NEWSLETTER Headteacher: Jane Abbott

Woking High School, Morton Road, Horsell, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4TJ

SPRING 2016 Tel: 01483 888447 Fax: 01483 888448 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wokinghigh.surrey.sch.uk

NEWSLETTER Headteacher: Jane Abbott

Headteacher’s Letter

THIS TERM HAS BEEN BUSY, Wednesday morning. After having held they had briefly examined the schools EXCITING, SUCCESSFUL AND discussions with me and other senior performance data, improvement plans and SHORT!, yet we seem to have achieved leaders, undertaken a learning walk, our own self evaluation. as much, if not more, than usual. As observed lessons and spoken to students always our newsletter highlights just and staff, the inspectors quickly decided During the time they were here, the some of the many events that have taken that our school was at least good in all inspectors observed 38 lessons, 11 jointly place at Woking High School over the respects and wanted to spend longer with senior staff, and visited 11 classes past months and we hope you like the in the school. As a result, the one day on a learning walk. Meetings were new presentation. Section 8 inspection was converted to a held with students from KS3 and KS4, full Section 5 inspection. senior staff, middle leaders, NQTs and On 9 February we received a telephone governors. The inspectors scrutinized call informing us that the school was to A team of seven inspectors then arrived students’ exercise books and spent time be inspected by Ofsted on 10 February. on Thursday 11 February to scrutinize with students both in class and around Under the latest framework for Ofsted every aspect of the work of the school. the school at break and lunchtime. They Inspections; a framework that I’m sure The quality of teaching, learning and studied a wide range of school documents you will have heard is even more rigorous assessment, students’ outcomes for and considered the views of students, and demanding than in previous years, examinations and assessments, the parents and staff – all of which were any school that was judged to be ‘Good’ personal development, behaviour and overwhelmingly in praise of the school in its last inspection has to be inspected welfare of our students, including their and its provision. At the end of the two for one day to verify that it continues to attendance, the quality of leadership days the inspectors gave verbal feedback be ‘Good’. This was the premise that our and management, the effectiveness of to senior staff and governors. inspectors held when they arrived on the safeguarding, and prior to the inspection, We were delighted that the inspectors

Woking High School is an exempt charity and company limited by guarantee. Registered in England with Company Number 8586085 and has a registered office as above. agreed that the school continued to be an at school and in their future lives. you and your staff for your hard work exceptionally good school. It is on the and professionalism. cusp of being outstanding, having gained Just a few days after the Ofsted an Outstanding grade for both Personal inspection, the commitment of our staff With Best wishes, Development, Behaviour and Welfare in ensuring the best possible outcomes Yours sincerely and Leadership and Management. We for our students was recognised by the Department for Education via Nick Gibb, are very pleased with their comments Nick Gibb MP’ and are exceptionally proud of the whole the Minister of State for Schools, who school community and especially our sent the following letter to the school. students. I would like to share with you We are very proud to have the school some of the comments made both during recognised in this way and at this level. the inspection and included in the final ‘Dear Mrs Abbott report. (see box below) Whilst inspections are very significant I am writing to convey my warmest and exiting events in the annals of The final report was published on 1st congratulations to you, your staff and a schools’ history, daily school life March and a hard copy was sent home to your pupils for your school’s excellent continues on its planned path. Year 11 all families on 4 March and also appeared improvement in GCSE and equivalent students are adopting a diligent approach on the Woking High School website. The results between 2013 and 2015. towards their forthcoming GCSE report was placed on the Ofsted website exams. Early this term they received the on Monday 7 March http://reports.ofsted. Your school is one of the top 100 results from their December indicative gov.uk Thank you to the many parents non-selective state-funded schools in exams and since then they have had the who have contacted the school with England showing the greatest sustained opportunity to sit further practice exam messages of congratulations following improvement in the percentage of pupils papers in English, Maths and Science. the publication of the report. achieving five or more A*-C grades, including English and mathematics Throughout the term they have been As with every institution there are GCSEs. Ensuring your pupils are attending revision sessions completing always areas to improve. The inspectors’ achieving at least the benchmark controlled assessments and participating recommendations endorse the current standard of attainment at key stage 4 in half term revision session. Students foci included in the school development provides a strong basis for their further in Art, MFL and English have already plan. We are fully committed to making education and employment. completed papers and tests which these further improvements in the terms contribute towards their final GCSE to come so that all Woking High School Thank you for your work in this exams and many students have gained students are given the best possible important area of a young person’s the Level 2 Certificate in IT Application educational opportunities to achieve, both education and congratulations again to Skills (a GCSE equivalent qualification).

‘Leaders have established a culture in which ‘Teachers have strong subject knowledge, every pupil aims to achieve the highest (and) high expectations.’ possible standard.’ ‘Pupils are absorbed in their learning.’ ‘Leadership and Management is outstanding.’ ‘Strong relationships between staff and pupils ‘An aspirational ethos pervades the school’. build high levels of trust and confidence.’

‘Pupils behaviour in lessons and around the ‘Diversity is celebrated and the community is school is excellent.’ harmonious.’

‘The school’s work to keep pupils safe is ‘There is an atmosphere of mutual trust and outstanding.’ respect.’

‘The school’s work to promote pupils personal ‘Pupils are well prepared for progression in development and welfare is outstanding.’ their next stage of life in work or education.’

‘Pupils are proud of their school (and) enjoy ‘Parents are overwhelmingly positive about coming to school.’ the school. “We cannot praise the school highly enough”.’ ‘The curriculum is excellent and ensures pupils achieve well.’

2 We have also given time and attention to variety of extra curricular activities. So Raising funds for charity is a very preparing our students mentally for the far this term our Public Speaking teams important part of life at Woking High rigors of the revision and exam season. have participated in the Rotary Youth School. This term individual students, In January, parents of Year 11 students Speaks competition with both the Senior friendship groups, whole year groups, attended a revision advice evening and Intermediate teams winning the the whole school and staff teams have and students have received advice and local heats. Two students from Year 10 raised money for a wide variety of worthy guidance on revision techniques in represented Woking High School in the causes. These include: Citizenship/PSHE lessons as well as in Arete debate competition winning this their subject classes. In March, students element of the Arete cup competition Water Aid also had the opportunity to participate in and Debate Club goes from strength to Zambia 2016 a Mindfulness Workshop and a de-stress strength. “meet and greet” with trainee guide dogs Guide Dogs for the Blind organized by Guide Dogs for the Blind. “The show must go on! was the apposite During the Easter break a number of mantra for our 2016 production Oliver! Woking Hospice revision classes are being held at school The cast and orchestra willingly Cancer Research UK to ensure that our students are as prepared rearranged dress rehearsal times, staying later and staring earlier, so that we could as possible for their examinations. Next term we will see a new development ensure both the Ofsted inspection and in our fundraising programme. Students Students have been invited to specific the production could be accommodated will be able to collect tokens (similar to revision sessions: at the same time. The production played Waitrose) for each house point they earn. to packed audiences both Wednesday 10 These tokens will then be used by the Maths 29th and 30th March - 10 am-2 pm and Thursday 11 February and to a very students to post in one of three perspex appreciative junior school audience on English 31st March - 10 am-2 pm collection boxes, each one representing a Friday afternoon’s matinee. Please see charity chosen by School Council. At the ICT 1st April - 9 am-2 pm the centre pages of this newsletter for a end of each half term the tokens will be full report. Child Development 1st April - 10-2 pm counted and a sum will be sent to each The 8th annual Instrumental and Vocal charity. New charities will be selected Science 4th and 5th April - 10 am-2 pm competition in memory of Lorna for the following half term. Thank Paterson, is to be held on 23 March, so you to members of School Council for (*correct at time of printing) a report of this event will be included in developing this idea and to Mr Harman in Design & Technology for making the When students return to school after our summer newsletter. collection boxes. Easter, their lessons will continued until Please take time to read the extensive w/b 9 May when an immersion table will sports report which highlights many We finish school at 12.00 on Thursday 24 replace the normal Year 11 timetable. successes of our teams across a wide March. On behalf of everyone at Woking Please note that intensive revision range of sports. It will come as no High School, I wish you a very happy sessions for GCSEs occurring before 9 surprise, therefore, to learn that Woking Easter holiday and we look forward to May will be calendared. High School have been ranked 37th in another successful term as we return for the summer on Monday 11 April (Day 1) One of the characteristics of Woking the top 100 sporting State Schools in the at 8.55 am. High School, and one recognised by our country. Congratulations to all students and staff involved in this fantastic Ofsted visitors, is the way in which our Jane Abbott, Headteacher students are involved in such a wide achievement.

