The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School - Westcliff High School for Boys

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The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School - Westcliff High School for Boys
Westcliff High School
                                      for Boys
                           The Westcliff Diary
             T: 01702 475443 E: office@whsb.essex.sch.uk W: www.whsb.essex.sch.uk

                        Issue 88 / Autumn 2019

                                                                       In this issue:
                      On the cover: National Junior Athletics Success (see pages 42-44)
                                   Trips to China, Norway, France, and MFL Exchanges
                                                                Examination Success

The Westcliff Diary                                                                 Page 1
The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School - Westcliff High School for Boys
From the                                                         in the same competition.                         School has expanded, and as we wish
                                                                                                                                             to continue to enable pupils to realize
                                                                                                                                                                                          generosity of Old Westcliffians, parents,
                                                                                                                                                                                          organizations and friends, offering
                                                                                            Of course music, drama and sport are only        their full potential, we have decided to     placements to our students and, if you are
                           desk of the                                                      part of the extra-curricular programme
                                                                                            available to pupils at the School. Activities
                                                                                                                                             further develop the pastoral system by
                                                                                                                                             increasing capacity. Mr Farrell, Director
                                                                                                                                                                                          in a position to offer a placement, then
                                                                                                                                                                                          please do not hesitate to contact Mrs

                           Headmaster                                                       such as the Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
                                                                                            and the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme
                                                                                            continue to flourish. The CCF’s passing
                                                                                                                                             of Middle School, and Mr Bleakley,
                                                                                                                                             Director of Lower School, have taken
                                                                                                                                             on additional responsibilities and both
                                                                                                                                                                                          Weller regarding potential opportunities.
                                                                                                                                                                                          As was the case during the last academic
                                                                                                                                                                                          year, we shall be further developing our
                                                                                            out parade in June was an outstanding            of the Middle School and Lower School        programme and taking advantage of
Welcome back from                             productions (Hamlet, Guys and Dolls and       event and both the Army and Navy                 pastoral teams have been expanded            support provided by the Careers and
the Headmaster                                Lord of the Flies). This year’s music and     Sections enjoyed highly successful               with Miss Bailey joining the Lower           Enterprise Councils established by the
                                              drama seasons also promise outstanding        summer camps prior to the end of last            School as the Progress Leader for Year 8     Government.
                                              performances and I encourage pupils and       term. Equally, it was a pleasure to attend       and Mr Baggs joining the Middle School
I am delighted to welcome back all pupils     parents to book tickets for these events.     the Civic Centre during the summer term          as the Progress Leader for Year 10.          For a number of years, the School has
and staff from the summer vacation.                                                         to congratulate the significant number           There are also plans to expand the Sixth     been working on increasing our local
                                              The academic year 2018/19 was our             of our pupils who achieved the Duke              Form pastoral team and we expect these       intake of Year 7 pupils, and we have
In particular, I would like to welcome back   most successful season of sport in            of Edinburgh Silver Award. My sincere            developments to be implemented during        enjoyed success in this area with the
and congratulate all those pupils who         many years. The skill, commitment and         thanks to Mr Bleakley, Mr Tresidder              this academic year.                          number of local pupils joining us rising
participated in the Music Department’s        enthusiasm which Mr Morrish, Director         and their colleagues who support these                                                        year on year. This is due in no small part
tour to New York at the start of the          of Sport, and his colleagues bring to their   superb activities.                               The School values careers education          to the work of our Westcliff Centre for
summer holiday. The group members             positions continues to inspire our pupils                                                      and guidance for its pupils and we are       Gifted Children and its highly popular Go
were drawn from across the School (from       to participate and enjoy their sport. As      We are fortunate that so many colleagues         fortunate to have a much improved            for Grammar! programme. I am delighted        rate of £1.00. The water bottles may
Year 8 to the Upper Sixth) and these          is often the case in life, success breeds     and senior students at the School are            programme thanks to work by our              to share with the School community that       be purchased by pupils within the Main
young musicians performed at a range of       success and our pupils have enjoyed           prepared to offer their time to support          Careers Adviser, Mrs Weller. As part         we have filled all of the places allocated    School and from the Sixth Form Café
iconic venues, including the flight deck      tremendous success in their sports. The       our large extra-curricular programme.            of our programme, the School offers          for local children in Year 7. In response     and further details will be provided to
of USS Intrepid. I understand that their      School’s Year 8 pupils had a particularly     I would like to take this opportunity to         work experience placements to its            to the growing demand locally, we have        pupils early in this new term. The School
performances were warmly received             notable season, being crowned Double          remind all pupils at the School to take          pupils in Year 11 following their GCSE       also increased the proportion of places       is endeavouring to reduce the amount of
by the American audiences. I wish to          County Champions in Rugby (winning the        advantage of the programme and to                Examinations. We also offer placements       allocated to local children to 80%.           single use plastic used within its catering
record my thanks to my colleagues Mr          Essex Schools and Essex Schools’ Sevens       engage with it. Participation in activities      for Sixth Form students during their                                                       provision. I would also like to take this
Derrick, Ms Dolan and Mrs Mumford who         Competitions), Borough Champions              enables personal development and                 holidays. We do not encourage students       The School is fortunate to enjoy              opportunity to thank all parents who
supported this trip, and to Mr McGee who      in Football and County Champions in           the growth of self-confidence. In my             to arrange placements during term            tremendous support from its local             contribute to the School’s Pupil Fund.
was responsible for its conception and        Basketball. The Year 7 Rugby team also        experience, the development of these             time as the inevitable reduction in          community. I would particularly like          The generosity of these parents enables
organisation.                                 showed great promise, coming runners          attributes goes hand in hand with                their School attendance would have           to draw to your attention the superb          the School to continue to offer a broad
                                              up in the County Championship. Not to         academic progress and success.                   a negative impact on their academic          support we continue to receive from the       curricular and extra-curricular experience
As is evident from the pages of this, and     be outdone by their peers, the Year 9                                                          progress. Therefore, Sixth Form              Parents’ Association. The quality of so       to our pupils.
previous editions of the Westcliff Diary,     Rugby team won the U14 Essex Plate.           I draw to the School community’s                 students seeking work experience             many of our School events is enhanced by
the School’s extra-curricular programme       The School’s U18 Basketball players           attention that the Department for                placements – for example, those seeking      the provision of outstanding hospitality      I would like to remind parents that
of activities continues to thrive. Music      were also crowned County Champions. A         Education has updated its Safeguarding           medical work experience - are advised        from the Parents’ Association. In addition    we welcome contact with the School,
remains a great strength of the School        highlight of the season was the School’s      guidance for Schools (Keeping Children           to obtain a placement during the             to supporting our events, the Parents’        although this must be by letter or
under the leadership of Mr Derrick,           Junior Athletics team being crowned           Safe in Education). As usual, the School         School holidays. I would also encourage      Association has raised many thousands of      telephone call. We do not ordinarily reply
Director of Music. The recent summer          English National Champions (with a            will be training its staff at the start of the   students and their parents to attend         pounds to provide additional resources        to emails as the senders’ identity can be
Sinfonia Concert was filled to capacity       record-breaking points score) with their      year in relation to the updated guidance         some or all of the programme of careers      and support activities within the School.     difficult to verify. We are most grateful
to hear a wonderful programme of              Intermediate counterparts coming fourth       so that we can continue to provide an            seminars involving local and national        In particular, I would like to thank them     for your support in relation to this matter,
music which included an outstanding                                                         environment in which our pupils feel             speakers and covering a board range of       for supporting the School’s initiative        and I also encourage you to visit the
performance of Weber’s Clarinet Concerto                                                    happy and safe.                                  sectors. Further information on these        to provide reusable water bottles for         School’s website and Social Media pages
No 2 by Alex Usher. During the last                                                                                                          events planned for the coming year are       our pupils, in our attempt to reduce the      on a regular basis to keep in touch with
academic year, the levels of participation                                                  The School has a splendid pastoral               included within this edition of the Diary.   amount of plastic waste. Thanks to the        the latest developments at the School.
