Blog Week Ending 10th October
Department Spotlight. Our Geography Department offers a dynamic and contemporary curriculum which plays an important role in the understanding of current local, national and global issues such as climate change and the impact of humans on the physical environment as well as world trade. The study of Geography develops critical thinking, navigation skills, and cultural awareness, especially pertinent for navigating today’s interconnected global society. Mrs Barclay, Head of Geography
To read more about our Geography curriculum and learning plans, please click here
Year 11 Geographers travelled to Stratford to focus on collecting primary data to investigate the question: “Has regeneration had a positive impact on the built environment”. We braved the drizzle and collected data from three different locations across Stratford including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and East Village. All students will need to use this data in their Geography exams to answer questions about field work.
Year 9 Geographers have been researching the Colorado River, considered to be amongst the most controlled in the world. Students considered the social, economic, political and environmental impact of the use of the Cororado River before presenting their findings and conclusions to the rest of the class. Each group was challenged to consider different viewpoints and to be able to articulate their findings demonstrating strong oracy skills using ‘geolingo’ throughout.
Mr Simmon’s Year 8 Geographers have been exploring the notion “what is development?” and how we measure it. In this lesson students discussed how Chinese culture has changed over time, sharing their views and findings on white boards. As part of our KS3 EI Programme our students are encouraged to make links across their learning to provide a rounded and scholarly approach when considering ‘big questions’. This term our Year 8s have been considering the Big Question “Is China vital to us?”.
Geography Challenge Stamps. Daisy C and Saanvi K, worked incredibly hard all last academic year in Geography to collect their challenge stamps. They managed to collect 90 in total from completing excellent work and extra challenge tasks and achieved their Golden Globes lunch. Mrs Barclay (pictured below with Daisy and Saanvi) is delighted to report that both are carrying on to GCSE Geography this year.
Maths update! Year 11 Paper Club has launched and is proving to be popular on a Monday. Students have tried their hand at exam questions from both a non-calculator and calculator paper; the sense of satisfaction when students achieve the correct answer, especially when worked through with the help of friends is brilliant to see. All Year 11 students are welcome; please come to the Lodge on Mondays at 3:40pm. To see our full range of Clubs and Activities please click here
Students in Years 8 – 11 have also been working hard with Sparx Maths work with many classes showing teamwork to achieve 100% completion (don’t worry Year 7 – your Sparx journey will begin soon!). More impressively, during Week 5 of Sparx homework, 385 students levelled up with their points accrued from completing questions on Sparx; this includes normal homework tasks, but many students choose to also complete additional learning. The following students have achieved a Level Up to a Milestone Level since the start of the academic year:
Name Form Level
Molly 11H 5
Abi 8C 10
Daniella 8H 10
Nancy 8H 10
Manisha 8C 10
Sara 11A 15
Lily 8W 15
Ruby 8R 15
Akshita 8W 15
Matilda 8C 15
Moksha 8H 15
Sofia 9R 15
Zuha 9C 15
Surraya 9R 15
Summer 10W 20
Louisa 10W 20
Joanna 10R 20
Emilia 10R 20
Khadijah 11A 20
Keira 11H 20
Daisy 11C 20
Yaiza 9R 20
Tammy 9A 20
Azrinaz 10E 25
Kaaviya 10E 25
Ainhoa 10E 30
Ife 10R 40
Ciara 9R 40
Our Year 12 WG6 students undertake a range of work experience placements as part of our Career Programme. These placements have great value not just in providing an insight into an industry or role but are a vital part of students’ preparation for ‘next steps’ giving practical experience for university applications and workplace interviews. Additionally, these opportunities can boost confidence, self-esteem and independence. Our Electives Programme provides extra opportunities for work experience via placements at our primary school, Wilmington Primary .. and as you can see from the photos below, our WG6 students really do add value to the classroom experience for the pupils!
As part of our Student Leadership Programme, students from across the school have been enrolled on the “The Power of Coaching” training delivered by coaching specialists Olevi. The programme upskills students with the skills and tools to be able to mentor, motivate and support their fellow students across the school. Additionally, every WGSG staff member has already completed the same course, with some staff progressing to the advance coaching stage – coaching is an established part of our school culture.
We have recently been included in the Good Schools Guide, quite an accolade as every school in the Guide is selected on merit alone, schools cannot apply to be included or influence their findings. The Good Schools Guide provides an invaluable tool when moving to a new area or informing decision making when choosing new schools. Our full entry can be read here
Our student Dartford Harriers were in the medals again as they competed in the recent Club Championships. Congratulations to you all – a great competition that yielded PBs and a clutch of 15 medals between them!
Candy (Y11)
200m – 2nd place – Silver medal
Chikamso (Y11)
100m – 3rd place – Bronze medal
Triple Jump – 2nd place – Silver medal
Long Jump – 2nd place – Silver medal
Hope (Y11)
300m – 2nd place – Silver medal
Rebecca (Y10)
100m – 2nd place – Silver medal
75m Hurdles – 2nd place – Silver medal
Triple Jump – 1st place – Gold medal
Long Jump – 5th place
Manroop (Y9)
200m – 2nd place – Silver medal
300m – 1st place – Gold medal
High Jump – 2nd place – Silver medal
Long Jump – 3rd place – Bronze medal
Chloe (Y8)
75m – 2nd place – Silver medal
150m – 1st place – Silver medal
Long Jump – 1st place – Gold medal
Considerate Parking. Please can I ask that all parents and carers who collect their children from school be mindful of our neighbours, access for buses and the safety of our students when parking near our site. Unfortunately, we have had a number of issues recently where buses and neighbours’ cars have been blocked in or obstructed causing significant delays and inconvenience to all.
The PFA is only possible with the active help and support of the parents, friends and relatives.
We are a relatively small, friendly group but we do need more people. If you are able to spare some time, we urge you to become more involved in the PFA – and help make a difference. You could choose to be either a regular member (as part of the PFA committee), or a volunteer and help out occasionally at events. There are no minimum time commitments. To find out more please contact [email protected]
Key forthcoming dates:
Year 11 Parents’ Evening – Thursday 10 Oct (In Person)
Year 6 Open evening – Thursday 17 Oct
Year 6 Open Day (Booked Event) – Friday 18 Oct
Year 11 PE Trip Cyclopark – 22 Oct
Last Day of Term 1 – Friday 25 Oct
First Day of Term 2 – Thursday 7 Nov
Year 11 mock examinations commence – Monday 11 Nov
Year 8 Parents’ Evening – Thurs 14 Nov (virtual)
Best wishes,
Michelle Lawson
Headteacher
