The Independent - Spring 2022

The Independent Wolverhampton Grammar School Newsletter

THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS

Senior School students perform Shakespeare's most popular comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Spring 2022

ALSO IN THIS EDITION: Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks bring stories to life for children in Wolverhampton Meet this year's Coast 2 Coast team Activities and Adventures in Arthog

The Independent

Head’s Welcome So far in 2022, there has been a great deal to celebrate in and around School. I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘The Independent’ which reports on some highlights of the Spring term and looks forward to more after the Easter holidays.

In mid-March you may have seen a story on BBC Midlands Today or in the Express & Star about our very successful public event at Grand Station in Wolverhampton with the renowned children’s author Julia Donaldson and the illustrator of several of her books, Lydia Monks. We were delighted to host 900 children from over 40 state primary schools in and around our city to a show in which Julia, Lydia and Julia’s husband Malcolm brought her stories to life with song, dance, acting and audience participation. Later in the day, Julia, Lydia and Malcolm conducted a storytime session for our Reception and Year 1 children before officially opening our Infant playground. The Gruffalo was also in attendance!

The day was the brainchild of WGS Head Librarian, Zoe Rowley, who – in addition to the great work she does in School – runs a fantastic network for librarians and literacy lead teachers in local schools, sharing her insights and the author events and literary competitions that she organises for the benefit of children across Wolverhampton and beyond. You may remember the entertaining visit in November of Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, which was broadcast live from WGS to an estimated 80,000 children in schools up and down the UK. The next public event to take place at School will be focused more towards an audience of adults and older students. On the evening of Thursday 28th April, Times journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera (OW 1995) will be joined by three other erudite speakers and thinkers to discuss a number of the themes emerging from his book Empireland and television series

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Empire State of Mind, which was partly filmed at WGS and broadcast on Channel 4 last October. Chaired by television presenter Arti Halai, the panel will cover a number of areas under the title of ‘Empire Reflecting Back’, with a particular focus on the experiences and reflections of Wolverhampton’s Black and Asian populations. Promising to be a thoughtprovoking and lively evening, the event will be free to attend and information on how to book a ticket will be sent out soon via our social media channels.

Our ability to entertain parents, friends and supporters at School is firmly back now, and our first full theatre production since 2020, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, was an absolute treat to attend just before half-term. Our young actors and actresses, led by the indomitable directorial duo of Messrs Tyler and Wood, performed at an incredibly high standard and provided a feast for the senses, including music, stage-fighting, mistaken identity, disguise and absolute mastery of Shakespeare’s verse and complex dialogue.

extremely enjoyable Doctors’ Dinner – not for medical types, but for the Heads and Head Boys and Girls of all the schools affiliated to the Company.

Our connection to the Merchant Taylors’, which goes back to our foundation in 1512, does still make a difference to WGS and its students. We have just been granted, for example, full funding for a bursary place for a student joining Year 7 in September 2022. Thanks to the generosity of the Merchant Taylors’, therefore, we have been able to extend the opportunity of a transformative WGS education with full fee assistance to one more child than normal for the coming intake – something to celebrate indeed!

Alex Frazer Head

The Spring Concert on the evening of Monday 28th March opened the last week of the term, with a fantastically varied programme of instrumental music and song from across the ages and around the world. Our young instrumentalists and singers, aided by the Music Department, raised the roof of Big School with the quality of their performances and the sheer fun of many of the numbers. Roll on the Summer term and Jazz Spec!

This term we have also been down to London to honour our historical affiliation with the Merchant Taylors’ Company. Four WGS Design Technology students made it to the finals of the MTC Schools’ Design Competition which was judged at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in early March.

The Hall was also the venue towards the end of term for the confusingly titled but

www.wgs.org.uk

World Book Day Celebrations

Fundraising

World Book Day is an occasion where the

There have been a number of fundraising

entire School community is encouraged

events across the school this term,

to celebrate books and reading. As part

raising nearly £3,500 in total. The Senior

of this year’s celebrations, students in the

School held a Ukrainian ‘Yellow and Blue’

Junior School dressed as their favourite

Appeal day to raise money for the Polish

book characters whilst the entire School

Red Cross who are helping Ukrainian

was invited to take part in our Where's

refugees crossing the border into Poland.

Wally? House competition. Over 200

This, together with a collection in the

children entered this challenge and were

Junior School raised over £1,900. Junior

awarded with House Points for locating

School also held a ‘Rainbow Day’ raising

the ten images of Wally hidden around

over £200 for this year’s Junior School

the campus.

charities. A Senior School non uniform

THANK YOU!

day raised over £1,100 for Epilepsy Action and this year’s Coast 2 Coast team kick-started their fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust with a Samosa sale, raising over £200.

