Blog week ending 20th November
Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence. As we step into our 75th anniversary year, we reflect on a journey that has been as dynamic as it has been enduring. Our motto, “Forward Thinking – Traditional Values,” remains as relevant today as when it was first adopted. Job markets, school curriculum, and even hairstyles(!) may have evolved dramatically over the decades, but the heart of our school and the spirit of its community have never wavered.
Back in 1950, our Headteacher captured this ethos perfectly:
“However, we must remember that a school is not made either by fine buildings, grounds or equipment but by the spirit of those who make up its complement of personalities. Life in any community is richer for unselfish effort, and we hope that a tradition will be built of public service in a school, which will foster what is best in our way of life.”
Those words still ring true today. Our community thrives because of the dedication, creativity, and resilience of students, staff, and families who have shaped our story for three-quarters of a century.
Our story began as Dartford County Technical School for Boys, housed in the grand Wilmington Hall, a stately country house before moving to modern new build on the same grounds. The original curriculum reflected the needs of the time, blending practical and academic subjects: forestry and agriculture alongside chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, maths, and English. We even boasted our own orchard, greenhouses, and chickens, 86 chickens in total! These roots in hands-on learning provided a relevant education and environment to the needs of both the community and industry of the time. This principle is the foundation for the innovative spirit we still champion today – providing all students with the relevant education, skills and support to thrive in today’s global workplace.
Among our many proud achievements, we count Rolling Stone Keith Richards as one of our most famous alumni, a reminder that greatness stands the test of time … and continues to inspire!
This milestone year will be marked by a series of celebratory events and activities kicking off in the New Year. We invite you to join us in honouring our past, embracing the present, and looking boldly toward the future.
Pictured below, Wilmington Hall and our school choir 1955 on a trip to sing at St Margarets Church on Parliament Square (which includes a young Keith Richards, who sang soprano, and is in the front row, third from right in short trousers)
Our sincere thanks to the ‘Old Dartechs & Wilmingtonians Association for their wonderful and extensive research into our rich history.
Year 9 History Students travelled to Ypres in Belgium. Thank you to Timofe O who has provided the below report and photographs from the trip.
“On Friday, 7th November, 140 staff and students visited the Ypres Salient in Belgium to remember those who fought, served, and died in World War One. After setting off at 5 a.m., the group visited the Passchendaele Memorial Museum, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Langemark Cemetery, and finished the day in Ypres itself, where a ceremony was held at the Memorial to Indian soldiers who fought along the Ypres Salient. During the ceremony, students spoke about the sacrifices of these soldiers and, more broadly, about the role of Indian soldiers in the war—mirroring the memorial assembly held back at WGSB. The final stop of the day was at a local chocolate shop.
It was an excellent day. Many thanks go to the staff, who undertook an 18‑hour working day; to the tour guides, who provided excellent insight; and to the students, who were impeccably behaved throughout.”
During our whole school Remembrance Service Assembly, we paid respect to all those whose lives have been affected by conflict – Saheed in Year 7 wrote this wonderful poem in commemoration of all those servicemen and women who lost their lives in conflict – and below, that a photograph taken of our students in their service uniforms.
‘We Remember’ by Saheed 7A
We wear a poppy, red and bright,
To think of those who went to fight.
They left their homes, the risk they knew,
To keep us safe, me and you.
The sky was dark, the nights were long,
But they still stayed so brave and strong.
They had no guarantee if they were to come back,
Still, they marched, through fear and black.
We stand in silence, heads held low,
To thank the ones from long ago.
The peace is precious, kind and true,
So, we thank those who gave their tomorrow for me and you.
Ms Egemensoy and her Year 7 English students have been reading, and discussing, Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin. In this lesson students explored powerful themes from the novel, contributing insightful and considered comments to the class discussion around social, and gender injustice as well as resilience and strength. One of the characters in the book is based on Captain Thomas Coram who set up the London Foundling Hospital as a charity to care for abandoned children – which is now the Foundling Museum in London – for more details on their charitable work, or to visit, click here Homepage – Foundling Museum
Ms Gubbin’s Year 8 Art Students have been experimenting with texture in their painting project lesson today. Students used the American painter and sculptor Jasper Johns work for inspiration as they worked to build their paintings, matching colour and texture styles. Students will then go on to produce their own piece reflecting the newly learned techniques.
Architectural Photography – House Competition. All six students should be congratulated for being selected from the 180 entries from the year group. Top prize wins a framed print of his photo, all entrants win merits for their House. Additionally, an exhibition of the entries is available to view in the Art Department.
1st Place Finn S 9 Johnson
2nd Place Ronnie B 9 Keller
3rd Place Sabiq M 9 Mandela
4th Place Filippos A 9 Attenborough
5th Place Zion I 9 Turing
6th Place Harry C 9 Brunel
Request from our Design & Technology Department. D&T are going to be doing some exciting projects in class and our clubs with HDPE bottle tops. As you can imagine, recycling just one type of raw material to make a range of projects requires significant collecting power and the mighty D&T department cannot do it alone!
Please collect your plastic milk bottle tops (and any others with the “2” symbol marked inside the lid) and bring them to the Staffroom or D1, where there will be a clearly labelled collecting bucket. If parents/carers are dropping them off, just leave them with reception!
Thank you in advance for your fabulous plastic-recycling capabilities. Ms Mott, Teacher of Design & Technology
Sports Update. Congratulations to our Years 7,8,10, 11 & XI football teams who are all through to the last 16 of the Kent Cup – amazing, well done everyone!
