Blog week ending 7th May
This week we hosted celebratory assemblies and breakfasts for our Years 11 and 13 students ahead of their formal written exams. Shirts were decorated, speeches and form films shared to thunderous applause .. and of course, the Year 7 Guard of Honour provided a (very) enthusiastic cheer as we wish them all the very best for the future and look forward to welcoming many of our Year 11s to WG6.
Miss Skrine, Head of Year 11 added; As we stand on the starting line of the GCSE and A Level written exam season, I want to take a moment to wish our fantastic Year 11 students the very best as you head into this important stretch. Having taught so many of you in PE over the years, watching you push yourselves, build confidence, work as a team, and discover what you’re capable of, it has been a privilege to see you grow into the determined, resilient students you are today.
Just like in sport, your preparation matters. And you have prepared. You’ve trained your minds, strengthened your skills, and shown commitment day after day. Now it’s time to put all that hard work into action.
Every lesson, every challenge, every moment you kept going even when things felt tough has brought you to this point. You’ve shown grit, focus, humour, and heart … qualities that will serve you brilliantly in the exam hall and far beyond it.
Remember: you’re ready for this. And you’re not doing it alone. Your teachers, your families, and your whole school community are right behind you, cheering you on every step of the way.
Give it your best, believe in yourselves, and take each exam one at a time. I’m incredibly proud of you all, and I can’t wait to see everything you achieve in the weeks ahead. Miss Skrine, Head of Year 11
Our Year 13 students’ leavers event is taking place today (Thursday 7th May) and will be reported in our next School Blog.
Careers Update. Introducing our new Careers Lead, Mrs Kennedy, an experienced professional with a wealth of networks and up-to-the-minute intel covering all potential student pathways. We offer bespoke tailored support and resources to every student as they consider their strengths, ambitions and options for future life opportunities. Mrs Kennedy has crafted an exemplary Careers Programme in line with Gatsby Benchmarks, combining one-to-one interviews, visiting speakers, work experience, specialist online and library resources as well as regular careers lessons. Our current Career Programme schedule includes;
Year 7 students have now set up their Unifrog accounts. This online destinations platform provides access to comprehensive information and future career tools throughout their time at WGSG. Each student has their own account where they can explore all the career and next step options available to them and find information on everything from managing their workload to writing a CV. Students have access to a wide variety of video and written content, interactive quizzes and tests.
Both Years 10 and 12 are finalising their forthcoming work experience placements. This valuable work-based experience gives students a genuine insight into working life, help them grow personally and socially, and broaden their understanding of possible career paths. We regard it as an extremely valuable stage in their career journey.
Year 10 & 12 one-to-one careers guidance sessions to ensure our students are fully prepared for their futures. Each student will meet with an experienced Independent Careers Advisor for a personalised careers conversation. The Advisor will provide tailored guidance designed to inspire, inform, and support students as they prepare for and plan a successful future.
Guest Speaker – Barclays Bank Private Banking Apprenticeship Programme. Will be joining Year 11 to give students an insight into opportunities at Barclays with particular emphasis on Degree Apprenticeships.
Guest Speaker – North West Kent College will be delivering a session to Year 10 highlighting course options and college life.
All related letters sent home can be read on our website by clicking here.
Our weekly Careers Newsletter can be viewed on our website by clicking here
Whilst our Year 11 and Year 13 students complete their formal exams we recognise that academic qualifications form an integral, but not isolated, part of their future planning. Mrs Kennedy and indeed all staff play a vital role in inspiring students and broadening horizons as they consider their next steps.
Mrs Kennedy (pictured above) added “I’m really enjoying my new role at WGSG. Stepping into the position of Careers Lead and having meaningful one‑to‑one meetings with students has been a real highlight! Students are hardworking, enthusiastic, and genuinely lovely young people, which makes supporting them incredibly rewarding.”
