The Independent - Winter 2020

Head’s Welcome

As I write this, we are preparing for the last week of term at School. You will be pleased to hear that not even a global pandemic could stop the annual Festive fancy dress sports matches, Christmas jumper day, Christmas lunch, concerts and even a very special twelve days of Christmas. It was more important this year than ever to keep your children smiling and excited about the festivities around them. We even made sure every “bubble” had its own Christmas tree so no one missed out. Diwali, Hanukkah, Yalda and of course the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are also celebrated at this time of year by members of our school community. We wish all who celebrate festivitieshappiness and peace.

Seasonal celebrations aside, this term has once again demonstrated the enormity of our community spirit. Non-uniform day in December was put to good use by Senior students who raised in excess of a thousand pounds for local charity “The Well” who provide support to families in Wolverhampton who are struggling to buy food and other essential items. Junior School students raised £270 to add to their annual pot of fundraising money for their chosen charities Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Dogs Trust and World Wildlife Fund. Thank you also to all families who contributed tinned and packaged food for us to donate to local food banks. Students also participated in the

Compton Care 'Light up a Life' event and 'Advent Calendar' – please do take a look at their website or social media accounts if you would like to see the videos. Thanks to the enormous ongoing efforts of you and our staff, we have managed to ensure as few children as necessary have been forced to isolate. As soon as we are made aware of a student who has tested positive with COVID, or on the rare occasion a child has become symptomatic at School, we have followed the instructions from the Department for Education. The enormous work that has been put in place to secure one way systems, bubbles and lesson seating plans has meant that, we have thankfully not been in the position of having to send home a whole year group at a time. Yes, certain rites of passage have been missed in 2020. From the usual visits from touring theatre companies, weekly sports fixtures to alumni reunions and School productions. But, 2020 has also been a historic year for our School community.

2021 looks bright with the promise of a vaccine and the hope of the return to some kind of normal for all of us. The year also heralds new opportunities for School as with plans to integrate Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 into our Junior School; a new offer of Drama at GCSE for students in Year 10 and the reintroduction of the House system

across our Senior School in September. There is much to look forward to, and more details will be shared soon. Please remain safe and well this Christmas. We are a truly unique and special School community. Season's greetings to one and all.

Alex Frazer Head

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 is coming to School

Work is underway to expand our Junior School to incorporate Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 from September 2021.

The proposal will see provision from Reception to Sixth Form within our existing 25 acre campus in Wolverhampton and will provide the opportunity for children of all school ages (4-18) to experience our very special, award-winning approach to education. Some of you will know that we have explored before the provision of infant classes at WGS. This new solution will enable us to deliver just that, but without the requirement of a new building. The proposal will see one class in each of Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 within the existing footprint of our School buildings. Demand for classes is already high. If you have a child of early years age and would be interested in learning more about our proposals for Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 – please contact Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar, by email: admissions@wgs-sch.net or by telephone: 01902 421326 so that we can help register your child for a place as soon as we are able to.

We will always remember them

Remembrance Day is always a treasured day in School as we pay our respects to all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

The School is usually represented at the City’s annual remembrance service at St Peter’s Church. Current restrictions meant that this year’s tribute had to be a much more personal occasion.

On Monday 9th November, the Head joined Head Girl, Lizzie Anderson, and Head Boy, Brandon Taylor, for a moment of reflection in front of Big School’s memorial commemorating Old Wulfrunians who lost their lives in the First World War. The three then walked to the cenotaph in central Wolverhampton to lay the School's wreath in the presence of the Rector of St Peter's, Reverend Prebendary David Wright.

Themed assemblies contributed to the poignant two minute silences observed by the whole School.

NEED TO CONTACT US?

There are still various ways that you can remain in contact with School over the festive period:

Email correspondence via info@wgs-sch.net

Telephone: 01902 421326

Parent Portal Social Media:

@WGS1512

Wolverhampton Grammar School

Official

Wolverhampton Grammar School

Wolverhampton Grammar School

School remembers Robert and Frederick Willcock

In the First World War 105 former pupils (known as Old Wulfrunians) and staff lost their lives. Two cousins, Robert and Frederick Willcock, both died in the Battle of the Somme and their story is remembered here: wgs.org.uk/robert-frederick-willcock

If you, or your child is having any technical difficulties with the Portal or work set online, contact School by using any of the channels above and we will ask the IT team to contact you.