in drama, and its quantity and quality,                                                     system with each division of the School                                                       support of the Parents’ Association,
continued to rise under the leadership                                                      (Lower, Middle and Sixth Form) being             The success of the School’s work             these water bottles will be available to      I wish you all an enjoyable and successful
of Mr Jeffreys, Director of Drama. The                                                      supported by its own pastoral office.            experience programme relies on the           be purchased at a significantly subsidised    academic year ahead.
School’s drama season concluded with the                                                    The recent survey feedback we have
student-led House Drama Festival which                                                      received from pupils, parents and staff
was a fitting end to a season in which the                                                  regarding our pastoral and safeguarding          Public Examination                           being graded A*/A. Nineteen students
School’s company performed three superb                                                     provision was highly positive. As the            Results 2019                                 gained two or more A* grades and twelve
                                                                                                                                                                                          students achieved at least three A*
                                                                                                                                                                                          grades, with two students achieving four
                                                                                                                                             This year, WHSB has enjoyed superb A         A* grades. The majority of students have
                                                                                                                                             Level results, with 14% of our entries       achieved or exceeded their University
                                                                                                                                             being graded A* and 45% of all entries       offers, including eight students who have
                                                                                                                                                                                          secured places at the Universities of
                                                                                                                                                                                          Oxford and Cambridge.

                                                                                                                                                                                          We enjoyed record-breaking GCSE               A remarkable 44% of pupils achieved 8 or
                                                                                                                                                                                          results with 56% of entries graded 8/9 (A*)   more 9-8/A* grades.
                                                                                                                                                                                          and 76% of entries graded 9-7 (A*-A). We
                                                                                                                                                                                          have many pupils who have performed at        We congratulate all our students and give
                                                                                                                                                                                          an exceptionally high level. 71% of pupils    them our best wishes for the future.
                                                                                                                                                                                          achieved 8 or more A*- A/ 9-7 grades, and
                                                                                                                                                                                          25% of pupils achieved 12A*-A/9-7 grades.

Page 2                                                                                                          The Westcliff Diary          The Westcliff Diary                                                                                                            Page 3
The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School - Westcliff High School for Boys
School News                                     The entertainment for the Official Launch
                                                will include drama and music provided
                                                                                               in the term and included on the School’s
                                                                                               website.
                                                                                                                                               from private individuals in support of the
                                                                                                                                               Centenary year and I would like to thank
                                                                                                                                                                                            understanding of her subject (Economics).
                                                                                                                                                                                            We thank her for encouraging students to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Hung join the Science Department and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          we are also delighted to welcome back Mr
                                                by current and past students of the                                                            them for their generous contributions.       develop their interest in the subject and     Wightman to the Science Department.
WHSB Centenary 1920-                            School. The Big Band and friends (The          As part of our Centenary celebrations, the      In particular, I offer my thanks to Old      for her contribution to some of the very      Mr Norman (an Old Westcliffian) joins
                                                Centenary Band) will be performing a           School has produced a WHSB Centenary            Westcliffians, Mr Ian Frances, Mr Tony       best public examination results enjoyed       the Geography Department, Mr Nutman
2020                                            programme of favourites and a fanfare          tie. The design makes use of the School         Axe and Mr Jon Gershinson who have           by WHSB students and we wish her well         joins the Mathematics Department, Mr
                                                and rousing rendition of ‘Jerusalem’           colours and includes an emblem marking          made very generous donations. All            in her new role. Miss Isaac has also been     Greaves joins the Physical Education
The School’s Centenary year commences           should be anticipated! Our drama will          the Centenary. The standard tie will retail     surplus funds raised during the Centenary    with the School since 2015. She is a highly   Department and Dr Johnson joins the
on 1 January 2019 and the School                make use of the School’s historical record     for £10, and it will be possible to buy         year will go towards improving our           capable teacher and has been a significant    Computer Science Department. We are
community is gearing up for a wonderful         including excerpts from 1920s editions of      a silk version of the tie for £20. Pupils       sporting and recreational facilities. We     contributor to the School’s extra-            delighted to welcome Ms McKeown
programme to celebrate our first 100            the School magazine. We are delighted to       may wear this tie at School during the          appreciate that we live in challenging       curricular life. Miss Isaac now moves         who takes over the leadership of the
years. At the time of writing, less than 80     be able to provide our pupils (and former      Centenary year in place of their uniform        economic times, however if members           forward to take up a promoted position.       Modern Languages Department and
tickets remain for the Official Launch of       students) with the rare opportunity to         tie if they wish to do so. The ties will also   of our community or organisations wish                                                     Miss Wajgensberg who will lead the
the Centenary year at the Cliffs Pavilion       perform in a large-scale, professional         be available to Old Westcliffians, who          to discuss making a donation towards         Mr Williamson will be particularly well       Psychology Department. Both colleagues
taking place on Saturday 1 February 2020.       venue. This promises to be a wonderful         may also wish to purchase the tie as a          the Centenary fund then please do not        known to pupils in the Sixth Form for         have substantial experience of teaching in
We are conscious that parents and family        occasion to celebrate the founding of a        memento of their School, and to family          hesitate to contact myself through my        leading Psychology, although he has also      a selective school environment.
members of pupils performing at the             remarkable School and the many people          and friends who may wish to purchase            Personal Assistant, Mrs Robinson, or         overseen the pastoral care of younger
Launch event may wish to attend and we          who have been part of its one hundred          them as gifts for Old Westcliffians. The tie    Mr Partridge, our Director of Resources      pupils and taught English in the Middle
shall be offering these parents first refusal   years of history. The School shall publish a   will be available for purchase throughout       and Support Services (partridged@whsb.       School. He has given tremendous
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Annual Festival of
on the remaining tickets. The tickets can       detailed programme of Centenary events         the Centenary year only, as will Centenary      essex.sch.uk).                               service to the School since he joined us      Lessons and Carols
be purchased via TicketSource at https://       later this term.                               pens and mugs. Full details regarding the                                                    in September 2011. Mr Williamson has          Monday 16 December 2019, 7.30pm
whsb.ticketsource.co.uk/ and I would                                                           sale of these items will be published later                                                  decided to return to academia and we
encourage those who still wish to attend        Running alongside the programme of             this term.
