Blog week ending 6th January

Welcome to Term 3, I hope you and your families all enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing break over the festive period.  This Term, like all others(!) promises to be a busy one with a number of trips planned including a Business trip to New York a Politics trip and dry slope ski lessons for those joining the school ski trip as well as mock examinations for Year 13.  Additionally, I am delighted to introduce two new teachers who join us this term; Miss Ryder, Teacher of MFL and Mr Ryan, Teacher of English.  Mr Ryan’s ‘virtual’ introduction is below, Miss Ryder’s will follow in a future blog.

Mr Ryan brings a wealth of experience spanning teaching, curriculum planning and mentoring.  In the below lesson Mr Ryan and his Year 8 students have been discussing Gothic Literature, specifically the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.  “The students are demonstrating a great appreciation of the genre, their contributions to class discussions have been extremely well considered and insightful, well done class!”  “I am looking forward to working with WGSB students to support their academic aspirations and future career plans”

Year 9 Design & Technology students are currently in the Food Tech cycle and in this lesson have baked mini quiches.  Students perfected making shortcrust pastry and added fillings of their choosing.  Bailey, pictured below left, made mushroom quiches as they are his mum’s favourite and it’s her birthday today – a delicious birthday treat!

Mr Lynch’s PE Department are certainly ensuring our students are shaking off the Christmas break.  In the below lesson Year 9s were perfecting their digs and sets .. which are both volleyball moves!  Students then took part in game play to practice their newly mastered techniques.

Our Year 11 PE GCSE students are currently revising socio-cultural influences and specifically, ethical factors in sport.  In this topic students have been discussing sporting values and behaviour including health and safety and the use of performance-enhancing drugs.  Students are currently revising their work ahead of a topic test.  The tests form part of student and staff preparation ahead of their examinations in the summer and allow students to identify any potential areas for further study and revision.

Mr Pope’s Inter-House competitions kicked-off with a mix of physical and cerebral challenges.  Years 7, 8 and 10 were in action this week competing for House Points with a rowing challenge, team fitness challenge and a board game competition!  For the full schedule of activities and timings please ask your form tutor or speak with Mr Pope.

It was such a pleasure to be able to return to whole school assemblies.  Our last assembly of Term 2 was a celebratory one, where we recognised and congratulated students who had received certificates and prizes for exceptional effort and achievement.   

Join the PTA: Together we can make a difference! Our PTA members are an integral part of our school culture and provide a variety of opportunities for involvement in our school community. The PTA brings together parents, carers and teachers to enhance the work of the school by running events and raising funds which directly benefit the students and enrich their school experience.  Additionally, the PTA support and help at school functions and events. Everyone is welcome, regardless of how little spare time you may have - you can still make a BIG difference. Contact pta@wgsb.co.uk for more information on how you can support the PTA.

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Best wishes,

Stuart Harrington

Head Teacher