INDEPENDENT
Wolverhampton Grammar School Newsletter
Explore exciting careers with industry leaders
150th Anniversary on Compton Road
Highlights from this year’s Christmas Concerts
Two Cities Book awards and guest author visits
TO THE WINTER ISSUE WELCOME
Welcome to the Michaelmas edition of The Independent. It is hard to believe that another calendar year is nearly over and that we have just completed the Christmas term. It has been another exciting term, full of activity and hard work.
As Head of this wonderful school, I am in a very privileged position to witness day in, day out our school in action. There is never a dull moment here. When I’m out and about around the school site during a typical school day, I see happy young people engaged in the tasks of thinking, enjoying new ideas and creating. Our teachers love their work and the relationships between teacher and student is one that is so very special. This is why WGS is a very happy and successful place to be.
I would like to share two highlights from this busy term. The first is our annual Founder’s Day service at St. Peter’s church. To remember and thank our founder, Sir Stephen Jenyns, as a whole community, is an important part of our shared history. Sir Stephen made a real difference to the lives of the young people of Wolverhampton. We can all learn from his example and be inspired to do the same. We are a school that strives to educate and inspire our young people as individuals in order to enable each of them to reach their potential and go out into the world as confident adults, who can make a difference in all areas of their lives. I am so proud of what we do here.
The second highlight is the Results’ Days in August. It is wonderful to be present as students in Year 11 and the Upper Sixth receive their external exam results, to witness the emotions of relief and joy as they open their envelopes. The hard work, determination and commitment has paid off and these students can move onto the next stage of their life. This year, I was particularly proud of our students. There is no doubt that these young people were affected by the Covid lockdowns in the past, but no concessions with their exams were made. So, their results were even more special given what had happened. Congratulations to the class of 2024 and all our Year 11 of last year.
I hope you enjoy this publication and that you discover lots more about events in school which you maybe knew nothing about, whether it be about our overseas trips to Madrid and Holland, our house activities or our outreach work with reading projects with local schools to name but a few.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and all best wishes for 2025. A year that is very special in our school’s history. Look out for all the celebrations and events as we mark 150 years on this site on Compton Road. It will certainly be a year to remember.
Nic Anderson Head
Congratulations to the class of 2024 and all our Year 11 of last year.
OUTSTANDING RESULTS CELEBRATING
Wolverhampton Grammar School is proud to announce another year of exceptional academic achievements, with exceptional performances across GCSE, A Level, and vocational qualifications.
This year, an impressive 77% of all GCSE exams were awarded the top grades of 9 to 6 (equivalent to A* to B), with standout performances across subjects including English, Maths, and the Sciences. Creative and technical subjects shone particularly brightly, with Art, Computer Science, and Drama achieving over 93% at grades 9 to 6.
Ten students achieved an incredible milestone of 10 or more GCSEs at grades 9 or 8. Among these achievements, WGS is especially proud of Ariana, a Ukrainian student who fled the war in her home country two years ago. Overcoming immense challenges, Ariana achieved exceptional grades, including a 9 in History and an 8 in Art. Reflecting on her journey, she said:
“When I first arrived in the UK, I was anxious about starting at a new school in a different country. However, Wolverhampton Grammar School welcomed me with open arms and provided me with all the support I needed. I am truly grateful for the encouragement and opportunities I have received.”
At A Level, the Class of 2024 continued to excel, achieving a 100% pass rate across all qualifications. Key highlights include:
• 20% of grades at A*, with six students achieving straight A*s.
• Over 42% of grades at A to A*, and 70% at A* to B.
• Outstanding results in vocational qualifications, with 100% of Cambridge Technical IT students achieving at least a distinction.
These achievements reflect WGS’ commitment to providing a flexible and personalised education. Many students have secured places at prestigious universities, including Russell Group institutions, pursuing competitive courses such as medicine, law, and engineering.
Mr Anderson added:
I am delighted to celebrate yet another year of stellar results. These achievements are a testament to the relentless dedication and determination of our students and the unwavering support of our talented staff. We wish our departing students every success in their next steps.
CAREER PATHWAYS UNLOCKING
Students across a variety of year groups at Wolverhampton Grammar School have been exploring the wealth of options for their futures.
