Newsletter
Welcome to our Summer Newsletter Newsletter
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to our end of year Newsletter. As we approach the end of the academic year, we would like to reflect on what has been an incredibly busy time and one where so much has been achieved.
We have endeavoured to capture, within each newsletter, the diversity of opportunities within the school and its community, as well as the achievements of the students at SWS, who we are incredibly proud of.
We very much look forward to the next academic year which starts on Monday 2nd September for staff and Wednesday 4th September for students. Start of Term arrangements will be published on our website in due course, and we will also be writing to you all to confirm arrangements towards the end of August.
In the meantime, we wish you all a very enjoyable summer break.
Sir William Stanier School
Art Competition
A selected group of Year 9 students were chosen to take part in a Cheshire East council Art competition. From the large group that entered we then chose three designs to be created with Mrs. Ferguson-Rogers for the day. Luana B, Jess H and Scarlett N all worked so hard, and each produced a wonderful design that has been submitted to the council. Next year, they will create plaques, and you will see them around Crewe!
Each student also received a small plaque made especially for them by the UTC Principal Will Chitty, to show his appreciation for their commitment.
Thank you for your hard work girls, your designs are fantastic! Team Art
Artwork by: Luana B
Artwork by: Jess H
Artwork by: Scarlett N
2 Learning in the Languages department
This has been a busy cultural year for the Languages department.
At the start of the year the whole school marked a Day of Languages - to celebrate the many languages spoken at Sir William Stanier and to encourage language learning.
In March we welcomed the Onatti theatre company who treated our Year 7s to a performance of Le Château - The Castle.
In June we helped the music department to celebrate la fête de la musique with a French song called Ça plane pour moi by Plastic Bertrand.
We have also been studying French films this term - Year 7s watched the adventures of Petit Nicolas and his school friends. Year 8s experienced Une vie de chat, about a cat, a kind burglar and some gangsters. Year 9s went back in time to the 2nd world war with a story about Belle and Sébastiena mountain dog and her best friend, who live on the French Alps. Recently we have been learning about the Euros and le Tour de France - very topical at the moment.
For our fantastic Year 10s there has been no time to relax as they have been practising their French speaking skills - and doing a great job!
Have a great summer everyone - Bonnes vacances à tous!
3 Attendance
The students who have achieved 100% attendance for this academic year:
Aaron (7CBU)
Rhys (7LWA)
Joshua (7LWA)
Jake (7CBU)
Mia (7CBU)
Kaidan (7LWA)
Ruby (7LWA)
Alfie (7CBU)
Myles (7CCH)
Megan (7JPR)
Freya (7APU)
Connor (7JPR)
Brandon (8DWA)
Noah (8SWH)
Scarlet (8JTA)
Nikola (8DWA)
Jakub (8LHO)
Oscar (8ERO)
Kudakwash (8EFE)
Mason (9LWK)
Jessica (9LWK)
Becca (9CDO)
Szymon (10JBA)
Brandon (10JWA)
Ella (10JHO)
Wayne (10JWA))
Imogen (10ABA)
Alexis (10JWA)
This is a fantastic achievement, well done!
Welcome to the new Year 7s
This term, we welcomed Year 6 students into school and completed a variety of transition activities. Students have met their form tutors and have undertaken activities to ensure they are "Secondary School Ready." We can’t wait for them to join our SWS community in September.
EAL transition afternoon
The EAL (English as an additional language) afternoon provided us with an opportunity to meet our new students and their families while enjoying refreshments. Students designed their own pencil cases and wrote a letter to their future selves (Year 11). We look forward to reading the letters in June 2029!
Sport News
Athletes take to the track for the South Cheshire Athletics Trials
This half term we saw Years 7-10 take to the track for the athletics trials to qualify for the Cheshire finals. We took many athletes to compete across numerous track and field events.
Firstly, we had the junior and inters trials take place on Tuesday 9th May at the Cumberland Arena. This started strong with Twiza in Year 11 in the 100m and finished 2nd out of a strong field.
Milly came in 1st place in the 800m. What an achievement! Closely followed by Suzie in 5th place. Darryl then competed in the high jump, also taking 1st!
Well done to all three who then qualified to represent South Cheshire at the Cheshire Athletics Championships, we are so proud of you all!
South Cheshire Rounders Tournament
Well done to the team who represented SWS in the South Cheshire rounders tournament.
All students played fantastically well with coming joint 1st. They won over Alsager with a result of 41/2 to 31/2 rounds. It was a tight game with Alsager fielding well and getting some of our batters out. This was then left for Milly and Jess who did some great bats and kept us in the game to go on and win. A real nail biter!
Well done to Darryl who got player of the match for some fantastic fielding! The next game was against Sandbach Girls, which we just lost out on by ½ a rounder. Again, a close competitive game. Well done to Jodie for player of the match who was recognised for her great sportsmanship and encouragement to support players. Well done all!
