Blog Week Ending 13th February
This term there has been much to celebrate with students across the school excelling in their academic and sporting endeavours. Of particular note, please join me in congratulating Chaniel of 11T who has been offered a scholarship to join Watford FC, in WG6, Year 13 student Genevieve has an offer to study History at Cambridge, our Year 7 Football team have progressed to the Kent Cup final (match report below) and our Maths Challenge students’ have achieved amazing results (more in my next Blog).
Careers Programme Update, Year 11 work experience.
“My name is Ben Coulson, and I undertook the most fantastic two-day work experience placement with Laura Trott MP. On the first day, I worked for Laura’s Policy team in both the Houses of Parliament, and the adjacent Portcullis House (the government offices), whereas on the second day I worked for her Constituency team, dealing with local issues.
At the beginning of the placement, I met with Sam McEwan and Toby, both of whom are members of Laura Trott’s team (Sam being her assistant); They introduced me to Laura Trott and gave me a tour of Parliament – including parts that aren’t open to the public!
The end of the tour coincided with the Speaker’s Procession, a longstanding tradition at the opening of every parliamentary day in which the Speaker of the House and the Serjeant at arms (who holds a ceremonial mace) are shepherded to the House of Commons. It was truly a remarkable spectacle, watching on as Police officers shout, ‘Hats off, Strangers.’ To top it all off, I saw Dr Harris and his Year 12 students who were also visiting parliament!
Following this, I went into the viewing gallery of the Commons and watched the Oral Questions (the daily questions that are asked to specific cabinet ministers, which are prepared before the Questions). I was deeply engrossed the whole time and has further given me inspiration to become an MP.
I then worked on an independent task for two hours, focusing on whether Laura Trott should join TikTok, before presenting my ideas to Sam and Toby.
Lastly, I returned to the viewing gallery to watch David Lammy do his ministerial statement on the humanitarian crises in Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
On the second day, I joined many Teams calls, and phone calls – dealing with pressing issues faced by constituents, before helping build a database of the Phone policies of each school in her constituency – due to the fact that she is now Shadow Secretary of State for Education.
Ultimately, I couldn’t have asked for better work experience, opening my eyes to the endless, yet invigorating tasks an MP does on a day-to-day basis, which has only made me want to get involved in politics more!”
Year 12 Politics students, along with Dr Harris and Miss House visited the Houses of Parliament. The first activity was a tour of the Palace, led by one of the excellent tour guides, where both the floors of the Houses of Commons and Lords were visited. Following this, the students attended ministers’ questions in the Commons, where the Justice minister was answering questions. This was followed by a meeting with Dartford MP Jim Dickson. The final activity of the day was attendance at a session of the House of Lords, where two new Lords were ‘introduced’ to the House and questions followed about the support given to disabled young people and their families.
Year 10 GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition students enjoyed a rather delicious practical lesson ahead of Shrove Tuesday .. pancake day! Students have been studying the applied science terms of coagulation, the solidifying of proteins when heat is applied and dextrinisation, the browning of starch when is heat is applied. And very tasty they were too!
Miss Sweeney’s Year 10 English students have been exploring the author’s portrayal of Mr Hyde as an unforgiving criminal in their GCSE text, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Specifically in this lesson, students are writing a ‘crime report’ based on the central murder of the novella, an exercise in close textual study and retrieving key quotations.
Year 8 English students have come to the end of their gothic literature topic, and as a reward following their assessments, enjoyed a special Dr Who themed lesson! Students watched an excerpt from Dr Who, whilst considering the gothic features it included, before providing examples from the episode to illustrate how the gothic genre is incorporated into the show.
In Celebration of National Storytelling Week, the library hosted a special virtual workshop with the National Literacy Trust featuring the incredibly talented novelist, poet, and spoken word artist Steve Camden. Known for his captivating and dynamic writing, Steve joined us to help selected Key Stage 3 students tap into their creative side and explore the power of storytelling.
The event was a fantastic opportunity for students to dive into the art of crafting stories. Steve led us through a series of engaging activities designed to spark imagination, build confidence, and teach us how to create compelling narratives. From finding inspiration in everyday life to creating unforgettable characters, Steve shared invaluable tips and techniques to help us shape our ideas into engaging stories.
National Storytelling Week is the perfect time to celebrate the magic of storytelling, and Steve Camden’s workshop reminded us that every story matters, and we all have a story to tell. Thank you to Steve for inspiring us and to everyone who participated!
Our Year 7 Football team continue to go from strength to strength and remain unbeaten! They are now nine games unbeaten and following their Semi Final win, against Bonus Pastor School, we have successfully secured a place in the Kent Cup Final.
