Being Inspired

War Horse

The ‘War Horse’ trip was a real success. The students behaved impeccably and thoroughly enjoyed the performance. The life-sized puppets by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company were incredible and so convincing, bringing breathing, galloping and charging horses to life on stage. It certainly made the bond between the horse, Joey, and the main character, Albert, even more emotive and I have to admit a few of us shed some tears! An unforgettable theatrical experience that captured the hearts and minds of all.

The Work of a Paramedic

Students had the pleasure of meeting a paramedic in their Health & Social Care lesson on Tuesday.  Jenessa Allen, left Winston in 2009, having achieved a merit in her course.  She went on to attend Guildford College, succeeding in the National Diploma, which gained her entry to Surrey University to take a degree in Paramedic Practice.  Mrs Vadi said that Jenessa always knew what she wanted to achieve and really focussed to achieve her goal.  We are delighted that she was able to find time to support the learning of student on a similar pathway.

Making Revision Work for You

Students and parents had the opportunity to participate in some revision workshops on Thursday.  A number of Year 10 and 11 students enjoyed learning techniques that will support their revision over the coming year.  Our guest speaker helped to motivate our students and fostered a 'can do' approach.  Students reported that the techniques were helpful as they used relevant triggers which could be used to remember key information for examinations.

RE and the Holocaust

This lesson explored the Holocaust, which is a very challenging subject to teach and to study.  The materials are both complex and emotionally sensitive.  Many of our students find these sessions compelling, as well as containing important lessons for us today.

Plan the Prom!

This week in English lessons, Year 11 students have been busy planning their dream prom and pitching their ideas to fellow students and staff.  The task assesses a range of skills for the Speaking and Listening unit of GCSE English Language.  While Speaking and Listening marks no longer contribute to the final GCSE grade as of this year, we still have to submit marks and believe the skills utilised give students an understanding of what exactly goes into the organisation of such an occasion.   Students work in groups and have to decide on the theme, costings and details such as security and catering; they then have to deliver a 5 minute pitch followed by questions to the rest of their class. As you can see from the pictures below, students from 11WL pitched their ideas using a range of visual aids and a variety of themes including: The 80s, Harry Potter, Austin Powers and Las Vegas.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Ceremony

Year 11 Collect Bronze Awards

The ceremony to present students with their awards took place on Tuesday 25th March 2014, at The H.G. Wells Conference and Events Centre.  I was very proud to note that there were seventy students from Winston receiving their Bronze Award, more than at any other school.  However, it should be remembered that this is an individual challenge and each student had demonstrated commitment to the programme and displayed the determination to succeed.
The Awards were presented by Dame Sarah Goad DCVO JP, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Cllr Anne Roberts.

I am sure that, having had such a positive experience, students will want to go on to complete the Silver and Gold Awards.
This programme could not take place without the dedication of a team of staff, who willingly contribute their weekends to enable students to participate.  Thank you to Mrs Sigrist, Mrs Sweetman and Miss Perkins for their time and commitment, year after year, to this award scheme.

 

 

A Talking Head!

Radio Woking Interviews Mrs Johnson-Walker

I was invited to take part in a radio interview on Friday 14th March.  Radio Woking is in the new facilities, opened last term, as part of our recording studio complex.  Students broadcast their own shows at the end of the school day, which are both entertaining and informative.  Listen in through our main school website.
Nathan, Kyle and Aaron, from Year 7, planned and asked the questions.  Click on the link below to find out how it went.

 

 

Aaron, Kyle and Nathan talk to Mrs Johnson-Walker by Radio Woking on Mixcloud

Lessons that Challenge

Maths Challenge

Yesterday afternoon we competed in the SHAPE Inter School maths competition at Tomlinscote School.  We entered 3 teams: one in year 7, one in year 8 and one in year 9.  They had to complete 3 puzzles involving making squares from tangram pieces, solving a ships accommodation problem by being given riddles and needing to then position the numbers 1 to 15 so that each consecutive pair added up to a square number.  In addition to this they also had to solve a pack of problems.

The teams were highly enthusiastic, tackled every problems to their best ability and were a credit to the school.  The year 8 team came 4^th and the year 9 team came 3^rd.

 

Science Challenge

The Science Department arranged a number of exciting activities this week, including self DNA extraction and cutting melon with elastic bands, as well as making hydrogen rockets and tennis ball mortars!  

It culminated with fifty very able scientists remaining in school on Friday afternoon to work with engineers from Wood Group Kenny.  Students had to construct bridges from paper and string, costing out the materials, considering the quality of design and ensuring strength.  Testing took place at the end of the session and points awarded for each element of the project.

Team Panda, in the photograph below took the main prize.

Thank you to Mr Hough for arranging the activities, supported by the members of the Science Department, including our team of Technicians.  The learning buzz throughout reflected the passion for science and learning.

Glorious Gateauxs

Thank you to the GCSE Food Group for inviting me to take photographs of their superb work this week.  As you can see from the images, students are developing a high standard of skill.  Well done to everyone and to Bridie and Nick for ensuring that their work was celebrated.

Woking College and Economics

We were delighted to welcome members of the Woking College staff to a session after school, for Year 10 and 11 students, to explore the concepts and issues involved in the study of 'A' Level Economics.

Students were presented with a challenge around the topical issue of sugar in food.

Thank you to Mrs Bird for arranging this session and others related to the content of Business Studies.

Rotary Donation

Students are able to follow a variety of programmes at Winston and one very popular course is Heating and Plumbing.  On Friday afternoon the Woking Rotary Club came to observe the opportunities offered to young people and to present Surrey SATRO, who provide the tutor and the equipment, with a donation to enable them to continue with this work.

Winston students demonstrated the skills they have been developing.

 

Winston Winning the Battle!

                                          War Hammer

Well done to our fantastic winning War Hammer Team.  They competed in the National competition on Thursday, at War Hammer World in Nottingham and won!  This achievement takes the team into the final of the competition; we are the top team of 32 from across England & Wales who had qualified from the Heats. (There were 64 teams in the Heats).  They won 15 out of the 16 games played, demonstrating both strategic planning and skill.  Mr McLeish is very proud of the team and they are now planning their strategy for the finals.

Daniel Wicks, Ben Gerhard-Jones, Ussman Rehman, Kirrel Yurchev and Tom Atkins.

Daniel Wicks also won the ‘Best Painted Minature’competition; winning additional points for the teams overall score. This is an excellent achievement in its own right, as the standard of painting is extremely high.

Their behaviour, attitude, demeanour and teamwork was and is an absolute credit to themselves and especially the school.

Thank you also to Mrs Sanderson for getting up early and sharing the minibus driving with Mr McLeish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Explosion of Talent

                                                             Winston's got Talent

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to audition for a chance to compete against other performers and be judged by our very own ‘Simon Cowell', Mr McLeish, with the support of Mrs Bell.

On the evening of the event the audience were treated to a variety of acts including a stand-up comedian, mime, drumming, rock guitar and singing.  The winners were a duet with a song about the impact of bullying; Ellie and Jada.  Well done and thank you to everyone, performers and those students who managed the technical aspects of the evening.

    

 

 

Winston Reaches for the Sky

                                                   Balloon Launch

Year 8 raised money for Great Ormond Street Hospital by holding a balloon launch on Friday afternoon. 

Students were excellent as they waited for the balloons to be distributed, eager to release them into the sunny afternoon sky.

I trust that you will enjoy the photos below, the balloons created quite a spectacular sight.