CNN at Winston!

The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Register

On Friday 24^th April a film crew from CNN came into school to film a talk given by Mr Phillips, our School Business Manager, to a selected group of Year 11 students.  The filming was for a programme which is being made about stem cell donation between the UK and the USA.

As a successful bone marrow donor, Mr Phillips has been asked to promote this life saving procedure and to share with young people how they can become involved.  There was no pressure or expectation that the students will want to become donors but in terms of educating young people about the procedure and how it works, this was a valuable experience.

The session took place in the Churchill Suite, where Mr Phillips talked about his experience and the value this has been to the recipient and students had the opportunity to ask questions.  

If students or parents wish to consider becoming a bone marrow donor, then there is information on the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Register website, www.anthonynolan.org.   An individual must be 16 years of age to sign up to become a donor.

If you wish to find out further information, the following 6 minute video will give you an idea of what the process entails. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_RwDkcEDyE

Mr Phillips will now travel to Boston to meet the recipient and to complete the filming.  We are all looking forward to seeing the final piece and trust that it will help other people in the future.

Good News!

Deputy Head Appointed!

I am delighted to inform you that Richard Jennings has been offered and has accepted the post of Deputy Headteacher, starting 1^st September 2015.  Currently Richard is Assistant Headteacher at The Bishop Wand School, where he is focussed on developing Teaching and Learning.

Richard is keen to get involved with Winston as early as possible and he will, therefore, come into school on a regular basis between June half term and the end of the summer term.

Drive Smart Streetwise Campaign

Year 7 students had the opportunity to see an interactive play regarding how to be streetwise and safe when out in the community.  This includes using the roads and local transport; how to be aware and the responsibility that we all have to keep ourselves safe.

 

Setting the Standard

I trust you will enjoy the photographs below of the work of Year 10 students, who have opted to study GCSE Design Technology.  I am sure you will appreciate the standards of the design and the skills required to complete work of this quality.

I was privileged to see this work from two Year 7 students.  It was their RE homework, researching different religious symbols and identifying their meaning.  The standard of the content of the work was outstanding and I understand will achieve a level 6.  Well done!

Below is the work of Anis in Year 9, who has recently joined the school.  Miss Chapman's Geography class have been studying Japan and its culture.  This is meticulous and thoughtful work.  Well done!

The Summer Term

Preparation for a Science Competition

Some photographs of students in the Winston Science Club, preliminary testing for the national water rocket championship.We wish them every success with their entry.

Visiting Theo Fennell

Students from the Design & Technology Department had a wonderful experience  when visiting Theo Fennell at his workshop and store in London.  The students were able to observe high quality, bespoke jewellery being designed and made, enabling them to see how the work they do in school can be transferred to the work place.  To make the most of the day they also visited the V&A.

Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Well Done to Bronze Award Holders!

Students from all over the area gathered to celebrate the achievement of gaining a Duke of Edinburgh Award at the HG Wells Centre in Woking. Our choir provided the music for the evening and were complemented not only for their performance but also on their appearance and behaviour.

A large number of Winston students complete the Bronze Award level each year, under the supervision of Mrs Sweetman, Miss Perkins and Mrs Sigrist.  Without the support of our staff, who give up a large number of weekends to complete the expedition, students would not have the opportunity to enagae with this experience.  The awards were made in the presence of the Mayor of Woking, Councillor Tony Branagan.

Work Never Stops!

Holiday Interventions

Year 11 were invited to a number of intervention sessions taking place this Easter, to support their preparation for the summer examinations.   This included Science, with sessions for Physics, Chemistry and Biology over three days and two days of Art.  A huge thank you to all the staff who have given up their holiday to support our students.

Improving the Site 

As is usual during a holiday period, Mr Hill and his team have planned a number of site improvements, as well as a schedule of maintenance to take place over the next few weeks.  The wireless network is being expanded to cover the whole of the site.  The clearing of gutters, PAT Testing and the fitting of new fire doors in Art are all part of a comprehensive plan that has to be completed before students return to school.

 New doors in the main building.

 Repainting the hall.