Careers in Land and Property Management
A group of students from Years 10 – 12 had a fantastic day at Harper Adams University, exploring careers in Land and Property Management.
As part of this day, our students had the opportunity to:
• Hear about the Land and Property Courses on offer.
• Hear about Degree Apprenticeships routes in Land and Property.
• Meet some of the Land and Property lecturers.
• Visit Albrighton estate to learn about its history, the commercial use of the land since the 1403 Battle of Shrewsbury, and the role of surveyors in its recent developments.
• Visit Huffley farm to learn about the business behind agriculture.
They also took part in some taster activities throughout the day, such as negotiating prices on business rental opportunities, land valuations and building surveying.
Year 11 students explore Cambridge University
As part of our Oxbridge Insight Programme, 18 of our Year 11s had the incredible opportunity to visit Cambridge University. During their trip, the students toured the historic campus, engaged with current undergraduates and explored the centre of Cambridge. The group were accompanied by our Deputy Head, Mr Hughes, a proud Cantabrigian (graduate of Cambridge University). Mr Hughes shared his memories and insights of the University, which the students thoroughly enjoyed.
The group later caught up with Lucy Munson (OW 2022), who is in her third year at Cambridge University studying BA (Hons) Engineering.
SMASHING STEREOTYPES
Degree Apprenticeship at Jaguar Land Rover
Jayden Patel (OW 2024) is training to become an Automotive Engineer via the Degree Apprenticeship route at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). This involves completing academic study at the University of Warwick towards an Applied Engineering (BSc) degree, alongside work-based learning at JLR. So far, Jayden has enjoyed completing CAD training and has worked at various JLR sites, exploring the work dynamics and logistics of JLR.
A VISIT TO UNIVERSAL MUSIC STUDIOS
We found our visit to Universal Music in London to be an extraordinary experience. The visit was very eyeopening and inspiring to see how the industry runs and operates. Our appreciation and passion for music has grown exponentially!
The studios were beautiful – more impressive than we could have imagined. We also got to see and discuss the inner-workings of how artists promote their projects and merchandise, which was great.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience and we are so incredibly thankful to Jonathon Badyal for inviting us to the studios and fueling our passion for music further.
Harry Wade and Shalom Ndereyimana
Scholarship at McLaren Racing
Jaipal Uppal (OW 2024), who has always been passionate about becoming a role model for women in STEM, recently completed a scholarship with McLaren Racing – a phenomenal achievement!
Preparation for post-16 and beyond!
Year 11 is an exciting and pivotal time for our students as they work towards their formal qualifications and start planning for their next steps in education and training.
To support our Year 11s, the Careers Department took the Year group to the University and Apprenticeships Fair and Edgbaston Cricket Ground, where they explored a wide range of post-16 options, from courses to apprenticeships. It was a fantastic opportunity to inspire and inform their future choices!
In addition, all of Year 11 have partaken in 1:1 careers advice appointments, where they have been able to receive guidance on their career aspirations and the wealth of opportunities available to them.
Year 11 should continue to use the careers support available if they would like further guidance.
SPOTLIGHT ON
THE JENYNS LIBRARY
HAUNTED TALES EVENING
Our annual Haunted Tales evenings of students touring the School campus and telling ghost stories were another spooktacular success. Both Junior and Senior School Book Club members expertly performed their original tales, which revealed the ghostly history and supernatural goings on in many parts of WGS. Well done to everybody who performed a tale, and many congratulations to our prize-winning performers Shukti Goodhand, Hattie Hughes and Jack Mullen-Hughes.
BBC YOUNG REPORTER CLUB
Members of this year’s BBC Young Reporter Club have begun work on their entries for BBC Young Reporter 2025. Ahead of the competition opening in the new year, students have undertaken practice interviews with members of WGS staff in preparation for their filmed discussions with experts on their respective topics.
In December, three of our students with topics linked to Theatre Studies were delighted to visit the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton to interview several cast members from this year’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast
We look forward to arranging more inspiring interviews and seeing the students’ videos take shape over the coming months.
DISCOVER READING PROJECT
In partnership with Southern Connecticut State University, our Discover Reading Project helps families from across Wolverhampton continue to develop both their literacy skills and a love of reading with the help of our trained group of Sixth Form students.