                                                                                                                                               Staffing for the                             wish him well with his further studies.       The School’s Carol Service is always one
to make your booking as early as possible.      events for the Centenary year, all subject                                                     Autumn Term                                                                                of the highlights of the year and is a long
                                                departments shall be incorporating             Once again, I would like to thank the                                                        Miss Dolan has been an outstanding            and established part of WHSB tradition.
                                                a centenary element to their usual             Principal Sponsor for our Centenary Year,       I would like to take this opportunity to     servant of WHSB since she joined us in        For many in our community, the School’s
                                                curriculum. In some instances, this            Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP, for enabling      record my thanks those staff members         January 2011. She has a strong academic       Carol Service marks the beginning of
                                                will focus on the School, for example          us to develop a superb range of events          who left us in August for their service to   background and she used her outstanding       the Christmas period. We warmly invite
                                                the Lower School History curriculum,           for the Centenary. We are also grateful to      the School.                                  subject knowledge to both enthuse and         you to join us for our traditional service
                                                whilst in other subjects it will focus         Rickard Luckin Accountants and Cadman,                                                       inspire her pupils. As Second in Geography    of Lessons and Carols which will feature
                                                on understanding the development of            the building firm which completed the           At the end of last term, we said farewell    she has overseen the growth in pupil          some of the Christmas season’s well-
                                                the subject across the last 100 years.         fantastic internal refurbishment of the         to Mr Nowotarski and Mr Mumford, both        numbers taking the subject at GCSE Level,     known Carols. It will be an opportunity
                                                Details of these incorporations into the       Science Building, for their generous            Old Westcliffians, who have provided         in particular. Miss Dolan has also given      for pupils, parents, staff and friends of the
                                                curriculum will be shared with pupils later    support. We have also received donations        tremendous service in their roles as         outstanding service as a member of the        School to join as a community and to sing
                                                                                                                                               temporary Teaching Assistants.               Sixth Form Pastoral team as the Auxiliary     together in what promises to be a warm
                                                                                                                                               Mr Ayling and Ms Sanchez have both           Progress Leader. Miss Dolan has always        and joyful evening. Following the Service,
Annual Speech Day                               Dame Carol has completed three                 at school and President of the Student          been with us for just one academic year to   gone the extra mile in terms of providing     those in attendance are invited to join us
Wednesday 6 November 2019, 7.45pm               independent reviews for the UK                 Union at Bristol. Dame Carol comments           teach Chemistry and Spanish respectively.    support and encouragement for her             for mince pies and coffee. Pupils, parents
                                                Government: of the health of the working-      “It matters to me terribly that I try and       Each colleague has made valuable             pupils.                                       and friends are invited to reserve seats in
                                                age population in 2008 as National             that I take risks. I would rather say, ‘I had   contributions and we thank them for                                                        advance using TicketSource.
The School’s Annual Speech Day will take        Director for Health and Work; of sickness      a go and it did not work’, than look in the     their work. Both colleagues have enjoyed     We are pleased to welcome a number of
place on Wednesday 6 November in the            absence in Britain in 2011 as co-chair;        mirror and realise I did not put myself in      their time in teaching and plan to take      staff to the School. Mr Garstin and Mrs                                        Headmaster
School Hall. This year we are delighted to      and of employment outcomes of addiction        the race”.                                      postgraduate qualifications in teaching.
welcome Professor Dame Carol Black              to drugs or alcohol, or obesity, in 2016.                                                      We wish them every success with their
                                                In February 2019 the Home Secretary            Speech Day provides the School                  studies.                                     Annual Service of
Professor Dame Carol Black is currently         announced that Dame Carol would lead           with an opportunity to celebrate the
Chair of the British Library, the Centre        an independent review on illicit drugs,        achievements of pupils throughout the           We also said farewell to Mr White who
                                                                                                                                                                                            Remembrance
                                                                                                                                                                                            Monday 11 November 2019, 8.45am
for Ageing Better, and Think Ahead,             demand, supply and treatment.                  School during the past academic year.           has contributed significantly to the
the Government’s fast-stream training                                                          The evening is a compulsory attendance          outstanding success enjoyed by the
programme for Mental Health Social              Professor Black is a past-President of         for all pupils in Years 11 to 13. It is         Physical Education Department in the last    The Annual Service of Remembrance
Workers. She chairs NHS Improvement’s           the Royal College of Physicians, of the        anticipated that we shall have over 900         two years. He now moves forward to a         for the whole School will take place on
Advisory Board on Employee Health and           Academy of Medical Royal Colleges,             pupils, staff and guests in attendance.         promoted position in his new School.         Monday 11 November at 8.45am. The
Wellbeing, and is Adviser to NHSI and           and of the British Lung Foundation, and                                                                                                     Service will run until approximately
PHE on Health and Work. She is also a           past-Chair of the Nuffield Trust for health                                                    Dr Smith joined the staff in 2017, having    9.40am and will include hymns, readings,
member of RAND Europe’s Council of              policy. The Centre she established at                                                          just completed a PhD in Mathematics. He      prayers and music to remember the
Advisers, and of the Board of UKActive.         the Royal Free Hospital in London is                                                           is a highly qualified mathematician and      fallen. The Head Boy, Ben Johanson, will
                                                internationally-renowned for research                                                          we thank him for his work to promote         lay a wreath in memory of those from the
She recently completed her seven-year           and treatment of connective tissue                                                             scholarly interest in the subject. Miss      School who gave their lives in both World
term as Principal of Newnham College            diseases such as scleroderma. She has                                                          Tyson also joined us just two years ago.     Wars and in other conflicts. The School’s
Cambridge, where she was a Deputy               recently been a Trustee of the National                                                        She is a highly capable mathematician        Combined Cadet Force (CCF) will also
Vice-Chancellor. She still sits on the          Portrait Gallery.                                                                              and chemist who has been able to make a      participate in the arrangements for the
University’s Advisory Board for the                                                                                                            contribution to teaching in both of those    Service. Parents are warmly invited to
Centre of Science and Public Policy, and        Dame Carol originally attended a                                                               subjects. Miss Tyson moves on to new         join us for the occasion, and for coffee in
the Strategy Board on Student Mental            Grammar School and reflects that her                                                           responsibilities at her new School and we    the Conference Room after the Service.
Health and Wellbeing. She is a Patron of        earliest achievement was to defy limited                                                       thank her for her contribution and wish      Seating should be reserved in advance
the Women’s Leadership Centre in the            family expectations, those being working                                                       her well.                                    using TicketSource.
