Blog week ending 12th November
Academic Awards Evening. Every so often, we are reminded what ambition looks like when it is given the opportunity to flourish. At our recent Academic Awards Evening, we were delighted to welcome back former WGSB student Dr Graeme Poole, whose dazzling career since leaving Wilmington more than twenty years ago demonstrates just how far talent, determination and the right support can take you.
Today, Graeme works with NASA and the European Space Agency as a Planetary Protection Officer. Officially, his role is to protect Earth and other planets from contamination as we explore the Solar System. Unofficially, as he told the audience with characteristic humour, he likes to think of himself as being in Men in Black.
“If you’ve never seen any aliens in your day-to-day life,” he joked, “… you’re welcome!”
While the reality involves microbes rather than little green men, the joke perfectly captured the warmth and enthusiasm that made Graeme such an engaging speaker. After leaving WGSB, Graeme went on to study at Oxford, complete a PhD at Imperial College London and build a career at the forefront of space exploration. Yet his message to students was refreshingly simple: dream big, embrace challenges and don’t be afraid to fail.
Speaking warmly about his time at Wilmington, Graeme thanked the teachers who encouraged his interest in science and gave him the confidence to pursue what once felt like an impossible dream. Remarkably, some of those staff are still inspiring WGSB students today.
The evening celebrated the dedication and achievements of the students who received awards, and we congratulate them all on their success. But the event was also a powerful reminder of something larger.
At WGSB, helping young people discover their strengths, raise their aspirations and realise their potential is at the heart of what we do. Whether their future lies in science, business, education, the arts, healthcare or fields yet to be imagined, our role is to provide the opportunity, encouragement and support to help them get there.
Sitting in that hall were future scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, teachers, medics, creatives and leaders. Young people whose stories are still being written. Who knows where their ambitions might lead?
As Graeme concluded with a smile:
“Reach for the Moon and even if you miss, you might just land on Mars.”
Thank you to all our award recipients, performers, staff and families for making the evening such a special celebration. Above, Graeme pictured next to his name on the school Head Student board and below, a very small selection of photos from the evening.
Year 10 GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition students showcased impressive dexterity, creativity and attention to detail as they designed and created stunning fruit sculpture centre pieces. Demonstrating an understanding of composition, texture and visual impact, each piece was carefully crafted to create maximum effect. As these photographs show, the results were true showstoppers, all designed and completed within just one double lesson.
Year 8 Food Preparation & Nutrition students put their practical skills to the test as they prepared fajitas. As well as practising techniques such as slicing, chopping and safe food preparation, students practised safe handling and cooking of raw meat and presentation! I was surprised to see several of the class prepping their ingredients with teaspoons in their mouths, it was apparently a tried-and-tested method for stopping eyes watering while chopping onions and chillies!! The jury is still out on the science, but our students were certainly convinced! At the end of the lesson, they were able to enjoy the results of their hard work.
Year 7 English students are currently reading (and thoroughly enjoying!) Where the World Ends by Geraldine McCaughrean. During the lesson, students explored the novel’s main characters, discussing their personalities and considering how their traits influence the choices they make throughout the story.
The resulting discussion saw students eagerly sharing their observations and insights, making thoughtful contributions to Ms Green’s class. Students told me they are finding the novel incredibly exciting and are keen to discover what happens next.
Careers Newsletter. The latest Careers news and resources can be viewed by clicking here. This week’s highlights include a spotlight on Engineering opportunities.
WG6 Year 13 Forensics students stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of the UK’s justice system with a visit to the Old Bailey. From the public gallery, students observed live court proceedings, gaining a valuable understanding of courtroom processes, legal roles and the realities of criminal cases. The experience will prove invaluable as they prepare for their forthcoming mock trial assessment.
WG6 Open Event. Year 11 students and their families are invited to join us for our WG6 Open Event on 2 December from 5pm to 8pm (at WGSG).
The evening offers an opportunity to explore our broad range of courses, meet subject teachers and key staff, and discover the many opportunities available through our joint sixth form, from our electives programme to the wider experiences that help students prepare for university, careers and adult life.
While our academic results speak for themselves, there is no substitute for hearing directly from the students who experience WG6 every day. Subject ambassadors will be on hand throughout the evening to share their experiences, discuss course content and workload, and provide a genuine insight into the supportive and welcoming community that makes WG6 such a rewarding place to study.
Remembrance. Students across school took part in a Poppy Project to create their own highly personal remembrance poppy. The finished poppies are on display in the main hall – and what an incredible display it is – both through its visual impact and its poignant messages. Mrs Wisdom would like to make a special mention to Harry in Year 10 who laser cut all the paper poppy templates enabling the project to happen. Tomorrow, the whole school will come together, with many of our students in their local scout and cadet uniforms to share a Remembrance assembly – more will be shared in the next Blog.
WG6 Year 13 students joined members of the local community for the Remembrance Sunday service with St Michael’s & All Angels Church, before taking part in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Wilmington War Memorial. Representing the school with dignity and respect, students joined the community in remembering the courage, service and sacrifice of those affected by conflict.
