The Westcliff Diary T: 01702 475443 E: office@whsb.essex.sch.uk W: www.whsb.essex.sch.uk Issue 89 / SPRING 2020

In this issue: Centenary Activities across the School Success in many National competitions Gallery of Fantastic Art Work

The Westcliff Diary Page 1 our wider School community. Those to record my particular thanks to Mrs dark times of the Second World War. It is Centenary Archive From the particularly interested in the School’s Mumford (Second Deputy) and Mr a scholarly work which is accessible and history may like to know that the School Partridge (Director of Resources & beautifully crafted. Most importantly, it Work has already begun on the School’s celebrated its Jubilee (50 years) at the Support Services) for their support in provides an insight into the people of the Centenary archive which will be housed desk of the Cliffs Pavilion with a formal Dinner hosted co-ordinating the arrangements for WHSB community across ten decades, in the School’s new Centenary Room. by the Old Westcliffian Association. I am the evening, including the associated helping us to understand their lives, their The Centenary Room will provide a Headmaster particularly grateful to Governors, staff, materials. My particular thanks also to hopes and aspirations, their challenges bespoke space to display artefacts and parents and pupils for the many hours of Mr Jeffreys, Mr Derrick, Mr Bleakley and their successes. Copies of the book documents from the School’s past, as well work invested in enabling the School to and Mr McGee, along with the co- may be pre-ordered and details of how as providing a safe storage resource for Welcome back from host what promises to be a fitting official contributors, for the tremendous work to do so will be available later this term. all such items. Therefore, this will become the Headmaster launch to our Centenary celebrations. invested in planning and preparing for An event to launch the book, including an important educational resource for this special evening. an opportunity to attend a lecture by Dr our pupils as they study the lives of their The staff in our subject departments have White, will be held on 26 March. predecessors and their society across Our History also been working hard to prepare for the School History Book Launch and Centenary the last 100 years. I would like to thank Centenary, and they will be incorporating Lectures For those with a taste for history, I would all those people who have already kindly Welcome back to the start of a new term, Centenary-themed material and activities like to strongly recommend attendance at donated archive material to the School. and the beginning of an important year into lessons during the year. You will find I am delighted to inform you that Dr the Centenary Lectures, in particular the Please contact Mrs Clarke or Mrs Weller in the history of our School. As most in some examples of this as you read through Alan White, former Deputy Headmaster lectures to be given by Mr Andrew Baker, in the School’s Community Development our community will know it is 100 years The Diary. of the School, is putting the finishing former Headmaster of the School. Mr Office (CDO) if you have items you would or so since some members of the local touches to his book covering the history Baker taught History and Politics for over like to donate or lend to the School for a community came together to drive the Support from our School Community of the School. The book provides a 40 years and is the author of a number of period of time. I look forward to providing creation of a new school. On the first fascinating account of the formation and books in the fields of History and Politics, further updates on the development of day our School opened its doors, it was I would like to take this opportunity to development of Westcliff High School and Education more generally. We are our archive and the Centenary Room as under the name of The Commercial thank our Centenary Patrons, Lord Gold for Boys, and the context within which most grateful to Mr Baker for agreeing this project develops. School, based in a converted building and Lord Petre, who have offered their it operated. It provides superb insight to contribute to our programme of in Victoria Avenue, Southend. This was support to our Centenary events, and to into those who pushed for the creation Centenary events. I look forward to seeing you during this a co-educational school for the town’s the principal sponsors of our Centenary of the School and their successors who term and hope you enjoy the events we rapidly expanding population. After just Year, Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP. We enabled it to thrive, even through the have planned. two years, the School’s name was changed have received so much support for our to Westcliff High School and, by 1926, Centenary from other generous donors the boys had moved to our present site to our commemorative programme for the such as Rickard Luckin, Cadman and Mr become Westcliff High School for Boys Centenary is included with this edition Ian Francis, as well as many generous (WHSB), whilst the girls (Westcliff High of The Westcliff Diary, and this outlines donations in the form of time or luxury School for Girls) remained at Victoria details of the various events planned for raffle prizes. I would like to thank all these Avenue until the 1930s when they moved the year ahead. contributors for their generosity. It is their next door to our current site. support which has enabled us to ensure You will be interested to see our aerial we can make the Centenary Year really School Ethos photograph of all the pupils and staff in special for all. the School in the centre of the Centenary As Mr Herbert Glynne Williams, the first programme, marking a special moment as It is with this in mind that I should also like Headmaster, wisely noted in a special a community. I wish to extend my thanks to record my sincere thanks to the Old edition of The Gateway from 1926 (the to all pupils and staff for their superb Westcliffian Association and the Parents’ antecedent to The Westcliff Diary), the co-operation in enabling us to record such Association for their tremendous support early success of the School “could not a splendid commemorative image. We and encouragement with the Centenary have been achieved without the cordial have also included a word cloud which preparations. The Old Westcliffian co-operation of all who make up a School incorporates the names of all current Association has already agreed to donate community. Governors, parents, staff and pupils, Staff and Governors at the back a sum towards the development of the pupils have all worked splendidly in that of the commemorative programme. In School’s Centenary Archive Room, as well spirit of comradeship and ignoring of self designing the programme, we wanted as providing funds to assist the rapidly that is so essential” to build a successful to ensure that the involvement of all expanding Combined Cadet Force (CCF). School community. These words remind of the current pupils and staff in the Attendance and Good attendance is important as the The School is an orderly community and us that it is our School’s ethos which School’s Centenary Year was recorded The Official Launch Behaviour School’s performance data shows a strong takes pride in the good conduct of the fuels our strong sense of community for posterity. Copies of the photograph, correlation between days missed from overwhelming majority of its pupils. In and, ultimately, our identity as a School. or the word cloud, can be purchased by At the time of writing, there are a few School and academic underperformance. circumstances where there is a concern That ethos and identity has continued way of a memento of our Centenary Year places remaining for the Centenary Whilst this is a special year, it is also As I have noted previously, I fully regarding behaviour, we believe the most to help shape the lives of generations of and details of how to order these will be launch but these are limited and bookings business as usual. It remains important understand that any parents taking their effective means of helping a pupil to Westcliffians, and it is this that we come available on the School’s website in due will close on 17 January, so please that pupils stay focused on their studies child out of lessons on holidays have overcome difficulties is for parents and together to celebrate as we enter our course. All profits from the sale of the ensure you book via TicketSource if as important examinations are coming no intention of damaging their child’s the School to work together to provide Centenary Year. photographs and/or word cloud will go you would like to attend. I would like up. Most notably, Year 13 start their Trial educational prospects but, unfortunately, coherent and consistent guidance and towards the School’s Centenary Fund Examinations at the start of this term. our data indicates that is a likely outcome support. It is important that issues are Celebrating 100 Years which will be used to improve the School’s I would like to take this opportunity of their actions. It is simply not feasible addressed in order that poor routines sporting and recreational facilities. to remind the School community of to expect a pupil to easily make up time do not become habitual and so create We are looking forward to an exciting the importance of maintaining good lost given the pace of the lessons at the a barrier which prevents a pupil from programme of events throughout our The official launch of the School’s attendance and behaviour. Our statistics School. Equally, prioritising holidays over reaching his/her full potential. Centenary Year. We have planned some Centenary will be held at the Cliffs for both attendance and behaviour School can send an unintended message superb Centenary-specific events to Pavilion, Southend–on-Sea, on Saturday continue to exceed national levels and to a pupil regarding the importance of Parents are welcome to contact the mark this special year, whilst others will 1 February 2020 and we are looking we work hard to maintain and, where school attendance. relevant Pastoral Team at the School if reflect our usual, popular programme with forward to welcoming pupils from possible, improve our performance. they wish to discuss any of these specific an added Centenary theme. A copy of across the years, and other friends from issues or are seeking advice.

Page 2 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 3 School News thorough knowledge of the structure themselves. I strongly encourage all Institute of Physics Dr Machacek and Mr Dalby have made who were receiving the Lawrence Bragg and rubric of the examination papers, pupils to challenge themselves to actively such a significant contribution to this gold medal and prize for their work in e.g. how many papers, the duration of the engage in the School’s extra-curricular Award worthwhile project. setting up and directing The Isaac Physics GCSE and Advanced examinations and distribution of marks. programme and I would be grateful if Project. Students frequently under-estimate the parents could support that participation Westcliff High School for Boys is On Tuesday 19 November 2019, Dr Level Trial time needed for revision if they are to through encouragement and providing fortunate to enjoy a strong relationship Machacek and Mr Dalby were invited With challenges such as climate change Examinations reach their target grades. As a guide, our the necessary logistical arrangements. with the Physics Department at The by the Ogden Trust to attend the and over-population needing imminent students who do well are achieving 20 University of Cambridge and, through Annual Institute of Physics Awards solutions, there is no doubt physicists will In just five months (approximately 16 or more hours of independent study per Mr McGee Dr Machacek, both he and Mr Dalby evening, which took place at the play a key role in everyone’s future. The School weeks) Year 13 and Year 11 week and this increases as they approach have been significant contributors to Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The Isaac Physics Project was well deserving students will commence their Public their examinations. Commissioned for BBC/ The Issac Physics Project. Dr Machacek evening was attended by some eminent, of the gold medal (the highest medal of Examinations. Year 11 pupils have S4C Score is a long time contributor to the project, internationally recognised physicists. We the Institute of Physics) which recognises already received the results of their Trial It is important for both Year 11 and co-authoring the A Level book. Through congratulate Dr Machacek and Mr Dalby its tremendous impact in increasing Examinations, together with feedback Year 13 students to have a structured the School’s associations, Dr Machacek who were invited to support Professor the numbers of young people choosing from their teachers. It is important revision plan broken down into days At WHSB, we encourage our students to and Mr Dalby have co-authored the Mark Warner and Dr Lisa Jardine-Wright, Physics as a career. that this information is used to inform and weeks. Revision does not require take an interest in the wider life of the GCSE book for the project and have also their revision plans. It is also vital for the use of a computer. The focus should School and their communities, and in delivered a presentation at the Annual Year 11 pupils to understand that be on the understanding and retention activities beyond their subjects, and we Isaac Physics Boot Camp at the University their GCSE grades this summer will be of knowledge, as well as practising past are delighted that so many of our staff of Cambridge for the past few years. used by universities when considering examination questions under timed choose to do the same. any future application they make for conditions. I would encourage parents Professor Mark Warner, Professor of a university place. Therefore, pupils to discuss revision plans with their sons/ I would like to congratulate Mr Theoretical Physics at Corpus Christi considering competitive courses at the daughters and assist them by ensuring McGee, our Director of Sixth Form and College has delivered a lecture to pupils most prestigious universities must focus electronic devices (mobile phones, laptops talented teacher of Music, on his recent at WHSB, and in return for releasing our on obtaining Grades 8 and 9 in the GCSE etc.) are set aside. commission to produce a score for a staff to contribute to the Project we are Examinations. The matter of A Level BBC/S4C programme which followed pleased to benefit from free Isaac Physics options will be discussed this term and a Welsh brass band in its preparations resources and materials. Year 11 pupils must not under-estimate Pupil Participation for Christmas. The work, Diweddglo the scale of the challenge presented by Nadoligaidd, or Festive Finale, features The Isaac Physics resources and website GCSE Examinations, and the need to We continue to emphasise to our pupils a reworking of three traditional Welsh are now used in 90% of schools where A reach their full potential next summer in the importance of participation. We carols and is scored for brass band, Level Physics is taught. The project also order to provide a secure platform for were treated to some wonderful events youth wind band, recorder consort and supports new Physics teachers and non- Post-16 education. and activities last term, and I would like choir. The performance was recorded specialists who are teaching outside their to offer my thanks to all the talented on 12 December 2019 and broadcast on subject area and we are proud that that Left-to-right: Dr A Machacek, Mr K Dalby, Dr Lisa Jardine-Wright, Jennifer Crowter Year 13 students will commence their pupils and dedicated staff who made Christmas Eve. Trial Examinations at the start of this possible. I was also delighted to this term. The Phase 1 Report issued see so many pupils and their parents Many of you will know Mr McGee, either The WHSB Parents’ many of the experiences and activities Staff Changes for the to Year 13 students in the Autumn attending to show their support. This, from his teaching and pastoral work, or Association they currently enjoy. Spring Term Term demonstrated that a number of too, is participation and an important through the Sinfonia and other concerts students had performed well; however, means of contributing to the School and events. He is a member of our I would like to offer my sincere thanks In addition to supporting our We are delighted to welcome back Mrs a significant minority had fallen below community. There is much evidence to outstanding Music Department, led by Mr to our Parents’ Association who have, entertainment events, the Parents’ Koutas, Teacher of English, from her their target grades. The main reason link participation with the development Derrick, and since joining the School in once again, worked tirelessly to provide Association carry out sterling work in maternity leave. We are grateful to Mrs for under-performance was insufficient of self-confidence and a true sense of self- 2017 he has made a superb contribution the School with superb levels of support supporting our arrangements for events Adams for providing cover during this revision, particularly of Year 12 material. worth. In our experience this supports towards widening opportunities for during the last term. The presence of such as the Sixth Form Open Evening period; she is a highly experienced English It is vital that all students have a and enables academic achievement, and pupils. We were proud indeed to hear of our fantastic Parents’ Association at our in November. They provide essential teacher who has previously taught at comprehensive set of notes which cover success at university and employment his prestigious commission. School events makes such a difference to support at these events by serving WHSB and she now leaves us to teach the entire syllabus for each of their A interviews, as well as being personally the experiences of our pupils and guests refreshments, but also make an additional at another local school. We say farewell Level subjects. They should also have a fulfilling and rewarding for the pupils and we are fortunate indeed to enjoy their and valued contribution by talking to Miss Hung who has returned to Hong dedicated input. to prospective students and parents, Kong. We are most grateful to Miss Hung offering a further, helpful perspective. In for her services as a Science teacher I know that members of the Parents’ December, we delighted to be joined by and we wish her well for the future. We Association are so grateful to all those the Parents’ Association for the School’s hope to make an appointment shortly to members of our School Community who Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, replace Miss Hung. Mr Finnigan and Mr have supported them at events during during which they served complimentary Turnpenny (both Old Westcliffians) who the Autumn Term. Over £400 was raised mulled wine and mince pies. That was a served as Teaching Assistants for one from the Parents’ Association’s sales wonderful occasion, and we are looking term left the School to commence training of pre-show and interval drinks, ice- forward to working alongside the Parents’ and Higher Education. We wish them cream and confectionery, and holding a Association during 2020, our Centenary every success with their endeavours. raffle across the three-night production year. Please do get in touch with the of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I Parents’ Association if you would like to I would like to take this opportunity understand that £400 was also raised become involved as it is an excellent way to formally welcome Mrs Holley and through their serving of mulled wine in which you can offer support to your Mrs Wells who joined the School in the and raffling a luxury Christmas hamper son’s/daughter’s School, and to make a Autumn Term as Sixth Form Pastoral at the Christmas with the Big Band event. notable difference to the experiences of Assistants, and Miss Grey who joined Through the generosity of the Parents’ our pupils and their School community the administrative staff during last term. Association, the School has benefitted ([email protected]). We also welcome Mr Stenhouse and Mr from many essential resources, such as Sounthararajah (Old Westcliffians) who our Minibus provision, without which the return to the School for a year to work as pupils would not have been able to access Teaching Assistants.

