Blog week ending 11th November

Welcome back!  I hope you all had a relaxing half term.  The series of Sporting Saturday Sessions for our Year 7 students came to a dramatic finale with an inter-house rugby tournament!  Over the course of the Saturdays, students have enjoyed taking part in a range of sporting activities including Touch Rugby, Football, Handball, Team obstacle course and Lacrosse in a bid to try out new sports and develop new skills.  It has been brilliant to see so many of our students and their families come along, join in and benefit from the experience.  Across the year group students have demonstrated tenacity and resilience as well as great talent and skill – well done everyone!  Our special congratulations go to the winning Rugby team …. Darwin!

I’d like to thank all our families and staff for their input, and for giving up their time in the support of our students.

Additionally, it has been an amazing start to the year for the Year 7 rugby team.

Recent results:

WGSB vs St Olave’s Grammar School – 8-6 Victory

WGSB vs BETHS Grammar School – 11-1 Victory

WGSB vs Bexley Grammar – 5-0 Victory

Whilst these three wins were particularly pleasing, Mr Lynch would like to congratulate all 28 players that have so far represented the school rugby team so far. There has also been an amazing 60+ students at the Year 7 rugby club each week. The club is open to students of all abilities and as a department we would like to thank Science technician Mr Harris for his support at these training sessions as well as congratulate the students involved in the team and those who attended the weekly club.

This morning, we observed Remembrance Day with a whole-school assembly led by students from our Student Leadership Team.  I shared an excerpt from the poem ‘For The Fallen’, by Laurence Binyon who writes of the innocent young people, fighting against an unknown enemy, often sent off without any idea of what awaited them or the price they would pay for their bravery. This moving poem highlights the devastating effects of conflict on a community.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,

Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;

They fell with their faces to the foe.

 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: 

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

The role WGSB students have is a very clear. As intellectually gifted young adults, students have a tremendous responsibility on their shoulders. The reason we wear poppies is not only to remember fallen soldiers but also to serve as a symbol of hope for the future. Our students, together with all young adults will be the torch bearers for a world that does not let violence and conflict define what it is, and for hope and reconciliation, understanding and empathy. 

October is a time to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of Black people throughout history. However, so much of the history of African People and the Black Diaspora has been ignored from the History Books. 

The theme for this year's Black history Month was one of Hidden Histories.  As a school we learnt about the first Black British Boxer Bill Richmond; Mary Seacole the first Black nurse to serve in British Army during the Crimean War; Claudia Jones the Caribbean political activist who was the founder of Notting Hill Carnival; African American Civil Rights Campaigner Bayard Rustin; Ignatius Sancho the first Black man to vote in Britain; the first Black British Army Officer Walter Tull who also played for Tottenham. The students were asked to produce a creative piece of work which celebrated the significance of a remarkable Black individual. 

The national theme for Black History Month is Actions not Words. Our school has a commitment to fulfilling our vision for our community. 

The Year 7s are currently studying the African Romans and will go onto study the Emperor Mansa Musa of Mali – the richest man of all time.  

The Year 8s are currently studying the life of the African Tudors who held positions from deep sea divers to royal court trumpeters. They will go on to study the Civilisations of Benin, Mapungubwe and the Zulu.   

The Year 9s will study the role of the British West Indies Regiment during the First World War and will later study Black British Civil Rights Movement during the 20th Century.   

At Wilmington Grammar School for Boys; we strongly believe that Black History is a part of History. It is a part of the Global, National and Local History. Therefore, it is our history.  

A team of plucky WGSB Quizzers (the Wilmo Wizards) took part in a National general knowledge competition run by Britannica Magazine.  Our Ms Fisk, Librarian subscribes to a large number of periodicals including daily newspapers and magazines covering a wide range of subject areas and interests.  Britannica is a factual magazine aiming to de-bunk ‘fake news’ and highlight an amazing range of real-life stories and facts. On Friday we will find out if our team have made it through to the grand finale, so stay posted!

Also, please remember that WGSB can earn up to £1,000 of non-fiction books vouchers if parents and grandparents sign up to a subscription – just remember to select WGSB from the drop-down list at the online checkout at www.britannicamagazine.co.uk

The latest Scholastic Book Club leaflet is also out now, great if you’re looking for presents. So, go to https://schools.scholastic.co.uk/wilmington-grammar-for-boys and see what is available. Your purchases earn 20% in School Rewards.

Mr Brooker’s Year 8 Engineers have been working on their prototype racing cars as part of the F1 in Schools STEM challenge.  Each student has designed and built their own car ahead of the first trials (and races) later this term.  Students will analyse and evaluate the performance of their cars before reviewing their designs ahead of the team heats!  This exciting project links STEM curriculum as well as highlighting FI related career pathways including mechanical engineer, designer and electrical engineers.

Mr Palmer, Head of Music is currently scouting for students to be involved in the forthcoming WGSB production of Oliver!  Auditions have started for the lead roles and students are signing up to back stage roles .. but it’s not too late to get involved!  For more details please see Mr Palmer (or check the music board for updates)

Four of our Year 9 students have been entered in the National Language Competition

Richard C, Alex S, Freddie W, and Peter W are our linguistic code-breakers working with a range of languages to solve puzzles. 

