Half Term

Winston Extra Leadership

Our Year 10 Winston Extra Leadership students embraced an amazing opportunity last week teaching our Year 8 PE classes.  Students planned some active, fun and engaging lessons in football, netball and basketball which the Year 8's thoroughly enjoyed.  Whilst some leaders felt confident in leading the Year 8 students, others started their sessions with slight reservation but by the end of the lessons had discovered they possessed more skills than they initially thought. 

 Next lesson, the Year 10 students will be reflecting on their leadership skills and identifying what went well and what skills they could further develop.  What was lovely to see was the support the Year 8's showed at the end of the lessons; some of the basketball leaders got a round of applause and Hamad received hand shakes from students in his session.  

Well done to all of the leaders.   Mrs Daniels  

Raising Money for Cherry Trees

Our student council have made a decision to support Cherry Trees:

Cherry Trees is a small charity providing home-from-home specialist short breaks/respite for children and young adults aged 0-19 with a range of complex disabilities including learning, physical and sensory impairments. Cherry Trees is a lifeline for the families of more than 100 children and young people who are regularly cared for here, whether it be after school for a few hours, a weekend or even a couple of weeks stay.  

All of our students had the opportunity to develop an understanding of the work of Cherry Trees during assemblies and to consider ways in which we could all support such a worthwhile charity.

Year 9 Football

On Thursday 13th February the year 9 boys football team played against St Josephs School in the 4th round of the Surrey County Cup. Having got through the previous round against Wimbledon College narrowly on penalties they were up against another stern challenge in St Josephs School. 

The boys started off quite tentatively against a bigger, more physical side however soon started to settle into the game and match them for physicality and in their play. After the first 10 minutes of end to end football with both teams looking positive going forward a lovely weighted pass from Cameron Golestanian put Bradley Murphy through on goal and he finished superbly to make it 1-0 going in at half time.

The second half started with St Josephs fully on the front foot and putting us under a lot of pressure in the first 10 mins and they deservedly equalised through a good long range effort. Winston regathered themselves and dug deep, challenging for everything and not letting them have a second on the ball. The back three of Jamie Fletcher, George Evans and Archie Drinkwater were outstanding dealing with everything that came their way, and with Noah Blake just in front they defended really well. After a good spell of possession another super pass from Louie Sossick put Bradley Murphy in for his second of the game to give us the advantage going into last 10 mins. 

Under some late pressure Ben Storey made 2 great saves to keep it at 2-1 and then with 5 mins left Louie Sossick made sure of the victory with a superb solo goal blasting it past the keeper having run past 3 defenders.

This win now sets up another challenge for the boys in the QF at home against Carshalton Boys School on Monday 16th March.

The Power of...

The Power of Sport!

Last Friday The Winston Churchill School was proudly represented both by our inspiring Y10 Sports Leaders and by a very determined set of our Year 7 and Year 8 students. Surrey Sports Park hosted the North West Surrey Boccia tournament where our sports leaders divided the arena into 4 courts and instructed all the participants in the District on the rules of the game and how to score points. 

They led and officiated in such a mature and professional manner, whilst being considerate to the diverse set of younger students and their associated needs. They urged each team to do their very best, providing motivational support throughout the competition. They did such a fantastic job that they have been asked to officiate the all important County Final next month - Well done Y10 Sports Leaders - Emma P, Olivia, Gavril, Shinal, Ben B, Reece, Sam E, Kiera, Sam B, Genna, Jack N, Dylan, Phoebe & Will!

The Y7/8 WCSC competing team comprised of Jack, Tyler, Freyja, Scarlett, Mostafa & Eva and they participated with great spirit. Led by their designated team captain Jack, they communicated well, shared their turns and congratulated one another after every shot. Even if one game didn't go their way they remained strong and learnt from any mistakes made. They improved game after game, growing in confidence and tactical decision-making.

Mrs Waddilove noted that "It was very rewarding to see the students competing in such a relaxed atmosphere and growing in their confidence. It always makes me feel very humble working with these students to see that they are willing to challenge themselves in such a positive manner. I felt very proud that they represented the school in a really positive way.

Although we didn't make it into the County Final, our Y7 & Y8 students left, also feeling very proud, with a newfound set of skills to develop. They wish to pursue their interest further and set up a Boccia club in school with high hopes of one day representing Woking in the Surrey Youth Games!

Our school's involvement in this tournament just demonstrates the power of sport and how much of a positive change it can make for our students, no matter their age or ability. 

The Power of Literature!

This picture was taken during Mr Collins' interview with Penguin Classic Books,  regarding the use of classic literature within schools. The team then continued to film a montage of clips during Mr Collins' last lesson of the day with Year 8 students. 

We are all looking forward to seeing the final version of the film.

Opportunities including Sister Act

Girls Woking Schools District Tournament

This week the teams of the Girls Woking Schools District met again to face the second round of the 6 aside tournaments. The first round was played in October, and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday saw teams returning to add to their original points and progress to the county competitions. 

The Year 7 team was first up. As a new team, this is only one of a handful of times these players had played together! They battled hard, in both the first and second round, the girls came 5th- with 8 teams competing across both competitions, this left them in 4th overall! A good result. Outstanding performances from all, including Izzie Downs, Sadie Trotter, Amelia and Katie Black!

Wednesday saw the 8&9 girls team compete. This was a fierce competition, a lot of the players knowing each other from outside school teams! The girls came third in the first round, and second place in the second round- putting them second overall out of 9 teams! Great play from Emma Bailey, Gracie Price and Brooke Wayte!

