Blog Week Ending 10th October
The role of our Head Students is a vital one that adds value to the student body, and to school life in general. Head Students embody our school values and are key in representing our student cohort in key senior leadership meetings and decision making. They contribute to school life in so many ways, conceiving of schemes and activities that enhance our collective school experience, acting as inspirational, approachable role models and generally being our student cheerleaders and champions! This year’s Student Leaders have ambitious plans for our school in areas that they have identified as being valuable and enjoyable for us all. Introducing;
Hello, my name is Naya, and I am delighted to introduce myself as Head Girl at WGSB. Throughout my time at WGSG, I recognised the significance of giving younger students a voice to express what they would like to see their school represent, and I am grateful to be given the opportunity to make this possible. A key goal of mine is to improve the relationship between the upper and lower school by introducing an open invitation mentoring group, run by older years, to guide and assist younger pupils in a relaxed and friendly yet informative setting. In addition, I plan to repurpose existing wildlife areas around the school, into wellbeing spaces managed and maintained by students in the younger years, with the guidance of the Year 12 electives and teachers. I further wish to establish prefect roles within the younger years that promote responsibility, community and trust while also teaching students the importance of upholding the school values in everyday life. As WGSB is a diverse and inclusive school, I plan to sustain this academic environment with my positive and approachable personality. Thank you for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to working with you all this academic year!
Hello everyone, my names Alex and I’m proud to Head Boy at WGSB and I’m looking forward to working with you all to make WGSB the best school it can be. While making sure to embody the school’s PRIDE values I aim to work with students, teachers, parents and carers to improve the student experience, support at school events and generally add value across our school community. With me also being the Events leader I would welcome any suggestions or new ideas for events that students or parents and carers would like to see across school that could enhance our school experience. Perhaps you would like to get involved with the planning? Please don’t hesitate to contact me so we can all work together to make the school a better place.
Hello, my name is Sandra, and I am delighted to introduce myself as Deputy Head student at WGSB. In this role, my primary goal is, but not limited to, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students. I plan to work closely with both students and staff to establish open communication and ensure that every voice is heard. I’ve always wanted to be a part of a wider community, putting myself in leadership roles from secondary school, working towards creating lasting positive change. Being an open minded individual, I am committed to listening to all given ideas, to further develop making our school community stronger. Whether it be student workshops, more interactive PSHE lessons, or organising events to widen knowledge in certain fields of education or the working world. I look forward to working with you, creating a bright, sustainable future for the students of WGSB.
Hello, My name is Rylee and I can proudly say that I am Deputy Head student at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys. Since the day I stepped foot in WGSB as a year 7 student, I felt immense pride in representing the school. Being in charge of teaching and learning within the school, I aim to make lessons more interactive and for teachers to be able to cater to the different needs of the students. I am an approachable person and would be more than happy to listen to anyone, student, teacher, carer or parent, who has any issues or suggestions to improve the school community and environment. I also plan on rewarding top achieving students more often as this would not only help recognise students who are working hard, but it would also incentivise other students to work harder. Thank you all for reading this and I look forward to a bright future at WGSB.
Beautiful Books: Uncovering the Secrets of the Earth’s Interior. In a recent lesson, Mr Darwin’s Year 10 Geography GCSE students embarked on an exciting journey to the centre of the earth, exploring the fascinating world of tectonic plates and the earth’s mantle. With their curiosity and eagerness to learn, the students delved into the intricacies of our planet’s interior, resulting in some truly remarkable work.
Mr Clark’s Year 7 Science students have been studying the nutrients in our diet and their different sources and functions. In this practical lesson students conducted tests to detect starch, sugars, protein and fat in a range of food samples.
Miss Kemp’s Year 9 Physics students have been expanding their knowledge of electricity currents and in this lesson have been investigating the current and voltage in a fixed resister. Students made clear, precise recordings in their books from which to draw conclusions. These books form the basis of their learned work and act as reference and revision tools.