Welcome Year 6!

OVER 350 YEAR 6 STUDENTS and about curriculum opportunities and Mr their parents joined us at Woking High Crowley gave an insight into Woking High School for our Year 6 Welcome event on School’s pastoral support. Mrs Sleap Monday 7 March. Parents were made explained the key aspects of the induction welcome by Mrs Abbott, who spoke process, including the primary school to them about the induction process, visits, that will be commencing in May. whilst Year 6 students were escorted by Year 6 students went home buzzing with our Year 10 prefects to participate in a excitement, with stories of their taster variety of taster activities in Science, activities and their new Woking High Computing, Technology and PE. Mr School teachers. Sharples then spoke to Year 6 parents J Sleap, Head of Year 7

3 BRITISH VALUES - Muslim Burial Ground Project

WOKING HIGH SCHOOL has been JANUARY - PLANNING student in Year 9 entered a poem into the working in collaboration with Woking competition and the standard of work Borough Council and a range of other Initially staff and students dedicated time received was stunning. organisations since January to raise to learning about the history of the site, awareness amongst students and staff of its origins during the First World War and To assist with the judging of the poems, the fascinating story behind the restoration the legacy it leaves for us to explore today. staff from the English Department were of the Muslim Burial Ground on Horsell Assemblies were used to show clips from joined by two very special guests, Dr Zafar Common. the BBC documentary “Britain’s Muslim Iqbal from Woking Borough Council and Soldiers” and focussed on the themes of Dr Avaes Mohammed from the British The school was invited, along with shared values and common heritage. A Futures organisation. local Councillors and community student working group was created in order representatives, to a meeting with Lord to plan and develop ideas for how Woking Dr Iqbal was responsible, along with Ahmad, Home Office minister for High School could develop understanding Elizabeth Tuttle, Surrey Historian for Countering Extremism and other members of the Burial Ground’s past and its the restoration of the site and its launch of the local community at the Lightbox redevelopment as an Islamic Peace Garden. as a peace garden last November. Dr on 9 March. At this meeting, the work Mohammed has created a website that of Woking High School on the Muslim FEBRUARY - POETRY COMPETITION focusses upon the role of Muslim Soldiers Burial Ground project was praised as an and the Indian Army in the Great War example of how education could be used The English Department set students the and has created a specific page featuring to build a more harmonious and cohesive task of writing a poem based around the a virtual tour of the Horsell Common society. site which from 1917 to 1969 was the peace garden. They were both extremely resting place for a small number of Muslim impressed by the quality of the entries soldiers who died fighting in the British and Dr Mohammed has asked to display Army in both world wars. Almost every the winning entries on his British Futures

4 5 webpage. You can view the site yourself at and drawings of the Burial Ground. Once FURTHER AFIELD http://www.muslimsoldiers.org.uk/ completed, the art work will provide a powerful personal response by students to There are a number of ways in which this It was a very hard job to determine the the site. Plans are underway to incorporate project and collaboration may develop in winners but in the final reckoning work activities featuring the Burial Ground into the future. We would be delighted to hear completed by the following eight poets was other areas of the curriculum. any ideas or suggestions from parents judged to be the best: or the wider community. The project fits perfectly with the Woking High School’s - Zach Atkinson APRIL - FESTIVAL ethos of a harmonious and inclusive - Fern Dalziel As a result of all this work, the school has learning community. - Hafsa Halepota been invited to showcase the project at a Promoting this little-known story serves - Julia Twiston Davies special event in late Spring. An afternoon garden party has been planned on 27 April not only to honour the bravery of these - Molly Price and will take place within the walls of 27 soldiers and ensure remembrance, but - Sam Webb the Peace Garden. Several of our students also to reveal the rich legacy of Muslim - Freddy Wooster will be involved as we hope to provide contribution towards the culture and identity Britain enjoys today. - Venus Yip some music in addition to art, poetry and presentations about work completed to date. S Sharples, Deputy Headteacher MARCH - ART VISIT

In March it was the turn of Year 10 Art students to get involved in the project. To complement a unit of study investigating other cultures within their GCSE Art curriculum they visited the Burial Ground. They were honoured to meet with Ms Tuttle, local historian and member of the Horsell Common Preservation Society. Along with Dr Iqbal, Elizabeth played a significant role in the restoration of the site and she was on hand to explain the symbolism behind the materials used in the redevelopment and answer several questions from students.

The students took photographs during their visit and will now use them in Art lessons as source material for personal sketches

Poetry Competition Examples

I am what others did not want to be, THREE THOUSAND MILES AWAY I did what others did not want to do, I went where others did not want to go, A roll of thunder, A green gas, I saw what others did not want to see. brings up the dead, from three can destroy so many, thousand miles away. from three thousand miles away. I have felt the blistering cold, I have felt excruciating pain, Men from yonder, They all come to nest, And I have stared death in the face. who gave their lives, in their paradise, similar to for a land, three thousand that from three thou- But no one cares. miles away. sand miles away. No one knows. I am not remembered for what I have done, A faint chatter, Freddy Wooster, 9E Or what I have sacrificed, spells the end for a life, I am forgotten. from three thousand Venus Yip, 9I miles away.

4 5 Lord of the Flies

IN JANUARY a group of Year 8 English students went to see William Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies’ at the Guildford G Live Theatre. Raw, exciting and littered with thrilling moments of tension this play had students literally on the edges of their seats.

The play opened with the dramatic remains of the plane, its fuselage torn in two; its luggage, strewn across one edge of the stage spilt down a purpose built ramp that ran its length and which dropped away towards the front rows.

There was a palpable intake of breath as the darkly sinister character of Roger at last uncoils himself from within the shattered remains of the plane. Facing the confused questions of the other survivors, who neither recognise his nondescript black uniform nor remember him from before the crash, he very deliberately seats himself apart and remains partially shrouded in shadow. Soon, what started as a desert island adventure quickly descends into a struggle for survival in a world of superstition and immorality.

Our students were mesmerised as the first survivors of the catastrophic plane crash emerged onto stage. Frances Machattie 8Z1 wrote: “The set was amazing, as was the play. It was all extremely life-like, yet not too over the top. The actors themselves did a fantastic job portraying the story.”