Page 4 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 5 School News Pupil Care Plans • History, Politics and Social Issues; and History, and also if you are thinking of • Art and Film; applying to top Russell Group universities The School would like to ensure that • Music and Culture; such as Oxford, Cambridge, University parents are aware of the importance of • Science and Technology. College London, Imperial, LSE and Southend Youth Mayor updating Care Plans. If you know that Southampton. your son/daughter has a specific illness or Students will be encouraged to be critical I am delighted to congratulate Eugene Vlas on his election as condition requiring a Care Plan, we would and analytical throughout this process Mr R Barber Southend-on Sea’s Youth Mayor (his term of office commenced ask that you ensure that a copy of the and use a range of sources, including Head of Breadth Studies on 6 November 2019). Eugene has already served as a member Plan, and any accompanying medication, is books and journal articles. They are to of the Borough’s Youth Council since late 2016 having responded provided to the relevant Pastoral Team. develop their own question to be debated PSHEE Key Stage 4 and to an advertisement in the local newspaper inviting young people and answered. They can focus on global, to apply. When joining the School in Year 7, a Care national or local issues. Learners will then 5: Centenary Eco- Plan is usually received from a Healthcare use this research to present their findings Council As part of the election process, Eugene was required to outline Professional, if it has been provided by the to an audience and the presentation his manifesto to the Youth Council prior to the members voting Primary School. Medical issues should will be followed by a Q&A session. This on his candidacy. As part of this speech, Eugene outlined also be declared on the Pupil Information will act as a rehearsal for their EPQ viva To commemorate the Centenary Year at his plans for the creation of a Charity Committee within the Sheets which are issued each year for presentations and it will be assessed WHSB, a Centenary Eco-Council has been Youth Council, which would raise and donate sums of money to updating during the Summer Term. These using an adapted version of the Extended created. The Council sits every Thursday charities selected by the members of the Youth Council. He also details remain on your son’s/daughter’s Project Qualification A04 assessment lunchtime in E29 and is run by Sophia envisaged the funds raised being used to support youth projects School file, unless we are otherwise criteria. Jones (Year 13), supported by Maximilian within the local community. informed. Rowe (Year 9). The work of the Council builds on the PSHEE curriculum at the Eugene is also keen to provide another Music Mayhem festival Care Plans should list details relating to Extended Project School and provides students with the following the success of last year’s event. The festival offers local allergies, diabetes, recurring illnesses, or Qualification Success opportunity to become actively involved bands the opportunity to play music at a local venue. A date and other conditions. As conditions change in contemporary ideas. It explores venue have yet to be set although Eugene anticipates there will and adapt as your child grows, the School (EPQ) Success environmental issues and discusses ways be significant support for the festival from local young people. does need to be made aware of these in which students can have a greater and changes. It is the responsibility of parents The EPQ results in 2019 were again positive impact on the environment and Included in Eugene’s programme for his term as Youth Mayor is a to provide these details and this will allow exceptional with 87% graded A*-A, the world around us. commitment to work with local transport companies to explore us to better assist pupils in the event of and 100% A*-B. An impressive 45% of lowering the price of public transport for young people. He has any medical situations. all grades awarded were A*. The EPQ This Centenary Eco-Council also supports already had discussions with C2C and hopes to have discussions dissertation is worth half an Advanced students in the development of their with the bus companies in the near future. Eugene is concerned Mrs C Burden Level in terms of UCAS points and it has skills in public speaking, critical thinking, that public transport prices remain far too high for young people. TAA Supervisor enabled students to access some of the leadership, research and teamwork, top Russell Group universities. as well as increasing their confidence Eugene also wishes to see an increase in the numbers of young Year 12 Breadth and providing them with opportunities people volunteering to join the Youth Council. He has already I would like to take this opportunity to to make new friends. The Council also sought to improve the Youth Council’s marketing strategy by Studies Centenary thank the following staff that supported helps nurture links between older and redesigning its logo. He is also encouraging the Youth Council to Year students last year with their dissertations: younger students at the School. If you are do more to promote campaigns for improving the quality of life Mr Baggs, Mr Bleakley, Mr Cunneen, interested in finding out more, then please for all residents of the local area. Miss Dolan, Mr Farrell, Mr Hudson, Mr come along one lunchtime. You will be Year 12 students have one period Jeffreys, Dr Machacek, Mr Keenan, Mr very welcome! The School is proud of Eugene’s election and service to the each week during which they have the Marriott, Ms Porter, Mr Sampson, Dr community and we wish him every success during his term as opportunity to study and discuss topics Shepherd, Mr Steel, Mrs Hammond, Mr Mr R Barber Youth Mayor. and issues beyond the confines of their Stevens and Mr Williamson. These staff Key Stage 4 and 5 PSHEE Co-ordinator A Level subjects. During this lesson, gave up a significant amount of their own Headmaster students explore world issues and topical free time to support learners with this events, for example county lines, knife voluntary qualification and their subject crime, and British culture and values. specific-support and guidance has been Learners also have the chance to gain integral to the students’ success. additional certificates such as Open University Open Learn qualifications. The current Year 13 students have been These can add extra substance to putting the finishing touches to their their UCAS Personal Statement and EPQ dissertation over the Christmas Curriculum Vitae. In Breadth Studies, holidays so that the written component learners develop useful life skills, such as of the dissertation is completed before referencing, critical thinking, effective the commencement of their trial writing, researching and touch typing. examinations. Presentations and viva examinations will take place throughout We are most grateful to the Principal Sponsor of our Centenary Year: Throughout January and February, the coming months. Breadth Studies will be commemorating the Centenary Year by undertaking If you are in Year 12 and are interested Centenary-themed lessons. in this qualification, then please do not hesitate to make an appointment to come Year 12 Breadth Studies students and see me. This should be of particular will research a decade in groups of interest to you if you are thinking of four, and each is going to present one applying for competitive degree courses, STRATFORD - BILLERICAY - BENFLEET - SOUTHEND theme throughout the decade from the i.e. Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, following: Dentistry, Law, Economics, Geography

Page 6 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 7 School News Oxbridge Programme “taster days” this term. Included amongst The Westcliff Centre WHSB and, to meet demand, the School The WCGC is now actively considering these are the excellent Villiers Park has increased the proportion of spaces it ways to reach out to even more local As part of the School’s ongoing residential courses which enable some for Gifted Children allocates to the priority area 11+ passers primary school children to encourage commitment to support applications to of our most able students to immerse Programme to 80% of the cohort from September them to attend and be inspired by what the nation’s most prestigious universities, themselves for four or five days in an 2020. the School has to offer. We will continue a 16th annual visit to Cambridge academic environment, looking at topics to work through local Primary School University is planned for this term. We beyond the A Level syllabus, surrounded The Westcliff Centre for Gifted Children The WCGC programme has evolved leadership teams, but we will also look hope to continue the successful format of by young scholars of similar intellect and (WCGC) programme continues to inspire over time to meet the needs of the at alternative ways to reach as wide an combining a tour for Year 11 pupils with disposition. more local pupils to consider a Grammar School and the local potential pupils it audience as possible, including use of the a meeting with an Admissions Tutor at School education. Its current provision seeks to serve. We now offer all pupils local press and Social Media. The WCGC Emmanuel College. A date has yet to be Students interested in Villiers Park includes a series of Go for Grammar! a session in Modern Foreign Languages Saturday programme will also continue Debating finalised but will be a Saturday in January courses should see Mr Stevens for further events held on five different Saturdays alongside English and Mathematics at to include up-to-date and useful, practical or February. Once again, this visit will details. across the academic year. Since its advent, every event, rather than providing a advice to maximise pupils’ opportunities be run in conjunction with WHSG. A local uptake of the 11+ has increased and theme day only. This reflects a renewed to reach their potential in the 11+ This is the main term for the various complementary trip to Oxford University Professor Peter WHSB has steadily increased the number Government interest in languages and it process. Schools’ Debating Competitions entered is intended for late February/early March of local pupils it admits each year and seeks to inspire children to communicate by the School: the English-Speaking Union for Year 12 students. Mandler: Education 2019 saw us fill all of our local priority across language barriers. We have also Mr J Bleakley Mace, the Oxford Union Senior Schools’ Lecture area spaces for the first time in many introduced the offer of a multi-sports day Director of Lower School Competition and the Cambridge Union’s If you would like further details please see Thursday 27 February 2020, 7.30pm years. With larger Year Group sizes than each year, reflecting the School’s growing Schools Competition. These are major Mr Stevens in the first instance. ever before, this represents the highest success in local, regional and national national and international competitions number of local pupils ever admitted into sporting events. and the standard of debating is high, Politics Trip On Thursday 27 February, we are and getting higher each year. We have delighted to welcome Professor Peter also entered Years 7-9 teams in the Mandler (Gonville & Caius College, Geography Project and Lectures International Competition for Young During the Spring Term, our Year 12 Cambridge) to the School. He is for our Centenary Year Debaters, held by the Oxford Union this Politics students are planning to visit Professor of Modern Cultural History Wednesday 12 February 2020, 7.30pm year. We hope to organize our usual the Palace of Westminster under the at The University of Cambridge, a Debating Workshop this term, in School, auspices of the Parliamentary Education former President of the Royal Historical Whether it be the pressures of plastic pollution, the threat with the ESU. Unit. As well as visiting The House of Society, and the foremost authority of global warming, geopolitical tensions and conflicts, or the Commons and the House of Lords, we will on The History of Mass Education in question of immigration, geographical issues are dominating the Schools’ Challenge attend a workshop event focusing on the Britain in the 20th Century. In support news more so than ever. The world is a dynamic place and the legislative process. This promises to be a of our Centenary Programme, he will face of the Earth has changed immeasurably in truly fascinating Quiz most interesting and informative visit. give an evening lecture on how popular ways since Westcliff High School for Boys was founded in 1920. demand for education, rather than Even a cursory glance at the local map and photographs here We have been engaged in the opening politics and policy-making, has driven reveals the continuity and change of the Westcliff area itself over rounds of the Schools’ Challenge Quiz. Masterclasses the course of Educational Reform the past century. However, the competition will heat up this in Britain since the Second World term as we head towards the Finals and We have supported a number of Sixth War: comprehensive reorganization, Therefore, in order to celebrate the centenary of WHSB, the our usual rivalry with KEGS, SHSB and Form students to make bookings on the growth of participation in post- Geography Department will be taking a retrospective look at Bancroft’s. various university-level masterclasses or compulsory education, the changing menu the last 100 years and analysing the changes that the world of subject choices for public examinations has experienced during this time. The Department will be co- etc. Beforehand, after School, Professor ordinating a special set of lessons for all Lower School classes Mandler will also be working with focusing on the physical, environmental and human changes that selected History students on aspects the world has witnessed during WHSB’s history. of historiography relating to social and cultural history. His latest book, The Crisis In the Centenary Lessons, pupils will be exercising their of the Meritocracy: Britain’s Transition to geographical skills by studying maps and graphs, looking at Mass Education since the Second World recent changes in atmospheric greenhouse gases and linking War will be published in 2020 by Oxford it to climate change. They will also look at border changes, University Press. migration and globalisation, and examine how these changes have influenced society and the School today. We are delighted Mr R Stevens that much of the research work needed for these lessons will be Head of Politics undertaken by Year 12 Geography Prefects, thereby developing their own knowledge and skills.

In addition, there will also be a series of mini-lectures on the evening of Wednesday 12 February 2020, starting at 7.30pm. Each lecture will tackle a specific aspect of world change, including globalisation, culture, climate change, urbanisation, threats to the environment and the world in numbers. In true geographical fashion, we will also look to the future and consider the role WHSB students have in shaping our global society.

All are welcome to this evening which is not to be missed. Students studying Geography at GCSE and A Level will also find the lectures helpful in relation to their studies.