If your child is a student at our School and you have a COVID related question or query, please email covid@wgs-sch.net

Term resumes again on Tuesday 5th January (a ‘blue week’ for the two week timetable).

Robert C. Willcock

Frederick N. Willcock

Introducing… Shona Hemmings

Wolverhampton Grammar School welcomed Shona Hemmings to the team in September. Shona is the School’s Finance Director – replacing Penny Rudge, the School’s Bursar.

Shona qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in 2004. From there, she worked in the commercial and financial sectors before her appointment at Wolverhampton Grammar School. Shona is passionate about career and professional development, as well as supporting fellow women to be leaders in their workplace. She also has two children at the School and was a familiar face at performances, sports fixtures and music performances before lockdown began. We asked Shona a few questions to help introduce her to you.

Why change from a successful career in the commercial and finance sectors to work in a school?

I’ve often said that if I wasn’t an accountant I would probably be a teacher. My sister is Head Teacher of an independent primary school and we are both passionate about helping children to achieve their full potential.

I am also a Governor at a local primary school, a Careers Enterprise Adviser for a local secondary school and a business mentor for students studying for an Accounting and Finance degree at the University of Birmingham. Coming to WGS as Finance Director is as close to my dream job as I could get (apart from possibly being Finance Director of Newcastle United if Mike Ashley were ever to leave!)

What was it about Wolverhampton Grammar School?

From the moment I walked into WGS as a prospective parent I knew it was the School I wanted my children to attend. As a parent, member of staff and most importantly a student, you feel at home as soon as you walk into Big School. Everyone is so incredibly warm, friendly and welcoming. My children are incredibly lucky to attend the School and I feel privileged to be able to work here.

What is a Finance Director? How is it different to a Bursar?

As Finance Director I have responsibility for almost everything in the School that doesn’t involve teaching. The role is very similar to that of Bursar it’s just a bit more of a commercial title. The idea is that I bring my knowledge of working in industry mixed with my passion for education and help the School to

make commercial decisions that ensure there are funds available to be reinvested in the School for the benefit of every student.

What’s struck you most about WGS since you started working here?

The incredible community of WGS. I had a huge advantage because I knew the School as a parent. The job is huge but it is a great challenge and I have enjoyed every minute of it, even in this strange COVID world we are living in. The staff are incredibly dedicated and hard working and I would like to thank everyone in the School for making me feel so welcome.

What about life outside School – what’s that like?

I am married to Matthew and have two children, Luke and Lily, who are both at the School. We have two dogs so spend a lot of spare time on walks. I am originally from the North East and have been a Newcastle United fan since childhood. Our passion as a family is football, Luke and Lily both play and there is some healthy family rivalry between the Wolves fans and the Newcastle fan in the house!

Shona is always available to meet with students and parents. Simply contact School telephone: 01902 421326 or contact her PA, Marsha Martin by email mmm@wgs-sch.net to arrange a time to talk.

Connecting more than just Curious Minds

In the first of a series of online careers themed events - 'Connecting Curious Minds' virtually links our students with Old Wulfrunians who have experience of studying and working in wide range of different fields.

Our first two speakers: Holly Pleydell (OW 2016) and Alastair Norton (OW 2015) have Arts and Theatre backgrounds, respectively, and have taken a relatively 'non-traditional' route

School celebrates a virtual Founder’s Day

The restrictions of this extraordinary year haven’t stopped Wolverhampton Grammar School celebrating its traditional Founder’s Day.

Created to recognise our 1512 founder, Sir Stephen Jenyns, this annual event is a much loved tradition for students and staff alike. It is traditionally one of the few occasions when the whole School can come together at St Peter’s Church in the city centre.

Like so many other events this year, Founder’s Day required a digital solution to ensure everyone could come together – albeit virtually.

