The Independent - Winter 2020

The Independent Wolverhampton Grammar School Newsletter

WE'VE GOT YOU!

ALSO IN THIS EDITION:

campus and a very special school

SCHOOL DIRECTOR WINS NATIONAL AWARD

community with the launch of

CONNECTING MORE THAN JUST CURIOUS MINDS

new promotional videos.

SCHOOL CELEBRATES A VIRTUAL FOUNDER'S DAY

Students highlight the return to

COAST2COAST DELIVERED

Winter 2020

The Independent

Head’s Welcome As I write this, we are preparing for the

Compton Care 'Light up a Life' event and

across our Senior School in September.

last week of term at School. You will be

'Advent Calendar' – please do take a look

There is much to look forward to, and

pleased to hear that not even a global

at their website or social media accounts

more details will be shared soon.

pandemic could stop the annual Festive

if you would like to see the videos.

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 festivities happiness 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

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Please remain safe and well this

Thanks to the enormous ongoing efforts

Christmas. We are a truly unique and

of you and our staff, we have managed

special School community. Season's

to ensure as few children as necessary

greetings to one and all.

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

Alex Frazer Head

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

www.wgs.org.uk

Reception, Year 1

We will always

to School

Remembrance Day is always a treasured

and Year 2 is coming remember them 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,

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

Year 1 or Year 2 – please contact Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar, by

Wolverhampton Grammar School Official

email: admissions@wgs-sch.net or by

Wolverhampton Grammar School

telephone: 01902 421326 so that we can

Wolverhampton Grammar School

help register your child for a place as

If you, or your child is having any

soon as we are able to.

technical difficulties with the Portal or work set online, contact School by using any of the channels above and we

School remembers Robert and Frederick Willcock

will ask the IT team to contact you.

If your child is a student at our Robert C. Willcock

In the First World War 105 former pupils (known as

School and you have a COVID related question or query, please email covid@wgs-sch.net

Old Wulfrunians) and staff lost their lives. Two cousins, Robert and Frederick Willcock, both died in the Battle of

Term resumes again on

the Somme and their story is remembered here:

Tuesday 5th January (a ‘blue week’

wgs.org.uk/robert-frederick-willcock

for the two week timetable).

Frederick N. Willcock

Transforming lives as well as minds

3

The Independent

Introducing… Shona Hemmings Wolverhampton Grammar School

Why change from a successful career

make commercial decisions that

welcomed Shona Hemmings to the

in the commercial and finance sectors

ensure there are funds available to be

team in September. Shona is the

to work in a school?

reinvested in the School for the benefit

School’s Finance Director – replacing

I’ve often said that if I wasn’t an

of every student.

accountant I would probably be a

What’s struck you most about WGS

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

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

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

Newcastle United if Mike Ashley were

that like?

lockdown began. We asked Shona a

ever to leave!)

I am married to Matthew and have two

few questions to help introduce her

What was it about Wolverhampton

and music performances before

to you.

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

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!

incredibly lucky to attend the School and I feel privileged to be able to work here.

Shona is always available to meet with

What is a Finance Director? How is it

students and parents. Simply contact

different to a Bursar?

As Finance Director I have responsibility for almost everything in the School that doesn’t involve teaching. The role is

School telephone: 01902 421326 or contact her PA, Marsha Martin by email mmm@wgs-sch.net to arrange a time to talk.

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

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www.wgs.org.uk

Connecting more than just Curious Minds In the first of a series of online careers

since leaving School. Both are forging

includes 1-21- interviews, UCAS

themed events - 'Connecting Curious

careers in the creative arts and have an

preparation, practice university and

Minds' virtually links our students with

entrepreneurial approach to working

employer interviews and much more.

Old Wulfrunians who have experience of

life. They were keen to share their life

This work is already paying off for

studying and working in wide range of

and work experiences, as well as be

the many Upper Sixth students who

different fields.

on hand to offer advice to students

have already received offers from

currently studying the subjects they

universities. February’s annual Careers

loved so much at School.

& HE Fair will also go ahead for older

Our first two speakers: Holly Pleydell (OW 2016) and Alastair Norton (OW 2015) have Arts and Theatre

This series of events supports a much

backgrounds, respectively, and have

wider careers and HE support package

taken a relatively 'non-traditional' route

available to students at School, which

students – albeit virtually.

School celebrates a virtual

Founder’s Day The restrictions of this extraordinary

readings and messages

year haven’t stopped Wolverhampton

alongside the Rev David Wright

Grammar School celebrating its

at his Church.

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

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

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,

Transforming lives as well as minds

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.

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The Independent

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.”

A leading figure at Wolverhampton Grammar School has been named

Could you be a

winner in the next Young Authors’ Competition?

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

The School has a strong association

no more than 400 words around a

with the Tes awards, winning Senior

particular theme.

Leadership of the Year in 2018 and being finalists in a number of award categories

This year’s theme is ‘The Escape’ and Head Librarian, Zoe Rowley, launched the

the Times Educational Supplement

every year since 2016.