Thank you for all of your support for our fundraising efforts.

NEED TO GET IN TOUCH? During the School holidays, our Main Reception is open from 8.30am - 4pm,

Our book themed menu in the Derry also

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

proved to be very popular, as children

Our bank details have changed.

enjoyed items which included Mr Twit’s

We are now banking with Lloyds

wormy spaghetti and Harry Potter

and our new bank details are:

inspired chocolate frog cakes.

Finally, our annual World Book Day quiz was a great success and we would like to congratulate all students who took part.

Account Name: Wolverhampton Grammar School Ltd Sort Code: 30-18-56

Monday - Friday, and our staff are always on hand to answer any questions. You can contact the School by: Email correspondence via info@wgs-sch.net Telephone: 01902 421326 Parent Portal Social Media:

Account Number: 29721460

@WGS1512

Please update your records

Wolverhampton Grammar School Official

for all future payments.

Don’t worry if you have made a payment to our old account

Wolverhampton Grammar School Wolverhampton Grammar School

recently, it will be forwarded to

The Summer term commences on

our new account.

Tuesday 19th April (a ‘blue week’ for the two week timetable).

Transforming lives as well as minds

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THE HUTTON THEATRE

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S

After a hiatus of two years, thanks to

of true love and play rehearsals are

the pandemic, WGS theatre came back

anything but smooth. Chaos, fantasy, love

with a bang with a thrilling production

and dreams all ensue in Shakespeare’s

of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Playing

most beguiling comedy.

to three packed houses every night, the cast put on an extraordinary show that was testament to all the hard work and commitment they'd been putting in since October.

"It was lovely to see so many students in the Hutton Theatre, many of whom had never been lucky enough to see a school production before," Mr Wood commented.

Shakespeare’s most popular comedy, A

A hearty well done to all involved - we're

Midsummer Night’s Dream, tells a tale

already looking forward to the next show

of four young lovers who flee to a forest

that will be on just before half term in

which is ruled by mischievous sprites and

May. Make sure you book your tickets

a feuding Fairy King and Queen who are

early!

at war over an orphan child. Their paths are crossed by Bottom, Quince and their keen amateur acting pals rehearsing a play which they hope to present at the Duke’s wedding. Chief mischief-maker Puck is on-hand to ensure that the course

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www.wgs.org.uk

Transforming lives as well as minds

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Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks bring stories to life for children in Wolverhampton On Tuesday 15th March we were

Mrs Rowley commented: "It was an

alongside the amazing Mrs Rowley

delighted to welcome former Children’s

honour to welcome both Julia and Lydia

in helping to arrange unforgettable

Laureate Julia Donaldson, her husband

to Wolverhampton to meet hundreds of

author events for so many children,"

Malcolm, and award-wining illustrator

children. As one of the most successful

Mr McAllister said.

Lydia Monks to Wolverhampton for a

children's authors and illustrators, the duo

day of storytelling, singing and drawing.

delivered a brilliantly entertaining event,

Children in Year 2 and Year 3 joined

which brought well-loved stories such as

over 800 children from more than 40

A Squash and A Squeeze and What the

local schools in enjoying a wonderful

Ladybird Heard to life. It truly is a privilege

morning event at Wolverhampton’s

to be Head Librarian at a School that

Grand Station, in which Julia performed

works to extend its reading provision far

What the Ladybird Heard and Lydia led a

and wide to encompass so many young

group draw-along. This was a fantastic

people and, by gifting every child with

experience for all, with every child in

a signed book at this event, we have

attendance gifted a free copy of What the

inspired over 900 children to begin their

Ladybird Heard.

reading journey."

"It was a great thrill to afford hundreds of children from Wolverhampton Grammar School and other local schools the opportunity to meet Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. The event was wonderfully interactive, with children

Dear Zoe

Thank you SO m uch for putting on the event today at the station. M y daughter was in credibly excited about going and we were a bit w orried she’d be disapp ointed because her expectations wer e so high. But sh e wasn’t - at all! Sh e enjoyed all of it and came back absolutely delig hted.

And it was so ge nerous to give he r (and all the child ren) a book.

Such a lovely ex perience for her!