B Bunsell, English

6 7 Maths at Woking High

INTERMEDIATE UK MATHS Amy Rashbrook, Daniel Copper, UK MATHS TEAM CHALLENGE CHALLENGE Markus Steinbach, Thomas Davis, (YEARS 8 AND 9) Cameron McAdam, Ben Shepherd, The Intermediate UK Maths Challenge is Kirsten Scott and Zayn Minhas. ON 2 MARCH four students competed aimed at students in Year 11 or below. The in the UK Maths Team Challenge which challenge involves answering 25 multiple YEAR 9: Matthew Joll, Samyuktha is open to Year 8 and 9 from all over the choice questions in one hour and is sat in Ramesh, Eerik Cockin, Stephen Moore, country. Woking High School’s team school under normal exam conditions. Sam Wildfire, Alex Vickerstaff and consisted of Matthew Joll and Faiyaz Ayden Raif. Moolji (Year 9) and Amy Szarvas and Ram The top 40% of students nationally Marwaha (Year 8). This is the seventh receive a gold, silver or bronze certificate. Bronze certificates were awarded to the following: year we have taken part. Our heat was held Around 500 of the highest scorers in each at Churcher’s College in Petersfield. The YEAR 10: Joseph Gannon, Jodie Moffatt, school year are invited to take part in the competition was in four parts and took Oliver Cockell, Ben Rolfe, Lucy Fortescue, Intermediate Mathematical Olympiad all day. The first activity was for each Nazia Hossain, Max Pemberton, Max papers and a further 5,500 students from team to answer 10 questions, under timed Petters, Tianna Barnes, Daniel Seabrook, across all three year groups are invited conditions. The second part was solving a Zainub Abid, Alishba Mughal, Lauren to sit the Pink (Yr 10) and Grey (Yr 9) crossword but half the team had the down Finney, Meghna Nair and Zoe Neale. European Kangaroo papers. These are clues and the other half had the across one hour papers with 25 multiple choice YEAR 9: Alex Picken, Leo Meyler, clues and they could only communicate questions, taken by students from over 30 Tom Ivory-Bray, Freddy Wooster, through the teacher. The third section was countries worldwide. Julia Twiston-Davies, Nathan Holmes, the Shuttle where one pair answered a Congratulations to the following Year Jake Martin, Jannah Elgendy, question and passed their answer to the 10 students who qualified for the Pink Karolina Szaro, Sebastian Ellis, other pair to use to answer their question. Kangaroo: Matthew Tweed, Vishal Ramesh Jack Barron, James Mandy, Lucy Taylor, The afternoon finished off with a relay race and Dalya Abdali Max Chitty, Andrew Muir, Adam Gray, with competitors dashing around the Sports William Griffiths, Zach Atkinson, Hall collecting questions and returning Congratulations to the following Year Freya Ruddle, George Edwards, Joe Allum answers. Thirty five teams took part from 9 students who qualified for the Grey and Mia Lansdell. all over Surrey and Hampshire and Woking Kangaroo: Faiyaz Moolji High School were placed 7th which is a More certificates were achieved this year great achievement. The students had a very The Intermediate Kangaroo rounds take in all categories than in 2015 so well done enjoyable day and it gave them a chance to place on 17 March. to everyone that took part and we wish the practice their problem solving skills. five students, mentioned above, well in A special mention must go to Ram their next rounds. Marwaha Year 8, who qualified for the Caley, Intermediate Olympiad. The Olympiad is a two hour paper consisting of six questions requiring full written solutions. Ram was in the top 500 scorers in the country for Year 9 and below.

Gold certificates were awarded to the following: YEAR 10: Matthew Tweed, Vishal Ramesh, Dalya Abdali, Imogen Pelham and Jake Webb YEAR 9: Faiyaz Moolji YEAR 8: Ram Marwaha

Silver certificates were awarded to the following: YEAR 10: David Diaconu, Joshua Culshaw, Ben Payne, Michael Pope, Yr 8 & 9 Team Challenge

6 7 YEAR 10 MATHS FEST

On 4 March a team of four were entered from Woking High School to take part in the Year 10 Maths Fest run by the Further Maths Network. The students involved were Matthew Tweed, Jake Webb, Vishal Ramesh and Dalya Abdali. The competition took place at Sandhurst School and consisted of 6 rounds over a period of two and a half hours. The rounds were a mixture of true / false questions, Coundown, Yr 10 Maths Fest can unseen round on complex numbers, an activity involving but there were no overall winners as the mathematical experiences. The Year pentominoes and a relay. The students organisers wanted a less competitive feel 10s did themselves proud by winning really enjoyed the challenge. There were for the afternoon. The aim was for the two rounds and coming runners up in a certificates for the winners of each round students to have fun and enjoy different third round and they thoroughly enjoyed working on all the different activities.

KEY STAGE 3 MATHS COMPETITION

On 3 March nine students from Years 7-9 made the trip to Tomlinscote for the Surrey Heath Inter School Maths Competition. This is designed to be the mathematical equivalent of the Sports District Cup. Woking High School was one of seven schools in attendance.

We entered a team in each of the Year 7, 8 and 9 competitions and all the students worked extremely hard through the hour long series of exciting mathematical and Yr 8 Key Stage 3 Competition Winners logical reasoning challenges. Whilst the Year 7s and 9s were unlucky not to get into the top three, our Year 8 team came first in their year group. All the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and there are signs of great teams for the future! YEAR 7: Edward Steel, Mariya Mahmood and Mykee Robinson YEAR 8: Dylan McConnachie, Ram Marwaha and Asad Ahmed Farooqi YEAR 9: Samyuktha Ramesh, Will Griffiths and Prahlad Jayatheerthan

P Dixon, Mathematics

Yr 7 Key Satge 3 Competition

8 9 Science News

WOKING HIGH SCHOOL MARKED to be well attended by enthusiastic Year 7 assessments. We look forward to seeing NATIONAL SCIENCE AND students, guided by experts from Year 8 them continue to further success at ENGINEERING WEEK with a series of and Year 9. At the Open Evening, visiting GCSE. Congratulations also to all the dramatic demonstrations in assemblies. Year 6 students also enjoyed watching the Year 11 students who have worked hard These included giant cloud bubbles, dry ice demonstrations and investigated to improve their ISA scores – this will the fizzing rainbow and the flame some of the science behind fireworks. stand them in good stead for their final extinguisher. Students were also given a exams. short presentation to spark their interest Well done to Year 9 students for excellent in Engineering. Science Club continues results in their end of Key Stage 3 H Gallagher, Head of Science