(Tes) Headteacher of the Year for her

Wolverhampton Grammar School is

inspirational work leading a large state

from across Wolverhampton during an

governed by a board of Directors, who

school in North West London. Evelyn

interactive creative writing workshop

are supported by a Council and Board

Forde, a Director at Wolverhampton

with award-winning children’s author,

of Trustees. Our Directors come from a

Grammar School, was described by

Harriet Goodwin.

broad range of industries, sectors and

Tes as a “decisive leader” and “positive

backgrounds and give of their time and

role model”.

expertise on a purely voluntary basis. If

Commenting on the award, Alex Frazer

you’d like to learn more about who our

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

Directors are, visit the School website.

competition to over 500 local children

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.

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www.wgs.org.uk

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

Despite COVID, it’s my role to help bring

Student voice is more important now

and a staff vote at the end of Lower Sixth,

the School together. We might be in

than ever. We are lucky enough to be part

they lead a team of Prefects to help guide

bubbles this year, but we are definitely one

of a School community that is forward

and support students across our School.

community!

thinking and loves change. If you have an idea… share it!

This year, Brandon Taylor and Lizzie Anderson were chosen as Head Prefects.

Fact file: Brandon Taylor

Fact file: Lizzie Anderson

• Brandon has been at Wolverhampton

• Lizzie Anderson joined 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?

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?

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.

Transforming lives as well as minds

7

The Independent

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

Coast2Coast

to register your interest now.

delivered!

Introducing

COVID-19 did not stop this year’s Coast2Coast team from completing

Year 7 Reading

the incredible challenge of a gruelling

Ambassadors

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.

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.

Students had to complete 20 laps

justgiving.com/fundraising/

on both the Saturday and Sunday

wolverhampton-grammar-school

between 7.30am and 7.30pm – all in aid of Brain Tumour Support.

The students rely on a team effort of staff and parents to undergo their

We would like to extend our grateful

training and make them challenge

thanks to both Cannock Chase Forest

ready. Particular thanks to Mr French

Birches Valley and Grounds Café and

and Mrs Harris who co-ordinated the

Cycle Centres for their kind support

training plans and liaised with our

to enable this year’s challenge to still

Cannock Chase partners to make this

go ahead, despite the strangest of

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.

circumstances.

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www.wgs.org.uk

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

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

bubble rota of Christmas dinners in The Derry and Sixth Form café.

TREE 1

Mr Hale, our chef de partie at Holroyd

Home to Holroyd Howe

Howe, created a gingerbread replica

and lots of tasty treats.

of the front of the School. Santa even

media, encouraging students to guess where Santa was hiding in School every

New Year To ensure that young people across the Junior and Senior School can access books easily within their

made a socially-distanced dash around launched 'Where is Santa?' on social

Delivery Service Launches in the

by staff dotted around campus; and a

our campus. The Marketing department

Reservation and

‘bubbles’, we are launching a new book reservation and delivery

TREE 2

This one likes to be in a quiet environment.

Friday; well done to everyone who

system available via the Library Department page of Firefly. Young people are encouraged to visit the Firefly page to request items to loan

took part.

from the School Libraries. Already

A special mention and congratulations

TREE 3

goes to Harry Wade in Year 9 for

Home to our students who love to sing.

guessing Santa's location correctly every week!

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.

TREE 4

This one likes to entertain our younger students.

Transforming lives as well as minds

9

The Independent

Festive Sport and Fun Runs

Pumpkin Carving Spectacular

Senior School students came together

Miss Bowater was overwhelmed by the

in their bubbles, alongside members of

incredible number of skilful entries for

staff, to take part in the annual Christmas

the annual Pumpkin Carving competition.

fancy dress fun run and festive netball

Well done to everyone who submitted an

competition. The 1 mile route around

entry and received a commendation and

The Valley was organised by the Sports

interform points.

Department and Upper Sixth students.

Take a look at some of the spooky entries!

Katie Evans and Solomon Brazier-Painter, organised the Year 7 and Year 9 events; Hannah Dzvengwe also organised the Year 7 Festive Netball competition well done!

An Evening of

Haunting Tales Members of both Junior and Senior School Book Clubs have used their creative writing skills

Year 7 Interview Robert Muchamore

to construct ghost stories

We were thrilled to end the term with

themed around the history of our

an author event to remember. As the

School. Combined with fantastic

bestselling author of the CHERUB

storytelling, students brilliantly

series, Robert Muchamore delivered

performed their original work as

an energetic, action-packed and

part of three ghost tours around

interactive virtual event to Year 7

the School grounds. As usual,

students. As part of the event, we

our annual evening of haunting

offered several Year 7 CHERUB fans

tales was a great success

the opportunity to interview Robert

and wonderfully entertaining.

on Zoom. Well done to Jay Barchha,

Congratulations to everybody who

Veer Jain, Charlie Thomas and

took part.

Matthew Lyford for their thoughtprovoking and insightful questions.

10

www.wgs.org.uk

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

Stay COVID safe this Christmas

Wolverhampton Grammar School partners with a range of local, national

Wolverhampton Grammar

and international organisations to deliver

School branded face masks were

a rigorous education both within the

distributed to every Senior and

classroom and outside the school. These

Sixth Form student at the end of

associations include the prestigious

term (children under the age of

Merchant Taylors’ Company where our

11 do not have to wear masks in

founder, Sir Stephen Jenyns, was twice

public).

elected Master.