The Head, Alex Frazer; Deputy Head, Nic Anderson; Head Girl, Lizzie Anderson and Head Boy, Brandon Taylor alongside our Senior Prefects were filmed performing the traditional welcome,

since leaving School. Both are forging careers in the creative arts and have an entrepreneurial approach to working life. They were keen to share their life and work experiences, as well as be on hand to offer advice to students currently studying the subjects they loved so much at School. This series of events supports a much wider careers and HE support package available to students at School, which

includes 1-21- interviews, UCAS preparation, practice university and employer interviews and much more. This work is already paying off for the many Upper Sixth students who have already received offers from universities. February’s annual Careers & HE Fair will also go ahead for older students – albeit virtually.

readings and messages alongside the Rev David Wright at his Church.

Old Wulfrunian, Manan Malik (OW 2004) was guest of honour and delivered an impressive address. You can watch his address here: www.youtu.be/Ko3xCyjrNL4

Their words were combined with music from one of our Senior choirs (complete with Sign Language from Big 6) and messages of support to our students from a number of Old Wulfrunians including Emily Birch (OW 2014), Robin Cooper (OW 1956), Jon Crawford (OW 2014), Stephen Hegedus (OW 1991), Amy Page (OW 2001) and Alex Vergopoulos (OW 1990).

All students and staff from across the School watched the service from classrooms on Friday 16th October before the beginning of half term. As this year’s event was filmed, parents were also able to watch the whole ceremony on Wolverhampton Grammar School’s Parent Portal.

School Director wins National Award

real value in state and independent schools working and learning together. I am delighted that she has been nationally recognised for her outstanding commitment to education.”

James Sage, Chair of the Board of Directors, added: “Everyone at Wolverhampton Grammar School, including the Board members who work with Evelyn, are delighted that the outstanding work she does has been recognised nationally.”

Could you be a winner in the next Young Authors’ Competition?

A leading figure at Wolverhampton Grammar School has been named the Times Educational Supplement (Tes) Headteacher of the Year for her inspirational work leading a large state school in North West London. Evelyn Forde, a Director at Wolverhampton Grammar School, was described by Tes as a “decisive leader” and “positive role model”.

Commenting on the award, Alex Frazer said: “Evelyn is an exceptional leader who is driven by the belief that all young people, no matter what their background, should have access to outstanding teaching, support and opportunities through education. Together, we see

The School has a strong association with the Tes awards, winning Senior Leadership of the Year in 2018 and being finalists in a number of award categories every year since 2016.

Wolverhampton Grammar School is governed by a board of Directors, who are supported by a Council and Board of Trustees. Our Directors come from a broad range of industries, sectors and backgrounds and give of their time and expertise on a purely voluntary basis. If you’d like to learn more about who our Directors are, visit the School website.

The Wolverhampton Young Authors’ Prize is an annual creative writing competition organised by Wolverhampton Grammar School to challenge young people, aged 8 to 16, to write an original short story in no more than 400 words around a particular theme.

This year’s theme is ‘The Escape’ and Head Librarian, Zoe Rowley, launched the competition to over 500 local children from across Wolverhampton during an interactive creative writing workshop with award-winning children’s author, Harriet Goodwin.

Children from across the city were encouraged to submit their short story by mid December with winners announced shortly from the age categories: 8 – 10; 11 – 13; and 14 – 16 years. Winners will each receive a custom designed trophy and have their story read aloud by a wellknown author during the live final which is due to take place virtually in January 2021.

Christmas Card Design 2020

Congratulations to Summer Bloor in Year 8 for winning this year's Christmas card design competition. Summer's digital design was created using Procreate and was selected by the Head, Mr Frazer, as the winner.

The competition, run by the Art department, encourages students from across the Junior, Senior and Sixth Form to create a design that reflects the School community. Well done to Rumaysa Taj, Fran White, Rosie Bennett and Jaipal Uppal whose designs were also shortlisted.

Have you met our new Head Boy and Head Girl?