This term, our families have been gifted books and families have enjoyed pumpkin themed treasure hunts in the Bennett Story Garden, creating their own superhero identities and masks, and a host of seasonal craft activities in the Jenyns Library.
Many thanks to our fantastic team of Upper Sixth Reading Ambassadors for their contribution over the past year to the Discover Reading Project. Special thanks go to Jenson, who attended every Discover Reading Project session.
THE BENNETT STORY GARDEN BOOK CLUB
In October, our Bennett Story Garden Book Club had an exciting visit to RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford, as a reward for their incredible First Prize win at the Shrewsbury Flower Show in the Secondary School Competition!
During their visit, the group explored the stunning Chinese Streamside Garden, Mediterranean Glasshouse, and the Wellbeing Garden, before joining a ‘Planting for the Planet’ workshop led by the RHS Education Team. They learned about climate change and evaluated the eco-friendly designs of various gardens, taking inspiration to create their own sustainable garden models using LEGO.
LAURA ELLEN ANDERSON AUTHOR VISIT
On Thursday, 26th September, children in Years 3-5 enjoyed a wonderful morning with Laura Ellen Anderson, the awardwinning author and illustrator of the amazing Amelia Fang, Evil Emperor Penguin and Rainbow Grey series of books, as she introduced her bestselling Marnie Midnight series.
Laura’s interactive event saw her share the inspiration behind her illustrations and invite the children to draw a character of Milo.
A. F. STEADMAN’S EXCLUSIVE BOOK LAUNCH AT WGS
A.F. Steadman visited us on Monday, 7th October, for an exclusive pre-publication event for Skandar and the Skeleton Curse, the fourth book in her amazing Skandar series, the global sensation widely regarded as the most successful fantasy series since Harry Potter.
A. F. Steadman captivated the audience with her insights into the creative process, her journey as an author, and what it’s been like to see her world of Skandar come to life on the page. As well as listening to a live reading from the upcoming book, students created their own unicorn and allied elemental magic to participate in this year’s Chaos Cup!
Students were able to exclusively purchase all books, including the latest book of the series, which were personally signed by A. F. Steadman, providing a memorable keepsake of an unforgettable day.
POETRY LIVE 2024
In recognition of National Poetry Day in October, we challenged children from across Wolverhampton to write an original poem themed around ‘Heritage’. From hundreds of entries, fourteen students from Years 6 – 9 from local schools were selected as finalists to perform their work in a Poetry Live Final to awardwinning author G.M. Linton and our fantastic teacher of English, Mr Blything. The breadth of the interpretations of this year’s theme was impressive, with musical accompaniments, visual presentations and inventive rhyming schemes elevating the standard of the performances.
Congratulations also go to prize winners Temi from St Peter’s Collegiate Academy, and to Anvi and Nia from Highfields School. Each of them impressed our judges with their writing ability and performance techniques.
RUSSELL KANE SELECTS WGS FOR PET BASED FUN
Comedian and actor, Russell Kane visited WGS on Monday, 18th November, to launch his debut children’s book, Pet Selector!
Pet Selector! is a perfectly hilarious guide to pet personalities, from their quirky characters to special skills, wants, needs and even cuddling capabilities, all infused with Russell’s trademark humour, personal anecdotes and extensive pet expertise.
Children in Years 3-6 enjoyed an engaging yet informative event packed full of jokes, facts and an interactive animal matching game. At the end of the event, Russell signed copies of his book and posed for photos with the children.
THE GIFT OF READING THIS CHRISTMAS
As part of our work to enable all children to have access to books and discover the magic of reading, on Wednesday, 11th December, Mrs Rowley, Mr McAllister and Senior Student Librarian in Year 11, Thomas, made a special visit to the FoodCycle Project at Wesleyan Holiness Church on Merridale Lane. FoodCycle is a charity that works to provide people in need of support with a free three course meal once a week. Thank you to the wonderful volunteers at FoodCycle for making it possible for us to gift their visiting families with a book from the Jenyns Library this Christmas.
THE TWO CITIES BOOK AWARD
King Edward’s School in Edgbaston and Wolverhampton Grammar School are delighted to be working in partnership for the third year running to inspire young people from Year 9 –Upper Sixth to read for pleasure.
