Blog week ending 26th Jannuary

Our Year 9 students and their parents and carers attended an information evening to support their decision making as they make their Year 10 GCSE subject choices.

The evening provided me with an opportunity to share the school’s curriculum vision and for us to take parents/carers and students through the options journey. The event was exceptionally productive and well attended.  Special thanks to our Year 11 Student Leaders who have been presenting to Year 9 regarding the options process, providing support and guidance.  To view our Y10 Options Booklet please click here.  For any further information or if you or your child have any questions please email our Careers Adviser on dmartin@wgsg.co.uk

It’s National Apprenticeship Week from 5th – 11th of February 2024, and we will be sharing information including alumni success stories soon.  Apprenticeships are a fantastic choice for many students, either straight after GCSE or after sixth form; parents and carers can find out more about apprenticeships by downloading this guide download the guide The Parents' Guide to National Apprenticeship Week 2024.

I am pleased to share some updates with you all about the bus services from school at the end of the day. We are aware of issues of capacity with the R34, R3 and 423 services, mainly where students are trying to travel into Dartford. As a result of all of your support and some long meetings we have some positive updates about the services.  Please read this carefully as it comes into place on Monday.

• The additional 414 service trial which has been running from WGSG to Dartford Train Station on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday has been successful and will remain in place for the foresable future. Please make use of this service and ensure the bus is full before it leaves, otherwise you may lose it!  Students who need to get to Dartford Station to travel on this service, leaving WGSG at 3.35pm.  The additional service will not run on a Wednesday.
• The R4 will now start at WGSB at 3.30pm and come to WGSG for 3.35pm on a trial basis.  Route has been adjusted to travel via Dartford, to relieve pressure from R34, R3, 423.
• A reminder that all students should remain behind the gates until their bus arrives and that they must follow the directions of the staff and behave sensibly.

Mr Preston’s Year 7 English students are currently exploring gothic literature which is characterised by suspenseful and dark themes with ‘good’ versus ‘evil’ plot lines.  In the below lesson students read a particularly evocative excerpt of The Judges House by Bram Stoker together.  Students re-cap and consolidate learning with a series of ‘quick quizzes’, which, in this lesson deal with the central character .. a ghost!  A very spooky tale indeed – as you can see from the below, a particularly gripping one too.

Year 7 Art students have been experimenting with a range of materials and techniques as a continuation of their topic ‘tints, tones and shades’.  In this lesson students practised techniques using oil pastels to create a range of different effects and textures.  Working with their cover teacher Mrs Russell, students were able to master techniques including scumbling, blending and stippling!

Spotlight on our Science Department.  Mr Barnes and his team provide a fabulous hub of scientific investigation and exploration!  Our extensive curriculum offers Biology, Physics and Chemistry at both GCSE and A Level as well as the very popular Level 3 BTEC Forensics and Criminal Investigation. Our department trips include visits to a rare breeds conservation centre, a Chemistry Live event and a trip to the Old Bailey allowing students to experience the real-life application of STEM subjects.

Next term we will mark Science Week, which is a ten-day celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.  This year the theme is ‘smashing stereotypes’ which aims to challenge stereotypes to encourage more young people, from all backgrounds to see themselves as scientists.

Our Year 9 Biologist have been learning about tissue culture and totipotency.  During this practical lesson students conducted an investigation to clone their own mini cauliflower!  The technique is based on a protocol developed by plant scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and is used in their conservation programmes.

Our WG6 Chemists have been studying ‘thin layer chromatography’ which is used to separate mixtures of substances into their components.  In this practical, students used leaves from a mint plant – we were looking at the molecules present that absorb light during photosynthesis giving us a better understanding as to how plants work and possibly to increase the rate of photosynthesis in greenhouses.

WG6 Chemists completed a practical lesson to investigate how much iron is in an iron tablet using redox titration, which is a laboratory method of determining the concentration of a given substance.

The Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2024 are now open for nominations.  Social Enterprise Kent, who manage the awards are inviting us to get involved… who do you think deserves a Kent Teacher of the Year Award?

“Everyone working in our education system plays a vital role in shaping the future of our children. From the dedicated teachers who ignite passion, to the behind-the-scenes heroes making everything tick along smoothly, we appreciate the hard work and dedication of each and every person shaping the future of our children.

That's why we're excited to invite you to nominate a member of your school community for a prestigious Kent Teacher of the Year Award!

Whether it's a teacher going the extra mile for students, a member of support staff with a perpetual smile, or a volunteer leaving a lasting impact, SEK wants to hear their incredible stories! Hurry, the deadline for nominations is fast approaching, so seize the moment and make your nominations now! Let's give credit where it's due and celebrate those who make our educational journey truly exceptional!”  To make a nomination CLICK HERE

Careers Programme – North Kent Schools Apprenticeship Event.  On Thursday 8th February 4pm – 6pm Wilmington Grammar School for Boys has an amazing opportunity for students to engage with local and national employers and universities as they are hosting the North Kent Schools Apprentice Event in conjunction with The Education People, Careers and Enterprise Company, supported by Ebbsfleet Development Corporation. 

The event has local and national employers from construction, healthcare, accounting, business consultancy and finance, media and events, banking, retail, transport and armed forces. There will also be representation from local training providers, local colleges, and universities such as Ravensbourne University, TEDI London Engineering and Design Institute and London South Bank university.  

Our Year 13 students will have access to this event and the employers in school time between 2pm and 3.30pm.  

We welcome all other students,  parents/carers and other interested parties to attend after 4pm and please sign up using this booking form link: Pre-Registration Form: North Kent Apprenticeship Event (office.com) 

This is an excellent opportunity for students to investigate a future career pathway or to start securing an apprenticeship place for September 2024.

PTA Update.  We are pleased to announce a new PTA event! I hope to see as many of you there as are able, it's great fun.

‘Nearly New’ School Uniform Shop – We have a range of ‘pre-loved’ uniform in excellent condition for sale at very reasonable prices and any donations of surplus school uniform are most gratefully received.  For details & price list or to make a uniform donation, please contact wgsgpfa@gmail.com

Forthcoming Dates;

WG6 A Level Art Trip, National & National Portrait Galleries – Monday 29^th January

WG6 UCAS Deadline – Wednesday 31^st January

Intermediate Maths Challenge - Wednesday 31^st January

Maximising Success Workshops Y10 and Y11 – Thursday 1^st February

North Kent Schools Careers Event Years 9 & 11 – Thursday 8^th February 2pm-3.30pm

Year 13 Grades home – Friday 9^th February

Last Day of Term 3 – Friday 9^th February

New York Cultural Trip – Saturday 10^th February – Tuesday 15^th February

Years 7 & 8 Grades home – Monday 19^th February

First Day of Term 4 – Monday 19^th February

 

Best wishes,

 

Michelle Lawson