Mr L Norman and Dr M Shepherd Geography Department

Page 8 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 9 Trips & Visits After lunch, students had the opportunity also noted, “It was a fantastic learning to visit the Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition, experience for all of the students involved Chemistry at Work having learnt that this required six years who had studied at Kings College focusing which displayed over 200 original and I saw students’ confidence in drawing 2019: A Retrospective of study at university, it certainly opened on the electromagnetic spectrum and The Queen’s Gallery drawings. This gave students the chance growing before my eyes.” Litika Navti up a new doorway for students who how to incorporate this into medicine. Trip: A Retrospective to acknowledge the materials and (Year 13) said, “The life-drawing was a had never considered this as a potential She raised particular areas of interest, techniques used by the Great Master, great opportunity to look at art from a On Wednesday 23 October 2019, career. especially MRI scans and X-rays. using the experience they had gained in different perspective. The trip overall was selected Year 10 pupils attended the On Wednesday 2 October 2019, Miss the morning. The students also selected very educational and inspirational”. Chemistry at Work workshop at the Tilbury As all the schools rotated around the Later, we heard a presentation from Mr Price accompanied Sixth Form Art drawings of particular interest, sketching Cruise Terminal, organised by the Royal presentations, WHSB students attended Michael Burcher who spoke about his students on an educational visit to The them and making annotations which could Miss L Price Society of Chemistry. It promised to be a talk by Mr Gill who works at Basildon career in Chemical Engineering. After Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. be used to develop their own coursework Lower School Art Co-ordinator an eye-opening experience being led by a and Thurrock Hospital as a Pharmacist discussing Brexit, he outlined some of The day was highly valuable, both in projects. Isabel de Villiers (Year 12) multitude of speakers in diverse areas of and he wanted to ensure that if we took the most ingenious and innovative ideas terms of further developing the students’ commented, “It was really interesting Ski Trip the industry. anything away with us, it was that being in his field to date. Mr Burcher wished to drawing skills and their understanding seeing some of the great Leonardo da a pharmacist does not always involve emphasize the wide scope of Chemistry; 15-23 February 2020 of processes, and techniques used by Vinci artwork. He is one of the greatest The first talk was given by an employee of passing prescriptions to someone over a for example, from talking about dyes and Leonardo da Vinci. artists, so it was inspiring and interesting Synthomer. The company’s focus revolves counter. A hospital pharmacist saves lives, how they were first discovered by William to learn about him and his art.” The 2020 Ski Trip to Sestriere, Italy will around polymers and their properties. At prescribing the correct medication and Perkin using vegetables, to building large During the morning, students took part soon be underway with accommodation the top of their priorities was distributing taking away any unnecessary medication structures like the Uranium Olympic Dam. in a life-drawing workshop run by the The Gallery staff remarked upon the booked at the Hotel Lago Losetta. This these specialist polymers for particular on a regular basis. We were shocked to This is an impressive career indeed. Gallery. They were challenged to draw exemplary conduct of our students and trip will provide 80 pupils, most of whom scenarios. It became apparent during hear of a situation in which an elderly directly from a live model, thus demanding the wonderfully inquisitive nature they are beginners, with the chance to try a this talk (and throughout most of the woman arrived at the hospital on 45 Mr Rob Christie worked for Johnson they worked decisively with excellent demonstrated during the visit. Miss Price sport not offered in this country, whilst presentations) that these jobs are in high different medications, but ended up Matthey, another Chemical Engineering skills of observation. Casey Children- also immersing themselves in some Italian demand, allowing the people who fill them leaving with just 10! company globally supporting other Smith (Year 12) said, “It really pushed culture. Pupils will also have opportunity earn a high income, even as a newcomer. organisations. We learnt how taking on me out of my comfort zone; however the to try their hand at ice skating and curling. While we were brought back to reality Ms Charlotte Rivas was next, a scientist such a challenge would allow you to travel new techniques we learnt will help me the world –Some of Mr Christie’s friends to explore a greater variety of art styles”. The Ski Trip for 2021 has also been worked for well-known oil companies and Life-drawing has long been a key element booked and all places have now been were earning high salaries and travelling of an Art School portfolio when applying taken. We shall be returning to Sestriere the world. to university, so this experience and with a further 80 pupils who are looking the drawings created will not only form forward to participating this invigorating Finally, before we headed back to School valuable drawing experience, but will also winter activity. for the final lessons of the day, Ms Mona support students in their applications for Soo, a former WHSG student, provided Art-related courses at university. James Mr H Tresidder an insight into what it was like to be Higgins (Year 12) stated, “Whilst initially Teacher i/c Ski Trip a consultant pharmacist. This was an daunting, the life-drawing quickly became enjoyable day which provided an excellent a useful and interesting task, followed insight into careers in Chemistry. The trip by a Gallery visit which will help with our would not have been possible without studies.” the planning and oversight of Miss Lo and Mr Willson and, on behalf of all the pupils who attended, I would like to thank them Year 10 Field Visit to Dorset for their hard work. 14-20 March 2020 Lewis Seal Geology fieldwork is an essential and compulsory requirement of the GCSE course. From Saturday 14 March to Friday 20 March 2020, Year 10 Year 10 geologists will be undertaking field studies from a base in Swanage, Dorset. Visits will be made to iconic coastal locations such as Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Kimmeridge Bay and the Isle of Portland. A wide range of topics will be studied including minerals, rocks and fossils, as well as the folding and faulting of rocks in relation to plate tectonics. Man’s impact on the landscape (following mining and quarrying) will also be considered. Such research will allow students to develop their knowledge and understanding of geology whilst gaining an enjoyment, interest and appreciation of an outstanding landscape fashioned largely by the rocks of Dorset. History Trip to in 1917, this world famous museum was The trip will cost £38 and payment should Imperial War Museum originally intended to record the civil be made on ParentPay to secure a place Mr N Cooper and military war effort and sacrifice of (please note that once payment is made, Head of Geology and Churchill War Britain and its Empire during the First refunds will not be possible). We hope you Rooms World War. The Museum’s remit has will support the History Department and Saturday 21 March 2020 since expanded to include all conflicts in encourage your son/daughter to join what which British or Commonwealth forces should be a fascinating experience. have been involved since 1914. The Next term, the programme of History Museum now aims ‘to provide for, and to Mr B Jeffreys Days Out will continue with our trip to the encourage, the study and understanding Head of History Imperial War Museum and the Churchill of the history of modern war and ‘wartime War Rooms. This series of trips, open to experience’. At the Churchill War Rooms, all pupils in the School, gives those pupils pupils can learn about the life of Winston with a particular love of History, the Churchill, Britain’s powerful former Prime opportunity to spend a Saturday in a place Minister who led the country to victory of significant historical interest. in World War 2, discover what it was like in the British bunkers during the War and The Imperial War Museum and the explore the Cabinet War Rooms and their Churchill War Rooms are no exception. secret passages. Durdle Door, near Lulworth, Dorset Kimmeridge Bay, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset Founded as the Imperial War Museum

Page 10 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 11 Art

It’s All in the Journey!

Art students at WHSB, at all levels, continue to wow and amaze.

During the Spring Term, we are eagerly anticipating the finalising of students’ personal investigations. This year, once Oliver McKenzie, Year 12 Noah Phillips again we have an eclectic range of topics, from the folk art associated with rural Poland, how words and speaking disabilities can be articulated in paint, the quest for perfection in ‘da Vinci’s’ studio, how woman and mother have had to fight for equality and recognition, Climate change and the curse of plastic and the organic elements of beauty.

As WHSB students know, Art involves a journey and at Westcliff we have trod many paths, barriers have been cast aside Litika Navti, Year 13 Dominic Morris, Year 13 Litika Navti, Year 13 and art has found its voice. Wiktoria Lebioda, Year 13 Josiah Maggs, Year 13 Mr T Sinnott Head of Art

Lizzie Irwin, Year 13 Recent A Level work E28 Lewis Seal, Oliver McKenzie, Isobel Taylor Samson Main, Year 12 Abigail Owolabi, Year 13

Litika Navti, Year 13 Isobel Taylor Abigail Owolabi, Year 13 Lewis Nash, Year 12 Georgia Gonzalez

Page 12 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 13 Clubs & Activities Chess Success CHARITY YEAR On Tuesday 12 November 2019, the Wargaming Club WHSB A & B Chess teams hosted Brentwood School and Southend High Charity Update This event was one filled with smoke and The academic year 2018-2019 was a School for Boys in a qualifier round for spotlights, creating a truly spectacular successful year for our Wargamers. Our the Under-19 National Schools’ Chess Within two months of the creation of the atmosphere for all involved. fourth place position in the National Championship. WHSB Charity Committee for 2019/20, Final for Schools’ League spurred on the we have observed a phenomenal start. Our next event was the Charity Quiz younger members of the Club to develop The WHSB A team (Jonathan Cheung, The support of the entirety of the Night on Friday 15 November, with all 100 their knowledge and tactics to be able to Sri Nivasan Loganathan, Ihsaan Abdoul- School has been immense, and a huge tickets sold. The event was hosted by Mr compete to the same standard. Azis, Justus Genthe, Leonard Cheung thanks comes from the Committee to McGee, and organised behind the scenes and Sebastian Rapley-Mende) qualified all students, parents and staff who have by a team of diligent committee markers, This academic year, we have appointed a after winning more than 50% of their committed their time and resources to aid refreshment sellers and technicians. This number of pupils in roles of responsibility matches whilst, unfortunately, the B team our ventures. enjoyable night raised significant funds to allow more structure and to recognise were unable to register enough wins on for our two causes: the Ewan Lane Music their valuable contribution to the this occasion. The Regional round of this We began our schedule promptly, through Foundation and Gold Geese, as we continue Club. Alexander Fall (Year 13) has been competition will take place in the Spring serving refreshments at the WHSB Drama on our mission to ensure we do our very appointed as the Club Leader, donning the Term and at the time of writing we are production of Frankenstein, across three best for these charities this year. unofficial title of Lord of War, with Ellis reorganisation of the Wargame cupboard awaiting further information. nights. We sold soft drinks, popcorn and Swindell (Year 13) appointed as Deputy has allowed the equipment to become ice cream, which went down a treat with On Thursday 12 December, Christmas Club Leader. Our Junior Ambassadors more accessible to all members. The WHSB A team has also enjoyed the audience before each show. Jumper Day took place with students include Charlie Wright (Chapter Master, success in the Chess Problem-Solving wearing their favourite Christmas- Year 11), Fenton Hopkins (Shoutinal, Year On Tuesday 3 December 2019, eight Challenge and has qualified for the second Our first set of day events took place on themed jumpers for a £2 donation for the 10), Alex Crisp (Morkanaut, Year 10), and pupils competed in the National round of the competition. Friday 18 October, where we witnessed day. This was accompanied by Christmas Tom Duddridge (Da Warboss, Year 9). Warhammer 40k Kill Team Championships Head Shaving (and in some cases some Eating Challenges at breaktime, and to concentrate on the local community at Warhammer World, Nottingham. The Junior Chess team will be visiting St eyebrow shaving!) which raised over Teacher Karaoke during the lunchtime. In in which WHSB resides during our Following extensive advertising and The pupils were Alexander Fall (Year Thomas More High School for the Junior £1,000 in sponsorship alone. We greatly the evening, we hosted the Lower School Centenary Year. promotion, it is pleasing to see a large 13), Max Allsopp, Samuel Hughes, and Chess Tournament, whilst the Senior value everyone’s support. The lunchtime, Disco in the Main School Hall. number of Year 7 pupils joining the club, Sean Wright (Year 12), Charlie Wright Chess Tournament will take place at however, saw the highlight event of the The Ewan Lane Music Foundation is a keen to learn from their older peers the (Year 11), and Samuel Birdsall, Thomas Greensward Academy on Wednesday 15 day: Teacher Sumo Wrestling, with star We strongly encourage everybody to get cause dedicated to Ewan Lane, a previous variety of Wargames available. There Davis and Tom Duddridge (Year 9). January 2020. performances from Miss Bailey, Miss involved in helping out with our packed student of the School from 2009-16. are currently plans to organise teaching This was a competition for individuals, Wajgensberg, Mr Bleakley, Mr Tresidder, programme of events throughout the Ewan was a keen and talented musician, sessions in building and painting over however WHSB won the ‘Best School’ This is the first time the School has Mr Finnigan and Mr Turnpenny. The year, as every single penny raised goes and was truly inspirational to those in the academic year to support our Year award; an award for the school been involved in multiple tournaments show was a spectacle, with the female towards two worthy local causes. the School. Sadly, Ewan passed away in 7 pupils. The number of participants demonstrating the best performance and much credit must be given to the teachers seeing Miss Wajgensberg take November 2017, after which his family at Wargaming Club has increased overall. Our congratulations go to Sean pupils who have shown their willingness home the belt. A four-man tournament The chosen charities for this year are decided to establish a charity in his name. extensively such that there are now four Wright for achieving first place in the to be open to opportunities, and their saw Mr Tresidder defeat Mr Bleakley and the Ewan Lane Music Foundation and This excellent charity provides musical classrooms in action every Friday after Championships, as well as winning the commitment to weekly training sessions. Mr Finnigan defeat Mr Turnpenny, leading Gold Geese, two local causes. Our reason opportunities to disadvantaged young School, including Mr Stevens running his award for the best painted Kill Team. His to the subsequent final between Mr for choosing two local organisations is people in South East Essex, who would Dungeons & Dragons campaign. trophy is not the usual cup, and instead Mr K James Tresidder and Mr Finnigan. Mr Tresidder because the funds we raise will be able not otherwise have the chance. We aim to contains a Space Marine hand holding a Key Stage 3 Science Co-ordinator was victorious, following a testing battle to be used to even greater effect than a do Ewan and his family proud by ensuring There is now an active noticeboard chainsword weapon! (and an impromptu asthma pump break). national charity could, and we wanted this academic year’s events run to their outside Room M2 for up-to-date greatest potential, raising as much money information (including trips) and also Miss E Lo as possible to bring music to even more a display board outside Room S3 Teacher of Chemistry young people. highlighting the wonderful successes of the Club at competitions. In addition, a Gold Geese is another recently-founded charity, focused on improving the lives of those suffering from childhood cancer. We were inspired to select this charity after the moving story of a boy in a local school, one close to many within our own community. It is wonderful to be able to observe such excellent work being undertaken in our locality, so we aim to help them as much as possible. The reasoning behind the naming of the charity is a truly emotive one: Gold is the colour for childhood cancer, and Geese are birds which fly long distances in flocks, together. The charity stands for a sense of togetherness, which is so essential during such difficult periods, and therefore we will do our best to help them in offering our support.

Ethan Locke Year 12

Page 14 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 15 Clubs & Activities craft skills, and are to be commended for this. Clubs and Societies 2020 This year, there are 43 clubs and societies to enjoy, the details of which are included below. Clubs and societies provide our pupils with Senior History Society discussed in future months include Stalin, All that remains for participants to do, at opportunities to expand their experiences, knowledge and skills, whilst making friends and developing their confidence and teamwork. Shostakovich & Prokofiev, The Holocaust, both levels, is to complete the other three Pupils are advised that days and times can vary at short notice, so they should listen carefully to announcements in the daily registers The Israeli-Arab Conflict, Elizabethan sections (Skills, Volunteering and Physical) for any amendments. Unlike many schools, in which charges may be made for these activities, our clubs and societies are free of charge The Senior History Society, which meets Theatre, The Mods and Rockers in the in order to complete the relevant award. and are run by staff and students on a voluntary basis and in their own time. Separate Sport and Music timetables are displayed on the weekly, is open to all students in Years 11 1960s and The Great Northern War. Mr The new tier also brings the opportunity Physical Education and Music Department noticeboards. to 13. There are debates and discussions Keenan might even give a brief history of for Year 9 pupils to apply for the Bronze on a wide range of historical issues, all of Ipswich Town Football Club! Come along award, for which I anticipate a high level Mr R Barber which are led by students. We are hoping and find out more! of interest. Letters will be issued shortly. House System Co-ordinator to confirm some visits from Academics in the forthcoming term, so watch this Mr J Theobald Once again, the Bronze Practice Society/Club Day Time Location Years Leader space! Teacher of History Expedition will take place around Danbury, with pupils’ assessment being Monday Morning Meditation Monday 8.20am SF12 All Mr Dalby Mr B Jeffreys Duke of Edinburgh near Roxwell. Silver participants will face Gospel Choir Monday/Tuesday Lunch Theatre All Sixth Form students Head of History more challenging terrain and navigation, Concert Band Tuesday 1.00pm M18 All Mr Derrick Award firstly in the South Downs, before Astronomical Society Tuesday 1.00pm SF12 All Mr Dalby Junior History Society travelling to the Peak District for their With the Silver Award participants having assessment. Health Care & Medical Society Tuesday 1.00pm W31 Sixth Form Miss Lo completed their Assessment Expedition in Computer Security/Antivirus Club Tuesday Lunch W11 All Jake Pilkington Junior History Society meets weekly on a June, those pupils undertaking the Bronze Mr H Tresidder Tuesday lunchtime in W24 and is open to Award did so in September. Since their DofE Co-ordinator The Society Discussion Meetings Tuesday Lunch E29 All Mr Finnigan all pupils in Years 7-10. Talks are given by Practice Expedition in June, the Bronze KS3 Creative Writing Club Tuesday Lunch E29 Years 7-9 Miss McGowan older students and teachers on an exciting participants showed great growth with String Ensemble Wednesday 1.00pm M18 All Mr Derrick range of historical issues. Subjects to be regards to both their navigation and camp Motorsport Society Wednesday Lunch T4 All William Farmer Debating Society Wednesday Lunch S14 All Muhammad Ibrahim Model United Nations Wednesday Lunch W7 Sixth Form Mr Sampson Countdown Club Wednesday 1.00pm E9 All Stanley Upton Junior Countdown Club Friday 1.00pm E9 Years 7-9 Jonathan Huggett, Niall Ivie Boxfit Wednesday 3.35pm Small Gym Years 8-11 Dr Francis Chess Thursday Lunch S14 All Mr James Physics Support Clinic Thursday 1.00pm SF12 All Mr Dalby Brass Ensemble Thursday 1.00pm M18 All Mr McGee CCF Thursday 4.00pm Playground Years 10-13 Mr Bleakley Robotics Club Thursday Lunch W11 All Jack Thorn Engineering Society Thursday Lunch S17 Years 10-13 Mr Hudson Marvel Club Thursday Lunch W31 All Mr Yeo Boxfit Thursday Lunch Small Gym Years 8-11 Dr Francis Cyber Discovery Club Friday Lunch W11 All Devan Chauhan Wargaming Club Friday 3.35pm -5.00pm M2 All Miss Lo Eco Salvage Crew Thursday & Friday Lunch T1 Years 7-9 Mr Moore Environmental Council Thursday Lunch E29 All Mr Barber, Sophia Jones Lower School Study Room Every day Lunch E24 Years 7-9 Form Captains Key Stage 3 Science Club Wednesday A Lunch S13 Years 7-9 Mr Marriott Technology Club Tuesday & Thursday Lunch T1 Years 7-9 Mr Moore GCSE/A Level Technology Club Monday, Weds & Friday Lunch T1 Years 11-13 Mr Moore Geology Club Wednesday B Lunch W31 Years 7-9 Mr Marlow Latin Club Tuesday & Thursday 1.00pm W7 Years 7-9 Mr Sampson KS3 Creative Writing Club Tuesday Lunch E29 Years 7-9 Miss McGowan Screenwriting Club Tuesday Lunch E20 Sixth Form Mr Keenan Makaton Club Monday Lunch W28 All Ethan King Psychology film club Thursday 1.00pm SF13 Sixth Form Ms Wajgensberg Classic Film Club Friday 3.40pm W31 Years 7-11 Mrs Cook First Aid Club Friday 1.00pm E8 All Mr Barber/Samuel Knight Music Appreciation Society Thursday Lunch E24 All Niall Ivie/Stanley Upton Junior History Society Tuesday 12.50pm W24 Years 7-10 Dr Theobald Psychology Society Fridays week B 1.00pm SF13 Sixth Form Ms Wajgensberg