Ms Jackson

Parent from Woo

dfield Primary Sc

hool

singing songs on stage with Julia, participating in a draw-along with Lydia In the afternoon, children in Reception and Year 1 had their own special storytime in the Jenyns Library with Julia, Malcolm and Lydia, after which Julia and Lydia officially opened the Infant School provision.

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and meeting the fantastic Gruffalo.

Well done to Annabelle Hayes in Year

The School's generosity in gifting a free

2 and Ethan Braitch in Year 3 for

signed copy of What the Ladybird Heard

representing the School so well in the

to every child in attendance was the

morning event, whilst a huge thank

perfect way to reinforce the message that

you goes to Julia, Malcolm, Lydia

reading for pleasure is so important for

and the Gruffalo for making such an

all children, and I am so proud to work

unforgettable day for so many children.

www.wgs.org.uk

Transforming lives as well as minds

7

The Independent

Activities and Adventures for Year 6 in Arthog Residential stays allow children to develop greater independence and confidence.

For many, a residential trip may be the first time a child has been away from home.

This term Year 6 enjoyed a three-day residential trip to Arthog, Wales.

Parents and fellow students could keep up-to-date and follow the adventures of Year 6 from their Arthog Blog by Mr Cothey.

Here's a snapshot of just some of the adventures they got up to:

Day 1 - Tuesday

Day 2 - Wednesday

Day 3 - Thursday

After a three hour journey full of sing-

Mrs Brown, Mr Palmer, and Mrs Whyton

Exciting challenges on our second

song and lots of ‘How long till we get

began the ‘Arthog Room Inspection’

full day enthralled the students and

there?’ type questions from a very

process and the students really

they continued to impress with their

excited Year 6, we finally arrived at a

impressed with their made beds, tidy

enthusiasm towards the activities and

windy Arthog.

bags and neatly swept floors (yes Mums

each other.

Group activities on site proved excellent

and Dads, they really can do it!).

Mrs Whyton and Miss Yates’ groups

for team building: rope balancing, team

The groups were then divided into

hiked in the morning and took to the

problem solving and walks to the beach

Mountaineering and Canoeing for

gorge in the afternoon. To begin the day,

were enjoyed by all.

whole-day adventures.

stunning views awaited the children, who

The salty air whipping off the sea was

Mountaineers managed to fit in:

a bracing start to the trip - coupled with

harnessed rock climbing, scrambling

some shell finding, washed-up jellyfish

and even a ‘summit bid’ for two groups

Mr Palmer, Dr Bradley and Mrs Brown’s

on the beach and sand dune climbing

with an ascent into the clouds! Rock

groups began with a gorge walk and

proving great entertainment.

climbers all achieved personal bests and

moved onto canoeing after lunch.

A hearty meal later, with many children opting for seconds of an excellent roast dinner, the students got their kit back on

supported each other fantastically on the wall itself and with the walks to and from the rocks.

were wowed by the splendour of North Wales’s rocky ridges and lakes.

Finally, fun challenges on the lake meant the children learnt how to manoeuvre their canoes (cue lots of spinning vessels

for a night time walk. Stunning views of

The canoeists found the going tricky on

and facing the wrong direction) and how

the lights over Barmouth and a chance

the windy Mawddach Estuary and, after

to work as a team to race and play ball

encounter with a half-asleep flock of

battling the conditions, ended up wading

games on the water. Another optional

sheep blocking our path were great

through the sand and mud as the tide

submerge in the lake was breath-taking

talking points, prior

gradually receded. A tough day with a lot

for those who decided to take the plunge.

to a hot chocolate

of resilience, perseverance and tenacity

and biscuit before

demonstrated as well as some leadership

lights out.

skills to the fore.

As the evening drew to a close, a birthday celebration lifted the spirits and a good sing-song left the children feeling warm and cheery.

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www.wgs.org.uk

You can read the full blog (and see lots more pictures) in the Junior Section of the Parent Portal.

9

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The Independent

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Method

Throughout this term our award-

If you would like to sample them

winning caterers, Holroyd Howe,

for yourself, why not try out one

have produced some fantastic theme days from Valentine’s Day

of these recipes over Easter?

to St Patrick’s Day. Our personal favourites were the special menu created for World Book Day and the Gruffalo cakes made for the visit of Julia Donaldson. In the last week of term, we were delighted to sample some tasty Easter treats.

s ster nest simple ea Makes 24

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www.wgs.org.uk

s:

Coast 2 Coast 2022 A rainbowfilled adventure with Laura Ellen Anderson

Now in its 24th year, the annual Wolverhampton Grammar School Coast 2 Coast challenge involves a group of Year 10 students running the 170 miles from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire as a tag team in just 24 hours. This year’s Coast 2 Coast challenge will start at 7am on Saturday 28th May from St Bees, with the aim of arriving in Robin Hood’s Bay by 7am on Sunday 29th May 2022.