Judge Business School.                          in a shoe factory or shop. She believed
                                                more was possible. She became Head Girl                                                        Mrs Mason joined us in 2015 and quickly
                                                                                                                                               demonstrated a fine knowledge and

Page 4                                                                                                             The Westcliff Diary         The Westcliff Diary                                                                                                             Page 5
The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School - Westcliff High School for Boys
School News                                    pupil attendance remains a top priority
                                               for the School. We are grateful for the
                                                                                               while the School will always be mindful
                                                                                               of individual circumstances, both pupils
                                                                                                                                              often pupils and parents are not aware
                                                                                                                                              of the excessive use of and reliance on
                                                                                                                                                                                               The Year 10 Education                          a smooth and constructive transition
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              into the Middle School, at the Year 10
                                               continuing support of so many parents           and parents must understand that those         Social Media and ‘gaming’ until it has
                                                                                                                                                                                               Evening and                                    Education Evening. This will take place
School Attendance                              regarding the matter of attendance.             who engage in the misuse of drugs while        become an entrenched habit or addiction.         Successful Study                               in the School Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday
                                                                                               registered as pupils of the School and,        The excessive use and reliance on Social                                                        24 September and I hope that all Year
As we start the new academic year, I                                                           in particular those who do so in School        Media is increasingly placing pupils
                                                                                                                                                                                               Strategies at GCSE                             10 pupils and their parents will be in
wish to remind parents and pupils of the
                                               Safeguarding                                    or through their links with School, will       under pressure and, in some instances,
                                                                                                                                                                                               Tuesday 24 September 2019, 7.30pm
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              attendance.
importance of the continuity of education.                                                     probably be deemed to have behaved in          has encouraged a minority to engage in
The majority of pupils maintain splendid       The start of an academic year seems             a manner incompatible with their future        unacceptable behaviour such as spreading         Pupils, the School and parents all have a      I will be joined by senior colleagues and
attendance records and both they, their        an appropriate time to remind pupils            membership of the School.                      malicious gossip and/or insulting others.        significant role to play in ensuring that      former Year 11 pupils who will contribute
parents and the School take appreciable        and parents of the importance of safe                                                          Unsurprisingly, there is also a strong           progress and attainment is maximised           their own expertise and experiences and
pride in their commitment. The School          behaviour, not just at School but also at                                                      correlation between low academic                 throughout the Middle School years and         this will make for a very worthwhile and
monitors attendance closely and the            home and when travelling to and from
                                                                                               Use of the Internet                            progress and excessive online activity.          that this ultimately leads to success at       informative evening.
data shows a strong correlation between        School. I would also draw attention             and Mental Health                              I remind parents and pupils that the             GCSE. Taking the pupil’s role first, they
absence and lower levels of progress. The      to my letter to parents dated 10 June                                                          Internet is rarely required to complete          will be more motivated with their studies                                        Mr A Farrell
pace of lessons is fast and an absence of a    2019 (copies also available from the            The School has regularly shared with           homework.                                        if they have chosen their goals. This                               Director of Middle School
day or more can place pupils in difficulty     School Office) which covered a range of         pupils and parents the message that                                                             may take the form of pursuing Higher
with catching up on missed work as well        important Safeguarding matters. I am sure       adolescents are particularly susceptible       Appropriately, there has been an                 Education at University, enrolling on
as endeavouring to keep up in lessons.         parents will share the School’s concern         to Internet addiction. This often manifests    increasing focus in recent years on young        an apprenticeship scheme or gaining
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Positive Study Habits
We understand that there will always           regarding the number of recent drugs            itself as excessive time spent playing         peoples’ mental health. There is robust          admission to the Sixth Form to study
be an exceptional case to the general          related deaths of young people within our       internet games and/or use of Social            evidence to suggest that excessive               at Advanced Level. Whatever their              For those pupils in Year 11 and 13,
rule, however I wish to advise parents         local and wider community. It is important      Media. In some instances we have found         Internet use leads to low mood, anxiety          aspirations, this will help them to focus      revision and public examinations will
that requests for leave of absence for         the pupils understand the serious danger        pupils spending up to an average of four       and depression in young people. It is            on their work and give them a sense of         not be far from your mind throughout
holidays during term time will not be          which drugs pose and seek support               to five hours per day online (in excess        often manifest in insufficient sleep, lack       purpose for doing well. Concentration          this year, and those in Year 10 and 12
granted. Given its impact on educational       from parents and the School if they find        of a day a week). Unfortunately, this          of physical fitness, loss of interest in other   and paying attention in lessons is, of         begin their two-year public examination
performance, maintaining outstanding           themselves involved with drugs. Equally,        behaviour is becoming normalised and           activities and declining performance at          course, essential to grasp the concepts        courses. It might seem a little daunting
                                                                                                                                              school. Therefore, it is important that          and thoroughly understand the subject          at this stage in the Academic Year, but a
                                                                                                                                              parents continue to discuss, monitor and         material that is being covered. Self-          few simple strategies can certainly help
Congratulations to our new Head Boy and Deputies                                                                                              agree reasonable boundaries for their            discipline and personal organisation           to build a secure foundation ahead of key
                                                                                                                                              children’s online activity. Parents are          are necessary attributes to ensure that        revision periods and ultimately maximise
It is always a great pleasure to introduce the new Head Boy and his Deputies to our wider School community. Our Head Boy, Benjamin            strongly advised to prevent their sons or        homework and revision assignments to           your chance of success next summer.
Johanson, is a major contributor to the School’s Drama Company and has had major roles in most of our recent productions. He will             daughters from using or storing internet         support the work that is being done in the
also be well known in the School as one of our senior CCF cadets. Benjamin has already made a superb start to his period of office            enabled devices in their bedrooms. We            School are completed by the deadlines set.     First and foremost, it is very important
as Head Boy and demonstrated that he is a highly effective and conscientious leader. Benjamin will be supported Daniel Pereira and            would also advise that the Internet is           Taking a pride in the presentation of their    that you remain organised: you need to be
Daniel Barton. Daniel Pereira is also a stalwart of the School’s Drama Company and he gave a dazzling performance in the role of              switched off after 9.00pm to avoid pupils        material and themselves is important and       able to balance homework and revision.
Hamlet last year. He also edits ‘The Stylus’ and has, throughout his time at the School, contributed greatly to the School’s literary life.   engaging in online activity into the early       creates a good impression.                     For revision, I suggest the use of a tick
Daniel Barton will be well known to most of the School following his selection (one of only a handful of students, nationally) for the        hours of the morning.                                                                           list (or exam specification) from the very
CCF Canadian Exchange programme. He has a high profile as a senior cadet as well as being a significant contributor to the School’s                                                            Subject teachers will obviously impart         start of the year. Once you have covered
sporting life. This is an exceptional leadership team and we wish Benjamin and his Deputies every success with their responsibilities.                                                         information on the topics that pupils          a topic in class, you should revisit it soon
                                                                                                                                              Travelling to and                                require to cover the various specifications    after. Once you have done so, you could
                                                                                                                                              from School                                      and the Pastoral Team, based in the            colour code your list: for example, use red
                                                                                                                                                                                               Middle School Pastoral Office, is on hand      for material with which you are not at all
                                                                                                                                              Once again, I would like to take the             to monitor their progress. The Office will     confident, amber where there are gaps
                                                                                                                                              opportunity at the start of this academic        provide a variety of support measures          in your knowledge but you have a broad
                                                                                                                                              year to remind pupils that they must             and guidance if it is felt that a particular   understanding of the topic, and green for
                                                                                                                                              travel to and from School wearing School         pupil needs them for any reason to help        the areas in which you are most confident.