Please encourage your child

The Merchant Taylors' Company

to wear a face mask over the

organised a photography competition

Christmas and New Year period

during the Autumn term which encouraged students from associated

in the usual public places and Overcoming Challenges by Edoardo Candido

settings. Everyone at WGS wants you to stay safe and well.

schools to take a photo around the theme Hope. Winners were announced in a

Should you or your child test

Junior, Senior and Staff category.

positive for COVID-19, please

Congratulations to Edoardo Candido

let us know by emailing

whose piece 'Overcoming Challenges'

covid@wgs-sch.net so as to assist

was announced as the winner and Fran

with track and trace. Term resumes

White who was announced as runner

again on Tuesday 5th January. At

up in the Senior category for her piece,

that point, if your child is needing

'Renewal'.

to self-isolate for any reason, such that their return to School will be

Their photographs were exhibited at

affected, please contact us via

Merchant Taylors' Hall in the City of London throughout December.

Transforming lives as well as minds

Renewal by Fran White

covid@wgs-sch.net on or before Monday 4th January.

11

The Independent

Moving on up!

The move to Senior School or Sixth Form

are beginning to think about their Sixth

Any Questions?

is a natural progression for students at

Form subject choices. Parents are also

Wolverhampton Grammar School. Big 6

preparing for the transition too.

You will be supported every step of the

children are already being prepared for

way. Here’s your handy guide to what happens next.

their move to Year 7 and Year 11 students

Are you in Year 11?

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.

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.

• 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.

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

12

Do you know that there are a number of Awards and

sit scholarship exams next term.

Scholarships available to current Year 11 students at WGS?

• A £500 academic grant to be

Music Scholarship

• Up to 25% off School fees

Students should be working at

• If you would like to be considered

• Free music tuition at School

awarded in September 2021 • Presentation of a Sixth Form Scholar’s Tie • Publication as a Sixth Form Scholar in The Independent and

ABRSM/Trinity Grade 6 standard (and

for this Scholarship, please contact

should be looking to reach Grade 8

Jane Morris at School by Friday 29th

Wulfrunian (alumni magazine)

standard in the Sixth Form). Music

January. She will then ensure your

• The deadline to apply for a Sixth

scholars are expected to make a

child is invited to audition for this

Form Subject Scholarship is

significant contribution to the musical

award with the Director of Music,

Monday 4th January.

life of the School.

Melanie Cuthbert.

www.wgs.org.uk

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

Means tested Bursaries Every year, we ask former students

when to apply for a number of Awards and Scholarships, including: Means tested Bursaries

(Old Wulfrunians) and other

Junior Scholarship

friends of the School if they are

•

in a position to offer any financial

•entrants The Junior Scholarship is at Year 7.

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.

The School offers several means-tested bursary awards annually to awarded to the top performing

support to families who need it.

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

Big 6 student(s) in the Year 7 They are only available to Awards range between 5% and 100%• dependent on family Entrance Test. children joining Year 7 from Big circumstances and availability of funding.

•

• This Scholarship provides up to

6 and are awarded to the top

a total of 50% off School fees Big 6 performers in the Year 7 In order to be considered for a bursary, as a guideline, your household and is awarded regardless of Entrance Test. The Awards offer income should not exceed £60,000 per annum. family income.

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

Music us at anyScholarship time and we can offer advice and arrange a personal tour just for you.

• 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.

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.

• Students will be required to

• In order to be considered for

audition for this Scholarship

a bursary, as a guideline, your

and if awarded, will be

household income should not

expected to make a significant

exceed £60,000 per annum.

contribution to musical life whilst they are at the School.

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.

Transforming lives as well as minds

13

The Independent

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

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

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.

14

www.wgs.org.uk

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

Welcome back

Transforming our

Mrs Brown has returned from maternity

photographs

Mrs Brown!

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.

beyond in areas of school and

She will be taking a selection of lessons

community life about which they

across the timetables of Mr Griffiths,

are passionate.

Old Wulfrunian

Mrs Stanton and Mrs D'Arcy, freeing all three up to spend some time preparing for our proposed Infant

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.

provision in September.

Language Lab

Passport to Success

First XI Football from 1902

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?

?

Geography Lesson in the Merridale

Are you an Old Wulfrunian?

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.

Transforming lives as well as minds

15

The Independent

The Independent Wolverhampton Grammar School Newsletter

Winter 2020

If you would like to hear more about anything featured in this edition of The Independent please contact Carrie Bennett email: cab@wgs-sch.net Wolverhampton Grammar School Compton Road Wolverhampton WV3 9RB 01902 421326 www.wgs.org.uk @WGS1512 Wolverhampton Grammar School Official Wolverhampton Grammar School Wolverhampton Grammar School 16

Paper sourced from responsible forestry. Printed on Claro Silk FSC Mix Credit 250gsm & 170gsm.

www.wgs.org.uk