Page 16 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 17 STEM English Competitions The Literati: English at WHSB The English Department is working hard STEM Activities, this year towards its objective to support were further coached by Mrs Williams English: Then and Now including Arkwright as many pupils as possible in entering in preparation for their readings at the more writing competitions. Already, Awards Ceremony in Chelmsford, which The Westcliff Centenary celebrations in Engineering we have seen our pupils enter three the Headmaster also attended. This was a Lower School English will focus on Lower Scholarships competitions, with further opportunities wonderful event and the pupils read their School pupils using poetry to articulate available as 2020 begins. Pupils as poems with clarity and passion. The boys the theme of change over time. Poetry WHSB have traditionally achieved a high were then invited to read the poems at a writing has been a core part of the WHSB It is a fantastic time at the School for level of success in the ‘Essex Young Poet’ dedicated Assembly for the whole School English tradition over the past 100 years. those interested in STEM-related careers competition and this year we were proud and all our pupils listened intently to their Pupils will be given a modern platform and we continue to see a significant trend another two teams who have been busy celebrate the impressive achievements words on this emotive and important upon which to express their views - the in popularity. The number of students investigating and designing in preparation of our Lower School pupils in that subject. We congratulate the pupils on now embedded Lower School ‘Poetry choosing to select STEM-orientated for the forthcoming two-day workshop at competition. their success, through which they were Slam’ format that gave rise to top quality options at GCSE and A Level has increased Cambridge University. Both teams have able to raise awareness of mental health performance poetry in 2018/19. dramatically and attendance at extra- shown much early promise and are eager Chemistry Towards the end of the last academic year, amongst young males. curricular activities is also proving most to emulate their predecessor’s successes. Mastermind/ WHSB entered a large number of poems The WHSB English Centenary Slam will popular. written by our Key Stage 3 pupils, with all I would like to extend my thanks to the feature the best poems produced in Key The Arkwright Scholarship is the most Top of the Bench Year 7 pupils being asked to contribute. English Department for their dedication Stage 3, with emphasis on performance On 16 October, a large number of prestigious of its type in the UK. The Competitions The theme was Mental Health and the and support to all of the entrants. alongside well-crafted, personal verse. students from Mr Hudson’s Engineering selection process is rigorous, involving boys tackled this important issue with The performances will be judged by Society enjoyed an evening at Ford written application, aptitude testing and Last academic year, four pupils competed sensitivity, honesty and compassion. Poetry gives the voiceless a voice. It a range of staff and pupils (hopefully, Dunton at an IMechE seminar on Additive formal interview. Mr Moore has initiated in the Chemistry Mastermind Competition enables simple words to become great past and present) to find the very best Manufacturing and the Advantages of 3D the application process for prospective and, after winning the Essex Regional WHSB pupils won two of the three top ones. Centenary poem. It is hoped that this Printing with Metals. It was most pleasing Year 11 pupils, who will find out shortly Final, WHSB finished in 7th place at the awards and three Highly Commended poem will be performed in Assembly to see our students confidently posing if they have met initial shortlisting National Final of the Top of the Bench results in the Age 11 and Under category; We believe that history has shown that or as part of the myriad of celebrations questions to industry professionals, which requirements. Further information can be Competition. The team consisted of a significant achievement for the current poetry leads to change, in whatever form occurring through the year. What better did not go unnoticed by senior figures found at http://www.arkwright.org.uk. Ethan King and Bhavy Metakar (Year 10), Year 8 pupils in their first year at the that may come, no matter how great or way to capture the spirit of the last 100 at the event. Should students wish to Nivasan Loganathan (Year 11) and Sri School. small. During our Assembly on National years of WHSB than through its future? take part in any future events, they are Within the Lower School, Mr Moore Loganathan (Year 12). After being so close Poetry Day, we challenged the pupils to encouraged to attend the Engineering continues to run Technology Club during to a prize, this spurred the team on to Our winners were: begin taking steps to use their words The Middle School, by extension, will Society meetings held on Thursdays for lunchtimes each week. Pupils are welcome train this academic year’s team. and their voice to affect change. This experience English as taught ‘then’ in further details. to develop their current classroom project Category: 11 and Under: challenge was inspired by the teenage replication lessons and English as taught or realise independent projects of their This academic year’s team includes 2nd prize: Mental Health by Bethel activist, Greta Thunberg, and the subject ‘now’ with a focus on the changing As part of the Engineering Education own. We are also currently planning Gerald Ayittah and Sam Kasakaitis (Year Asiriawa of the Assembly, Percy Shelley and his dynamics of education. Scheme (EES), our highly successful for another Lower School event for the 9), Jamie Stead (Year 10) and Zeeshan 3rd prize: Breathe by Ebraam Abdel-Malek poem, Masque of Anarchy, covering the teams, Blakiston and Asclepius MK I, forthcoming Enrichment Day during the Hossain (Year 11). They have all given tragic events of Peterloo. What is evident World Book Day will also be themed have also been awarded individual Gold Summer Term. up their lunchtimes for a month with Highly Commended: is that we have a collective already in around the Centenary, with a range of CREST certification. The award requires the aim of furthering their Chemistry This is Who I Am by Harveer Bausa place (starting early in the Lower School) activities such as a reading challenge students to make an original contribution I look forward to reporting on the knowledge beyond GCSE and Advanced Autism by Sarat Bhat who are prepared to use their voice and based on novels from the last 100 years, a to a STEM field of study from a project progress of these events, societies and Level standard. Our Sixth Form Chemistry Everyone Has Mental Health by Quinn passion to begin the discussion, at the literary tea party and an expanded literary of at least 70 hours. This recognition projects later in the academic year. prefects have been invaluable in their Williams. very least. Our community is talking, using treasure hunt. rounds off a fantastic year in the EES contribution towards teaching the team their poetry; we now must listen. after Team Blakiston’s triumph in June Mr C Wright a variety of A Level topics, including tips Following Ebraam Abdel-Malek’s reading In addition, the English Department at the Manufacturing Technologies Head of Design & Technology and tricks on how to remember so much to the School of his poem entitled, Breathe Mr T Keenan will host six Literati Book Club events Association’s National Technology, Design information. on National Poetry Day, all the boys Key Stage 3 English Co-ordinator throughout the year. Each term, we & Innovation Awards. This year, we are will read and discuss a significant text fortunate to have been able to field After successfully qualifying for the postal from the past century, beginning with round on Wednesday 20 November 2019, The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Dr Alan Osborne from the Royal Society Christie (1920) published in the year of Chemistry hosted the quarter-final, WHSB was founded. Christie’s first testing the WHSB team to the limit. At novel also launched one of her best- the time of writing, we are waiting to hear loved characters, the moustachioed whether the team has progressed to the Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. Upon semi-final. publication, it received rave reviews, with The Times declaring: ‘The only fault this I would like to thank the current WHSB story has is that it is almost too ingenious.’ team, and the former team for their It was the start of an impressive career; continued dedication towards Chemistry, Christie is now the bestselling novelist and our Sixth Form helpers: Aman Dhanju, of all time, with over 4 billion book sales Greg D’Silva, Athaven Sukunathan, and under her belt. We will then move four Clarence Zwengunde (Year 13), together more significant British texts of the last with Sailesh Kandasamy, Vickyat Ravula, 100 years before ending with a book yet Sarah Rehman, Stanley Upton and Jesper to be published, from 2020. Staff, students Wong (Year 12). and parents all welcome.

Miss E Lo Miss S McGowan Teacher of Chemistry Head of English

Page 18 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 19 Modern Foreign Languages Congratulations to the top 25 pupils who Juvenes Translatores 2019: won the Genius Cup: It was very pleasing that students took the opportunity to European Commission Translation prepare for the competition by translating past papers from the Mother Tongue, Other Languages competition which took Ebrahim Khan, Yuvraj Kambo, George Competition website; those students who are interested can find the 2019 Tongue Competition place during October 2019. It was not Odina, Oliver McCarthy, Hamzah Malji, papers and past papers in the 24 languages of the European an inevitability that we would triumph Rudra Patel, Nivasan Loganathan, Yash Union on the JT website at : from the start, but gradually the top 25 Patel, Santhosh Surenthiran, Ryan We were delighted to be able to take part in the Juvenes http://ec.europa.eu/translatores. The Modern Languages Department was students found their combined scores Jakhu, Nathaniel Iews, Alfie Risk, Pravar Translatores translation competition at the end of November delighted to celebrate pupils’ considerable edging closer to the nearest competitors, Kulshreshtha, Ethan Okai, Dihein 2019. We entered the draw and were randomly selected as one For the first time in the competition, students had to type their success in this year’s Mother Tongue, Other and on the last day we took the lead and Nambukara-Thanthrige, Amir Grant, of the 73 schools in the United Kingdom to participate. Students translations online rather than write them by hand. They had Tongue Poetry Eastern Region Competition. won by a comfortable margin. One of Kelechi Oguledo, Feranmi Fisayo, Ayman born in 2002 were eligible to enter, and the School was permitted two hours to complete the task and could use paper mono and This Competition is organised every the School’s computer rooms, B1, was Sharif, Harish Naguleswaran, Aidan Riglin, to have up to five competitors. All Year 12 and 13 Modern bilingual dictionaries, but no online translation tools. It was year by Routes into Languages East in busy every lunchtime, with competitors Joshua Gray, Harshan Aravinthan, Bhavy Languages students took a selection test using a past paper from very intense for the students and quite exhausting, but they all partnership with Cambridge University’s encouraging one another and checking Metakar, Ronnie Hardy. the EC JT competition website (including those born in 2001 finished, proof read and submitted their work within the two Faculty of Modern and Medieval the School’s status on the leader board; a and 2003 so that they could also benefit from the challenge) and hours. We await the results at the end of January but we are Languages, the Cambridge University fantastic team effort. The next Vocab Express competition will on the basis of their translations, the following students were already very proud of the hard work and dedication the students Bilingualism Network and Murray be in March; further details will follow successful in being chosen to represent the School: have shown, as well as the skill they have demonstrated in Edwards College, Cambridge. Routes into There were some spectacularly high once the dates of the competition have translation. Languages works to promote the take- scores, with two of our pupils, Ebrahim been announced by the organisers. We Spanish - Tumi Akintemi, Benjamin Johanson and Nicholas up of languages through co-operation Khan and Yuvraj Kambo, achieving the have a Genius Cup to defend and we hope Kersch-Hunt Ms J McKeown and Mrs J Williams between universities, schools and colleges Championship Grandmaster Award that even more pupils will join in and earn French - Jonathon Huggett Modern Foreign Languages Department in England. with over 100,000 points each. All 14 points for the School and for themselves. German - Zachary Ward languages on offer were attempted, and Top pupils receive certificates and We publicised the Competition in Summer pupils from Years 7 to 11 took advantage Amazon vouchers from the organisers, Term 2019, and we were delighted to of the opportunity to extend their and badges and House points or Senior receive more entries than last year, which vocabulary in the languages they study, Commendations from the School. were exciting to read. In September as well as to try the new languages. Oliver 2019, we were informed that seven of McCarthy shone in seven languages, Ms J McKeown our pupils had been shortlisted for their including German, Japanese, Mandarin, Head of Modern Foreign Languages poems which were original compositions Greek and Hebrew. in French, German and Spanish. Our poets were Quinn Williams, Ali Sharief, Alexius Brown, Ethan King, Gavin Simon, Mathew Pearman and Pravar Kulshreshtha. At the celebration event, which was held on 16 October 2019 at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, we had a clean sweep in Years 7-10 with Quinn, Ali, Ethan and Mathew winning the Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 competitions respectively. Congratulations to all of our shortlisted pupils, and to the winners!

