Book Bonanza

 Book Bonanza - coming to the Library after Easter!

In honour of the National Year of Reading, we are holding a Book Bonanza in the Library. We have cleared our Library shelves of old stock, duplicate copies and also some books we have been sent and students can have the opportunity to come and take home these books for a small charity donation.

We will be donating any proceeds to ReadforGood, a charity that provides books to hospital schools and to those in need. At Winston, we are very fortunate to have a lovely, well-resourced Library and so this is our way of giving back to others who may not be as fortunate. In turn, our students can have some books to take home for themselves. 

Take a look at the poster below for more information....we look forward to seeing you at the Book Bonanza.

Mrs Jones & Ms Roos.

Assembly last Week

 Plant a Seed

"To plant a seed is to believe in tomorrow".

During assembly this week we have been considering the idioms 'plant a seed' and 'seed an idea.

In both cases considering how a seed germinates and grows into something bigger.

Students were asked to reflect on people seeding an idea in their minds; these could be positive or negative thoughts and the power that each individual has to influence others.

We considered idea inception, the act of 'hacking' into someone's brain and planting an idea, that they eventually believe they had.

Year 7 and 8 then had a practical task of planting pots and pots of sunflower seeds, which each tutor group has to look after.  Following germination and sprouting the sunflower seedlings will be looked after by our gardening tutor and her team.  Eventually the plan is to plant them out around the school, for our community to enjoy.

Mrs Johnson-Walker

Headteacher

Preparing for the Future

 Talking About Myself

Wow, our Mock Interview Days on 4th and 6th March were honestly brilliant! 🎉

Over those two days we had up to 35 awesome volunteers from all kinds of jobs come into school and give up their time to help out. They ran one-to-one mock interviews with around 600 of our Year 8 and Year 10 students, using proper questions that feel just like the real thing for jobs or college applications.

The volunteers went way beyond just asking the questions — they gave such kind, useful feedback, pointed out what the students nailed, and shared really practical tips on sounding more confident, giving stronger answers and just coming across even better.

It was the perfect safe space for the kids to practise, and you could see it on their faces afterwards — huge smiles, relief, and a real sense of pride.

A massive thank-you to every single volunteer who made these days so special. Your time, your know-how and your encouragement genuinely mean the world to our students and will stick with them for ages.

The Careers Team

Film Analysis

 Trip to the BFI

Twenty Film Studies students attended a GCSE Study day in London where they learned about the best approaches to GSCE exam questions. 

Students watched a variety of film clips and analysed them, guided by the presenter - a lead examiner while exploring the best ways to tackle writing about them in an exam situation. 

Our students were exemplary with their behaviour throughout the whole day and a pleasing amount offered ideas and answers into the microphone during the session: India, Dylan, Nimai, Millie, Tibby.

Mrs Parsons

Head of Film Studies

Year 10 BSBS

 Be Smart, Be Safe

On Friday the 13th of March all students in year 10 stepped out of their normal classrooms to take part in a series of PSHE and RSE workshops as part of Winston’s annual Be Smart, Be Safe day. This is an incredibly valuable experience providing students an opportunity to learn life skills and learn advice that will carry them through to adulthood.
Sessions included Street First Aid, where pupils were challenged to consider what they would do if they came across an unresponsive person. Using CPR manikins, they were able to practice a range of skills including clearing somebody’s airway and putting them into a recovery position.

They also took part in RSE workshops which highlighted the importance of and law surrounding consent. All students were also asked to consider the impact of media on relationships.

Representatives from Chelsea came to deliver a workshop on Allies and Cultures, challenging students to consider preconceptions and judgments they may make about others different to them.

Some students were given time to explore their future pathways. Time was dedicated to allowing them to research post 16 options and begin to consider which institutions they may apply to next year, and for which courses.

Below are some comments from the students themselves:

“Today was very informative and enjoyable. We were taught information that we would not be told in a regular day.”

“I found the G.A.V workshop so incredible as it was very encouraging, empowering, and really helpful for us girls.”

“I think it was very engaging and I think the first aid session was very useful.”

We would like to give another big thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their time to support us on this day.

Mrs L Harnett

Head of Winston Extra and PSHE

A Night at the Theatre

 Winston Enjoys Hamilton

Last night, we had the pleasure of taking our GCSE Drama students to see Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London.

The production was nothing short of exceptional. Our students left the theatre truly inspired, energised by the performances, the storytelling, and the creativity on stage. Many expressed renewed aspirations to pursue their place within the world of theatre. Our Year 10 students, in particular, were buzzing with ideas and are already keen to incorporate elements of the show’s style and techniques into their own upcoming performances.

It was an evening that not only entertained but also ignited imagination and ambition across the group.

Miss. L Watson
Teacher of Drama

Geography Fieldtrip

 Year 11 in Barcelona

During half term, 29 students and 3 staff took part in the annual Geography fieldtrip to Barcelona. Despite a very early start and arriving in pouring rain, the excitement of being in Spain lifted the students’ spirits. We were able to explore some of the city, see the World famous Sagrada Familia and try some of the local foods for lunch. By the following day, the rain had cleared and the sun appeared. Students took part in the first of their fieldwork days, travelling to the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park where we visited an interactive museum to learn about the area before exploring. Our expert guides were on hand to explain the geology of the area and how the volcanoes were monogenetic (only a single eruption). As a result, some of the volcanoes were mined and this meant we were able to walk inside one.

The following day, the students returned to the Garroxta Natural Park for their river study. We started near the source of the river, high in the mountains before travelling to the middle course and finally ending the day at the mouth of the river – the beach! Great fun was had as students took measurements and completed field sketches. Due to the recent rainfall, the river was flowing well and this meant that students were able to collect lots of data. It is always fantastic to students experiencing first-hand what they have learnt about in the classroom. Some time was used in the evenings to consolidate what had been learnt each day and fieldwork booklets completed although the students still had plenty of time to relax.

We woke on our last day to sunshine and blue skies. After a morning of shopping in the city centre, visiting Las Ramblas and the indoor market, we headed to Park Guell, the Gaudi-inspired park where wonderful views over the city can be seen. The quirky and unusual architecture, together with the terraced gardens, makes it a fascinating place to visit. Throughout the trip, the students were exemplary in their attitude and a delight to be with. The guides at the Natural Park also commented on how attentive and friendly they all were!

Mr Costard

Deputy Head Geography