The Year 7 Football Team had their Second Round of the Kent Cup this week. They played a very skilled Bexleyheath Academy side and came out 4-1 winners. Goals from Chetanna, Darrin and David helped WGSB progress into Round 3. Congratulations on the victory and good luck in the next round!
Our Year 12 WG6 students undertake a range of work experience placements as part of our Life Programme. These placements have great value not just in providing an insight into an industry or role but are a vital part of students’ preparation for ‘next steps’ giving practical experience for university of applications and workplace interviews. Additionally, these opportunities can boost confidence, self-esteem and independence. Our Electives Programme provides extra opportunities for work experience via placements at our primary school, Wilmington Primary .. and as you can see from the photos below, our WG6 students really do add value to the classroom experience for the pupils!
World Mental Health Day 10 October.
Positive mental health forms a key element of our Life Programme, raising awareness for strategies and support to maintain our mental health. To mark World Mental Health Day, our librarian has compiled a guide .. together with some tips for further reading!
Breathing Exercise
Breathe in – 4 seconds
Hold – 7 seconds
Breathe out – 8 seconds
Repeat
Grounding Technique
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
Journal Prompts
Journaling is the practice of regularly writing down your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and reflections.
What made you smile today?
What helps me when I feel anxious/sad?
Write a letter to your younger self. What advice would you give them?
What are 5 things that you are grateful for?
What can you do differently tomorrow?
Things we can do to support our mental wellbeing every day
Spend time with your friends and family.
Exercise regularly.
Get enough sleep.
Reduce your screen time.
Eat 3 healthy meals a day.
Spend time in nature.
Have a morning and night routine.
Keep a clean space.
Do things that you enjoy.
Reflect.
Talk About How you are Feeling
If you feel people around you are putting pressure on you, be real with them about what you think you can handle. Make it clear if your expectations are different from theirs. And if you need to, have a word with a teacher or support staff member you trust.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Try not to worry about how others are prepping for exams. Focus on what you can do. You might feel like other people are smashing it, revising more than you, or just not worrying as much. But we’re all different and that’s okay. Remember, your friends are coping with exam stress too. They might be feeling just like you.
Books To Read – all available in the library.
How Not to Lose It – Anna Williamson
Exams? Friendship issues? Panic attacks?
How Not to Lose It will help you be the boss of all of this, and more.
It’s not just your body that should be fit and healthy – your mind needs to be, too! How Not to Lose It is the go-to guide for achieving a balanced mind and strong emotional well-being.
The go-to mental health guide for kids from expert Anna Williamson – therapist, Childline counsellor and ambassador for Mind and The Prince’s Trust.
Mind Your Head – Juno Dawson
We all have a mind, so we all need to take care of our mental health as much as we need to take care of our physical health. And the first step is being able to talk about our mental health.
Juno Dawson leads the way with this frank, factual and funny book, with added information and support from clinical psychologist Dr Olivia Hewitt. Covering topics from anxiety and depression to addiction, self-harm and personality disorders, Juno and Olivia talk clearly and supportively about a range of issues facing young people’s mental health – whether fleeting or long-term – and how to manage them.
Dare to Be You – Matthew Syed
What would you dare to try if you stopped worrying about fitting in?
If you’re the kind of person who thinks: I don’t like standing out from the crowd … I wish I could be more like the cool kids … There’s no point trying to change things … then this book is for you.
Because guess what? There’s no such thing as normal.
Back On Track – Matthew Burton
From establishing routines, handling setbacks and dealing with anxiety, to skills for tapping into your potential, this is the one-stop guide for students who are in need of a bit of hope, some warm words of advice and a good old pep talk to get them going in school again.
Whether facing assessments, a big change or having to make up for lost time, this book is crammed with advice so that whenever school feels hard, readers will soon be back on track and raring to go.
Featured Author – Matt Haig
“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.”