Mrs J Williams Senior Teacher: Staff Tutor

Vocab Express: League of Champions

Pupils from Westcliff High School for Boys announced themselves spectacularly on the global stage by winning the Genius Cup in this online Modern Foreign

Page 20 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 21 Slices of Pi: Mathematics at WHSB Set Theory This mathematics article is about the STEP/MAT Club for the Core A Level syllabus, with some Intermediate concept of sets and their recursively Sixth Form Students minor additions, and Paper 3 is based Mathematics referential properties, but for readability, on a ‘typical’ Further Mathematics the concept of thoughts is used as a syllabus. The questions on Papers 2 and Challenge metaphor. The Mathematics Department is pleased 3 are supposed to be of a similar level of Thursday 6 February 2020 with the increasing number of Sixth difficulty and are more challenging than Thinking is something that binds us Form students who regularly attend those on Paper 1. Each paper has 13 The Intermediate Mathematics Challenge together, or at least I think so. As you are STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) questions, including three on mechanics takes place on Thursday 6 February reading this, every living person, animal Club during lunchtimes. They have been and two on probability/statistics. 2020. All Year 11 pupils will be able to and maybe even computer is “thinking” working through some STEP questions Candidates are assessed on six questions participate in this national competition about something, depending on how to stretch their ability in Mathematics. only. that will test their problem solving flexible your definition of thought is. The Department would like to thank all abilities. Previously, we have experienced Thinking is such a powerful tool that the students who have contributed to the From the point of view of admissions a great deal of success in this competition, you can think about your own thoughts, Club, especially to Adam Whittaker who is to a university Mathematics/Science/ and we wish to highlight specifically that or the thoughts of others. The act of now the appointed STEP guru. Engineering course, STEP has three success has come from pupils across the thinking about thinking even has a name: purposes. First, it acts as a hurdle: success whole ability range. Due to the nature of “Philosophy”. There is really only one contradiction: Let’s say that the property equal to itself. Hence, it is clear that Ø The STEP Club aims to prepare students in STEP is thought to be a good indicator this competition, we have many pupils problem: What is thought? Some define P(u) was “u is not a thought about itself”. has no subjects (it is not about anything), for university entrance papers, and it of potential to do well on a difficult course. who are challenged by their normal thought as the processing of information; By naïve comprehension, there exists which may be surprising depending on is not limited to those studying STEP. Second, it acts as a preparation for the academic studies and who succeed in the others define it as to generalize, or to some thought X such that for all ‘u’, X is your philosophical viewpoint. We can For anyone interested in the MAT course, because the style of Mathematics IMC because they are able to showcase forget a difference. Few can agree, and a thought about u if and only if u is not a do better. Let us prove that Ø is the only (Mathematics Admissions Tests), Oxford’s found in STEP questions is similar to that their problem solving ability. it is often joked about how philosophy, thought about itself. However, since this thought about nothing. Let us assume for entrance paper, then they may wish to find of undergraduate Mathematics. Thirdly, despite existing since the dawn of is valid for all thoughts ‘u’ it is also true for contradiction that there exists another and talk to Alex Fall or William Skeldon as it tests motivation. It is important to Please feel free to ask your teachers for humanity, only has one axiom: Descartes’ X. Thus, X is a thought about X if and only thought A which is not about anything. they both sat the MAT this year. prepare for STEP (by working through old some additional problems, or you can “I think therefore I am”. Let us add some if X is not a thought about itself, which is a Axiom of Extensionality states that two papers, for example), which can require search for the papers yourself by visiting more. logical contradiction: X is an unthinkable thoughts are equal if all their subjects are STEP is an examination used by considerable dedication. Those who are the UKMT’s website and following thought. Since each of our steps was equal, so A=Ø since both A and Ø have no Cambridge colleges as the basis for not willing to make the effort are unlikely the links there. Last year’s paper with If we want to be able to treat thoughts completely logical, the only explanation subjects. Hence, Ø is the only thought not conditional offers. They are used not to thrive on a difficult Mathematics extended solutions is available for you to as logical objects, we will need to define was that the original axiom is inconsistent. about anything. only by Cambridge, but also by Warwick, course. use for preparation. basic logical operations on them. The This sort of proof by contradiction was and many other university Mathematics most basic is equality: what does it mean first popularized by Zeno around 500BC. To summarize, we have (given our Departments recommend their applicants We have two students, Adam Whittaker FMSP Mathematics for two thoughts to equal each other? We’ll redefine the axiom as follows: axiomatization is consistent) proven that practise on the past papers even if they do and Zachary Ward, who are sitting STEP Thoughts usually have subjects, but here some thoughts are unthinkable, that there not take the examination. this year, so if you require any information Feast (Year 10 Team we consider only the thoughts that are is a thought which is not about anything, about the STEP papers then please find Challenge) about other thoughts. The most simplistic and that there is only one such thought. There are three STEPs, called papers and talk to them. definition of thought equality might be In everyday language this means “For Throughout this article, I have talked 1, 2 and 3. Papers 1 and 2 are based on that two thoughts are equal if and only all y, there exists an x such that for all about thoughts, but that is just an analogy We are hoping to build a team or two if they are about the same things. In u, x is a thought about u if and only if for a deeper mathematical concept, set to take part in the Annual Additional mathematical language, this is written as y is a thought about u and P(u) holds”. theory, which studies objects which Mathematics Support Programme follows: This axiom basically states that given a can contain one another, like thoughts, (previously FMSP) Maths Feast this thought Y, there is a thought about those and the way they behave. The purpose year. Teams will be made up of four Year subjects of Y which satisfy the given of set theory, and by extension all of 10 pupils, and they will tackle a variety condition. Thought theorists call this the mathematics, is as an analogy for entities of interesting problems in unfamiliar This is just a more compact way of writing: Axiom Schema of Separation, because it in the real world. circumstances. In previous years, pupils “For all thoughts ‘x’ and ‘y’, x = y if and only guarantees the existence of thoughts by have been asked to complete Cross if for all thoughts ‘u’, u is a subject of the hitching on the fact that the subjects of Y Problems for the reader Numbers, Relay rounds and Origami thought x if and only if u is a subject of the are thinkable thoughts themselves. This rounds. Miss Dole will be running the thought y”. axiom is good and all, but we have lost Key Stage 3: What is the sum of 1 + 2 + 2 preparatory sessions across the Spring the ability to prove the existence of any + 3 + 3 + 4 + 4 + ... + 34 + 34 + 35 + 35 + Term. All pupils who have an interest in Mathematicians call this statement the thought, but at least we kept the ability 36? Mathematics, not simply those who want Axiom of Extensionality. This is good and to refine a thought to satisfy a given Key Stage 4: Sophie sat several spelling to join the team, are welcome to join. The all, but so far we have not even deduced condition. We will need to supplement tests during the last school year. In teams will be selected from those who formally that a thought exists, meaning this axiom with another to prove thoughts the penultimate test she scored 98, attend, primarily based on dedication to that we have nothing to use this new even exist in the first place: and her average (mean) score for the the competition and their skill at problem axiom on. Let us define a new axiom year increased by 1. In the last test she solving. which ensures the existence of a thought scored 70, and her average (mean) score satisfying a given property: decreased by 2. How many tests did she Mr M Dowding This basically just means that there take in total? Head of Mathematics exists a thought. From just these axioms Key Stage 5: Find all real values of x such we can derive an interesting result: By that: This means “There exists a thought ‘x’ axiom 3 we know that there exists some such that for all thoughts ‘u’, u is the thought X. Using axiom of separation subject of x if and only if a given condition with an obviously false condition such where the angles are measures in radians. P(u) holds” in mathematical language. as a thought u does not equal itself, we Thought theorists might call this “the obtain the thought ‘Ø’ such that for all Adam Whittaker Axiom Schema of Naïve comprehension”. thoughts ‘u’, Ø is a thought about u if and Year 13 Why ‘naïve’? Because it causes a only if X is a thought about u and u is not

Page 22 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 23 Slices of Pi: Mathematics at WHSB Theatre Club Drama Workshop and Mathematician Spotlight: Performance of Theatre, Emily delivered an outstanding Industry Showcase performance in the workshop on the challenges of performing Embassy Theatre. The Royal Central Leonhard Euler Richard III Shakespeare. Emily returns to the School School of Speech and Drama is widely Thursday 6 February 2020, 3.45pm and on 6 February 2020 to present her one- regarded as one of the top drama training 7.30pm Leonhard Euler (1707-1783) was a Swiss Mathematician, woman performance of Richard III. This institutions for those wishing to work physicist and engineer who made varied and numerous advances production has won awards on both the in the theatre-related industries. It is in many branches of Mathematics, such as calculus, graph theory On Thursday 6 February, Westcliff Boys’ Prague and Edinburgh Fringes and was located in Swiss Cottage, north London, and, more generally, mathematical notation. He laid much of Theatre Club welcomes to the School described as an ‘innovative, daring re- in a hub of a vibrant local community the foundation for several recent mathematical topics, such award-winning actress Emily Carding imagining’ by Broadway Baby in a five-star of arts organisations. Our students as topology, analytic number theory, fluid dynamics and music for what promises to be a memorable review. Emily will also be giving Theatre will be visiting the school to look at theory. He was one of the most prominent and well-known performance. Emily joined our actors Club members an after School workshop its facilities, meet its staff and watch mathematicians of the 18th century and is held as one of the recently during the rehearsal process which will run from 3.45pm to 5.00pm, students performing a full musical theatre greatest in history, filling over 92 volumes of books with his work. for the School production of Hamlet. with the performance taking place at production just prior to entering the Drawing on her significant experience, 7.30pm. The evening performance is industry as working professionals, to an Basel Problem (1735) including performing at the Globe open to all and tickets are available on audience packed with casting directors TicketSource for what promises to be and industry professionals. Euler was one of the first to prove that the infinite sum of the an incredible evening of theatre and reciprocal square numbers had a limit, and that the limit was Shakespeare. Mr B Jeffreys quite a nice expression. Director of Drama

Theatre Club Trip to Royal Central School of Speech and Drama This was solved by his use of the power series, using the Maclaurin expansion of sin(x) as well as a forced factorisation of sin(x) and then comparing the cubic term. Those studying Further Next term, the Theatre Club will be Mathematics in Year 12 or 13 may be asked to learn this proof visiting the Royal Central School of themselves. Speech and Drama to watch the School’s other, or to the two mainland portions of the city, by seven Musical Theatre BA students stage their Euler Identity (1748) bridges. The problem was to devise a walk through the city that would cross each of those bridges once and only once. While researching imaginary numbers, Euler also came up Production of The also returns with the greatest hits of the beautiful language of Adrian Mitchell, with “the most remarkable formula in mathematics” (Richard By way of specifying the logical task unambiguously, solutions Lion, The Witch and The 1960s and 1970s as we bring a Classic all coming together to tell this legendary Feynman) which links together five of the most fundamental involving either reaching an island or mainland bank other than Rock twist to our Narnia. Step with us children’s story of sacrifice and triumph constants in mathematics. Again, Year 12 and 13 Further via one of the bridges, or accessing any bridge without crossing Wardrobe from the world of the 1940s into the over evil and death. Tickets are available Mathematics students will be using this identity when they study to its other end are explicitly unacceptable. Essentially, you must Wednesday-Friday, 18-20 March 2020, world of the 1960s and 1970s, with on TicketSource and all are welcome. imaginary numbers. travel every bridge once and end up on the other side of the river. 7.30pm Beatles outfits, psychedelic costumes and plenty of hair. Listen to the wonderful Mr B Jeffreys The difficulty Euler faced was the development of a suitable As we celebrate 100 years of The music of David Bowie, Queen and Led Director of Drama technique of analysis, and of subsequent tests that established Westcliff Schools, next term WHSB’s Zeppelin, together with the equally The Seven Bridges of Königsberg (1736) this assertion with mathematical rigor. The solution to the Music and Drama Departments are proud problem was obvious to a number of people, but there was, at to bring you our trademark ‘mash up’ The city of Königsberg in Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia) was that point, no mathematical way of expressing it. performance of The Lion, The Witch and set on both sides of the Pregel River, and included two large The Wardrobe, exploring the events and islands—Kneiphof and Lomse—which were connected to each To start you off, Euler pointed out that the choice of route culture of a variety of decades from the inside each land mass is irrelevant. The only important feature School’s history. of a route is the sequence of bridges crossed. This allowed him to reformulate the problem in abstract terms (laying the The great C S Lewis’ fable of The Lion, foundations of graph theory), eliminating all features except the The Witch and The Wardrobe is the first list of land masses and the bridges connecting them. In modern published and best known of the seven terms, one replaces each land mass with an abstract “vertex” or chronicles of Narnia. Starting in wartime node, and each bridge with an abstract connection, an “edge”, Britain, most of the story is set in Narnia, which only serves to record which pair of vertices (land masses) is a land of talking animals and mythical connected by that bridge. The resulting mathematical structure creatures that has fallen into the grip of is called a graph, where a lot of the irrelevant information is the cruel and oppressive White Witch. removed to make a clearer picture. Narnia has become a land where it is always winter but never Christmas. Four The solution of this problem will not be spoiled in this article. children from our world enter Narnia If you are interested in checking your solution then there are through a wardrobe and work with the plenty of resources available on the internet, or you can come Son of the Emperor across the Sea, the and talk to your Mathematics teachers. Great Lion, Aslan, to fulfil a prophecy and deliver Narnia from the Witch’s icy Mr M Dowding clutches. Head of Mathematics Alongside the drama, our Show Orchestra

Page 24 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 25 Combined Cadet Force first of these is a visit to the Damage Repair Unit (DRU) and conducting Royal Remembrance Events in 2019 Navy Firefighting in January. The DRU Combined Cadet Force: for the first time. In less than one year, comprises a simulated sinking ship Saturday 9 November 2019 marked the start of Remembrance Captain Baggs has supported more than in which cadets must plug a hole in a for the CCF this year and, as is only fitting for a cadet force, we Contingent Update 20 of our senior cadets in achieving Level room rapidly filling with ice-cold water. had a number of services to attend or to support. The first of 2 BTech Diplomas in Teamwork and Firefighting involves the use of various these was the Orpheus Singers’ Annual Remembrance Concert The Spring Term brings another busy Personal Development in the Community. facilities which would be used by sailors where we assisted by selling programmes and collecting term for the School’s Combined Cadet to control fires at sea and on land. The donations at the end of the Concert. Force as we induct new cadets into both As we look forward to this Centenary second event will be a mini-camp to the Royal Navy and Army Sections. At the Year, we are pleased to welcome 2nd the Britannia Royal Naval College in The following day was the Annual Remembrance Parade and same time, the Contingent endeavours Lieutenants Steel and Rusby as our Dartmouth, where the Royal Navy trains Service at the Cenotaph in Southend, during which we marched to deliver a quality experience for our newest Commissioned Officers in the its regular and reserve forces officers. along the seafront together with other Contingents and took part cadets. None of the experiences and Army Section following their successful Confirmation of the details of these in the Annual Service with a standard bearer presenting a flag. At opportunities which we are able to afford completion of the CCF Basic Course events are, at the time of writing, awaited 11.00am, there was a two-minute silence and when the Service our cadets would be available to them if it at Frimley Part Cadet Training Centre. from the Royal Navy Headquarters and was over we marched back past the Southend Mayor and other were not for the extraordinary dedication As part of the Contingent’s Centenary these will be published in due course. dignitaries. It is pleasing to see that even 100 years since the and efforts of our Contingent staff. In celebrations, it is our plan to run an first Remembrance Day in 1919, we are still holding Services and particular, the Officers commanding the Adventurous Training Camp in Capil The Royal Navy cadets continue to taking time to reflect on the consequences of war. Royal Navy Section and Army Section, Curig, Wales, during the first part of the undertake a range of field trips to Lt Hill and Capt Baggs respectively, do Easter holiday. The event will be open locations across the country to earn On Monday 11 November 2019, the CCF provided the Guard a superb job in creating a varied and to both Royal Navy and Army cadets. It qualifications in a variety of leadership of Honour in the Main Hall for the School’s Remembrance exciting training programme, meeting will mean that, within the space of 12 and water-sports based activities. Service and then went to take part in Services at Hamstel the demands not just of WHSB but also months, the CCF will have run events in Infant and Junior School and Edwards Hall Primary School. I of the Ministry of Defence single service each of the home nations of the United Army Section went to the Service at Edwards Hall during which we marched requirements. In addition, our excellent Kingdom – Ballykinler in Northern Ireland on, gave readings of various war poems, and then took part in School Staff Instructor, RSM Lyne, (April 2019), Barrybuddon in Scotland command tasks with some of the Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. We provides invaluable assistance, expertise (July 2019), Friday Wood near Colchester The focus for our Army Section this term demonstrated First Aid, semaphore, and working together to and a level head in supporting the cadets (October 2019 and January 2020), and will be training our new intake in Skill solve problems; all this took place against a backdrop of learning and assisting with the governance and Capil Curig in Wales (April 2020). Details at Arms, with a camp to take place early about the Army and the World Wars. administration. of this camp are, at the time of writing, in the term, subject to confirmation of still being finalised and will be published in accommodation from the Army, and this Overall, this year’s Remembrance period has been a good The work of the Contingent has been due course. will allow cadets to be trained in the safe opportunity to give back to the community and honour and rewarded with the highest grade in our handling and use of the Cadet General remember those members of our Armed Services who died or Annual Assurance Report Inspection We are delighted that the CCF will also Purpose Rifle. were affected by war as well as those currently in service. for the 2018/19 academic year. This has contribute to the School’s own Centenary complemented the recently returned celebrations at its Centenary Year Launch It is also our hope that we shall once Cpl Adam Lunniss Inspection Report from our Biennial Gala Dinner on Saturday 1 February 2020. again visit the Royal School of Military Year 12 Inspection in April last year, which Engineering Boat School in Chatham reflected most positively on WHSB’s CCF. Royal Navy Section before the end of the term. The Contingent has also taken part Maj JJ Bleakley in the Cadet Vocational Qualification Our Royal Navy Section has bid to Contingent Commander Organisation (CVQO) BTech programme conduct two events this term. The