In preparation for their challenge, the students undertake 16 weeks of extreme training before, during and after school.

The team is coached and supported by School staff throughout their training and the challenge itself; with special thanks to Mr French, Mrs C Harris, Mr Hancox, Mrs Powell, Mr Griffiths, Mrs Wainwright, Mrs E Harris, Mr Doman, Mr Humphreys, Mr Palmer, Mr Anderson, Mr Jones and Miss Yates. Parents and siblings also support the team along the route and celebrate their huge achievement at the end of the challenge.

The team is made up of the following Year 10 students: Sachi, Luke, Mason, Caleb, Nacardo, George, Kyla, Jasraaj and Elliot.

This year, the team has chosen to

We were thrilled to co-ordinators to provide the very best care and support for young people facing cancer.

Alex Frazer, Head of Wolverhampton Grammar School, said: “Last year’s team raised over £8,000 for The Haven Wolverhampton and I was in awe of their utter determination and commitment to completing the challenge. I have no doubt that this year’s team will raise an incredible amount for Teenage Cancer Trust and I look forward to joining them along the route in May.” Before the end of term, the team held a Samosa Sale to help raise money towards their fundraising target of £3,000. Staff and students in the Senior School and Sixth Form supported the team and raised £206.05 - well done everyone!

welcome Laura Ellen Anderson to our School in March 2022 to help us celebrate World Book Day. Laura is the best-selling children's author and illustrator of the highly successful Amelia Fang series, and she introduced to Junior School students her latest best-selling book series, Rainbow Grey.

Laura led an interactive draw-along for students, before talking about what inspires her as an author and illustrator.

At the conclusion of the event, Laura signed copies of her books and posed for photographs with students who had dressed in rainbow inspired clothes for the day.

Thank you to Merridale Primary School for joining us for this event.

fundraise for Teenage Cancer Trust. The

Could you support our Coast 2 Coast 2022 Challenge?

charity has a specialist unit in almost

Sponsorship opportunities are available as well as your donations of course too!

every major NHS cancer treatment

If you think you could offer any support, contact Caroline Harris at School email:

hospital across England, and funds

cah@wgs-sch.net or donate on their JustGiving page:

expert nurses, youth support co-

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wgscoast-2-coast2022

ordinators and multidisciplinary team

Transforming lives as well as minds

11

The Independent

Apart Together Cabaret This term, Year 5 have been working tirelessly on their performing arts cabaret, Apart Together, which celebrates the hardships and changes we overcame during lockdown and the resilience that friendship and laughter afford us. With a mix of monologues, instrumentalists, dance and musical theatre, the show that they produced, with the help of Miss Austin and Miss Bassett, was enjoyed by cast, crew and audience alike! Next term, the Junior School will be getting to work on their Year 6 production to round off the year on a high!

The Wolverhampton Young Authors’ Prize is an annual creative writing competition established by Wolverhampton Grammar School.

The competition challenges young people, aged 8 to 16, to write an original, short story in no more than 400 words around a particular theme, with this year’s theme being ‘The Journey’.

We were thrilled to see over 300 students enter this year's competition.

As a reward for the quality of their stories, 100 students from six local schools were shortlisted and attended Wolverhampton Grammar School in February 2022 for the Grand Final.

Best-selling authors Jenny McLachlan and Ben Davis joined us for an afternoon full of fun and imaginative activities.

Many congratulations to Harry McGrath, Tulsi Koria, Gurjot Kular

Jenny and Ben read aloud the winning

and Devina Sharma, who joined

stories, before handing out trophies

students from Bilbrook Middle School,

to the winners and runners-up in the

Pool Hayes Academy and Coppice

respective age categories.

Performing Arts School in being chosen as the best story writers.

Mayashan goes for Gold in Spain

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Year 11 student, Mayashan Sharmadekker

competition. A few months after her win,

she won all her fights

will be taking part in her first international

she was invited to a trail to represent

to reach the final and

wrestling competition in April where

Great Britain and was accepted into the

won Gold!

she will compete and represent Great

team; she then completed her training and

Britain in Spain. Mayashan has been

was appointed captain of the U17 & U15

practising the sport for two years and

girls squad. Following this great success,

first got accepted into the regional squad

Mayashan then went on to compete at the

after winning gold at her first wrestling

English Championships in March where

Congratulations on this fantastic achievement, Mayashan; we look forward to hearing about her international competition in the Summer term.

www.wgs.org.uk

Rising Star

School trips make a return

Congratulations to Lucie Halford

Following two years of cancellations and

in Year 8 for competing at the

postponements, we are delighted that

Gymnastics British Championships

school trips have been able to resume

on Thursday 24th March, at the M&S

due to the relaxation of Covid rules.