This year, the following titles were shortlisted for the 2024 Two Cities Book Award:
‘Here to Slay’ by Radhika Sanghani ‘Nettle’ by Bex Hogan ‘Wild East’ by Ashley Hickson-Lovence ‘AdelAIDE Just Wants to Help’ by Melinda
Salisbury
Throughout November, hundreds of young adults from across both cities voted for their winning title.
THE BENNETT STORY GARDEN COMPETITION
The Two Cities Book Award Ceremony took place on Tuesday, 10th December at King Edward’s School. In partnership with Authors Aloud UK, we were delighted to welcome two of the shortlisted authors to meet students from WGS and several local schools. In addition, we were delighted to see WGS Upper Sixth student, Sachi, proudly represent our School by delivering an inspiring presentation at the ceremony linked to her recent achievement of being awarded Wolverhampton Young Citizen of the Year.
The ceremony was a fantastic occasion which saw hundreds of young people come together to share a passion for books and reading. Congratulations to author Ashley Hickson-Lovance who was voted as this year’s winner with his authentic in-verse story, Wild East, which tackles contemporary issues and tells an uplifting tale of resilience and the importance of pursuing dreams.
Back for a second year, we are challenging children in Years 2 and 3 from across Wolverhampton to write an original story about a common garden animal set in the Bennett Story Garden. To inspire children to start writing and illustrating their own stories, Mrs Rowley and Mr McAllister led a series of workshops throughout the autumn term. As part of these workshops, WGS and local schools were introduced to hedgehogs, owls, frogs, snakes and toads by the Animal Man.
The competition closes on Friday, 24th January, and entry forms can be found on our website. We look forward to reading all of the competition entries and inviting the winners and their families to a celebratory picnic in the Bennett Story Garden in spring 2024.
MADRID TRIP
By Jayden, Year 9
As soon as we landed at Madrid Airport, the warm air hit my face, and I knew this was going to be an incredible holiday. We quickly collected our bags and hopped onto the coach, excited for our first stop – the Atlético Madrid stadium. Upon arrival, we headed straight to the club shop, where the kits, especially the away kit, were amazing. The stadium tour was just as impressive. We saw where the players park on match days, had the chance to take pictures with a trophy, and couldn’t believe the sheer size of the stadium.
After the tour, we went straight to the first game of the trip. Atlético Madrid’s women’s team was playing, and it was a highlight. We chanted, cheered, and got fully involved in the atmosphere, it was electric. When they won, it felt like the perfect start to our holiday. After the match, we checked into our hotel and explored our rooms. I was sharing with four of my best friends, and the room was fantastic. After such a long day, most of us were exhausted, having been up since 2:30 a.m, so we quickly got to bed.
The next day, we had breakfast before heading out to play two training games. The Year 8 and 9 A teams played first, followed by a match with the rest of the Year 8 and 9s. As a goalkeeper for the Year 9 A team, I usually stay in goal, but the teachers gave me the chance to play outfield, which was a
fantastic experience. Afterward, we had lunch and took some time to relax. Some people had showers, while I went outside to play some football, enjoying the perfect weather.
Later, we headed to the Atlético Madrid vs Leganés match, and it was unforgettable. The stadium was huge, and the atmosphere was deafening. The passion of the Atlético fans was incredible, and it was so exciting to witness. After the game, we returned to the hotel for dinner, showers, and then the quiz. Unfortunately, my team didn’t win, but it was still a fun way to end the evening before heading to bed.
The following day, we had breakfast and made our way to the stadium. Seeing all the Ballon d’Or trophies displayed was incredible, and I learned something new — a Super Ballon d’Or awarded to Di Stefano. The tour of the stadium was jawdropping, and afterward, we visited the massive Real Madrid megastore, where I bought a Real Madrid away kit.
Next, we had a training session at Real Madrid’s facilities, and I was beyond excited. Walking the same steps that Kylian Mbappé had was surreal. We were assigned our changing rooms and went out onto the pitch, which was enormous. Our coach put us through some tough drills, and by the end of the session, we were all drenched in sweat. Despite losing our first match 2-1 due to a late scrappy goal, the experience of playing there was priceless.