Page 26 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 27 Combined Cadet Force that we had taken a wrong turn which We collected our ration packs and started into the open field, outside the tree line Sixth Form cadets; was a little worrying, but he was simply again. We were very far behind but seeing in which we had set up camp. We were • Battlefield tactics with Maj Bleakley. testing our abilities to improvise, as we Lt. Tresidder provided us with a glimmer then instructed on how to execute a Close CCF APC Camp: for all the groups to trickle in, one by one, had veered off our intended route. When of hope and we continued on our way. We Target Recce which is a strategy used After all these tasks were complete, we however there was still no sign of the first we managed to regain our bearings and continued down our path and saw another by the army to gather intelligence on an walked back to the original compound and Retrospectives group! form a second route, once again disaster group; it was the second group and we enemy. We learned about the various boarded the coach to return to School. struck and we were told by a member of were so excited as we thought we had stages and then, after much practice, After the disappointment of not being Alejandro Gustafson the public that we were not able to go finally caught up and were only one group set off in groups to complete our own Overall, my experience on the camp able to go on the 2019 Summer Camp due Year 10 down the path we had planned as that behind. We were not there yet, however, operation. After completing our mission, was wholly enjoyable and if I had the to high demand and limited places, the would mean crossing some private land. as we had to make a lap of a field and talk we headed back to HQ and under our opportunity to do it again, I would take Year 10 Army Cadets were very excited to We were the first group which left to We returned to our starting point and to AUO. Steel and Maj. Bleakley. We were bashers for some much-needed rest. In it up in an instant because, even though hear about an upcoming trip exclusively complete our expedition and what we did once again set off on our quest to try about to start our lap when we met two the morning, we woke up, donned our it was trying at times, I learnt a lot about for Year 10, with Sixth Form Cadets to not realize at the time would be one of and find our route; it took us around two other groups who were both finishing, and boots and had breakfast. After we had the more complex parts of the CCF help. the most challenging tasks we would ever hours to find our way to the first point we realized that we were very late indeed, dismantled our campsite and packed curriculum and had a great deal of fun as have to face. The previous night we had and Lt. Tresidder, but we had a far bigger and had greatly underestimated the size everything up, we set off again. well. On 26 September 2019, we set off by mapped out a route but then, as we were problem. We were blocked by Mother of the field. We spent around half an hour coach after School, the anticipation of travelling, we marched along in staggered Nature, as we encountered a river, and travelling around the field to finally join For our final tasks during the camp, we Shaun Ekiyoyo the days ahead filling the air. After two file into a military training ground and this took more time as we attempted to the other groups and set up our bashers had to complete three activities: Year 10 hours of travelling, we arrived at a familiar encountered a platoon of adults who find our way through. Fortunately, we (a waterproof sheet which we would tie sight, Cherry Orchard Camp, where we briskly marched past us, demonstrating encountered a group of other people to a tree and sleep under) and sat down to • Orienteering - A kind of treasure hunt, had stayed once before for weapons how far we still have to grow with the who helped us find our way to a bridge enjoy dinner from our ration packs. using 6-figure grid references to find training. We alighted the coach, bags in CCF. Later on, further down the road we and, once we crossed, we reached Lt. paper punches; hand and were led to our accommodation bumped into Maj. Bleakley who told us Tresidder. After a filling meal, we were called out • Marching formation training with for the next night. We put our bags down and headed back outside to have some much-needed food in the mess hall. After Royal Navy Seamanship and then setting off for the Solent. I was the full speed permitted as soon as I took a filling meal of meat, roast potatoes and and Navigation away on this course for six days during control of the helm! The week was an vegetables (or pasta for the vegetarians), the half term break and it was definitely incredible success which saw me gaining the Year 12 cadets taught us how to the best thing I have ever done during many qualifications and it was a sad pack our Bergens (our large packs for Since I joined the Navy Section, I have had a half term. I arrived at HMS Excellent, moment for everyone when we parted expeditions) as we were heading out on some great experiences, and this term which is the base on Whale Island, to ways at the end of our time together. a long trek the following day. Once we has been no exception. We hit the ground meet the crew I would be working with had finished, we relaxed and played some running in September, quickly refreshing and we became very good friends over The Seamanship and Navigation course games before heading to our bunks to get ourselves with drill and getting back into the following six days. We were instantly is just another excellent example of the some sleep before the long day ahead of the routines. The following week, we good friends and the skipper decided incredible things the Navy Section does us. faced a challenge involving two teams, later that day that we would leave HMS and we have just received our course each with a leader (one being myself) and Excellent early to perform a night passage list for this next academic year. I plan to We were woken up early in the morning to that challenge was to build a tower out of across the harbour to moor up for the attend many more, including one as early prepare for the expedition. Once we were spaghetti and marshmallows; my team fell night. From there, we stayed on these as February 2020 when I hope to go to dressed, we ate breakfast in the mess hall short, however we all had a fantastic time boats for six days, leaving in the evenings Scotland. and gathered into the groups we had been making and then eating our towers at the to explore the various places that we had sorted into the night before and prepared end. visited in our group of three. The boats Billy Wallace ourselves. The first group set off and then, we stayed on have recently received a Year 10 5 minutes later, my group started walking. This term, I also visited Portsmouth £1million refurbishment with the engines Our first task was to rendezvous with Lt to participate in a Seamanship and and computer systems being the main Tresidder and, after going the wrong way Navigation course which saw me focus of that investment; needless to say, at first, we reached the rental van in about navigating out of Portsmouth Harbour I considered it only right that I reached 30 minutes and found out we were the first group to arrive, much to our surprise! After collecting our ration pack and refilling our water bottle we set off again, our next task, or so we thought, to find the campsite and with it, Maj Bleakley. Again, we managed to find the next location in a matter of 30-40 minutes, but we were met with disappointment as we had missed out a crucial point and, once again, we started trekking, our feet slowly going numb and our backs aching. Eventually, we made it, having completed everything required. Much to our horror, however, we found out there was more work to be done, and we set off with the Cadet Commander of the trip, Cpl Oliver Whitear, to learn about setting up a harbour area. After this, we finally had a small reprieve where all we had to do was wait in a small forest clearing for other groups to arrive. We were waiting for the best part of an hour

Page 28 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 29 Old Westcliffian Association We are looking forward to the ongoing (community@ whsb.essex.sch.uk). The School, to the delight of all the boys, girls of applause when the show concluded, celebrations in this Centenary Year of the WHSB Alumni Network is completely and staff present. In addition to their after nearly two hours on stage. All the School and have been pleased to be able free to join and we look forward to introduction to Senior School Science, pupils enjoyed a fabulous afternoon. OWA Update I must thank all those people who to donate £1,500 towards the Centenary hearing from you. In addition, you can the pupils were also keen to hear about contributed to the evening’s success, Room to display various artefacts follow WHSB on Facebook and Twitter life in a local Grammar School and what Vintage Uniform including the School’s Community recording the School’s history through where you can find out about the latest subjects our Sixth Form Students had On Friday 6 September 2019, we held Development Office Team, which includes the years. We are also intending to make developments and events taking place at chosen to study and why. The key to the Project a very successful Reunion Dinner. Our Mr Partridge, Mrs Clarke and Mrs Weller. a further donation of £1,500 to the CCF, the School. The OWA also has accounts on Science Roadshow’s success appears to guest speaker was Roger Buxton, former which we consider to be a very worthy Facebook and Twitter where you will have be the relationship between the WHSB Thank you to all those members of the BBC Essex sports presenter, who, after a At our forthcoming Reunion Dinner on project in helping to build character and the opportunity to network and keep in pupils and the younger children, who School’s Alumni Community who have very amusing speech, proposed the toast Friday 4 September 2020, our guest responsibility in preparation for adult life. touch with other members of the School’s are inspired by what they can possibly responded to our request to source items to the School. The Head Boy, Benjamin speaker will be Alison Griffin, Town Clerk Alumni Community. achieve if they try their best at school. of vintage uniform in preparation for the Johanson responded. We had 93 and CEO of Southend-on-Sea Borough OW membership is open to past students Inspiring young minds is the main focus School’s Centenary in 2020. A vast array attendees, spanning the generations, with Council. Why not put this date in your and current and past members of the WCGC Go for at each event. In 2020, the team will be of photographs, detailing uniform worn our eldest member attending the School diary and, if you have not joined us before, School’s staff. Our subscription rates are presenting to five more primary schools, throughout the decades together with from 1943 to 1951. We were joined by make this the year when you give us a free to students from Year 13 to the end Grammar! 11+ located between Rayleigh and Thorpe actual garments, has been received to many younger OW’s, some of whom had try? I guarantee that you will not be of their full-time education, £10 to age Familiarisation Bay. date for which we are extremely grateful. not long left School. disappointed. 30 and £20 from age 31. This is a one-off Please do keep them coming! Programme payment. New members would be most Primary School welcome. Mrs J Clarke and Mrs N Weller Another year’s schedule of events Outreach and Charlie Community Development Office I thank my committee for their help and eagerly anticipated is the WCGC Go and the Chocolate encouragement and the Headmaster for for Grammar! 11+ Familiarisation his constant and dependable support, not programme. Year 5 boys and girls living Factory just to the OWA, but to me personally. within the priority catchment postcode location of SS0-SS9 are invited to attend At the end of November, tremendous Terry Birdseye one of the many activity days on offer this things were in store and wonderful [email protected] year. The themes available are Leadership surprises awaited one very lucky school. & Adventure, Creative, Humanities, All Year 5 pupils at Darlinghurst Academy Science and Multi-sports, which we were invited to attend a special preview always hope will appeal to a large cross of the WHSB Drama Department’s section of pupils within our local junior production of Charlie and the Chocolate school community. The children are Factory, prior to the public performances. Association (OWA), is to develop a welcomed into our School to get a flavour On the afternoon of Wednesday Community Development Office strong, diverse and flourishing alumni of life in a Grammar School, as well as 27 November 2019, 111 children community. WHSB Alumni includes having fun with new and familiar faces. accompanied by 20 members of staff, Donating to the If you are able to assist, further all former students and staff, past and Our team of prefects and Sixth Form were entertained by the talented actors School’s Pupil Fund information, together with standing order present. Last summer, we were delighted students are on hand throughout the day on stage, re-enacting Roald Dahl’s famous and Gift Aid Forms, is available at www. to welcome to the School’s alumni to assist every group of children, and staff story about Charlie and his Golden Ticket. whsb.essex.sch.uk/finance. Donations community another record number supervision is also in abundance. Once A thoroughly appreciative audience gave We should like to thank all those parents can be made by online banking and of students leaving Year 13, following again, we have been overwhelmed by the a standing ovation and a rapturous round who have previously donated or continue submission of a standing order form. their A Level examinations, as signed- enthusiasm and request for places from to donate money to the School’s Pupil We are also able to accept cash, cheque, up members of the School’s Alumni parents of pupils in our local primary Fund. Government funding for schools ParentPay or bank transfer directly, Network. An informal get-together for schools. We look forward to seeing many The School Archive Mrs Clarke or Mrs Weller in the School’s has been reducing in real terms across a preferably accompanied by a Gift Aid this Year Group, who left School in 2019, of these pupils at future WHSB events, Community Development Office. Thank number of years and, in order to maintain form (if applicable). was arranged in December to provide and hopefully gaining a place in a local Work is now well underway to catalogue you for your support (community@whsb. educational provision, it has become them with the opportunity of meeting up Grammar School when that time comes. the multitude of documents, items essex.sch.uk). increasingly necessary for schools to We understand that some parents, with their contemporaries and members and memorabilia contained within seek alternative sources of income. This alumni or other supporters may wish to of staff. The event also provided the Science Roadshows the School’s Archive. The Community income is required for the purposes of donate a sum for a specific activity or opportunity for the collection of A Level Development Office team, assisted by covering day-to-day expenses incurred in award. Should you wish to specify the Examination Certificates. For those ex- for Local Primary Year 12 History students, have been supporting the delivery of education to area in which your donation should be students who have yet to collect their A Schools collating and cataloguing material the highest standards, as well as providing used, please do not hesitate to contact Level Examination Certificates, they may collected by the School and donated by the pupils with high quality extra- Mr D Partridge, Director of Resources be collected from Reception during Term past pupils over the last 100 years. The curricular opportunities. & Support Services or the Headmaster Time, by prior arrangement with Mrs The new academic year has once again aim is to curate a varied and interesting Donations to Westcliff High School for through Mrs Robinson, the Headmaster’s Economou, Examinations Officer. Please launched the incredibly popular WHSB collection of material for display in the Boys’ Pupil Fund are used to support Personal Assistant, to arrange a meeting contact her by emailing economoua@ Science Roadshows, whereby our team School’s Centenary Room throughout many activities for pupils including the or conversation to discuss your donation. whsb.essex.sch.uk. of enthusiastic Sixth Form students 2020. Ultimately, it is hoped that a maintenance of a broad curriculum in All donations and enquiries are treated attend a variety of local primary schools, virtual archive of digitised photographs, circumstances where many schools in the strictest confidence. We are most If you, or someone you know, would spreading the word about the exciting accessible via the School website, will have been forced to reduce or remove grateful for any donation received. Thank like to join the WHSB Alumni Network world of Science. Each year, we are always become available. This will open up, to provision we consider to be important in you for your support. and/or join the OWA, please take a few inundated with requests to demonstrate a much wider audience, a visual history supporting a pupil’s development. Other minutes to register your details via the the weird and wonderful experiments of Westcliff High School for Boys areas enhanced by the Pupil Fund are New Alumni Outreach School website. Select ‘Community’ from to the current Year 5 children and this throughout the decades. Engineering, Computing, Sport, Music, the Main Menu followed by ‘Alumni & year has proved to be no exception. Dr Drama and the School’s Combined Activities Old Westcliffian Association’. For further Machacek and his trusted team have To donate to the School’s Archive Cadet Force. Equipment in classrooms, information, contact Mrs Clarke or Mrs already thrilled, entertained and educated Collection or to provide an item on loan laboratories and around the School site A key aspect of the CDO’s ongoing remit, Weller in the Community Development Chalkwell Hall Junior School, Earls Hall for temporary display please contact are also supported by the Pupil Fund. working alongside the Old Westcliffian Office on 01702 475443 or via email Primary School and Bournes Green Junior

