Science in Action

 Year 9 Science

Last Wednesday 9CS with Mr Hough and 9WS with 9CN, under the guidance of Mr Gunnoo, investigated cell structures. The students pulled a single layer off of the onion piece and stained it with iodine solution. This brought the nucleus and the cell membrane into contrast and the students were able to observe the cell wall under the microscope. Some of the magnified, dyed cells beautifully captured on their mobile via the microscope eyepiece.

Year 7 Science

On Monday , Dr Gonzalez, - following on from their atoms and molecules lesson -, helped 7WS to understand the concept of  ions. The class tested seven different powders, in a flame, to identify which metals produced which colour flame. In the process, the students grasped the idea that atoms form ions when they gain or lose electrons. 

 Year 10 Science

As part of the chemical changes topic , 10CZ and 10WA were asked to move to the back of the classroom and cover their ears while Mr Rose demonstrated the electrolysis of water with a twist. The Hoffman voltameter split the solution into oxygen and hydrogen. Mr Rose demonstrated to the class how to test for both of the gases individually and then he mixed them together by bubbling it through soapy water. The gas filled bubbles were lit and went off with a bang. A well deserved applause ended the lesson.

Year 8 Science

On Wednesday both Dr Lau and Mr Philcox designed their lessons around upthrust. Dr Lau with 8WE investigated upthrust as a force. The pupils weighed several different objects both with Newton meters and by using balances to discover how much fluid is displaced when the items were in water. They understood that the upthrust force is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid. 

On the other hand , Mr Philcox with 8CT and 8WG looked at upthrust , sinking and floating , plus air resistance. Students watched several items in a fish tank behaving very differently. Students were given the freedom to use their problem-solving skills to explain why some items may  float and why would sink. Mr Philcox explained that air resistance doesn`t act the same way as upthrust , as it only slows downward movement down by creating drag.

Extending the Day

 ART CLUB

Today was the first Art club of the new term and students created a photo-montage of Windsor castle with the flag at half mast. Next week we will paint the sky and some students are keen to create a beautiful rainbow in the background. 

Ms Pinion

"Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!"

GCSE Latin students spent another night at the theatre this week to watch the Globe Theatre production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.

 

A thrilling and engaging performance recounting the fall of Julius Caesar at the height of his popularity as leader of Rome. The politics was intriguing, the performance of the actors formidable (particularly impressive switching between multiple roles), but I think it was the betrayal of Caesar and the fake blood spurting across the stage that students will remember most!

The study of Classical civilisation, history and literature is an excellent lens through which to consider modern life, and students are encouraged to consider parallels and developments between the past and the present.

Participation

 Opportunities to Join In

Our Year 7 students are bound to find something within our extra-curricular offer that will enhance a current interest or develop a new one. Participating means that you will make new friends and develop new skills.

Freshers' Fair

Mrs Smith said, 'Another year and another jam-packed Freshers' Fair for Year 7 to explore and discover the many extra curricular clubs on offer at Winston. This year we are introducing musical theatre and Spanish club! Each “stall” is put together and promoted  by Winston students across year 8-11.  This event is an excellent leadership opportunity for older students, as well as being informative and fun for Year 7. 

Now the key question is…which Year 7 students are willing to try something new, take a risk and connect with new people…I can’t wait to see.'

 

 

 

Celebrating the Life of Our Queen

 Winston Reflects on the Life and Service of

 our Queen

Students and staff were provided with the following slides this morning during tutorial to enable everyone to reflect on, and discuss, the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

Welcome to the New School Year

 An Exciting Start to the Year

We welcomed back all of our students on 1st September, to ensure that we include as many days of learning as possible.  Students experienced their first three lessons on day one and as you can see below they were engaged in active learning.

Year 11 Science

First week back, the science department wasted no time to dive into GCSE material for our year 11 classes. Mr Rose demonstrated fractional distillation to 11W3 and 11W4 allowing for a visual understanding of splitting mixtures that have less than 20°C between their boiling points allowing students to realise the correlation between long chain molecules and boiling point.

Year 7 in their First Science Lessons

Our Year 7 classes had a fantastic start here at Winston with a medley of practicals to introduce them to the exciting way we do science with the focus on theory, safety, and hands on experiments.

7CT learnt about how to detect metals and salts just by observing their colour change in a flame. Mr Spain used ethanol solutions on sugar cubes which the students could observe from behind a safety screen.

7CN had the opportunity to carry out their first class practical with Mr Rose. They boiled red cabbage and used the purple juice as a universal indicator to investigate the pH of household items .

7CF focused on laboratory skills and investigations. Mrs Berry demonstrated not just a heart dissection, but the pupils practised their observation skills as they guessed what might happen when pink coloured agar cubes were placed in hydrochloric acid and whether the size of the cubes were a factor .

Year 7 in PE

Year 7 in their first PE lesson earlier in the week, during a break in the weather. Mrs Smith and Mr Cotton combined their classes for Handball. This was to introduce a new game and new skills, bib tag supports with the throwing action of the handball in a game. It was great to see all students participating! 

There will be further blogs next week and exciting up-dates regarding Performance Space!

It's Your School

 Investing in Your School

Over the summer term we have been improving the environment and installing new resources to enhance learning. Here are just some of the changes and developments that we have been able to make.