The next day, after breakfast, we went on a walk through Madrid city, passing landmarks like the Spanish President’s residence, which reminded me of Buckingham Palace. We then headed back to the Real Madrid facilities for a double training session. It was incredibly hot that day, and the game-based drills were intense. Afterward, we had a small match between the Year 8 and 9 teams, focusing on playing wide and creating space. Later, we watched the Year 8 team play.
On our final day, we had our last training session, focusing on passing and moving. Everyone gave it their all, and we ended with a game. Afterward, we spent some free time exploring Madrid city centre before heading to the airport. It felt like the trip had flown by, and before we knew it, we were back in England.
This was a holiday I will never forget, and I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Clancy, who organised everything. From the football experiences to exploring the cities, there was not a single dull moment. Without a doubt, this was the best holiday I’ve ever had, and I would 100% recommend it to anyone interested in visiting Madrid. The memories made and the experiences had are ones I’ll cherish forever.
HOLLAND TRIP
By Chloe Green, Madison Connigale and Roopen Samra
Our trip to Holland was an unforgettable adventure, packed with sports, laughter, and unforgettable memories. From tobogganing on the slopes to playing hockey in competitions, every moment was filled with excitement. Early mornings were spent training for netball and hockey, where our coaches taught us skills that helped us in the fixtures later in the week.
The sports matches themselves were a highlight. Facing off against the skilled and competitive Dutch hockey players, who had been playing since they could walk, was a true challenge. They pushed us to give our absolute best, and we gave it our all, achieving the results we worked so hard for. The netball tournament was equally memorable. Win or lose, it was the experience and team spirit that mattered most.
But Holland wasn’t just about sport. The trip was packed with exciting activities beyond the games. We went tobogganing, played laser tag, and ate delicious pancakes at the famous pancake house. We even explored the town of Valkenburg, just a short walk from our hotel. To cap off the trip, we ended our nights singing our hearts out at karaoke, creating memories we’ll treasure forever.
Laughter filled the air wherever we went, and everyone made sure to include one another in every sport and activity. At dinner, we would all gather together reminiscing about the day’s adventures and celebrating the fun we’d shared. From the moment we stepped onto the bus to the final victory celebrations, Holland was a trip that will stay in our hearts for a lifetime.
FOUNDERS DAY &
150 YEARS ON COMPTON ROAD
As we broke up for October Half Term, we proudly reflected on the legacy of Sir Stephen Jenyns, who founded our school in 1512 with the vision of providing a “good, moral education” for the children of Wolverhampton. Born in the city around 1450, Jenyns began his career as a wool merchant before moving to London, where he became a prominent member of the Merchant Taylors’ Company, eventually serving as Master in 1489. Three years before founding Wolverhampton Grammar School, he was elected Lord Mayor of London.
Looking ahead, 2025 will mark a significant milestone for our school as we celebrate 150 years since our move to Compton Road on 15th October 1875. To mark this special anniversary, we are excited to announce a series of celebrations led by our wonderful Development team to mark this significant moment.
In November, we were thrilled to welcome Louise and Emily from Ark Stained Glass to help launch our stained-glass window competition. Students from Year 6 to Sixth Form participated in workshops, exploring the art of stained-glass design and creation. The winning designs will be installed alongside the existing stained-glass windows in Big School. This is your chance to make your mark on WGS’ over 500-year history.
Entries are due by Friday, 10th January. For more details, students can head to Mr. Taplin’s Firefly task. The two winning Senior and Junior & Infants designs will be unveiled on 15 October 2025, in honour of our milestone anniversary.
There will be a series of celebration events and activities over these next two academic years for our WGS community to be involved with; including a fundraising appeal to support our key strategic priority of increasing bursary awards. So please look out for details of these over the coming months.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
We are thrilled to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Sixth Form student, Sachi, who has been awarded the prestigious Wolverhampton Young Citizen of the Year Award. This accolade highlights her immense dedication to charity and community service, which she balances alongside her academic pursuits with unfaltering enthusiasm and compassion. Congratulations, Sachi, on this well-deserved recognition –we are all incredibly proud of you!
BON VOYAGE!
