Blog week ending 18th December
A term of achievement, spirit, and festive cheer. As Christmas approaches, and we enjoy the many seasonal celebrations together, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the many highlights of this remarkable term.
Our students have embraced enriching school trips both overseas and in the UK, broadening horizons and building memories that will last a lifetime. Careers inspiration came through a visiting speaker, while compassion was shown in donations to the local food bank and enthusiastic support for Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day. A shared Christmas lunch brought our community together in festive spirit.
Academic excellence shone brightly with success in the National Maths Challenge, while creativity flourished in festive recipes from our Food Preparation and Nutrition classes and the energy of House Competitions, including the unforgettable staff speed-painting challenge.
On the sports field, our boys achieved success in rugby and football fixtures, with the inter-House Year 7 Rugby Tournament providing a thrilling finale to the Year 7 Saturday Sports Programme. Beyond sport, extra-curricular passion was on display as our Model Railway and Formula 1 teams competed nationally, showcasing innovation and teamwork.
Community spirit was alive at the PTA Christmas Fayre and the joyful trip to the panto, while talent and achievement were celebrated through special assemblies, rewards breakfasts, and our inspiring Academic Awards evening.
This has been a term filled with achievement, generosity, and festive joy. As headteacher, I am immensely proud of our students and grateful to staff, families, and our wider community for their support. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a New Year full of promise and success.
Year 8 MFL students travelled to Lille and Saint Omer trip for an exciting cultural experience! Students took part in a bread making masterclass at a local boulangerie on the first day, later taking in the local heritage and architecture in the traditional French town of Saint Omer, whilst completing a town trail to find out key facts about the old town. On the second day, students had fun sampling local cuisine and practising their spoken French at the festive Lille Christmas Market. Thank you to all staff for supporting with the trip … they and everyone they encountered during the trip commented on how amazing our students were – the staff at the Chateau said it was a shame they were only staying for one night as they had rarely met such a pleasant group of 12-13 year olds!
Our Year 7s, together with Year 7 at Wilmington Grammar School for Girls took part in a Carol Concert at St Michael & All Angels Church. Thank you to all students who gave readings or performed during the service including Oscar from WG6 who played the organ and the amazing Glee Club at WGSG. It was especially lovely to share such a special festive occasion across our two schools. A special thank you to Sharon Stirman, the Children, Families and Youth Minister at St Michaels & All Angels who led the service – to find out about the clubs and activities offered at St Michael & All Angels Church, please click here
Library Event .. Mrs Netherwood hosted a magical festive occasion, Jólabókaflóð, which is a beautiful Icelandic tradition. In Iceland on Christmas Eve, friends and families exchange books as gifts and then spend the rest of the day reading together and enjoying festive treats. The library Christmas tree had a pile of wrapped books beneath – from graphic novels to laugh-out-loud novels and everything in-between for students to choose, unwrap and then settle into a beanbag to read! Mrs Netherwood served hot chocolate and biscuits, making for a wonderfully cozy … and popular event!
Year 12 A Level Design and Technology students have been getting festive and putting their CAD and painting skills to work making Christmas decorations. Designed using Fusion, printed on the school’s new 3D printers and finally hand-painted, it combines a range of skills and is now sparking joy in the Evan’s corridor.
Student leaders delivered the food and treats collected for our local foodbank – which is distributed via St Michael & All Angels – thanks again for your generosity and kindness, I know it will be much appreciated!
Congratulations to all our staff speed-painters! … and special congratulations to Mrs Harding who was awarded first place – the full House Scores are now in ..
The final scores from the votes were; Keller 100, Attenborough 61, Turing 27, Brunel 22, Mandela 21, Johnson 11
Congratulations to the Year 11 students selected by form tutors for their commitment and proactive approach to their GCSE studies. Students thoroughly enjoyed their celebratory breakfast!
11A – Luke M, Arjun V
11B – David O, Lucas D
11K – Akshay P, Willem T
11J - Rohit R, Alex G
11M - Ezra T, Neo V
11T – Dylan H, Phineas C
PTA Update. Our Christmas Fayre featured the biggest raffle we’ve ever held, with an amazing number of prizes on offer. All winners have been contacted, but we’d like to highlight our top three prize winners below:
- £100 Bluewater Voucher – Daniel S (8B)
- Hamper – Teddy P (7J)
- Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula Hotel – Oliver R (7B)
The PTA Lottery has also distributed prizes over recent months. Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who continues to support the lottery:
- September – Anson R (7A)
- October – Amaury N (10T)
- November – Joshua D (7M)
- December – Kabir K (8A)
We also hosted our now annual wreath-making evening, which was once again great fun for everyone involved. It provided a lovely opportunity for parents and carers to chat, connect, and create some beautiful festive wreaths.
Our doughnut and samosa sale was another huge success and, as always, sold out quickly. Thank you to all the students and staff who purchased on the day, as well as those who placed pre-orders.
Preloved School Uniform. We are always happy to receive donations of preloved school uniform. If you have any items to contribute, please drop them off at Reception clearly marked for the PTA. If you would like to request any preloved uniform items, please email us at pta@wgsb.co.uk.
Thank you from the PTA for what has been a very successful year and wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year from all of the PTA.
Forthcoming Dates;
St Lucia Cricket Tour – return home 21 Dec
A Level Certificate Presentation & Drinks Reception at WGSG – 17 Dec 4-6pm (tonight!)
Last Day of Term 2 – 19 Dec 12pm (no break or lunch service)
First Day of Term 3 – Monday 5 Jan
Year 13 Mocks commence – 5 Jan
Festive wishes,
Stuart Harrington
Headteacher
