Blog week ending 2nd July
It’s A Knockout fun! Students threw themselves (sometimes literally!) into our recent It’s A Knockout Challenge, having the time of their lives as they climbed, scrambled and slithered their way to become House Champions. Students were kept hydrated during the games, with Mr Powell and a super-soaker, ensuring everyone was topped up! After a full day of high‑energy challenges, laughter, friendly rivalry and heroic wipeouts, Mandela House emerged as the overall champions, scoring an impressive 945 points across the tournament. Individual Year competitions were won by;
Year 7 – Mandela
Year 8 – Johnson
Year 9 – Johnson
Year 10 – Mandela
PE Department Announcement! Our Year 8 Cricket Team won the U13 North Kent Cricket competition last night. Mr Sage has provided the following match report “After winning the toss and electing to bowl, our hosts were flying along at 10 overs, for 61-0 off 10 overs. However, after drinks and the 2nd 10 overs, the boys bowled superbly to restrict the opposition to 47 runs and finding 6 wickets to restrict our hosts to 108-6. Special mentions to Sidney M bowling two overs for 1 wicket and 5 runs and Bukkan A bowling 4 overs for 1 wicket and 19 runs.
Going in to bat, our hosts made it as hostile and as difficult as possible. The innings was led well by captain Dawood A, who retired on 31 not out. The innings was a nail-bitter going down to the final two balls. Needing two runs, Rudra S hit the winning runs to secure the victory.
The boys were a real credit, and have been all season. Having finished runners up last year and losing to the same opposition, after winning the group stage this year, the boys have gone one better and won the competition overall this season. If you see any of them, please congratulate them on their achievement.”
75th Anniversary Programme of Celebration. Across the school, we have been marking our 75th Anniversary with a range of dedicated form‑time activities. Students and staff have worked together to develop a series of special events to celebrate this significant milestone in WGSB’s history. As we continue through our year of celebrations, we will be highlighting key elements from our 75th Programme of Celebration.
This Week’s 75th Highlight – Commemorative School Photo – whole school ariel photo (simulation below!) On Friday 10th July we will be attempting our own dramatic commemorative photo! Whilst we will all be part of the photo .. individual faces will not be recognisable.
We’re going on a Bear Hunt! With just over two weeks until the Dartford Bear Hunt officially hits the streets, we are delighted to share details on where to view our, and all other of the 50 Bear Cubs! The trail has now been finalised, and Wilm (our Bear Cub) will be positioned at Deans Gentlemen’s Salon.
The official Dartford Bear Hunt app will go live on 17th July, so please download the App and plan your visit to the Art Trail App – Dartford Bear Hunt
The trail will run from 17th July – 13th September and will be followed by the Farewell Weekend on 26th & 27th September. We are very much looking forward to seeing our students’ beautiful artwork in-situ!
Our Drama Club students have staged a magnificent first performance of their latest blockbuster, Lord of the Flies – if are able to attend the last show, this evening, Thursday 2nd July (doors open 4.45pm for 5pm show), I would strongly advise you to do so! Every student actor and production team are on point, delivering a powerful and hugely enjoyable show! Tickets are available on iPay! Mr Woodbridge added “their collective work ethic and professionalism has made working with them an absolute pleasure – they have all turned in mature and sensitive performances .. worthy of any theatre in the country!” Congratulations to you all!
A big thank you to our amazing PTA who funded the stage lighting .. which as you can see, the students used to great effect, really elevating the production.
Congratulations to our student performers who took part in the recent Gravesham Big Sing which was a vibrant celebration of music from around the world! From Japan to Africa, this exciting concert featured an eclectic mix of fun, energetic, and inspiring performances, showcasing the talents of young musicians across the area. Students gave a spectacular performance – congratulations to Mason S, Filip A, Joshua M, Jude E
Library Update from Miss Netherwood. I am pleased to share the results of last term’s library bookmark competition. We received a fantastic range of entries, and the creativity and effort from students were wonderful to see. Congratulations to all who took part, and especially to our winners:
Winner: Alvin O 7K & Runner-up: Walter A 7T
Their winning designs are attached and will also be printed and given out in the library and used to promote reading across the school.
Careers Update. Our latest Careers Newsletter contains all the latest information, including the many career opportunities available in conjunction with Armed Forces Day including a spotlight on Military Intelligence Officer! Click here for more https://wgsb.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WGSB-26-06-26.pdf
The Year 13 Prom was a most fitting celebration of, and for, our sensational Year 13 students. Chic glamour was in abundance as staff and ex-students enjoyed a magical evening marking the start of their next-steps … and a long (well-earned) summer of relaxation! Please do stay in touch, we would love to hear of your new adventures and would be delighted to support in any way we are able!
We were delighted to welcome back former WG6 student and alumna Grace Cutler, who has returned to WGSG for a science placement as part of her university studies. Now in the second year of her Physics degree at Durham University, Grace has stepped straight into the rhythm of school life, working alongside our science staff and supporting students in their lessons.
Reflecting on her return, Grace said, “Walking back into the science labs feels slightly surreal! But I’m really enjoying getting involved in lessons and seeing how students approach topics I used to love, especially the practical experiments. It’s been great to contribute from a new perspective.”
Her enthusiasm, subject knowledge and first‑hand experience of WGSG are already proving invaluable, and we’re thrilled to have her back in the department.
PTA Update. A Heartfelt Thank You. As we come towards the end of another fantastic year, we would like to say a huge thank you to all of our wonderful parents, carers and families for your continued support.
Your generosity, enthusiasm and willingness to get involved have helped make our fundraising events such a success. Every donation, purchase, volunteer hour and show of support makes a real difference to our school community. We simply couldn’t raise the funds we do without you, so thank you to each and every one of you.
Upcoming Events
Doughnut & Samosa Sale – Monday 20th July. Treat yourself at breaktime with our popular Doughnut & Samosa Sale! Pre-orders will be available soon via iPay, so keep an eye out for further details.
Summer Fair – Sunday 5th July, 11:00am–2:00pm. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to our annual Summer Fair! There will be plenty of fun for the whole family, including:
- Teacup rides
- Trampolines
- Darts
- Test Your Strength
- Traditional tombola stalls
- A barbecue and refreshments
- A fantastic selection of external stalls
- Pre-loved uniform
Don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets on iPay for your chance to win some amazing prizes, including Bluewater vouchers, Amazon voucher, food hampers, gift sets and many more exciting prizes. We hope you’ll join us for a wonderful afternoon of fun, games and community spirit.
Army Assault Course – Sunday 5th July. Children can also take on our exciting Army Assault Course, featuring climbing challenges, colour paint and water slides. It’s sure to be a highlight of the day! Tickets are available now on iPay for £8.
The PTA would like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ for all your generous donations. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to one of our parents for their generous donation to the PTA through their company, Dimension Supported Buildings Ltd, Essex. Their support is greatly appreciated and will help us continue to provide opportunities and resources that benefit all of our children.
Thank you once again to everyone who continues to support the PTA. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 12 Parent/Carers’ Evening – 2 July 4.30-7.30pm @ WGSG
Year 6 Transition Day – 3 July
Summer Fair – Sunday 5 July 11am-2pm
STEAM Week – 13–17 July
Year 10 & 12 Work Experience – 13-17 July
Year 9 DofE – 14-15 July
Last Day of Term 6 – 21 July @ 12noon
First Day of 2026/27 Academic Year – Thursday 3 September (except new Years 7 & 12 whose first day is Wednesday 2 September)
Best wishes,
Stuart Harrington
Headteacher
