Head’s Newsletter -16th February 2024

Dear parents and carers,

This week has seen the return of the annual RAG week. Led by the sixth form students, ably supported by our sixth form colleagues, this is a week where you may find yourself walking down a corridor behind Scooby Doo, feel yourself transported back to the 90s or even see the Head of Sixth dressed as a student! At breaks and lunchtimes an extensive programme of events has been organised with pupils able to see colleagues having their legs waxed, taking part in the Wollaston version of The Chase, staff and sixth formers strutting their stuff in the Strictly Come Dancing, and of course the wonderful opportunity to hurl wet sponges and even buckets of water at members of staff and senior students. A huge congratulations and thank you to the sixth form students for such an amazing week which really does bring our community together all for some really good causes. Below you will see a piece from our Deputy Head Girl which gives more information about the charity support.

Drama Event: The Periodicals

On Monday 4^th, Tuesday 5^th and Wednesday 6^th March, The Wollaston School Theatre Company are performing their National Theatre Connections Festival play ‘The Periodicals’.

“Set in the near future – a group of young people live as a feral group of techno-savvy fugitives, living off-the land which is a rubbish dump. They stay out of sight of the authorities – particularly the education authorities who are desperate to get them back into school because the optics are not good. However, school has lost its allure. When the young people are in school, they are overlooked and underestimated – seen as being more trouble than they are worth. So now, for this group, school’s out forever”.

The performance is suitable for all the family and tickets are available on ParentPay!

Updates

Science Update

Head of Science, Mr Pugh writes: “The results of the Biology Olympiad came in this year, and we had a successful first year of entry with 13 students achieving certificates for their scores. Most of the students who took the test were in Year 12 and were taking it a year early so to do so well is a real testament to their hard work and dedication to the subject. Overall Alfie Coyle-Hegarty achieved the highest mark and achieved a bronze certificate which was very impressive.

All the students will have an opportunity to do the intermediate Olympiad in June and we hope for some equally impressive scores.”

Rag Week

Deputy Head Girl, Shauna Murove writes: “On behalf of the Sixth Form team, I wanted to share my gratitude for the incredible support and enthusiasm shown during Rag Week. Your participation and dedication truly made this week a resounding success!

The enthusiasm displayed by the students was truly remarkable. From attending the events to the lively performances, every moment was filled with excitement and joy. It was a pleasure to witness the unity among the students as they came together to help us raise money as a school. To the parents and carers, thank you for your unwavering support throughout Rag Week. Your encouragement and involvement played a crucial role in making this event a memorable experience for our students. Your contributions and support were invaluable.

Rag Week not only provided an opportunity for fun and celebration but also allowed us to make a positive impact on our community. Through various fundraising activities, such as wet sponges, and the Wollaston Showcase, we were able to raise money for our chosen charities, Young Minds, Teenage Cancer Trust, and the Royal National Institute of the Blind. So far, we have been able to raise over £2500, and with your continued support, we hope to exceed last year’s donations.

Below are pictures of some of our highlights this week. More will be available on the Wollaston Sixth Form Instagram page; @wollastonsixth

Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude to all the parents, carers, and students for your unwavering support and enthusiasm during Rag Week. This would not have been possible without your support and generosity”.