Congratulations to Jenson of Year 8, who represented England in Korfball over the weekend! Following the England trials, Jenson travelled to Belgium to compete against teams from across Europe. His ability, court awareness and understanding of the game are fantastic, and it’s lovely to see his hard work recognised at this level. Having trialled for both U13 and U15, he was selected for the U15 squad, playing alongside players in Years 9 and 10 – which is a fantastic achievement!
Korfball is a fast-paced mixed-team sport played throughout Europe and around the world, requiring teamwork, skill and tactical awareness. To find out more, please click here
We are pleased to announce our Christmas Afternoon Tea for retired and semi-retired members of our community – is now taking bookings! Please call or email to secure your place .. all details are in the below poster
PTA update. Pizza Making Workshop – Thank You! Our pizza making evening at Enzo’s Pizzeria in Sidcup on Tuesday 20th October was a huge success. The boys made their own pizzas from scratch, and it was lovely to see so many parents and carers joining in and getting to know other WGSB families. A big thank you to everyone who came along and to the team at Enzo’s for hosting us.
There’s lots happening on the PTA calendar over the winter term, and we’d love as many of you as possible to get involved. Every pizza, doughnut, pudding and raffle ticket helps us raise money that goes straight back into supporting the boys at WGSB — so thank you in advance for your support!
Upcoming PTA Events. Christmas Puddings – Order by 20th November. Handmade by Freshfield Bakery in Knowsley and beautifully finished with the school crest, our Christmas puddings make a lovely addition to the table — or a gift for someone special. Order via iPay and collect at the Christmas Fair on Saturday 28th November.
Choose from:
• The Ultimate Christmas Pudding (vegetarian, alcohol-free) – Small (serves 3–4) £9, or Large (serves 6–8) £14
• Sticky Toffee & Luscious Lemon – Small (serves 2–3) £9
Donations for Christmas Fair – Friday 27th November – am. We will be requesting donations from students to include bottles and chocolates for our tombola at the Christmas Fair in return for students wearing non uniform.
Christmas Fair – Saturday 28th November, 11am–2pm. Join us at WGSB, Common Lane, Wilmington, Dartford DA2 7DA for a festive day of fun for all the family! Entry is £1 and includes a raffle ticket, plus there’ll be a tombola, food stalls, Christmas stalls with unique gifts and handmade treats, music, and fun and games for everyone. Everyone welcome!
Christmas Raffle – Draw at the Christmas Fair. Fancy more chances to win? Extra raffle tickets are £1 each, purchased on iPay, with prizes including Bluewater vouchers, hampers, dining vouchers and lots more. The draw takes place at the Christmas Fair on Saturday 28th November — good luck to everyone who enters!
Order your Christmas Tree by 21st November for collection on Friday 4th December – full details in the below poster!
We can’t wait to see you at these events – thank you as always for your generosity and support.
The WGSB PTA
Forthcoming Dates;
Please note the term dates for next year’s academic year (2027-2028) can be viewed on our website by clicking here Term Dates – Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
Year 11 Mocks – last day 12 November
Year 10 Form Tutor Virtual Parents’/Carers’ Evening – 12 November 4-7.30pm
Year 8 Football (National Cup 4th round) – 12 November
Year 9 Football NKC – 12 November
Remembrance Day Assembly – 13 November
Year 9 Trip to Arras Memorial – 13 November
Year 7 Rugby tournament @ Dartfordians RFC – 13 November
Year 11 Careers & next steps 1-1 meetings – from 16 November until end of term
Year 8 Football Kent Cup 3rd round – 17 November
WG6 1st XV Rugby – 17 November
WG6 1st XI Football – 18 November
Year 8 Subject Parents’/Carers’ Evening – 19 November in person 4-7.30pm
Year 9 Football NKC – 23 November
Year 8 Football NKC – 24 November
Year 13 Parents’ & Carers evening – 26 November (at WGSB)
PTA Christmas Fair & Craft market – Saturday 28 November 11am-2pm
WG6 Open Evening – 2 December 5-8pm (WGSG)
Christmas Afternoon Tea – 3 December 2.30-3.45pm (for retired and semi-retired local community)
PTA Christmas tree collection – 4 December 4-6pm
Year 7 Christmas Church Service (morning) – 9 December
WG6 1st XI Football – 9 December
WG6 1st XV Rugby – 9 December
Christmas Concert – 10 December 6-7pm
KS3 Christmas Lunch and Christmas Jumper Day – 14 December
WG6 New York Trip info evening – 14 December 5.30-6.15pm
KS4/5 Christmas Lunch & Christmas Jumper Day – 16 December
WG6 1st XI – 16 December
A Level Certificates & Reception (for last year’s cohort) – 16 December
Year 7 Panto Trip – 17 December
PTA Doughnut & samosa Sale at Break – 18 December
Last Day of Term 2 – Friday 18 December 12noon
First Day of Term 3 – Monday 4 January
Best wishes,
Stuart Harrington
Headteacher
