The Independent - Winter 2023

The Independent Wolverhampton Grammar School Newsletter

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Right Honourable Stuart Lawrence, Patron of the Black Curriculum, encouraged us to be the best version of ourselves.

Winter 2023

ALSO IN THIS EDITION:

TOP 10 RANKING FOR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE NEW STORY GARDEN OPENING INAUGURAL APPRENTICESHIPS EVENING ON TOUR IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Independent

Head’s Welcome As the term drew to a close, we were ranked by the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2024 as one of the top 10 independent schools for academic performance in the West Midlands. Widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the UK’s top schools, we were the only school in Wolverhampton to be highlighted. We were 8th in the region and 152nd nationally out of a pool of over 1,000 schools.

The league table is based on this year’s GCSE and A Level results, as well as extra-curricular, pastoral and wellbeing provision.

What a time then to have been offered

As you will read in this magazine, we have

It has been a busy term and the tiredness

the permanent headship of this amazing

had no shortage of OWs helping at Open

is now setting in! Please ensure your

school! Since my appointment as

Days, speaking at Careers events, running

children rest well over the Christmas

Acting Head on 1st September, it has

masterclasses, or simply dropping in for a

holidays and come back full of energy

been my privilege to lead WGS into the

cup of tea with our Development Team.

for the New Year. For those studying

new academic year. I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet and speak to parents and students, and I hope you have enjoyed my half-termly video updates. At the beginning of December, I was honoured to have been offered the permanent headship which I had no hesitation in accepting.

This term our students have been leading discussions on equity, diversity and inclusion. Our Diversity Champions

a good balance between study and enjoying the festivities.

have worked enthusiastically with staff

Thank you for your support this term.

to open discussion and debate and

I wish you a very Happy Christmas.

to encourage every individual to feel that they have an identity within our

Ahead of this, our Founder’s Day Service at

school community. Thank you to David,

St Peter’s Church was a poignant moment

Favour, and Kyla for leading our Black

for me, having attended many years ago

History Month assemblies in the senior

as a young Year 7 student. This time,

school, and to Mr Wood, Mrs Keeley

however, I was addressing you as the

and Mrs Abbi for raising awareness of

Acting Head, a moment which filled me

International Men’s Day, Disability History

with great pride. Back in the 16th century,

Month, World Mental Health Day, Diwali

WGS would have been small enough to fit

and much more. We have a wonderfully

on the gallery where some of our students

diverse community at WGS and we will

were seated. Fast-forward to the present

continue to talk to students about what

day and we find ourselves a successful

makes them happy and feel at home. Our

and much bigger school, spanning the

Senior House system plays an important

age range of 4 to 18 years. We will shortly

part in students’ sense of belonging

be celebrating 150 years since our move

and it has been wonderful to see the

from the city centre to Compton Road.

continued healthy competition, as well as

Do look out for further information about

House charity and social action projects

the celebrations, which will include a

take place.

fundraising campaign for future bursaries.

for mock examinations, do try and find

Nic Anderson Head

In our last edition, we mentioned that

Another source of pride for me is our links

the Merchant Taylors’ Foundation had

with my fellow Old Wulfrunians, some of

awarded us funding for three new

whom I have taught and others who were

projects. Along with WGS students, 242

at school with me or before. I believe we

students from eight local schools have

are quite unique in the frequency with

already benefited from new events this

which former students and staff return to

term organised by the Jenyns Library,

school to give back to current students.

Wellbeing and Careers Departments.

www.wgs.org.uk

Celebrating top grades This year the much-publicised return to

A week after celebrating A Level results

82 students sat GCSEs in 19 different

pre-pandemic grading was predicted to

it was the turn of our Year 11 students to

subjects including Drama, Computer

reduce the number of students achieving

rejoice as WGS once again defied national

Science, Design Technology and

the very best grades at A Level and GCSE.

trends. 83% of the cohort were awarded a

Business, alongside the usual

Not so at WGS!

bumper crop of top GCSE grades 9 – 6 (A*-

combination of Sciences, English and

B). The number of students achieving the

Maths. The percentage of the cohort

very best 9 – 7 grades (A*/A equivalent)

achieving 9s and 8s was also up 9% on

was up by 15% on 2019. Two students

pre-covid results, as well as over one

achieved a fantastic 11 straight 9s and

third of students coming away with nine

nine students got 10 or 11 9s and 8s each.

or more grade 7s and above.

Wolverhampton Grammar School clearly bucked the national trend with a stellar crop of results which put a smile on everyone’s face. Speculation was rife that the move to bring back pre-Covid grade distributions would affect grades

Head, Nic Anderson proudly commented,

negatively across the country but in fact

“Our students undoubtedly still feel the

the percentage of Upper Sixth students at

effects of the lockdown years but at

WGS awarded with the top A* to A grades

WGS we have ensured that there has

was 46% of this year’s cohort, up 13% on

been no lost learning and that students

2019 gradings.

have been fully prepared for the return

An impressive 19% of students this year were awarded an A* with five students achieving straight A*s. Two of these were awarded a remarkable four

to formal examinations. Our A Level and GCSE results are up significantly on prepandemic levels, and we are extremely proud of all our students.

straight A* grades and secured their

We offer a real breadth of subjects at

places to study Maths and Engineering

WGS which continues into our Sixth Form

at Oxford University. All students

with over 20 A Levels and 2 Cambridge

studying the vocational Cambridge

Technicals. We look forward to welcoming

Technicals achieved a Merit or higher.

our GCSE students into our thriving Sixth

We congratulate all our Sixth Formers on

Form and continuing their onward journey

their outstanding results at A Level and

to higher education or the workplace. We

Cambridge Technical. 100% of students

say a fond farewell to the Class of 2023 but

also achieved A* - B in their Extended

we look forward to inviting them back to

Project Qualification (EPQ).

School and following their future progress.”

3

The Bennett Story Garden was established

We were delighted to welcome children’s

Going forward the aim of the story garden

by Mrs Rowley, Head Librarian, thanks

author and friend of Carrie, Kate Innes, to

is to provide the WGS community with an

to a generous grant from the Merchant

the Opening. Kate led a creative writing

outdoor space where visitors can immerse

Taylors’ Foundation. In memory of our

workshop for students in Year 3 to inspire

themselves in the world of literature. For

much-loved colleague, Carrie Bennett, the

them to create a story themed around

students and staff who wish to read or

story garden was opened by members of

nature, Year 3 were also introduced

enjoy time for quiet contemplation away

her family on 28th September 2023.

to a hedgehog, an owl and a frog in a

from the hustle and bustle of everyday

workshop with the Animal Man. By the end

school life, The Bennett Story Garden will

of the day, children left enthused to create

act as an extension of the Jenyns Library.

Carrie was Director of Marketing and Communications at Wolverhampton Grammar School from 2014 to 2021.

She sadly lost her battle against cancer just before Christmas last year at the

their own stories and inspired to look at ways to make their own gardens more wildlife friendly.

age of 49. Not only did Carrie lead an effective Marketing Team, she was also heavily involved in school life, running extra-curricular clubs to share her passion for debating, public speaking and gardening. The literary garden fittingly remembers her passion for reading, gardening and wellbeing.

In a new gardening-based book club, children from Years 3 to Upper Sixth are working with Mrs Rowley to select plants, seeds and other features linked to children’s literature to be showcased in the garden.

This unique space incorporates a QR code system enabling staff, students and visitors to listen to book excerpts read by our students whilst visiting the garden.

A competition has been running this term to write a story for inclusion in the garden: https://wgs.org.uk/the-bennett-story-garden

4

The Independent Summer 2023

Future plans include inviting local primary and secondary schools to visit The Bennett Story Garden for experiential workshops that bring reading for pleasure to life. A Just Giving page is running to seek further funding to enable us to purchase additional items for the garden, including sensory elements to support students with SEND or ECHP profiles. You can still support by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/ page/the-bennett-story-garden

Story Garden hosts Christmas Book Show On Monday, 18th December, we delivered a Christmas Book Show to children from Reception to Year 2. During the event, children took part in an interactive story and craft session themed around the book, The Robin Who Stole Christmas. After meeting Rotten the Robin in our Jenyns Library, children visited The Bennett Story Garden, where they took part in a treasure hunt linked to the book.

