Cards for Christmas

 Christmas Pen Pals

Fifty-three of our year 7 students took part in a French pen pal project that I have organised together with a teacher (friend) in Brittany, and Mrs Yaucat-Guendi.  The partner school is called Collège Giles Gahinet and is based in Arradon, near Vannes, in Southern Brittany: https://www.college-gahinet-arradon.ac-rennes.fr/

The Year 7 students have been excited to work on this initiative. In the last couple of weeks, they have been working diligently to prepare their introduction letters and decorate their Christmas cards. 

They were also impressed to find out, among other things, that their pals' after school clubs offered sailing at sea (their school is Champion of France!) and rock climbing.

After Christmas, we will find other reasons to write to them: describing life at school and talking about other celebrations.

I have been delighted with the level of effort provided on the writing, after just one small term of French. They clearly cared about the project as some of the cards made at home were spectacular.

Aya and I are truly happy with the outcome, so a well-deserved BRAVO to all the students involved. We are all looking forward to receiving the cards coming from Brittany now, which should hopefully happen next week.

Ms Fulton

Autumn Concert

 Making Music Together 

To ensure that all of our ensembles and our primary orchestra had the opportunity to perform for parents this term, the Music Department organised an additional concert, prior to the Christmas Concert.

I enjoyed an evening of wonderful music making.  Children smiling and focussed on giving their best performance.  Winston students also did a great job in supporting young people from the primary schools, as the orchestra goes from strength to strength. Timing, pace and an obvious feeling for each piece all added to the quality.

If, as a parent, you have ever wondered at the value of learning to play a musical instrument, then join us at one of our concerts and you will be convinced.

Thank you to everyone who participated, you created a joyful experience.

Why not join us for:

Woking Hospice 'Light up a Life'  Friday 29th November

Young Singer of the Year  Thursday 5th December

Christmas Concert  Wednesday 18th December

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Sports Awards

 Celebrating Sport at Winston

On Thursday 21st November, we celebrated the sporting achievements and dedication of our students, present and past.

Before the presentation of awards in the evening, Dai Greene (former 400m Hurdle World & Commonwealth Champion) joined us during the school day for a number of workshops.

Over 70 students who are regularly involved in short distance track athletics across Year 7-11 at Winston were invited to spend an hour working with Dai, who delivered a number of drills to improve sprinting and hurdling technique. Students found the session both challenging and enjoyable! Dai also loved working with them all, "I thought the students were excellent during the sessions, clearly very talented".

In the afternoon our gifted and talented sports students then had the opportunity to hear Dai's journey into professional sport. They then had the chance to ask questions of their own. Topics included; mindset, injuries, sponsorship and distractions.

Lastly, Dai spent time discussing his Epilepsy with students (and their parents) who also have the condition. Experiences were shared and confidence was built amongst the group.

In the evening it was lovely to see some of our school leavers return to remember and acknowledge their time at Winston. The evening started with a selection of dances from our very talented group of students who represented Miss Fletcher's dance group and our gymnastics and judo G&T students ‘wowed’ us all with their skill and routines. 

It was an evening that portrayed what a huge amount of talent we have at Winston from the Year 7 football boys team and their undefeated season to the Year 11 netball team in the county finals. Dai Green (former World Champion 400m hurdles) joined us to commend the nominees and winners throughout the event (see separate post for more details). It is important to recognise not only physical skill but also the resilience and collaboration that our students exude. Extra curricular is integral to our school community and we thanked every person who turns up every week and train and compete at Winston. This is led beyond the department with dedicated staff who give up their time to help our students develop within their chosen activity. 

Well done Winston PE: students, staff and supporters.  We look forward to another year of dedication, development and success!

Mrs Kovic, Director of Physical Education

Mr Martin, Deputy Head of PE Department

It is also important to recognise that the PE Department is under new leadership and is now going from strength to strength, with a clear vision and a determination to be the best in Surrey.