Blog Week Ending 5th December
Year 7 students have been considering questioning techniques during Epistemic Learning sessions and how best to frame open-ended questions which encourage exploration of a topic rather than restrict answers to a limited set of possible answers. Students will go on to develop a key question which they will respond to from a multi-disciplinary viewpoint considering relevant learned knowledge from every subject. In future lessons students will produce Academic posters to share their findings, much like a PHd student would at a conference.
Mrs Selfe led a busy programme of netball events including Year 7 netball against St Georges. What an amazing afternoon! Even though the matches were played outside, the students did not let the cold weather deter them. They performed fantastically, showcasing their physical skills as well as teamwork. Well done to everyone involved:
Azurra C, Ella Mott, Poppy P, Isabelle P, Drucilla D, Poppy S, Florence W-S, Isla D, Clara P, Amyra R, Isla L, Gracie N, Eve B, Lily L, Indy A and Bella B.
Team 1: Won 6-1
Team 2: Won 12-1
Player of the Match for Team 1: Florence W-S in 7E
Player of the Match for Team 2: Eve B in 7W
On 26th November our teams’ took part in four fixtures at WGSG.
Year 10 and 11 played against Cobham Hall. It was a tough match as Cobham demonstrated robust strategies and slick passing as well as a strong ability to intercept high balls. Our students did not give up despite losing 12-2 but we will learn from this as we know now what we need to really focus on for next time. The player of the match was Grace B.
Year 9 played against Wilmington Academy. Our students were very strong, with quick passing. They worked in great conditions despite losing light towards the end of the game. They persevered and played fantastically, winning 8-1. The player of the match was both Elsie N and Jasmine C.
Year 8 also played Wilmington Academy and we won 12-1. They too worked well despite losing the light. The other school commented how polite and lovely they were to play against. The player of the match was Olivia H.
Year 7 played Wilmington Academy and yet again demonstrated fantastic teamwork. The support they have for one another is truly commendable. The students had a strong game plan, knowing exactly who was best suited to each position. They won the game 5-1 and the player of match was Azzurra C.
Congratulations to Hepworth who are currently in first position with a grand total of 9,561 House Points to date this academic year! All House Points awarded to individuals or through whole-house competitions are included, with numerous opportunities for students to add to their House’s total including House Challenges. Our current challenge has been set by our Art Department (as below).. and I am looking forward to helping judge the entries! Good luck everyone.
Year 12 Art students visited the “Drawn to Blue” Exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery of Art London. Students spent the day researching, analysing and making practical observed drawings from the Drawn to Blue Exhibition currently held in the Gilbert and Ildiko Butler Drawings Gallery at the Courtauld Gallery of Art. Our students were learning about the selection of mainly figurative drawings on blue paper from The Courtauld’s collection, ranging from works by the Venetian Renaissance artist Jacopo Tintoretto to watercolours by famed English Artist Joseph Mallord William Turner.
Blue paper became a popular drawing format for artists, from around 14th century and its use spread across Western Europe by the late 16th century; it was widely used in England and France in the 18th century.
Blue paper provided a nuanced mid-tone which allowed the creation of strong light and dark contrasts, an effect much sought after by draughtsmen. Our students made first hand observations from drawings with three main tonal values working directly from works such as “Studies of arms and drapery” (1746) Black and White Chalk by Artist Allan Ramsay. Students also participated in a critical and contextual art history workshop in the afternoon run by the Courtauld’s Education Team of which they excelled. Work in Progress sketches below from Harvin D.
Science Club Update! Every fortnight during KS3 lunchtime – next one is Friday 13th December! All KS3 welcome. In our last session students made salt crystal snowflakes as they learned about evaporation and formation of salt crystals. In previous weeks we have learned about centrifugal forces (used to prepare blood samples in hospitals) and applied this technique to make candy floss. We have also learned about conversion of energy and made a heat turbine.
Careers Update. Our Year 11s are at a pivotal point with their discussions and ideas around what their ‘next-step’ will be. With the important decision making that lies ahead we invited some external guests to share their perspectives from higher education, employment and apprenticeships.
Students heard from Anglia Ruskin University about University life and how to access this academic pathway. Students were shown how to use available information to make the right choices for them at A Level and what types of courses this could lead to.
Family Matters are a Kent based charity who support victims of crime. Their representative helped our students to understand what type of skills are important for practical & emotional support through the criminal justice system. In addition, they were shown what type of experiences and qualifications to consider if they would like to pursue employment within this sector.
Finally, we had a very informative session on apprenticeship pathways. Our presenter Ed explained how apprenticeships are structured, where to find them and how to apply. Along the way he took some time to ‘bust some myths’ about this pathway and signpost our students to some really useful resources.
Alongside the support offered from our external providers, Year 11 students are also accessing 1-1 careers guidance sessions with Mrs Murray. These appointments have commenced this term and every student will be invited to attend. It also provides an opportunity for everyone to have a supportive conversation around their current ideas and aspirations.
On Thursday 14th November, members of WG6, accompanied by Dr Harris (from WGSB) went on a trip to Poland to visit Auschwitz as part of a visit run by the Holocaust Education Trust. After leaving Gatwick at 6.30am, the group travelled, along with 170 students and educators from across the Southeast by coach from Krakow airport to Auschwitz. The first place that the group visited was Auschwitz 1, where a tour guide showed us around the site and we learned about the history of the location and the events which took place there. Following this, they visited Auschwitz II-Birkenau, where there was a memorial service, which two of our students, Frankie and Genevieve took part in.
This was a very long day, but certainly an unforgettable one for all those involved. It is certainly hard to put into words the experience, but it undoubtedly left a profound impact on all those involved.
Our visit was filmed by the BBC, whose Newsround were present for a piece that will go out in late January, at the time of Holocaust Memorial Day, which is also the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the camps.
WG6 Art Elective students have created a wonderful range of hand-made Christmas cards that will be presented to all guests of our senior citizen Afternoon Tea at WGSB on 13th December. I’m sure they will be delighted with your designs – a thoughtful and kind gesture, thank you! A small range are pictured below. All WG6 students take part in the Elective Programme which promotes and enhances skills needed for everyday life and provides opportunities to explore new interests, learn new skills and support academic aspirations. Activities range from debating society, academic research, peer mentoring … and Art Club.
A huge thank you for your support to ensure such an amazing spread of hampers this year, they will undoubtably brighten Christmas for all their recipients! As usual, a large number (66 this year!) have been donated to families and elderly residents in the local community. The PFA were overwhelmed with the level of generosity by the students. We were all touched by the students’ excitement as they delivered their hampers and their pride in supporting their community.
PTA Update. A massive thank you to those who either helped or attended the Christmas Market this year. Without the help and support of the school community we cannot put on these types of events.
The PFA has made £1.8k that will help our children thrive at the school. The next PFA online meeting will be held on 15th January. We look forward to seeing you all then. Have a wonderful festive break. Please email on [email protected] for more information regarding attending the meeting.
The PFA committee
Forthcoming Dates;
Christmas Concert St Michael’s Church – 12 December (6-8pm)
Year 11 Mock results home – 16 December
A Level Certificate presentation afternoon (at WGSG) – 18 December
Christmas lunch and Christmas Jumper day – 19 December
End of Term 2 – 20 December @ 12noon
First Day of Term 3 – Monday 6 January
PFA online meeting – 15 January
Best wishes,
Michelle Lawson
Headteacher
