Welcome

to the Chaplain

Reverend Drost joined at the beginning of this academic year and although he has considerable experience working with schools, this is his first position employed within a school. He shared his thoughts with us.

Working within Woodhouse Grove and Brontë House is different to my previous school work which involved popping in once every few weeks for assemblies and some class time. Here, I am immersed in a daily routine which sees me involved in all areas of school life, including meeting parents and other visitors and much of the charity work.

I am a bit of a petrol head and love older classic cars –my first 3 cars I owned were all Morris Minors and my favourite was an old ‘wood’ framed estate car called ‘Ducks’ as its plate was DKX 932F.

Hope for Justice

In February, Years 12 and 13 were treated to an inspirational talk by Tim Nelson, CEO of Hope for Justice, a non-profit organisation that runs anti-trafficking projects all over the world. Mr Nelson spoke passionately about initiatives and ways every individual can help to prevent modern slavery.

What do you like best about this role?

My main role has to be that I am first a Methodist church minister, and being able to share these teachings at chapel every day and try to model it, is a joy and a privilege.

As a youth worker, I really enjoy being part of the PSHEE team in helping to deliver all the varied subjects that, as a team, we know will add value to each individual pupils’ lives.

In boarding I have the chance to see and hear the experiences of the boys on their boarding journeys. Boarding adds so much depth to the students' experience at The Grove.

Anything about the role that surprised you?

Having spent significant amounts of time helping in previous schools, I was struck very early on, what a generally happy place this is! In the staff room and in the playgrounds, staff and pupils are courteous, and excited about life at WGS, in both lessons and co-curricular activities.

How do you like to spend any spare time?

I like to think I am handy with a hammer and screwdriver – my wife and father (a carpenter by trade) do not always agree. I am happy to potter around the garden and we love the new walks and cycle rides we have discovered around Apperley Bridge.

So inspired by this talk, Naomi Partridge, Nina Hawkshaw and Mica Bardouille-Lewis, all Year 12, successfully walked 20 miles along the Leeds and Liverpool canal in fancy dress and raised £840 to help with anti-trafficking projects.

Naomi said, “I have been truly inspired to help this awesome charity. Our aim is to help Hope for Justice with their anti-trafficking projects."

School of Rock!

Our spring school production of School of Rock in March stood out for many incredible performances. The audience was clearly impressed, giving a standing ovation after this high energy show. Congratulations to everyone involved, both on stage and behind the scenes.

We caught up with Georgina Dutton, Year 11, who played the lead.

What part have you got in School of Rock?

In School of Rock, I play the character of Dewey Finn. In our show, I am playing the character as non-binary instead of male to have our own unique take on the show.

How did it feel when you got the news that you were playing the lead?

When I received the news that I was playing Dewey Finn, I was literally jumping with excitement! This has been one of the characters in the back of my mind that I have always wanted the opportunity to play.

It’s a big school year for you, has it been hard keeping up to date with school work?

It has been extremely hard keeping on top of school work due to rehearsals, but I have mostly managed to do my work during breaktimes and at weekends.

Have you been involved in other school productions?

I have been involved in many school productions here at The Grove, such as Double Dahl, Legally Blonde and High School Musical. but I am usually working in the tech box.

This year I thought I would step on stage and do what I truly love to do, and earlier in the year, I played the character of ‘Lloyd’ in Blue Stockings.

What are your plans after Year 11?

My plans after Year 11 are to study Maths, Design Technology and Physics at A-Level. However, I would still like to be involved with future productions as I love acting and theatre and I wouldn’t ever want to give that up.

The McCarthy Theatre

Prior to the Easter concert, we officially renamed the Grove theatre to ‘The McCarthy Theatre’ in honour of the former Director of Music and Second Master, David McCarthy. It was wonderful to have David in attendance for the renaming and Easter concert. The Easter Charity Concert was a great success covering music from a 17th Century Madrigal to the Arctic Monkeys, bringing to a close a busy Spring term in performing arts.

Alice In Wonderland

At the time of going to print, Year 7 and 8 were preparing to take us to Wonderland, performing outdoors on 'the holy grass' of the Grove Quad. Despite the heat, rehearsals are going well with a cast of over 50 students involved, plus an exclusive pre-show gig by our Year 9 'School of Rock' band.

The audience, likely to be armed with picnic blankets, snacks and sunhats, will be treated to a whirlwind experience meeting the iconic characters of Lewis Carroll's classic.

They are asked not to be ‘late’ like the White Rabbit, and will be invited to chill at the Caterpillar Cafe, smile at the Cheshire Cat but strongly recommended NOT to eat the tarts as the Queen of Hearts would have their head!

A special mention to our wonderful tech club who helped with a multitude of prop making – from cup cakes to roses.

Arts Dinner

The 28th Arts Dinner for sixth form students celebrated another year of success in the Arts and included students from Art, Drama, Design, Media Studies, Music and English. Touching and humorous speeches from students, and eulogies from staff accompanied fine dining on the Hastings-Long Gallery.

Fond Farewells

Our Leavers’ Soirée was an opportunity to say goodbye to our incredibly talented Year 13 musicians - so many accomplished musicians performed individually and in groups, and we hope they all continue to showcase their talents upon leaving the Grove.

At the end of this academic year, we also say farewell to Mrs Baker, Director of School Productions and teacher of Speech and Drama. Over the last 5 years, Mrs Baker has directed 13 outstanding shows and has always gone above and beyond for our students. If she's not joining in the warm-up drama games, she is knee-deep in props and set, and you can often find her making (and trying on) costumes for the shows! We thank Mrs Baker for her extraordinary contribution to the Arts at the Grove and wish her all the best in her next adventure.

Reflecting on the trips highlighted here, we are reminded of how life-affirming school trips and tours can be. Whilst the sport or informative nature of the trip is important, it’s even more important for the students to spend time away with their friends and develop so many new life skills, including independence, confidence and social skills.

Andorra Ski Trip

What a week! During February half term, 72 of our Year 8 and 9 pupils, along with 8 staff members, travelled to Andorra.