Year 10 Mocks Week 5
Year 10 have completed their first Mock Exams this term, where they have displayed maturity and determination. A little daunting at first with a few nerves but the cohort have shown commitment in wanting to achieve the best results they can.
As appreciation for their efforts, breakfast was provided on the Friday where they could chat with friends and share their thoughts and experiences of the week.
We also have had various assemblies on how to revise, preparation for next year, having the right mindset as they move into Year 11 and results opening.
Cheshire College Visit
Our Year 10 students had a fantastic day at Cheshire College S&W. They experienced a day in the life of a college student, taking part in taster sessions of their choosing to help them to decide their next steps after leaving SWS.
Alton Towers Reward Trip
On Monday 17th June, students across Year 7-10 with 90%+ attendance and <40 behaviour points attended Alton Towers to celebrate their continued hard work across the year. The students were a credit to themselves and had a great time. Despite being afraid of heights, Mr. Sanders also enjoyed his time on the Wicker Man.
6 Tanzania Trip 2024
Excitement is in the air as students from SWS have set off on their trip of a lifetime to Tanzania on Sunday 7th July for 4 weeks!
The journey will be unforgettable experience, and we can’t wait to hear all about it. To stay updated on what they get up to you can follow @SWS_Tanzania24 on X or sws_tanzania on Instagram.
UTC Project
Year 7 and Year 8 have spent a couple of hours a day at Crewe UTC completing a project. Our Year 8 students Leyton, Clayton and Jayden are incredibly proud of all the work they have done. They have worked with a different member of staff each day at the UTC, and they all have complemented the boys on their manners, presentation and how hard they've worked.
Some of the tasks the boys completed were incredibly complex and proved very frustrating and they worked very hard to remain calm and composed. After all their hard work, the Principal and the staff have requested that they come back and spend more time at the UTC! We would like to thank UTC for their support with this project and welcoming our students.
Celebrating achievements in the Food Department
Reflecting on a Busy and Enriching Half Term
7
This half term has been exceptionally busy, filled with numerous extra-curricular opportunities that have significantly enriched the curriculum. From fundraising and historical commemorations to practical learning experiences and sustainability projects, our students have gained invaluable knowledge and memories that will last a lifetime. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to more exciting activities in the future.
D-Day Commemoration and Fundraising Success
In a heartwarming commemoration of D-Day, 80 students participated in a special event where they learned about the significance of the 1944 landings. During their practical lessons, students not only made a delightful, sweet treat but also raised an impressive £120 through their donations. The funds were proudly presented to Yvonne Lynton from SSAFA, a charity dedicated to supporting forces members, veterans, and their families.
Honouring D-Day at Crewe Memorial Square
Our dedicated Food Ambassadors had the privilege of representing the school at the D-Day 80 service held at Crewe Memorial Square. The service was a fitting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our students solemnly laid a wreath in their honour, demonstrating our school's deep respect and gratitude for the heroes of 1944. It was a poignant moment that underscored the importance of remembering and honouring our history.
Visit from the National Farmers Union (NFU)
We were thrilled to host two members from the National Farmers Union (NFU) who delivered an insightful presentation to our Year 8 and Year 10 students about beef and dairy farming. The presentation highlighted the various job opportunities available in the industry, sparking great interest among the students. The visit was made even more special by the naming of the farm's newest addition, a female calf born on the day of the visit. The students were delighted to name her Apple, marking a memorable and educational experience for everyone involved.
Cooking for Chance Changing Lives
In an inspiring effort to support the local community, students attended an afternoon cooking session where they prepared a dessert to be served at the Chance Changing Lives weekly meal for vulnerable and homeless people. The importance of helping others in the community is something the Food department is keen for students to be involved in. This hands-on experience, which is a half-termly project led by the department, not only enhanced their cooking skills but also reinforced the value of compassion and community service.
#TeamFoodTour24: Exciting Trips for Food Students
The #TeamFoodTour24 has meant a number of exciting trips for food students that we are excited to share with you.
Year 10 Students Enjoy the Cheshire
Show
Year 10 Access students had a fantastic day out at the Cheshire Show. Blessed with beautiful sunny weather, they explored various exhibits, learned about careers in the food industry, and delighted in tasting cheese and ice cream.
The event provided a valuable insight into the agricultural sector and its opportunities.
Year 9 Taster Day at Reaseheath College
Year 9 students who have chosen Food as an option in KS4 had an exciting taster day at Reaseheath College. They engaged in handson activities, making burgers, butter, and ice cream, which they enjoyed for lunch. The day also included a tour of Reaseheath Farm, where students witnessed the innovative automated milking process, offering them a comprehensive understanding of the farm-to-fork journey. opportunities.