The School’s Head Boy and Head Girl are the student figureheads of our School community. Chosen by fellow students and a staff vote at the end of Lower Sixth, they lead a team of Prefects to help guide and support students across our School. This year, Brandon Taylor and Lizzie Anderson were chosen as Head Prefects.

Fact file: Brandon Taylor

• Brandon has been at Wolverhampton Grammar School since 2012, joining in Year 5 from Glynne Primary School in Kingswinford.

• He is studying A Levels in English Literature, Physics and Further Mathematics.

• He always takes an active role in form time. Happy to share ideas on topical issues and looks out for everyone around him.

• Extra curricular life includes chess and basketball. He helps out as a Late Club Assistant in the Junior School.

• Did you know that Brandon went on the School trip to China and loves to ski?

Despite COVID, it’s my role to help bring the School together. We might be in bubbles this year, but we are definitely one community!

Fact file: Lizzie Anderson

• Lizzie Anderson joined Wolverhampton Grammar School in Year 7 from Oldswinford C Of E School in Stourbridge.

• She is studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

• Lizzie can often be found after School outside the Deputy Head’s office! Being the daughter of a Deputy Head can result in long hours at School!

• Extra curricular life revolves around hockey. A keen sportswoman, Lizzie is Hockey Captain at School.

• Did you know that Lizzie has a younger sister, Charlotte in Year 8?

Student voice is more important now than ever. We are lucky enough to be part of a School community that is forward thinking and loves change. If you have an idea… share it!

Illuminated by Elizabeth Marshall

Congratulations to Elizabeth Marshall in Lower Sixth who created this stunning illustration. Her design has been chosen by the Head for his official postcard this year.

Coast2Coast delivered!

COVID-19 did not stop this year’s Coast2Coast team from completing the incredible challenge of a gruelling relay challenge.

Restrictions meant that 187+ miles were covered – not following the famous Wainwright route – over two days in October half term over a specially designed 7.5k circuit covering Cannock Chase. Students had to complete 20 laps on both the Saturday and Sunday between 7.30am and 7.30pm – all in aid of Brain Tumour Support.

We would like to extend our grateful thanks to both Cannock Chase Forest Birches Valley and Grounds Café and Cycle Centres for their kind support to enable this year’s challenge to still go ahead, despite the strangest of circumstances.

Could you see yourself working for Wolverhampton Grammar School?

As one of the largest employers in the City, we offer a truly unique and friendly place to work, employing almost 200 teachers, professional and technical staff with a wide range of school and commercial backgrounds. You can now register for job alerts from us, ensuring you are the first to know when jobs of interest to you are advertised.

Simply visit wgs.org.uk/currentvacancies to register your interest now.

Introducing Year 7 Reading Ambassadors

A huge well done to Year 11 students Ewan, Harry, Edward, Benjamin, Thomas, Harry, Jenny, Ella, Grace and Rosie who have raised an astonishing £7,700 – and still counting!

You can still donate here: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ wolverhampton-grammar-school

The students rely on a team effort of staff and parents to undergo their training and make them challenge ready. Particular thanks to Mr French and Mrs Harris who co-ordinated the training plans and liaised with our Cannock Chase partners to make this year’s event happen.

Congratulations to all Year 7 students who successfully applied for the role of Reading Ambassador this term. We have recruited 10 students to work on reading displays, promote recommended reads and inspire others to read for pleasure. Well done to all of our Reading Ambassadors for their hard work this term.

Christmas At WGS

Christmas is always a special time of year at School. This year saw the festivities return in style: with a Wizard of Oz panto performance; 15 trees donated by staff dotted around campus; and a bubble rota of Christmas dinners in The Derry and Sixth Form café.

Mr Hale, our chef de partie at Holroyd Howe, created a gingerbread replica of the front of the School. Santa even made a socially-distanced dash around our campus. The Marketing department launched 'Where is Santa?' on social media, encouraging students to guess where Santa was hiding in School every Friday; well done to everyone who took part.

A special mention and congratulations goes to Harry Wade in Year 9 for guessing Santa's location correctly every week!

Can you spot the location of just some of our Christmas trees from the clues below?