8 9 Beacon School for Design Holocaust Education Ventura -

ON THURSDAY 10 MARCH, Woking groups. YEAR 9 High School hosted a Continuous n RESISTANCE Professional Development (CPD) event Why didn’t people fight back? for teachers from across Surrey. As a DESIGN VENTURA IS A Beacon School for Holocaust Education, n LEGACY OF THE HOLOCAUST COMPETITION where Year 9, 10 we offered a full day workshop for What is the continuing significance of and 11 students are asked to design a teachers of History, English, RE and the Holocaust in the modern world? product to a specific topic; this year’s Citizenship entitled Unpacking the How did survivors rebuild their lives? topic was ‘move’. The competition is Holocaust. The day was led by experts What impact did the genocide have open to UK and British International from the UCL Centre for Holocaust on European society? Schools. Design Ventura places Education as well as Mr Jones, Mrs design skills in a real world context, Abbott and the History Department, who Challenging preconceptions and developing creative problem- have developed an outstanding scheme complicating prior assumptions should solving, team work and enterprise of learning that has been delivered with be an objective of any classroom. This capabilities. great success to our Year 9 students this is particularly important when students To obtain ideas and stimulation, term. During the day the main themes examine the long-term impact of the the students competing in the and questions that students are always Holocaust on its survivors, on Jewish competition visited the Design keen to investigate were covered in detail: communities, and on Europe as a whole. During the final weeks of the Spring term Museum in London. After visiting n AUTHENTIC ENCOUNTERS Year 9 students will be doing just that – the exhibits we took part in a design How can we impact young people challenging Holocaust generalisations. workshop with specialists who gave without shocking or traumatising UCL are so pleased with the work that us some great advice and helped us them? Year 9 students have completed, they to expand our product ideas. n WHAT WAS THE HOLOCAUST? will be visiting us to observe lessons, interview students and also sharing the In total, there were four groups An exploration of the impact of competing to represent the school state policy on real men, women resources that have been created with schools across England. in the overall competition. Each and children, creating a compelling group was asked to develop a interactive timeline that interweaves M Jones, Head of History / School ‘Dragon’s Den’ style presentation, the narratives of multiple victim Improvement Leader this included a pitch, prototype of the final product, information and a visual explanation of the product. The judges were Miss Bourne, McLaren Space Mrs Abbs-Rowe and Mrs Addison. The winning presentation was by Challenge ‘The Drawgons’, their idea was an Project Ultimate Travel Book. The team leader was Georgina Atkins, and the rest of the group was Sumayyah A NUMBER OF STUDENTS have Zahir , Mia Leggett and Jannah been competing in the McLaren STUDENTS FROM ALL YEAR GROUPS Elgendy. Challenge. A competition that requires are currently working together to plan and students to design and make an elastic create a small satellite to be launched later Overall the whole experience was band powered car which will carry a this year above the Ozone layer and into the awesome and helped all of us to gain hard-boiled egg across an 8 metre racing Stratosphere. The students have planned new skills. We gained designing track. All students worked tirelessly in where to launch and capture the satellite, experience and did a lot of great teamwork. We would like to thank their teams to create their vehicles and chosen the sensors to be included and have Miss Bourne for making all this the competition was close! The winning begun planning experiments to be conducted possible and helping use design and group were invited to compete against whilst the balloon ascends through the develop our ideas, we couldn’t have other schools in Surrey, with finals different stages of Earth’s atmosphere. All done it without her. being held at the McLaren Technology involved are very excited and we hope this Centre, where they had a tour around the will be the first of many space missions. Sumayyah Zahir and Mia Leggett – workshops and show rooms. Year 9 Students C Ashton, Science R Bourne, Technology

10 11 Tante Marie visit Year 11 FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND CATERING

CHOCOLATE BABAS, chocolate in tasting all of the products made! ganache with fleur de sel chocolate chips and macaroons filled with chocolate The visit to Tante Marie was extremely truffle – these were just some of the valuable to the students who left feeling items that our Year 11 Food Technology inspired and eager to try out a new and Catering students were able to repertoire of recipes as part of their sample whilst on a visit to Tante Marie controlled assessment work. Without in January. The visit to Woking’s very a doubt, this visit has made a lasting own Culinary Academy was a wonderful impression and has encouraged the Latin GCSE opportunity for students to observe how students to take more creative risks. We professional chefs work and how they would like to thank Tante Marie for this create a range of chocolate desserts and experience and are looking forward to conference treats using just a few key ingredients. working with them in the future. Furthermore, it was also a great J Fear, Technology opportunity for our students to participate THIS CONFERENCE IS RUN BY THE GUILDFORD CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION and is designed to stretch and challenge students who are studying the current GCSE texts (Section B). Professor Stephen Harrison from Corpus Christi College, Oxford spoke on “Nisus and Euryalus: the impossible mission” and Professor Rolad Mayer from Kings College London spoke on “The Elder Pliny: an unlikely hero.” Students gained a real insight from these speakers on the background and themes of these texts that are so crucial to their performance in the final examinations.

E Williams, Head of Latin Safer Internet Week

TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY was promoted around the world as were seen to be taking part in quizzes, discussions and watching Safer Internet Day. This is an annual event that exists to educate E-safety video clips and news items. and raise awareness about online safety, particularly with children and young people. At Woking High School we take E-safety very For more information about Safer Internet Day please visit www. seriously so this was a perfect opportunity for us all to remind our saferinternetday.org students about the importance of staying safe online. In order for N Turner, Head of Music / Teacher of ICT us to reach as many students as possible we allowed an entire week for a variety of activities to take place.

Mr Afana went into all assemblies to promote the week and remind students about the importance of staying safe online and what they can do to avoid problems. In the Citizenship many tutor groups took part in a lesson that asked them to not only consider E-safety issues but also to think about the part that they could play as individuals to make using the internet a positive experience for all. Finally, there were also a number of shorter activities for students to take part in during registration times and a number of groups

10 11 Woking High School presents Oliver!

12 13 THE DRAMA AND MUSIC Sykes accompanied by his (very large inept Dr Grimwig played by Charlie DEPARTMENTS WERE DELIGHTED and somewhat headstrong) dog Bullseye, Tolley. TO PRESENT LIONEL BART’S STAGE played by Buster Lees. Marcus Truman MUSICAL, OLIVER! to two full houses as Oliver performed with a sweetness Many of the cast also took on smaller on 10 and 11 February. The show, with that was in direct contrast to the cheeky roles notably Oscar Khan as the night its story of the enterprising orphan who and light fingered Dodger played by watchman and Hannah Sheldon as dying dared to ask for more, with its happy Christopher Pearce. The strength of the Old Sally. The cast were as always ending for Oliver and tragic end for lead roles took the production to an doubling up as orphans, street vendors, many others, in particular poor Nancy, exceptional level of performance. Nancy’s girls and Fagin’s boys which never fails to both thrill and delight us. meant costume changes, numerous songs Tickets sold at a tremendous rate and the The supporting leads were no less and changes of make-up. Backstage cast and orchestra were rewarded for all outstanding with Josua Jansen playing was, at times, hectic to say the least. It their hard work with tumultuous applause Mr Bumble with his flighty love is a great credit to the students that the both evenings. The orchestra played the interest Widow Corney played by Jodie costumes and props remained in place challenging score beautifully and the Moffatt. Jamie Jones was hilarious as and neatly put away each and every time balance of sound was spot on with all Noah Claypole as was Lauren Finney, they were used. Rev Chrissey Lacey was the technical support being provided by fluctuating between hectoring and very pleased! TAG, ably led by Mr Griffiths. flirtatious as Mrs Sowerberry, with her lugubrious husband played by Marcus The teamwork was exceptional with all The performances were outstanding Steinbach and their dreadful daughter the staff and students pulling together. with particular mention going to the Charlotte played most entreatingly by The quality of their team spirit was never lead students who provided a wonderful Gemma Lees. Bet was played by Ella more evident than on the afternoon that example of performance skills to all Shankla who also played the rose seller Ofsted was announced with everyone the students. In particular Phoebe and combined the two roles into one welcoming the additional challenge of Dunham who played Nancy and also providing an intriguing richness to the getting the show on despite their visit. co-directed the performance, Maya character. George Edwards put in a N Selmes, Head of Drama Keynes who played an outstanding polished performance as the charitable role as the avaricious Fagin and Joshua Mr Brownlow with Ellen Stone as a Boothroyd as the ever menacing Bill lovely Mrs Bedwin and the entertainingly

