Blog week ending 18th June
Our Year 10 students took part in an inspiring Future Pathways Event, giving them the chance to explore different pathways and think more deeply about their future options.
The day began with a session from Hayley Green of North Kent College, who introduced students to a range of vocational pathways and explained how practical, skills‑based courses can lead directly into exciting careers.
Students then joined a virtual encounter with Canterbury Christ Church University, where they learned more about student life, from academic study, to clubs, societies and campus experiences. To finish the day, Zoe Mackenzie, Cyber Security Partner at Tesco, delivered an engaging talk on the importance of curiosity and problem‑solving in cyber security. Her insights highlighted how rapidly this field is growing and the wide range of roles available.
It was a valuable day full of ideas, inspiration, and new possibilities for our Year 10s as they begin to consider their next steps.
Year 12 recently attended the UCAS Discovery Exhibition at the University of East London. They spoke with a variety of universities and other businesses/providers to continue their exploration of post-18 options. It was a great day!
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.
Mrs Sloane, Head of Year 10, is delighted to share that Shentyt (Year 10E) has submitted an essay to the internationally renowned John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize. Competing in the International Relations category, Shentyt’s essay explores the question: Are the US’ budget imports from China detrimental to the state of their economy?
The John Locke Institute competition challenges students to think beyond the classroom, encouraging independent thought, critical analysis, and persuasive writing. Entries are judged by leading academics from top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford. This prestigious competition offers scholarships to top performers, with the overall winner receiving a Junior Fellowship and a $10,000 award. Winners will be announced at a special ceremony in London in October 2026. We wish Shentyt the very best of luck an impressive achievement and a fantastic opportunity to showcase her academic talent on a global stage.
Our Year 10 GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition students recently enjoyed a highly enriching trip to Sorrento and the Bay of Naples, the heart of Italian cuisine. This region, renowned for its simple yet exceptional food, provided the perfect backdrop for students to deepen their culinary knowledge and cultural understanding.
During the visit, students very much enjoyed exploring authentic Italian food traditions. Highlights included learning the art of pizza-making, perfecting dough, mastering the balance of sauce and cheese and preparing traditional dishes such as gnocchi. They also discovered how mozzarella and ricotta are made, and explored the differences between gelato and sorbet, even creating their own.
The group visited a range of family-run farms and local producers, gaining first-hand insight into food production. From understanding how olives are harvested and turned into olive oil, to exploring the significance of local produce such as lemons grown in the region’s fertile volcanic soil, students developed a deeper appreciation of ingredient quality and provenance.
The trip was not only culinary but cultural. A visit to the historic site of Pompeii and time spent exploring Sorrento enriched students’ understanding of the region’s heritage. This memorable visit has undoubtedly enhanced students’ practical skills, broadened their horizons, and strengthened their enthusiasm for food and learning. We are incredibly proud of how they represented the school throughout the trip.
Year 8 Music students are exploring beat and rhythm in their current topic. In the pictured (very energetic!) lesson, students worked with drums to practise their learned patterns of sounds using pulse and rhythm to play short pieces. Excellent work!
An ensemble of our talented musicians visited the Bright Horizons Wilmington Day Nursery to showcase different musical instruments and inspire the very young. Fortunately, the weather was perfect allowing an open-air showcase and our audience was truly appreciative! I hope to have more visits in the future, encouraging a love for Music and performance.
Students to thank – Jui, Ayia, Nitya and Eva.
Date for your Diary – Music Showcase on Thursday 2nd July at 6pm in the main hall. Students from all year groups will be performance skills in bands and as soloists. See you there!
(Another!) Date for your Diary – Our latest School Blockbuster – Legally Blonde. The student cast, directors and production crew are taking part in their final rehearsals and preparations ahead of show nights next week – be sure to get your tickets! I look forward to seeing you there.
It’s A Knockout Challenge. To mark the end of the exam period and as a fundraising opportunity (charity chosen as donation in memory of our recently passed and much-loved teacher, Beth Mead). Year 7-10 will take part in an ‘It’s a Knockout’ style challenge – a letter with further information can be read by clicking here. Please note that without parental consent, to which information can be found on the letter, your child will not be able to take part in the challenge.
We were very proud of the students who represented the school (and Dartford Harriers) at Kent School Championship at Bromley last Saturday. All represented both their club and school in an exemplary way. Special congratulations go to Rebecca and Manroop who have both been selected to represent Kent this Saturday at Schools Inter-Counties at Medway.
Estelle (Y7), Chloe (Y9), Manroop (Y10), Rebecca (Y11)
Transport Update – new private coach provider. From September 2026, Abbey Travel will be taking over the Home to School transport services for both Wilmington Grammar Schools and Dartford Grammar Schools, previously operated by DJ Coaches. DJ Coaches have kindly worked with Abbey Travel to ensure a smooth transition and have shared existing pick-up points and route information so that there will be no changes impacting the current service provision for students.
Termly tickets to travel will are now available to purchase via the Abbey Travel website: www.abbeytravel.com. Parents/Carers can contact Abbey Travel directly by email: info@abbeytravel.com or via telephone: 0208 312 9514.
We have been asked to share the below information posters.
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 10 Geography Trip – 17 & 18 June
WG6 Induction Day – 22 June
Drama Club Production – Legally Blond – 24 & 25 June
It’s A Knockout Challenge Years 7 & 8 – 24th June
It’s A Knockout Challenge Years 9 & 10 – 25th June
Year 6 Transition Evening – 30 June (5.30pm-6.30pm)
Music Showcase – 2 July (6-7.40pm)
Sports Day – 2 July
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 – w/c 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