Additionally, our Rugby teams have also been racking up significant wins – our Years 7 & 8 teams are undefeated. Notable mentions go to Divine E and the rest of the Year 7 Rugby team – great team performance! Year 7-9 are in a north Kent developing rugby league.
First XI beat BETHS 3-0 to go top of the league and make it 5 wins out of 5!
Hayden first realised he was a successful runner during school cross country lessons, then looking to expand his skills further he started to take part in local park runs. Over a year and a half ago now Hayden of Year 10 became a regular park runner. Since then, he has joined Central Park Athletics running club and often represents them in meetings. He is aiming to take part in the Kent Cross Country Championships in the new year and we as a department and school wish him every success.
As a department and school, we wish Hayden every success in his running journey. Mr Lynch, Head of PE.
For more information on Central Park Athletics .. and to join please click here Home | Central Park Athletics
Congratulations to Year 8 students Jonty H and Oliver P who recently played their ultimate Rugby league match with their Westcombe Park team against Tonbridge Juddians … and won 30/0! This match saw them win the league .. as well as continue with their undefeated run for the season! This is a fitting accolade for such talented sportsmen! Mr Lynch, and indeed all here at WGSB are incredibly proud of your achievement! both with Westcombe Rugby Club and here at WGSB! Click here for more information on Westcombe Park Rugby Football Club Westcombe Park Rugby Football Club
Become a School Governor. Our school governing bodies represent different groups of people who have an interest in the school: staff, parents, carers and the community. Serving as a school governor is a highly rewarding experience, offering numerous personal and professional benefits. While we do not have any Parent Governor vacancies at the moment, we do have some Community Governor vacancies in other schools across the Trust. If you a looking for an opportunity to use your experience and skills to help make a difference within your local community and to help shape people’s futures, please contact governance@endeavour-mat.co.uk for further information on the role of a school governor.
Reminder for Year 7-11 parents/carers. The school immunisation team will be on site on Friday 12th December to deliver the Flu Vaccination to Y7-11 students. If you have not already done so, it is important that you complete the seasonal flu form at www.kentimmunisations.co.uk to either consent or decline the vaccine before 4pm on 9th December. The school code is KT137227
PTA Update. We have lots of events coming up over the Winter term, we hope that you will be able to support the PTA in as many as you are able.
Christmas Fair 29th November 2025 11-2pm. We’re excited to announce the return of our Annual Christmas Fair! It’s always a fantastic event full of festive cheer, fun activities, and community spirit. More details will be shared soon, so keep an eye out! If you—or someone you know—would like to book a stall, please get in touch with us at pta@wgsb.co.uk. Stalls are a great opportunity for local businesses, crafters, and community groups to connect with families and share their products or services. We can’t wait to see you there!
Doughnut and Samosa sale Friday 12th December – breaktimes. Doughnuts and samosas will be sold at breaktimes, and you can also pre order these on iPay now.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop Thursday 4th December 6-8.30pm. You can reserve your spot by paying for this on iPay now, the cost is £45 and all materials will be provided for you to design and make your own wreath.
Christmas Tree Fundraiser – Collection 28th November 4-6pm Order your tree on iPay by 21st November.
Forthcoming Dates;
PTA Non-Uniform Day (in return for PTA Fair & Dartford Foodbank contributions) – 21 Nov
Year 8 Sports Fixture, Rugby – 24 Nov
Year 9 Sports Fixture, Kent Cup – 25 Nov
Year 13 Parents’ Evening – 27 Nov (at WGSB)
PTA Christmas Tree collection date (see poster for more info) – 28 Nov
PTA Christmas Fair & Craft Market – Saturday 29 November 11am-2pm
Year 7 Sports Fixture, Rugby – 1 Dec
Year 8 French Trip – 3-4 Dec
WG Open Evening – 3 Dec (at WGSG)
WG6 Sports Fixtures – 3 Dec
Year 9 Sports Fixture, Rugby – 4 Dec
PTA Wreath Making Event (see poster) – 4 Dec 6-7.30pm
New York Information Evening – 8 Dec 5.30-6.15pm
Years 7, 8 & 9 Christmas Dinner & Jumper Day (for £1.20 donation to Save the Children on iPay) – 9 Dec please pay on iPay by 9am Friday 28 Nov
Year 7 Sports Fixture, Rugby – 9 Dec
Year 10 Form Tutor Parents’ Evening – 9 Dec 6-7.30pm (virtual)
Years 10, 11, 12 & 13 Christmas Lunch – 10 Dec Please pay on iPay by Friday 28 Nov (Year 7-9 must bring packed lunch this day)
WG6 Sports Fixture – 10 Dec
Christmas Concert (St Michael’s Church) – 11 Dec 6-8pm
PTA Doughnut & Samosa Sale at morning break – 12 Dec
Years 7-11 Flu Vaccinations – 12 Dec
St Lucia Cricket Tour – 14 Dec – 21 Dec
F1 Regional Competition – 16 Dec
Year 8 Sports Fixture, Rugby – 16 Dec
Year 7 Drama trip Aladdin Panto – 16 Dec
Year 7 Drama trip Aladdin Panto – 16 Dec
A Level Certificate Presentation & Drinks Reception at WGSG – 17 Dec 4-6pm
Last Day of Term 2 – 19 Dec 12pm (no break or lunch service)
First Day of Term 3 – Monday 5 Jan
Year 13 Mocks commence – 5 Jan
Best wishes,
Stuart Harrington
Headteacher
