Let's Read

 Celebrating the Joy of Reading: Our School Book Fair Is Here!

Our school library is buzzing with excitement as the book fair is officially underway! This much-anticipated event is more than just a chance to buy books—it’s a celebration of stories and imagination.  The fair offers a wide variety of books for all age groups and interests. There is something for everyone, from graphic novels and best sellers to fun stationary. Student have started to visit the fair which will run until Thursday 29th January 2026.

Singing Together

 Primary Choir Day 2026 

On Tuesday 13th January, the Music Department welcomed 140 primary students for our third annual Primary Choirs Day, which took place in The Performance Space. The primary students (from The Hermitage, Worplesdon, Kingfield, Horsell, Chobham St Laurence and Bisley Primary Schools) enjoyed a day of music making led by Mrs Antony and Mr Drake, and were supported by Year 9 Music Mentors and some Year 8 Bella Voce singers from Winston.  

The day began with energetic physical warm-ups, rhythm games and vocal exercises, helping everyone to feel relaxed, confident and ready to sing. Pupils then learned three fun and engaging vocal warm-up songs - There’s an Axolotl on the Pink Stairs, New Year Song, and My Bonnie, which featured added body percussion. 

As the day progressed, pupils worked together to learn four contrasting and more complex songs for performance, which included some challenging harmony lines. These were: 

• Carried Me With You by Brandi Carlile (from Onward) 
• Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush, made popular with a new generation through Stranger Things 
• I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts (from Friends) 
• For Good from Wicked 
  
  

All four pieces and the warm up songs were learnt and rehearsed in preparation for the final concert, which took place at 3:30pm in The Performance Space to a large audience of friends and family of the primary and Winston students. All of the songs were performed brilliantly and the concert was a hit with the audience. 

Primary Choirs Day continues to be one of the highlights of our musical calendar, showcasing not only the power of singing but also the importance of collaboration, confidence and shared musical experiences. We look forward to welcoming the primary schools back again in the Summer for our weekly Primary Orchestra and our annual Primary Music Day. 

Mrs Antony 

Assistant Director of Music 

Unfortunately some children attended without permission to use their photographs of the event, so only a very few images appear below, including a blurred one of the choir performing.

A Titanic Experience

 Naturalistic Theatre

Our Year 8 classes have been diving into the world of naturalistic theatre and realism, exploring how performance can bring historical moments to life. Today, students were challenged to step into the shoes of those aboard the Titanic and consider: What if you were there? How would you feel in your character’s situation?

This imaginative exercise encouraged empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how real human stories and emotions shape the past. It was a powerful way for students to connect drama with history in a meaningful and memorable way, and they were able to create performances which captured the tension, fear and panic of the moment. 

Ms Watson

Drama Teacher

The Future for Science at Winston

 Latest Investment in Science

I have taken advantage of the science tower works to design and install a brand new working environment for students in science.

The innovative layout, striking ceiling, lighting and colour scheme all combine to produce a place where children will enjoy learning.  Everyone is intrigued and keen to take a look, now the work is complete.  This has also enable more gas taps to be installed in this room, which originally only had four, making practical work accessible in a greater number of lessons.  

This is the first in a rolling programme and I have planned a new and exciting concept for Science Room 4!  More will be revealed later this term.

I hope that you enjoy the images below.

Mrs Johnson-Walker

Headteacher

 

Rudolph Lamps

 A Bright Idea: Rudolph Christmas Lamps

To finish the year, the DT department put together a mini, Christmassy project for the Y10’s: building their own red-nosed reindeer lamps.

No plugs to plug.

No cables to untangle.

No sleigh to pull.

Just plywood, a magnet, and a self-contained micro-LED.

The project allowed the students to use design templates; experiment working with manmade boards (in this instance, plywood); use different finishing equipment (from sanding to staining); and understand electrical circuitry when stripped back to its essential elements. 

Further, they were able to consider their work in a broader context by looking at the manufacturing process for similarly designed goods, understanding how businesses such as IKEA conceive, create, and construct new products using equivalent skills and processes.

It’s a lot of theory, but wrapped and packed into a fun, festive project: bright ideas and bright reindeers.

Mr Martin

D/T Teacher

Christmas Wishes

 Merry Christmas

From the Winston Family 

The holiday period can place families under pressure and create so many expectations that are challenging to fill.

I believe that eventually we all learn that the most precious gift we can give is time.  Time to our family and friends, as the world slows down to respect this special time of the year.

Regardless of your beliefs, make time to listen and laugh, to share and be there for each other.

I wish you a lovely Christmas and best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Zoe Johnson-Walker

Headteacher

Footnote: Thank you to Bisley, our building company for the beautiful Christmas Tree.

Music Christmas Advent Finale!

Open Each Door!

Miss Fletcher’s Year 10 GCSE Drama class would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas! 🎄

This term has been packed with creativity, commitment and confidence as students have explored key Drama practitioners and their techniques, developed their performance skills and supported one another through rehearsals and practical devised mock exams. From devising to refining vocal and physical skills, the class has shown real enthusiasm and teamwork over the term.

As we head into the festive break, we are proud of the progress made so far and excited for what’s to come in the new year, including further practical performance exams.

We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved rest, time with family and friends, and plenty of festive cheer. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Miss Fletcher and 10E GCSE Drama!

Miss Fletcher

Teacher of Drama and Performing Arts