Blog week ending 4th June
As we enter the final term of the academic year, there is a strong sense of anticipation across the school community. Term 6 is always a particularly rewarding time, where we see the results of sustained effort alongside a rich programme of events that bring learning to life both inside and beyond the classroom.
Our Years 11 and 13 continue to approach this important exam period with focus, maturity and determination. Their commitment to their studies has been evident throughout the year, and I know they will continue to give their very best in the weeks ahead.
Alongside examinations, there is a wide range of opportunities for students to engage, explore and celebrate their talents. From Year 12 preparing for their next steps through Futures Week and the UCAS Discovery event, to our younger students undertaking their end-of-year assessments, this term reflects both achievement and progression at every stage of school life.
There are also many moments to look forward to as a community. Events such as Sports Day, the Drama Club’s production of Legally Blonde, and our Music Showcase promise to highlight the creativity, enthusiasm and teamwork of our students. Transition events for our incoming Year 6 students and WG6 induction activities will ensure that new members of our community feel welcomed and inspired as they begin their journey with us.
Experiential learning continues to play a vital role in enriching our curriculum. Educational visits, including the Year 10 Geography trip and the GCSE Food Preparation trip to Italy, provide valuable opportunities to broaden horizons beyond the classroom. Enrichment Week, in particular, offers a truly exciting programme of learning, cultural and social experiences both in the UK and internationally, with opportunities ranging from a MFL visit to Paris, participation in the MEP programme in China, and watersports activities in Spain. These experiences are instrumental in developing confidence, independence and global awareness in our students.
As always, we value the strong partnership between school and home. Events such as our parent/carer evenings provide an important opportunity to work together in supporting each student’s progress and wellbeing.
It promises to be a busy, purposeful and memorable conclusion to the academic year. Thank you, as ever, for your continued support and for playing such an important role in our thriving school community.
Our Year 8 Mandarin MEP students enjoyed a memorable and hands-on dumpling workshop at a well-established restaurant in central London. Stepping into the role of budding chefs, they learned how to knead dough from scratch and skilfully roll it into delicate wrappers.
With guidance from expert chefs, students explored the art of dumpling-making, mastering a variety of shapes and techniques. The highlight of the session was learning the intricate skill of crafting xiaolongbao, complete with the impressive challenge of creating 18 perfect folds!
Of course, the best part followed: our “master chefs” had the chance to taste both the restaurant’s signature xiaolongbao and their own handmade creations. It was not only a delicious reward but also a moment of great pride.
This workshop offered a truly immersive experience for our Mandarin learners. Beyond developing culinary skills, students used the opportunity to practise their language skills in a real-world setting.
The MFL Department organised a House Challenge, “Poetry in Motion,” which took place on Thursday 21 May 2026. The event was open to Year 7 and 8 students and was held in the Lodge during KS3 lunchtime.
This was a great opportunity for students to showcase their oracy skills, express their creativity, and strengthen a sense of community by representing their House.
Congratulations to our winners:
Lavigne M (7R) and Molly D (7A) for Bader
Matilda L (7A) and Zosia R (7W) for Singh
Zoya S (8C) and Freyja G (8C) for Franklin
Selfie’s Stars! Mrs Self is leading a new initiative for our Year 9 recognising all those students who consistently uphold our school values, are focused learners and make a positive contribution to their lessons and the wider school community. The scheme runs until 26th June with nominations welcome from all staff. All feed-back will be shared with students .. and one lucky student will win an Amazon voucher!
Library Update. Ms Booth, our Librarian runs a series of extra-curricular and study clubs. One such club, The Gaming Guild (featured below) is a club where students can play Dungeons and Dragons inspired games. This club fosters creativity, teamwork, problem solving and strategy, social engagement and is a huge amount of fun too! The current campaign is themed on the Victorian Gothic and is attended weekly by many students in KS4 and 5, and also Mr Green!
Additionally, Ms Booth welcomes students to use the Library and its many resources to support revision and homework study and is on hand to provide any additional help needed. Also pictured below Year 11 students making last minute preparations ahead of their GCSE’s. Year 11 have use of both the Lodge and Library whilst undertaking their exams.
As we approach the summer, the Library is also running the Summer Reading and Writing challenge once again. Students are encouraged to read a range of books in various locations and/ or write in a variety of styles. Forms can be collected from the Library.
And finally, if you hold a Kent, Bromley or Bexley library card you can borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks for free using the Libby from Overdrive App! Your local council library has a range of different titles available to borrow – all you have to do is select your local public library, sign in using your library card and PIN. You can also find ‘Getting Started guides’ and other tips at help.overdrive.com.
Year 7 Scientists enjoyed a practical lesson as part of their Seed Dispersal topic. Students have explored key concepts including the importance of seed dispersal for plant survival and range of adaptations of seeds to match their dispersal methods.
Careers Update – our latest Newsletter includes a round-up of the latest news and opportunities and can be viewed on our website by clicking here WGSG Edition 9
We have been asked to share the below improtant advice and information
Staying Safe Around Water. Recently, as temperatures increase, there have been a number of incidents up and down the country where young people have got into difficulty around water. Tragically, some of these young people have lost their lives. This term, we will be educating your child on the importance of staying safe around water and what to do if they or someone else gets into difficulty. To reinforce this important message, we ask you to speak with your child about the dangers of water and to look at the websites linked below together to get more information: Staying safe around water – GOV.UK
Float to Live. Would you know what to do if you got into difficulty in the water? Float by following these five simple steps – it could save your life.
This advice is useful to everyone, however you use the water. It has helped save the lives of more than 50 people in all sorts of situations. From children in rip currents to runners falling into canals, from people swept out by waves, to fisherman falling overboard.
The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety. Practise floating in a supervised location like a swimming pool.
5 steps to know how to float
- Tilt your head back and submerge your ears
- Relax and control your breathing
- Move your hands and legs to help stay afloat
- Your legs may sink and that’s OK as everyone floats differently
- Find your float by practicing at a supervised location
Watch the video and get more information from the RNLI: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 10 Parent/Carers’ Evening – 4 June
Year 12 UCAS Discovery event University of East London – 4 June
GCSE Food Preparation Trip to Italy – 8-10 June
Years 7, 8 & 9 Exams – 8 – 12 June
Year 12 Futures Week – 15-17 June
Year 10 Geography Trip – 17 & 18 June
WG6 Induction Day – 22 June
Drama Club Production – Legally Blond – 24 & 25 June
Sports Day – 25 June
Year 6 Transition Evening – 30 June (5.30pm-6.30pm)
Music Showcase – 2 July (6-7.40pm)
Year 6 Transition Day – 3 July
Year 12 Parents/Carers’ Evening – 9 July
Enrichment Week – 13–17 July
Years 7, 8 & 9 Data & Reports home – 13 July
Years 10 & 12 Work Experience – 13 – 17 July
Last Day of Term 6 – Tuesday 21 July (12noon)
First Day of 2026/27 Academic Year – Thursday 3 September (except new Years 7 & 12 whose first day is Wednesday 2 September)
Best wishes,
Dave Fuller
Headteacher
