Blog

Blog week ending 9th June

Posted on: 09/06/2023

WG6 Politics students visited City Hall, London as part of their studies into devolved governments, their powers and responsibilities. The students enjoyed a fantastic lecture from the education official, giving us interesting discussion points and examples that are relevant not only to British, but also Global Politics (which are the two courses that are studied). Following the lecture, we got to sit on the floor of where the London Government meet and take photos. We also had a photo with London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, who was kind enough to join us for the visit.

Our Year 12 Forensics and Criminal Investigation students wearing full ‘bunny suits’ and protective clothing set up a CSI style crime scene outside the Manor up at WGSG this week. Student investigators secured the scene before conducting a thorough search and evaluation of the area, collecting evidence, taking photos and making sketches to inform their lab evaluations and findings!

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Department Spotlight. Our Design, Technology and Engineering department provides a workplace focused curriculum with emphasis on transferable skills and knowledge providing a gateway to a diverse range of potential further education and career pathways. Students develop their creative and problem-solving skills as they progress, gaining vital skills to support both their future independence and career aspirations.

During their GCSE course students routinely apply knowledge on the safe preparation, techniques, nutritional value and preparation of a wide range of food types and recipes. We regularly welcome specialist guests to contribute to practical lessons and enhance learning. In this lesson we welcomed a fish monger from https://rockpoolfish.com/ in Blackheath to provide a live demonstration on how to prepare a range of fish and shellfish before sharing recipe ideas and tips as we cooked and ate together!

Food and Nutrition students have added a new recipe to their repertoire of delicious meals .. Thai green curry. This is a versatile recipe allowing for both meat, fish and vegetarian variations. The recipe proved very popular with the students in the lesson .. and those passing the food tech classroom!

Our Year 8 Design Technology and Engineering students have been working on a prototype model of their F1 car design. This exciting design and manufacture project is part of the core curriculum and has contributed to the interest and success of our F1 in Schools teams in recent competitions!

Year 10 GCSE DT have been learning how to use a CAD package (computer aided design) called fusion to design maze keyrings. The mazes are then being 3D printed on our Prusa Mini ready to have the 2.5mm ball bearings, laser cut acrylic top and key ring fitted. This is a new skills-based project that has helped with the students understanding of modern technologies and materials with a particular focus on rapid prototyping.

Construction and the Built Environment. Students learn about new technologies, materials and processes that are involved in construction projects, as well as looking at different building styles, careers and sustainability. Students have the opportunity to interpret deign briefs and produce detailed professional quality drawings, and REVIT CAD models of their buildings.

The construction industry offers a wide range of exciting opportunities, from tradesperson to leading large scale construction projects, and from an architect to renovator of our historic built environment. Many of our students go on to take degree apprenticeships and work in this sector with companies such as Whitecode Consulting, Kier, MACE and ISG to name a few.

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To explore our Design Technology curriculum in full please click here

Careers Update. On the morning of Tuesday 20^th June during the Life Programme Sessions up to 30 employers and alumni will be coming into school and going into classrooms to talk to students about their current role, employer, routes in and their Careers Journey. These sessions provide opportunities for students to discover, and ask about, a range of careers pathways and job roles during interactive face-to-face sessions.

During Careers Week curriculum lessons will have a link to subject based careers and where possible additional local employers and alumni will go into classes to discuss options and answer any student questions.

Our Year 12 WG6 students visited the UCAS Discovery exhibition at the University of East London. The exhibition is intended to inspire students regarding their post-18 options and included over 100 universities, colleges and apprenticeship employers. This was a unique opportunity to explore, and shortlist information on different career options, face-to-face with industry experts. This sets up Year 12 well ahead of their Futures Week starting in school on Thursday 15th June.