At the beginning of November we welcomed Elise from Lycée St. François d’Assise to WGS! Elise joined us from our partner school in Savenay and spent the week with Charlotte (Year 10), exploring the local area and getting a taste of school life in England.
GLIDING FOR GOLD!
In November, Year 9 students Hari, Jaiveer, Ismail, Miya, and Darcie took part in the KS3 RAF Glider Challenge at RAF Cosford, competing against hundreds of students from across the region. Congratulations to the team for winning the overall competition, and thank you to Mrs E Dixon for supporting them throughout the event!
ECONOMICS STUDENTS SHINE
Huge congratulations to our economists who excelled in the John Locke Institute Essay Competition, tackling challenging topics like global population, news reporting and business ethics. With expert guidance of Mrs Keys, they developed insightful arguments that went beyond the A Level curriculum, which were judged by top academics from Oxford, Princeton and Cambridge. At the prestigious Black Tie Awards Dinner in London, Jivan, George and Jai received merit awards while Elliot and Ben earned Very High Commendations. Ben also received a Merit for his politics essay.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black History Month was marked with a series of exciting and educational events for Junior and Senior students, highlighting the contributions, culture, and achievements of black individuals and communities.
YEARS 6 & 7 MEET G. M. LINTON
Years 6 and 7 had the privilege of meeting G. M. Linton, the award-winning author of the Sunshine Simpson series. Linton shared her journey to becoming a published author and expressed pride in showcasing her Jamaican heritage through her characters and stories.
Her talk also reflected on the vital role of the Windrush generation in shaping modern Britain. Students were inspired by the profiles of influential Black Britons she shared, learning about pioneers across various fields.
POETRY WORKSHOP WITH DR MARTIN GLYNN
A BIG CONVERSATION WITH NUBIA ASSATA
Senior students welcomed author and filmmaker Nubia Assata for a Black History Month edition of the Big Conversation series. Nubia captivated students with her inspiring journey, reflecting on the challenges she has faced as a young black woman in the creative industry.
Publishing her first book at just 15 years old, Nubia encouraged students to “be brave, be bold,” embracing their potential and exploring diverse opportunities.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH LUNCH
The celebration even extended to the Derry Hall, where our Holroyd Howe catering team prepared a delicious Black History Month-themed lunch, which offered a flavourful tribute to Black culinary traditions.
Year 6 participated in a poetry workshop with Dr Martin Glynn, a celebrated author, criminologist, and lecturer from Birmingham City University. Dr. Glynn’s passion for words resonated deeply with the students, inspiring creativity and enthusiasm.
His assembly for Years 4 and 5 explored his love for storytelling and offered encouragement to budding poets.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
#ORANGEWOLVES
We were proud to support #OrangeWolves, joining the UN’s annual Orange The World campaign which ran from Monday, 25th November to Tuesday, 10th December, raising awareness of gender-based violence.
Our students made over 100 orange ribbon badges to be handed out in the community to represent solidarity and a commitment to a future free from violence and discrimination.
MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPIONS
We’re proud to announce that 32 WGS students have completed their training as Student Mental Health Champions, leading the way in raising awareness and breaking the stigma around mental health. From assemblies to peer support, they’re set to make a real impact.
We’re also delighted that our very own Head of Wellbeing, Mrs Keeley, has taken on the role as our new Mental Health Lead to further strengthen our support network.
NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARDS 2024
At the beginning of October, Mrs Keeley and Mr Wood proudly represented our WGS Diversity Champions at the prestigious National Diversity Awards in Liverpool, hosted by Clare Balding!
Out of 90,000 nominations, WGS was one of only 8 organisations shortlisted for the Community Organisation Award—and the only school to make the list for any award! While we didn’t bring home the trophy, we couldn’t be prouder of our incredible Diversity Champions and the outstanding work they do.
JUNIOR & INFANTS AT WGS
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Our Junior and Infant students have been fully embracing the great outdoors with an exciting new addition to the curriculum. This hands-on approach has allowed them to connect with nature while learning practical skills. Activities have included mastering the art of tying cow hitch knots, exploring the textures and patterns of leaves by creating beautiful leaf imprints, and even crafting their own wooden pendants. These activities have helped spark a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
YEAR 6 CONQUER THE WREKIN
After a bit of a wait for the British weather to cooperate, in October Year 6 finally set off on their customary walk up the Wrekin. The effort was well rewarded with breathtaking views from the summit, making the delay very much worth it!
