Blog week ending 1st October
Our Year 7 Saturday Sports Programme has already brought together students from across the year group to enjoy a wide variety of activities and Inter House competitions. Alongside the sporting challenge, it has provided a brilliant opportunity to make new friends, work as part of a team and have plenty of fun along the way. Congratulations to Johnson House who won the Year 7 Inter House football tournament! Over 160 students represented their Houses in what was a thoroughly exciting event enjoyed by all! With the programme set to culminate in an Inter House Rugby Competition on the 10th October, there is still plenty to look forward to. We are incredibly grateful to the staff who generously give up their Saturday mornings to support the programme, particularly our PE department. We are also thankful to our PTA, whose support and refreshments every Saturday are always very much appreciated!
Our new extra-curricular timetable is now available, with a wide range of opportunities from sport and strategy to culture, languages and academic societies, there truly is something for everyone! We encourage every student to explore the opportunities on offer, discover new interests, develop new skills, meet like-minded peers and make the most of everything WGSB has to offer beyond the school day.
To view the Extra-Curricular Clubs and Societies Timetables please click here
Our Computer Science Club is a dedicated session where students can get involved in programming and coding projects, or drop in for Computer Science study support.
Lego Club. From F1 racing cars to intricate board game builds, Lego Club challenges students to design, create and think like engineers.
Dungeons and Dragons (pictured), just one of the clubs offered by Miss Netherwood, our librarian.
- Chess Club – Monday after school
- Book Club – Friday lunchtime (KS3 & KS4) – currently exploring a selection of crime fiction titles
- Scrabble Club – before school on Fridays
- Dungeons & Dragons – Tuesday after school
Additionally, at lunchtime and break, students can use the PTA funded table tennis (pictured, students playing ‘round the world’) or make use of the (equally popular!) four square hand tennis courts!
Inspired by a range of portrait images, Miss Gubbins Year 10 GCSE Art students have been developing their painting skills and understanding of colour theory. Working carefully at their easels, they produced vibrant studies that showcase their growing confidence in the use of colour, tone and brushwork.
In English, Miss Egemensoy’s Year 8 students began the lesson by reading their own choice library books before turning their attention to The Hunger Games, the text they are currently studying. Taking turns to read aloud, students explored how the author uses language to create atmosphere and convey emotion.
Through a ‘Think, Pair, Share’ activity, students discussed and refined their observations with a neighbour before sharing their ideas with the wider class. The lesson focused on exploring Panem as a society shaped by danger, injustice and resentment, helping students develop their analytical and discussion skills with some well-observed and articulated contributions – well done!
Year 12 A Level Art students have started work on the first section of their portfolio, exploring skeletal anatomy through dynamic observational drawing. Using a range of gradients and tones to demonstrate form and proportion, students developed their understanding of structure and movement under the guidance of Mrs Cregan.
PE Department update from Mr Lynch, Head of PE. In addition to the Year 7 Sports Programme, we also had two rugby fixtures taking place. Our Year 8 and 9 teams took on Gravesend Grammar school. This was no mean feat with Gravesend Grammar being a rugby only grammar school with an outstanding reputation within the sport. I’m pleased to report that both sides did the school and department proud. The level of rugby played on both pitches was excellent and the commitment shown from our students deserves huge praise.
The Year 8 side won 13 tries to 5. Special mention to team captain Divine E (8M) with 5 tries and vice-captain Sam R (8A) who was man of the match. We would like to thank Gravesend Grammar school for hosting the fixtures.
The Year 9 started so well with a 17-0 lead. They almost held onto this lead but just fell short despite pushing for the final try throughout the final 10 minutes of the game. The way Gravesend celebrated the win showed just how hard the Year 9 team pushed them. An outstanding rugby game and tries were scored by Harry S (9J), Jason (9T) & Chetanna (9J). Play of the match was shared between Oliver (9T) and Zander (9M).
Y8 Rugby Team
The Year 9 rugby team made an outstanding start to their Kent Shield campaign yesterday, defeating Hayes School 78-0. The match was played in a fantastic spirit, reflecting the values of the game and the sportsmanship shown by both teams. Congratulations to Harry S, Jonty H, Aani K and Hudson B-S for their excellent performances. While Hudson impressed throughout, Harry’s six tries saw him deservedly named Player of the Match.
We welcome the opportunity to share and congratulate the achievements of all students who compete or contribute to activities outside of school (as well as within!) – and this fortnight we have been made aware of the below students’ news.
Congratulations go to Daniel P of 9K who is both an accomplished hockey player and athlete. Daniel recently competed at the weekend (representing Dartford Harriers) at the U14s Kent Athletics Championships.
Sadly, he just missed out on a medal (by 6cm!) but came 4th in the Long Jump with a distance of 4.85m which is also his personal best this year. Additionally, last weekend Daniel also played hockey three times (Kent Development Centre at Holcombe) as well as Burnt Ash HC Mens’ Dev Side and then trained with Burnt Ash HC U14s/16s! inclusion too!
Mr Lynch added “I’ve taught Daniel for the last couple of years and he is a great all-round sportsman. He’s a pleasure to teach!”
Daniel is pictured (second from left) with his fellow Dartford Harriers teammates.
Please join us in a huge congratulations to gymnast Charlie of 7J who earlier this year was selected for the GB Development Squad and now trains alongside Team GB gymnasts at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, the home of British elite gymnastics. Charlie is as dedicated as he is talented, training 12 hours a week at Bromley Valley Gymnastics Club, where his hard work and determination continue to drive his progress.
Charlie is currently the English Champion in the 11–12 age category, an achievement he is justifiably proud of. His next major challenge comes later this month, when he will compete at the British Championships at Telford International Arena, where he will take on some of the best young gymnasts from across the country.
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 the boys 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. 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 and 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 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