12 13 The Cast Chorus Dog & Handler Oliver Marcus Truman Harriet Pringle, Amy Crawford, Saffron Ryan Lees with Buster as Bullseye Nancy Phoebe Dunham Chambers-Randell, Rachel Garbett, Amy Fagin Maya Keynes Morton, Genifa Brownsea, Jake Martin, TAG Artful Doger Christopher Pearce Jessica Hallam, Natalia Santamaria- James Barber, Stella Eyers, Nicola Gilbert, Bill Sykes Joshua Boothroyd Aranda, Jenna Culshaw, Sophie Walker, Lucy Fortescue, Ella Barber, Heather Bet, Rose seller Ella Shankla Emma Joll, Michael Seabrook, Ashleigh Gilbert, Thomas Shah, Thomas Mills, Mr Sowerberry Marcus Steinbach Saunders, Mana Komatsu, Sophie Windsor, Annabel Griffiths, Max Kerslake. Mrs Sowerberry Lauren Finney Dora Savory, Joe Connolly, Maddie Hyde, Charlotte Gemma Lees Isobelle Bostock. Strawberry seller Noah Claypole Jamies Jones Mr Bumble Josua Jansen Widow Corney Jodie Moffatt Mrs Bedwin Ellen Stone Mr Brownlow George Edwards Milk seller Lois Miller Knife grinder Lilia Wade Dr Grimwig Charlie Tolley Old Sally Hannah Sheldon Night Watchman Oscar Khan

Costume Pravina Appasamy Scenery Mrs L Kelly

14 15 Spring Film News from the Festival 2016 Art Department

THE 10TH ANNUAL SPRING FILM FESTIVAL stormed IN FEBRUARY, the Art department into Woking High School just as the Oscars fever raged and D. C. Claire Collins, of the through Los Angeles! British Transport Police, announced a fantastic opportunity for Year In 2006, there were 6 films; in 2016 there were 40. In 8 students – to take part in a 2006, 6 Year 11 Media students submitted entries for our competition to create Cycle Crime first festival; in 2016, 150 students from across the school Prevention Posters with a top prize body were involved in creating moving image. In 2006 of their poster being used by South an average of 10 students attended the daily screenings, West Trains. totalling around 50 audience members; in 2016 a daily Four of our students have been average of 70 students jostled for places at the lunchtime selected as winners in this screenings, totalling 350 audience members. competition, Kiera Purchase, Isabel Metcalf, Mia Chereau and Toby And what a festival it has been! Schedules of films were Harris. Their poster designs have advertised daily outside the venue and students were now been sent to SW Trains’ media invited to attend lunchtime screenings. Audience members department to make into posters ready for printing and distribution. participated by voting for nominations in a range of In other news, we are currently participating in the Surrey Fire categories. The results were incredibly close so external and Rescue Service Young Artists Competition to celebrate the opinions were consulted to have the deciding vote. New Woking Community Fire Station opening in June 2016. This competition is open for all budding artists from Years 7 – 10 to On Wednesday, 9 March, the winners were announced in create a piece of artwork that, if selected, will have pride of place in the Golden Bunny Awards Ceremony! the new fire station. And the winners are… The deadline for the competition is the 29 April 2016. If you would like to know more about this great opportunity please contact: Miss Best Actor - Jake Martin in Kundi (Head of Art) [email protected] “The Disaster Chef” S Kundi, Head of Art Best Actress - Hasna Sahul Hameed in “She’s so irritating”

Best Comedy - Hogg Friars

Best Thriller - Paranormal House

Best Producer - Amelia Joos: “Forgive me Friend”

Best Director - Amy Hamilton: Don’t Look Back

Best News production - Sly News

Best Documentary - Stephen Moore: Monarchy

Best Special Effects - Portal Game

Best Sound Track - Stranded Thoughts

Overall Best Film of the Festival - Portal Game by Max Pemberton

Congratulations to everyone! Special thanks to Adam Porter for organising the daily shows, and to Anna Emslie and Jodie Moffatt for setting up the venue and collating the votes.

We’ve rolled up the red carpet for now, but look forward to seeing what films will grace the silver screen in 2017!

J Tuson, Head of Media

14 15 Day 11 House News SPRING TERM

THE FIRST DAY 11 OF 2016 was held on Friday 18 January. Year 11 used the Day in Science to complete an ISA, this allowed a whole day of focus with no disruption to curriculum time to complete this extended task. In Year 10 another two tutor groups completed a Sex and Relationships Education workshop with an outside speaker, 4 tutor groups have now completed this workshop. We were also able build in some time for Year 10 in their GCSE options of Food, Product, V cert and Art in order to spend a day developing skills to support them during their course. Other Year 10 students worked in Languages looking at different cultures in Woking to develop a greater understanding and awareness of their local community. Year 9 further developed WHAT AN EXCITING YEAR so far for This takes us on to house scores… their work on the Learning Together the House Team! ‘Woking High’s Got project with the focus on behaviour and Talent’ was without doubt the highlight Stephenson have been extremely busy col- the consequences of actions. Year 8 Latin and proved a fabulous way to end last lecting house points and with a whopping students spent time developing their Latin term. Over 360 students attending and 1200 gained through the Bake Offs, they reading skills to rehearse for a play and to over 30 students took part. The standard have managed to creep up the leader board. perform the roles of the characters. It was of performances was truly superb and the However, it has not been enough to take a great way for the students to become judges had a very difficult job on deciding them to first place position as for the first more familiar with both the language the winning act. The scores were extremely time in the history of the House System, and Roman life. Other students in Year tight but the winning act was a musical Faraday are in poll position! Mrs Reid’s 8 spent time in Maths and Computing. perseverance and determination has paid Computing focussed on the safe use of group from both Brunel and Stephenson Houses – Sam Fox 9R, Maddie Mc Clem- off as she takes her Faraday Falcons from the internet and safeguarding. Year 7s that dreaded bottom spot into 1st Place. worked in both History and English. ents 8G, Andries Verhaeghe 8E, Ben Clay What a great place to handover Head of The day was a culmination of a project 8R. They gained a huge 500 housepoints Faraday to Miss Bourne! which had been ongoing for a number of for their houses! Second place went to last weeks. The “Village Fete” was a fantastic year’s winner Zaynab Rehman 10G repre- 1st Faraday 10320 showcase for students to display their senting Stephenson who sang beautifully 2nd Stephenson 10026 work in English. Students had created and in third place was a group of Faraday village maps, local characters, in role, singers/musicians - Emily Loxton, Bella 3rd Brunel 9606 were talking to the public, new monetary Rosa, Hannah Taylor, Hollie Cornwall, 4th Curie 9158 systems had been developed, goods were Dorthja Szucs and Freya Balkwell. Con- traded between villages and village history gratulations to all involved. With the scores being very tight it could and traditions were prominent within each ‘all be for the taking’ in the next house community. We have also held three fantastic ‘Woking event which is the Woking High School High Bake Offs’ on three separate after- Charity Fun Run which will take place The next Day 11 will be Monday 21 noons in January/February. The standard early next term. This competition promises March and with the warmer weather was extremely high and a real show case to be a fantastic event and a wonderful way there will be a number of site activities for all our many, extremely talented, young to raise money for charity. Other events we included in the programme including a bakers! The winners were as follows: Year look forward to are interhouse dodgeball Year 8 visit to Canterbury, and 100 Year 10 7 – Stephenson, Year 8- Faraday and Year and tug of war competitions and of course GCSE students completing a Geography 9-Stephenson. All students who took part the biggest day in the House Calendar - Controlled Assessment in fieldwork study did a fantastic job and gained many of Sports Day! Exciting times are ahead for in Woking. housepoints for their wonderful bakes. A the House Teams. Good luck to all who M Abbs-Rowe, Associate Leadership big thank you to Miss Fear for her help in take part - may the best house win! Team running three superb events! C Rouse, Head of House