Bank Arena in Liverpool.

Providing an exciting and fulfilling life

The four-day event saw gymnasts

outside of the classroom is key to a

from across the country showcase

child’s physical, mental and social

their best artistic routines in front of a

wellbeing, and is something we pride

panel of judges.

ourselves on offering at Wolverhampton

Lucie took part in the Women’s Espoir

Grammar School.

Under 16 competition, and performed

This term, Junior School children have

a phenomenal routine on the beam,

spent time at Dudley Zoo, West Midlands

as well as taking to the floor.

Safari Park, Carding Mill Valley and the

Well done, Lucie; we can't wait to hear more about your next competition!

Botanical Gardens. In Senior School, Lower Sixth artists enjoyed an Art Gallery

& Museum Trip and Year 10 had their first taste of Duke of Edinburgh, enjoying their first Bronze training walk in the March sunshine.

In the Summer Term, we are looking forward to Geography field trips for Year 10 and Lower Sixth, the Year 7 residential to Oaker Wood and the Music Department tour to Jersey. 2022/23 sees the return of overseas trips, with students travelling to Porto, Holland, Iceland, Austria and France!

Meet our new Admissions Assistant Many of you will already know our Admissions Registrar, Mrs Jane Morris, who plays a pivotal role in getting to know our children during our recruitment and admissions process, so that we understand them and their needs before they even join our School.

In September, Mrs Morris welcomed a new member of staff to the team, Mrs Pindi Rai, following Mrs Robert's successful appointment as one of two Alumni Engagement Officers along with Miss Jacques, to form the Development Office trio with Mrs Erskine.

Mrs Rai joined the School following 13 years at St Edmund’s Catholic Academy in the City. Mrs Rai is delighted to join the Admissions team and has already enjoyed meeting many of our current and prospective families at a variety of events this year.

Transforming lives as well as minds

"I've been welcomed into the School community with open arms; the team are incredibly friendly and I love the variety my role brings each day. Touring families round our beautiful school is a pleasure and I feel proud to work for one of the oldest schools in the country", Mrs Rai commented.

There are limited places available in Reception and Years 3–6 for September 2022 and we encourage families to contact the Admissions team by telephone: 01902 422939 or email: admissions@wgs-sch.net if you would like to register your child for a place at our school.

Mrs Morris and Mrs Rai have welcomed over 300 families to School this term; our Senior School and Junior School Open Days were a great success following the decision to invite families in to school for an individual tour of our facilities.

Preparations are well underway to welcome our new Year 7 students to the Senior School, and we look forward to meeting them all at our New Parents' Evening on Thursday 5th May.

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The Independent

Peer Support

Peer Support

Meet some of our Peer Support team:

The restrictions imposed by COVID led to something of a hiatus in WGS Peer Support, but we

Our Higher Education and

are delighted to be back in full swing.

Careers Forum took on a new format

Over 40 students from Year 11, Lower

this year. 'Take Flight' gave Year 10, 11

and Upper Sixth have volunteered to be Peer Supporters. They have undertaken a rigorous training programme in order

Higher Education and Careers Forum 2022

Devina

Vishwas

and Lower Sixth students an opportunity to hear from a number of Old Wulfrunians (OWs) about their first-hand experiences

to equip them with the essential skills

in both higher education and employment,

in supporting their peers navigate the

providing an afternoon full of inspirational

challenges and frustrations of teenage life. The Peer Supporters are on duty

talks and meaningful advice!

every lunchtime in the Learning Hub,

A detailed bio from each OW was shared

offering wellbeing activities, emotional or academic advice or help, or simply just a

Ewan

Emily

quiet, safe space to be. Peer Supporters

what influenced their decisions to choose

badges and are in the process of visiting

the subjects they did at GCSE, A Level and

every form to introduce themselves. The

university. How to make the most of Open

team are also helping School to launch allowing WGS students to ask for help or

Days and the university experience were Laura

Elliot

speak up and speak out about anything

useful, relevant and relatable advice. insight into their journey from WGS

over the coming term for exciting new

to where they are now - the highs, the

initiatives led by the Peer Supporters. pop by and speak to Miss Jones.

also topics of clear interest and full of Our guest speakers helpfully shared

bothering or worrying them. Look out

If you want any more information, please

an informed decision about which talk to attend. OW's shared thoughts around

can also be identified by their distinctive

Tootoot, a simple Student Voice app

in advance, enabling students to make

lows and most memorable moments.

