Blog week ending 5th March
Welcome back to all our students and families as we begin Term 4, a focused and consolidating stage of the year, particularly for those preparing for their GCSE and A Level examinations this summer. This term provides valuable time for students to strengthen their understanding, refine their revision strategies, and build confidence ahead of the exam season. We are already seeing a strong sense of purpose across the school.
Alongside welcoming back our current students, this week also brings exciting news for our future community. A warm welcome to all the students who have received their offer for Wilmington Grammar School for Boys. We are delighted that you will be joining WGSB in September, and I look forward to meeting you and your families at our transition events in the months ahead. These sessions are designed to help you feel prepared, informed, and enthusiastic about the journey you are about to begin. WGSB is a school where ambition, resilience, and character are nurtured, and we are proud to support you as you take your first steps into our grammar school community.
Year 12 WG6 enjoyed an unforgettable cultural visit to New York City, a trip that blended iconic sights, shared experiences, and a touch of business inspiration. Led by Head of Business and Economics, Mr Colledge, the group took in the atmosphere of the Financial District, including a stop at the impressive Vanderbilt One viewing deck, before enjoying a lively evening meal at Bubba Gump.
The trip was filled with moments that will stay with them for years; a breezy Liberty Island cruise (“a bit cold on the river!” was the general consensus), an afternoon stroll across the snowy Brooklyn Bridge, and a night-time ascent of the Empire State Building to see the city glittering below. There was even time for some retail therapy at the outlet mall and a celebratory meal at the Hard Rock Café.
Trips like this broaden horizons, build independence, and bring learning to life in ways the classroom alone cannot. We’re incredibly proud of how our students represented the school and delighted they’ve brought home memories to last a lifetime.
A group of 25 Year 12 WG6 students were lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Queens’ College at the University of Cambridge upon return after the half term. They were shown presentations on university life, being a student at Cambridge and how to write an excellent personal statement. They also got to tour the gorgeous college campus and even had some time in the Museum of Zoology! This visit also included a lunch at the Queens’ College canteen which was really enjoyable. Miss Smith added, “We hope this trip inspired students to aim high and pursue their passions with confidence. What a lovely day out!”
WG6 Year 12 Forensics and Criminal Investigation students explored colorimetry to identify the concentrations of unknown solutions. Working with precision and plenty of curiosity, Year 12 used light absorption and calibration curves to uncover what their samples contained. It was a hands‑on practical session that blended analytical thinking with practical skill using techniques used every day in professional forensic labs.
Year 7 Science students explored how springs stretch when different forces are applied, using hanging masses to create a clear and measurable pull. Students carefully added weights one at a time, measured the new length of the spring each time, recordeding their result in a table. Students were able to spot patterns in how the spring behaved and think like real scientists. It was a great introduction to investigating forces in a systematic way.
Library Update. In addition to running our popular Book Club and Chess Club, Miss Netherwood delivers a series of special library lessons designed to enrich students’ wider subject learning. This week’s featured topics were plagiarism, paraphrasing and AI. Year 8 students explored the growing influence of AI on learning, as well as its global environmental impact. They examined the significant energy required to power and cool AI systems worldwide, estimated to be equivalent to the emissions of 5–10 million cars and discussed the large volumes of water needed to support data‑centre cooling.
As we all make increasing use of AI tools to support research, Miss Netherwood reinforced an important message: AI can be a helpful aid, but it can never replace the value of authentic thinking, original ideas, and the ability to communicate a clear understanding of key themes. These skills remain at the heart of successful learning, both in school and beyond.
Year 7 Cricket after school club is in full swing (quite literally!) Following in the success of the fabulous recent cricket tour to St Lucia students are honing their technique ahead of summer match-play. There are lots of opportunities for students to explore new interests via our programme of extra-curricular clubs and societies … our current schedule can be seen on our website here Learning – Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
Our Year 11 Geographers visited Reculver in Kent this week to carry out essential fieldwork as part of their GCSE studies. The coastline at Reculver offers a powerful real‑world case study of erosion, coastal management, and the challenges posed by rising sea levels. Students collected data, observed the impact of long‑term coastal change, and evaluated the effectiveness of local defences designed to protect both the landscape and nearby communities.
The visit gave students the opportunity to apply classroom learning to a dynamic coastal environment, strengthening their understanding ahead of the summer examinations. Despite the brisk sea breeze (thank goodness the rain stayed away!), the group showed great focus and curiosity throughout and were a credit to themselves and the school.
PTA Update. As always, thank you to all parents and carers for your unwavering support, every penny earned goes towards improving the school and enhances our children’s education.
Thank you for being such an important part of our PTA community! If anyone would like to get involved in any way, you would be very welcome!
Last Term the PTA funded Mental wellbeing yoga workshop (in support of Children’s Mental Health Week), New chess sets for chess club and an Art workshop.
We have the following event coming up:
Doughnut and Samosa sale 2nd April – breaktimes. Doughnuts and samosas will be sold at breaktimes, and you can also pre-order these on iPay now.
Preloved School Uniform. We’re always happy to receive donations of preloved school uniforms. If you have any items to donate, please drop them off at Reception clearly marked for the PTA. If you’d like to request any preloved uniform items, feel free to get in touch via pta@wgsb.co.uk
Forthcoming Dates;
Ski Lesson (for those on Ski Trip) – 5 March 3.30-4.30pm
Science Week – 9 – 13 March
Year 8 Football v DGS – 9 March 3:45pm
Year 11 Mock Examinations – 9-13 March
Year 7 History Trip, Tower of London – (7J, 7K, 7T) – 9 March
Year 7 History Trip, Tower of London – (7A, 7B, 7M) – 10 March
Spanish A Level Year 13 BFI trip – 10 March
Year 9 Football v DGS – 10 March 3:45pm
WGSB 1st XI v Hayes – 11 March 2pm
Year 8 & 11 Form Tutor Parent/Carers’ Evening (virtual) – 17 March 4-7:30pm
Ski Lesson (for those on Ski Trip) – 19 March 3:30pm
WGSB1st XI v DGS 25 March 2pm
Ski Lesson (for those on Ski Trip) – 26 March 3:30pm
DofE Training Day in school – Saturday 28 March
Years 11 & 13 Grades Report Home – 2 April
Culture Day – 2 April
PTA Doughnut & Samosa Sale at break time – 2 April
Ski Lesson (for those on Ski Trip) – 2 April 3:30pm
Last Day of Term 4 – Thursday 2 April
Snowsports Trip to Sestriere – Saturday 4-10 April
First Day of Term 5 – Monday 20 April
Best wishes,
Stuart Harrington
Headteacher