16 17 Debating Society

IN JANUARY two members of our School were just one point behind. Debating Society participated in an Arete competition against Gordon’s School. Other members of the Debating Society James Barber and Vishal Ramesh, both from all year groups attended the event to from Year 10, debated magnificently support our competitors and learn about arguing against the motion ‘we should debating at a more serious and competitive permit the use of performance enhancing level. school in F9 – newcomers are most drugs in sport’. Judges from both If your son or daughter is interested in welcome. schools and also from Hoe Valley School topical discussion and formulating an voted for Woking High School as the E Williams, Co-ordinator of Potential argument, we meet every Monday after winners but it was close – Gordon’s High Achievers

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Young

ON 22 MARCH, 45 of our students Elena Newton Carmen Shankla Enterprise received their Bronze Award at the Amy Price Jake Silverton presentation evening at the H.G. Wells Jack Rafter Jack Stockdale Suite in Woking. Elsa Riley Richard Sugden THE YOUNG ENTERPRISE COMPANY ‘ENDEAVOUR’ HAVE Thiana Aidoo David Faulkner Amber Ruddle Charlotte Wallace HAD A BUSY TERM as they have Bethany Anders Robbie Faulkner Tilly Russell Kirsten Young participated in a competition, the Y David Atkins Ami Fiveash Zachary Seymour Factor, and have also been working on Sarah Atkins Holly Flintham We have 63 students enrolled on the a range of products to sell within the Elissa Avory Hannah Francis programme this year and they have school. Emily Bareham Phoebe Grant almost completed their expedition Lillie Boothroyd Lewis Haller training, including a navigation and camp The Y Factor competition was held Isobelle Bostock Rhian Harrison craft morning when they learnt how to on Tuesday 26 January at The Royal Bethany Boyd-Lee Peter Haynes navigate using a map and compass and Grammar School in Guildford. The cook their lunch on a camping Trangia. Ciara Brophy Anisha Hill event comprised of 22 teams who Daniel Cheetham Matthew Hill Thank you to all the staff at school who were all competing to be awarded Megan Conquer Hazel Kinder support the Award programme. with prizes for ‘The Best E-Advert’ Elliot Cortade Jude King and ‘The Best Stand’. The Woking Ross Davidson Ashley Lambert E King, Duke of Edinburgh Award High School students were extremely Scheme Co-ordinator Heather Dexter Jordan Long professional and set up a stand Annalise Elgar George Loxton displaying all of their achievements to date as well as examples of their sold products. They spent several hours discussing their products with the Young Enterprise judges, local business people, students from other schools as well as our very own Mayor, Cllr Derek McCrum. The feedback from the judges was very positive, but unfortunately our students did not place on the evening. They did however make some sales and have been inspired for their next project which will focus around creating a clothing range.

J Fear, Young Enterprise Co-ordinator

16 17 Sports Review

BOYS BASKETBALL

Our boys’ basketball teams have continued to dominate at district level with the Year 7, 8, 9 and 11 teams all winning their district competitions.

The Year 11s beat SJB in the final, in a high standard game that was decided when Maciej Wykurz scored with 5 seconds to go for Woking High School to take the lead 33 – 32.

The Year 9 boys, after beating BDB 39 – 35 in their district final, went through to represent the district in the Surrey School Games at Surrey Sports Park, competing against five other Schools. The boys finished 3rd overall with captain George Flaherty being one of the most impressive players on show.

The Year 7 and 8 boys team won their district competitions with the Year 7 team winning all three tournaments and the Year 8s winning two and finishing runners up in one.

The Year 10 boys were not so successful losing in the district final to a much improved Winston Churchill by a score line of 35 – 48.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Year 11 girls team on their district Golds: GIRLS FOOTBALL competition led by captain Phoebe Grant Danel Jansen x2, Josh Thompson, Ellie with wins against BDB, Fullbrook, Akohene, Rory Smith, Oli Zalaf x2, Our girls’ football sides have all had Collingwood, Winston Churchill and SJB. successful seasons, but in particular the The Year 7, 8 and 9 finished runners up Max Chitty x2, Matthew Danton x2, Under 16s have been the stand out team. in their competitions. Both Year 7 and 11 Kirsten Young, Ewan Smith x2, Alex Zalaf In the last newsletter I mentioned that teams will compete in the County Finals at x2, Year 7 Medley Relay, Year 9 Medley they were through to the 4th round of the Surrey Sports Park. Relay, Year 10/11 Medley Relay, KS3 National Cup Competition, where they Freestyle Relay, KS4 Freestyle Relay. met Warden Park School (West Sussex) who proved to be tough competition. After SWIMMING In early January we also we gained an amazing all-round team effort, a late success against Gordon’s in the Arete Cup At the NW Surrey swimming gala our goal from Anisha Hill secured them a 1 - 0 competition by winning the swimming students were in fantastic form - in a gala victory and saw them through to round 5 gala. All 31 of our students were in fine against nine other district schools we won (last 16 in Country). In round 5 they met form and out of the 32 individual races a staggering 21 out of 46 races. Below Redborne School from Bedfordshire, the Woking High students won an impressive are the overall result and the first place girls led by a single goal for the majority 25. We also won all 6 of the relays. There finishers: of the game, but two late goals from were double individual successes for Redborne brought heartache to the girls Matthew Danton, Max Chitty, Oliver Zalaf, Team Results: cup run. However, the girls have bounced Lucy Morgan, Olivia Wood, Ellie Akohene, 1st Woking High 357 back to win the district 6 a side tournament Alexej Baldwin and Danel Jansen. The 2nd SJB 288 for the third consecutive year and are final score was : 3rd Gordon’s 257 in both county and district 11 aside cup Woking High 228 v Gordon’s 156. semi-finals. The girls have also won the