Samuel

Jaipal

They talked about their career paths, both conventional and unconventional, and encouraged students to have the confidence to think outside of the box –

ALWAYS MEONE TALK TO SO HAVE A WHEN YOU PROBLEM

and to basically, take flight!

A huge thank you to our OWs – Helen Clinton (OW 2016), Poppy Flint (OW 2004), Geneva Hoffman (2017), David Jackson (OW 2008) Jenny Wilson (2011), James Cox (OW 2019), Talia Sinnott (OW 2016), Tom Steel (OW 2018) and Ben Ward (OW 2021) for giving their time and sharing their experiences!

14

www.wgs.org.uk

Friday 18th February was the inaugural

The acts that were put forward to compete in the House Talent Show were:

Wolverhampton Grammar School House Talent Show, where each House

Jenyns

put forward two acts to compete in

Representatives:

what turned out to be a diverse and inspirational competition. Early in the

Lucie Halford - Gymnastics

term, the House and Vice Captains

Tar Dzvengwe - Singing

were tasked with holding auditions and

Nechells

Representatives: U6N Form Feat D.J. Blything and M.C. Guidotti - Boomwhackers Natalie Saunders - Singing

finding the acts that would represent their respective Houses. The auditions had an incredible turnout, and many entertaining

Moreton

skills were on display, including stand

Representatives:

up comedy, a cricket demonstration and a confusing yet highly entertaining

Freddie Hodgetts - Drum solo

rendition of the 12 days of Christmas

Shalom Ndereyimana and

from Jomi Hamzat in Year 9.

Mohini Samanta - Duet

health charity. Each performer did themselves proud, and even though Mr Jackson-Turnbull tried to gatecrash the event by disguising himself as a Ninja Turtle playing the Drums, the show was a

The Year 7 talent completion gave a

judges: Tom Watson (OW 2012),

fantastic opportunity for Year 7 students

Laura Simms (OW 2017) and

to show their talents and skills to their

Greg Rollason (OW 2010) for returning to

friends and peers. 12 acts performed

School to enjoy the show!

over two morning assemblies with acts ranging from comedy to singing. Olivia Woodall was the overall winner with

tough time deciding the final winner, but

her rendition of Save Your Tears by The

eventually settled on Tar, and therefore it

Weekend played on her violin.

was a victory to Jenyns.

Summer Term House Activities

Old Wulfrunians Tettenhall Cricket Club

The Summer term always promises to be full of exciting activities and this year is no exception. With an array of House competitions due to take place, Senior

Old Wulfrunians Tettenhall Cricket Club players both past and present have attended, or currently attend, the School.

A family friendly club, OWTCC celebrates its centenary this year. It is also one of over 2,200 clubs and centres registered with the England and Wales Cricket Board to run All Stars courses.

The programme provides children aged 5-8 with a wonderful first experience of cricket.

Is your child keen to play cricket?

Are they 5 – 8 years old?

Why not register them for the

ALL STARS 8-week cricket Our England and Wales Cricket

2022

programme?

Board Coach and All Stars

activator, Andy Yeoman, will be leading the programme which will include activitie s, games and opportunity to play in several tournaments through out the Summer.

Friday 13th May 2022, 6 – 7pm Old Wulfrunians Tettenhall Cricket Club, 253a Castlecroft Rd, Wolve rhampton, WV3 8NA

REG IST RAT ION IS NOW

To sign up visit: www.ecb.co.u

OPE N!

k/play/all-stars, select ‘Old Wulfrunians CC’.

enter ‘Wolverhampton’ and

They will learn fundamental movement skills

Alternatively, please contac

including catching, throwing and batting,

Old Wulfrunians Tettenhall Cricket Club is Clubmark accredited and a family friendly club with grounds in Castlecroft. It has extensive links with the School and several of our students are already members there.

t Chris Hallam: chris.hwolves@

blueyonder.co.uk

with a clear emphasis on fun!

The next 8-week course begins on Friday 8th May. For further details contact Old Wulfrunian Chris Hallam: chris.hwolves@blueyonder.co.uk.