Match Report. The Year 7 Football Team travelled to Bonus Pastor on a wet and windy Monday afternoon, with their pitch just about being playable.
The team dominated the 1st half, going into the break 4-1 up, and being in total control, however, the 2nd half was a different story. Wilmington stepped off, possibly thinking the game was done and very quickly it became a very nervous encounter with our hosts bringing it back to 4-3. The scoring then went quickly, 5-3 and then 5-4, before Wilmington held their nerve, to pull back control of the game, and securing another 2 goals to end up 7-4 winners. The win takes us to nine wins out of nine, on 7th February, the team won 10-0 against Trinity Belvedere taking their tally to 52 goals and only conceding eight so far this season.
Mr Sage and the boys, now look forward to a day out at the Kent Cup Final – full details to follow. We are part of the Kent Schools Super Saturday, where we will be involved in one of four cup finals on that day. As soon as we have ticket details, confirmation of Kick Off times and opponent, we will share these with you.
The date for our U12 Dennis O’Donovan Kent Cup Final is on Saturday 22nd March 2025 at Maidstone United FC.
WGSB took 43 students and staff to London Scottish RFC for the Premiership Cup fixture against Saracens. The students were noticeably excited for the prospect of seeing the game! When we arrived, the weather had arrived as well, it was wet cold and windy! However, the spirits remained high with the added lure of sausage and chips! WGSB had prime location in terms of seating which had been reserved for the school. The students watched the game unfold and enjoyed the high and lows. The highlight of the day was a spectator playing the bagpipes in the stands and the Scottish national anthem ringing around the stadium. Special mention goes to Miss Sweeney, Mr Sage, and Mr Powell for supporting us on this trip and taking the time out of their Friday night.
WG6 Year 12 Biologists took part in a heart dissection practical to examine the main blood vessels of the heart and the coronary arteries and to carry out a detailed examination of the differences between the chambers and walls between them. Students then produced a scientific annotated drawing of their findings.
PTA Update: The PTA have a few events coming up as detailed below, we would really appreciate any support that you can give to us.
We are always open to donations of pre-loved school uniform, please feel free to drop with the reception for our attention. If you have any need for uniform, please email the [email protected].
Krispy Kreme Doughnut and Samosa sale – 14th February (tomorrow!) – Students will be able to purchase on the morning break in the hall, but pre-orders of boxes are available on ParentPay. All orders to be collected by the students after school on the day.
Easter Raffle – Tickets can be purchased on ParentPay and cost £1 each. We have some great prizes including a chocolate hamper and other prizes. Draw to take place on 28th March.
Pizza Making Workshop – Enzo’s Pizzeria – 27th February 6pm – 8pm – Details and purchase of tickets on ParentPay £15 per person. Tickets are selling fast so please be quick.
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.
Amelia in Year 9 at Wilmington Grammar School for Girls, who is a member of Kent Youth County Council has been involved in making an awareness-raising film and campaign designed by Kent’s young people to tackle street harassment and violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Produced in partnership between Kent County Council, Kent Police and the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit and funded by government. The ‘Don’t Disrespect’ film and campaign is the result of research conducted in schools and youth groups in Kent. This revealed street harassment to be a prolific problem with 75% of girls and women across the country, aged 12 to 21, having experienced public sexual harassment on the street from men and boys.
The campaign challenges boys to take a stand and end street harassment. The aim is to call for boys and young men to recognise that such actions are unacceptable and to empower friends and peers to take a stand and speak up when they witness this behaviour.
Amelia has been interviewed speaking about the campaign on our local BBC news. To view the film and interviews please click the links below.
https://youtu.be/rHTrWrN7FW8?si=IeBxfKCjRQhmNpRR (video)
https://youtu.be/MI0axHJL-YI?si=b5iZRyPcXXedNXkv (interviews)
Forthcoming Dates;
PTA Doughnut & samosa sale at morning break – 14 February
Last Day of Term 3 – 14 February
WG6 Y13 New York Trip – 15 to 20 February
Inset Day – Monday 24 February
First Day of Term 4 – Tuesday 25 February
Year 10 Progress exams – commence 25 February
Year 7 & 8 Grades Report home – 26 February
Computing Live Trip to Disneyland Paris – 2 – 4 March
Science week – 10 March
Ski Lessons at Chatham Ski Centre for Ski trip (beginner) students – 10 March, 17 March & 24 March
Year 12 Politics Trip to City Hall – 20 March
Year 10 North Kent Football Festival @ Bexleyheath Goals – 20 March 2pm
Year 7 Harry Potter World trip – 20, 25 & 27 March
Year 13 Psychology Boost your Grades workshop – 24 March
Senior Citizens Community Afternoon Tea – 28 March 2.30pm
Best wishes,
Stuart Harrington
Headteacher