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Year 7 Drama students have been exploring the dramatic structure and characterisation of Greek Tragedies. Pictured below, students rehearsing a Greek Tragedy performance of their own composition. Greek tragedies were often based on Greek mythology with the ‘hero’ of the piece ending in disaster due to their own failings and as you can see .. we have some extremely dramatic pieces in rehearsal!

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We have two cultural events in school this month, an Art Department exhibition showcasing the GCSE and A Level pieces and a theatre production of Oliver! And on both counts you are in for a treat! The calibre of Art and Photography submissions on display is truly excellent and demonstrates their technical skill and flair for subject. Each a truly personal piece reflecting the artist and their voice.

Tickets are on sale via ParentPay for Oliver! in what is guaranteed to be an outstanding production – some of you will have seen a ‘preview’ number at our recent Spring Arts Festival .. certainly not to be missed!

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Please join me in congratulating brothers Peter and Arthur W (in Years 9 & 7) for their recent sporting achievements. Both competed in the under 16 Longbow category of the NFAS (National Field Archery Society) competition. We are delighted to report that Peter retained his title of National Champion, winning the trophy with a fantastic score (the highest ever achieved in this category in the history of the NFAS championships). This follows up Peter's success in 2022, when he won the under 16s Longbow National Championship.

Arthur won bronze medal in the under 16s category, and as the youngest competitor in this class, this was a fantastic achievement. Both Peter and Arthur are incredibly dedicated and skilled sportsmen and we are incredibly proud of their commitment and success both in archery and here at WGSB!

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PTA Blog Update. The PTA are pleased to welcome everyone back to the school after the half term break! Hope you had a restful and enjoyable one.

PTA Summer Fair and Barbecue. With less than six weeks to go for the PTA Summer Fair and Barbecue which is scheduled at the end of the STEAM week on Saturday, 15th July, we hope you have the date in your diary for what is going to be a great fun event for the whole family. Mr Powell is planning to include a sponsored Army Assault Course at the Fair. Student are challenged to work together to successfully complete the course. The winning team earns a thrilling afternoon at TeamSport GoKarting in Charlton. If any parents or carers could help by contributing items for the assault course such as bales of hay/straw, a stretcher (for part of the course not patients!) or powder paints that would be a huge help and certainly add to the fun of the event. As always, all proceeds will be invested in our students learning experience.

The PTA are always looking for any help and support before, during and after the event.

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B28 Do you have a flair for organising events?

Can you help us distribute e-fliers on social media handles or paper copies?

Would you like to spare some time to help our school raise some funds?

Or maybe you will like to run a stall at the summer fair?

Would you be able to sponsor some part of the event (for instance we urgently require a barbecue stand) or donate prizes for the summer fair raffle draw? No help is too small. Please contact pta@wgsb.co.uk or the school office for more information on how you can support us. Please help spread the news and invite others to the greatest event of the year. Watch out for the Summer Fair raffle tickets on ParentPay. Thank you!

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts / Vegetarian Samosas Sale - Update. Thank you for supporting our Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Vegetarian Samosas sale on Friday, 26 May. We tried samosas for the 1st time and this was well received by the students. You’ve helped us to raise a whopping £449! Watch this space for our next doughnuts and samosas sale.

Pre-Loved Uniform - Our next pre-loved uniform sale will be during our Summer Fair, on Saturday 15 July. Everything sportswear (PE/Rugby kits) will be on sale for any 4 sport items for £10. This offer does not include boot bag*.

Year 11 Uniform Donation: If you would like to donate your Year 11 uniform (especially ties, aprons, blazers) after their exams, can you please put these in a bag and drop off at the school office. Thank you for considering to donate to WGSB PTA uniform shop. In the meantime, the PTA would like to wish all our Year 11s and 13s every success in their exams.

Thanks to everyone who's helped make a BIG difference during this difficult time by raising donations for us via Easyfundraising. If you're not supporting us yet, please sign up now. It takes two minutes & 7,000 brands will donate to us for free every time you shop with them! Visit: wgsbpta easyfundraising

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