Transforming lives as well as minds

Ryan Mehan, Karam Shergill and Zacky Jan - Martial Arts Demonstration

Many thanks to our Old Wulfrunian

resounding success. The judges had a

(OWTCC) has a long association with WGS;

Representatives:

Summer Bloor - Singing

The sold out show managed to raise £146.60 for Place 2 Be, a youth mental

Offley

School students can look forward to: • Cricket & Rounders and Sports Day • DLS Football Game and Chess Competitions

• Spelling Bee and Pokemon Go contest

Well done to all students who took part in the first Minecraft Competition before the end of term in Big School. Congratulations to Jenyns for coming out on top in the competition, followed by Nechells, Offley and Moreton.

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The Independent

Year 5 Discovery Day We are really excited to announce

them with an opportunity to explore

that Discovery Day is returning to

curriculum topics that they may not have

Wolverhampton Grammar School after a

experienced before. Children will also be

two year break due to Covid.

able to enjoy more familiar subjects such as Geography, Music, Sport and Art and will enjoy a delicious lunch provided by our award-winning catering team, Holroyd Howe.

A group of students in the Senior School have been attending BBC Young Reporter Club.

If you have a Year 5 child or

BBC Young Reporter is the BBC’s

know somebody who may be

journalism and media project supporting young people to develop content creation skills, find out about careers in broadcasting and share their own stories. This has seen students provided with the tools to report in their own words on topics

interested in coming along On Saturday 14th May, the School

to this free event, please

will open its doors to Year 5 children

register online at

across the city and beyond to come and

www.wgs.org.uk/discoveryday

experience a day in senior school. This popular event has been designed with Year 5 children in mind and will provide

or contact the Admissions team at admissions@wgs-sch.net

about which they are truly passionate.

Topics chosen by our students include surrogacy, social anxiety, the lack of diversity in Formula One, computer science and the effect on butterflies of climate change. To help with their reports, students have interviewed

Easter Fun Run Well done to everyone who took part in the Easter Fun

several prominent people, including

Run on Thursday 31st March.

Britain’s first surrogate mother and an

A House point was awarded for

expert lepidopterist.

We congratulate the following

every student who took part and a Good Conduct Award was given

Elliot Woodall in Year 10 and Hattie Thomas in Year 6

students for their hard work in

to every Junior School student.

producing original and passionate

The three best costumes across all

being the first boy and girl

runners were awarded a small prize

to cross the finish line.

video reports: Jaipal Uppal Harry Wade Edoardo Candido

by Mr Hughes – congratulations to Seb Tapper in Year 3, Harry McGrath in Year 4 and Tapiwa Mpedzisi in Year 7.

were awarded trophies for

Keep your eyes peeled for more sporting activities in the Summer term; we can't wait for Sports Day!

Elliot Woodall Alfie Cockell Gwinnett All students’ reports have now been entered into the BBC Young Reporter 2022, and we wish them all the best of luck in the competition.

16

www.wgs.org.uk

Sell-out Dance Showcase Wolverhampton Grammar School hosted its annual Dance Showcase this term, with a repeat performance to a sold-out

Celebrating La Chandeleur with Mrs Munson and Holroyd Howe

audience on Wednesday 30th March.

Year 8 students enjoyed learning about

Featuring over 50 dancers across the

the French festival, La Chandeleur, with

Junior, Senior and Sixth Form, performing

Mrs Munson and marked the celebrations

a range of styles.

by making crêpes with Holroyd Howe in The Derry.

Success in Girls' Netball Our U18A and B girls' teams ended a successful season by securing first and second place in the City Tournament this term.

The Year 9 and 10 tournaments also saw great success with our Year 10A team winning, and the Year 9A team coming runners-up in their respective age categories.

Well done to all involved!

Upper Sixth student, Kate Fitzpatrick is this year's Dance Captain and played a pivotal role by showcasing leadership skills and her natural talent for performing.

With special thanks to Miss Manning and the Sports Department for their commitment and encouragement during months of rehearsals and practice.

A wild trip to West Midlands Safari Park Year 2 have been studying ‘Sensational Safari’ as part of their curriculum this term. To enhance the children’s understanding of this topic, they visited West Midlands Safari Park on Tuesday 22nd March.

During their visit, the children had a guided tour of the safari drivethrough and visited other animal enclosures and trails.

