Head’s Newsletter – 11th November 2022

Dear parents and carers

We have a busy week ahead kicking off with ‘Odd Sock Day’ on Monday in support of the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s campaign to celebrate what make us unique and I am looking forward to seeing some crazy combinations of socks! This is followed by Children in Need activities which will take place on Wednesday as of course on Friday the school is closed to students whilst staff have a professional development day. Wednesday will be a non-uniform day and donations will be collected on their arrival to school. Donations can also be made via Parent Pay. Students will also have an extended lunchtime on Thursday to allow for our now ‘infamous’ I’m a Celebrity house event in the main hall at lunchtime. Students should head to the main hall if they fancy seeing their house leaders and a selection of staff participate in- and hopefully complete – some ‘Bushtucker’ trials! Thursday sees our first Student Leadership Conference and I am very excited to see some of our amazing students off timetable working towards developing student led projects at Wollaston School and learning how to lead! I must also say a huge thank you to Miss Ayres who is leading our work on student leadership for organising what will be a fantastic event.

 

Notices

A reminder that the school is closed to students on Friday 18th November and Monday 21st November for staff professional development days.

As I am sure you will be aware, the King’s Coronation has now been scheduled and means that there is an additional bank holiday on 8th May 2023.

 

16th November Children in Need  

Non-uniform day + extended lunch (12.35-1.25) + House event

 

17th November Student Leadership Conference

Miss Ayres writes “Over the past week, students have been applying for a range of student ambassador roles within the school. These include the following roles:

  • Diversity Ambassadors
  • Eco Ambassadors
  • Learning Ambassadors
  • Community Ambassadors
  • Kindness and Wellbeing Ambassadors
  • STEAM Ambassadors

Ninety Successful applicants will find out their roles on Monday and be invited to the first Wollaston Student Leadership Conference on Thursday 17th November. The day will incorporate a range of leadership training, team work and priority planning for the academic year. Students will also be joined by Andrew Thomson as their keynote speaker who will be sharing his experiences as a leader within the army.

Andrew has an extensive leadership background and was a member of the army for 20 years where he led teams of increasing size, from 24 soldiers in Bosnia and his final role was as Commanding Officer of a regiment of around 1050 soldiers, spread (at times) across 4 continents.  After leaving the Army in 2014 he worked in financial services for 4 years in a regulatory compliance role, and is now in the Defence industry.

This is a very exciting opportunity for students and we look forward to sharing their experience with you after the conference.

 

Thursday 17th November Year 10 success at GCSE Evening

Mr Jackson write “On Thursday 17th November we are running a Success at GCSE evening for Year 10 parents and carers.  The evening will begin at 6pm and finish at 7.30pm. Please sign up for the event using EventBrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/463484403327

The evening is for parents and carers only (students do not need to attend) and it is an opportunity for you to learn more details about the core GCSE courses (English, English literature, maths, and the science courses as well as ways in which you can support your son/daughter in achieving success in these subjects. 

The heads of each of these subjects will be on hand to deliver hints, tips and strategies and to answer any questions that you might have.  You will also be provided with ideas about how to support your son/daughter’s well-being throughout their key stage 4.

I look forward to seeing you at the event but, if you are unable to attend, then all the resources can be found on our school website:

https://www.wollastonschool.com/parents/year-11-exam-support-resources/

 

Theatre Visit

Mrs Goodge writes “This week myself and Miss Tiernan took 9 A level drama students from Wellingborough, across London on the tube to Piccadilly Circus, and then onto the Criterion Theatre to watch a performance of 2:22 A Ghost Story. The students were fantastic and loved the experience of travelling on the tube as a few had never done that before. We were all a bit nervous settling down in the auditorium and the performance did not disappoint! A few jump-scares and plot twist later we left and returned home absolutely emotionally wrung out! A brilliant trip and experience for everyone involved.”

 

Anti-Bullying Week

On Monday we will be encouraging students to wear odd socks in support of Anti-Bullying week. We will also be delivering PSHE following the theme of ‘Reach Out’ on Tuesday, and Miss Ayres will be leading an Anti-Bullying Assembly alongside a team of pupils from across the year groups.

Our Anti-Bullying Policy can be found HERE and further information about how we manage any incidents of bullying behaviour can be found HERE

 

Child Criminal Exploitation

Please see belwo a link to an information leaflet for parents from Northants Police on the subject of child criminal exploitation. The information given details some advice and guidance about what to do if you think your child is at risk or is being exploited by criminal groups.

CHILD CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION (2)

Mock exams starting on 22nd November

A reminder that mock exam season is upon us and students in Year 11 should be making good use of their time to ensure they are thoroughly prepared. Mocks are a really important barometer of progress to date and what needs to be done before the summer examinations. Mr Stevenson will be delivering an assembly to Year 11 about expectations for conduct in formal examinations as well as important practical information about how Year 11’s days will operate during that period.

 

PE Update

Mr Bennett writes “Another busy week of sport and activities. Tuesday saw the Year 10 Boys take on Bishops Stotford and narrowly lose in the County Cup. The Year 7 Mixed Basketball team went over to Weavers Academy and won through to the finals of the district. The final was held on Thursday evening and the Wollaston Year 7 team put on a determined display against a strong Ferrers team. They were close to winning the game, but Ferrers ran out winners in the end.

The Year 8 Football team played Northampton School for Boys and were beaten soundly. The NSB team are last year’s National Champions and this difference was evident throughout the match. Wollaston did manage 2 goals themselves and were committed to the task. Thursday saw close to 50 Students compete in the District Cross Country races. Where Wollaston Students performed exceptionally well. Notable performances came from Alice, Lily, Kobe and Dawson (Yr 7). Iona (Year 9) won her U15 race with an exceptional run with Oliver (Year 9)  coming 2nd in the boys U15 race. Georgia (Year 10) was 2nd in the U17 girls race and Arlo (Year 10) was 2nd in the Boys U17. Athletes who performed particularly well will be invited to the County Championships on the 21st January. Once again thank you to all the students and teams for their excellent work. The Wollaston students represent the school exceptionally well in both their conduct and behaviour on and off the field of play. They are a true credit to the school.”

Best wishes

Simon Anderson