Finally, children were challenged to paint a bird house for Rotten the Robin. Everyone left the event inspired to read for pleasure and with a greater appreciation for enjoying outdoor spaces in all seasons.

5

Spotlight on Jenyns This Autumn term we have been lucky to

launch its sequel, The Secret of the Blood-

witness a number of acclaimed authors

Red Key. Students in Years 5 and 7 were

step onto the Big School stage, including

joined by St Peter’s, Beacon Hill Academy

Katie Kirby, Gary Northfield, David Farr,

and Pool Hayes Academy to hear David

Sathnam Sanghera (OW 1995), BREIS,

read from both of his books. David gave

the Right Honourable Stuart Lawrence,

some excellent creative writing advice and

Derek Keilty and Steve Cole.

challenged his audience to come up with an original sentence starter.

Katie Kirby, the best-selling author of the hilarious Lottie Brooks series of books, was our first author event of the academic year. Year 6 students at WGS were joined by Christ Church Junior School, Goldthorn Primary, Merridale Primary and Perton Middle School in meeting Katie as she introduced her latest book, Lottie Brooks’s Totally Disastrous School-Trip.

Years 3 and 4 and students from St Bartholomew’s and Bantock Park Primary met Gary Northfield, the author and illustrator of the acclaimed Julius Zebra book series. Gary encouraged budding cartoonists in the audience to create their own comics to share with friends and family, and brought Norse mythology to life with a superb draw-along.

Sathnam Sanghera, Old Wulfrunian and former Head Boy in the 1990s, shared his first foray into children’s books, Stolen History, with Year 8 students. Sathnam’s interactive event was both informative and humorous, and all students in attendance, including those from Highfields, Pool Hayes Academy and

6

David Farr, author of the fantastic The

St Peter’s, left curious to learn more

Book of Stolen Dreams, returned to WGS to

about Britain’s imperial past.

The Independent Summer 2023

National Poetry Day We were privileged to welcome back hip hop educator and poet BREIS to join us in celebrating National Poetry Day 2023. Breis led some exciting hip hop and poetry workshops for students in Years 4 and 8, and was then joined by Mr Payne in judging our Poetry Live Final. This saw students in Years 6 - 13 from schools across Wolverhampton produce original poems on the theme of ‘Uniquely Me’.

Twenty students from WGS and Codsall High School were chosen to perform their poems in Big School to friends and family. Many congratulations go to Ollie (Y6), Noah (Y7) and Ammar (Y9) for their winning poems.

The Right Honorable Stuart Lawrence, author, consultant and motivational speaker, visited us during Black History Month to talk to students in Years 6 - 10, along with a dozen local state schools. Whilst touching on the tragic murder of his brother, Stephen, in 1993, Stuart’s talks empowered his audience to go out and change the world by becoming better people one day at a time.

Stuart talked about his two books, Growing Up Black in Britain and Find Your Voice and Be Your Best Self: Silence is not an Option, both of which contain many inspirational life lessons for our students.

Bestselling author, Steve Cole, launched his latest book series, Prey Zone, to Year 7 students. Steve spoke passionately to students from WGS, Pool Hayes Academy, Highfields School and Beacon Hill Academy about his journey to becoming a writer. As part of the event, Steve guided students on a virtual journey through the wildlife of South Africa before engaging them in a fun and interactive word building workshop.

Derek Keilty brought Halloween to life during half-term. He was joined by students in Years 1, 2 and 3 and their families. Derek’s fun event was a great hit with WGS students as well as our visitors from Penn Fields School and Westfield Community Primary School. His fantastic magic show was a particular highlight.

The Discover Reading Project

The Discover Reading project has proven so successful in enhancing

During the past twelve months, families

literacy skills and a love of reading that

from Merridale Primary School and

it is being re-launched with a new group

Caldmore Primary Academy have

of families from local state schools.

taken part in a range of interactive sessions designed to boost literacy skills and inspire reading for pleasure.

The Discover Reading Project has been expertly supported by a trained group of Sixth Form students.

It was a pleasure to welcome these families back to the Jenyns Library for their final event. Families enjoyed a storytime and rhyming pumpkin craft activity, themed around We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt by Martha Mumford. In order to bring this book to life, the Animal Man also introduced our guests to several of the animals featured in the story, which included an owl, a hedgehog and a toad.

7

King Edward’s School in Edgbaston and Wolverhampton Grammar School came together to run the Two Cities Book Award for the second year running.

Aimed at inspiring young people aged 14 – 18 to read for pleasure, this year’s shortlisted titles were: • When Shadows Fall by Sita Brahmachari (Little Tiger) • Fight Back by A.M. Dassu (Scholastic) • Twin Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber (HarperCollins) • The Last Whale by Chris Vick (Bloomsbury)

At the Award Ceremony hosted by WGS in partnership with Authors Aloud UK, the shortlisted authors were invited to deliver presentations to young people from WGS, Pool Hayes Academy, Codsall Community High School, St Peter’s Collegiate Academy, Beacon Hill Academy, King Edward’s School, Camp Hill School for Girls and King Edward’s High School. In addition, this year’s Birmingham Young Poet Laureate and West Midlands BBC Young

Congratulations to A.M. Dassu, our

Reporter winner each gave a presentation.

2023 winner.

BBC Young Reporter A group of Sixth Form students who are part of our BBC Young Reporter Club were invited to the Midlands Art Centre in Birmingham to share their views and experiences linked to being a teenager in 2023, as part of the 5Live Teen Summit.

Our students began their day on 5Live Breakfast with presenter Rachel Burden. They spoke passionately about future career prospects, family life and Internet safety. Two of our students, Jaipal and Luke, also shared their experiences of becoming the regional winners of the BBC Young Reporter Competition.

Following their radio show, our students joined conversations taking place with teenagers from across Birmingham on Nicky Campbell’s Show. Well done to Jaipal, Luke, Harry, Taran and Andrew for their fantastic contribution to the 5LIVE Teen 23 Summit.

BBC Young Reporter Club has continued to meet weekly with students honing their reporting skills and deciding which topics they feel passionate about. Topics this year include raising awareness of retinitis pigmentosa, the dangers of space debris and the benefits of doing ballet. To support research linked to these topics, BBC Young Reporter Club undertook a special visit to see the Space Agency site at Harwell on 15th December.

8

As part of their visit students toured a satellite clean room, where they met key members of staff who are working to develop space hardware designed to capture space debris.

Students have also conducted several interviews this term to support their video reports. Thank you to Miss Manning, Bob and his guide dog, Tom, and all the team at the Space Agency for volunteering to be interviewed by our BBC Young Reporters.

We look forward to seeing their final video entries in March 2024.

The Independent Summer 2023

Lest We Forget This Remembrance, Mr David, Head of

Auncre. His body was never recovered

History, led a thought-provoking assembly

but his name is inscribed on the Thiepval

which drew upon his research into his own

Memorial. He was awarded the 1915 Star,

family connections with the Great War. It

the War Medal, and the Victory Medal.

was in fact Mr David’s great, great, great uncle, a man called Alfred Leete, who created the infamous propaganda image

Alfred Ernest Bendall, during the Year 10

of Lord Kitchener, the Secretary of State

Battlefields Trip in July, led by Mr David.

for War. The image appeared on posters

To read more about our WGS fallen,

which successfully encouraged around

please visit our First World War Memorial

2.5 million men to volunteer to go to war

website: https://wgs.cook.websds.net/.

for their country.

