Blog week ending 19th March
It has been an exceptionally inspiring fortnight here at school, with students across every year group demonstrating dedication, teamwork and sheer enthusiasm through a wonderful range of sporting and enrichment activities. From outstanding performances in county-level competitions to impressive victories on the netball court, our young people continue to show what can be achieved when talent is matched with hard work and a positive spirit.
I am continually proud of the way our students represent our school, whether competing for medals, taking on new challenges, or simply supporting one another with integrity and encouragement. This week has highlighted not only individual excellence, but also the strength of our wider school community: our volunteers, staff coaches, and teammates whose efforts behind the scenes make these opportunities possible.
Alongside these fantastic sporting achievements, we also celebrated creativity in a different form, when our GCSE Music students took to the stage for their showcase. We were all delighted to see their talent and commitment shine just as brightly as our athletes’.
Below you will find a round‑up of some of the remarkable achievements and events our students have taken part in recently. Each one reflects the determination, resilience and joy that define our school’s approach to personal development.
PE Department Update. Twenty-nine students had a great day out at Jumpers Rebound Centre in Gillingham this week competing in Kent Schools Trampolining Competition. All students that competed will be receiving their certificates in their year group celebration assembly over the next fortnight.
We would like to give a big thank you to the following students; Erin B, Elodie C, Jasmine, Sara, Elia, Esme, Giulya and Lois who helped the officials by recording Time of Flight (TOF) and DD Videos which were used by the chair of judging penal and Difficulty Judge when necessary.
The following students came home with medals, and/or trophies for placing in their categories:
Individuals – Esme earned a 3rd place Trophy in U15 Intermediate; Erin C earned a 3rd place Trophy in U13 Elementary; Asaya earned a 2nd place Trophy in U13 Elementary; Lois earned a 2nd place Trophy in U14 intermediate and Olivia earned a 1st place Trophy in U13 Intermediate.
Teams – Bella, Imogen and Eva received Silver Medals for placing 2nd in U13 Elementary; Indy, Sadie W, Olivia and Elodie G received Silver Medals for placing 2nd in U13 Intermediate; and Erin C, Rosie Asaya and Bebe received Gold Medals for placing 1st in U13 Elementary.
Huge congratulations to all our fabulous competitors!
A final thanks to Mrs Selfe and Miss Jacques for officiating and Miss Skrine as an execution judge. All in all, a very successful competition following a great season of training!
What a fantastic night of netball! Our netball teams did Wilmington proud, with four wins for all year groups. Well done to all those involved.
Year 7 – player of the match – Marnie F. Won 4-2 against Wilmington Academy
Year 8 – player of the match – Amyra R. We won 8-3
Year 9 – player of the match – Kamilah F. We won 3-2 against Wilmington Academy
Year 10 – player of the match – Isabelle Payne. We won 8-2.
International Women’s Day Sporting Event. Mrs Shooman-Taylor took ten very excited Year 7 students to Princes Park, Dartford, to play in an invitational football tournament to celebrate international Women’s Day – they had never played as a team before, and the day was centred around empowerment, participation and enjoyment. The students did really well battling against much more experienced players and even managed a 5-0 win for their last match of the day! The students were – Raven, Matilda, Lavigne, Ire, Lois, Jada, Hamidah, Yvette, Ruby and Josette.
Our Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh participants attended their training day at North Cray Scout Hut. 93 students are completing the award this year and participated in a day of camp craft, tent building, map skills, menu planning and a two hour walk which they navigated themselves! The students had a great day but were tired by the end – Ben Bullen staff were very complimentary of the students; particularly their ‘spirit’ and ‘enthusiasm’. I’m looking forward to supporting them through their next six months of completing the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections of their award before their Bronze Expedition in October. Mrs Shooman-Taylor
Congratulations to Sara S in Year 9 who, together with her TeamGym team have qualified for the prestigious British Gymnastics Championships which will take place in Newcastle next month. Sara’s team were placed third in the Southern Qualifiers securing themselves a place in the Championships! What a fantastic achievement – we wish you and the team every success!