Page 30 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 31 Parents’ Association Careers Update evening events, each held between Careers 7.00pm and 9.00pm, is as follows:

The new academic year began with • 29 January 2020 - Careers in Law, eloquently on the importance of effective a flurry of activity in the Careers Finance & Army Intelligence communication in order to progress in Department. Alongside launching • 25 March 2020 - Careers in Medicine life. The audience was encouraged to the annual Year 11 Work Experience • 22 April 2020 - Careers in STEM actively participate and interact during Programme for Summer 2020, we have (Science, Technology, Engineering & this session. The afternoon activities also encouraged Year 12 students to Maths) were all based at a wide variety of London participate during their School holiday as organisations, each hosting individual well. The appetite for work experience On 4 December 2019, we were pleased schools, giving students experience of has grown in popularity year upon to welcome back a number of friends the professional environment, how their year and it has now been recognised of the School to talk at the Careers in business operates and how to maximise as a fundamental part of our students’ Engineering & Architecture evening. networking opportunities. ‘100 Club’ for 100 Years preparation for their future. In addition, Engineering has, historically, been one of of the School we are trying to educate pupils that the core career pathways for our pupils, During a busy start to December, the using their own initiative in sourcing and but in recent times Architecture has also Young Enterprise Christmas Trade securing work placements (rather than proved to be a popular choice. We were Fayre concluded the first week at A big ‘Thank You’ to all parents who are possible for families to take out more than relying on the Careers Department) is delighted that an award-winning ex-pupil, the Southend Victoria Plaza. WHSB new to the School and who have signed one share at £5 each. Joining forms for vital to demonstrate to future employers Richard Cottrell, could join us to share representatives from both Year 12 teams up to our Parents’ Association 100 the 100 Club can be downloaded from that they have the right attitude. To date, details of his excellent career to date. organised a stand each with their own Club monthly prize draw. For a monthly the Parents’ Association section on the we have already been offered a number individual choice of products to sell contribution of just £5, members can win School website, or you can contact the of placements from local Barclays Banks, In addition, within the current political to the general public. In competition a cash sum, currently in the region of £80. PA by e-mail (pa@ whsb.essex.sch.uk) for Primary Schools, Ford Technical Centre, climate which is attracting much attention with other local secondary schools, The more members we have, the more further details. Once again, thank you for Apollo Dental Health Clinic, as well as and interest, Politics is an area our pupils WHSB pupils were professional in their money the monthly cash prize will be, so your support. some local and City-based financial are eager to explore. In response, we execution and provided a high standard please do consider joining if you have not institutions. In such a competitive market are planning to host our first political of customer service. They spoke clearly done so already. Online Shopping with will generate a donation. Your online place and it is difficult to secure the most afternoon in the New Year with guest and knowledgeably about their items for shopping will not cost you a penny more. relevant positions required, especially in speakers in attendance and a selected sale, the price point decided upon and Having lost many contributing families of Amazon Smile and London, and therefore if any parent is able audience of students who have expressed environmental impact. In the New Year, Year 13 pupils in the last year, following Easyfundraising Spring Term Parents’ to offer work experience lasting a week a desire to pursue this career path. Ben each team will hopefully have raised their son’s/daughter’s departure from or more to any of our pupils, ideally within Williams OBE, former Chief of Staff to enough funds to support and manufacture the School, we currently have less than Association Bake Sale Finance, Engineering, Law, IT, Media or the Leader of the Liberal Democrats their main product idea which will 100 members. Our aim for the School’s Using Amazon Smile (https://smile. Medicine, please contact me directly via (Tim Fallon) will be our Guest of Honour, be taken to the wider UK market for Centenary Year is to recruit new joiners amazon.co.uk/) and Easyfundraising This fundraiser will take place in the the following email address: wellern@ supported by other guests keen to debate distribution. If any parents feel they can to our 100 Club – the more the merrier! (https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/) Screens Area on Thursday 13 February whsb.essex.sch.uk. and work with the pupils at WHSB. assist these teams in any way with advice Members can be parents, relatives, when shopping online, is one of the easiest 2020 at morning break and lunchtime. and/or guidance, please do not hesitate to alumni, Friends of the School, and indeed ways to help the Parents’ Association Quality bakes, seasonal treats and WHSB We are delighted to announce the Careers Following the overwhelming success of contact me. anyone who has an interest in WHSB. raise money for the School. Please take Centenary sweets will be on sale. Evening schedule for the coming year. the Capital Experience trip in London Some parents remain members of the PA’s a few minutes to register Westcliff High Our guest speakers, the majority of whom 2018, we received an invitation to return Mrs N Weller 100 Club even after their son/daughter School for Boys’ Parents’ Association as are either past pupils, parents or local at the beginning of December. Around Work Related Learning Co-Ordinator & has left as a way of maintaining another the charity you wish to support and each professionals willing to volunteer their twenty Year 12 Economists were invited Careers Advisor connection with the School. It is also purchase you make (where relevant) time in order to support the School, are to join approximately 1,200 other always pleased to attend these events to students from around the UK at the share their wealth of experience with our Dominion Theatre to hear motivational Come and Join us! audience. Our timetable of Wednesday speaker, Action Jackson, who spoke

As the School celebrates its first 100 years in 2020, we look forward to Centenary Music at WHSB supporting its various events throughout techniques. The piece will be performed in the Centenary Year. These include the Composition a forthcoming Chamber Recital. Centenary Ball at The Cliffs Pavilion on Competition Results displays a maturity and confidence that Saturday 1 February and the joint Garden George Odina and Ethan Okai in Year 8 make it worthy of performance by the Birthday Party with Westcliff High School have submitted a ‘Theme and Variation’ Westcliff Sinfonia. This piece will be for Girls on Saturday 20 June. This is a At the beginning of 2019, students were for modern chamber ensemble, which performed in the Centenary Autumn great time to become involved with the encouraged to submit compositions to cleverly traces the School from its Sinfonia Concert. Parents’ Association and if you would like the Music Department themed around inception to today. Its use of changing to join us, we would love to hear from you. the School’s Centenary Year. Three keys, timbres and time signatures to Scores of the winning pieces will be Everyone is welcome to attend Parents’ compositions in particular stood out, and reflect the changing times make it a displayed in the Centenary Room, Association meetings, the dates of which these will be performed live at concerts particularly successful composition. The along with scores for other Centenary are included in the termly calendar throughout the year: piece will also be performed in a future compositions completed by Mr Derrick section on the back cover of The Westcliff Chamber Recital. and Mr McGee. Diary. If you would like to find out more, Alexander Marshak (Year 12) has please come along to one of our meetings submitted a romantic waltz in the style ‘The Journey’ by Edoardo Chidichimo Mr T Derrick or email us ([email protected]). We of Chopin. It has a doleful, reflective (Year 13) makes use of a full symphony Director of Music look forward to hearing from you. character, due in large part to its minor orchestra to give the impression of key and lyrical melody, but Alexander constant forward momentum. His use Mrs J Clarke takes advantage of Rondo form to explore of rhythm and timbre are particularly Parents’ Association Chair a range of other moods and compositional impressive, and the work as a whole

Page 32 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 33 Music at WHSB Summer Music Tour to New York: A Musicology Seminar Retrospective Tuesday 24 March 2020, 3.45pm

Last summer saw the Music Department In the next instalment of our seminar embark on its first tour for a number of programme, Mr McGee will examine the years, with New York being chosen as connection between music and emotion, the destination. This ambitious project looking at just what it is within music that was organised by Mr McGee with the inspires us, moves us and alters our mood. invaluable support of Mr Derrick, Mrs Is it mechanical, chemical or contextual? Mumford, Miss Dolan and the Finance This seminar will seek to explain some Department. of the possible reasons for why humans can experience emotions as extreme as The party departed from Gatwick on the elation and sorrow, all within a few bars morning following the break-up of School of music. for the summer, laden with equipment, music and expectations. Upon arrival Mr A McGee we went straight to the hotel to drop off Director of Sixth Form baggage before hitting the town. That day saw us taking in the Empire State Building Spring Chamber small ensembles performing challenging Ensemble will also give a performance, and the bustle of Times Square before sombre tone as the group visited the We then departed for the airport and, repertoire from across a range of musical fittingly featuring over 100 strings! excitable students and exhausted staff 9/11 memorial and museum at Ground after a mostly comfortable flight (I do not Recital with styles. The Brass Ensemble will open headed back to our hotel, situated on a Zero. The students, as one might expect, wish to experience an aborted landing Centenary Fanfare proceedings with a Centenary Fanfare Mr T Derrick little street called Broadway. demonstrated the very best of WHSB as again!), we were back on terra firma. Wednesday 22 January 2020, 7.30pm written for the School by Mr McGee, and Director of Music they toured the site, pausing to reflect on will be followed by students, including Day Two featured our first concert in the events of that day and taking time to I would like to place on record my sincere Grade 8 pianist Edoardo Chidichimo, Year Washington Square Park, but before learn about the attack. This was balanced thanks to the staff who made this trip so Our first Centenary event of the year will 12 percussionist Roxanne Watts, and that there was more to see and do. From with an enjoyable walk along the High successful. Their energy, enthusiasm and feature the School’s finest soloist and the Westcliff Choral Scholars. The String the hotel, we travelled to the bottom Line, a raised walkway that afforded resourcefulness was invaluable. I would of Manhattan and took the ferry to see students a fantastic view of the city. also like to make a few special mentions in Spring Sinfonia Concert with Centenary Composition the Statue of Liberty. For those of us terms of students who were stars on the who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, Day Four featured one of my highlights trip. Thursday 12 March 2020, 7.30pm seeing this symbol of the nation that of the trip, a performance on the flight had dominated pop culture of the time deck of the Essex class aircraft carrier, Niall Ali and Niall Ivie were instrumental This year’s orchestral programme features original music composed especially for the Centenary Year. The first Centenary Sinfonia was truly inspiring. We returned to USS Intrepid. There was something very in the smooth setting up of the hired Concert begins with a celebratory overture composed by Mr Derrick, inspired by British composers of the 20th century. The piece the hotel and collected our equipment special about performing the theme to equipment and were always on hand to sees a stately academic march evolve into an exciting blend of lively melodies written to evoke nostalgia and which look to the future. before heading into ‘Friends’ territory Top Gun on a carrier in the shadow of an help out. Oliver Northfield demonstrated Strauss’ famous Blue Danube Waltz will follow, written in the 1860s but made famous in the 1960s by Stanley Kubrick’s seminal movie to play our first show. A large crowd F-14 Tomcat (Tom Cruise’s jet in the film) his skills in looking after and supporting 2001: A Space Odyssey. The concert’s second half will feature Saint-Saens’ playful, Carnival of the Animals, featuring the ethereal gathered and the students were greeted and large crowds greeted the students the younger pupils throughout the Aquarium, magnificent Royal March of the Lion, and the elegiac Swan. Lumbye’s thrilling Champagne Galop will close the concert. Join with enthusiastic applause. A highlight who, again, played fantastically well. That trip, proving himself to be an excellent us for this exciting start to a year of orchestral celebration. for many was the arrival of a YouTube evening saw most of the group relaxing in role model. Dexter Legon’s boundless celebrity who filmed the group, with the Central Park. I say most, as Mrs Mumford enthusiasm kept all of us sane as fatigue Mr T Derrick video being seen over 400,000 times at and I decided to cycle the park’s perimeter set in, and I will finish by saying thank you Director of Music the last check! on hired bikes. to all the students who took part for their hard work and energy during rehearsals Day Three took on a significantly more Day Five was our last in the city and the tour itself. Planning for the next and featured a concert at the UN one starts now! Headquarters. After a few hours experiencing the very best of Mr A McGee organisational, we were permitted to Director of Sixth Form enter and played in the shadow of a building rich in history and significance.