Sustainability Learning at Seaton Farm
Year 9 and 10 students visited Seaton Farm in Audlem as part of a funded LEAF project focusing on sustainability. The farm tour provided insights into the operations of a dairy farm and the meticulous process of milk production. The students were thrilled to taste the final products of Belton Cheese, appreciating the journey from farm to table.
Fruit tasting and Nature exploration at Bearstone Fruit Farm
Year 7 and 8 students had an enriching visit to Bearstone Fruit Farm, where they created nature journals and explored the fields. The adventure included a nature walk, fun tractor ride, finding frogs, and an outdoor lunch. Students enjoyed tasting various types of fruit and even had the opportunity to pick a punnet to take home.
Reward Visit to Hickory’s Smokehouse, Gresty
The #TeamFoodTour24 concluded with a special reward visit for 14 outstanding students to Hickory's Smokehouse in Gresty. These students, recognized for their excellent attitude and effort in food lessons, enjoyed a milkshake masterclass and a delicious breakfast.
We wish you all a lovely summer break and look forward to seeing you in September. Kind regards Mrs. Randle, Mrs. Coombs, Mrs. Wakelin & Ms. Dzomba
Performing Arts
We would like to take this moment to share with you some of the amazing opportunities that our students have had in Performing Arts this half term.
In choir, students have been learning "How Far I'll Go" from the Disney movie Moana. This song not only captures the adventurous spirit of the film but also serves as an excellent piece for developing vocal techniques. Throughout the choir sessions, students have focused on breath control, pitch accuracy, and emotional expression. By tackling the song's dynamic range and challenging melodies, they have gained a deeper understanding of how to convey emotion through music while honing their technical skills.
GCSE music students have had individual lessons on their chosen instruments. These have helped them prepare for their first solo performances, which took place this term and are an important part of their coursework, accounting for 15% of their overall GCSE grade. Students have improved technical skills, gained confidence and experienced the process of performing solo, all of which are essential for their music assessments. If a student wishes to have lessons on their chosen instrument next academic year, they should see Mrs. Gaffney for details.
Year 7 students have studied African Drumming and composed their own African Drumming patterns in small groups, in preparation for their assessment in Year 9. Year 8 students have been studying Rock Music and created their own Rock songs in small groups, using keyboards and drums. Year 9 students have been taking part in an enrichment programme with musical instruments. They have performed a variety of songs on their chosen instruments and had the opportunity to perform. It has been a pleasure to teach Year 9 and we wish them all the best for their GCSE options.
Performing Arts
Higher Horizons has been leading a series of music workshops at Sir William Stanier, culminating in an exciting visit to Keele University. Students enjoyed a campus tour, giving them a glimpse into university life. They also visited a professional music studio, where they learned about music production, and tried their hand at DJing and then performed on stage in a real music venue. They controlled the music and made some great music content! This immersive experience not broadened students' musical skills and provided valuable insights into potential future educational paths and careers in the music industry.
Year 7 Drama students have had an introduction to physical theatre through exploration of a thriller genre ‘Darkwood Manor’ and practised their techniques with choreographed movement. Year 8 students have also explored physical theatre through the “Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime”. They have looked at detail such as push and pull and lifts. Drama in Year 9 focused on the creation of an educational piece of theatre designed to teach others. The stimulus for the performance is based on the story of Dan Nolan and explores a range of themes and messages.
The Performing Arts Faculty would like to thank you for your continued support this academic year and for allowing your children to have such fantastic and unforgettable experiences. We hope you have a wonderful summer!
Staying safe over the Summer
Ask your child how they can keep themselves safe this Summer:
Help them learn about their local environment and acquire the skills to help keep themselves safe, e.g. learning to swim, cycle training, road safety.
Talk to them about the dangers of being distracted when out and about by music, phones, gadgets etc. and not being able to hear traffic.
Ask them about the places they might go, where to avoid and why, and what to do if they’re worried whilst they’re out on their own.
Remind them not to climb barriers and fences as they are there to protect them from serious injury and accidents and obey “Danger” signs.
Agree a time they should be home.
Dangers of Deep-water Swimming
If you are going to go swimming, make sure that somebody is nearby so you can shout for help if you get into difficulties.
The dangers of water include:
Very cold temperatures - the water can be colder than expected, even in warm weather and you can get 'Cold Water Shock'
Hidden currents - there can be strong underwater currents which can trouble even the most confident of swimmers
Waterways are often very deep - it is difficult to estimate depth and they can be deeper than you expect
There may be hidden debris or underwater hazards which can cause injury, including weeds and plants which can entangle people under the water
If it’s polluted it could make you ill
It can be very difficult to get out (especially steep slimy banks)
There are no lifeguards on duty (unless at certain beaches)
The remoteness of some of these places can also hamper and delay rescue attempts
We want all children and young people to have a safe summer, please talk to your child about the dangers and help us to keep all SWS children safe.