As well as paying our respects in School,

Mr David also discovered on his mother’s side a man called Michael Kelly, his great, great uncle. Michael joined 6th (Service) Battalion, of the Yorkshire Regiment, the Green Howards. Michael moved to Belton Park, a training camp near Grantham and in April 1915 moved to Witley Camp in Surrey where the Division was inspected on the 1st May by the King and Lord Kitchener himself.

our Head boy and Head girl visited the Students were encouraged to ask their

Cenotaph in Wolverhampton with Mr

relatives whether any of their own

Anderson. George’s recitation of The Soldier

ancestors had fought in WWI. They were

by Rupert Brooke allowed for a poignant

also reminded that as members of the

moment of reflection. The poem written

WGS community, we are all connected

in the first year of the First World War

to the 102 former teachers and pupils

captures the spirit of a young soldier who

who fought and gave their lives for us.

gives his life for his country. Its message

The memorial boards in Big School serve

of patriotism and sacrifice resonates

Michael sadly lost his life at the Battle

to remind us of their huge sacrifice.

deeply during the time of remembrance.

of the Somme whilst attacking German

Wreaths were laid at the graves of two of

Izzy then laid a wreath on behalf of all at

entrenched positions along the River

these OWs, Frank Rhodes Armitage and

Wolverhampton Grammar School.

Founder’s Day On Friday 20th October we gathered

of London three years before he founded

at St Peter’s Church for our annual

Wolverhampton Grammar School, (the

celebration of the founding of

same year as King Henry VIII’s coronation).

Wolverhampton Grammar School by Sir Stephen Jenyns in 1512.

Wolverhampton Grammar School is the

fees and funding wellbeing, careers

second oldest of the current group of

and literacy outreach projects.

Sir Stephen Jenyns was born in

25 Merchant Taylors’ Schools. These

Wolverhampton c.1450. Beginning his

schools were all founded by members of

career as a wool merchant, he moved

the Company and have been supported

to London to join the Merchant Taylors’

over many years. To this day WGS is

Company, where he was elected Master

supported through educational grants

in 1489. Jenyns was elected Lord Mayor

which include support for a student with

To mark the 500th anniversary of Sir Stephen’s death on 6th May 1523, School Archivist and former Maths teacher, Dr Chris O’Brien, has produced an account of his life, that draws on a wider range of sources than were available to Gerald Mander when he wrote The History of the Wolverhampton Grammar School, which was published in 1913.

This can be read here: https://issuu. com/wolverhamptongrammarschool/ docs/sir_stephen_jenyns_

9

CEIAG Over the last year Miss Kailey, Head

lessons they challenged the gender

of Careers, has been working hard to

stereotypes of those working in Green

embed our CEIAG programme (Careers

“I never would have considered a

roles, as well as learning about the

Education, Information, Advice and

career in IT if it wasn’t for this trip.

different career routes including Higher

Guidance). Our CEIAG programme meets

I didn’t think it was for me. After

Education and Apprenticeships.

all the Gatsby benchmarks and fulfils the

visiting the company, I am now

CDI criteria for career development. We

interested in working towards a

are also proud to be working towards the

career in IT, technology or business.”

Quality in Careers Standard.

Davina

Thanks to generous funding from the Merchant Taylors’ Foundation we are extending our careers education to the local community. Several schools have participated in events organised for WGS students and the funding has enabled us to offer additional opportunities to all students.

a local Technology Management company. 16 WGS students in Year 9 were joined by 13 students from Smestow Academy and to explore roles in IT and Tech, learn about the history of women’s achievements

The first partnership event was a ‘Girls in

in IT, and network with a variety of

Tech’ event in conjunction with Tecman,

professionals. They enjoyed a workplace tour and discussed why a career in IT would be a good pathway to choose.

10

Following on from a successful visit last October, we returned to Sky Studios in London. 32 Year 8 students had an

During Green Careers Week, a national

insightful day exploring careers in TV

initiative aimed at raising awareness

and broadcasting. They also learnt

about professional opportunities within

about Sky’s commitment to Net Zero

the ‘Green’ sector. Year 8 immersed

and created their own short films about

themselves in looking at the wealth

climate change. The group were excited

of roles that contribute towards

to catch up with Jonathan Parker (OW

sustainability and the preservation of

2005) who spoke about his role as Head

our environment. As part of their Aspire

of Documentary Development at Sky.

The Independent Summer 2023

Our students discovered that international travel can be a fantastic benefit of a career “I enjoyed hearing about the different

in engineering. Most of our returning OWs

job roles with Sky. There is more

are employed by global companies which

to a career in the Digital and Media

offers them opportunities to work with

industry than just the presenting or

teams in other countries, as well as visits

the filming side of things. I also loved

to overseas branches.

using Sky’s filming equipment to make a short news report on Climate Change. We learnt how to use a

Keynote speeches were given by

green screen.”

Warwick University, a leading provider of degree apprenticeships, Jemima Cooke

Louis

(OW 2018) who was amongst the first WGS students to complete a degree apprenticeship, and Ben Ward (OW 2021) who is currently at the beginning of his

We were delighted to welcome six more

degree apprenticeship journey with PwC,

OWs to a Careers in Engineering event

whilst studying at Birmingham University.

organised by Head of D&T, Mr O’Malley.

Afterwards, there was the opportunity to

Students from St. Edmund’s School and Smestow Academy and our GCSE and A Level D&T students were able to find out more about a range of engineering careers, from injection moulding to automotive engineering including vehicle crash testing, hawk-eye technology and heat interface units.

Our six returning OWs were able to speak from a diverse background in engineering, as well as sharing the perspective of being a female in what is still quite a heavily

network with apprenticeship providers in a multitude of sectors, including; Finance, Law, Real Estate, Armed Forces, Engineering, IT and Tech.

male-dominated workplace. Many thanks to John Crawford (OW 2014), Fran Hopson (OW 2016), Holly Langston (OW 2017) Anna Herritty, Mike Hopson and Mitchell Porter-Keel (OWs 2018).

Our students’ interest in apprenticeships has been growing year on year, and our inaugural Apprenticeships Information Evening held on 29th November, allowed over 100 of our students and parents to obtain information, advice and guidance from current apprenticeships providers.

Huge thanks to all our industry partners who attended to share their expertise and to our OWs Jemima and Ben, who were also joined by Mike Round (OW 2006), Abacus Wealth Services, Oliver Unitt (OW 2014), Deloitte, and Max Rumble (OW 2017), currently at Savills.

11

Work Experience Life as a Vet Since I was little, I’ve always had a dream of becoming a Vet. I would take my pets to the veterinary practice and was inspired by how the Vets not only helped the animals but helped the owner in looking after their pets at home.

WGS has provided me with plentiful careers support to achieve my ambition. In Year 11, I had my 1:1 career advice and guidance meeting, which aided my decision making for my A Level options.

I am now studying Biology, Chemistry and English Literature.

In Year 12, I have already received extensive Higher Education advice with regards to making a successful university application for Veterinary.

With the help of WGS, I have completed two useful work placements. At Vets4Pets, a local veterinary practice, my duties included shadowing veterinary nurses and surgeons as they carried out roles from consultations to surgeries in theatre. My second placement was on a dairy farm where my duties included milking cows twice a day, helping the cows with calving, aiding Tuberculosis injections, and learning about artificial insemination

in cattle. My favourite of these experiences was helping and watching the cows calve, as after learning about the origins of the calf by artificial insemination, it was amazing to see the beautiful result. These experiences have reassured me that the Veterinary profession is definitely right for me.

I have also learnt about the diverse range of roles within the veterinary profession. Vets can specialise in small animal care, large animal care, zoo animal care and much more. Following my experience, I am aspiring to specialise in large animal care.

Sophie

A career in Geography Whilst I don’t have a specific career aspiration, I know that I would like to have a role that involves Geography. All types of careers in Geography appeal to me, including the renewable energy sector, humanitarian development and geopolitics to name a few. From working on establishing new green energy infrastructures, to being on the UN panel, my potential career possibilities are quite broad.

