Breaking Records

 Sports Days!

On 27th and 28th June, over 700 students took part in their Winston Sports Day. This was our 24th annual event and we saw examples of outstanding performance and sportsmanship across both days. Students had had the opportunity to train in PE lessons and athletics club and the hard work paid off. The following students set new Winston records:

Year 9:

Jorge Montiel-Ray 100m Record: 11.59 seconds

Nicolas Chaffe 300m 42.38 seconds

Year 8

Mathew Hughes High Jump: 1.70m

As usual, we finished the 2 day event with the whole school cheering on the 100m finals and tutor relays however an opportunity arrived for a brave and resilient Year 8 student, Mathew Hughes, to attempt to break his own record set earlier that day in the high jump. In front of an audience of over 1000, Mathew managed to jump a hugely impressive 1.70m! Considering that this was after 6 previous jumps and a 100m leg in a relay, his potential is exciting! 

The PE department would like to thank all staff and students who took part and supported across the 2 days and we can’t wait for 2025!

Mrs Kovic

Director of Physical Education

Years  9 and 10

Language and Culture: Japan

 

A year at Japanese Club         

The Japanese Club prefects started the year by presenting their usual quiz about Japan to new students.

In the autumn term, students learnt some Japanese vocabulary about colours, days, months, numbers and Japanese food and sports as well as a basic conversation!

They practised writing in Hiragana and Katakana, took part in the infamous chopstick challenge and tried their hand at Origami. Students also watched some cultural films about the world of Sumo wrestling, Japanese gardens and green tea ceremonies.

In the Spring term, students learnt about the traditions and food of the New Year period and took part in traditional Japanese New Year games, such as Fukuwarai where you have to make a face while blind folded and Fukubukuro or ‘lucky bags’ where you are presented with a bag which you are not allowed to look into before deciding whether to swap or keep it!

In February, students learnt about the Chinese Zodiac and New year traditions and created a display to celebrate the year of the dragon.

In the summer term, students learnt about the key festivals such as the cherry blossom, star, moon, lantern and childrens’ festivals and took part in weekly quizzes. Well done to Solomon who is the undefeated quiz champion this year!

We finished the year with the annual Sushi masterchef competition. Congratulations to Hazel for becoming the Sushi masterchef champion of 2024 and to runners up Lyssa, Rocco and April.

Day 2 Music Tour

 Arrived and Immersed in the Culture

It was great to receive an up-date from the Music Tour.  Fresh from a long coach journey the group walked to the Valkenburg Velvet Caves, to look at the interesting art work before having lunch. The plan was to then walk to the town centre to get ready to play!

An Original Production

 Checking In

Last week, students in years 7, 8 and 9 at The Winston Churchill School pulled together as a team to perform the key stage three production of 'Checking In'. The production ran over four days and was written and directed by Mr. Penfold, with assistance from Miss. Watson and Miss. Fletcher. The play itself showcased the wealth of exceptional talent and leadership present in each student at the school. 

Checking In takes place in The Royal Percival Hotel. After inheriting the hotel from his father, Morris quickly falls prey to some unexplainable events. While act 1 takes place in the rooms and hallways of the hotel. Act two narrates the scenes from a different perspective; beyond the other side.

Every role across the student leadership team including Technical Manager, Producer and Theatre Manager was held and maintained by pupils who trained beneath some of the older students, giving them the opportunity to take more responsibility throughout the rehearsal process. It was wonderful to see the wealth of talent coming through the ranks at Key Stage 3. 

The cast themselves brought a special level of care and attention to each scene, particularly as they had to wrap their heads around a brand new script. Having worked for months on character and spacing, they took to the stage with a fantastic energy that made each part of the play shine whenever a new character entered from the wings. 

Todd Harrington-Tucker

Head of Drama