Transforming lives as well as minds

17

The Independent

Sixth Form Taster Days The move to Sixth Form is a natural progression for Year 11 students at Wolverhampton Grammar School and children are already being prepared for this move, but did you know that we offer taster days for external Year 11 children to come and spend the day in Lower Sixth? Children have the opportunity to spend the day experiencing those subjects they are interested in studying at A Level and can also explore our Sixth Form facilities. For further details regarding this and any other taster days, please contact the Admissions team at admissions@wgs-sch.net

Celebrating A Level Art in the Viner Gallery We were proud to host an art exhibition

Part of the show was also dedicated to

celebrating A Level work from schools

the successes of the British Art Show

across the region this term.

9 (BAS9); a group of Wolverhampton

The exhibition was sponsored by the Arts Society of Wolverhampton, who

Spring Concert and future Music events The end of term saw the return of the Spring Concert in Big School with a variety of musical performances by students and staff.

During this year's concert, a collection was held for the Polish Red Cross who are supporting frontline work at the Ukrainian borders.

were delighted to award the judges three favourite pieces with individual prizes of £100. This was a fantastic opportunity for schools across the West Midlands to

Grammar School students worked with artist Sophie Huckfield to create a BAS9 film titled “Many Hands Make Light Work”, which was displayed in the gallery and can be viewed online – visit: www.vimeo.com/666489860

come together to celebrate all students

If you would like to learn more about

and their exceptional work.

how to hire our facilities, contact

The School's Viner Gallery was the

Abigail Elliott, Lettings and Visits

perfect setting to host the exhibition

Administrator at School telephone:

and the event provided a chance for

01902 421326 or email:

the Art Department to celebrate its

lettings@wgs-sch.net

reopening following its closure during the pandemic.

Mrs Cuthbert, Director of Music, is delighted to add more Music trips to the School calendar. This year students will be performing at Young Voices in Birmingham, and to conclude the academic year, the Summer Concert will take place on Friday 8th July 2022 and the department will be going on Tour to Jersey during the Summer holidays!

18

www.wgs.org.uk

Staff Wellbeing The staff Wellbeing Committee organised a Wellbeing Coffee and Cake morning on Thursday 24th March. Staff were invited to pop along to Big School for refreshments and a chat. As well as

Students shortlisted for Merchant Taylors’ Company Design Competition Four students at Wolverhampton Grammar School had their creative designs shortlisted as part of the Merchant Taylors’ Company Design Competition.

encouraging staff to take a short break

The competition was open to all

from their busy day, the Wellbeing

Year 10 – Upper Sixth students from

Committee provided information

Merchant Taylors’ Company affiliated

and tips to staff on how they can

schools. Students were given the task of

look after their mental wellbeing.

identifying a design problem and coming up with a solution.

Charlie Hulme in Year 10 was shortlisted in the intermediate category for his glasses tracker design. In the Senior category Lower Sixth student Vishwas Kumar was shortlisted for

Signs of Spring and sustainable bouquets

his finger heater design, and Upper

Signs of Spring around campus always guarantee to

Simon O’Malley, Head of Design

put a smile on the faces of staff and students as the

& Technology, commented: “I’m

realisation that Summer is on its way, and the nights will

delighted that our students have been

be soon be getting lighter, filling us all with positivity.

recognised for their original designs.

We're delighted that Carrie Bennett will now be providing the School with her creative, sustainable flowers and foliage from her garden, the Shropshire landscape and British flower farms.

Looking after our environment is key and we’re pleased that our bouquets have minimal flower miles, are organic and environmentally friendly.

Carrie's bouquets are also delivered in 100% natural, biodegradable and compostable material.

Carrie is passionate about gardening, sustainability and the environment and has teamed up with Moongate Plant Centre to teach workshops to people

Sixth students Charlie Hesson and Jacob Gilkes for their multi-functional living and recycling designs, respectively.

The competition has given them the opportunity to expand on their creative thinking and problem-solving skills using innovative design methods.”

Mr O'Malley, Mrs Clancy, Charlie, Vishwas, Jacob, and Charlie visited the Merchant Taylors' Hall in London for the Grand Final on Wednesday 9th March.

The students enjoyed showcasing and discussing their ideas to other participating schools and had the opportunity to experience a special tour of the building.

on how to grow cut flowers, vegetables and fruit.

If you would like to enquire and get in touch with Carrie about a bouquet or ways she can support your special occasion, email: carrie@carriesgarden.co.uk for more information.

Transforming lives as well as minds

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The Independent

The Independent Wolverhampton Grammar School Newsletter

Spring 2022

If you would like to hear more about anything featured in this edition of The Independent please contact the School email: info@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 20

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

www.wgs.org.uk