Working towards my future career, I’ve had regular 1:1 advice and guidance from our in-house careers adviser (a fellow geographer), as well as 1:1 support from the Sixth Form team and my Form Tutor. I have applied to study Geography at university. I have already received offers from Sheffield, York and Birmingham, but I am hoping to secure an offer at Cambridge.

Using the Careers Department’s work experience bank, I have completed two Geography-related placements. My first placement was at Atkins Global during Activities week in the Lower Sixth. Atkins Global is a world leading design, engineering and project management organisation. I was immersed in exploring the various departments of the organisation. My favourite department was land planning because it was fascinating to see how they surveyed the Birmingham area to plan the new route for the tram system.

12

My second work experience was at Balfour Beatty Living places, which I have just completed. This company specialises in highways maintenance, street lighting and public realms services. I shadowed different teams within the company, both in the office and off site. I also completed the Bronze Industrial Cadets Award at this placement. This involved writing a 1500word presentation on the flood defences at Ironbridge – one of the sites that Balfour Beatty are responsible for.

All of the careers support I’ve had so far has been incredibly helpful in giving me an insight into the working world. It has also enabled me to delve further into my favourite subject and experience it in the real world.

David

The Independent Summer 2023

Junior Houses Congratulations to our Junior House

Then followed the House Timetables

Captains: Evelyn, Amara, Annie, Aarav,

Rockstar, House Poetry, Bake Off and

Willow, Harry G, Hattie and Dylan, who

House Diwali and lastly the House hockey

were elected earlier this term. They

fixtures. Well done to all the children who

will hold office until Spring half term

put themselves forward to represent

and have been leading and motivating

their Houses and and showed wonderful

their respective House teams: Attwood,

sportsmanship.

Barnes, Campbell and Derry, through a number of competitions.

The first event was a fiercely contested House Tug of war. Blessed with glorious sunshine, parents came to lend their support as teeth were gritted and the children gave their all to pull the rope towards them.

The House points at the end of term were: Attwood 36 Derry 46 Campbell 47 This term’s winners are Barnes with 51 points. Congratulations!

13

Senior Houses “Our House has the core values of community, kindness and respect.”

Ryan and Catherine, Offley

“We have great team spirit demonstrated through our three core values: togetherness, empathy and respect.”

Dan and Keira, Nechells

“We are currently the reigning House champions and have a real House family spirit – and of course we have the fabulous Ninja turtle as our mascot!”

Favour and Jaipal, Moreton

“We are named after our founder which makes us extra special! We celebrate all our achievements and are good all-rounders at sport, music and the arts.”

James and Rebecca, Jenyns

14

The Independent Summer 2023

Great House spirit was shown at our events this term. These included: Tug of war, Ready Steady Cook, Apple Bobbing, House Poetry, House Shout and sporting fixtures. The competition was so close that two houses tied for first place. Congratulations to our joint winners for Autumn 2023 – Offley and Nechells!

15

International Trips South Africa Sports Tour Twenty-one years to the date of the first ever WGS South Africa Tour, 50 students and eight members of staff assembled on the steps of Big School, ready to embark on an exciting 5640-mile adventure across the world. Not since 2003 had WGS ventured as far as South Africa for a sports tour but it was to prove to be one

fantastic fun. The boys competed

of the most memorable and thoroughly

A highlight for many was the visit to Langa

excellently, winning and losing some tight,

rewarding experiences for all.

Township, one of South Africa’s oldest

well-fought football games. On the netball

townships. The students toured round and

and hockey front, both sides won most

saw a different side to what living in South

of their games and we were truly thankful

Africa can be, as well as undertaking

to the schools who hosted us for their

some coaching with local school children.

generous and kind-hearted welcome.

Many of the tour group wished they were

Accompanying the sport was a rich tapestry of South African culture and the tour group took in many memorable

able to spend longer with the local children and look back fondly on the experience as one of the most memorable.

sites: Robben Island opened the eyes of the students and reminded them of the sacrifice Nelson Mandela made in fighting

“Exploring Langa, which is the oldest

South Africa welcomed us with open arms

for equality; Table Mountain provided

township in Cape Town, was a truly

and the hospitality and warmth shown by

striking views and a reminder of how

fascinating and educational experience

those we encountered endeared the tour

powerful Mother Nature can be, whilst the

and one I will never forget.”

party to the ‘Safa’ charm. The sporting

V&A Waterfront enabled students to shop,

encounters were competitive, hard-fought,

eat and socialise in a safe but scenic

evenly matched and most importantly,

environment at the foot of Table Mountain.

16

Edward (U6)

The Independent Summer 2023

Heading north to Johannesburg and Bela Bela, the tour group headed out on safari.

Tasting the unique luxury of the African bushveld at Mabula Game lodge, the 4x4 vehicles allowed us to get up close and personal with the wonder of the African bush: lions, hippos, elephants, antelope and more, the safari experience was one the students and staff will never forget.

Sundowner drinks with the African sunset fading behind us, only metres away from wildlife; memories that cannot ever be taken away.

But, as ever, all good things come to an end and as the tour group visited

scenes ensuring everything was as it

the Winnie Mabaso Foundation

needed to be, the Sports Department’s

on the final day of the tour, the

first venture outside of Europe for well

students saw the impact that their

over a decade was, without a doubt,

month-long fundraising would

worth every minute of the preparation

have. Handing over a cheque

and hard work. Thank you to the students

for over £4000 and seeing the

for their impeccable behaviour and to my

genuine appreciation in the eyes

fellow colleagues, Dr Pounder, Mr Jones,

of the women and children was a

Mr Villafrati, Mrs Powell, Mrs Dyer, Miss

stand-out moment.

Jones and Miss Gibbons. South Africa

Two years in the planning, hours and hours spent behind the

was incredible and we can’t wait to return!

Mr Clancy, Tour Leader.

17

Battlefields Trip Charlotte, Nathan, Natasha and Simran recall their experience and memorable moments...

Sunday began with an early start at school and a long journey to Belgium, we arrived at our hotel in the centre of Ypres on Sunday afternoon. Before long we had already gathered again to enjoy the music that would begin the march to the Menin Gate to carry out the daily Last Post ceremony. We then walked as a group to this hugely symbolic landmark, giving us chance to reflect on its powerful meaning, which our tour guide explained.

We spent Tuesday studying the Battle

boarded the coach to take us to Tyne Cot

of the Somme in France. We visited the

British Cemetery. When we arrived we

Indian Memorial at Neuve-Chappelle and

were welcomed with a warm sense of

the Ayette Indian and Chinese cemetery

a British country garden and everything

and we learnt about the soldiers that had

looked so well kept and peaceful. We

given their lives for the British Empire.

were surrounded by colourful flowers and

Our guide led us on a journey to retrace

the white clear marble head stones of

the path of the Tyneside Scottish and

the commemorated soldiers. Afterwards

Irish regiments of the 34th Division on 1st

we went to the Passchendaele Museum

July 1916. Here we gained a sense of the

and we got to experience what it was like

reality of what the brave soldiers had to go

going into the trenches and we saw how

through. We learned about the first day of

the soldiers dressed and the weapons

the Somme, Kitchener’s army, as well as

they carried.

the military disaster that happened here.

We stopped for a lunch break at the Ulster Tower Café, before continuing our tour to Thiepval. It was here that we laid a wreath to an Old Wulfrunian who died in the war: Alfred Bendall.

Monday was our first full day venturing out in Belgium. It was an early start, but we were all excited for the day ahead of us. First we stopped off at the Bayernwald German Trenches which gave us an insight into how the Germans developed and constructed trenches differently to the British. An hour later we arrived at Spanbroekmolen Crater which is the site of the largest of 19 mines blown by the British Army on 7th June 1917. This crater today is filled with water, so passersby may just see a simple lake, yet it is actually the effect of a horrific, but effective, military strategy.

Later that day we walked to Menin Gate where the daily act of Remembrance

On the last day we first woke up at

takes place, including a two-minute

7:30am and had a lovely breakfast.

silence and the playing of The Last Post.

