Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Enrichment at Winston

English A' level Workshops


On Tuesday 29th September, an eager number of Year 11 students enjoyed a day of English A' level workshops generously provided by Woking College staff.  The stimulating sessions focused on: English Literature, English Language and Creative writing.  English Literature students got to grips with the Romantics while English Language students concentrated on how language could be manipulated to reinforce gender stereotypes.  Language students had fun creating descriptions of super-heroes that did not fulfil the usual conventions! 

Ruth, Assistant Head of English at Woking College, said that she was impressed by our students' knowledge of language terms.  The feedback from students was that it was a really interesting day and gave them an insight into A 'level lessons.  Richard Vardy, Head of English at Woking College, will return to Winston on 20th of October to inspire and enthuse our Year 10 students about studying for English qualifications at Woking College.


The Royal Marines at Winston


The Royal Marines were at the school on Wednesday . Mrs O’Brien and Mrs Ballam’s Year 10 students had great hands on  experience on how to prepare the type of  healthy food that the Royal Marines promote. Colour Sergeant Mike Beaton  explained to students how important the role nutrition and  physical health plays in being successful in all fields of work including school.
The practical element of the day was put into immediate practice with all students preparing the dish that  Colour Sergeant Mike Beaton  cooked during the  demonstration. The students were attentive, respectful and really engaged with the Royal Marines.

We have been fortunate to have been offered the possibility of a whole day of events with the Royal Marines. The day  will involve all year 10 GCSE PE students as part of  their GCSE success relies on an understanding of healthy diets and learning how to push their bodies physically in order to strengthen muscle, as well as stamina.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the session and Colour Sergeant Mike Beaton commented to  Mrs Vadi that he was `impressed with the way they just got on with the work and were independent. They’re a credit to the school”




National Theatre Connections



As I have mentioned in a previous blog, Mr Penfold and Mr Harrington-Tucker have been tasked with directing a show for the Connections 500 Theatre Festival held by The National Theatre in London. This weekend they were both in London for a director’s workshop.

The script that Winston will be performing was called “Eclipse” by Simon Armitage, a name known to all GCSE English students. On Saturday the Mr Penfold and Mr Harrington-Tucker  met him and were able to speak to him about the intentions of his work.

It is amazing that Winston will be one of 500 companies from colleges, universities and schools. For Winston to be part of such a huge festival is fantastic.  The team are working towards a show here in school as well as a performance in London next year. This is a superb opportunity for our students, as so few schools are selected to take part.

The picture attached is Winston's Directors with Simon Armitage and the Director of one of our sessions.



Friday, 2 October 2015

Parents at Winston

Parents on Tour

Year 6 parents have the opportunity over the next few weeks to tour the school on a working day.  Having booked a session on line, through our website,  parents and students are able to walk the school, with a member of the senior team.  They are free to explore any areas of the school and going into classrooms to talk to staff and students.  We have been running up to four tours each morning, with the opportunity to see lessons in action, lesson change-overs and experience the improved facilities.

If you have a child in Year 6 and would like to see around the school, please go to our website and book a tour.

Parents Enjoy Lunch

 It was great to welcome some of our year 7 parents to lunch with their child on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.  Parents were able to see our new catering facility in action and select ahot meal from the servery.  All commented on the excellent food.
If you missed the opportunity this time, I am planning two dates in the spring term, details to follow.







Parents at Information Evening

We have invited parents to attend an information evening related to the year group their child is in, to provide useful details of the year ahead.  Subject leaders for Maths, English and Science presented specific information regarding their courses and key resources were highlighted.  If you missed the session then log into Frog to find the presentation.






Thursday, 1 October 2015

Making a Contribution

MacMillan Coffee Morning 

Staff at Winston held a coffee morning in aid of MacMillan during the Friday Inset Day, which was incredibly well supported.  As you can see there were hundreds of cakes to choose from and we raised £400 (and rising) for the charity.



Support Year 11

Year 11 students, initiated by Ally Munday, have decided to hold a fund raising day for SANDS, the Still Birth and Neonatal Death Charity, on 16th October.  Please support them to make this day successful.  As well as holding a mufti day, they intend to launch balloons from the field, to raise further funds.  Please help us to make a difference.

Rugby at Winston

Winston hosted a number of rugby tournaments in the last few weeks, involving up to ten local secondary schools, in various age groups.