TREE 1

Home to Holroyd Howe and lots of tasty treats.

TREE 2

This one likes to be in a quiet environment.

TREE 3

Home to our students who love to sing.

TREE 4

This one likes to entertain our younger students.

New Book Reservation and Delivery Service Launches in the New Year

To ensure that young people across the Junior and Senior School can access books easily within their ‘bubbles’, we are launching a new book reservation and delivery system available via the Library Department page of Firefly. Young people are encouraged to visit the Firefly page to request items to loan from the School Libraries. Already this term we have delivered over 600 books to classrooms across the School. Don’t forget, parents and students are welcome to request titles over the Christmas holidays for delivery to classrooms in January.

Festive Sport and Fun Runs

Senior School students came together in their bubbles, alongside members of staff, to take part in the annual Christmas fancy dress fun run and festive netball competition. The 1 mile route around The Valley was organised by the Sports Department and Upper Sixth students. Katie Evans and Solomon Brazier-Painter, organised the Year 7 and Year 9 events; Hannah Dzvengwe also organised the Year 7 Festive Netball competition -

Pumpkin Carving Spectacular

Miss Bowater was overwhelmed by the incredible number of skilful entries for the annual Pumpkin Carving competition. Well done to everyone who submitted an entry and received a commendation and interform points.

Take a look at some of the spooky entries!

An Evening of Haunting Tales

Members of both Junior and Senior School Book Clubs have used their creative writing skills to construct ghost stories themed around the history of our School. Combined with fantastic storytelling, students brilliantly performed their original work as part of three ghost tours around the School grounds. As usual, our annual evening of haunting tales was a great success and wonderfully entertaining. Congratulations to everybody who took part.

Year 7 Interview Robert Muchamore

We were thrilled to end the term with an author event to remember. As the bestselling author of the CHERUB series, Robert Muchamore delivered an energetic, action-packed and interactive virtual event to Year 7 students. As part of the event, we offered several Year 7 CHERUB fans the opportunity to interview Robert on Zoom. Well done to Jay Barchha, Veer Jain, Charlie Thomas and Matthew Lyford for their thoughtprovoking and insightful questions.

Tony De Saulles Delivers His Horrible Drawing Workshop

This term, Illustrator of the bestselling and multi award-winning Horrible Science series, Tony De Saulles shared his top tips for creating and drawing book characters with Year 7. During the virtual workshop, students were given an insight into the process of illustrating books before testing their own skills by drawing characters from Horrible Science and Tony’s recently published book, Bee Boy.

Merchant Taylors' Company Photography Competition Winners

Wolverhampton Grammar School partners with a range of local, national and international organisations to deliver a rigorous education both within the classroom and outside the school. These associations include the prestigious Merchant Taylors’ Company where our founder, Sir Stephen Jenyns, was twice elected Master.

The Merchant Taylors' Company organised a photography competition during the Autumn term which encouraged students from associated schools to take a photo around the theme Hope. Winners were announced in a Junior, Senior and Staff category.

Congratulations to Edoardo Candido whose piece 'Overcoming Challenges' was announced as the winner and Fran White who was announced as runner up in the Senior category for her piece, 'Renewal'.

Their photographs were exhibited at Merchant Taylors' Hall in the City of London throughout December.

Stay

Wolverhampton Grammar School branded face masks were distributed to every Senior and Sixth Form student at the end of term (children under the age of 11 do not have to wear masks in public).

Please encourage your child to wear a face mask over the Christmas and New Year period in the usual public places and settings. Everyone at WGS wants you to stay safe and well.

Should you or your child test positive for COVID-19, please let us know by emailing covid@wgs-sch.net so as to assist with track and trace. Term resumes again on Tuesday 5th January. At that point, if your child is needing to self-isolate for any reason, such that their return to School will be affected, please contact us via covid@wgs-sch.net on or before Monday 4th January.

Overcoming Challenges by Edoardo Candido

Renewal by Fran White

Moving on up!