We then checked out of the hotel and

18

The Independent Summer 2023

Berlin Trip 39 students visited Berlin during October half-term. The trip encompassed two parts of the curriculum, with one group focused on history and another one looking at art.

The historians led by Mr Mason, Mr Taylor and Mr Jeavons were fascinated to learn more about Berlin’s past. They visited a Stasi prison camp and were moved by a personal recount from their tour guide.

They also explored a World War II bunker.

At the Jewish museum they viewed plentiful historical artefacts and a visit to the Topography of Terror informed them

Our WGS artists led by Mrs Waddell and

about the central institutions of the SS

Mrs Harris enjoyed visiting stunning

and police in the ‘Third Reich’, as well as

museums including the C/O Berlin

the crimes committed by them throughout

photography museum, the Hamburger

Europe. They also visited the Palace of

Bahnhof contemporary art museum,

Tears (Tränenpalast) which is the former

the medical museum based at the

train station and a crossing place between

world-famous Berlin Charité hospital,

East and West Germany. Citizens from the

and the computer games museum

west part of the country were allowed to

(Computerspielemuseum).

travel and this was the place where they said their goodbyes to their friends and family in the east. In 2011, an exhibition was set up, explaining the consequences and the daily life of those who were affected by this event in history.

Both groups enjoyed a full cultural experience around the many sights of Berlin, including the Jewish memorial, Brandenburg Gate, the stunning Reichstag building and the East Side Gallery, which is an open-air gallery of famous street art murals painted along the longest surviving

“It was such a fun learning experience

stretch of the Berlin Wall

for me! From seeing the gorgeous

With accommodation just a short

Reichstag building, both groups loved

10-minute walk from the underground

having moments together when

our students enjoyed navigating the city

seeing the splendid architecture and

like residents and sampling a wonderful

food Berlin had to offer.”

selection of German food. Many memories were made, and friendships

Brandenburg Gate to the stunning

Priya

forged across the different year groups.

19

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion We recently asked ourselves if our

Our Staff and Student EDI Champions

We have also launched Student Voice,

staff and students were leaving a part

have been working together to explore

run by a group of Sixth Form students

of their identities at the school gates.

how we may improve the visibility of

who meet with advocates from every

Commissioning Staff and Student

every member of the School community,

form group to discuss themes and issues

Belonging surveys helped to give voice

resulting in a diverse range of activities

relevant to our students. We also hope

to every member of our community,

and events (masterminded by our

to launch some “Big Conversations”

enabling us to make sure everyone is

committed and caring students) that

during the course of this academic year,

both seen and heard. Students and staff

acknowledge and celebrate our unique

where students come together to discuss

came together to draw up the following

characteristics, cultures and backgrounds.

the issues related to the nine protected

values statement:

characteristics that they all learn about in their Wellbeing lessons. The idea

“WGS is an inclusive and inspiring

behind this is to talk more openly about

community built on individuality,

the difficulties people face and to

respect, equity and kindness.”

explore ways we can be more accepting, understanding, and supportive.

We celebrated the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right’ with wellness activities and wore green accessories in support of World Mental Health Day.

This term our Diversity Champions and staff have been busy leading celebrations which have included: Yom Kippur, Black History Month, Dyslexia Awareness Week, World Mental Health Day, World Sight Day, Diwali, Disability History Month, International Men’s Day and Christmas.

20

The Independent Summer 2023

Some of our male teachers and Head boy, George, shared their views on mental health, toxic masculinity and being a positive male role model in an interview with our Diversity Champions to mark International Men’s Day. Year 7 were privileged to welcome Nath

We celebrated Diwali with a saree dressing-up session in Big School and a House competition to make tea lights. Junior School transformed their playground into a vibrant canvas of rangoli patterns.

Fernandes who delivered an inspiring and interactive Wellbeing session. Nath was born with Cerebral Palsy affecting his speech and limbs and he aims to challenge perceptions about impairment and disability.

Anti-Bullying Week Thank you to Georgie and Shaun from Loudmouth Theatre for helping us to ‘Make a Noise About Bullying’. Year 8 were captivated by their powerful and engaging workshop which explored different types of bullying and explored strategies for coping and preventing bullying. Students were able to pose questions to both actors whilst they were still in character, which really helped our students to empathise with the situation and to be able to speak more freely.

21

Black History Month We were privileged to welcome The Right

other people how he wants to be treated –

Honourable Stuart Lawrence to WGS

make sure you’re super polite, make sure

during Black History Month. Stuart is the

you’re super friendly to everyone.

brother of Stephen Lawrence who was

Arjun: What advice would you offer to a

tragically murdered as a result of a racist

young person who is facing discrimination?

attack in London in 1993.

Stuart: Sometimes you can deal with it

As Patron of the Black Curriculum, Stuart’s

by yourself and you can speak up and

main goal is to equip young people with

advocate, but sometimes it can be quite

the mindset to believe and achieve what they want in life, no matter the challenges many of them may face due to factors including ethnicity and religion. Through knowledge, self-worth, determination and unity, Stuart believes our young people have the power to push for change in

difficult. There’s lots of ways to deal with Our Diversity Champions had the honour

problems. There’s a top-down approach

of interviewing Stuart and discussing the

and a bottom-up approach, and, if both

legacy they want to leave behind at WGS

are working together then we can meet

to ensure their progress, like Stuart’s, lasts

in the middle and find better solutions

a lifetime.

and outcomes.

Here is an extract from the interview:

So I would definitely say try to stand up for

Arjun: As a father what do you hope your child will be able to say in the years to come about being a young black person in Britain?

Stuart: I try not to drill down too much on

yourself, but I don’t believe we should hit out and be violent towards people; violence will only promote more violence. We are all articulate enough to be able to speak and say how we are feeling and how other people make us feel. If you’re not able to,

colour or ethnicity, or where you’re situated, because I feel sometimes that can develop our society. Stuart spent the morning

into an attitude or a mindset. I don’t want

speaking to WGS students and visiting

him to have a complex or that negativity,

students from Codsall High and Smestow

or a ‘chip on the shoulder’ attitude. I am

Academy, encouraging them to be the

always encouraging him to be a good, kind

best version of themselves.

person, to work his hardest, and to treat

22

The Independent Summer 2023

go and find someone you can trust and say,

Stuart: Yes 100%. Your headmaster can

“this has happened to me, how do I deal

come and do an assembly, that has one

with it, can you help me deal with this?” I

sort of effect, but as pupils, a pupil voice,

really believe that a problem shared is a

that’s what I was talking about before, top

problem solved.

down, bottom up, then you’re meeting in

Stuart: What is the one legacy, especially to all the Year 13 students, that you would like to leave behind?

the middle – that’s beautiful because your peers will listen to you more than they listen to adults.

Junior School children had a dedicated

Favour: Joining in Year 7 being one of the

Black History Day during which Year 4

only black girls in the school I wasn’t sure

explored the challenges and triumphs

about fitting in but, now I’ve gone through

of the Windrush Generation. Meanwhile,

the school and I’ve seen how the school

Year 5 were researching black inventors

reacted to the whole inclusion talk, I want

like Garrett Morgan and learning about

younger people to know that they can be

their ground-breaking discoveries that

open, that they can talk to other people,

changed the world.

whether they’re the same race or not.

Just leaving and knowing that they are comfortable in their own skin is going to be something I’d be happy to see.

Other Black History Month activities included a themed lunch with Nigerian

Kyla: When we were in our younger years,

beef stew and Jollof rice, provided by

there wasn’t a way that students could

our wonderful Holroyd Howe catering

show that they are proud of their heritage.

team, and inspirational and informative

When we were doing the BHM assembly

assemblies delivered by Sixth Form

we could see that children were smiling

students Favour, David, and Kyla.

and we want to keep that as a tradition.