Our Music Department’s GCSE Showcase Performance was nothing short of magical. Mrs Dent and our talented Music students delivered a stunning concert that highlighted the immense skill, musicality, and showmanship of our GCSE performers.
It was a joy and a privilege to share the evening with parents, carers, fellow students, and staff. Mrs Dent and I, along with everyone in attendance, couldn’t have been prouder of what they achieved.
Mrs Maycock’s Year 7 Mathematicians have been deepening their knowledge of angles together with intersecting and parallel lines with this quick-fire quiz. Using whiteboards, students were able to show not just their answers but the reasoning behind their calculations, before moving on to tackle a series of increasingly challenging questions. Mrs Maycock was particularly impressed by their confident use of precise mathematical terminology.
Dr Novikova’s Year 7 Scientists threw themselves into classic chemistry this week, investigating how to test for hydrogen gas. Using test tubes, hydrochloric acid and glowing splints lit from the Bunsen burner, they carried out the reaction and listened for the unmistakable ‘pop’. The lab was full of surprised laughter, rising pressure in the tubes, and plenty of wide‑eyed moments as results were recorded in neatly organised tables. A brilliant introduction to practical science, and a class buzzing with curiosity from start to finish.
Our Year 10 Scholars enjoyed a thought‑provoking session this week led by Miss Smith, Deputy Head of WG6 & Teacher of Psychology to explore the purpose and impact of academic research. Together, they discussed how research shapes the world around us and how these skills can be applied beyond the classroom.
The Scholars programme supports some of our students with the highest aspirations who are aiming for competitive university pathways and academic careers. It sits alongside the wide range of personalised opportunities we offer to all students, ensuring every student is challenged, supported, and inspired to pursue their ambitions. This session gave our Scholars a taste of the curiosity, independence, and critical thinking that underpin successful study at the next level.
Year 8 Food Preparation and Nutrition students have been learning about sustainability, food provenance and seasonality during their current topic. Using the principles learned students adapted a recipe to use in-season fruit for their apple and chocolate marble cake – and rather delicious it was too.
Library update. In addition to specific clubs, Ms Booth, our Librarian provides students with laptops to borrow to support their work as well as a range of board games students can use during break and lunchtime. As you can see, our Library is an incredibly popular lunchtime destination! Also pictured, a small selection of our ‘Blind Date Books’ these are mystery selections students choose based on the annotations by other students rather than front covers and blurb – a brilliant way to discover your new favourite book and explore titles outside of your usual choices.
Our WG6 Year 13 Biologists students have been busy putting microbiology into practice this week. After preparing and incubating their own bacterial cultures, they returned to the lab to examine the results, carefully counting colonies on agar plates to calculate cell density. By comparing growth at 24 and 48 hours, they’re seeing first-hand how rapidly populations can expand and how experimental conditions influence microbial behaviour. It’s a brilliant blend of theory and hands‑on investigation, and the class handled it with real scientific precision.
Careers Update. Each week, our Careers Lead, Mrs Kennedy produces a Careers Newsletter detailing a host of resources including, new work experience opportunities, ‘job of the week’ inspiration as well as further education tips and news. This week’s Newsletter can be read by clicking here
The PFA are delighted to be hosting the Year 11 Prom on Friday 19th June. It will be a chance for students to have a final goodbye with their peers.
The PFA are working with the school to provide outdoor seating and weather coverage so that sitting outside at all times of the year is an enjoyable experience. Thank you to all who have contributed big and small over the years. Without your help and support these items would not be possible.
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 7 EI Celebration Evening – 25 March
Year 11 Grades Report home – 30 March
Culture Day – 2 April
End of Term 4 – Thursday 2 April
First Day of Term 5 – Monday 20 April
Year 12 Progress Exams – 20 April-1 May
Year 10 Written and Grades Report home – 21 April
Best wishes,
Dave Fuller
Headteacher