Year 8 historians travelled to Ypres in Belgium to bring their classroom learning to life. Through visits to memorials and historic sites, including Lijssenthoek cemetery, Langemark German cemetery and Passchendaele memorial museum students explored not only how the First World War is remembered, but how these spaces are designed to evoke reflection and empathy.
At Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, students were struck by the sheer scale of loss, while the Poppy Cenotaph (Peace Monument) encouraged reflection on remembrance and peace. Experiencing trenches and bunkers first-hand, alongside an interactive museum sharing personal stories of soldiers and civilians, helped students understand the war as a deeply human event, not just a historical one.
This week WGSG Art Department took Year 7 art students to the Turner Contemporary to see the Learning to See Exhibition of Optical Art paintings by leading British Abstract Artist Bridget Riley. The students have been learning about simultaneous colour theory in lessons and the power of pure colour in art and the impact of colour combinations used in art to create optical effects. A fantastic study day was had by all and we also were lucky enough to see the new digital landscape window overlooking the sea created by Sir David Hockney that is also open to the public there presently.
Please join me in congratulating Phoebe F of 8A who has enjoyed an incredibly successful season with Cray Wanderers where she plays as a goalkeeper for the U14s team at in the Junior Premier League (JPL). Following a strong season in which her team finished second in the league, Phoebe has been nominated by the Kent FA for trials with Kent County Schools. Her skill and approach to the game has attracted significant interest – Phoebe has recently attended trials with London City Lionesses and Charlton Athletic, has been invited back for further trials with Millwall, and has also been identified for a trial opportunity with Chelsea FC – incredibly exciting times, we very much look forward to future updates and news! To find out more about Cray Wanderers please click here Cray Wanderers FC
We are delighted to share the below report from Burnt Ash (Bexley) Hockey Club regarding the achievements of talented player and Year 9 student, Lucie P
“As the hockey season is coming to an end, I wanted to let you know what Lucie has achieved this season. Lucie continues to represent Burnt Ash (Bexley) Hockey Club at Youth level. This year she played competitively for our Girls U14s and our U16s, plus she also started playing senior hockey for our ladies too. Not only is she a very competent player with great potential, but she conducts herself with great professionalism and attitude. She has performed brilliantly this season and with that in mind, we awarded her U14 Girls – Player of the Year 2025/26. I wanted to let you know what she has achieved and how immensely proud we are of her. She is a great role model for younger girls developing in hockey at the club and has a bright future in the sport. We remain committed to sport in the community and welcome players of all ages and abilities, so if any of your students wish to try hockey or develop their existing ability, we are always open to new members. In fact, we are intending to run some Spring/Summer sessions at DSTC in due course.” Please click here for more details Burnt Ash (Bexley) Hockey Club and to get in touch.
Pictured below, Lucie receiving the winners shield for player of the year for the adult’s team (as well as U14 Girls!) and right, Lucie in action.
Two of our students recently attended the World Cheerleading Championships in Florida with their respective teams – and brought back the trophies! Cheerleading blends athleticism, performance and teamwork and is a popular club (on rotation) delivered by our WGSG PE Department.
Jess G of 10A with her team Unity Allstars Flame and Scarlett H of 11C competed with her team Lady Ice from Ice Athletics – two of only nine teams in England who won a place to compete on the world’s stage in Florida. Both teams progressed to the finals with Scarlet and her team receiving Champion Medals and progressing to Silver Medals in the level 4 open division in the finals! Jess and her team achieved an almost perfect score in the final in their U18 level 5 … meaning they are World Champions – in fact they topped the leaderboard, coming first out of all 47 teams competing in all divisions – an amazing achievement!
Forthcoming Dates;
A Level Exams commence – W/C 5th May
GCSE Exams commence – W/C 5th May
Y12 Geography Residential – 11-14 May
Last Day of Term 5 – Friday 22nd May
First Day of Term 6 – Monday 1st June
Best wishes,
Dave Fuller
Headteacher