23

Sports Round-Up During the first week of term we were

In Hockey, the U18 and U14 girls

thrilled to welcome England Hockey

achieved second place in the County

Player, Nick Bandurak (OW 2011), back

tournament and qualified for the

to WGS. Nick brought along his bronze

Midlands zone tier 2 competition where

medal from the 2022 Commonwealth

they were placed third overall. The U16

Games and kindly gifted a signed England

girls just missed out on the Midlands,

shirt to Mr Anderson which is now proudly

coming third in their County tournament.

on display in the Sports Hall! Students

Well done girls and good luck to the boys

were able to benefit from a fantastic

who will compete in January.

coaching session with Nick.

The U16 netballers finished third in the City tournament and competed in the county rounds in November.

The U12 and U13 boys are through to Congratulations to our U19 netballers

the quarter finals of the City Cup and

who were crowned City Champions and

remain in the third round of the ESFA Cup.

went on to win the County tournament.

Congratulations to the U16 girls’ futsal

We wish them the best of luck for the

team (pictured above) who were runners

regionals in January.

up at the recent City tournament.

24

The Independent Summer 2023

Another talented karate champion is Asiya in Year 4 who represented England at a recent competition in Belgium. Asiya came away with an amazing four gold medals in the individual Kata 8 - 9 years, the team Kata 8 - 11 years and the individual and team Kumite 8 - 9 years’ competitions. Well done Asiya!

Meet our Sports Scholar We are delighted to introduce our

At the very end of term the U13 and U15

2023 Sixth Form Sports Scholar,

girls competed in the indoor County

Sheena, who joined us from The

Cricket finals.

Royal School in September.

In other sport, we were crowned Rounders

A talented all-rounder, Sheena is

District Champions in Years 7 through to

already a valuable member of the 1st

10. WGS were winners in the City Cross

XI hockey team and 1st VII netball

Country U13/U14 Boys, U14/U15 girls and

team. Sheena recently played a

U14/U15s boys. Congratulations to our

pivotal role in securing WGS’ victory in

Year 7 medallists Harry Bunn who came

the U19 netball county tournament to

1st and George Hay who finished 3rd.

progress to the regional finals.

Outside of school, Sheena’s sporting achievements are equally impressive.

Since the age of 13, she has represented England in Rounders; a commitment that requires yearround training. Sheena also plays for The WGS Basketball programme has got off to a flying start this year. After the Senior team’s victorious debut, the U13s and U15s have followed suit with wins against St Edmund’s Catholic School.

Dudley Netball Club and is currently undergoing training to join the women’s league. During the weekends, when not training or competing, Sheena volunteers as a lifeguard and also umpires netball matches.

Phoebe in Year 7 was presented

The U13s led by Louis Baker dominated

with a WGS Sports Colours tie after

from start to finish whilst the U15s led

Despite her demanding sporting

representing England at an international

by Somto Okafor had to battle hard to

schedule, Sheena remains a dedicated

karate competition in Luxembourg at the

achieve their victory with just a 4-point

student, pursuing her studies in

beginning of October. Phoebe competed

margin. Thank you to our Sixth Formers

Biology, Chemistry, and German, with

in the U12 Kata and U12 -40kg Kumite

for coaching and refereeing.

her sights set on attending university

categories. Congratulations!

after completing her A Levels.

Students wishing to join our Sixth Form and become a Sports Scholar are reminded to apply by Friday 12th January. To be eligible for this meanstested award, students should live in a Wolverhampton postcode (WV) and be playing at county, regional or national level in their chosen sport. Contact Admissions for more information on 01902 422939.

25

TAG Rugby Across two days this term, local state and independent schools visited WGJS for some exciting TAG rugby festivals.

The U11 event, which has been running since 2016, was this year joined by the

awarded medals for: most creative player, most improved player and a fair play award. Congratulations to: Bertie Dixon, Ranveer Adhana, Yuvraj Sangha, Franklin Westwood, Armaan Gill and Arun Kohli who were our WGS medallists.

inaugural U9 Learn and Play TAG Rugby Festival in which local schools joined us, with prior experience in TAG rugby not being necessary.

On Tuesday 14th November, joined by fantastic local coaches James Ridout and Robert Chivers from Dudley Kingswinford RFC, the U9 festival saw 40 children learning the essentials of the game before playing a round-robin competition, with matches ably refereed by senior students Max Thompson, Will Hamill, William Ridout and Ruben Lalli. Pupils were then

The following day, 96 pupils from Years 5 and 6 enjoyed a 7-match tournament with Stafford Grammar, Warwick School, Lichfield Cathedral School, Tettenhall College and Old Hall, playing almost nonstop from 1pm - 3pm! Whilst this was a friendly festival, it was good to see the WGJS A team playing some particularly attractive attacking rugby, whilst many players in the B team staked their claims

A Trip to the Molineux Year 11 Business students went on a fascinating trip to the Molineux.

Whilst gaining an insight into the inner workings of the Wolves Foundation, their eyes were opened to all the different roles associated with running a football club. Many thanks to our host, Marnie Richards, and to Mr Smith, Mr Langford, Ms Keys and Miss Lewis, who helped make the day so memorable. Here is what some of our students had to say: “Whether it was hearing from financial experts, university students or seeing the spectacular Wolves pitch with hundreds of £1000 light bulbs heating the grass on a freezing December wintry day, our trip to the Molineux was nothing short of exciting!

26

for places on the A team this time next

Our thanks, as ever, go to the wonderful

year. Medals were awarded to: William

grounds staff for their hard work

Humphrey, Oliver Morley and Sebastian

preparing the pitches, the estates team

Tapper (A team); Dylan Midha, Jayden Xue

for their support in setting up the event,

and Mason Randhawa (B team).

and Mrs Ray’s Senior Sports Leaders.

Throughout the day, we got to hear from a wide range of people and their journeys through education and work. Closely followed by a grand tour of the stadium involving a trip to the luxurious changing rooms of top-class players, and lastly a walk through the tunnel onto the renowned football pitch. This trip was incredibly informative and gave us insight into the diverse jobs needed to run the football club. It was an experience we won’t forget.”

“It was interesting to hear that

Keisha

Club provides such a broad range of

Wolverhampton Wanderers Football opportunities in many careers. These include: player development; sports science; coaching; marketing and human resources. These careers all play a role in the success of the club and provide much food for thought for us in our future careers.”

Ibrahim

The Independent Summer 2023

£163 was raised for the charity that helps

Charity Action

the promotion of social inclusion for the sight-loss community in Wolverhampton.

Following the tragic news of the 6.8

Well done to Sophie Adams in Lower Sixth

magnitude earthquake that struck

who organised a donation to Birmingham

Morocco on 8th September, WGS

Dogs Home, Wolverhampton Centre, an

students quickly launched a fundraising

animal rescue service located in Coven.

appeal for the British Red Cross Morocco

Sophie who wants to be a vet, collected

Earthquake Appeal.

blankets, towels, dog toys, beds, leads and treats on behalf of Nechells House social There were pudsey ears galore as students

action project.

came in non-school uniform to support Children in Need. A samosa sale and Dizzy goals competition helped to raise a fantastic £1,111.14, which was split between Children in Need and the British Red Cross. Students wanted to support both vulnerable children and teenagers dealing with challenging circumstances, as well as responding to the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. On the same day, Junior School raised over £200 for their school charities: Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and Tigers 4 Ever.

The campaign was the idea of Upper Sixth student, Esha, who was part of a group of ten students and three staff who in February this year embarked on a volunteering expedition to Morocco in partnership with educational charity, Association Aghbalou. The group visited L’École de Douar Shib, a primary school

The final House charity event was a

15 miles outside of Marrakech, to teach

Christmas Market hosted by Moreton in

English, Art, Music and Sport to pupils. The fundraising was a huge success and over

Jenyns House organised a sell-out event

Big School raising £418.75 for Compton

£1000 was raised.

to raise money for Eyecan. Big School was

Care. Stalls included guess the number

packed to the rafters as students and staff

of sweets in a jar, pin the nose on the

gathered to watch ‘WGS does X Factor’.

reindeer, a dizzy basketball competition

Thank you to our brave volunteers who

and an extremely popular pie face stall.

crooned away on stage much to everyone’s

Thank you to the teachers for being such

delight: Mr Reddish, Mr Payne, Mrs Keeley,

great sports and ending up covered in

Mrs Worsey, Miss Grew, Mr Jackson-

cream! Thank you also to Holroyd Howe

Turnbull and House Head, Mr Crust.

who donated 200 cakes/cookies to sell.