FLIPPING FANTASTIC!
In November, Year 5 students had a special treat in their PE lesson with a visit from Sixth Form student and talented gymnast, Charlie.
Training five days a week and recently advancing to the senior level, Charlie is gearing up for the English Championships in March. Despite his busy schedule, he took time to coach Year 5 and share some expert tips! Thank you Charlie!
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES
Just before we finished for the half term break, Year 1 stepped into the shoes of royalty for the day as they explored the fascinating history of Stafford Castle!
YEAR 6’S EGG-CELLENT SCIENCE
Mr Jeavons took science to new heights with his Year 6 class! The group built and tested their own devices to see if an egg could withstand the drop from the tower! (No teachers were harmed in this experiment.)
STAR BAKERS
Our Junior & Infant bakers whipped up some tasty treats in The Derry for their Bake Off Final in November! From mixing to decorating, everyone had a great time recreating their own delicious masterpieces. Well done to all who entered and congratulations to this year’s winners.
CHARITY
This term, our school community has come together for several inspiring fundraising and charitable initiatives. We kicked off with a coffee morning and cake sale in support of Movember, followed by the ongoing efforts of our BBC Young Reporter Club, who have been preparing for their 2025 competition. Read on for more…
MO-MENT FOR MOVEMBER
During November we hosted a coffee morning and cake sale for students and staff to raise money for Movember, a charity close to the heart of former teacher, colleague and friend, JP Villafrati. Thank you to all our students and staff who came along to support this wonderful cause and a special shoutout to our star barista, Upper Sixth student Harry, for brewing up some seriously delicious coffees! An astonishing £1,347.81 was raised for Movember UK.
A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
In the final weeks of term Offley collaborated with our Charity Ambassadors to organise a collection for the Women & Families Resource Centre in Wolverhampton. Generous donations from students across all year groups poured in, showcasing the true spirit of giving at WGS. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making a difference for local families this Christmas.
A HEARTWARMING PRESENTATION
In October, our Junior & Infant student councillors were thrilled to meet Justine from Ronald Mcdonald House Charities to present £1,173.06 raised through their efforts last academic year. A special thank you goes to Mia (Year 3) for nominating this wonderful cause!
JOLLY JUMPERS FOR THE HAVEN
In the final week of term, senior students were invited to wear their favourite jolly jumpers to raise money for The Haven and we’re delighted to share that almost £300 was donated.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS YEAR’S
The festive spirit was alive and well at this year’s Christmas Concerts, as our school’s musical talent took centre stage in two unforgettable performances. The first concert featured our senior school students. From instrumental solos to beautiful renditions of Christmas carols, the evening showcased the depth of talent within our school community. The choir Bella brought cheer with their stunning vocal arrangements, while the men’s Barbershop group added a charming touch with their a cappella harmonies. Particularly memorable were the breathtaking string and brass performances, highlighted by an extraordinary violin solo from Upper Sixth student, Sophie.
Following the senior school concert, junior students took the stage for their own festive celebration, which was just as magical. Families gathered to enjoy a delightful mix of performances, from the joyful sounds of the junior choir to the lively melodies of the recorder group. The string ensemble also performed beautifully, with the younger musicians showing off their talents and enthusiasm.
Beyond the music, the Christmas concerts were also an opportunity to give back to the community. The events raised over £300 for Compton Hospice.
The success of the concerts would not have been possible without the incredible contributions of our students, the dedicated music team, and all the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Together, they created a truly magical evenings that will be remembered for years to come.
MUSIC SCHOLARS’ CONCERT
In September, we were delighted to welcome family and friends of our music scholars to the prestigious Music Scholars’ Concert. The event was a celebration of exceptional talent, with performances that truly highlighted the best of WGS musical prowess.
HOUSE COMPETITIONS
After a summer of anticipation, the winners of the 2023/24 House Cup were finally revealed –congratulations to Nechells who roared to victory, putting an end to Moreton’s two-year reign!
