Blog week ending 17th September
Welcome Back! I hope you and your families have had a wonderful summer and 
found some time to relax, recharge and enjoy yourselves.
It has been fantastic to welcome our students back to Wilmington Grammar School for Boys and to see the school buzzing with energy once again. There is always something special about the start of a new academic year; new opportunities, new challenges and plenty of possibilities ahead.
A particular welcome goes to those students joining our community for the first time. We are delighted to have you with us and look forward to helping you make the most of everything WGSB has to offer.
As always, I am excited to see what our students will achieve over the coming months, both inside and outside the classroom. I wish everyone a happy, successful and rewarding year ahead, and I thank our families for their continued support.
Pictured below, our newest students settling into school life and learning here at WGSB!
Year 7 scientists have been getting to grips with laboratory equipment and safety procedures as they begin their Science studies. In this featured lesson, Miss Waller’s students were introduced to microscopes, learning about their different components and how to use them correctly. Working with prepared cell slides, they practised focusing and observing specimens, building the skills and confidence needed for future practical investigations.
All Year 7 and Year 8 students enjoy dedicated library lessons as part of their timetable. These sessions provide opportunities to discover new books, develop a love of reading, and take part in a range of engaging literacy-based activities.
In the lesson featured below, Miss Netherwood’s Year 7 students completed their library induction and received their library accounts, giving them full access to the school’s extensive collection of books. As the photographs show, students were excited to explore the wide variety of titles available and begin their reading journey. We encourage all students to make the most of the library, borrow regularly, and discover the enjoyment and benefits that reading can bring.
In addition to library lessons, Miss Netherwood runs a number of popular extra-curricular clubs:
- Chess Club – Monday after school
- Book Club – Friday lunchtime (KS3 & KS4) – currently exploring a selection of crime fiction titles
- Dungeons & Dragons Club – details to be confirmed
Whether students are keen readers, aspiring strategists, or looking to try something new, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Library.
WG6 welcome new and returning students. We are delighted to welcome our new Year 12 students to WG6. Our Sixth Form community is enriched each year by students who choose to continue their education with us, alongside those joining from other schools. Together, they create the vibrant, ambitious and supportive environment that defines WG6.
WG6 Elective Programme – Broadening Horizons. At WG6, education extends far beyond the classroom. This week, we are delighted to launch our Wednesday afternoon Elective Programme, offering students a diverse range of enrichment opportunities to develop academically, personally and professionally.
Whether enhancing research skills, studying finance qualifications, pursuing individual personal development interests via sport, art and theatre or learning entirely new skills such as Mandarin, students will have the chance to engage in experiences that broaden their perspectives and prepare them for future study, employment and life beyond Sixth Form.
Our Elective Programme is a cornerstone of the WG6 experience, reflecting our commitment to developing confident, well-rounded and ambitious young people.
Pictured below, the Year 12 Elective Programme assembly with Dr Harris speaking about the value of the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), our Scholars Group with Mr Salt who are currently working on university applications and our Year 12 Football group in action!
Featured lesson below, Learning through investigation, Year 12 Physics students explored electrical circuits, testing ideas, diagnosing faults and refining their solutions through practical experimentation.
Our latest Careers Newsletter includes a range of exciting opportunities, and inspiration for students as they consider future pathways. To read, please click here
Please join me in congratulating Year 8 student David E of 8K who delivered what was described by Mr Pope as a ‘masterclass’ at the Kent County U14 Combined Event Championships at Tonbridge School. David competed in the 5 events as follows:
80m Hurdles: 13.55s, Long Jump: 4.82m, Shot Put: 12.44m, High Jump: 1.57m and 800m: 2:25.18. Total score: 2515pts.
David’s score is not only a club record, a championship record, a county record but also a British Record for the pentathlon at Under 14. David was presented with a gold medal from KCAA and a shield.
Mr Pope added “To me what was particularly pleasing was the way David conducted himself. He is a good sportsman, congratulating other athletes, thanking volunteer officials for their time, carrying himself with dignity and class. We are extraordinarily proud of him and his achievements.”
Congratulations also go to Sam S in Year 11 who was selected to play in the Kent U15 side to face the MCC on Saturday 5th September at Lords Cricket Ground. This is the second year in a row Sam has been selected to play in this fixture. Sam opened the bowling and had the best bowling fixtures of the match with 2-15 from his four overs.
Sam was the schools cricket captain for four years and his coach Mr Lynch had this to say about him, “Sam is an outstanding talent. He is the complete all-rounder as he bats, bowls and is exceptional in the field. Despite his amazing talent, his character and leadership are his main strengths. I believe he will play an extremely high level of cricket and to see him perform so well at the home of cricket at such a high level makes us all extremely proud. As well as playing for his county he represents Dartford CC, often representing their 2nd XI in the 4th tier of Kent adult cricket. Everyone at school is proud of Sam and we would like to congratulate him on such a strong performance.”
Update from our wonderful PTA. We have a Busy Term Ahead!
There’s lots happening on the PTA calendar over the next couple of months, 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 students at WGSB, so thank you in advance for your support!
Upcoming PTA Events
Pizza Making Workshop – Tuesday 20th October, 6:00–8:00pm. Join us for an evening at Enzo’s Pizzeria in Sidcup, where students make their own pizzas from scratch while you sit back with a drink, or roll up your sleeves and join in the fun. It’s also a great chance to meet other WGSB parents and carers. Tickets are £15 for children (includes a free soft drink) and £20 for adults (includes a glass of prosecco). Spaces are limited and allocated first come, first served, so book now on iPay.
Krispy Kreme Doughnut & Samosa Sale – Friday 23rd October. Catch us at break times (10.00–10.25 and 10.50–11.15) for Krispy Kreme doughnuts and freshly made samosas, £1.50 each or £2.50 for two. Fancy stocking up? Pre-order a box of 12 doughnuts for £12, or a box of 6 samosas for £6, through iPay. Please note, the doughnuts aren’t suitable for anyone with wheat, egg or milk allergies, please see the Krispy Kreme website for their full allergen list.
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. 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
Order via iPay and collect at the Christmas Fair on Saturday 28th November
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.
Christmas Fair – Saturday 28th November, 11am–2pm. Join us at WGSB 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!
We can’t wait to see you at these events — thank you as always for your generosity and support.
The WGSB PTA
Forthcoming Dates:
Year 7 Sports Enrichment Programme – Saturday 19 September
PTA annual general meeting – 24 September 6pm
Year 13 Expectations Evening Video – 24 September (emailed home)
European Day of Languages – 25 September
Year 7 Sports Enrichment Programme – Saturday 26 September
Year 12 and Beyond Evening – 30 September
Year 7 Sports Enrichment Programme – Saturday 3 October
Whole School Photograph – 6 October
Year 7 Sports Enrichment Programme – Saturday 10 October
Academic Awards Evening – 15 October 5.30pm
WGSB Open Morning – 20 October 9.30am-12noon (by appointment only)
WGSB Open Evening – 21 October – 4.30pm-7.30pm
PTA Doughnut & Samosa sale at break – 23 October
Last Day of Term 1 – 23 October
First Day of Term 2 – Thursday 5 November
Best wishes,
Stuart Harrington
Headteacher