Our Charities & Social Action Co-ordinator, Mrs Bev Young, who was one of the three members on the Morocco Expedition said:

“I’m very proud of our students for their quick thinking and compassion.

They have shown great initiative and determination to raise money for the Morocco Earthquake Appeal. Their efforts are a testament to the strong values of our school community.”

27

Life in Junior School Autumnal Fun Charles Macintosh

This half term, Reception have been exploring and investigating the seasonal changes that are occurring around us.

Year 2 have been honing their computer

They had great fun donning their red

skills whilst learning about a famous

jumpsuits and heading outdoors to

scientist. They learnt that Charles

investigate the mountains of leaves that

Macintosh was a Scottish scientist who

had fallen to the ground. They hunted for

invented waterproof cloth. He discovered

leaves of different colours, shapes and sizes and compared them with each other.

Perhaps the most fun was had whilst attempting to bury each other under piles of fallen leaves!

how to turn rubber into a liquid and mixed

The power of magnets

it with cloth. Macintosh then used this new

Year 1 have been learning about magnets

The children created their own PowerPoint

in Science. They were able to predict what might happen to magnetic objects and use magnets to identify magnetic objects around the classroom. The children discussed games which use magnets and then used a variety of resources to

material to make the first waterproof coats.

presentation to share their research. They learnt how to add new slides, change backgrounds, alter fonts as well as copying and pasting images from the internet. Well done to Mia and Mason (pictured), who produced some particularly impressive work.

create their own game by applying their understanding of magnets. Working in pairs, they also challenged themselves to move a paper clip from the bottom of a jar of water to the top using the magnetic field to attract the paper clip up the jar.

To end their topic, Year 1 learnt about the uses for magnets in toys and had a go at making their own magnetic toy.

28

The Independent Summer 2023

Lights, Camera, Action!

Year 5 have been getting creative and enjoyed making their very own movie

Time Travel to Ancient Egypt

trailer! After discussing the purpose of a

and then worked in groups to create a

Year 6 enjoyed some spectacular views

Year 3 have been full of enthusiasm for

storyboard before filming.

at the top of The Wrekin at the beginning

movie trailer, the children highlighted the

What a View!

features they would want to see included

of term. The annual Year 6 Wrekin Walk is

their Humanities topic: Ancient Egypt.

just one example of the many ways that we

The subject was brought to life via an

encourage our students to be active and

online session with an expert from

explore nature and the world around them.

the Birmingham Museum. During the

Mrs Jones and Mr Cothey were impressed

interactive session the children handled

by their resilience and determination to

a range of real ancient Egyptian artefacts

reach the summit, and it was a lovely

that had been sent into school for them

occasion to mark the beginning of term.

to study. They also took part in drama activities and designed their own amulets.

The children remembered to use a variety of different camera angles for their shots and had great fun using props and filming in different locations around school. It was then time to view their footage and to learn how to edit the recorded clips in iMovie to create an engaging film trailer. Well done to Year 5 who worked well to communicate

Just after half-term, Year 6 enjoyed an

their ideas and take on board each other’s

action-packed immersion day in the

In their Art lessons, continuing with their

suggestions. Who knows, we may even

Senior School. They tried lots of different

Egyptian theme, Year 3 researched and

have a future Spielberg in our midst?

activities in the specialist facilities such as

designed their own version of a canopic jar.

the Hutton Theatre, DT Studio and Science

These were used to store the organs that

Laboratories. As well as a Q&A session with

were removed from the body in the process

the Year 7 tutors, pupils were able to hear

of mummification. Just like the ancient

from former WGJS students Izzy Mason

Egyptians, they made sure that the lids were

and Serena Ram about their experiences

designed to look like a head of an animal

higher up the school at a Transition to

or human and patterns or hieroglyphs

Senior School evening. Excitement about

were used to decorate the base of the jars.

the move to Year 7 is already palpable!

Viking Studies Year 4 have really enjoyed learning about the Vikings in their History lessons.

They developed their knowledge of Anglo-Saxon and Viking housing producing some fantastic posters filled with information and illustrations. The children thought about the similarities and differences between living in these houses compared to where they live today. They also studied Viking runes and used clay to create their own messages for each other to decipher.

Viking longships were a fascinating part of their studies. After researching more about materials and buoyancy, the children designed their own longships using foil, plastic and card. Great fun was had testing whether their ships would stay afloat and for how long!

29

Musical Notes In September we welcomed three new

The term continued with an uplifting

Visiting Music Teachers – Vera Willis

performance from Soul Choir at

and Sally Oak on Piano and Julianne

Founder’s Day, performing One Moment

Bourne to teach Violin. We said a fond

in Time, first sung by Whitney Houston

farewell and send our good wishes with

at the 1988 Summer Olympic games.

Karolina Tomaszewicz as she moves to a

Soloists Favour Apata and Esha Dudrah

full-time teaching position at the British

embraced their inner diva to inspire all

School in Kuwait.

the younger students to strive to be the best version of themselves.

Our first major event was the prestigious Music Scholars’ Concert showcasing

This half term has seen two Teatime

the very best of WGS musical talent. We

concerts across the Junior and Senior

welcomed our new Sixth Form Music

Schools. These events were expertly

Scholars, Sachi Bhambra and Mason

run by Lower Sixth music students

Holles and our Year 7 Exhibitioners, Arjjun

Shalom Nderiyamana and Harry Wade,

Hayre, Harry Pang and Serena Ram. It

with packed audiences for both events.

was a wonderful evening, packed with

It was wonderful to see some of our

high-quality performances from all.

youngest musicians performing to the most experienced. An honourable On the 10th October, we took a large group of Year 6 students to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to see Annie, The Musical.

It was a sensational show with dazzling

30

mention goes to Bobby Wilson in Year 11, who gave our first orchestral Xylophone performance, playing Morning Sunlight

by A.C.Lipner.

costumes and amazing dance routines.

We thank the Dhol Club led by Dharam

Craig Revel Horwood was very entertaining

Sangha, for performing to Reception

as Miss Hannigan but it was the young

pupils at Diwali, Sixth Former, Nacardo,

cast that stole the show. A huge thank you

who performed The Last Post to Junior

to Ms Guidotti for organising this trip and

School students at Remembrance and

to the Year 6 students and staff who were

Freddie Hodgetts who gave a performance

an absolute pleasure to be with.

recital on the drum kit to Year 8.

The Independent Summer 2023

Instrumental lessons continue to be an integral part of our Junior School curriculum from Years 4 to 6, with all children from Year 2 upwards experiencing recorder lessons. As a recent visit to the whole class string teaching in Year 4 showed, our young musicians are making great progress and we hope many will progress to individual lessons later!

We are extremely proud of our talented students who are excelling in their music both in and outside school. Huge congratulations go to Year 9 student, Davina, who has been accepted into the Junior Provision of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Davina has been attending their Saturday School since September to study piano, saxophone and composition.

Torrential rainstorms didn’t prevent members of Big Band from performing at the Light Up a Life event at Compton Hospice on Sunday 10th December. They performed a set of light jazz numbers including Mack the Knife and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. A huge thank you to all of the musicians for giving up their weekend to support our local community.

We were also delighted to pass on £445.89 raised at the Senior Christmas Concert for Compton Care.

Congratulations also go to Year 9 musician, Isaaq, who was awarded first place in the Class C4 13 - 15 years Piano Solo category at the Lichfield Festival of Music.