The scoreboard was then reset and all was to play for as students took on the first House event of the academic year: the Tug of War! Congratulations to joint winners. Moreton and Offley.
Things were heating up in Big School on Monday 30th September as Year 8 and Upper Sixth faced off in the epic Schools Food Showdown! Host, Ben, made healthy eating both fun and interactive as he challenged our willing student and teacher volunteers to compete in their Houses to cook the best balanced healthy meal in just 15 minutes. Congratulations to the winners: Offley (Year 8) and Moreton (Upper Sixth).
Savoury turned to sweet as students then took on the ever-popular House Bake Off! Delicious showstoppers, cupcakes and cookies lined the Derry tables to be sold to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Over £260 was raised in total.
This year’s House Shout was Halloween-themed. The heats saw Jenyns haunting the stage with ‘Somebody’s Watching Me’ and Moreton busting out ‘Ghostbusters’, but it was Nechells and Offley who advanced to the final.
Nechells rocked ‘Murder on the Dance Floor’, featuring all the House mascots and Neyo even flaunted a spectacular sequin jacket. However, it was Offley’s iconic ‘Thriller’ performance that stole the show and the win! Rumour has it the Offley monster hasn’t been seen since he transformed into a werewolf…
The creativity and production of all performances was outstanding— definitely one for the House event history books!
The term’s House events concluded in festive style with Mrs Dixon’s Christmas Quiz. Congratulations to House winners, Offley, and Year 7 winners, 7CLG. What a brilliant way to wrap up a term of creativity, competition, and community spirit!
SPORT AT
WGS
From incredible gymnastics success to our U19 netball team’s victory, this term has been packed with impressive sports accomplishments. Our students have truly shown their talent and team spirit, setting the bar high for the rest of the year!
JAMIE SECURES SILVER!
Huge congratulations to Year 9 student, Jamie, for an amazing start to the gymnastics season at the British Teams (Juniors) event!
Competing against 14 teams, Jamie helped her team secure an impressive 2nd place finish! Individually, she placed 2nd on Vault and 3rd on Floor, out of 64 competitors!
ENGLAND NETBALL MASTERCLASS
In October, we were excited to host England Netball star Beth Cobden for an exclusive masterclass with our Year 8 and 9 students. The session was a fantastic opportunity for students to refine their skills and gain inspiration ahead of their sports tour to Holland during the half-term break.
Beth’s expertise and advice left a lasting impression on the group, preparing them for success both on and off the court.
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
TAG RUGBY FESTIVAL
The annual tag rugby event was once again hosted at WGS this year, bringing together eight local state and independent schools for an exciting Under-9 and Under-11 festival. The event was a great success, with students of all skill levels taking part. Previous experience wasn’t necessary, as coaches from Dudley Kingswinford RFC provided expert training and guidance throughout the day, ensuring that every participant had the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game.
A massive congratulations to our U19 netballers who were crowned South Staffordshire County Champions after a very successful tournament at the beginning of November! The girls shall now progress to the regional tournament in February.
A shout-out also to our U14s who came third in their tournament, narrowly missing out on a spot at regionals!
MERRY CHRISTMAS WE WISH YOU A
As the term drew to a close, WGS embraced the festive spirit with a series of exciting Christmas activities for students across all year groups. Offley House took on a creative challenge to design Christmas jumpers in just five minutes using wrapping paper. The infant students shone in their heartwarming nativity performance, while also enjoying a magical trip to post their letters to Santa.
In the school’s pop-up Christmas Grotto, Santa and his mischievous elf greeted the children with festive cheer. Meanwhile, our junior students participated in a fun-filled Christmas Jumper Fun Run, and the entire school took part in the annual Christmas onemile run. These events spread festive cheer, raised spirits and brought the whole school community together.
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
Wolverhampton Grammar School Official
Wolverhampton Grammar School
Wolverhampton Grammar School
Spring Term and Key Admissions Dates
Tuesday 7th January Term begins for all students
Thursday 16th and Friday 17th January
Senior School Entrance Test Days (external students)
Saturday 25th January
Junior & Infants Open Morning
Monday 17th to Friday 21st February
Half term
Friday 14th March
GCSE Options Deadline
Friday 4th April
End of term (School finishes at 12.30pm)
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