Page 34 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 35 The House System Films from the last 100 years quiz; Long division competition; House System Update about the School, House piggy-in-the- middle, House rap competition (themed Art, themed around the last 100 years; The first term of this academic year around the last 100 years), House spelling was busy and productive for the House competition (written on slate with chalk), History quiz covering the last 100 years. System. Mr Lilley has been appointed House snakes and ladders, House croquet, Head of Kestrel House and he has made House jack and ball, House cup and ball To commemorate this special year, a new an excellent start; his enthusiasm and and House Great Gatsby game; House Scoreboard has been installed, commitment has been appreciated by all. together with a large House Captains Cooking – school dinners from the last Board displaying the names of the House House activities taking place so far this century. Ideas include: apple crumble, Captains each year. We will be selecting year have included: House Harry Potter, corned beef and potato pie, spam fritters, new House Captains for the academic Countdown, Cross Country, Centenary spotted dick, Lancashire hot pot, cottage year 2020-2021 in the Summer Term. If Poetry, Rubik’s Cube, Creative Writing, pie, shepherd’s pie, jam roly-poly, mince, you would like to be considered for these Poetry Slam, Centenary Christmas Cards, onions and potatoes, liver and bacon, positions, then you should get involved Basketball, Spelling, Impressions, Flags, treacle pudding, rice pudding, sticky with as many House events as you Vocab Express, MFL Posters, Christmas toffee pudding and semolina; possibly can. Carol Quiz, Marvel, Chemistry, Dodgeball, Tug-of-War, Football and Rugby. Dominos; I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Rayment, Mr Sexton, Mr Lilley, We will be commemorating our Old-fashioned card games (Crazy Eights, Mr Yeo, Miss Lo, Mr Atkinson, the Physical Centenary Year with a wide range of Sip, Snap Snorem, Rummy, Pig, Beggar My Education Department, and all the staff themed events throughout the year. Neighbour, War, Rolling Stone, Neighbour, and students that have helped support the Forthcoming Centenary-based events Cheat, Split and Old Maid); House System so far this academic year. include, House: Boules; Mr R Barber Games, including House egg and spoon House System Co-ordinator race, House three legged race, House sack Handwriting competition, using fountain race, House photography competition pens and blotting paper; higher standard. Without the excellent group, the ‘sporting cultural architects’ and one that ensured that the team had attitude of all involved in Year 8 Rugby, have stepped up and made the necessary another experience of competing at the the award of Essex Champions would not recalibration, and performances and Olympic Aquatics Centre in Stratford. School Sport of organisation and have been Effective and one that supports them in making have been possible. It is important that attitudes have begun to return to the Unfortunately, Jack Turrell was unable to Communicators with both their peers and progress in all of their sports. the momentum that has been created levels demonstrated during these pupils’ compete, but we offer our congratulations the Physical Education staff. in Rugby is transferred through to time in Year 8. Their National and County to Sam Miller, Jonathan Cheung, Henry Sporting Overview Year 8 pupils have started where they Basketball and Football. Cup Basketball campaigns have started in Ferries and Samson Main who competed. These pupils have demonstrated finished in Year 7, demonstrating excellent a most positive manner. This team finished in seventh place as The Autumn Term was fast-paced, with unrivalled commitment to the after School commitment to practices and competitive The Rugby Tour to Paris was an enjoyable Intermediate Boys two years ago, and plenty of pupils seizing the opportunity to extra-curricular offer and the Saturday fixtures. The highlight of the term was experience for all pupils and staff. The A special moment in the School Rugby performed brilliantly to qualify for the represent the School across a multitude sport programme. The enjoyment that the Year 8 Rugby team being crowned tour is another example of how sporting calendar came in the final block fixture ESSA National Medley Finals. The team of different sports on both weekdays they show has been incredibly satisfying Essex Cup Champions. This was a great traditions are becoming more embedded of 2019 against Gravesend Grammar consisted of all pupils eligible to compete and Saturdays. The pupils have had an for the Department to witness. Even achievement and the first time in 15 years in the culture at WHSB. The Year 9 School. Saturday 23 November came on in next year’s competition as well. Our excellent term in terms of attendance those pupils who live locally, and whose that the trophy has been retained by the team members conducted themselves, a momentous day for Westcliff Rugby Junior Boys and Intermediate Teams at extra-curricular sports practices. parents support them at matches, still same school; an excellent achievement and represented our School, brilliantly. Football Club; WRFC was originally gave an impressive performance in the There have been fixtures on Saturdays wish to travel back to School by bus for the Rugby group. The reason why They illustrated the importance of being formed as an Old Westcliffian Rugby Club. Regional Round of the competition but where 100 WHSB pupils have put their so that they can spend more time with ‘group’ has been used as opposed to ‘team’ Globally Aware and communicated with It was therefore a very fitting ‘curtain missed out on qualification for the Finals. School first and competed against other their teammates. They are developing a is that it is not just the 18 players that their opponents in French, which was raiser’ on the final Saturday of the original Again, pleasingly, all teams consisted of established schools producing some culture of hard work, loyalty and respect made up the squad for the Essex Cup that impressive to see. The pupils hopefully clubhouse’s existence for WHSB to play pupils that will be eligible to compete next excellent, memorable moments. It for each other that generates enjoyment enabled the School to be successful; it is gained the understanding that sport is so three matches at the Club. All three year in the same categories in which they is pleasing to see the progress of the for themselves, their Year Group and the strong numbers that attend practices much more than just the playing of the teams were victorious with outstanding competed this year. Saturday sport programme at WHSB; their sport. It is a powerful combination that drives everyone to perform to a game; the memories and the camaraderie performances from all of the pupils. This annual fixtures are becoming more that is created through sport is something was only the start of a fantastic day for The Autumn Term is always a busy time of embedded and, as a result, rivalries are that makes sport so special. WRFC, with its First team being victorious year with the performances determining being established. in a match against Redruth in National 2 the commitments for the Spring Term, Last term, our pupils in Year 9 realised South, and WRFC II beating local rivals, with fixtures in the knock out stages Year 7 pupils have made a fantastic start that when a team generates a strong Southend Rugby Football Club. The of the competitions taking place. As a to their time at WHSB. Participation, reputation for itself (the reputation they historic link between WHSB and WRFC Department, we are looking forward which has a direct impact on performance, so thoroughly deserved through their is important and evident in recent times to seeing how pupils perform in these has been superb. They have had the best commitment, attitude to training and their with the energy and expertise contributed high-pressure situations. Dealing with ever extra-curricular attendance for representation of their School last year) by Mr Morrant to both communities. pressure is an important life skill for sport, followed closely by Year 8 pupils. that the opposition raises its game during We are pleased to see the Westcliffian pupils to learn and is one of the many The WHSB Learner Profile encourages every match, as it is effectively their final. community of past and present sharing reasons why sport can effectively support pupils to be Open to Opportunity; this is an The nature of team sports means that their passion for Rugby. the development of pupils as they move element that Year 7 have truly embraced. a team is only as strong as the weakest through their schooling at WHSB. It is easy to forget the challenges that the link. With a slight decline in training Our Senior Boys’ swimming team transition from primary school can bring attendance, the cohesion of teams has achieved a place of 30th in the country Mr T Morrish and the pupils have shown a great deal been affected. However, like any strong which was an outstanding achievement, Director of Sport

Page 36 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 37 School Sport all opportunities given, which has secured Our teams in the Sixth Form have enjoyed their significant improvement since the access to more Basketball this year. The Under 13s Essex Cup 2019 Daniel Ajayi, and Sam Nash taking possession of the ball from the beginning of the academic year. Daniel separation of the Under-17 and Under-19 player, he was able to score the winning try under the posts to Basketball Osei-Poku, Henry Murrell and Rajat National Cup competition, has allowed On Wednesday 16 October 2019, the Year 8 Rugby team secure a place for this team in the final. Negi in Year 7 have given outstanding more Basketball to be played during the travelled to New Hall School for the final rounds of the Essex cup. performances, demonstrating that if academic year. This positive development The squad was making excellent progress, and the work ethic of The 2019 Basketball season has started one has a strong work ethic and puts the is in addition to the Under-18 Essex Cup Coached by Mr Morrant and with a strong squad of players, its members makes it a truly special team. In order to become particularly well, with all our Year groups School and one’s Team first, results and competition in which our boys are seeking the team had won the first round without conceding a try and the Cup champions, it was necessary for the team to play winning 66% of their games overall. For success will soon follow. The performance to defend their title once again. We have were confident when heading into their pool games during the Woodlands School. Our team knew this game would not be easy the first time in the School’s history, we of our teams in Years 8, 9 and 10, has also already seen some excellent Basketball, early afternoon. Firstly, the team faced a strong KEGS team but for either side; tries come from both teams and it was a closely- have entered all four eligible Year groups gone from strength-to-strength, with both with players such as Demi Adeyeye and emerged victorious, winning 35-0 with tries from Al-Ameen fought game. The WHSB were committed to beating their into the National Cup Competition, and Year 8 and Year 10 teams aspiring to win Joe Dunbar demonstrating impressive Salaam, Joe Baverstock and others to support the team. Next, opponents and applied all they had learnt, and played at a high some excellent Basketball is already in the Essex Cup ‘winners shield’ and the talent and skill. the team came up against the Coopers’ Company and Coborn level. There were tries from both teams and the points swung evidence. Our pupils have fully deserved Year 9 team dedicated towards defending School and with the assurance of their previous victory they from one side to another, with the score at half-time being 10-10. the additional Basketball provision due their title. All of these teams are currently Basketball has become an integral part were confident they would do well. The match concluded 20-0 All agreed, it was going to take a very special effort to win this to recent success and are clearly relishing unbeaten in all competitions. Bradley of Physical Education provision at WHSB in WHSB’s favour meaning they only needed to beat local rivals, competition. Westcliff’s forwards had dominated the scrum all the opportunity to play to a higher Aseidu, Temitayo Samuel and Al-Ameen and it continues to grow along with the Southend High School for Boys. Westcliff took an early lead, with day and an opportunity to secure the ball in its team’s favour gave standard. We are also proud to note that Salaam have been outstanding players for rest of our sport. It is important to reflect tries from Temitayo Samuels, James Rodgers and Simbo Femi, Simbo Femi the chance to take on and push through the defence! the participation levels from pupils in the the Year 8 team, whilst Daniel Eze, Noah on how far the pupils have come with and continued to remain ahead, winning the match 30-0. Having secured this excellent opportunity WHSB applied further Lower School have been outstanding. Louis and Tom Gribbon have continued to regard to their own development, and pressure, and a final and impressive effort from all the players develop into superb Basketball players, how much of this is due to their continued These superb results meant that the team was to go through ensured the School team retained the ball and went on to win the The Year 7 Basketball team members possessing the ability to transform a commitment and determination. to the semi-final against Brentwood School. The last time game, and ultimately the Essex Cup. have developed significantly as a team, game through determination and a strong these teams met in the Essex 7s final, Brentwood won by one refining their skills and talent as the year desire to win. Mr T Morrish point and, not wanting to repeat history, co-captains, Freddie This achievement in winning the competition, and in retaining progresses. The pupils have been open to Director of Sport Dawson and Sam Nash, gave an inspiring team talk with further the Shield for the second time, consecutively, was well deserved. encouragement coming from James Rogers and Ruben White; Not only had this team secured an historical result for the School, the team was ready to play the match. With an early try from but WHSB is also the first school to win the tournament in Al-Ameen Salaam, Westcliff took the lead until Brentwood consecutive years. Results - Autumn Term 2019 fought back and managed to score two tries placing them ahead before the whistle blew for half time. Following encouragement This Year 8 team demonstrates that hard work and a positive The table below lists the results, by Sport, of each of WHSB’s teams during the Autumn Term (up to 28 November 2019). from Mr Morrant during the half time, Westcliff understood they attitude towards training and games deliver results. had to score twice to win, and following another superb team Rugby try the scores were equal at 10-10. With seconds left remaining Freddie Dawson Year Played Won Lost Draw Pts For Pts Against Pts Diff Win % before the end of the match, and with Brentwood School taking Year 8 possession of the ball, the situation looked bleak. However, the 7 14 8 4 2 460 250 210 57% WHSB squad does not give up and an impressive tackle from 8 22 16 5 1 660 300 360 73% 9 11 8 3 0 421 143 278 73% 10 6 1 4 1 100 151 -51 17% 1st XV 4 4 0 0 138 14 124 100% Total 57 37 16 4 1,779 858 921 65%

Basketball Year Played Won Lost Draw Pts For Pts Against Pts Diff Win % 7 3 2 1 0 132 94 38 67% 8 2 2 0 0 88 35 53 100% 9 2 2 0 0 180 69 111 100% 10 1 1 0 0 71 26 45 100% 11 2 0 2 0 89 123 -34 0% U17 1 0 1 0 69 73 -4 0% U19 4 3 1 0 328 219 109 75% Total 15 10 5 0 957 639 318 67%

Football Year Played Won Lost Draw Goals For Goals Against Goal Diff Win % Year 7 10 1 7 2 16 29 -13 10% Year 8 8 4 4 0 29 20 9 50% Year 9 2 1 1 0 11 6 5 50% Year 10 5 0 5 0 12 21 -9 0% Year 11 4 1 3 0 6 12 -6 25% 2nd XI 4 2 2 0 12 9 3 50% 1st XI 6 1 5 0 18 27 -9 17% Total 39 10 27 2 104 124 -20 26%

Page 38 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 39 CALENDAR FOR SPRING TERM 2020

Mon 6 January STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY Tue 25 February Year 10 I'm Drowning PSHE Performance, Tue 7 January SPRING TERM BEGINS, 8.45am 2.00pm 7 - 10 January Year 12 Formative Assessments Thu 27 February Prof Peter Mandler Lecture: Demand for Education and its Reform in Britain, 7 - 16 January Year 13 Trial Examinations 7.30pm 12 - 13 January CCF Royal Navy Firefighting School Mon 2 March Year 12 Parents' Evening, 4.00pm Tue 14 January The Woman in Black at the Palace Theatre, Tue 3 March Parents' Association Meeting, 7.30pm 8.00pm 4 - 5 March Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Wed 15 January Junior and Senior Chess Tournaments Thu 5 March Year 9 Options Evening, 7.30pm Thu 16 January Year 8 HPV Vaccinations Sat 7 March WCGC: Science Day, 8.30am Sat 18 January WCGC: Humanities Day, 8.30am Thu 12 March Spring Sinfonia Concert with Centenary Mon 20 January Year 8 Parents' Evening, 4.00pm Composition, 7.30pm Wed 22 January Year 11 Dead End PSHE Performance, Fri 13 March Year 10 Phase 2 Reports issued 8.45am 14 - 20 March Year 10 Geology Field Visit to Dorset Spring Chamber Recital with Centenary Fanfare, 7.30pm Mon 16 March Year 9 Parents' Evening, 4.00pm 18 - 20 March Centenary Rock Narnia: The Lion, The Thu 23 January Year 11 Entry to Sixth Form Evening, Witch, and the Wardrobe, 7.30pm 7.30pm Sat 21 March History Days Out Trip to Imperial War Parents' Association Meeting, 7.30pm Museum & Churchill War Rooms Fri 24 January Year 11 Phase 2 Reports issued Fri 20 March Year 11 Targeted Reports issued Mon 27 January Holocaust Memorial Services, 8.45am Tue 24 March Musicology Seminar, 3.45pm Tue 28 January Year 11 A Level Taster Sessions, 1.55pm Wed 25 March Year 10 Visit to MoD/QinetiQ Wed 29 January Careers in Law, Finance & Army Careers in Medicine Evening, 7.00pm Intelligence Evening, 7.00pm Thu 26 March National Warhammer 40k Kill Team Fri 31 January Year 12 Phase 2 Reports issued Championships Sat 1 February Centenary Ball at The Cliffs Pavilion, Year 9 Vaccinations 6.00pm Book Launch: Westcliff High School for Wed 5 February Mr Andrew Baker Lecture: Britain’s post- Boys A Centenary History, 7.30pm war revolution; can you believe it? , 7.30pm Fri 27 March Year 7 Phase 2 Reports issued Thu 6 February Intermediate Mathematics Challenge Charity Activities Day Richard III Drama Workshop, 3.45pm 29 March - 6 April German Exchange Production of Richard III, 7.30pm Sun 29 March Didi Drama Workshop, 10.00am Fri 7 February Charity Activities Day Mon 30 March Year 10 Parents' Evening, 4.00pm Mon 10 February Year 11 Parents' Evening, 4.00pm Tue 31 March Grand Wed 12 February Centenary Geography Lecture, 7.30pm Warhammer Age of Sigmar Tournament Thu 13 February Year 9 Phase 2 Reports issued Thu 2 April Year 8 Phase 2 Reports issued Year 13 Phase 2 Reports issued Year 13 Phase 3 Targeted Reports issued Parents' Association Valentines Sales, 2 - 7 April Centenary CCF AT Camp 12.50pm Fri 3 April SPRING TERM ENDS, 2.45pm 15 - 23 February Ski Trip 7 - 9 April Year 12 Physicists visit CERN 17 - 21 February SPRING HALF TERM Mon 20 April STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY Mon 24 February STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY Tue 21 April SUMMER TERM BEGINS, 8.45am

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Page 40 The Westcliff Diary