Well done to everyone who has taken a

The following night Year 5 and 6

music examination this term, we anticipate the results will start coming in over the holidays and we look forward to hearing how our students have fared. Early congratulations to Millie Kelly who has achieved a Distinction in her Grade 8 Music Theatre exam, a fantastic achievement.

enjoyed their Christmas Concert with The Christmas Concert was once

performances from Chamber Choir, Mass

again an evening of Christmas cheer,

Recorders, Junior School Orchestra

bringing together collaborations between

and String Ensemble. The music was

groups such as I Ragazzi and Orchestra,

interspersed with poems and songs.

readings and carols. A huge thank you

What a lovely way to end the year!

to all the performers and staff and especially our soloists.

New ensembles this term include our Music Theatre Group, who are working on a medley of songs from Hamilton.

Watch this space as Karaoke Club will be coming in the New Year!

31

Meet The Friends The Friends of WGS is our Parent,

The Friends organise a range of

Jonathan were raffled at the end of the

Teacher Association. Chair, Katherine

fundraising events to provide vital funds

evening to raise £285 in support of The

Griffiths Wyant, has been a committee

for school projects. Popular events

Bennett Story Garden.

member since 2018 and has two children

include the Junior School movie nights, a

at WGS, both started in the Junior School

whole school quiz night, summer fair and

and are now in Years 7 and 10. Many of

mother’s and father’s day pop-up shops.

you will recognise Katherine as a member of the Reception team across both the junior and senior schools.

This term a new Festive Floristry event with award-winning floral expert Jonathan Moseley provided a truly

Assistant Chair, Raj Dhaliwal and Secretary,

wonderful evening in the Hutton Theatre.

Karen Thacker, both have two sons at WGS

Jonathan is an internationally celebrated

and Treasurer, Kash Hare is mum to Arjjan

floral designer based in Derbyshire.

in Year 7. They are supported by several

He regularly appears on TV shows

dedicated committee members: Jo Hayes;

including ITV’s Love your Weekend with

El Wright; Helen O’Neill: Liz Larner; Kam

Alan Titchmarsh and as a judge on

Gill; Sara Morris; Nicky MacDuff, as well as

Channel 4’s The Big Allotment Challenge.

by members of staff.

The stunning arrangements made by

Katherine Griffiths Wyant

Raj Dhaliwal

Karen Thacker

Kash Hare

Chair

Assistant Chair

Secretary

Treasurer

32

The Independent Summer 2023

Autumn term is a particularly busy one for the Friends with the run up to Christmas. Once again Katherine and her team have masterminded the Junior School Christmas Fair and hamper raffle, Christmas cookie decorating and a magical Santa’s grotto experience. We are so grateful to The Friends for their tireless dedication and wish them a well-deserved rest over the holidays. The committee are always in need of ad hoc helpers for different events so please do email friends@wgs-sch.net if you would like to volunteer or find out more.

Pre-Loved Uniform Parents are able to purchase pre-loved uniform via The Friends by emailing friends@wgs-sch.net. They have also teamed up with Stikins Name Labels. One pack of stick-on name labels can label pretty much everything and anything! Simply visit https://www.stikins.co.uk/ and add the code 35504 at checkout to generate a commission payable to the Friends.

Thank you!

We would like to thank The Friends for their recent fundraising which has enabled

Look out for more news about upcoming events: • Mother’s Day pop-up shop – March (date tbc) (Junior School)

the School to purchase ground sheets for the four gazebos they bought in 2021, day sacks for the Coast2Coast team, Upper Sixth and Year 6 Leavers’ hoodies, board games for Junior School board

• Junior School Movie Night – March (date tbc) • Quiz Night – Friday, 19th April (Junior & Senior School)

games club, new face paint for Junior School productions and a gazebo for our

• Father’s Day pop-up shop –

Reception class.

Friday, 14th June (Junior School)

Easy Fundraising to Support The Friends Help raise funds for Wolverhampton Grammar School whilst doing your online shopping!

Visit https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/wgsfriends/ and sign up to support WGS. Once you have an account set up on easyfundraising, you will have the option to install a browser extension which will pop up on every retailer site where a donation is available which means you don’t have to remember to come to easyfundraising first! The Friends are currently raising money for much needed storage solutions in the Junior School.

33

Eco-Poetry Winner Congratulations to Upper Sixth student,

The first day I mourned your loss

Jasmin, who been chosen as a winner

the sun cried with me. Each cloud

of the Wild Words national eco-poetry

wept your disappearance only to find some

competition. Jasmin’s poem, titled First Time, will be published in the Wild Words Anthology, a collection of eco-poetry by young people aged 18 and under.

Wild Words is a charity that uses the power of words to connect young people with

remnants of you in everything they saw.

The days grew longer and the nights too, and I couldn’t bear the thought of not seeing you when the stars screamed your name.

nature. The competition is one of many

Only time can tell which one of us will be

initiatives that the charity runs to encourage

gone before the day has ended, but my soul has

young people to explore and celebrate the natural world. This encouraged young writers to connect with nature using a ‘co-writer’. Jasmin chose space as the co-writer for her winning poem.

become yours. The Earth looks like it’s crying and the soil held the secrets of our love that were lost in history and one day

Jasmin’s win comes just a few months

when all the world is turned to dust

after she was named a runner-up in the

and all semblance of truth is wiped from the Earth

Under 18 category of the 2023 Chiltern

the only thing, the only shred of truth that will remain

Arts Poetry Competition. Jasmin has undoubtedly proven to be a rising star in the poetry world, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

is what the moon has kept of you. My love, we are mosaics of what the other left behind.

First Time by Jasmin and Space.

Nalin to be our next Arkwright Scholar Congratulations to Lower Sixth student, Nalin, who has been awarded the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, sponsored by the Royal

Soaring to Success!

Air Force. The scholarship recognises individuals with outstanding potential as a future leader in engineering and

Congratulations to Year 9 students Harjai,

provides them with support for their

Hriman, Faris, Gurjot and Tom who won

future studies and career development.

‘Best Project Pitch’ at the KS3 RAF Glider Challenge held at RAF Cosford. Students were tasked with creating a glider from a single A3 sheet of polyfoam board that would fly as far as possible when released from a launcher. Ahead of the final challenge day, the team of students spent six weeks researching glider concepts and flight patterns; along with designing, testing and then redesigning their glider.

On the final challenge day at the RAF

As they approached their final design, the

Museum Cosford, all attending schools

team also put together their research and

were judged across three categories:

design ideas into a presentation board

Furthest Flight; Innovative Design; and

and pitch to illustrate the work they had

Best Project Pitch. With an overall winner

completed and to explain the choices they

being decided too. A huge congratulations

had made for their final design.

to the team on their well-deserved award.

34

The Independent Summer 2023

A Christmas Carol Years 3 and 4 put on a wonderful Christmas production of the well-known Victorian Christmas ghost story – A Christmas Carol. Our talented Mr Peters adapted the script and wrote the music and lyrics for this wonderful performance, as well as playing the piano!

Congratulations to all the cast who worked extremely hard to learn their lines, lyrics and choreography. Our Year 6 Crew were superb with stage set, lighting and sound. Thanks also go to Miss Bassett, Mrs Jones and Mrs Whyton (Costumes), Mrs Cooper and Mrs Hill (Props) and Miss Johnson (Choreography).

35

The Independent Wolverhampton Grammar School Newsletter

Winter 2023

Spring Term and Key Admissions Dates Tuesday 9th January Term begins for all students Friday 12th January Sixth Form Application deadline (external students)

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

Thursday 18th and Friday 19th January Senior School Entrance Test Days (external students) Saturday 27th January Junior School Open Morning (Years 1-6) Saturday 3rd February Reception Open Morning Wednesday 7th February Sixth Form Options deadline Monday 12th February to Friday 16th February Half-Term Friday 15th March GCSE Options deadline Friday 22nd March End of term (School finishes at 12.30pm)