Working with Mrs Deicher over the course of the week, the students were set a variety of exciting language- themed challenges and games on an online platform with the aim to score the most points. The students can access the tasks at any time but need to work as a team to solve all the puzzles. 

The overall national winning team will be announced next week. We wish them the best of luck and we're confident they will rise to the challenge!

Our Year 7 Scientists are involved in a wide range of practical lessons to support their learning.  These practical lessons help students understand the principles of scientific enquiry as well as improve understanding of theory through practical experience as well as develop higher skills such as communication, teamwork and perseverance.  One practical, ‘Tutankhamun’s dagger’ is a two-part challenge that saw students panning for gold! – the traditional method of metal extraction for ancient civilisations.  In the second stage students extracting copper and iron from their oxides.

Elsewhere students conducted an investigation based on Scott of the Antarctic and his doomed expedition to the South Pole.  In this lesson students considered  how much fuel mass would be required to provide water for each explorer as well as looking at the impact of friction on pulling the sledge.

WG6 A Level Chemists have been investigating the level of active ingredient in anti-acid tablets in order to measure the quantity of calcium carbonate. This was achieved by titrating a solution made form the anti-acid tablets and a solution of acid (of known concentration).

Our Geography A Level students recently travelled to a very sunny Margate to develop their fieldwork skills.  Students surveyed environmental quality across the town collecting data on perception of regeneration.  Highlights included fish and chips and tour of the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery, plus lots of laughs along the way!

WGSB PTA Blog Update.  PTA lottery: The PTA will like to say thank you to everyone who purchased the PTA lottery, which has now closed. Please watch this space every month as we announce the monthly draw winners.  If you missed out, don’t worry, you still have another opportunity to raise money for the school as the Christmas Raffle Tickets will go live on ParentPay from next week (w/c 14 Nov). Watch this space for more information.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Sale Update.  Thank you for supporting our Krispy Kreme Doughnuts sale on 21 October. You’ve helped us to raise £656.40 which will go towards the Outside Dining Room project!

Christmas Trees fundraising scheme Reminder - Have you placed your order for your Christmas tree? Payment links are in your child’s ParentPay  account to purchase a 'real' Christmas Tree from the PTA. There are five tree options and prices to choose from, ranging from £29.25 (3-4ft) to £53.50 (premium grade 7-8ft tree). You would be required to collect your tree from the school from 4pm on 2nd December.  Don’t forget, deadline to make payment is Monday, 21 Nov. Please share the information with your friends and families as they are welcome to purchase from us. For further information especially for people who don’t have access to the ParentPay , please send an email to pta@wgsb.co.uk and a member of the PTA will be in touch with you. Thank you for supporting the PTA to raise much needed funds for the school.

Christmas Fair: All hands are on deck as we prepare for the greatest PTA event of the year ... the WGSB PTA Christmas Fair which will be held on Saturday 3^rd  December from 10:00am - 2:00pm.

 featuring lots of Christmas stalls including;

• Fantastic and fabulous Christmas gift ideas
• Chocolates Tombola
• Drinks Tombola
• Toy Tombola
• Mulled wine and Mince Pies
• Delicious treats
• Christmas Hampers
• Children’s Corner - face painting, crafts and decorations
• Wellness Corner - (Reflexology taster sessions)
• Christmas Raffle - with lots of fantastic prices to be won
• Bacon and Sausage Rolls and hot drinks
• Pre loved skiing clothes and equipment
• And lots more . . .

You don’t want to miss this event! Come along and buy your gifts and get into the Christmas festive mood at this fun-filled family event. Entry is Free Entry, but don’t forget your CASH.

There will also be nearly new uniform and pre-loved Christmas Jumpers stalls at the event!  We hope you will plan to attend this wonderful event. 

And finally,

Rudolph calling all Elves……Rudolph calling all Elves

Can you spare some time to help collect donations (chocolates/drinks/pre-loved items/etc) from the students? (Fri, 25 Nov, 8-10am, tbc)

Can you spare some time to help us setup for the Christmas Fair? (Fri, 2 Dec, 4-6pm)

Can spare some time on Christmas Fair day to help man a stall/setup/tidy up? (Sat, 3 Dec, 8am - 3pm)

Can you donate (clean) pre-loved items (Christmas jumpers, skiing clothes and equipment) in good condition?

Can you donate prizes for the tombola/hampers/raffle draw?  If so, please contact pta@wgsb.co.uk to let us know your availability and for more information on how you can help us. Remember, every little help goes a long way. Thank you!

Upcoming Events - Please save the dates!

Next PTA Meeting - Monday, 21 November 6.00-7.00pm; {Virtual}

Christmas Tress Payment Deadline - Monday, 21 November

Christmas Trees Collection - Friday, 2 Dec

Christmas Fair - Saturday 3 Dec

Best wishes,

Stuart Harrington

Head Teacher