                                                                                                                                              uniform and those engaged in sport               them get back on track and meet their          This will help you to work out the areas
                                                                                                                                              must change back into School uniform             target grades. A most important aspect         for immediate attention when it comes
                                                                                                                                              before departing the School site. It is also     of preparation for GCSEs is, of course,        to revision for your Trial Examinations. If
                                                                                                                                              important that pupils maintain the highest       an organised, constructive, revision           you do this as you work through the year,
                                                                                                                                              standard of behaviour when travelling to         programme and we advise them on                it will help you to identify those areas you
                                                                                                                                              and from School. The School works with           strategies to maximise the efficiency of       need to work on, instead of struggling
                                    Benjamin Johanson                 Daniel Pereira                     Daniel Barton                        other local schools and the bus and rail         their revision time.                           with topics you do not understand in
                                    Head Boy                          Deputy Head Boy                    Deputy Head Boy                      companies to address any misconduct                                                             the lead up to both Trial and Public
 Previous School                    Rayleigh Primary School           St Joseph’s Primary School         South Benfleet Primary School        in this area. Our School community will          Parents can play an important role here        Examinations.
                                                                      (Canvey Island)                                                         not tolerate the misconduct of a few,            as well. Ensuring that there is somewhere
                                                                                                                                              tarnishing the reputation of all, and so         your son can work at home which                Being disciplined with your time is a key
 Subjects at A Level                History, Spanish, Mathematics     English Literature, Religious      Mathematics, Economics,
                                                                                                                                              any misconduct in public will be treated         provides an environment conducive              ingredient for success at GCSE and A
                                    and Economics                     Studies, German, and History       Politics and History
                                                                                                                                              as a serious matter. The School has an           to study and that he is not allowing his       Level. No-one expects you to work 24
 The most positive aspect of        The independence and              The wealth of opportunities for Support from the School                 excellent reputation thanks to the hard          concentration to be disturbed by the           hours a day, but when you do sit down to
 being a student at WHSB            personal responibility that the   participation provided          community                               work and good conduct of the majority of         distractions of text messages, MP3             study, you must do so with full focus. We
                                    School encourages                                                                                         its pupils and all members of the School         players, computer games and the like are       would always advise you to break your
 What I would most like to          To lead an effective Prefect      To promote respect for all         To encourage a strong sense of       community have a duty to uphold that             essential. Providing encouragement and         studying into 30 minute chunks to help
 achieve in my new position at      Body which serves our             members of the community           community                            reputation.                                      showing an interest in his studies, on the     maintain concentration. Have a clear
 WHSB                               community well                    and our environment                                                                                                      other hand, is also a necessity as it aids     idea of what you want to achieve and
                                                                                                                                                                               Headmaster      your son’s motivation.                         make sure you strive to reach that goal
 My message to our new Year         Be Open to Opportunity            There is so much on offer          Take time to forge positive                                                                                                          by the end of the session and ensure that
 7 pupils                                                             - immerse yourself fully in        relationships with others                                                             I will be discussing the above matters and     you study in an environment conducive
                                                                      School life                                                                                                              other issues relating to your son making       to study, free from distractions; leave

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The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School - Westcliff High School for Boys
School News                                     Sixth Form Education                          It is our aim to help and encourage
                                                                                              members of Year 12 to make the
                                                                                                                                             Year 7 Education                                with the ever-popular Christmas Jumper
                                                                                                                                                                                             Day taking place (for a donation of £1).
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Extended Project
                                                Evening: The Pupil to                         transition. However, support from
                                                                                                                                             Evening for all                                 These charity events are cash only, with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Qualification (EPQ)
your mobile phone, computer and other           Student Transition                            home is vital. Accordingly, on Thursday        Parents and Pupils                              £5 usually sufficing to ensure entry
gadgets in another room. Working with           Thursday 19 September 2019, 7.30pm            19 September 2019, the Headmaster,             Monday 23 September 2019, 7.00pm                to all daytime activities and a piece of      During the Summer Term, the current
full concentration will give you a real                                                       Mr McGee (Year 12 Progress Leader),                                                            cake. Later in the year, watch out for our    Year 13 (then Year 12) students were
sense of achievement, meaning that you                                                        and I will lead an Education Evening           Having now begun their journey as               family-friendly evening events such as        busily working on their Project Proposal
will be able to enjoy your leisure time         Joining a Sixth Form brings many              to explain the measures needed for a           WHSB pupils, Year 7 have to get to grips        a Quiz Night. Applications for Charity        forms for their Extended Project
without concern.                                benefits – a young person gets to choose      contented and successful Sixth Form            with considerable change, including             Committee Chairman are open now and           Qualification dissertation. They have now
                                                their favourite subjects to study, and no     education, and to give advice on study         environment, peer group, study habits,          letters of application should be addressed    been paired with a subject mentor who
Incremental revision is absolutely vital,       longer must attend lessons or complete        habits, the organization of notes, wider       technology and so on. In light of this          to Mrs Mumford and submitted by Friday        will give them advice and guidance.
and revision must not be left until the final   tasks relating to anything else. Their        wellbeing issues as well as hints relevant     change, we invite all Year 7 parents to join    13 September.
weeks and days before an examination.           timetable has private study sessions,         to particular subjects. Current Year 13        their sons for this compulsory Education                                                      Over the Summer holiday, learners
Cramming simply will not work with the          during which they have a free choice as       students will speak from their experience.     Evening. During the evening, we will                                        Mrs K Mumford     worked on their literature review, the
volume of information you will need to          to how they work. They are looked up to       I encourage all members of Year 12,            consider some general strategies for                                    Second Deputy Head    purpose of which is to survey books,
retain for next summer. However, starting       by younger pupils, and are naturally seen     together with an adult member of their         success and will also provide some clear                                                      scholarly articles, and any other sources
early will mean that you can get a head         in the role of a leader. They begin the       family to attend this evening to ensure        guidance as to our expectations for our                                                       relevant to a particular issue, area of
start. It really is a case of repeatedly        process of choosing a University course or    that they begin their Sixth Form journey       pupils in addition to guidance as to what
                                                                                                                                                                                             Relationships and Sex                         research, or theory, and by so doing,
revisiting material until it can be stored in   profession in readiness for the day when      with the right attitude and approach.          parents can do to most effectively support      Education Policy (RSE)                        provide a description, summary, and
the long-term memory.                           they leave the School.                                                                       them.                                                                                         critical evaluation of these works in
                                                                                                                          Dr A Machacek                                                      The Government has issued revised             relation to the research problem being
It is important that you find out how you       And yet, while some of the subjects                 Assistant Head: Director of Sixth Form                                   Mr J Bleakley   guidance on Relationships Education,          investigated. They have also been
best learn, but you may need to do that         chosen may have the same name as                                                                                 Director of Lower School    RSE and Health Education. This applies to     explaining how their research fits within a
through trial. Do you find tables and           the ones studied at GCSE, there are                                                                                                          all schools in England and will come into     larger field of study.
diagrams helpful? Are question cards            great differences. The questions on the
                                                                                              Year 9 ‘Helping Parents                                                                        effect in September 2020.
