 Harry Potter Trip 7J & 7T – 27 March
Spring Arts Festival – 27 March 6-8pm
Year 10 – Morrisby work experience update deadline – 28 March
Y11 Geography Trip – 28 March
Afternoon Tea Party – 28 March 2.30-3.35pm
Year 9 DofE Training Day at WGSB – Saturday 29 March
Year 12 Parental Progress Exam Briefing – 1 April
Ski Trip to Canada – 3-10 April
PTA Doughnut & Samosa Sale at break – 4 April
Culture Day – 4 April
Last Day of Term 4 – 4 April ends 3.30pm
First Day of Term 5 – 22 April
Year 12 Progress Exams begin – 22 April
Year 11 MFL Speaking Exams begin – 22 April
Year 10 Written Report home – 23 April
Year 11 Master Classes begin – 28 April
Year 8 HPV Vaccinations – 29 April
Best wishes,
Stuart Harrington
Headteacher
