Spring 2024
Welcome to our Spring Newsletter
As we welcome in Spring, we welcome you all to our latest newsletter. As always, there is so much to celebrate through a term and you will see several articles about World Book Day. As a school we continue to place great importance on every pupil’s development and enjoyment of reading. Reading helps your child’s wellbeing, develops imagination, and has educational benefits too. Just a few minutes a day can have a big impact on children of all ages
You will also see news from our Performing Arts, Food and Science Curriculum areas where there have been some exciting activities happening, including filming for a Jamie Oliver TV programme! We know that pupils who take part in extracurricular activities learn valuable skills such as teamwork and leadership, along with other benefits such as getting higher grades, higher levels of self-esteem and increased attendance at school. We hope that you continue to encourage your child to attend our after-school clubs next term.
We have had some great feedback from our Student Leaders this term, and are pleased to hear that Year 11 students are feeling very well supported for their upcoming GCSE exams and have appreciated the extra time staff are giving to them after school and on Saturdays! We were also delighted to hear students say they feel the school has a really positive atmosphere this year.
We are, quite rightly, proud of our achievements and this newsletter showcases just some of the amazing things that are happening in our school. We hope you all have a relaxing break over Easter and look forward to welcoming everyone back in to school on Monday 15th April.
Jamie Oliver film crew in Food Technology!
The latest exciting food news at SWS has been a well-kept secret until now, but we're thrilled to share it! We were delighted to welcome a film crew on behalf of renowned Chef Jamie Oliver to the school this term. Students in Years 7 and 8 were filmed in a Food Technology lesson cooking chickenfajitasforJamieOliver’sMinistryofFoodteam.
After their visit, the film crew expressed immense admiration for our facilities and students. We can’twaitforthereleaseofthefootage,whichwillbeusednationwidetopromoteJamieandhis team'snewFoodinitiativeinschoolsacrossthecountry.
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Food news
The Food department had the honour of hosting Royal Marine Commando CGST and fully trained chef, Mike Beaton. His visit inspired our Year 10 and 11 students with a powerful message using food as a metaphor. He encouraged students to focus and make bold choices toward their future careers. This provided our students with a valuable opportunity to contemplate their next steps while also promoting healthy food choices.
This term, our Cooking Club opened its doors to both Year 7 and Year 8 students, focusing on Food Champion recipes. Students improved their culinary skills making pasta bake, fruit bumble, and mini carrot cakes. We're thrilled to see such enthusiastic participation in this popular extracurricular activity.
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We celebrated Chinese New Year in style, with classrooms adorned with lanterns and3Ddragons.Studentsenjoyedmaking a variety of Chinese and Asian fusion dishes. We were delighted to have Chef Leon Tam join us for workshops with students from Years 7, 8, 10, and 11. The Singaporenoodlesrecipehesharedwasa tastytreat,allowingstudentstohonetheir cooking skills alongside a professional chef. The Year of the Dragon has truly arrived!
Wedidn’tmissabeatwhenitcametoflippingpancakes,withover700madeinthedepartment during the week. KS3 students relished this traditional treat, and hopefully, it gave them the confidencetotrymakingpancakesathome!
We also welcomed families into school for our Family Cook session, providing an exciting opportunity for family members to cook alongside their children. The session was wellattended,andeveryoneenjoyedtakinghomethetastyChickenChowMeindishfordinner.
WewishyoualovelyEasterbreakfromTeamFood–MrsRandle,MsDzomba,MrsWakelin&MrsCoombs.
Performing Arts Visit to University of Chester
On Wednesday 28th February, GCSE Music and Drama students, along with a handful of aspiring Year 9 Music students, had the opportunity to experience workshopsandcampustoursattheUniversityofChester.
Students participated in engaging workshops, facilitated by university staff and students, focusing on Improvisation for Drama and Songwriting, Production, Music Technology and Improvisation for Music. Students gained valuable insights into their individual fields of study, learning to think creatively on the spot and exploring the technical aspects of music production in a fully equipped recording and productionstudioattheUniversity.
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Students really did our community proud during this trip and showcased just how fabulous the Music and Drama students are at Sir William Stanier. We look forward to doing more university trips in the future to inspire the next generation of budding MusiciansandDramaStudents!
MrsBGaffney&MrsABartlett
4 Celebrating World Book Day
Students and staff alike came together to celebrate the joy of reading and storytelling.Withadiverserangeofactivitiesacrossvarioussubjects.
In English, students read a short story by Margaret Atwood, exploring her captivating narrative which sparked discussions and fuelled imaginations, inspiring students to write their own book reviewsorstories.
In P.E., the students engaged in thrilling games of Quidditch! In French, students explored classic literature with a review of "Le Corbeau et le Renard," looking into the timeless fables of Jean de La Fontaine and honing their language skills in the process. In Art, students designed their own bookmarks. In the canteen, World Book Day cakes awaitedhungryreaders.
The library hosted a range of fun and exciting activities for students to partake in, such as BookinaJar.Therewasastaffdoorcompetition,wheredoorsweretransformedintoportals to literary worlds. Year 8s chose Mrs. Smissen's Tom Gates inspired door as their winnerwelldone!