Who to Talk to if You’re Worried About Your Mental Health
Form Tutor
Student manager
Head of Year
Online anonymously using SHARP through the school website
Thank you to everyone who came to help judge the recent MFL bake off. The winner was Daniel S in 7B who produced the beautifully decorated cake (pictured below). All the student competitors received a character point and a small prize for taking part! Grayson, Kai, Nathan, Ben, Bukkan, Daniel and Riley of 7K. Stefan, of 7M, Splendor of 7A, Nathaniel and Dawood of 7J, Alfie, Rohan, Moadejumo, and (winner) Daniel of 7B and Adam, Edoarda and Nathan of 8K.
This week we are recognising Rio of 7T who plays football both in school, and out of school with the Dartford Royals (U13). Rio was recently awarded “Player of the Match” for his stand-out performance on the field. Well done Rio!
PTA Update: Our PTA are busy preparing events for the Autumn term and there have been a number of reminders for events that have been sent out this week. We are aiming to raise more money this year than we ever have, and we would really like everyones support. We are always open to ideas from other parents or carers as to what the PTA can do so pleased reach out to us if you have any suggestions.
Monthly PTA draw: Please look to join our monthly PTA lottery draw. The cost is £12 for the year for 1 unique number, more than 1 number may be purchased. Each number goes into 12 monthly draws between September and August (3 draws made in November). Prize money is £30 per month and £50 in the December draw. All funds to help the PTA support the students. Winners will be notified by the school office. Please note cut-off date to join the lottery is 1st November 2024 to be included for the year
Sign up today via the Parent Pay platform https://app.parentpay.com/public/client/security/
For more details, please contact [email protected] .
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.
Saturday Sports: The PTA are supporting the Year 7 Saturday Sports selling sausage and bacon baps and this Saturday we are holding a second-hand uniform sale on the school field. If anyone is able to donate any preloved uniform it would be greatly appreciated, you can leave any donations with the school office. The sale is due to take place on 12thOctober from 9am to 10.30am. We will be selling blazers, lab coats, trainers, and have a large selection of coats, we do have some PE kit as well, but this is in short supply for years 7-9 so please drop us a message if there is something you specifically require.
Christmas fair and Market – 30th November – Various stalls selling arts, crafts, and gifts in order for you to get some early Christmas presents.
Christmas Tree purchase – as we do every year, we offer the opportunity to purchase a Christmas Tree, this is now live on Parent Pay for you to order your tree for collection on 29th November.
Krispy Kreme and Samosa sale – 18th October – pre order a box of Krispy Kreme doughnut or Samosas on parent pay today.
Christmas Wreath Making – 3rd December 6pm-8pm – Details and purchase of tickets on Parent Pay.
Christmas Pudding – Pre order on Parent Pay your Christmas Pudding and/or sticky toffee or lemon pudding for collection our Christmas fair on the 30th November
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 7 Saturday Sports Enrichment Programme – Saturday 12 & 19 Oct 9-10:30am
Year 7 Rugby fixture – Friday 18 October 2:20pm
PTA Krispy Kreme and Samosa sale – 18th October – pre order a box of Krispy Kremes or Samosas on ParentPay today.
Open Evening (for Year 6 students and parents/carers) Wednesday 23 October (4:30 – 7:30pm)
Year 10 Rugby fixture – Monday 21 October
Year 13 Reports Home – Monday 21 October
Year 6 Open Mornings (for Year 6 students and parents/carers) – Thursday 24 & Friday 25 October (09:30 – 12:00)
Year 9 Rugby fixture – Thursday 24 October
End of Term 1 – Friday 25 October
Start of Term 2 – Thursday 7 November
Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival at the Woodville theatre in Gravesend – Thursday 14 November at 7pm
Click below to book your place at one of our Open Events
Wednesday 23rd October – Open Evening
Thursday 24th October – Open Morning
Friday 25th October – Open Morning
Best wishes,
Stuart Harrington
Headteacher