Finally, the 10s&11s! This was a much smaller competition, but for some- the last time playing together before leaving secondary school! In the first round, the Winston girls came a respectable 3rd out of  six teams. After winning two and drawing one game, they won the second round! This put the team second overall! They should be very proud of their contribution to girls football at Winston. Special mention must go to Lucy Armstrong, Laura Mitchell, Amy Ballinger and Cara Henderson- as this was their last tournament at Winston.

A final special mention must also be given to Mr Buckingham and the Year 10 students, who assisted, refereed and who ran the score table for each night of the tournaments too. These sporting events cannot take place without the dedication of the students who help the PE department! 

Thank you and well done to all involved!

Year 7 OAA 

The purpose of the challenge was discovering ways to manipulate the body, to move through gaps and tunnels. We discussed the ideas of a chamber within tunnels to give people a “rest” and a bigger space before continuing to “cave”. As a class the girls created their own caving system and enjoyed manipulating their bodies through this system, Mrs Smith even went through too!!

Final performance of Sister Act

I was fortunate enough to have a ticket for the final performance of Sister Act, on Saturday 8th February.  I was able to experience what our staff had been talking about all week.  The students were amazing; those on the stage and the unsung heroes of back stage including the Tech Team and stage management.  It is always an emotional finale, as the Year 11 students come to terms with the fact that it is their final show at Winston!  Here are a few images from the final performance for you to enjoy.

 

Sister Act 2

Lift your spirit with Winston’s Sister Act!

The transformative power of music is clear to see in The Winston Churchill School’s production of Sister Act, showing at The Rhoda McGaw Theatre. The show celebrates music, laughter, and the bonds that help us keep our faith in our darkest moments. Eve led the production as ambitious performer Deloris, who dreams of singing in a white fur coat. She was desperate to find fame at the sleazy club run by her no-good boyfriend Curtis, played by Ethan, who clearly relished the villainous role. His gang of cronies had audiences roaring with laughter as they struggled to run a successful criminal operation - how tough can you be in a pink leotard?

When Deloris witnessed a shocking event at the club, she was whisked away by the heroic (if a little sweaty) police officer Eddie, played by Josh. Hidden in a run-down convent, the vibrant, clowning Deloris met her match in the form of serious and stern Mother Superior, in a split role, played by Natasha and Daisy. However, the enthusiastic nuns made Deloris, and the audience, feel welcome very quickly. You couldn’t help but fall in love with Evie and Emma’s perky, earnest Sister Mary Patrick, the crazy but loveable Sister Mary Lazarus played by Eleanor and Imogen and Sister Mary Robert, sweet and uncertain, played by Emilie and Ellie.

As always the cast was made up of students from Years 7 to 11, and each year group shone with talent in acting, singing and dance. Guided by a supportive and committed Performing Arts  Department, the students handled all of the backstage running of the show, the lighting and sound, and the choreography of beautiful routines. No Winston show is complete without a live musical accompaniment, and the live band, comprised of both staff and students, provided the upbeat soundtrack to every twist and turn. Soon the nuns, and the audience, were singing in harmony, restoring the convent to its original glory.

As Deloris realised that singing and celebrating with her sisters was the true source of wealth and happiness, it was clear that students involved in this year’s production were also full of the joy of music. Sister Act lifts the spirits with its infectious sense of humour and the obvious excitement of every student onstage, and restores one’s faith in the power of friendship, and disco tunes.

Well Done Winston!

Sister Act

First Photographs of Sister Act

I am hearing great feedback about our latest school production, 'Sister Act'.  As is always the case, our highly talented students are making the most of the opportunity to create a memorable evening of entertainment.

The photographs are courtesy of Anthony Gurr LMPA, from Woking Photographer.

Learning Opportunities

Coming Soon!

Several special opportunities have been presented to students at Winston.  last week we were fortunate to have Major Tim Peake in school and this week we have been asked to record questions around the environment and climate change to be answered by David Attenborough in a Netflix Podcast.

Speakers4Schools have asked members of our English Department to participate in the making of a film which illustrates how Penguin Classics are used in the teaching of literature.  This again is an opportunity to showcase the work of our students and our staff.

More details will follow.

Year 11 Revision Begins in Earnest

Every Friday Year 11s striving for Grade 7-9 in English are invited to an intervention session with Mr Collins. 

This morning students were “challenged to challenge” the poets and the intention behind what they have written. Students were encouraged to find the “big ideas” and interrogate them.

Collaborating on the glass boards allows students to share their ideas and feed off of each other, relying less on Mr Collins and more on their own amazing ideas!

 Aviation Live Broadcast

Aviation LIVE – Tuesday 4th February 2020 @ 10:30am (Broadcast length = 30 mins)

Some of our students had the opportunity to watch this live broadcast this morning in Discovery Space.  

The key question: Are you interested in a career in the Aviation sector?

Aviation LIVE is a live streamed event in partnership with Gatwick Airport that will be broadcast to thousands across the UK wanting to find out more about a career within aviation hosted from Oakwood School, Surrey.

This live, interactive event featured a Q&A session with industry professionals from Gatwick Airport. Questions submitted from both the live and virtual audience on key topics such as: why enter the aviation sector and pathways into aviation were addressed by the panel, and broadcast in real-time as well as LIVE job updates.

It also discussed apprenticeship opportunities available within Gatwick Airport as the event is  being held during National Apprenticeship Week.