Blog Week Ending 3rd April
And just like that, another Term comes to an end! Our Culture Day provides a most fitting and celebratory close to a very busy term, and I am very much looking forward to it! But Culture Day is way more than just a celebration, it is an educational experience that helps build a greater understanding and empathy among our whole community. This event also reinforces our school’s values of inclusivity, respect and equality as well as fostering global citizenship. I will share photos and further information after the Easter Break!
Our Ski Trip have departed for Canada, we wish them a safe journey and look forward to hearing about their adventures upon their return.
Our Year 7s visited the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden this week, building on their Term 3 English unit on Myths & Legends. Students were able to learn more about adapting a book to the big screen, mythical creature design, storytelling and sample the infamous butterbeer ice cream!
We take pride in contributing to our local community with several initiatives including our Senior Citizens Afternoon Teas, raising awareness and funds for local charities such as the Dartford Food Bank and North Kent MIND as well as regular weekly litter picks. Last week our Year 7 students took part in the Great Dartford Schools Litter Pick, coming together to take a collective responsibility to enhance our local environment. Students and staff are always very grateful to the passers-by who stop to thank them for their efforts – it makes students aware of how much their work is appreciated.
Year 12 Politics students visited City Hall, London to see how the London Mayor and the cities government works as part of their studies into how devolution in Britain works.
In the morning the students attended the monthly ‘Mayors Question time’, where London Mayor Sadiq Khan answers questions from London Assembly members. This saw some lively debate taking place! We were fortunate to be recognised when we arrived with a shout out.
After a nice lunch in the brilliant spring sunshine, we attended an education session, led by Richard from the Education team. This furthered the students’ knowledge and understanding of the roles and work of the Mayor of London. As ever, the students were excellent ambassadors for WG6 and were really engaged throughout the day.
Community Afternoon Tea. A great time was had by all. We had around 110 guests who enjoyed an afternoon tea, musical entertainment by our students, as well as Easter cards designed and made by our students and little chocolate egg gifts. There was also a free raffle with prizes ranging from jewellery to chocolates to a spa day for two. After the event, guests perused displays of art by students. A big thank you to the students and staff who made it such a wonderful event. Please look out for info on our website and on socials for dates of future Afternoon Teas!
DofE Training Day. Led by Mr Sage and Mr Hansford, 129 of our Year 9 students were joined by specialist training staff from KCC last Saturday for a training day ahead of their Practice Expedition on the 1st and 2nd May. In groups, students enjoyed sessions on navigation, first aid, team building and campcraft in preparation for their forthcoming expedition. We are delighted that so many of our students are taking part in this truly life-enriching scheme. Mr Sage and Mr Hansford look forward to the students putting their training in practice early in Term 5.
Spring Arts Festival was an amazing showcase of students’ creativity and musicality. Thank you to all Year 7 – 12 musicians who dazzled with modern and classical pieces – we moved seamlessly from Jazz Club to Concert Hall!! The Art exhibition was equally enjoyable – again, thank you to all contributors for a wonderful evening.
Congratulations to the Y7 Football team who share the Kent Cup with Oakfield Grammar after a 2-2 draw. What a fantastic team achievement – you’ve been brilliant throughout the tournament!
Year 7-9 Science House competition. Which we linked to an external competition run by the British Science week organisation in conjunction with the NHS and the scientists at University College London. The scientists have asked students to help by coming up with a new invention to improve the health of the air in our buildings. Students considered the problem faced by hospitals in times such as the Covid pandemic when planning their inventions!
Additional House Points go to winners of the below posters; Noah Q, Charlie P, Jonathan D, Amaury N, and Ebenezer D.
Science in Verse: IF Oxford youth poetry competition 2025. As part of the annual IF Oxford Science and Ideas Festival, they are encouraging young poets to explore the wonders of science through verse. Miss Tame, Head of Science invited Year 10 students to submit self-penned scientific poems and she and her department have been delighted by the many amazing submissions she has received – all were worthy winners. The Year 10 House Competition winners are …
1st Alfie J 10K (poem below)
2nd Kyle S 10A
3rd Alex G 10J
4th David-Anthony M-M10T
5th Louie G 10M
6th Abhishek S 10B
Waves by Alfie J
Waves shrouded with energy to boast,
Traveling from coast to coast,
From oceans deep to the glow of light.
Waves of motion, travelling with might.
The peaks and troughs spike and drop
Flowing infinitely without no stop
Sound, light and heat they bring,
A contrasting collection of everything
A simple dance, a constant rhythm,
Waves reflect via prisms.
The dancing colours flow gently through the air,
Followed by the waves that move from here to there
Waves might rise and waves may fall,
They carry energy big or small.
They proudly boast their mighty flow,
They dance through life, steady and slow.
Huge congratulations to Year 13 student Nina C who has secured a ‘Talented Athlete Rugby Scholarship’ to Brunel University, London. Nina started playing rugby for Sidcup in Year 7 and currently plays for Sidcup U18s, Beckenham Ladies 1st XV and 2nd XV as well as eggchaser 7s. Along the way Nina has won numerous trophies and accolades travelling and playing internationally.
Nina has made an enormous contribution to our WG6 rugby programme and we are incredibly delighted for her! … especially Mr Powell and Mr Corrigan!
Our Library is a busy (but quiet!) hub with students coming to read, work, and as below, revise ahead of lessons! Additionally, our Librarian, Miss Netherwood has set up ‘Reading Nooks’ around school to offer small reading oasis’s for students to pick up a book and enjoy reading. The ‘Reading Nook’ featured below is situated in the Science Block. Thanks go to our wonderful PTA who fund the project!
PTA Update. We’ve had a fantastic Spring Term with the PTA and are looking forward to even more exciting events in the Summer Term! Recently, we were proud to support the hugely successful Arts Festival, held on Thursday 27th March.
Preloved School Uniform. We always welcome donations of preloved school uniforms. If you have any items to donate, please drop them off at reception, marked for the PTA’s attention. If you’d like to request a preloved uniform, please email us at [email protected].
Doughnut & Samosa Sale – Friday, 4th April. We’re holding another delicious doughnut and samosa sale! Pre-orders can be made via ParentPay for collection after school, and students will also have the chance to buy them during their morning break.
Easter Raffle. A huge thank you to everyone who purchased tickets—we raised an incredible £523! Congratulations to our winners, who have been notified by the school office:
• Joseph H (8K)
• Juan R (9A)
• Prince E (7J)
• Ryan D (8A)
• Jonah R (11J)
Matched Funding Appeal. Some employers offer matched funding for charity initiatives, which can significantly boost our fundraising efforts. If you or someone you know can help with matched funding, please get in touch with the PTA—we’d greatly appreciate your support!
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to an exciting Summer Term!
Forthcoming Dates;
PTA Doughnut & Samosa Sale at break – 4 April
Culture Day – 4 April
Last Day of Term 4 – 4 April ends 3.30pm
Ski Trip to Canada – till 10 April
First Day of Term 5 – 22 April
Year 12 Progress Exams begin – 22 April
Year 11 MFL Speaking Exams begin – 22 April
Year 10 Written Report home – 23 April
Year 11 Master Classes begin – 28 April
Year 8 HPV Vaccinations – 29 April
Best wishes,
Stuart Harrington
Headteacher
