Blog week ending 11th September

At Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, our House System is at the heart of school life. More than just friendly competition – it creates a real sense of belonging, builds camaraderie across year groups, and gives every student the chance to shine, whether through leadership, academic success, sporting excellence, or via clubs and interests persued outside of the classroom or school.

Last year, the House Cup was claimed by Turing, who stormed to victory with an incredible total of over 10k Points – a testament to their hard work, team spirit, and determination. The final total is comprised of an agragate score of Academic Merits, Character Points, Inter-House competitions and Sports Day.

Students earn House Merits and Character Points in all kinds of ways – from excelling in lessons, to leading the charge on Sports Day, to throwing themselves into lunchtime competitions and House activities. Every positive contribution to our school community, big or small, helps their House move closer to the top of the leaderboard.

The energy, commitment, and enthusiasm our students bring to the House System is what makes it so special, and is a perfect embodiment of our school visions and values – we are very much looking forward to students rising to the challenge this year and will keep you posted with latest House tallies.

This term, students across the school will have plenty of opportunities to win Merits and Character Points (and have plenty of fun!) by taking part in a range of Inter-House lunchtime competitions which include, football, human hungry hippos, Rubik’s cube and tug-o-war. Pictured below, Mr Pope, who leads the Inter-House competitons, presiding over a hotly contested Year 11 football competition.

It was good to see so many of our Year 11 students and families at our recent ‘Year 11 and Beyond’ evening. All Year groups have scheduled meetings either in person or virtually with Heads of Year and key staff by means of a welcome and introduction to the opportunities and expectations of this academic year. Year 7 Welcome Event is this evening – below Head of Year, Mrs Kitchener pictured with students.

Our Year 7 students are (very much) enjoying their Sports Enrichment Programme which takes place across five Saturday mornings. Each session gives students the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities including ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, handball, circuit training and rugby. These sessions support the transition to WGSB allowing students to socialise with their peers, forge friendships, meet staff and all while enjoying the session’s activities!

Library Update. As the new school year begins, we’re delighted to welcome all students back to the library. Whether you’re returning or visiting for the first time, the library is here to support your learning, curiosity and personal growth throughout the year.

We have added a fantastic wide-ranging selection of books to our collection, including both fiction and non-fiction titles. From gripping novels and beautifully illustrated graphic novels, to fascinating factual reads, the library offers something for everyone. We encourage you to step outside your reading comfort zones, explore new genres, discover fresh authors, and find stories that inspire and challenge you.

We are also promoting wider subject reading to get you ahead in your studies. Whether preparing for exams or simply want to deepen your understanding in a specific topic, the library has resources for all subjects, from science and history to literature and the arts.

Although starting a new school year can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming. To help navigate the challenges that lie ahead, we have expanded our selection of self-help and wellbeing books. These titles offer practical advice on managing stress, motivation, exam preparation, and maintaining a healthy study–home life balance.

All students are encouraged to visit the library, browse the shelves, study, ask for recommendations or make stock requests, or simply enjoy a quiet space in the hustle and bustle of academic life.

Year 9 student librarian Harry C (pictured left) is one of the friendly faces helping to keep our library running smoothly — volunteering opportunities like his are a great way to build confidence, gain valuable work experience, and support our school community. If you’re interested in becoming a student librarian, please speak to Miss Netherwood.

The school library is open from 8:15am to 4:15pm as well as break and lunch periods. Please note that the library is closed on Wednesday after school for staff development. Miss Netherwood, Librarian.

Year 7 Design Technology students work across the topics in rotation, Food Preparation and Nutrition, Designing the Built Environment and pictured below, Design Technology. In their current topic, students have been learning about the properties of thermoplastics before going on to make their own ‘twizzle sticks’ in this practical lesson.  Students first learned ‘health and safety in the workshop’ before filings and wet sanding their acrylic strip then heating it to create their finished ‘twizzle’ design.

Year 12 students are settling into WG6 and have already made an excellent start to their studies. Pictured below, Miss Smith (Deputy Head of WG6 WGSG) and her A Level Psychology students who have been exploring and discussing the concept of operant conditioning, where behaviours and learned as a consequence of their outcomes.

Mr Salt, Deputy Head of WG6, WGSB site and his A Level History students have been looking at how Henry VII secured the throne of England and become the first Tudor monarch. 

Our Blog provides an opportunity to recognise student achievement via clubs and interests outside of school – a chance for students to be congratulated by us all and to inspire other students to explore new interests! This week, please join me in congratulating Year 8 student Oliver P (pictured second from right) and his team for achieving a Dartford Harriers AC club record and Silver Medal for 4x 200m relay at the Kent Relay Championships last weekend. To find out more about Dartford Harriers and how to join, please visit Home – Dartford Harriers Athletic Club

Forthcoming Dates:

Year 7 Meet the Form Tutor Evening (in person) – 11 Sept 5-6.30pm (tonight!)

Years 8-10 Meet the Form Tutor Evening (virtual) – 11 Sept 5-5.30pm

Year 7 Sports Enrichment Programme – Saturday 6 Sept 9-10.30am

Year 13 Parent/Carers Briefing (virtual) – 18 Sept 5.30-6pm

Year 7 Sports Enrichment Programme – Saturday 20 Sept 9-10.30am

Year 12 Expectations Evening (in person) – 25 Sept 6-7pm (at WGSB)

Year 7 Sports Enrichment Programme – Saturday 27 Sept 9-10.30am

Year 11 Mocks – Parent/Carers Briefing (virtual) – 2 Oct 6pm

Year 7 Sports Enrichment Programme – Saturday 4 Oct 9-10.30am

Academic Awards Evening (in person) – 9 Oct 5.30-7.30pm

Year 7 Sports Enrichment Programme, House Competition – Saturday 11 Oct 9-10.30am

Year 6 Open Evening – 15 Oct

Year 6 Open Morning (by appt only) – 16 Oct

Year 6 Open Morning (by appt only) – 17 Oct

Last Day of Term 1 – 17 Oct

First Day of Term 2 – Thursday 30 Oct

Best wishes,

Stuart Harrington

Headteacher