5 Celebrating World Book Day
And as a subtle nod to the Jamie Oliver visit, the Food department decorated their door with a bookcase display featuring Jamie Oliver's iconic recipe books!
Students took part in a whole school book competition, submitting their stories and book inspired photos - winners to be announced! Staff dressed up as the elusive Where's Wally and throughout the school grounds, Where's Wally posters got students to go on a scavenger hunt, adding an element of fun and adventure to their day.
In assemblies, students received valuable insights into the importance of reading, along with practical tips such as exploring audiobooks to help them read their way. Each student was given their book token, empowering them to choose their own World Book Day book and continue their literary adventures long after the celebrations have ended.
6 Special Guest: Author Christine Roseeta Walker.
IncelebrationofWorldBookDay,studentswere treated to meet and greet author Christine Roseeta Walker, who captivated our Year 9 group with her anecdotes, insights, and readings.
During her session, Christine shared how childhood experiences led her to writing. Inspired by her father's stories, she began crafting her own tales and poems inspired by Jamaicanfolklore.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly Christine's reading of three of her poems. Students were captivated by her poetry, Christine not only showcased her talent as a writerbutalsosharedapieceofheridentityand heritagewithus.
Xander, a Year 10 student, took on the role of interviewer, asking insightful and thoughtprovoking questions. He facilitated a dynamic dialogue between the students and the author. From inquiries about Walker's creative process to discussions on the significance of cultural storytelling, Xander's contributions enhanced the overall experience, enriching the students' understandingofliteratureanditsimpact.
As we reflect on this special occasion, we are reminded of the importance books and stories can have in our lives. Through encounters like these, we not only celebrate the written word but also honour the diverse voices and narrativesthatshapeourworld.
Thankyou,ChristineRoseetaWalker,forsharing your journey and inspiring our students to embrace the magic of storytelling. Here's to manymoreliteraryadventuresahead!
Science Club
Science club members have been working hard towards achieving their Bronze CREST awards. They have had to think like scientists and do their ownresearchanddeviseaninvestigationintohow toimprovethespeedofrollercoasters.
Justthewrite-uptogonow!
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A Message from our Safeguarding Team
OnbehalfoftheSafeguardingTeam,wewishallourfamiliesasafeandrestfulEasterbreak.We would like to thank you for your collaboration and support. If you have any concerns during schoolclosure,pleaserefertothelinkswehaveprovidedheretosupportyou.
SocialCaredaytimenumber(upuntil5pm):03001235012
SocialCareEmergencyDutyTeam(outofhours):03001235022
ChildLine:08001111
NSPCC:8008005000
On-linecounsellingservice:Kooth.com(24hrsand365daysperyear)
Youngminds.org.uk
Mymind.org.uk
CAMHs24hrCrisisLine:08001456485
Police:101(non-emergency)/999(emergencyonly)
OnlineSafety
You can now access the Online Safety Hub FOR FREE.
Head to the Online Safety Hub for lots of expert advice and guidance to help you manage your child's safety online. It includes information on the latest hot topics when it comes to keeping your child safe, such as how to manage your child's screen time, understand the latest gaming platforms,whattheymeanforyourchild’ssafetyandlotsmore.
Simply follow the link to access The Online Safety Hub: https://sirwilliamstanier.onlinesafetyhub.uk/
Don’t forget to sign up for your free Qustodio account.
Gainmorevisibilityonwhat’sgoingoninyourchild’sonlineworldandmakesuretheyarekept safe.Blockdangerouscontent,introducescreenfreeschedules,receivealertsforinappropriate contentandmore.
Follow the link to create your free account and to download the app: https://www.qustodio.com/en/30-days-school-special/? utm_source=internal&utm_medium=parentsessionsuk
School Uniform Reminder: 2023 - 2024 8
Plain white collared shirt/blouse tucked into trousers or skirt.
Plain charcoal grey, or black tailored trousers or tailored shorts or a skirt. Skirts must be at a respectful and appropriate length, they must be a standard school skirt and not lycra.
No tight fitting (“slim/ skinny fit”) trousers are permitted (even though they can be found in some uniform sections of some stores). Jeans, tracksuit bottoms, leggings or jeggings are not permitted.
A black SWS V-necked school jumper.No hoodies! No other alternative, nonschool jumpers.
SWS school tie which has a different colour for each year group.
Sensible plain black shoes or plain black trainers.No colours at all on the black trainers. No different coloured soles or different coloured brand logos. No dark grey trainers.
Pierced ears should have stud earrings only, no hooped or dangly earrings. One small nose stud (not two) is permitted. No nose rings at all. No other piercings or jewellery are permitted; this includes rings, necklaces and bracelets.
Nail polish, acrylic or false nails are only permitted if they are natural in colour (no colours including white) and of an appropriate length, no more than half a centimetre of length beyond the finger tip.
· Extreme hair colours or styles are not permitted.
· Subtle, natural looking make-up is permitted. No false eyelashes.