useful to you? It is only by repeating          papers of the modern, linear A Level          to Help Their Sons’                            Enrichment Day                                                                                This qualification is aimed at the most-
                                                                                                                                             Friday 20 September 2019
revision and finding memorable ways to          (with no modules nor AS examinations          Evening                                                                                        As a School, we are fortunate that we         able and conscientious students in the
learn that you will find the most effective     half way through) require a high level of     Thursday 26 September 2019, 7.30pm                                                             already teach and thoroughly cover most       Sixth Form who are aiming at top grades
way forward. Revision should never              independent thought. In Mathematics                                                          Friday 20 September promises to be              of what has now become statutory and          at A Level (mainly As and A*s). They have a
be re-reading or copying your notes;            and Physics, there is a greater emphasis                                                     an exciting day for all pupils. Year 7          have done so for many years within our        number of strict deadlines.
you must adopt effective strategies to          on proving rather than using equations,       As Year 9 pupils begin their third             pupils will be heading off to East Mersea       PSHEE curriculum. The new guidance            If there is an area of study you really enjoy,
ensure the best chance of committing the        and applying them to more novel               academic year at WHSB, we invite               for a day of fun, adventure and, most           refers to RSE helping to develop pupils’      the EPQ gives you the chance to develop
material to long-term memory. In simple         situations. In History and Politics, the      Year 9 parents and pupils to attend the        importantly, making new friends as              personal attributes, including honesty,       your skills and knowledge and really
terms, if you revise something, revisit it      range of material and background to           Year 9 Helping Parents to Help their           they tackle a variety of team-building          integrity, courage, humility, kindness,       impress universities. Top universities
one day later, then one week later, and         be learned is much greater. In short,         Sons evening. Year 9 is an especially          activities. Year 8 pupils set off on a          generosity, trustworthiness and a sense       recognise the EPQ as valuable proof of
one month later, you will increase your         the number of questions which can be          important year, as it is the final year of     pilgrimage to Canterbury with the               of justice, alongside self-respect and        your capacity for independent learning,
chance of retaining the material.               answered well by memorizing mark              preparation for GCSE, and performance          Religious Studies Department, Year 9            self-worth. These are all attributes that     as well as your passion for the subject you
                                                schemes from previous examinations, or        and approach to studies in this year can       has a day of Computer Science activity          are ingrained in our established ‘Learner     want to study at a higher level. When they
Getting into good study and revision            by rehearsing specific methods has been       have a material effect on GCSE choices,        to enjoy, whilst Year 10 pupils have a          Profile’ here at WHSB.                        see it on your UCAS application, it shows
habits early and being organised will           reduced. For eager, diligent students,        setting the foundation for the pupils’         day of Mathematics in Action. Year 11                                                         them that you are serious.
maximise your chance of success in              keen to master their subjects, the new        future performance. During this evening        Historians are heading on a castle tour         Lucy Emmerson, Director of the Sex
the Summer 2020. Studying for Public            examinations are a welcome change.            we will consider some general strategies       and the remaining pupils will have a day of     Education Forum, said: “We know that          The benefits of completing an EPQ
Examinations does create some pressure,         Not only that, but the range of topics,       for success in studies during the vital time   immersive English activities. Year 12 will      the majority of children, young people        include:
but following some of this advice should        and the depth to which they need to be        for preparation to choose GCSE Options.        be participating in Health and Wellbeing        and parents want an education that            • Enhancing your UCAS application
help you to manage your workload and            understood is much greater than at GCSE.      In addition, representatives of various        activities and Year 13 students will be         reflects the realities of growing up in           and potentially helping you meet the
remain in control.                                                                            departments will review subject specific       volunteering either with School activities,     modern society and equips them to                 conditions of a university place offer,
                                                To succeed with these courses, and these      advice. Parents are kindly requested to        or organising their own opportunities. We       enjoy safe and respectful relationships.          as it is worth extra points (half an A
Please remember that studying will not          examinations, a different approach is         book tickets via TicketSource. We look         are looking forward to a most enjoyable         The new guidance from the Department              Level);
always go to plan, but drawing on the           necessary. It has been customary for          forward to seeing you at this event.           and productive day.                             for Education opens the way for this to       • The opportunity to produce a piece of
resilience you have developed during            some time at WHSB to refer to those in                                                                                                       happen, and for schools to engage fully           work that is truly individual and says
your time at WHSB will help you through         Years 7 to 11 as ‘pupils’ while those in                                                                                                     with parents in this process, so that             something about you as a person;
a demanding year. All of your teachers          the Sixth Form are denoted ‘students’.
                                                                                                                                             Charity Events and                              children get the reliable information and     • Demonstrating to universities that
are here to help and want you to succeed.       This distinction is particularly apposite                                                    Applications for                                open conversations they want and need.”           you are enthusiastic about the subject
If you feel concerned or under pressure         with the new courses. A student is an                                                        Charity Committee                                                                                 you are applying to study;
and need some additional help, please do        independent learner, who takes control                                                                                                       The RSE policy at WHSB has been               • Proving to future employers that you
see your Progress Leader or staff in the        of the direction of their studies. A pupil,                                                  Chairman                                        updated and we will consult with                  are a self-motivated character with
relevant Pastoral Office. We wish you           even a good one, follows orders – no more                                                                                                    staff, students and parents at School             useful skills in your chosen field.
good luck for the year ahead.                   and no less. A good pupil can succeed at                                                     Each year, charity fundraisers are run by a     about this before it is finalised. Details
                                                GCSE. Old Westcliffians who go on to                                                         dedicated committee of Year 12 students.        of this consultation process will be          If you have any questions about this
                                Mr S Neagus     University or professional study as part of                                                  This team selects the charities – one           communicated later in the year.               qualification, then please do ask me.
                     Year 11 Progress Leader    their apprenticeships need to be students                                                    local, one national – and plans a series of
                                                – able to learn without daily supervision                                                    events across the School year. The first        The full government draft guidance from                                       Mr R Barber
                                                and support ‘on tap’, and without                                                            Charity Day is on Friday 18 October and         the Department of Education can be                                 Head of Breadth Studies
                                                reminders about upcoming deadlines.                                                          a detailed schedule will be published in        found online on the gov.uk website.
                                                Accordingly, a transition must occur                                                         advance, with activities typically including
                                                during the Sixth Form, and the sooner it is                                                  Cake Sales, Teacher Gunging and the Staff                                       Mr R Barber
                                                made, the more rewarding and successful                                                      Pantomime being run during break, lunch                                   PSHEE Coordinator
                                                the Sixth Form experience will be for the                                                    and after School. Thursday 12 December
                                                learner.                                                                                     will be the second day of fundraising,

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The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School - Westcliff High School for Boys
Trips & Visits                                Year 10 Trip to                                                                             China Exchange 2020                                                                           lake was seemingly turned up-side down
                                              the National                                                                                                                                                                              on our heads. We were subsequently
                                                                                                                                          Parents and staff at WHSB will have lived,                                                    whisked around sites such as the
History Days Out                              Portrait Gallery: A                                                                         at least partially, through the ‘American                                                     Forbidden Palace, Tiananmen Square and
                                              Retrospective                                                                               Century’. Your children, and the students                                                     the Olympic Village. The culmination of
In the Autumn, the WHSB History                                                                                                           at WHSB will live through the ‘Chinese                                                        our time in Beijing was the Great Wall
Department continues its very successful      On Friday 5 July, Miss Price and Mr                                                         Century’. Whether or not you agree                                                            of China, where the steps were so steep
History Days Out programme. The               Sinnott took Year 10 Art pupils to the                                                      with this assessment of the changing                                                          and the air so hot we reached the apex in
programme is designed to offer an             National Portrait Gallery in London. We                                                     geopolitical landscape, there can be                                                          a daze of fervent perspiration – but the
interesting visit on a Saturday once a        viewed the Cindy Sherman exhibition,                                                        no doubt that the resurgence of China                                                         view will stay with us as one of life’s finest.