The move to Senior School or Sixth Form is a natural progression for students at Wolverhampton Grammar School. Big 6 children are already being prepared for their move to Year 7 and Year 11 students

Are you in Year 11?

are beginning to think about their Sixth Form subject choices. Parents are also preparing for the transition too.

There is no need to reapply for a place in the Sixth Form. All students in Year 11 are automatically offered a place in our Sixth Form, providing you meet our entry requirements.

• Talk to your family and teachers about what Sixth Form subject options you are interested in. School will ask you to submit your Sixth Form subject options in the Spring.

• Work hard! Your mock exams will really help you practice and identify what you need additional support with. They will also help you decide the right subjects for Sixth Form.

• There is a place in Sixth Form if you want it and 2021 is your time to shine. Do your best in all your exams, make the years you’ve spent in the Senior School count! Ask for help – there is lots of support available; just ask.

• What about results day? Unlike other schools, there is a whole team on hand here at WGS to support you and your family on results day to make sure you have all the information you need and know what to do next. If you don’t think you’ve met the entry requirements, you’ve changed your mind about the subject choices you want to study, or anything else – come and speak to us and we’ll guide you through the process.

Do you know that there are a number of Awards and Scholarships available to current Year 11 students at WGS?

Music Scholarship

Students should be working at ABRSM/Trinity Grade 6 standard (and should be looking to reach Grade 8 standard in the Sixth Form). Music scholars are expected to make a significant contribution to the musical life of the School.

• Up to 25% off School fees

• Free music tuition at School

• If you would like to be considered for this Scholarship, please contact Jane Morris at School by Friday 29th January. She will then ensure your child is invited to audition for this award with the Director of Music, Melanie Cuthbert.

Any Questions?

You will be supported every step of the way. Here’s your handy guide to what happens next.

Governors’ Academic Scholarships

• Up to 17% off School fees

• Based on the best mock GCSE results

• There is no need to apply for this Scholarship opportunity: they are automatically awarded by the School.

Sixth Form Subject Scholarships

This is a new opportunity to recognise current Year 11 students who are excelling in a subject which they wish to study in the Sixth Form. Applicants will sit scholarship exams next term.

• A £500 academic grant to be awarded in September 2021

• Presentation of a Sixth Form Scholar’s Tie

• Publication as a Sixth Form Scholar in The Independent and Wulfrunian (alumni magazine)

• The deadline to apply for a Sixth Form Subject Scholarship is Monday 4th January.

Means tested Bursaries

Every year, we ask former students (Old Wulfrunians) and other friends of the School if they are in a position to offer any financial support to families who need it. We may therefore be able to offer some limited financial support to current Year 11 families who apply.

• Awards typically range from 5% to 100% off School fees dependent on family circumstances and availability of funding.

• In order to be considered for a Bursary, as a guideline your household income should not exceed £60,000 per annum.

• If this is something you would like to be considered for, please do contact Jane Morris at School by Friday 29th January who will send you the appropriate financial documentation to complete.

Are you in Big 6?

All children in Big 6 are automatically offered a place in our Senior School and there is no requirement to sit our Year 7 Entrance Test in January, unless you would like to be considered for either the Junior Scholarship or one of the Head’s Awards. All Big 6 families have already been written to with details of how and when to apply for a number of Awards and Scholarships, including:

Means tested Bursaries

Junior Scholarship

Head's Awards

• The School offers several means-tested bursary awards annually to entrants at Year 7.

• The Junior Scholarship is awarded to the top performing Big 6 student(s) in the Year 7 Entrance Test.

• Ten Head’s Awards are available for September 2021.

• Awards range between 5% and 100% dependent on family circumstances and availability of funding.

• This Scholarship provides up to a total of 50% off School fees and is awarded regardless of family income.

• In order to be considered for a bursary, as a guideline, your household income should not exceed £60,000 per annum.

• They are only available to children joining Year 7 from Big 6 and are awarded to the top Big 6 performers in the Year 7 Entrance Test. The Awards offer 5% off School fees, regardless of family income.

If you have any questions about your child’s future, or would like to come and take a look at the facilities on offer in the Senior School or Sixth Form, please contact us at any time and we can offer advice and arrange a personal tour just for you.