18 19 latest round of the Arete Cup by beating four draws. A Team – Overall 4th Gordon’s 2-0. Although all the girls have Won 2-4 v Heathside been fantastic this year, there are some Drew 0 - 0 v Kings International Won 6-2 v Salesian who require a special mention for their Drew 0 - 0 v Gordon’s Lost 1-2 v Winston outstanding performances; Captain and Drew 0 - 0 v Heathside goal scoring machine Anisha Hill, Beth Won 9-0 v BDB Drew 1 - 1 v Fullbrook Anders, Paige McElhatton, Georgina Won 7-1 Hoe Valley Wicks, Haleemah Rashid and superstar Won 3 - 0 v BDB Won 5-1 v Fullbrook goalkeeper Lillie Boothroyd. The Year 11 boys were probably the Lost 1-7 v Gordons unluckiest not to win overall, again The Under 13 girls team were beaten in Lost 2-4 v Winston the 4th round of the Nationals in extra time finishing runners up. The team easily by Convent Jesus and Mary School, Brent won the league phase, recording four B Team – Overall 5th wins and two draws in their six group by a score line of 2 – 1. However, there is Lost 0-6 v Gordons much potential to build on in the upcoming games. This meant the team progressed Lost 0-2 v Winston years. to the semi-final where they made light work of Gordon’s by winning 3-0. In the Won 5-0 v Fullbrook final, they lost 1-0 to Collingwood which BOYS FOOTBALL Won 3-0 v BDB was disappointing having already beaten Lost 0-1 v SJB The Year 7 boys finished runners up in Collingwood earlier in the tournament. All Lost 0-1 v Heathside the district 6 a side competition narrowly eight players contributed to the success of losing out to Gordon’s in the final. the team : Sam Mason, Harry Jones, Ben With all the players contributing : Sam Jones, Matthew Horler, Jack Stockdale, BADMINTON Fiveash, Josh Thompson, Chris Baker, Sid Miles Spiller, Woody Swain and Jay Baker. Having won their qualifying groups Beadle, Alfie Winter, George Butler, Toby Won 1 - 0 v SJB our Under 14 and 16 boys badminton Fortescue and Josh Kersley. See results teams competed in the district finals below : Won 1 - 0 v Collingwood at Tomlinscote. The Under 14 team Drew 0 - 0 v Gordon’s Lost 0 - 1 v Collingwood comfortably won the districts beating Drew 0 - 0 v Fullbrook Tomlinscote in the final 5 – 0 with fine Won 3 - 0 v Tomlinscote Won 3 - 0 v Kings International performances by Paul Nath, Luc Frean, Won 2 - 0 v SJB Won 3 - 1 v BDB Wesley Ingham and James Wavish. The Won 3 - 0 v Gordon’s B Under 16 boys just came up short in their Won 3 - 0 v Gordon,s (semi-final) Lost 1 - 2 v Gordon’s A (Final) final losing 3 – 2 to Collingwood. The Lost 0 - 1 v Collingwood (final) team consisted of Peter Arnold, Edward The Year 8 boys were also runners-up. Key Swain, Joseph Frean and Jake Silverton. players were goalkeeper Rudi Siegmund NETBALL Both teams went through to represent the and striker Jake Rumble. See results below: districts at the county finals. Year 7 and 9 have all had their District Won 2 - 0 v Heathside Netball Tournaments this half term. HOCKEY Won 2 - 1 v Winston Churchill Year 9 girls played a round robin The Year 10/11 mixed hockey team also Won 2 - 0 v Kings International competition and won 5 of their 7 matches won the district title, after some excellent Won 2 - 0 v Gordons (semi-final) placing them overall 3rd. Some fantastic performances in beating Winston Churchill shooting from captain Molly Price and an Lost 0 - 1 v Collingwood (final) 3 – 0 (with a hat trick from Robbie injured Freya Ruddle also played some Faulkner), drawing 0 – 0 with SJB but The Year 9 boys football team were not outstanding netball. the highlight was beating Gordon’s 1 – 0 quite as successful as the Year 7 and 8 thanks to a goal from Sam Tuckley-Byrne. teams but were still able to manage a Won 9-4 v Winston fourth place finish. Won 5-0 v Fullbrook Lost 2-5 v Gordon’s CROSS COUNTRY Won 1 - 0 v Salesians Lost 4-5 v SJB Following the district cross country several Won 1 - 0 v BDB Won 7-0 v Salesian of our students were selected to represent Drew 0 - 0 v Gordon’s the district in the county championships Won 12-2 v BDB Drew 1 - 1 v Tomlinscote at Reigate. Our top two finishers on the Lost 0 - 2 v Fullbrook (semi-final) Year 7 entered an A and B team and played day were Year 7 Lucas Salman in 21st place and Year 10 Joseph Jakubait in 16th. Lost 0 - 1 v SJB (3rd/4th play-off) a round robin competition also. The A team played some excellent netball with some Joseph then went onto compete for Surrey In a very low scoring tournament, the Year great shooting from Ella James and Danel a fortnight later in an inter counties match 10s were very unlucky to not make it out Jansen. Rosie Neale and Stephanie Maties where he ran very well. of the group stages and into the knockout also deserve a mention for some brilliant J Justice, Director of Sport stages. In their five games, the team play as the two centres. remained undefeated with one victory and

18 19 Exciting news from the Young Carers at Woking High

partnership with a blind or partially sighted person throughout the lifetime of the Guide Dog). This is especially pertinent to us at Woking High School, as it is highly likely that some of our Visually Impaired students may at some point in the future need the aid of a Guide Dog.

On 18 March we organised a ‘Puppy Room’ through the Guide Dogs, where Year 10 and 11 students were able to come and meet the puppies to relieve their exam stress in return for a small donation. The Young Carers really enjoyed helping to organise the event and our Visually Impaired students also enjoyed cuddling the puppies. It was a very special and enjoyable day for everyone involved. The School Council has also approved ‘Guide Dogs for the Blind’ as one of our flagship charities and the funds from the Mufti Day at the end of term will be used for this purpose. ON 7 MARCH Mrs Addison and I The Woking Bikeathon will take place attended a lunch with the Rotary Club again this year on 8 May, please support We look forward to sharing more and we were presented with a cheque this event if you can as it continues to raise information about this project and updating for £2500, from the proceeds of the funds for worthy causes in the community. you on the outcome. Meanwhile any Swimathon event which took place last additional donations for the Guide Dogs October - thank you all so much for We are delighted to update you with would be very much appreciated, please sponsoring the Young Carers who took part the latest news about our Young Carers contact us for more information. in the event. ‘Care’ project, which was set up through the generous donation of funds from C Wilkinson, Student Support Officer the Community (including the Mayor’s Charities (M Scott) Charity, St Mary’s Church THE and ongoing support from the Rotary Club). WOKING Our Young Carers have

BIKEATHONIncluding The Woking Kids Bikeathon decided that they would like to enhance the caring Sunday 8th May 2016 ethos at school and in the wider community by supporting the Guide Entry forms and further information available Dogs for the Blind. Our at:www.wokingbikeathon.co.uk or Tel: 01483-762832 aim is to raise £2500

Supporting: Local Woking Charities towards the cost of WHITE LODGE CENTRE : WOKING HOSPICE raising a Guide Dog (the WOKING MAYORS CHARITIES : LINKABLE TOMMY D organisation receive no Government funding and THE WOKING BIKEATHON rely solely on donations. It costs £50,000 to breed, train and support a

20 2016 Ski Visit to The Alps

ON 14 FEBRUARY twenty one students were there. Every day we had two sessions most fun, night skiing. and three teachers departed on the annual at ski school, one in the morning and Woking High School ski visit. The weather one in the afternoon. We were grouped The visit is an excellent opportunity to was very kind to us. It was not too cold, according to ability and all felt we made bond and make friendships with students there was a fair amount of snow and most great progress during the week due to the from different year groups who you would days were lovely and sunny. There was fantastic ski instructors who made the not normally meet or spend time with. We only one day when we skied in the fog week very memorable. We loved the hot were all very sad to come home and I was and could not see the person in front of chocolate stop at the top of the mountain. particularly sad as it was my last ski visit us!! The hotel was in a lovely location At the end of the week we were presented with the school but I will have many happy with amazing views of the slopes from the with a medal and a certificate to recognise memories. I would like to extend a big hotel and the ability to ski in and out of the our achievements. In the evening thank you to all the staff that organised the hotel. there were additional activities such as visit. donutting, pizza eating and perhaps the We packed a lot into the five full days we Kirsten Young, Head Girl Arete Partnership Competitions

AT THE MID-POINT of the academic competition against Gordon’s School girls football teams, and good luck to year, Woking High School are leading 3:1. Well done and congratulations to all our students taking part in future in the Arete Partnership Inter-School our triumphant swimming, debating and competitions. M Scott, Assistant Headteacher

21 Friends of Woking High School

BEING INVOLVED with the Friends of Woking High School (FOWHS) is such a great way to find out more about daily life at the school and often gives you a unique behind-the-scenes view!

