Blog week ending 24th November

Our annual Christmas Hamper competition is a joyous event and demonstrates our students' (and their families!) empathy with and generosity to, those less fortunate than themselves .. whilst showcasing a great deal of creativity!  As is traditional, the hampers will be divided between donations to families and elderly members of our local community and as prizes in our PTFA Christmas Market Tombola.  Please do join us on Sunday from 11am (till 3pm) for Christmas gifts, festive refreshments and of course a chance to win one of the sensational hampers! 

Another date for your diaries is Thursday 7th December 6pm for our Christmas Concert at St Michael and All Angels church Wilmington.  Students will be performing along with students from Wilmington Grammar School for Boys.  We will also be having our joint Year 7 Christmas Carol Service with the WGSB students in the same week.

I will make sure to include photos from the Fair and of the hampers in the next Blog.

We observed Remembrance Day with a whole-school assembly, where we remembered the sacrifice and bravery of the young men and women who died during conflict.   As a community we reflected upon the role played by members of our own families and of those in our local area.  Across our Trust, students and staff from all our schools attended local acts of remembrance and laid wreaths in the soldiers’ memory.

I am delighted to share that we have two new Heads of Year with immediate effect.  Head of Year 9, Ms Santarosa and Mrs Sloane as Head of Year 8.  They have already introduced themselves to students and will be writing to introduce themselves to parents and carers in the coming week.  I know that they will be a superb addition to the pastoral team led by Mr Biggenden, Senior Head of Year and oversight of Year 7 and 8 and Mrs Munden, Assistant Head Teacher Behaviour, Wellbeing and Safeguarding.  Please do continue to speak to us with any concerns affecting your child so that together we can support them.

PE Update from Mrs Selfe.  We had a fantastic afternoon of Netball. It was great to see two schools coming together, with all displaying great sportsmanship whilst playing with determination as a team.

The Year 8 match was first, and wow did our students impress, particularly in the first 3 minutes. They demonstrated slick passing, helping them to take the lead and so by the end of the first half, the score was 7-3. This meant DSTC came out fighting in the second half, really upping their game, reading our movements well and although our team fought it out till the end, we unfortunately lost 8-12.

Teacher Player of the Match: Jasmine C and Mathuziga S

Next was the Year 7 match. Energy was running high, with a mix of nervousness for both schools, as it was all their first match representing their school. The first half saw both teams battling hard, with the ball moving up and down the court with interception after interception. At half time, the score was 2-2. DSTC came out fighting again and due to their tactical switches, they took the win (4-2). We are very proud of our students that took part, demonstrating strong footwork and teamwork.

Teacher Players of the Match: Ruth B and Annabel A

Opposition's Player of the Match: Olivia H

Year 7 have just completed their ‘Friendly Monsters’ in their DT Textiles unit.  As you can see from the photo, they have designed and made rather wonderful monsters!  The topic’s aim was to develop hand embroidery skills and provide an introduction to using the sewing machine. 

Year 10 Chemistry students have been investigating the displacement reaction of metals.  During the practical students recorded their observations and then applied their understanding of the reactivity series to interpret their results and draw a conclusion.

WG6 Chemistry Students were applying their knowledge of calculating energy in fuels to the food that we eat. Students have to plan the practical before the lesson to help them prepare for their unit 3: science investigation examination.

Y12 WG6 Chemistry students had the opportunity to attend the A Level chemistry live conference in London where they heard lectures from award winning professors from leading universities on topics such as nerve agents, material chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and nanotechnology.

WG6 Electives take place each Wednesday afternoon giving students the opportunity to choose activities that complement their A Level studies or allow them to develop new interests or life skills.  In the below session Mrs Bennett, our WGSB Art Technician led a session on Gelli printing.  Mrs Bennett who recently joined us is passionate about design and crafting and is an accomplished artist and jewellery maker.  Whilst her background is in education she has also spent a good deal of her life riding horses and motorbikes as well as being part of an all-girl motorbike stunt team!

House Events.  Throughout the year, there are a variety of challenges for students to gain points for their House in the hope of winning the House Cup at the end of the year!  I am very pleased to tell you that the next subject challenge has been set in Art by Mrs Langley.  Submit your entries to the House Challenge Art Teams page to be in with a chance of winning a prize and House Points! 

Forthcoming Dates;

WGSG Christmas Market & Gifts Fair – Sunday 26^th November 11am-3pm

WG6 Open Evening (at WGSG) – 29th November

Year 11 GCSE Science Live – 1^st December

Year 10 & 11 PE CycloPark – 5^th & 7^th December

Year 7 Christmas Service with WGSB – 6^th December

Christmas Carol Concert (together with WGSB) – 7^TH December at St Michael & All Angels Church – parents/carers welcome!

Y11 Mock examination results – 13^th December

Last day of term – 20^th December 12noon

PTA Update.  We are now able to offer pre-loved uniform ALL YEAR ROUND!  Please see the below poster for details on how to check availability and place orders.  WGSGPFA@GMAIL.COM

For more details on our PFA click here

Best wishes,

Michelle Lawson

Head Teacher