Music Scholarship

• This Scholarship provides up to a total of 25% off School fees.

• Plus free music tuition on the instrument of your child’s choice, up to and including Grade 8.

• It is awarded regardless of family income.

• Students will be required to audition for this Scholarship and if awarded, will be expected to make a significant contribution to musical life whilst they are at the School.

Means tested Bursaries

• The School offers several means-tested bursary awards annually to entrants at Year 7.

• Awards range between 5% and 100% dependent on family circumstances and availability of funding.

• In order to be considered for a bursary, as a guideline, your household income should not exceed £60,000 per annum.

If you have any questions about your child’s future, or would like to come and take a look at the facilities on offer in the Senior School or Sixth Form, please contact us at any time and we can offer advice and arrange a personal tour just for you.

We've got you!

The news that schools across the country would reopen in September was welcomed by students and staff at Wolverhampton Grammar School. With the arrival of Mr Frazer, as the School's 34th Head, and the added buzz around returning to campus, we felt like it was the perfect time to celebrate and showcase how special our community is.

In September, we launched a new School video sharing a student's view of the School and the opportunities which are presented throughout a student's time here.

National Poetry Day Challenge

In celebration of National Poetry Day in October, we challenged students across the Junior and Senior School to rewrite a verse and chorus for the song Happy by Pharrell Williams. Not only did this challenge require skills to capture the correct rhythm and rhyming structure, but it also enabled young people across the School to express their happiness at being part of the WGS community.

We received hundreds of entries and enjoyed reading each of them. Well done to the following students who were announced competition winners:

Luke Hemmings, Year 9

Amber Walters, Year 5

Harry Pang, Year 4

Madhav Kathuria, Year 4

The Marketing team talked to Lower and Upper Sixth students about their experiences in Sixth Form which also formed the basis of our new Sixth Form video. Students were encouraged to speak openly and honestly about why they chose Wolverhampton Grammar School Sixth Form and how they've used their time effectively to embrace everything that is on offer here at the School; from exemplary pastoral care to 1-2-1 support with their teachers; extra and co-curricular activities to dedicated Higher Education and careers support.

Thank you to all the students and members of staff who were involved in the production of the two videos.

If you would like to watch our new videos, visit www.wgs.org.uk/about or visit our School YouTube channel.

From the staff entries, Mr Cothey was selected as the winner with his very entertaining verse.

To hear Mrs Rowley read Happy by Luke, Amber, Harry, Madhav and Mr Cothey, visit the following Firefly page:

https://firefly.wgs-sch.net/library/ national-poetry-day-2020/nationalpoetry-day-winners

Junior School 'Colours' Launch

Earlier this year, Mr Doman launched a new colours system in the Junior School. The scheme is designed to recognise and reward those children who go above and beyond in areas of school and community life about which they are passionate.

Welcome back Mrs Brown!

Mrs Brown has returned from maternity leave to the Junior School, resuming her teaching and pastoral responsibilities for Class 6AB. In the meantime, we are delighted that Miss Bassett will stay on for an additional half term. She will be taking a selection of lessons across the timetables of Mr Griffiths, Mrs Stanton and Mrs D'Arcy, freeing all three up to spend some time preparing for our proposed Infant provision in September.

Transforming our Old Wulfrunian photographs

This time of year is extremely busy for our support departments. Our Development Office have been writing the 2020 edition of the Wulfrunian which will be published in the New Year. In addition to this, they have transformed some of our treasured black and white photographs into colour.

Passport to Success

Well done to Year 7 students for their work over the summer to complete the Library Passport to Success. We were particularly impressed by the imagination and creativity shown in the book scene cardboard box challenge.

Can you name these well-known children's books?

With over 5,000 alumni in touch with School, we'd love to hear from you and find out more about what you're up to.

You can contact Tina Erskine, Head of Development, or Ed Cornaby, Alumni Relations Officer, via development@wgs-sch.net.

First XI Football from 1902

Language Lab

Geography Lesson in the Merridale