term to a place of historical significance.   general collection and the BP Portrait                                                      will present the world with a drastically
Previous visits have included the Tower       Award. It was a fantastic opportunity                                                       changing order of affairs and economic                                                        Following our stay in Beijing, we took the
of London, Bletchley Park, the National       for GCSE pupils to see a vast array of        floors of the gallery were a trip through     disruption.                                    Q&A session for parents where you              bullet train to Shenyang, for a week of
Museum of Computing, and Historic             portraiture in wide-ranging media,            time as you went along from the Tudor                                                        will have the opportunity to discuss the       educational activities. We attempted to
Greenwich. On our next visit, pupils will     created in different eras and contexts,       Kings and Queens all the way to the           At WHSB, we ask our students to be             practicalities and arrangements for the        learn basic Mandarin, our first unforgiving
be embarking across the Thames and            thus allowing pupils to identify and select   present day art. Seeing all of the famous     globally aware, and in this vein we are        trip.                                          exposure to the language, Chinese music
venturing into Kent on a visit to Chatham     works to inspire them for their GCSE          portraits and events was very interesting     pleased to announce that the Confucius                                                        and cultural studies. The highlight of
Dockyards. With a range of battleships        studies.                                      in terms of both art and history and how      Institute/Hanban China Exchange                The following article gives a review of the    the trip was the home visit with a local
and submarines to explore, as well as the                                                   the world (and art) has changed so much       will once again offer 10 students the          2018 Exchange to give you a flavour of         student. We were invited into the family
Victorian Ropery and exhibitions on over      Feedback from the pupils was most             in just over 500 years.” Thomas Gerrie        opportunity to travel to China for two         what can be expected.                          home and spent the afternoon making
400 years of British History, Chatham         positive, and some of their comments are                                                    weeks in July/August 2020. Similar in                                                         traditional Chinese dumplings and
Dockyard is steeped in history and will       included below.                               “The trip to the National Portrait Gallery    format to the Exchanges of 2017 and                                               Mr D Hill   tea, mostly by means of gestures and
provide an interactive and immersive                                                        was great. All of the exhibitions were        2018, students will spend one week in the                       Teacher i/c China Exchange    smiles. Despite the language barriers,
learning environment for pupils. Founded      “Before I went, I did not realise that        really interesting and created lots of        capital, Beijing, touring the historical and                                                  our welcome was so warm that we leave
in the mid-16th century as a result of        photography could have the same effect        project ideas and goals. Thanks to Miss       cultural landmarks of this ancient city. The                                                  China with the small bond of friendship.
the Reformation and the rise of tensions      and creativity as a painting, but seeing      Price and Mr Sinnott, the trip was really     second week will be spent in a provincial
                                                                                                                                                                                         China Exchange 2018: A
between England and Catholic Europe,          the Cindy Sherman exhibition completely       enjoyable.” William Wadeson                   city, sampling aspects of Chinese culture      Retrospective                                  After two frenetic weeks, and a few
Chatham Dockyard has contributed              changed my perspective… The upper                                                           such as martial arts, calligraphy and                                                         upset stomachs, it was time for us to
to the defence of Britain for over 400                                                      “The trip was inspiring and it showed me a    traditional Chinese dance. Alongside,          On an early Sunday morning in mid-July,        make the 28-hour odyssey back to our
years. Pupils will have the opportunity                                                     new perspective and calibre of art which      there will be approximately 20 hours of        12 students from WHSB along with our           Essex homes. The visit to China will be
to consider the vitality of the dockyards                                                   I had never been exposed to before.”          Mandarin lessons, where students will          bleary-eyed teachers, were congregating        forgotten by no one and easily rests as
not only on the sovereignty of our island                                                   Andreas Moulton                               try to grasp the four tones of the spoken      at the School bus stops. We had been           one of the most fascinating trips we have
nation, but also on its expansion. The day                                                                                                dialect.                                       given a once in a lifetime opportunity:        been offered whilst at WHSB. It gave
promises to be informative, interesting                                                     “A fully engaging, meaningful trip. Many      Students who wish to apply for the             we were travelling to China. The trip,         us the opportunity to experience a truly
and above all else, fun! This opportunity,                                                  of the pieces of modern art, mostly from      Exchange will be invited to an interest        organised in partnership with the IOE          disparate culture and unique perspective,
and participation in our History Days                                                       the BP Awards, really inspired me to try      meeting in early October, alongside a          Confucius Institute, was the second run        and one that will increasingly be felt on
Out programme, is open to all pupils                                                        new things. The Cindy Sherman exhibition                                                     of a hopefully annual exchange that the        the world stage. Of course none of this
throughout the School and any interested                                                    was interesting, especially her horror                                                       School intends to offer to its students        would be possible without the hard work
pupil should collect a letter from the                                                      work from the 1980s. Overall it was a                                                        from Year 10 and above. The trip was to        and organisation of our accompanying
School Office.                                                                              wonderful trip.” Ethan Ng                                                                    last two weeks, with one week in Beijing       teachers, Mr Hill and Mr Morrish. We
                                                                                                                                                                                         and one in Shenyang respectively.              encourage all students to take up this
                              Mr B Jeffreys                                                                                Miss L Price                                                                                                 opportunity in the future, and experience
                            Head of History                                                                   KS3/KS4 Art Co-ordinator                                                   Our time in the sprawling Chinese capital      China!
                                                                                                                                                                                         was an onslaught of historical sites and
                                                                                                                                                                                         famed Chinese landmarks built across                                         Billy Darlington
                                                                                                                                                                                         the last millennia. We had packed for the                                            Year 13
Year 11 Geography                             equipment and to apply the theory from        Geographical Applications paper in the                                                       scorching Chinese Summer, but our first
                                              the classroom to the practice in the field.   summer.                                                                                      venture out, to the Summer Palace, will
Field Trip to Walton-                         The data will then be used to develop a                                                                                                    be remembered as a wet deluge as the
on-the-Naze                                   range of skills, such as graph drawing and                                Dr M Shepherd
Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 October            analysis, which will be examined in the                                Head of Geography
2019

In July, Year 10 GCSE Geography pupils
took part in a data collection day for
a human geography investigation in
Stratford, East London. The results
enabled them to compare deprivation
and quality of life in the regenerated East
Village with the Carpenters Estate area.
October will see them – as Year 11 pupils -
take part in a physical geography fieldtrip
visit to Walton-on-the-Naze in North
Essex. This time the aim is to evaluate
the impacts of coastal management
strategies along the town’s coastline.