We are pleased to report on the ongoing fundraising for the School’s replacement AstroTurf. Our Silent Auction and Raffle held at the end of last year, combined with donations, has raised £4,429.49. This has now been added to the £10,000 already put towards the fund by the FOWHS. Many thanks to those who so kindly donated, especially to the Singharay family and to local businesses who supported our raffle. Congratulations also to our prize winners!

We have also been able to support our students further by contributing towards a new sound system to enhance school performances, new keyboards and music stands for the Music Department as well as two new printing presses for the Art Department and camera equipment to capture the achievements of the Excel Group. None of this would be possible without your support so thank you on behalf of the students and teachers.

We will be continuing to raise funds for the AstroTurf through corporate sponsorship and are now keen to turn our attention to finding extra resources for the Library over the coming term. As well as donating unwanted or unused book tokens, did you know that you can now donate easily using Scopay? So, next time you’re putting money on your child’s finger for lunch, you can add a little extra for the Library and help improve access to reading for our students at Woking High School.

Please also remember to sign up for the Give as You Live scheme. Woking High School. Subscriptions to the Prize Club are £5 per It only takes a minute to download the toolbar and then every time month collected termly. you shop with over 3,500 online stores, a percentage comes to Thank you once again on behalf of the Committee, staff and the FOWHS. There’s no extra cost to you or the school – and no students of Woking High School for your continued support. If hidden catches! you are interested in finding out more about the Friends of Woking We would also like to High School or signing up for the Prize Club or Give as You Live, remind you about the please contact us at [email protected]. Our next Woking High School Prize meeting will be held at 7pm on 19 May and we look forward to Club that gives parents and seeing you there. carers the opportunity to Remember - ways you can help: enter a termly lottery and at the same time make a n Download the Give as You Live toolbar – when you shop donation to the Friends of online, the school benefits without costing you a penny n Sign up for the Prize Club n Help us raise funds for library resources through Scopay n Come and find out what we do at the next meeting!

Thanks to our friends for supporting the recent raffle: n The Singharay family n The Collins family n Flourish & Bloom n Boz’s Fruit & Veg - Horsell n Windsor Home Treasures n Sutton Green Skin Care n The Rowbarge n Princes the Butcher - Horsell n Waitrose

S Flaherty, Secretary Friends of Woking High School

22 23 Careers Support

THIS TERM has been a busy one for week at the University during which they have worked with all Year 9 students to careers education at Woking High School. took part in many different activities such look at decision making as well as being We have continued to work closely with as law, engineering, sport, drama, art, present at Options Evening, Consultation the University of Surrey and several of chemistry and biology. At the end of the Evening and available for 1:1 guidance our students have been able to take part in week family and friends were invited to a interviews as requested. visits to the campus in Guildford. From celebratory graduation ceremony. It has the 1-5 February, twelve Year 8 students also been a busy term with Year 9 options H Addison, Careers and Post 16 Liaison took part in an Exploring Higher Education and our careers advisors from Innervate Coordinator

Blind in Business Workshop FOR STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

ON 15 JANUARY 2016 Woking High for employers, family members and day a total of 13 students took part in School Specialist Centre for Students students. More information can be found the workshop which included activities with Visual Impairment hosted a on their website: based around different types of skills workshop specifically for students who http://www.blindinbusiness.org.uk/ required for work, interview techniques are blind or visually impaired. It was and an opportunity to build contacts and run by Dan Mitchell from ‘Blind in Students in Year 8 -11, who are supported friendships with other students. Business’. They are an organisation by the Specialist Centre at Woking High who support blind and partially sighted school, were joined by students from A Stonehill, Head of Visual Impairment people in to work. They offer training other specialist centres in Surrey. On the Unit

22 23 Interview with Anisha Hill

Name: Anisha Hill before training; which starts at 7pm. me so much. She has always been there to support me even in tough times and has Age: 16 Who is your biggest inspiration: kept pushing me in all my sports. Tutor Group: 11E Fran Kirby who was my old Reading coach. She has gone from being a coach to What do you want to achieve in the Sport: Football playing professionally for England in just future: Club: Chelsea FC 4 years; I learnt so much from her. Also I want to play professional football and do my Mum and Dad are an inspiration to well in my exams. I am going to America Position: Striker me. They are always supportive and keep next year on a Soccer scholarship and then What age were you when you started telling me to never give up. They make hope to play College Soccer. playing football: sure I remain positive and even that I eat

Under 8s for Guildford Saints the right food; I am very lucky. Describe yourself in 3 words: Determined, Hard Working and Sociable. What is your greatest sporting What advice would you give to a young achievement: player: Scoring 2 goals in the Junior World Club Never give up. I didn’t make the Chelsea Cup for Chelsea team for 2 years when I went for trials. I never gave up and went back again in 2014 How do you balance school work and and was lucky enough to get in. training: I train 4 times a week (3 times for Chelsea How have the PE staff helped you in and once with Woking Academy boys), but your football: I always make sure I do all my homework Miss Rouse has been amazing and helped Attendance update TERM DATES FURTHER TO OUR PREVIOUS 4th place - Year 9 with 95.6% NEWSLETTER where we were proud 5th place - Year 10 with 95.13% to announce all of our students who had SUMMER achieved 100% attendance we would Congratulations to Year 7 for being in also like to acknowledge Amy McEwen first place and to Year 11 for being the 11 April 2016 to 22 July 2016 in 9A who also achieved 100% attend- most improved year group. ance since she first joined the school in The highest attending tutor group in the Year 7. school is 7G (with 98.28%) very closely HALF TERM We are delighted to announce that our followed by 11R (with 98.14%). 30 May 2016 to 3 June 2016 overall school attendance continues to Please contact your Form Tutor or Head improve every year - this year it is the of Year if you have any concerns over best ever, currently 96.03%. The attend- your son or daughter’s attendance and INSET DAY ance for each Year group is as follows: would like further support in order to 24 June 2016 1st place - Year 7 with 97.93% improve their current attendance. 2nd place - Year 8 with 96.54% 3rd place - Year 11 with 96.05% C Wilkinson, Student Support Officer

Woking High School, Morton Road, Horsell, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4TJ Tel: 01483 888447 Fax: 01483 888448 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wokinghigh.surrey.sch.uk

Headteacher: Jane Abbott

Woking High School is an exempt charity and company limited by guarantee. Registered in England with Company Number 8586085 and has a registered office as above.