This enquiry will give the classes an
excellent opportunity to use fieldwork

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The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School - Westcliff High School for Boys
Trips & Visits                                                                               a School day at the Lycée Rey, a private
                                                                                             school in the region. Pupils were expected     German Exchange                                 After our tour of Bonn with my host family
                                                                                             to engage in lessons and take in the           2018/19: A                                      the night before, the next day was spent in
                                                                                             similarities and differences between                                                           the German school. This was an excellent
                                                                                             the two systems. It was clear the pupils
                                                                                                                                            Retrospective                                   chance to experience the life of a German
                                                                                             were curious to observe the day-to-day                                                         teenager and also make some new friends.
                                                                                             routines at the Lycée Rey, which raised        As every year, Dr Francis and I enjoyed
                                                                                             some interesting discussion points.            taking a large group of Year 9 to 13           Following that we had the weekend where
                                                                                                                                            students to Germany on our annual              we were able to visit different areas of
                                                                                             Over the weekend, pupils stayed with           exchange programme with our partner            Bonn with our host families. I went to see
                                                                                             their host families. Some travelled to Paris   school in Bonn. It is fantastic to provide     a basketball game which proved to be one
                                                                                             to see the Capital's famous sites, whereas     students with the opportunity to practise      of the highlights of the trip.
                                                                                             others visited the beautiful seaside           their language skills outside of the                                                            is in the year above me, so I enjoyed a
                                                                                             scenery just a one-hour car journey from       classroom and to experience the culture        The last two days were spent visiting            day of Oberstufe lessons, the highlights
                                                                                             Rouen. The weekend was regarded as             of the language they are learning. What        Aqualand, a water park about half                including tchoukball in PE and double
                                                                                             the best opportunity for learning what         follows are two recollections from pupils      an hour’s train ride from Bonn, and              French, where they were studying a
                                                                                             the pupils regarded as authentic French,       who attended the trip.                         Fantasiasland the undisputable highlight.        Parisian music video. The remaining trips
                                                                                             picking up idiomatic phrases and language      					                                                                                           were to Phantasialand and Aqualand.
                                                                                             which they do not necessarily come across                                     Mrs M Niedzela  To conclude, I would thoroughly
                                                                                             in the classroom.                                                            Head of German   recommend the German Exchange to                 However, the best aspects of the
                                                                                                                                                                                           anyone with an interest in German culture        exchange are outside of the excursions.
                                                                                             During the week, the days were packed          For the second year running, I decided         as it is not only an immensely insightful        The whole trip is so advantageous simply
                                                                                             with activities. Visits to Caen and Rouen      to sign up for the German exchange             cultural experience but also a great             because I was completely immersed in the
                                                                                             town centres were educational and              with the Clara Fey Gymnasium in Bad            chance to develop your German.                   German culture and language. Spending
                                                                                             insightful and a trip to the local Pool and    Godesberg, Bonn. Following a long – and                                                         time in a foreign country speaking only
Visit to IWM Duxford                         Setesdal Valley Trek and paddle on the          Bowling Centre was thoroughly enjoyed          very early – coach journey we arrived                                           Oscar Piggott   German is unsurprisingly beneficial in
Tuesday 1 October 2019                       Otra river journey. There will also be a        as it allowed pupils to bond further with      in Bad Godesberg to be greeted by our                                                 Year 11   improving linguistic abilities and, at its
                                             chance to camp in the Nordic wilderness,        their exchange partners.                       partners. The first evening was spent at                                                        core, living 10 days in Bonn were enough
On Tuesday 1 October, Year 9 pupils          walk through ancient rainforests and                                                           our partners’ houses, getting used to the      One of the most fulfilling aspects of the        to highlight the nuances of German
will visit the Imperial War Museum at        swim in crystal-clear blue lakes. This trip     The highlight of the excursion was             routines of the host families.                 German Exchange for Years 9 through              that are simply not as accessible within
Duxford for a day of off-site education      will be offered to pupils in Years 8 and 9 in   undoubtedly the patisserie workshop                                                           13 is that there are plenty of culturally-       lessons. The trip allowed us to spend
on the aircraft that helped shape the        the first instance and availability may be      where a master baker explained how to          The following day, we headed off to the        enriching trips throughout the stay. We          time not only with German citizens, but
world throughout the 20th Century.           limited. Further details will be released in    make croissants and pains au chocolat in       Borussia Dortmund stadium with our             visited the home ground of the acclaimed         also with German adolescents and to
Pupils will take study packs through this    due course.                                     French. After the demonstration, it was        partners for a tour that included pitch        Borussia Dortmund football team and              experience their world perspectives.
excellent museum to direct and guide                                                         up to our pupils to demonstrate what           side views and a chance to walk along          were shown in detail the traditions of           Time spent with the family was similarly
them and, based on the feedback from last                                       Mr J Yeo     they had understood and learned. It is         the famous yellow wall. The next day, we       the stadium. Whilst in Dortmund, we              fascinating, wherein I spent the weekend
year’s visit, will have a wonderful day of                        Teacher of Mathematics     fair to say the outcomes were variable.        headed into Cologne for a staple visit of      were able to explore the cosmopolitan            exploring the local area with my partner,
exploration and discovery.                                                                   Nevertheless, pupils were then able to         the German exchange, the Sport Museum.         city. The following day involved visiting        such as the Siebengebirge Mountains
                                                                                             enjoy the fruits of their labour at the end    With a tour and a chance to see Dr             Cologne’s fascinating Sports Museum,             which boasted stunning views up and
                              Mr A McGee
                                             French Exchange                                 of the workshop.                               Francis’ boxing skills in action, it certainly made yet better by the roof football             down the Rhine. I especially enjoyed
                   Year 12 Progress Leader   2018/19: A                                                                                     proved eventful.                               pitch. We also crossed the Rhine on the          discussing our perspectives on current
                                             Retrospective                                   Pupils returned to Westcliff on Sea on                                                        Hohenzollern Bridge, to get the best view        world issues, both nationally in the UK
                                                                                             Thursday evening exhausted but having          Following an evening of laser tag with my      of the amazing cathedral. The Wednesday          or Germany, and relations between our
World Challenge –                            In the run up to the Easter Holidays, five      thoroughly enjoyed their time in France.       host partner, the next day was spent in        took us to Cochem, featuring a quaint            nations. It was an opportunity not to be
Norway Adventure                             GCSE French students travelled to Rouen         I encourage any pupils who are keen to         the village of Cochem. This is a beautiful     castle and sleepy little village lined with      missed.
trip                                         in France as part of the French Exchange.       get involved in the French Exchange in         German town with a historic castle which       wine distilleries. The fourth day was
                                             From Thursday 28 March to Thursday              the future to speak with your French           we were lucky enough to tour around with       spent in our exchange partners’ school                                        Stanley Upton
In Summer 2020, the School plans to run      4 April, the pupils were required to            teachers.                                      a guide.                                       (Clara-Fey-Gymnasium). My partner                                                   Year 12
a 12-day trip to Norway. This will be an     converse only in French, as they lived and
amazing opportunity to experience white-     spent time with their French host families.                                   Mr G Rayment
water rafting on a 1km long section of the                                                                                 Head of French
Otra river, take part on the picturesque     On the Friday, the pupils experienced

                                                                                                                                Norway

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The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School - Westcliff High School for Boys The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School - Westcliff High School for Boys The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School - Westcliff High School for Boys
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